Eguide January 2016 edition

January 1, 2016 • Issue 1, Volume 4

A Little Bit of This & That: Some Really Cool New Restaurants

Pinot’s Palette:

Paint. Drink. Have Fun. It’s That Simple

Chris Colston:

Solid Traditional Values, Strong County Music

Tyler & Whitehouse YMCA: Strengthening Today’s Youth for Decades

2 • EGuideMagazine.com

Fun, Fun, Fun!

JANUARY 23RD AT 8 P.M.

Asleep at the Wheel

JANUARY 30TH AT 10 A.M.

“Sound of Music” Sing-Along FEBRUARY 4TH AT 7 P.M.

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” Girls Night Out - Date Night Private Parties - Corporate Events

Sound of Music

Sing Along!

FEBRUARY 11TH AT 7 P.M.

TBA

FEBRUARY 13TH AT 8:30 P.M.

Newlywed Game

FEBRUARY 18TH AT 7 P.M.

“Grease”

FEBRUARY 20TH AT 8 P.M.

Monte Montgomery

FEBRUARY 25TH AT 7 P.M.

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

“The Princess Bride”

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

LibertyTyler.com

FEBRUARY 26TH AT 7:30 P.M.

Texas Shakespeare Festival:

“Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits”

MUSIC:

Jan. 2nd - Dale Riley, 7-11 Catfish Jan. 9th - Blue Louie, 7-10 Shrimp Jan. 16th - Chris Colston, 7-11 Jan. 23rd - Teazur, 7-11 Crawfish 30th Oysters Chip Murray andJan. The Texas Underground Crab Every Friday night: Lobster Boom Boom Room Karaoke, 7-11 Alligator Every Monday night: Gumbo Darrin Morris Acoustic, 7-9:30 Etouffée

Steaks Chicken Sausage Boudin Tamales Burgers PoBoys Full Bar

Every Wednesday: Jam Session with Clayton Jones 6:30-10

www.circlemcrawfish.com EGuideMagazine.com • 3

THE OLD EGuideMagazine.com The Entertainment Magazine for East Texas

Edom, Texas

January 1, 2016 • Issue 1, Volume 4

Contents

MUSIC

Jacob Johnson

5-8 Food

Jan. 23, 2016

Pierce Pettis

(Sponsored by anonymous donors)

Feb. 20, 2016

Dana Cooper

9-10 Things to Do

March 12, 2016

Cherie Call

(sponsored by Ken Carpenter Jewelry)

FILM

» “A Little Bit of This and A Little Bit of That: Some Really Cool New Restaurants” by William Burge » Donuts, Kolaches and More, Oh My! » From our Weekly “Dish of the Week” Blog on EGuideMagazine.com » Food News, Events, and More

April 2016

Saturday, January 9th - “Still Life”

» “Pinot’s Palette: Paint. Drink. Have Fun.” written and photographed by Barbara King » January & February Festivals » “Date Night: From Fancy to Simple, Tyler Offers a Lot of Romance” by Holli Conley

11 Books

Written and directed by Uberto Pasolini, starring Eddie Marsan and Joanne Froggatt, “Still Life” is about the life for the unassuming John May (Eddie Marsan). It has always revolved around his work for the local council in South London, finding the next of kin of those who have died alone. Profoundly dedicated to his work, he believes that everyone deserves a dignified exit, and writes eulogies and organizes funerals for those who wouldn’t have them otherwise. But when a new case – an elderly alcoholic in a flat directly opposite his own – hits him harder than usual, he journeys outside London to track down the man’s long-abandoned daughter (Joanne Froggatt).

Against the odds, the two lonely souls are drawn to each other – and John’s outlook starts to open to life’s possibilities.

» “Start the New Year Off Right with a New Book or Two”

by Gini Rainey

14-19 Music

“Still Life” is a poignant, quixotic tale of life, love and the afterlife.

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

» “Chris Colston: Solid Traditional Values, Strong County Music” by Reid Kerr » “Feeling Funky? The New Mastersounds Funk-It Up at Stanley’s Famous Bar-B-Q” by Kelly “Bluesman” Lott » The Old Firehouse Hosts Jacob Johnson in Concert and “Still Life” on Film » In Concert: “Annie” The Musical, The Texas Tenors, Asleep at the Wheel, “Shaping Sound: Dance Reimagined,” Kenny Rogers, Lecrae, 2nd Annual Rockin’ Valentine’s Festival featuring Bret Michaels, Monte Montgomery, “Saturday Night Fever,” “Vocalosity,” The Irish Tenors, The Hot Sardines, and More » The Complete Music Gig Guide for Live Music

20-21 Art

AZIAN CUIZINE

Support a locally owned and operated business when you “Eat Local” at Three Z Azian Cuizine!

Join us for Asian-inspired dishes you know and love, plus unique creations you won't find anywhere else like our Korean-Fried Chicken Tacos, BBQ Pork Banh Mi Sandwich, and our new Chicken Curry Fried Rice (featured below).

Chicken Curry Fried Rice: “Carrots, Red Onions, & Bok Choy, all cooked with egg, Jasmine white rice and our special blend of curry seasonings.

Garnished with fresh wonton strips, cilantro, and our creamy Curry Mayo."

KIDS EAT FREE ON TUESDAYS! (dine-in only)

» “Inside the Artist’s Studio: The Amazing Hancock Brothers: Lookers Get Punched in the Looking Balls”

by Derrick White » “A Spiritual Journey of a Great Artist and Peacemaker: Ruth Drayer” by Derrick White » At the Tyler Museum of Art This Month: TMA’s 45th Anniversary Begins with “Embracing Diverse Voices” on January 17th » Events and Happenings at Local Galleries, Museums and Other Spaces

22 Theatre

» January & February offers Plays, Concerts, and More

23 Family

» “The Tyler & Whitehouse YMCA: ‘Strengthen the Community through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility’” by Kelly Griffith-Fields » Times Square Cinema Continues $1 Kid’s Movies

Staff

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

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

Attn: Writers

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

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

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

EGuideMagazine.com The Entertainment Magazine for East Texas

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

Food A Little Bit of This and A Little Bit of That: Some Really Cool New Restaurants

By William Burge In the past few months, Tyler has had an abundance of new restaurants opening. Here are a few that we think you need to know about.

The Catch The Catch is a unique concept local high school culinary students are a major part of the restaurant, offering recipes, cooking, and working the crowds serving and running the restaurant.

Under the watchful eye of Scott Norden, chef, and chef instructor Deidra Stewart, Whitehouse High School students in the Wildcat Bistro culinary arts program are given the opportunity to train under Norden at Tyler’s new restaurant, The Catch. The restaurant’s concept is all about the students; they help in all aspects and learn the restaurant business first hand - from budget and menu design, to sanitation and service through a cooperative program Norden designed with the high school.

Students in the class earn credit as they learn about the restaurant business first hand.

“I have a child that wants to be a chef, and I think this concept is a great opportunity to see students in action. I will return during the day to meet the students and to see more of their creativity on a plate,” stated local Joe Calhourne.

Not only are the daily special dishes designed by Whitehouse High School students, but the menu as well. The menu is full of variety, offering Shrimp, Crawfish and Sausage Gumbo, and fried baskets with your choice of shrimp, catfish, whitefish, chicken, oysters, and crawfish. Combo baskets are a favorite but the Catch 22 is the best.

You can try it all this way with fried, hand battered catfish, whitefish, shrimp, and oysters, served with a big portion of hand-cut fries, and hush puppies.

If you want a salad, The Catch has a couple. Shrimp Remoulade Salad and Blackened Chicken Salad are among them. You can also get a Shrimp Cocktail and House Salad or a cup of Gumbo.

PoBoys and Fish and Shrimp Tacos round out the menu, as well as grilled shrimp, Shrimp & Grits, Pappardelle Pasta (tossed with spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, herb butter, and Asiago cheese).

The Catch now has crawfish on weekends: Fridays after 4pm, and

Saturday-Sunday 10:30am-close.

The Catch offers happy hour seven days a week. If you’re a drinker, they have frozen margaritas in various flavors and also offer buckets of beer at special prices. “Happy hour is the bomb for surrounding college kids and the food is so good,” says Cory Schmoker.

This casual restaurant is open and airy with lots of windows and garage doors. A nice size patio will be a hit when the weather starts to get warm too.

Chef Norden has just stepped down from 13 years with the Posado’s restaurant chain, where he served as chief operating officer, with more than 1,500 employees. He said, “It’s time to give something back.” The Catch not only trains future chefs but also donates a portion of their profits to Whitehouse ISD. A second location is in the works for Longview.

The Catch is located at 1714 S. Beckham Ave. (at Fifth Street, formerly Rowdy Taco) in Tyler, (903)596-8226. They are open seven days a week, 10:30am-10pm (9pm on Sunday).

Students are usually on hand from 12:30-2:30pm weekdays and on special occasions which are listed at www.facebook.com/The-CatchTyler-TX and on the chalkboard in the restaurant.

Dakota’s Dakota’s certainly is not new, but they have recently moved to a new, really cool location, and let us say, it is divine. Decked out in their all new digs, Dakota’s is shining bright these days. From their website, “Dakotas is ranked one of America’s best steak and seafood restaurants, and for good reason. Our steaks are USDA prime, our portions are big and our drinks are perfect. We’ve been serving Tyler since 2002.

Our servers are experienced and professional. Our wine list is carefully designed, and the drinks are well prepared.”

Dakota’s extensive lunch and dinner menu offers a nice variety. Our favorite, which was extremely hard to narrow down, is the Bone-In Prime Ribeye, Cowboy Cut. The Prime Colorado Lamb Chops are the best we have ever tried and the Alaskan Salmon with Lobster Sauce is lovely.

Dakota’s offers Pecan Crusted Chilean Sea Bass, red fish, lobster, flounder, shrimp, scallops, crab claws, soft shell crab, and several different oyster dishes like Rockefeller, raw and LG (baked oysters topped with cheddar, jalapenos and bacon).

If you are in the mood for something different, try the Venison Dumplings, Tumbleweed Scallops served with a bleu cheese sauce, or the Fisherman’s Salad with lump crab, shrimp, remoulade, avocado and almonds. Also, Dakota’s is one of the only restaurants in town serving Steak Tartare.

In the bar, most weekend evenings there is live music and Ladies’ Night is every Wednesday when ladies can enjoy halfpriced cocktails all night long.

The Godiva Chocolate Cake is a chocolate soufflé with a molten center made with Godiva Liqueur, served with vanilla ice cream - a Dakota’s specialty.

Dakota’s offers an extensive wine list and specialty cocktails.

“Dakotas has always been consistent in their amazing food, wonderful service, and cozy atmosphere. It is the perfect place to bring a date for a romantic night out, lunch with co-workers, or to bring your friends for happy hour. If you haven’t tried Dakotas, you are missing out,” says Eva Long.

Dakota’s is located at 4803 Old Bullard Rd., Tyler, (903)5816700, dakotasintyler.com. Dakota’s is open Monday-Friday 11am10pm, and Saturday 10am-10pm. The bar is open till 11pm MondayThursday and until 12 midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Dakota’s is closed Sundays.

Saturday brunch is offered 10am-2pm. Reservations can be made through Open Table.

New York Pizza & Pasta Italian Kitchen Located at 1621 S. Broadway, next to Bergfeld Park, in Tyler, New York Pizza & Pasta opened this fall. They offer an extensive traditional Italian menu, and the best part - everything is cooked from scratch and the portions are huge and served piping hot. They offer traditional Italian dishes such as chicken, seafood, and veal with standards like Parmigiana, Piccata, Cacciatore, lasagna, spaghetti, ravioli and more, as well as pizza, stuffed Italian rolls and classic desserts like cannoli, Tiramisu, and cheesecake.

We love the Margarita Pizza and their house pizza, the New York Pizza, served with sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, hamburger, mushrooms, green peppers, black olives, cheese, and jalapenos if you desire. New York Pizza & Pasta also offers a very comforting stuffed pizza in a meat version, as well as a vegetarian version.

Lunch specials range from $6.95 and up.

Pizza by the Slice is available with three options - cheese, supreme, and stuffed slice. They are generous in size and a perfect lunch with a side salad. The house dressing is a tomato, basil, vinaigrette combination.

“Since we lived half the year in New Jersey and eat pizza in New York frequently, I feel qualified to comment on any restaurant claiming to have ‘New York’ pizza,” smiles Catherine H. “To my surprise, they got the crust perfect. It was thin and crispy on the bottom, which makes the crust a good foundation for a tasty pizza slice. Finally! An authentic slice of ‘pie’ served south of the Mason Dixon line.”

Kanpai Japanese Grill & More If you are thinking Kanpai is just another Asian themed restaurant, then you are very wrong. Kanpai has been described as “similar to Japanese BBQ with a Korean flair.” But, you cook your own food at your table on built in grills and it is super fun!

It is a yakiniku style restaurant, which means, according to their website, “The present style of yakiniku restaurants are derived from the Korean restaurants in Osaka and Tokyo which were opened around 1945. In a yakiniku restaurant, diners order several types of prepared raw ingredients (either individually or as a set) which are brought to the table. The ingredients are cooked by the diners on a grill built into the table throughout the duration of the meal, several pieces at a time. The ingredients are then dipped in sauces known as ‘tare’ before being eaten. The most common sauce is made of Japanese soy sauce mixed with sake, mirin, sugar, garlic, fruit juice, and sesame. Garlic-and-shallot or miso-based dips are sometimes used. Different kinds of side dishes like kimchi and bibimbap are also served alongside.”

Start your meal with the unique Tokyo Nachos - fried wonton chips served with kimchi (a traditional fermented Korean side dish

Steaks - Burgers Seafood - Crawfish

Inside & Outdoor Seating Karaoke Saturday Nights Located on Hwy. 155 South, Flint

Check out our new page: www.vintageedom.com 8334 FM 279, Edom, Texas - (903) 852-5552 Open Thursday-Saturday 10am - 6pm

EGuideMagazine.com • 5

made of vegetables with a variety of seasonings) and beef, cheddar, and sriracha, served with a bowl of spicy mayo for dipping.

“Yakiniku” comes with a choice of Kalbi Short Ribs, New York Strip Steak, marinated pork belly, Asian sausage, Cumin Dusted Lamb, shrimp, scallops, as well as a few others.

We ordered the Family Meal, which had a little bit of everything. The menu says it serves 2-3 but it really should say two. These meals come with Kanpai salad and miso soup for two, steamed rice, and a choice of one dessert. You can select from the “BBQ:” Angus boneless beef ribs, scallops, marinated pork belly, bistro hanger steak, and corn; the “Meat Lover’s Course:” ribeye, filet mignon, sirloin, Asian sausage, and pork belly; or the “Premium Course:” ribeye, Miso marinated skirt steak, Asian sausage, shrimp, scallops, mushroom melody, and buttered corn.

“Hot Pot Courses” are a freshly-made-at-thetable soup. There are several varieties to choose from, including Kanpai Hot Pot and a vegetarian option.

Rice Bowls are available at lunch - the Curried Chicken Stew is lovely. All bowls come with Kanpai salad, choice of soup, and any choice of rice bowls.

Lunch is offered 11am-3pm.

“After living in Japan for a few years, my wife and I have looked for somewhere that has good

6 • EGuideMagazine.com

ramen. We finally found it - right here in Tyler. We ordered cucumber kimchi, edamame, and two bowls of ramen.

It was all amazing. If you have never had ramen, I definitely suggest coming in and trying it out,” said Heath R. “This is truly a unique experience.” This is a great place for date night or special parties.

“We had the absolute best time at Kanpai! This is an entirely new concept for east Texas and one that is not only great fun, but a great dining experience.

You have to try the Mead-mimosa - it is simply decadent. There are plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians, not to mention the extraordinary selection of meats for the carnivores. Your meal is highly customized to your taste, and cooked to your exact standards (since you cook your own). Don’t be intimidated about the idea of cooking your own food at the table. The wait staff is eager to help. We love this place and will most definitely return!” said Jonna Fitzgerald.

Kanpai offers a bar with Happy Hour 3-6pm daily. They have unique drink creations, local favorite True Vine beers, and a large selections of wines.

Beer flights are available.

Kanpai Japanese Grill & More is located at 109 E. Grande, Tyler, (903)617-6042, www.kanpaityler.com.

They are open 11am-9:30pm MondayThursday, 11am-10:30pm Friday-Saturday, and 11am-9:30pm Sunday.

Jack Ryan Steak & Chophouse Recently opened in beautiful downtown Tyler, Jack Ryan Steak & Chophouse is now offering Tyler what locals have been driving to Kilgore for years to feast on. Jack Ryan in Tyler is owned by the same owners as the Kilgore location.

Brothers Brad and Wes Ebey both graduated from Culinary School at Le Cordon Bleu in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2001. They have worked in various fine dining restaurants and prestigious hotels, including The Adolphus Hotel, The Four Seasons, and Cru Wine Bar for the past 12 years. The restaurant is named after Brad’s son, Jack Ryan, who turned 1 year old in April 2013.

Jack Ryan offers delicious dining in a beautiful setting on the mezzanine level of the People’s Petroleum Building, located at 102 N. College in downtown Tyler. It has been completely remodeled in an exquisite, absolutely gorgeous Art Deco architecture style.

The People’s Petroleum Building has a rich history. Built in 1932, it was named for its anchor tenant People’s National Bank and was constructed in response to the office needs of financial and businessmen during the East Texas Oil Boom of the 1930’s. The 15-floor building opened November 5th, 1932 and was the largest construction project west of the Mississippi. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, and was recognized as a Tyler Historic Landmark in 2012.

From their website, Jack Ryan Steak & Chophouse is, “Where everything is hand-crafted and made fresh daily using the finest ingredients available. From our delicious jumbo lump crab cakes to our mouth watering steaks cooked to perfection,

you can taste the freshness and quality in every bite.”

Jack Ryan offers both a Lunch and a Dinner menu.

The Lunch menu offers delicious sandwiches and a Build Your Own Burger option with cheese, bacon, grilled onions, jalapenos, and guacamole available. The Meatloaf Sandwich is perfect comfort food, as well as several other options on the Texas Platters section such as chicken fried steak, hamburger steak, fried catfish, Jack’s Philly, and the Beef Tenderloin, served with creamy mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. Salads are available as well.

Average lunch dishes are from $10-20.

On the Dinner menu, we have tried a few items, including our favorite, Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese, which is on the Appetizer section of the menu. It is a creamy blend of boursin, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses with roasted lobster and truffle oil.

Tuna Tartar salad is very unique and served with what is described as “compressed watermelon, preserved lemon, soy caramel.” The raw tuna combined with the sweet sour combination is exquisite.

“Pork and Beans” is a manly-style meal, which is a roasted pork chop served with housemade baked beans on a puff pastry, served with a side of sauteed green beans.

The Kobe Flatiron steak is a must-try, as well as the Horseradish Crusted Salmon. The legendary Jack Ryan Beef Tenderloin steak is available at both lunch and dinner. You have never had a steak this good, we promise.

Jack Ryan offers a lounge and bar area with a very cool cocktail drink menu, as well as a nice beer and wine menu.

“The drinks were impeccable and the food was beyond fantastic! The Kobe steak and ahi tuna dishes were perfectly cooked and tasted wonderful.

The best cocktail was the French 75 - and we know, our party tried five different ones,” said Justin Bass.

Jack Ryan Steak and Chop House is open Tuesday-Thursday 11am-2pm and 5-9pm, Friday 11am-2pm and 5-10pm, Saturday 5-10pm, and closed Sunday.

For dinner, reservations are recommended by calling (903)630-7651.

Donuts, Kolaches and More, Oh My! Doughnuts have a disputed history. According to Wikipedia, one theory suggests they were invented in North America by Dutch settlers, and in the 19th century, doughnuts were sometimes referred to as one kind of oliekoek (a Dutch word literally meaning “oil cake”), a “sweetened cake fried in fat.”

If you think the Dutch name was less than appetizing, the French version is simply silly. In France, small deep fried fritters or donuts are called “pets de nonne” or “nun’s farts.” Really! Wish we had been there when that little nickname was formed! Wonder what the real story is there.

Hanson Gregory, an American, claimed to have invented the ringshaped doughnut in 1847 aboard a trading ship when he was 16 years old. Gregory was dissatisfied with the greasiness of doughnuts twisted into various shapes and with the raw center of regular doughnuts. He claimed to have punched a hole in the center of dough with the ship’s tin pepper box and to have later taught the technique to his mother. “Smithsonian Magazine” states that his mother, Elizabeth Gregory, “made a wicked deep-fried dough that cleverly used her son’s spice cargo of nutmeg and cinnamon, along with lemon rind,” and “put hazelnuts or walnuts in the center, where the dough might not cook through,” and called the food ‘doughnuts.’

Yet another story reportedly tells of a cow who kicked over a pot of oil into a mixture of pastry.

Whatever the history, according to “Huffington Post,” over 10 billion donuts are consumed in the U.S. each year.

Whatever, right? Just hand me one of those warm, sugar-laden, fried round piles of yummy dough! We have discovered that Tyler has many donut shops that offer a variety of other unique offerings as well as those heavenly donuts that we all know and love. Some of these have been doing it for quite a while, while others have just started, but all have made breakfast selections not so boring and tres yummy.

Southern Maid 1514 W. Gentry Pkwy., Tyler, (903)593-7251 First we start with a legend, Southern Maid. In our search for the best donuts in Tyler, we met Mary and John Teel when we visited Southern Maid. They are the sweet owners of this legendary donut shop on the north side of Tyler, that got its start over 60 years ago.

Mrs. Teel said Southern Maid in Tyler opened in the late 1940’s or early 1950’s across the street from where it is now on Gentry Parkway. They sold doughnuts wholesale to Ideal Bakery Co., now Flowers Bakery, which sold them all across East Texas before there were a lot of small retail doughnut shops,” she said.

The Teels moved to Tyler in 1971 and bought Southern Maid when the previous owner retired. The Teels began selling strictly retail in 1977, and they know most of their customers by name.

Southern Maid offers 25 to 30 different kinds of doughnuts, all handmade with extreme love and devotion to quality.

Southern Maid’s varieties include six flavors of cake doughnuts, doughnuts with sprinkles, nuts or filled with jelly, lemon or Bavarian cream; cinnamon rolls and twists, apple fritters and sometimes chocolate éclairs.

Mrs. Teel said they have the “best blueberry cake doughnuts in the world, but our glazed doughnut is our most popular.”

We sampled their Maple Glazed donut covered with sprinkles, the most popular and traditional glazed donut, plus several kolaches, one jalapeno sausage, and the other the plain version. Donut holes were included in our bag, and these were some of the best we have tasted. The Pigs in a Blanket come with a signature recipe of sausage crumbles.

Mr. and Mrs. Teel are real, hard-working people who not only create delicious food but are genuinely interested in who they are serving it too. Be sure to get there early - they sell out fast.

Southern Maid is even in the Guiness World Book of Records for the World’s Largest Donut! It took eight people to lift the 74-lb doughnut out of the specially constructed 3-foot-deep cooking vat used to deep fry it. Made by the Holly Drive Baptist Church Youth Group of Richardson, Texas, under the direction of Monty Maple, with assistance from the Southern Maid Donut Company, the glazed doughnut had a 5-foot 9-inch diameter.

Did you know that Elvis did the only commercial of his life on

November 6th, 1954, for Southern Maid Donuts? He sang their jingle, “You can get ‘em piping hot after four PM, you can get ‘em piping hot. Southern Maid Donuts hit the spot, you can get ‘em piping hot after four PM.” The Tyler location closes at 11am but Elvis’ impact on Southern Maid Donut sales is legendary.

Southern Maid is open Tuesday-Saturday, 6-11am.

Donut Diner 225 E. Amherst Dr., Tyler, (903)630-6150 Welcome to the neighborhood, Donut Diner! Although Donut Diner has been open for a little bit, they are new on our scope of breakfast options.

Located just behind Old English Village, right on the edge of the midtown Pollard Farms neighborhood, owners Rom Phath and daughter Pear Sok bake up some heavenly goodies every morning.

“We are proud to say that we make all the goodies in house, fresh daily. My mom (Rom) cooks everything from scratch,” states Pear.

Claiming the “cheapest dozen in town” at $3.99 for a dozen of glazed donuts, Pear says that they are a favorite for large orders for churches and schools.

One of their specialties are Kolaches, a traditionally soft doughy pastry cradling in its center a filling of different varieties. From “Edible Austin,” “Long ago, in a corner of the AustroHungarian Empire now known as the Czech Republic, Maminka was trying to bake bread, but her daughter, Lebuse, kept interrupting her. So Maminka gave her a piece of dough to play with.

Happily, Lebuse rolled and flattened her dough, added some plums from the table, and slipped her creation into the oven with the rest of the bread. When her father came in from the fields for a snack, he grabbed Lebuse’s little cake, which promptly squirted him with scalding plum juice.

Crazed with pain, he began hopping around the table in a circle.

Lebuse, who found all this very funny, cried out, “Tatinek je do kola!” In other words: “Tatinek is making a wheel” as he jumped about.

And so the kolache - a ball of dough, not unlike a slightly sweetish dinner roll, was born, its name having evolved from the Czech kola, meaning ‘wheels’ or ‘rounds.’

Texans, of course, put our own spin on these, making them to resemble pigs-in-a-blanket, but still kept the slightly sweet dough.

And we enjoy them immensely!

At Donut Diner, we tried their Spicy Jumbo Kolache Roll and found the slightly sweet dough a nice mix with the tender and juicy sausage. They also offer kolaches with regular sausage, a combo of sausage, egg and cheese (with and without jalapenos), and a ham, egg and cheese version.

Donut Diner has very good Apple Fritters, and we found their breakfast burritos stuffed full of scrambled eggs, your choice of sausage or bacon, potato, and cheese, to be very good as well.

Donut Diner offers traditional glazed donuts, cake donuts, speciality donuts, eclairs, cinnamon twists, muffins, croissant, biscuit sandwiches, and a huge selection of beverages.

Take our advice, start your day off right with an Apple Fritter and chocolate milk, or perhaps a sausage kolache and a cup of coffee. You won’t be disappointed.

There is seating, as well as to-go orders.

“Donut Diner is excellent. Their glazed [donuts] are a great bargain and delicious. Service is very fast, and the food is always fresh,” said Melanie Black. “We are always greeted with a smile by the friendly helpful staff.”

Donut Diner is open until 2pm daily.

spicy so keep on adding more pepper ‘til it is just right.” Star uses this yummy sausage in pigs in a blanket.

We unexpectedly found them to be not too hot but yes, very peppery. Combined with the warm dough wrapped around the big sausage link, Earl and Star Donut, you did a great job creating these.

We got a dozen glazed donut holes for fun. Star Donuts offers chocolate iced ones! From Wikipedia, “The hole in the center of the donut appeared in the first half of the 19th Century and allows the donut to cook more evenly.” We already knew that.

Star offers Big Pigs in a Blanket, breakfast sandwiches, croissants, biscuits with sausage, bacon, ham, egg, cheese or boudin.

Traditional glazed and cake donuts, “fancy” (the ones with the yummy toppings), blueberry cake donuts, twists, jelly donuts, apple fritters, and giant cinnamon rolls are also available.

Shipley Do-Nuts

1700 SSE Loop 323, Tyler, (903)566-0006, www.shipleydonuts.com While the traditional spelling of the tasty treat is ‘doughnut,’ Dunkin Donuts popularized the ‘donut’ version for obvious reasons, and Shipley’s made famous “Do-Nuts.”

From the Shipley’s website, “It was 1936, the end of the Great Depression, when Lawrence Shipley, Sr. created a gourmet recipe for ‘Do-Nuts.’ So delicious were the DoNuts that they have withstood the test of time. Cut by hand and served hot throughout the day, the Do-Nuts were 5 cents a dozen and were only sold wholesale. The product was so successful that it started to sell on the retail market in the mid 1940’s. With Lawrence Sr. away on donut routes, his wife Lillie would stay behind and make the culinary delights with Lawrence Jr. at her knee.” And thus, it all began.

Lawrence Jr., worked in the business all of his life, continuing his father’s vision and making Shipley Do-Nuts the successful franchised business it is today. He expanded the company to more than 190 stores around the nation in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.

Tyler has one of Shipley’s many locations, located in the Tanglewood Shopping Center on the east side of Tyler.

“I have been eating Shipley Do-Nuts since I was in high school.

The creme filled ones are my favorite. The donuts are very light, Star Donuts rather than dense and cakey, which I like,” said Mitch Graner as he sat with his daughter, 1611 S. Broadway Ave, Tyler, (903)592-2092 having a quiet, sugar-filled, ‘bite of heaven on earth’ in Tyler.

Star Donuts was our fourth or fifth stop of the morning, and we Shipley Do-Nuts offers iced, glazed, and filled ‘do-nuts.’ With were starting to shake from all the sugar. Nevertheless we trudged on. over 60 varieties, Shipley remains consistent with their freshness, and Writing about donuts is hard work, but someone has to do it! still to this day the plain glazed do-nut is by far their best seller.

First, there are several Star Donuts in Tyler, but they are not all A few stand outs are the Maple donuts, chocolate creme filled owned by the same people. You have passed by this one a hundred times because it is located next to Bergfeld Park with the cool 1950’s donut, and the Bavarian filled donut. Some people won’t admit it, but the best part of a donut is a steaming hot cup of coffee to go with deco sign out front. it. Without coffee, donuts are just another confection, but together Unlike the other stops, we dove right into the other stuff on the they are a perfect match. A large cup of coffee is only $1.49 at Shipley menu. We were very happy to see a sign that read “Earl Campbell Sausage sold here.” When Earl started making sausage, he said “I like Do-Nuts.

Cont. Page 8 EGuideMagazine.com • 7

Cake Do-Nuts are available in blueberry (a favorite) and buttermilk. Cinnamon Rolls, the Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls, and Butterfly Rolls are freshly baked. Apple Fritters, Filled Bars, Cinnamon Twists, Iced Nut Rolls, Do-Nut Holes, and of course the classic, glazed donuts are available.

Also, kolaches are offered in varieties like Big Earl Sausage and Cheese (regular and jalapeno), traditional sausage, Ham and Cheese, and Sausage and Cheese.

Shipley Do-Nuts is open daily 5am-1pm. They have seating as well as a drive-thru.

with a Sunny D juice will definitely not leave you disappointed!

Also, Royal Donuts offers traditional glazed donuts, cake, blueberry, twists, jelly donuts, and fritters. Pigs in a Blanket are offered in traditional size and Big Pigs.

Croissants, biscuits and tacos are available with ham, bacon and sausage.

Royal Donuts has seating as well as a run and dash option.

From Our

Star Donuts & Croissants 1940 Troup Hwy., Tyler, (903)595-0006 Located in the funky-style building on Troup Hwy., Star Donuts & Croissants offers a big selection of standard donut fair, but the stand out on the menu Royal for us is a unique creation - boudin kolaches. Yes, the Cajun favorite rice and sausage boudin link is Donuts 1628 NNW stuffed inside kolache dough then baked. It is truly a remarkable tasting thing and something that you Loop 323, must try immediately.

Tyler, At Star we love the Kolache Puff too, which is (903)526like a normal kolache but square in shape and with 5552 Located a more sandwich-like feel with a Texas flair. It has at the inter- less bread than a normal kolache and comes with either bacon or sausage. Other kolaches offered are section of cheese and hot link versions.

Old HenStar has all the classic glazed donuts, fancy derson Hwy. style donuts which are the iced versions, jellyand Loop filled, twists, and cinnamon rolls. The vanilla glazed 323 on the donut with chocolate chips is great. The glasseast side, fronted display is always a plethora of color and is Royal options. “We love all the sprinkled donuts because, Donuts. It well, who doesn’t like sprinkles. My daughter grins has been ear to ear when I tell her to pick one. Coming to here for many years. Star is a Saturday morning tradition for us,” says For us, their mom Katherine Reick.

Breakfast tacos, biscuits, and croissants are huge Cinnamon Rolls available too.

They have a huge selection of your favorite are a stand breakfast beverages, including coffee, hot chocoout on the late, sodas, Starbuck cold drinks, energy drinks, menu. The day we went, and more.

Think about this - a warm chocolate glazed they had just taken a donut and a Yoohoo - this is what makes a happy life! fresh batch Star Donuts & Croissants offers seating and out of the oven. I think to-go orders. we were quite literally National Donut Day: June 6th National Donut Day is celebrated on the drooling as we ordered first Friday in June, this year falling on June 6th.

National Doughnut Day has been celebrated since several of these hand- 1982.

In 1917, Salvation Army female volunteers rolled rolls. known as “lassies” prepared thousands of fresh The delicate blend of donuts for the homesick soldiers that served in tasty dough, France during World War I. National Donut Day was officially established in 1938 by the Chicago sugar, a Salvation Army to raise much-needed funds during light glaze and loads of the Great Depression. cinnamon Mark this down on your calendar because this throughout day is as fun as your birthday! all combined Happy sugar-filled day everyone!

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8 • EGuideMagazine.com

2029 Capital Dr. Tyler, TX 75701 903-630-7090

News, Events & More

FD’s Grillhouse is now open, located in The Village At Cumberland Park shopping center, 8934 S. Broadway, Tyler. Brisket tacos, hand-cut Cedar Plank Salmon, are a few standouts on the menu. Also, steaks, ribs, seafood platters, and “Community” appetizers for the crowd to share are available. For more info call (903)630-7683 or go to www.facebook.com/ FDs-Grill-House.

Love & War in Texas restaurant and music venue is coming to Lindale Cannery! Love and War in Texas is based in Plano and hosts a variety of live music, Shriner-enhanced menu items, and more.

Moocho Burrito Welcome to Downtown!

Moocho has been opened a few months, hosting a simple menu for breakfast or lunch. Located on the corner of W. Erwin and College St., they have quick and healthy pancakes, bagels, coffee drinks, smoothies, tacos, salad and fruit bar, burgers, and more. Moocho Burrito is located at 200 W. Erwin St., downtown Tyler, (903)595-8920.

Burger Grind has opened a second location, located in the Tanglewood Shopping Center

by Planet Fitness in Tyler. Now your favorite burgers are available on the east side of Tyler. Try the turkey burgers and some curly fries, you will love them. They are located at the corner of 5th St. and Loop 323 at 1700 SSE Loop 323, Tyler, (903)630-7207 (5th Street location), www. facebook.com/burgergrindtx.

Thursday, January 28th - Chocolates 101 Cooking Seminar (6-7:30pm) - Learn the benefits of eating chocolate and ways to find healthier options for this sweet treat at Natural Grocers! For more info call (903)630-7497 or www.lcftyler.com.

By Suzie Westmore In 2016, “EGuide” will feature a new Blog called “Dish of the Week” on our website, eguidemagazine.com. Check to see what we are picking each week. This will be geared around specific dishes available at local restaurants. To feature yours, send a suggestion to eguidemagazine@gmail.com, Attn: Dish of the Week.

Fresh Spring Rolls and Yummy-Good Pho Our January Dish of the Week comes from Three Z Azian Cuizine in Tyler. It is a combo plate that we created, Fresh Spring Rolls and Pho, and it is the best combo around. Plus, it will help you keep your resolution for better health, helping and enabling you to a fresh start for your new year.

“Fresh Spring Rolls” come two to a plate and are offered as a “Add a Side” option for all dishes.

You can add either the lightly fried rolls or the ‘fresh’ rolls, which we prefer. They are made fresh daily with lots of crunchy vegetables and herbs, then hand rolled in rice paper. We recommend that you add shrimp for a few dollars more.

The cold weather just begs for warm, delicious, and highly flavorful Phò. Phò or pho (pronounced fa) is a Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of broth, linguine-shaped rice noodles called bánh phò, a few herbs, and meat, primarily served with either beef or chicken.

The term phò actually refers to the noodles, not the soup.

There are hundreds of different soups found around Vietnam, but phò is made with pristine white rice flour noodles that are made daily and sold in markets.

Three Z offers heavenly phò in either chicken or beef flank steak varieties. The huge bowls of soup come steaming hot with a side plate loaded with fresh from the garden basil leaves, cilantro, sliced jalapenos, and mint leaves, plus bean sprouts, lime slices, red onion slices, and a hearty helping of rice noodles in the rich broth. You can add whatever you wish of the sides to create your perfect bowl of phò.

If you get a dessert of the Cheesecake Spring Rolls (house made cheesecake, hand rolled and lightly fried, served with scratch-made whipped cream), you will not be disappointed.

To Do Pinot’s Palette:

Festival Fun:

Get Ready to Start Having Fun

By Gini Rainey Sometimes the best times can be had at local festivals. My husband and I have probably attended every local festival within a one hundred mile radius of Tyler at some point over the last twenty years.

Let “EGuide” and myself give you a heads up every month of Written and Photographed by Barbara King some of the most fun and unique festivals that only east Texas can One small step inside the front door of Pinot’s Palette and you provide. will feel your creative fire burning and want to put palette to canvas.

Although January is a fairly slow month for local festivals, there The large, colorful painting area is jammed full of workspaces just are a few that we found information about. This month, make sure waiting for the next budding artists. The walls are laden with artwork, you make plans to attend at least one of the following festivals. some from previous classes and private parties, along with a showcase of new painting opportunities.

The Curious Festival Richard and Robin Haynie, owners of the Tyler Pinot’s Palette January 1st-3rd franchise since 2012, have spent this year busily commuting from Starting the year off right, Tyler to Austin where they have opened two more studios.

The Curious Festival is the Brandi Smith, manager says, “The experience of creating an arthappening thing in Paleswork and proudly taking it home is like none other. The best thing tine this month. Curious is about it is the fun, party experience, and you don’t have to have any a hands-on exhibit which is painting experience to have a great time.” based on the world-famous Basically, you bring the cocktails and snacks, and they will do the Exploratorium in San Franrest. The studio will provide the canvas, easel, brushes, paint, and cisco, CA. This exhibit proaprons. You can pick a painting from the over 3000 extensive selecmotes creative and innovation thinking skills that are important for tions on their website or request a custom painting. Then, local artall ages. This exciting hands-on exhibit is designed for individuals ists will lead you step by step through the process, with a completed and families - for anyone who has ever been curious. It will engage piece on stage as a reference, and a blank canvas where brush strokes preschoolers through adults in a fun, and ultimately, educational forand textures will be slowly explained and detailed. mat. The Curious Museum is located at 201 W. Oakwood in PalesThere is a minimum of 15 painters required to book a party, with tine. They are open from 1-4pm. The tickets are $5-$7 and can be a $100 refundable deposit. Paint and Sip parties are available to book purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2462429. for two hours at $35 per artist or three hours at $45 per artist. You also don’t have to worry about serving your wine, as the studio will A Taste of Mardi Gras supply wine glasses (available to purchase as a memory of your great January 30th night out), corks, and ice buckets.

A Taste of Mardi Gras is scheduled for Saturday, January 30th Smith says, “The private parties are a fun atmosphere with no in Palestine. If you are looking for a foodie-filled weekend, then this pressure, and we hear folks say all the time that they are so pleased “Taste of New Orleans” festival is a great event that showcases Palesand surprised how their artwork turns out.” tine’s local flavors. Local Chefs, foodies and restaurants kick it up a It’s the perfect place to book a special event like a bachelorette, notch every year at this festival and feature the culinary taste of New girls night out, or a corporate event. The studio offers a special team Orleans. This is held in the Palestine Main Street District. This event building art puzzle is free to attend. What could be better than that! The festivities also selection that many include free food demonstrations and samples paired with a wine people can participate tasting. For more information visit www.visitpalestine.com. in that is incorporated into one final piece Jefferson Mardi Gras for framing. “It’s a February 5th-7th very motivating, team From Friday, February building, fun activ5th through Sunday, February ity that companies can 7th, you can get your Mardi take away to display in Gras fix during the Krewe of their lobby or conferHebe Mardi Gras UpRiver Celence room,” explained ebration Weekend. The 2016 Smith.

Mardi Gras theme is “States Want to impress on Parade.” Saturday evening a date? The studio at the Jefferson Transportation has really neat, two Center (305 E. Austin St.) a special party will be held with the theme part mirror pieces that “Jawbone.” For more information about the events, parade routes, transform upon com- and tickets, visit www.mardigrasupriver.com. pletion into an intricate design.

The 7th Annual Western Swing Party The studio also February 11th-13th offers family fun days The 7th Annual Western Swing Party is scheduled for Thursdayfor all ages as an alter- Saturday, February 11th-13th in Canton. Held at 800 Flea Market native to the typical Road, this festival will feature western swing, classic country, and tramovie and popcorn ditional honky tonk music. The Canton Civic Center is the best place family outings. for this event which features a huge dance floor, table seating for Something really 700+, full RV hookups, and excellent food service on site. All shows, unique at Pinot’s Palfeaturing top bands, start at 12 noon each day and will take place ette is the opportunity rain, snow, or sunshine. For more information visit www.swingcanto paint your pet. Send ton.com. the studio your pet’s likeness and they can The Secret Codes of the Underground Railroad laser it onto canvas, February 17th then you can finish the At 11am at the Legacy Event Center, 122 East First Street in creation with paint in Hughes Spring, the Pleasant Hill Quilt Group of Hughes Springs will the studio. “We have be hosting The Secret Codes of the Underground Railroad. During had people sit and finish paintings of pets they have lost and want to the early years of the Nation, the Underground Railroad was crehave their pictures framed for their homes,” said Smith. ated and was a successful effort to secretly transport slaves to Canada The studio now offers kids’ painting parties, which are perfect where slavery was outlawed. Secret codes and signals were develfor birthday parties and can be booked online through their weboped to guide the travelers through the hazards. One was the use of site. “The whole process from booking your date, choosing your art- bed quilts presumably hung out for cleaning. Each patch of the quilt work, to payment, can all be done very easily through the website,” represented a signal to guide the escapees. The Pleasant Hill Quilexplained Smith. ters have carried the tradition by educating the community about You can also complete your masterpiece right there in the studio how the historical signal system worked. In addition to educaby picking a frame to suit your style for $35, making it possible for tional programs, the group makes and sells quilts to the public. For you, the proud artist, to walk away with your creation ready to hang. more information, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ events/505542972941741.

Pinot’s Palette loves to take pictures of your event and post to Facebook. The week following your event, if you tag yourself in the photos, you will have the opportunity to have your name entered in a The Lone Star Throwdown February 26th-28th drawing by Pinot’s to win a free art class.

A little bit further down the road, but definitely worth the drive, The studio can seat up to 56 artists and Smith says it is an aweFriday-Sunday, February 26th-28th, The Lone Star Throwdown will some experience when the studio is full, and people that have never be taking place in Conroe. This event will be held at the Lone Star painted before are concentrating, laughing, and creating.

Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to Expo Center and Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 9255 Airport Road in Conroe and will feature some of the best show cars and conremain an artist once he grows up.” Find your inner artist at Pinot’s Palette, and take home your own masterpiece. Book an unforgettable versions around. Spectators at the event can purchase a weekend pass for $20. For more information visit www.lonestarthrowdown.com. evening of fun, friends, and fun art.

If you know of any upcoming festivals that you would like to see Pinot’s palette is located at 322 ESE Loop 323 next to Plapromoted in EGuide, give us a heads up and we’ll be sure to include to’s Closet in Tyler. They can be reached at (903)561-2773 or at them! Just send your information to eguidemagazine@gmail.com. pinotspalette.com/tyler.

EGuideMagazine.com • 9

Paint. Drink. Have Fun.

Date Night:

Tyler is home to several free museums that would be great for a date. Visit the Goodman-LeGrand House &

By Holli Conley Museum or the McClendon House to tour these In Tyler, the city of roses, it’s not hard to find a romantic spot to romantic historic homes. take that special someone. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary For the history or simply spicing up a free weekend, these are the best date ideas for buffs, you might enjoy fun, quality time with your significant other. the American Freedom Museum just outside of A Night on Tyler in Bullard, or the Half Mile of History Walk in Downtown Tyler. the Town While you’re in Downtown, stop by the Gallery Main Street, which Downtown features a new exhibit of original art approximately every eight weeks.

Tyler is a great Tyler also hosts several cheap or free events throughout the year. spot for a roman- Events will include everything from movies in the park to concerts tic evening. Start and art walks. the evening with Finally, when talking about budget-friendly date options, we dinner at one of can’t forget a stroll through the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden. With Downtown’s restaurants. For a fine dining experience try one of Tyler’s 14 acres, 32,000 rose bushes, and more than 500 varieties, this is the newest restaurants: Jack Ryan’s Steak & Chophouse. Take advantage largest rose garden in the United States. The Rose Garden is free and of the free valet parking and really wow your date. open to the public year-round. This is probably the most romantic There are also a couple of options for more casual dining such as location in all of Tyler and a great place to bring your love.

Don Juan’s on the Square.

With all of the fun options in Tyler, it’s not hard to find excitNext, take in a show with VIP box seat tickets at the historic Lib- ing date night ideas. Whether you want an expensive night out or a erty Hall. The box seats are the best seats in the house and will be a date on a budget, these ideas will help. Sometimes it’s fun to break little more intimate for a date night. away from the norm and try something new. With all these ideas, we End the night with a cocktail or dessert and live entertainment at encourage you to get creative and get out on the town with your sigRick’s or Jake’s. nificant other.

All of these are conveniently located within walking distance of one another and make for a great night out on the town.

Events Saturday of each Month - True Vine Brewing Company in Dinner and a Movie Last Tyler is hosting “Open Taps Night”- Visit their beer factory 5-8pm You can never go where they feature their current ales, as well as their limited and wrong with dinner and experimental ales, plus local music, and food. Bring your lawn chair a movie, but someand join the community in this fun event and “support local.” “Open times you’re in the Taps” is exclusively an outdoor event. Paid adult admission gets you mood for something in the door and two beer tickets for True Vine’s current offerings. a little more exciting.

The first 200 adult guests will receive a True Vine beer glass. This is a Spice up this classic family friendly, pet friendly, outdoor event. Tickets are $10 in advance date idea with some of and available for purchase until 24 hours in advance of the event. At Tyler’s unique theater the door, tickets are $15. Children 11 and under get in free with the options. purchase of an adult ticket. Entry for non-drinker adults, and kiddos Grab a picnic dinner, lawn chairs, and watch a movie under the 12 years and over, is $4 in advance or $5 at the door. For more info stars at SkyVue Drive-In Theater. This theater offers tickets for $6 per go to truevinebrewing.com. person and shows a double feature.

January 8th (8pm) - “Live Nation presents Brian Regan” - Brian One of Tyler’s newest theaters, Studio Movie Grill, is another interesting option for a movie night. Studio Movie Grill is a one-stop- Regan has distinguished himself as one of the premier comedians in the country. The perfect balance of sophisticated writing and shop for dinner and a movie. You can eat dinner while watching a physicality, Brian fills theaters nationwide with fervent fans that span movie, or have a dessert or cocktail while you watch. Studio Movie generations. People have said of Brian: Grill also offers classic date night movies for $3 a ticket on select • “He is one of my favorite stand-up comedians.” – Jerry Seinfeld nights. Check their website for details.

• “No comedian in the world says, ‘Yeah, I want to follow Brian Enjoy Live Music Regan.’” – Chris Rock • “Honestly, Brian Regan’s the best stand-up working today.

Tyler comes Period.” – Patton Oswalt alive with the tunes • “I’ll take all of that guy you got…very funny man.” – David of good music Letterman around every corner. Whether you Tickets start at $32. Get your tickets at BelcherCenter.com or by calling the Box Office at (903)233-3080. LeTourneau University are interested in Belcher Center is located at 2100 S. Mobberly Ave. Longview, TX a specific music 75602. event such as the Red Dirt BBQ & January 9th, February 13th - Catfish Row will be open in JackMusic Festival or sonville, 8am-1pm. Come to this junk market featuring antiques, listening to a local eclectic finds, primitives, silver, treasurers, junk-tiques, seasonal band, Tyler has a produce, jewelry, and more. There will also be a dominoes contest variety of acts to satisfy your musical tastes. and live entertainment, weather permitting. For more info call Some of our favorite places to catch local bands are Cork Food & (903)747-7199.

Wine, Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ, XLN, and Republic Ice House - just to name a few.

Downtown Tyler offers several fun acts as well on the weekend at Jake’s or Rick’s. Or for a more classical night you might choose to see a January 23rd at 8 p.m. performance by the East Texas Symphony Orchestra.

No matter if you want to dance the night away or enjoy a cocktail with music in the background, Tyler has what you’re looking for.

January 30th at 10 a.m.

From Fancy to Simple, Tyler Offers a Lot of Romance

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Asleep at the Wheel

Go on an Adventure

There’s something awfully romantic about going on an adventure together, and there are plenty adventures to be found around town.

Try hiking, biking, camping, or water sports at Tyler State Park or one of Tyler’s many public parks.

Runners might consider doing a color run or mud run together in the area.

Animal lovers can enjoy Caldwell Zoo or Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge.

For the thrill seekers, try one of Tyler’s newest attractions: One Way Out. If you are a fan of puzzles and problem solving, this game is for you. You will be locked in a room where your team will use clues, hints, and teamwork to escape before time expires. Working together to solve the clues is a great way for a couple to get to know each other better and build a stronger relationship.

Love Don’t Cost a Thing Let’s be honest, dating can be expensive. Luckily, in a beautiful city like this, romance is not hard to find on the cheap.

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

Tickets are available at the door for most events and online at libertytyler.com.

“Sound of Music” Sing-Along

February 4th at 7 p.m.

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” February 11th at 7 p.m.

TBA

February 13th at 8:30 p.m.

Newlywed Game

February 18th at 7 p.m.

“Grease”

February 20th at 8 p.m.

Monte Montgomery

February 25th at 7 p.m.

“The Princess Bride” CALL TO SPONSOR A MOVIE NIGHT!

Books Start 2016 Off Right

By Gini Rainey

“Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn If you like to read books that involve mystery, suspense, strange folks, and twisted endings, then “Gone Girl” is most definitely a book you need to read. Gillian Flynn, the writer of this New York Times #1 Best Seller, even says that she specializes in difficult characters that are “…damaged, disturbed, or downright nasty.” The two main characters of this book, Amy and Nick, are certainly no exception, although the reader would like them to be, because on the surface, they seem to be.

Their story begins on the day of their fifth wedding anniversary, and anniversaries have always been a big deal to Amy, but for some inexplicable reason, Amy turns up missing and under suspicious circumstances. As the investigation digs deeper into her disappearance, we get the lovely back story of their courtship and the odd little twists and turns of fate that have brought them together, despite their disparate pasts. New York City is just the right place for this attraction of opposites, where Amy writes quizzes for women’s magazines and Nick writes for a small paper. After both Nick and Amy lose their jobs, they move back to Nick’s hometown in Missouri to help take care of his ailing parents and the mystery begins to unfold.

This story, so well told from the alternating perspectives of Nick and Amy, sends a powerful and thought-provoking message about marriage in general, and women’s lives specifically. Flynn is unstinting in her portrait of a marriage between two people who are fundamentally flawed in such a way as to be toxic to each other. Each of their perspectives is a harsh character study that can be broadened to cover men and women that we know - that we ARE. There are some very uncomfortable truths spoken here.

One particularly gripping passage ruthlessly describes how often women pretend to be a certain “type” to attract a man, betraying their “real selves” (which eventually and inevitably emerge). Flynn’s character says she accomplishes this adaptation to being a “cool girl” by not thinking past the first step of anything. Just have fun! Don’t think about the calories in that beer he enjoys seeing you guzzle, don’t think about the misogyny in the movie he wanted to see, don’t wonder about the future! Who can’t relate to a time we tried to change our true self to be attractive to someone else?

The less you know about the details of this book, the more you will benefit from the harrowing twists and turns. Flynn has a phenomenal grasp of character and never takes the easy way out, nor does she use clichés or stockroom phrasing. Her characters - primary, secondary, even tertiary - are authentic, and she has done her homework on the unstable ones. Flynn avoids stereotypes. Her characters are organically portrayed, heads and hearts projecting

like rockets from the pages. The plot sizzles with a sense of immediacy, led by the people who populate it.

I would say run, don’t walk to a book store and pick up this book - you’ll have difficulty putting down. The movie doesn’t do the book justice.

Rating: 5 of 5 Copyright 2014 – Broadway Books

“The Lies About Truth” by Courtney C. Stevens

Let’s Look at Goodreads.com How many of you readers have discovered goodreads.com? If not, you are missing out on some great reading advice from your friends, as well as other readers who are members of this great website. Not only are there great reviews, but if you let goodreads.com know your reading preferences, it will make suggestions and recommendations that will fit in your favorite type of literature.

Every year goodreads.com hosts a competition for new books on the market in nearly every genre imaginable. The winners make a great starting point for you if you are a serious reader. Just a few of the winners you might want to add to your must-read list for 2016 are: Not too surprisingly, “Go Set a Watchman”

by Harper Lee was voted the # 1 book in Fiction.

This is a continuation of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Lee’s award winning novel. Twenty-six-year-old Jean Louise Finch - “Scout” - returns home from New York City to visit her aging father, Atticus. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights tensions and political turmoil that were transforming the South, Jean Louise’s homecoming turns bittersweet when she learns disturbing truths about her close-knit family, the town, and the people dearest to her.

“The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins received First Place in the Best Thriller & Mystery category. I reviewed this book a few months ago, and must admit, this is a well-deserved award. If you haven’t read this book yet, make plans to do so in the near future. It’s riveting.

In the Best Non-Fiction category, “Modern Romance” by Aziz Ansari and Eric Klinenberg captured First Place. This is “a hilarious, thoughtful, and in-depth exploration of the pleasures and perils of modern romance from one of this generation’s sharpest comedic voices.”

The Best in History and Biography category is “Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania” by Erik Larson and is gripping and important. “Dead Wake” captures the sheer drama and emotional power of a disaster whose intimate details and true meaning have long been obscured by history.

These are just a few of the many great books that you can find on goodreads.com. Additionally, they have daily give-a-ways for books, and you might just find yourself a winner of a great, new read. Be sure to get the books you want to read in 2016 included on your New Year’s Resolution list.

This might be one of the resolutions you might actually be able to carry out.

Although admittedly a Young Adult book writer, the basic truths and lessons to be learned in Stevens’ books are totally applicable to young and old alike. The main plot of this book takes place a year after the lives of five very good friends are dramatically changed following a car accident that claims the life of Trent, the driver of the car.

Although only one dies in the accident, all of the participants suffer from physical, as well as emotional, scarring. Additionally, the closeness they had all shared was lost, along with a great deal of the trust they had for each other.

The main character, Sadie, suffered significant injuries that resulted in scars, both physical and emotional. Sadie gave the scars names (like Idaho and Pink Floyd), but wasn’t able to put a name on the inner scars that tragically became a real part of her life. Thinking that she was the only one who walked away with injuries, she was pretty much blind to the emotional pain that her friends were carrying. Gray (Sadie’s boyfriend at the time of the accident) and her best friend, Gina, became closer, while Sadie and Max, Trent’s brother, developed a close relationship through e-mails after his family moved to El Salvador following the accident.

As is the case with a lot of people who carry huge emotional weights around with them, the process of moving forward for the remaining group of friends managed to separate them from one another. Each one of them separately tried to recover and move forward and in the process, mistrust developed and forced Sadie to bond with Trent’s brother Max. Through a great deal of therapy and challenges given to her by her therapist, Sadie made a list of seven objectives that were necessary for her recovery. Some of them she was able to accomplish on her own, but the rest of them required the cooperation and honesty of her friends. Honesty seemed to be in short supply because no one wanted to “hurt” anyone else. However, as is true in a lot of relationships, honesty for the remaining friends was hard to come by, but it was in being honest that all four were able to finally put the past behind them and move forward together.

Courtney Stevens did a great job of taking a Come to the Tyler Library this month and huge pile of messiness, filled with broken people see the many exciting events that are planned for and steering them towards a promising future. Her young and old alike. Events include: character development was exemplary and her story line was completely believable. It’s writers like Children Ms. Stevens who can help change the attitudes and Storytimes directions of her young adult audience, as well as All storytimes will be in Taylor Auditorium. those of us who have moved beyond young adult• Leeme un Cuento / Read to Me Storytime hood, but can still use her wisdom and guidance to (children 3-6) is on Mondays at 10:30am. work through our own messy, adult lives.

• Child Care Story Share Storytime (children Rating: 5 of 5 3 and up) is on the first and third Tuesday at Copyright 2015 – HarperTeen 10:30am. Registration is required.

Winter Fun at the Tyler Library

• Toddler Time Storytime (children under age 3) is on Wednesdays at 10:30am.

• Read Aloud Crowd Storytime (children 3-6 years old) is on Thursdays at 10:30am.

• Starry Time Storytime (children 3-6 years old) is on Thursdays at 6pm.

Other Events American Girl Book Club is on Saturdays at 10:30am starting again in February.

LEGO® Block Party meets on Saturdays at 1:30pm starting again in February.

Family Movie Matinee is held Saturday, January 16th at 10:30am. Families are invited to watch a fun feature length film in the library’s auditorium.

Movie title, rating, and run time is available at www.TylerLibrary.com. Pillows, blankets, and carpet friendly snacks are welcome.

Teens

Teen Advisory Council will meet Saturday, January 16th, 1-2pm. This is a group for teens looking for a more active role in library happenings for them and their peers. This is open to ages 12-18. The Teen Advisory Council meets monthly from September through May. Chinese New Year will be held Saturday, January 16th, 2-4pm. Come learn about this celebration of Asian culture through crafts, activities, and food!

Adults

Every Tuesday - Quilting Classes will he held 10am-1pm. Learn the art of quilting as class participants will complete individual and group quilting projects. Fabric and quilt patterns will be provided.

Participants are asked to provide their own sewing machines, if you have them, scissors, and neutral or white thread. For more details and a complete list of supplies, please contact the Library’s information desk. This will be held on the third floor, Internet Center Workroom Crochet Classes will be held every Wednesday, 12-1pm on the 3rd floor Internet Center Workroom. These are free classes. Learn to crochet with Library staff and volunteers. All materials are provided. All experience levels are welcome.

Morning Meditation classes are held every Tuesday (5-6pm) and Friday (10-11am). Come learn the practice of Heartfulness Meditation with Gayathri Kambhampati.

Beginner Computer Classes - The Library now offers computer classes for the beginner. A series of four classes, meeting every Saturday, will cover basic computer knowledge, e-mail basics, job search basics, and how to write a résumé. Seating is limited to 10 participants. Registration is required.

Sign-up at the Info Desk.

Game On is held every Friday, 3-5:30pm.

Adult Coloring is held every first and third Monday, 3-4pm. Come enjoy a relaxing and stress free session of coloring twice a month.

Origami Classes are held the second and fourth Monday each month, 3-4pm. Come and join the fun in the art of paper folding.

ClubRead Book Discussions are held the last Tuesday of the month at 10am. January’s book is “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr.

This is open to all book lovers!

The Tyler Library is located at 201 S. College, downtown Tyler. For more info call (903)5937323, www.TylerLibrary.com. Most events are free.

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Tijuana TrainWreck Horns w i t h

Austin, American

EGuideMagazine.com • 13

Music Chris Colston:

Solid Traditional Values, Strong County Music

By Reid Kerr It was a big 2015 for Lindale’s own Chris Colston. The country musician released his debut album, “Guitar Playin’ Outlaw,” in May and has followed it up with a steady schedule of live dates, both with his band and at solo acoustic shows.

We caught up with Chris to ask him about the album, performing live, and his influences.

Reid Kerr: How has 2015 been for you?

Chris Colston: 2015 was been great! I released my first album called “Guitar Playin’ Outlaw,” and it has done well. We are making our way up as a band in the Texas music scene. We’re getting bigger shows in bigger venues and drawing larger crowds. Some other big moments were getting to open for Stoney Larue and Roger Craeger.

Reid: How did it feel to put out that first album this year?

Chris: “Guitar Playin’ Outlaw” felt awesome to put out because I had been working on the album for a year with Nashville producer Brad Davis. I also had the opportunity to co-write some of the songs with Brad and my good friend and mentor, Charlie Shearer. I put in a lot of studio hours and I was glad to release it on May 4th, 2015. The response was great, and we had a lot of positive feedback from it. In 2014, before the album was officially released, I won several radio contests with the title song!

Reid: You cut your teeth playing all over the place locally at festivals, Opry’s, and anywhere else you could find. What does being from East Texas mean to you as an artist?

Chris: Being from East Texas means a lot because it is rich with musical influence from all genres. Some of the top country and Texas country artists today have put East Texas in the spotlight. I would like to one day be able to add my own name to the list of musicians such as Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, Leann Womack, Neal McCoy, Whiskey Myers, JB and the Moonshine Band, Jon Wolf, and others.

Reid: You guys play live a lot. How important is that for you in terms of not only building an audience, but building your personal sound?

Chris: Playing live and building a large fan base is the key to it all. I love getting the feedback from the crowd. We’re told we have a different sound from a lot of other bands that come through, which I think is important. I think you have to go against the grain and be unique for people to notice.

Reid: You’ve got your band, but you also do some solo acoustic shows. Do you approach those performances differently than the full band shows?

Chris: When I do an acoustic show, that’s usually when I like to show off new, original songs I haven’t worked up with my band yet.

I like to get the crowd’s reaction to the lyrics first. I also feel like I can connect with the crowd better, because I have to entertain more being up there by myself. People tell me all the time they love the acoustic shows because of the connection they get with my music.

Reid: What feeling do you want someone who comes to see you live to walk away with?

Chris: I want them to walk away feeling like they’ve been entertained and have had a great time. I want them to walk away feeling like they made a connection with me, the band, the music, and maybe with the melody of one of my songs stuck in their head.

Reid: You co-wrote most of the album, what’s the songwriting process like for you?

Chris: At 16, John DeFoore taught me the importance of writing my own music. Mr. DeFoore has several former students who have done very well in Nashville and the Texas Country scene; they all either write or co-write their own music. The process for me is that I’ll usually write a song and then play it for friends and family, and then the band, to get feedback from them before I play it for a crowd.

I have co-written with several other artists, but my step-dad and I will also sit down and co-write something from an idea he or I have come up with.

Reid: Was there a moment in your life when you decided this is what you wanted to do for a living?

Chris: I have always loved music. I started playing the drums when I was seven, and later I picked up the guitar. At 16, my friend who played drums for his church in our hometown got the key to the youth room at his church from his dad. We started to play a few country songs and mess around some with different styles and stuff

then. We started playing “The Truth” by Jason Aldean, and when the chorus came along, all of sudden a wave of emotion hit me. I could hardly sing the chorus. I can’t explain it. I just knew. Since then, I have done nothing else but write, play, and perform.

Reid: Survey time. If you could pick one artist/band to see live, any venue, any tour throughout history, who would it be?

Chris: If I could choose any concert, it would be any of the ones that the Highway Men put on. I would love to see Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson just one time. To see all of my heroes on one stage would be unbelievable.

Reid: What’s the first album you remember buying with your own money?

Chris: The first album I remember buying was Stoney Larue’s “Red Dirt” album. I had just gotten a new truck and wanted to buy some good tunes to listen too while I drove around town. So I took some money from a recent gig and went to Hastings and bought Stoney’s album.

Reid: What’s next for you?

Chris: I hope to get back in the studio soon so we can get an EP released later, perhaps this summer. I’ve written a lot of new material and I can’t wait to get it out there. We’ll be promoting our new song “Blacktop Gospel” and I hope to gain some attention with it and maybe get it on the radio soon.

Reid: Anything else?

Chris: Nothing will keep me from chasing my dream and the sky is the limit. I’m excited for what the new year - what it has to offer for the Chris Colston band. If you are in the area, come check out a Chris Colston show. You won’t regret it.

The Chris Colston Band is Chris (vocals and guitar), Tony Foster (drums), Micah Erickson (lead guitar), and Scott Phillips (bass guitar).

Chris Colston’s music can be found at: • www. ChrisColstonMusic.com • www.reverbnation.com/chriscolston • www.facebook.com/chriscolstonfanpage Upcoming gigs are: • January 9th - Republic Icehouse, Tyler • January 13th - The Back Porch, Kilgore (solo acoustic) • January 15th - Lone Star Icehouse, Longview • January 16th - Circle M Crawfish, Big Sandy • January 23rd - East Fork, Yantis • January 30th - Mardi Gras Party, Mt. Pleasant

L I VE

Every Thursday

Todd Renlee

Every Friday

Paul Ruark

Every Saturday

Bobby & Ken

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

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MUSIC

3320 Troup Hwy, Tyler, TX 75701

www.potpourrihouse.com

(903) 592-4171 Serving Steak & Seafood

Feeling Funky?

The New Mastersounds Funk-It Up at Stanley’s

By Kelly “Bluesman” Lott The Holidays are OVER! You have been back to work just long enough to start thinking, “I need a break.” And just in time, EGuide has just the thing to revitalize and rejuvenate your soul “The New MasterSounds” from Leeds, UK, in concert at Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q in Tyler.

The New MasterSounds have come a long way to get here and you will not want to miss this great opportunity to Funk-ItUp on January 14th. The New Mastersounds will take stage around 8pm and will “bring you some of the best soulful funk you will ever hear,” said owner Nick Pencis of Stanley’s. The New MasterSounds has had over one million views on YouTube, so you know they are awesome.

Let us tell you a little bit about them.

In the late 1990’s, guitarist and producer Eddie Roberts was running a nightclub in Leeds, UK, called The Cooker. When The Cooker moved into a new venue with a second floor in 1999, there was space, and the opportunity, to put a live band together to complement the DJ sets. Band members, Simon Allen and Eddie Roberts had played together in 1997 as The Mastersounds, though with a different bassist and no organ. Through friends and the intimate nature of the Leeds music scene, Pete Shand and Bob Birch were added on bass and Hammond organ respectively, and The New Mastersounds were born.

Though it was raw, and more of a boogaloo sound at first, it was powerful from the start.

Their first rehearsal was hot enough for “Blow it Hard Records” to release two limited-edition 7” record single in 2000.

Fast-forward 15 years, and their recorded catalogue boasts 24 more 7” singles, nine studio albums, two live albums, one remix album and three compilation albums, released in the UK, United States, and Japan, where they continue to tour extensively. Joe Tatton, another veteran of the Leeds scene, joined back in 2007, replacing Bob Birch on organ and piano.

According to their website, “On October 2nd, 2015 The New Mastersounds released ‘Made For Pleasure,’ their most sprawling and ambitious record to date, featuring collaborations with vocalist Charly Lowry, percussionist Mike Dillon, and San Francisco-based West Coast Horns (aka tenor saxophonist Joe Cohen and trumpeter Mike Olmos.)”

Recorded in New Orleans, The New Mastersounds new release high-steps through the humidity and heat leaving no soul or funk stone unturned. Both the title track and “High & Wide” are drenched in The-Meters-meet-Lee-Dorsey Big Easy funk, while tracks like “Enough Is Enough,” “Joy,” and “Just Gotta Run” are firmly rooted in classic soul sister rhythm and blues tradition - think Tina Turner, Ann Peebles, Bettye LaVette.

Super-charged by Eddie Roberts’ stinging guitar leads, “Cigar Time,” and “Sitting On My Knees,” take a decidedly souljazz turn, diving headlong into Grant Green grit and groove.

Capping off “Made For Pleasure” and further validating its title is a dubbed out reinvention of Iggy Azalea’s smash hit “Fancy” that cleverly turns the pop artist’s ode to materialism into a 21st century stoner anthem with the repurposed refrain, “I’m So Irie,” sung by Denver-based rastaman, Spellbinder.

The New Mastersounds know what feels good and deliver it in spades on their latest long-player. It was, after all, “Made For Pleasure.”

I said it before and I will say it again and again…Do Not Miss This Show.

The New Mastersounds perform at Stanley’s Bar-B-Q, 525 Beckham St., Tyler starting around 8pm. There will be a small cover charge.

Darkside of Daylight @ Clicks Live, January 29th, 9pm Representing Longview, TX., Darkside of Daylight is not new to the metal community. Since 2005 this band of brothers has shown their hometown of Longview what it means to be at the top of their game and stand tall. They have been lucky enough to share the stage with Sepultura, Drowning Pool, Earshot, Bonded By Blood, Belfagore, Nightshade, It Lies Within, and Within Chaos just to name a few.

Darkside of Daylight has a unique sound of their own which holds true to their heavy metal genre with influences such as The Faceless, Fear Factory, and All Shall Perish. Darkside of Daylight has proven that longevity in this industry is the key to building a strong fan base, consummate professional’s proven worthy of all opportunities that come their way.

They will be sharing the stage with Avatar, a Swedish Metal band along with September Mourning, and Rivethead. If you want to rock out this will be the show for you.

To get to know the guys, go to: • www.reverbnation.com/darksideofdaylight • www.facebook.com/darksideofdaylight See you at Clicks Live!

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The Tuxedo Cats January 9th

Chris Colston January 15th

Park Heights Music January 17th

Landon Evans Band January 22nd

The Kid Icarus Project January 23rd

King Richard & the Bayou Boys January 29th

Texas Rebellion January 30th

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

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

The Old Firehouse:

A “Coffeehouse” Hosting National Folk Musicians and Indie Films The Old Firehouse is hosting an exciting lineup of Acoustic Music Concerts and Independent Films this month.

Music Concerts begin at 7:30pm and doors open at 7pm. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Old Firehouse is cash only.

Saturday, January 23rd

Jacob Johnson

Jacob Johnson, long considered the Sinatra of Neo-Acoustic Folk/ Funk, “attacks his guitar like a man possessed...like a fella who’s just discovered the instrument and is hell-bent on figuring out what the dag-blasted thing can do.”

It’s not just Jacob Johnson’s guitar virtuosity that’ll stop you in your tracks. It’s his infectious joy for playing and performing that captures you, locks you in, and sends you back into your life two steps happier. Pure musical joy works that way. It infects us, seeps into our pores, makes our hearts full. Indeed, Jacob Johnson woos us all with the kind of music we fell in love with music for - infectious folk songs played with the sincere conviction that no tune can change the world, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Accolades include: • 2014 & 2015 Featured Performer Walnut Valley Festival (Winfield, KS) • 2015 “Folkstage Live” concert broadcast, WFMT Chicago • 2015 Featured Performer Wildflower Festival (Richardson, TX) • Winner 2012 Nashville Connection: Hero’s Salute “Songwriter of the Year” Jacob Johnson has several well-known songs. One is “Feed The Birds” from the movie Mary Poppins. “I’ve been playing guitar ever since I realized that I sucked at sports. I spend my time touring, writing, and maintaining my artistic integrity.”

“Jacob’s album, ‘One Take Jake’ is filled with crystalline, pyrotechnical guitar playing but he has infused his performance with personality. It runs right down his arms into his fingers, onto the strings missing not a grain of warmth and meticulous guitar spirit. The guitar is not just an instrument in the hands of Jacob Johnson - it’s his soulmate.” - No Depression Magazine It has been said that, “Jacob, you got some cool stuff! Nice vids bro! Good enthusiasm.” We agree, Johnson is very creative and entertaining on stage.

Other upcoming concerts at Old Firehouse include: • Saturday, February 20th - Pierce Pettis • Saturday, March 12th - Dana Cooper • Saturday, April 30th - Cherie Call

Upcoming Concerts Friday, January 22nd at 7:30pm

“Annie” The Musical

“Annie” will be on stage at the Cowan Center. Leapin’ Lizards! The world’s best-loved musical returns in time-honored form. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin and choreographed

by Liza Gennaro, this production of “Annie” will be a brand new incarnation of the iconic original. Featuring book and score by Tony Award®-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charnin, “Annie” includes such unforgettable songs as, “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.” The Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the University of Texas at Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the box office, by calling (903)5667424, or log on at www.uttyler.edu/cowan.

January 22nd at 7:30pm

The Texas Tenors

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The Texas Tenors bring back their unique blend of Country, Gospel, Classical and Broadway style from their award-winning Branson show to east Texas!

The Texas Tenors were named the 2011 and 2012 Critic’s Choice Group of the Year and Ensemble of the Year in Branson, MO. They won the 2013 Legacy Group and also the 2013 Best Christmas show by Bransonblogers. com. The Texas Tenors are also currently ranked the #1 out of #198 Branson attractions/shows on TripAdvisor.com. Over 100 million people from around the world tuned in to see The Texas Tenors become “the #1 vocal group in the history of “America’s Got Talent.”

Winning the hearts of millions, The Texas Tenors burst onto the national scene and never looked back. Since then, the group has performed more than 600 concerts around the world. This concert is near sell out! Get your tickets at BelcherCenter.com or by calling the Box Office at (903)233-3080. LeTourneau University Belcher Center is located at 2100 S. Mobberly Ave. Longview, TX 75602.

January 23rd at 8pm

Asleep at the Wheel

Asleep at the Wheel is an American country music group that was formed in Paw Paw, West Virginia, but is based in Austin. Altogether,

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

Saturday, January 9th - “Still Life” Written and directed by Uberto Pasolini, starring Eddie Marsan and Joanne Froggatt, “Still Life” is about the life for the unassuming John May (Eddie Marsan). It has always revolved around his work for the local council in South London, finding the next of kin of those who have died alone. Profoundly dedicated to his work, he believes that everyone deserves a dignified exit, and writes eulogies and organizes funerals for those who wouldn’t have them otherwise. But when a new case – an elderly alcoholic in a flat directly opposite his own – hits him harder than usual, he journeys outside London to track down the man’s long-abandoned daughter (Joanne Froggatt). Against the odds, the two lonely souls are drawn to each other – and John’s outlook starts to open to life’s possibilities.

“Still Life” is a poignant, quixotic tale of life, love, and the afterlife.

The short film “Relentless” will be shown prior to the feature along with an introduction by filmmaker Chris Rollins of Tyler.

Saturday, March 26th - “Experimenter” Starring Taryn Manning, Winona Ryder, and Peter Sarsgaard, “Experimenter’ is based on the true story of famed social psychologist Stanley Milgram, who in 1961 conducted a series of radical behavior experiments that tested ordinary humans willingness to obey by using electric shock. The audience follows Milgram, from meeting his wife Sasha, through his controversial experiments that sparked public outcry.

Milgram is trying to come to terms with the Holocaust. His experiment is about conformity, conscience, and free will. He doesn’t expect results, but 65% of the subjects deliver shocks that may be fatal, obeying commands from a lab-coated authority figure. Milgram is accused of being a monster. His next experiments are more hopeful. He reignites controversy with his book, “Obedience to Authority.” Fortified by the love of his family, Milgram carries on, exploring human nature, and fighting false perceptions.

The film’s style is as playful and provocative as a Milgram experiment, showing how Milgram’s conscience and creative spirit continue to be resonant and be inspirational.

About Old Firehouse Concerts and films are scheduled each month from September through May and can be found at www.theoldfirehouse.net.

The Old Firehouse is an intimate, smoke-free, and alcohol-free “Coffeehouse” which has made a name for itself by bringing national folk musicians and their all-original music to Edom’s unique listening room and stage. The Old Firehouse Cinema offers a monthly viewing experience of first run independent films to Edom as well.

Information can be found by contacting The Old Firehouse at www.theoldfirehouse.net, info@theoldfirehouse.net or by phone at (903)852-ART1 (2781). Both the concert and film series are laborsof-love by owners Jeff & Judy Gottesman, as they don’t expect to make any kind of profit from these endeavors, however sponsorships of the films and concerts are always appreciated. they have won nine Grammy Awards since their 1970 inception.

In their career, they have released more than twenty studio albums, and have charted more than twenty singles on the Billboard country charts. Their highest-charting single, “The Letter That Johnny Walker Read,” peaked at No. 10 in 1975. Tickets are available at www.LibertyTyler.com. Liberty Hall is located in downtown Tyler, 103 E. Erwin.

January 28th at 8pm

“Shaping Sound: Dance Reimagined”

Under the Artistic Direction of Travis Wall, and co-created with Nick Lazzarini, Teddy Forance and Kyle Robinson, “Shaping Sound” is an electrifying mash-up of dance styles and musical genres brought fully to life on stage by a dynamic company of contemporary dancers.

After rising to fame on “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing With The Stars,” these dancers - some of the best talent on stage right now - starred in their own reality TV show, Oxygen Network’s “All the Right Moves.” Audiences of all ages will experience the exhilarating collaboration of these visual musicians whose explosive choreography, dynamic rhythm, speed, and physical strength, give shape and form to sound, thus appropriately named, “Shaping Sound: Dance Reimagined.” Tickets are $32-$67. Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on The University of Texas at Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the Box Office, or by calling (903)566-7424, or online at www.uttyler.edu/cowan.

January 30th at 7:30pm

Kenny Rogers

The Piney Woods Fine Arts Association presents special headline event, Kenny Rogers singing all his number one hits!

Kenny Roger’s long list of timeless classics includes an impressive 24 #1 hits. “The Gambler,” “Lady, Lucille,” “She Believes in Me,” “Islands in the Stream,” and “We’ve Got Tonight” are among them. He has sold more than 120 million albums worldwide, making him one of the Top Ten Best Selling Male Solo Artists of all time, according to the Recording Industry Association. Other accolades include three Grammy Awards, 19 American Music Awards, 11 People’s Choice Awards, 8 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 6 Country Music Association Awards, including the CMA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. He was voted the “Favorite Singer of All-Time” in a joint poll by readers

of both “USA Today” and “People.” Kenny still loves touring and recording new music. This will be held at the Crockett Civic Center, 1100 Edminston Dr., Crockett. For tickets or more info go to pwfaa. org. Tickets start at $62.

February 12th at 7:30pm

Lecrae

Lecrae is quickly developing into one of the biggest music stories of the year and his Cinderella rise has been noted everywhere from “Rolling Stone,” “XXL Magazine,” “Vibe Magazine,” “The New York Times,” “The Atlantic,” and the cover of “The Huffington Post Magazine” to industry trades such as “Billboard Magazine,” “Variety,” and “Vulture.” He’s performed at the BET Experience, co-hosted The Dove Awards, co-headlined the highest ticketed tour in the country (Winter Jam) and received a nomination for Best Impact Track at this year’s BET Hip Hop Awards.

Sway Calloway, MTV News Executive Producer and host of his own nationally syndicated radio show, “The Wake Up Show,” recently proclaimed Lecrae as the “Evolution of Hip-Hop.” And yet there’s still so much more on the horizon for Lecrae. Tickets start at $25.

A VIP Meet & Greet ticket is available for $50. Get your tickets at BelcherCenter.com or by calling the Box Office at (903)233-3080.

LeTourneau University Belcher Center is located at 2100 S. Mobberly Ave. Longview, TX 75602.

February 13th at 8pm

Man Standing,” starring Tim Allen. In 2004, Alvarez Guitars created the MMY1 Monte Montgomery Signature Guitar, a model based on Montgomery’s 1987 Alvarez-Yairi DY62C Acoustic-Electric Guitar. At the age of 12 Monte moved to Texas to live with his mom, a singer/ songwriter who instilled in him a passion for music and a taste for the life he was destined to lead as he sang and performed with her in Hill Country picking parlors. It was the eventual move to Austin where you could say he earned his musical baccalaureate from that city’s highly competitive music scene (earning him seven consecutive Austin Music Awards). That led to the current fulfillment of his musical destiny - a dedicated fan base, critical acclaim, and an ever growing touring circuit in the U.S. and Europe. It’s no wonder that when Terry Lickona introduced him on that Austin City Limits’ stage some years ago he uttered these words, “Monte Montgomery blows people away. There is no other way to describe it.” Tickets can be purchased at www.LibertyTyler.com. Liberty Hall is located in downtown Tyler at 103 E. Erwin.

February 26th at 8pm

“Saturday Night Fever”

One of the most beloved dance stories of all time has become a spectacular new production, “Saturday Night Fever.” It is the coming of age tale of young Tony Manero who learns the value of life in 1970s Brooklyn. Based on the 1977 movie starring John Travolta, “Saturday Night Fever” is packed with legendary hits from the Bee Gees, including “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” “Jive Talking,” “You Should Be Dancing,” and “How Deep 2nd Annual Rockin’ Valentine’s Festival featuring Bret is Your Love,” in addition to several Michaels new songs written especially for this Featuring special guests Warrant and Lita Ford, the 2nd Annual production. Tickets are $42-$67.

Rockin’ Festival will host headliner Bret Michaels. Tickets start at $35. Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on The University This will be held at the Oil Palace in Tyler. Visit www.oilpalace.com of Texas at Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the Box Office, or by for more details. calling (903)566-7424, or online at www.uttyler.edu/cowan.

February 20th at 8pm Tuesday, March 1st at 7:30pm

Monte Montgomery

Montgomery was named the best acoustic guitarist seven consecutive years at the South by Southwest music event in Austin, Texas. Montgomery appeared on PBS’s Austin City Limits program in April 1999. Montgomery has authored music for the criminal drama “Arc” (2006) and music for the ABC TV series “Last

1st, 2016. The Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the University of Texas at Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the box office, by calling (903)566-7424, or log on at www.uttyler.edu/ cowan.

March 24th at 8pm

The Irish Tenors

“The Irish Tenors” powerful vocal line-up of Finbar Wright, Anthony Kearns, and Ronan Tynan are unquestionably the leading brand of this genre. These classically trained singers have been touring together since 1998, with sold-out shows at Radio City Music Hall, Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, and major concert halls throughout the world. They’ve proven themselves gifted interpreters of a wide range of material, with songs such as “My Heart Will Go On” (Titanic), and “Fairytale of New York.” These songs live comfortably in their repertoire alongside “Danny Boy.” This concert will sell out fast so get your tickets as soon as you can. Tickets are $32-$67.

Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on The University of Texas at Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the Box Office, or by calling (903)566-7424, or online at www.uttyler.edu/cowan.

Thursday, April 7th at 7:30pm

The Hot Sardines

The Hot Sardines will perform at the Cowan Center. Known as “New York’s hot-jazz darlings,” The Hot Sardines are indeed one of the hottest acts currently touring the country. The Sardine sound – wartime Paris via New Orleans, or the other way around – is steeped in hot jazz, salty stride piano, “Vocalosity” and the kind of music Louis Armstrong, Django Reinhardt, and Fats “Vocalosity” is on stage at the Cowan Center. “Vocalosity” is the Waller used to make - straight-up, foot-stomping jazz. Literally – the all-new live concert event from the creative mind of artistic producer band includes a tap dancer whose feet count as two members of the Deke Sharon (“Pitch Perfect,” “The Sing-Off”) that takes a cappella to rhythm section! They manage to invoke the sounds of a near-century a whole new level. This fast-paced production features 12 dynamic ago and stay resolutely in step with the current age. And while their voices singing some of today’s chart-topping hits in brand-new roots run deep into jazz, that most American of genres, they’re interarrangements too incredible to miss. This production will offer the twined with French influences via their frontwoman, who was born opportunity for local involvement by way of a contest where each and raised in Paris (and writes songs in both languages). The Cowan local a cappella group may submit a video to the “Vocalosity” website Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the University of Texas and Deke will choose a winner. That winner will open the second half at Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the box office, by calling of the show with a 3 to 4 minute piece. Tickets sales begin February (903)566-7424, or log on at www.uttyler.edu/cowan.

& Sat., Jan. 2 - Shhhh! we're resting quietly. (NO BAND) Sun., Jan. 3 - THE JEREMIAH JACKSON BAND Sat., Jan. 9 - HUBCAP & THE LOOSE NUTS Sat., Jan. 16 - ALLY VENABLE BAND Sun., Jan. 17 - THE JEREMIAH JACKSON BAND Sat., Jan. 23 - SOMETHING BLUE Sat., Jan. 30 - MAGNOLIA BROWN Comfortable Casual Atmosphere Ladies Night on Wednesdays Happy Hour Noon ‘til 5:00pm

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

EGuideMagazine.com • 17

EGuideMagazine.com GigGuide Friday, January 1st

Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12

Click’s Live – The Komplex, 8-12 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – DJ Krash Karaoke, 8-12 Eddy’s, Athens – DJ, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Josh Brock, 7-10 Jakes – Live Music, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Live Music, 8-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6-9 Rick’s – Live Music, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Wes Hart’s Open Mic, 8-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Where’s Rufus –Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12

Friday, January 8th

Saturday, January 2nd The Back Porch, Kilgore – Ally Venable Band, 9-1 Circle M Crawfish – Dale Riley, 7-10 Dakotas Chop House – Todd Rinlee, 7-10 Eddy’s, Athens – DJ, 9-1 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Brian Grace Band, 7-10 Jakes – Live Music, 9-12 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Live Music, 9-1 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Aaron Copeland, 9-1 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6-9 Ricks – Live Music, 9-1 River Run ATV Park – Franklin Embry, 8-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Live Music, 9-1 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Vintage Edom – Eric Moseley Duo, 12-3 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-12 Yamato – Ramoth Gilead, 8-12

Sunday, January 3rd Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – Raven Hunter, Brad Huff, 9-12 Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 12-3 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Eddie & The Forgers, 7-10 Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm XLN – The Jeremiah Jackson Band, 9-12

Monday, January 4th C10, Jacksonville – Acoustic Pickin’ Circle, 6-9 Circle M Crawfish – Darrin Morris, 7-10

Tuesday, January 5th Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 The Foundry – Open Mic, 6-9 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Open Mic, 7-10 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Open Mic, 8-12 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12

Wednesday, January 6th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Doug Kent, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Open Mic, 6-10 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Open Mic, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Matt Dunn, 8-11

Thursday, January 7th

18 • EGuideMagazine.com

Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Eddy’s, Athens – Karaoke, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Dillon Myers, 7-10 The Foundry – Live Acoustic, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Potpourri House – Todd Rinlee, 6-9 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9

The Back Porch, Kilgore – Darby Warren Project, 8-12 Cork – Lauren Alexander, 8-11 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – DJ Krash Karaoke, 8-12 Eddy’s, Athens – DJ, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Owen Tiner, 7-10 Half Moon Grill – The Kid Icarus Project, 8-12 Jakes – Live Music, 8-11 Lago Del Pino – Live Music, 8-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Grady Spencer, 9-12 Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – The Tuxedo Cats, 8-12 Rick’s – Live Music, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Where’s Rufus –Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12

Saturday, January 9th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Richard Stuart Band, 9-1 Click’s Live – Broken Silence,Edge Of Misery, Tungsten Wake, 9-12 Circle M Crawfish – Blue Louie, 7-10 Cork – The Kid Icarus Project, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Rachel Stacy & Jimmy Wallace, 7-10 Jakes – Live Music, 9-12 Juls – DJ, 7-10 Lago Del Pino – Lauren Alexander, 8-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Gary Patrick, 9-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6-9 Purple Pig – Live Music, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Chris Colston, 8-12 Rick’s – Live Music, 9-1 Stone Country, Lindale – Casey Martin, 9-1 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Vintage Edom – Steve Fuqua, 12-3 XLN – Hubcap & The Loose Nuts, 9-1 Willowbrook Country Club – The Magills, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-12 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1

Sunday, January 10th Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – Daniel Wilson, Morgan Garner, 9-12 Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 12-3 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Eddie & The Forgers, 7-10 Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm XLN – The Blacksmiths, 9-12

Monday, January 11th C10, Jacksonville – Jam Session, 6-9 Circle M Crawfish – Darrin Morris, 7-10

Tuesday, January 12th Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Blaine Gray, 8-12 The Foundry – Open Mic, 6-9 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Open Mic, 7-10 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Open Mic, 8-12 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12

Wednesday, January 13th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Chris Colston, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Open Mic, 6-10 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Open Mic, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11

Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Pushwater, 8-11

Thursday, January 14th Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 5-9 Click’s Live – Nicnos, 8-12 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Eli Young Band, 8-12 Eddy’s, Athens – Karaoke, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Wesley Pruitt, 7-10 The Foundry – Live Acoustic, 6-9 Half Moon Grill – DJ LL, 8-12 Juls – Open Mic, 8-12 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Potpourri House – Todd Rinlee, 6-9 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – The New Mastersounds, 8-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12

Friday, January 15th

Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm Republic Icehouse – Landon Evans Band, 8-12 XLN – The Jeremiah Jackson Band, 9-12

Monday, January 18th C10, Jacksonville – Open Mic, 6-9 Circle M Crawfish – Darrin Morris, 7-10

Tuesday, January 19th Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 6-9 The Foundry – Open Mic, 6-9 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Open Mic, 7-10 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Open Mic, 8-12 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12

The Back Porch, Kilgore – Blaine Hart Band, 8-12 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Karaoke, 8-12 Eddy’s, Athens – DJ, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Justin Pecina, 7-10 The Foundry – Live Music, 6-9 Jakes – Live Music, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 7-10 Lago Del Pino – Live Music, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Tejas Brothers, 8-12 Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Parker Heights Music, 8-12 Rick’s – Live Music, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12

Wednesday, January 20th

Saturday, January 16th

Friday, January 22nd

The Back Porch, Kilgore – Todd Freeman & Bulletproof, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Chris Colston, 7-10 Clicks Live – Giving Up The Ghost, Oceans Ego, Karma, Sons Of Affliction, 8-12 Jakes – Ramoth Gilead, 8-11 Lago Del Pino – Live Music, 9-1 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Ben Lowery, 9-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6-9 Purple Pig – Austin Layne, 6-9 Rick’s – Live Music, 9-1 Stone Country, Lindale – Live Music, 9-1 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Vintage Edom – Mary Alice, 12-3 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 Wrights BBQ – The Tuxedo Cats, 7-11 XLN – Ally Venable Band, 9-1 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1

The Back Porch, Kilgore – What The Funk, 8-12 Click’s Live – Through The Fire, Adelitas Way, Failure Anthem, 8-12 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – The Front Porch Family Band, William Clark Green, 8-12 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Karaoke, 8-12 Eddy’s, Athens – DJ, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Jaden Farnsworth, 7-10 The Foundry – Live Music, 6-9 Jakes – Eric Moseley Duo, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 7-10 Lago Del Pino – Live Music, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Chip Murrey & Texas Underground, 8-12 Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6-9 Purple Pig – Live Music, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Kid Icarus, 8-12 Rick’s – Live Music, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12

Sunday, January 17th Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 8-12 Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 12-3 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Eddie & The Forgers, 7-10

The Back Porch, Kilgore – Adam Brown, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Open Mic, 6-10 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Open Mic, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Stefan Cotter, 7-11

Thursday, January 21st Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 5-9 Eddy’s, Athens – Karaoke, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Guthrie Kennard, 7-10 The Foundry – Live Acoustic, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12

Saturday, January 23rd

Friday, January 29th

The Back Porch, Kilgore – Cody Wayne Music, 9-1 Circle M Crawfish – Teazur, 7-10 Click’s Live – Night Lights, 9-1 Dakota’s Chop House – The Magills, 8-11 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Kid Icarus, 7-10 Juls – Purple Velvet Fox, 7-10 Lago Del Pino – Paul Shafer, 9-1 Liberty Hall – Asleep At The Wheel, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Kris Gordon, 9-12 The Old Firehouse ,Edom – Jacob Johnson, 7-10 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – King Richard & The Bayou Boys, 8-12 Rick’s – Live Music, 9-1 Stone Country, Lindale – Live Music, 9-1 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Vintage Edom – Michael Jesch, 12-3 Where’s Rufus - DJ, 9-1 XLN – Something Blue, 9-1 Yamato – Ramoth Gilead, 8-12

The Back Porch, Kilgore – Big Hotel, 8-12 Clicks Live – Avatar, September Morning, Rivethead, Darkside Of Daylight 8-12 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Karaoke, 8-12 Eddy’s, Athens – DJ, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Jenna McDaniel, 7-10 The Foundry – Live Music, 6-9 Half Moon Grill – Chris Wayne Band, 8-12 Jakes – Live Music, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 6-9 Lago Del Pino – Live Music, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Wayland Hicks, 8-12 Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Texas Rebellion, 8-12 Rick’s – Live Music, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Luke Wade, Chance Pena, 8-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12

Sunday, January 24th Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 12-3 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Eddie & The Forgers, 7-10 Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm XLN – The Blacksmiths, 9-12

Monday, January 25th C10, Jacksonville – Jazz N J’Ville, 6-9 Circle M Crawfish – Darrin Morris, 7-10

Tuesday, January 26th Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 The Foundry – Open Mic, 6-9 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Open Mic, 7-10 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Open Mic, 8-12 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12

Wednesday, January 27th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Richard Doredant, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Open Mic, 6-10 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Jimmy Bailey, 7-11

Thursday, January 28th Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Eddy’s, Athens – Karaoke, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Matt Dunn, 7-10 The Foundry – Live Acoustic, 6-9 Lago Del Pino – Live Music, 8-12 Potpourri House – Todd Rinlee, 6-9 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9

The Back Porch, Kilgore – The Dagnabbit Band, 8-12 Breakers – The Tuxedo Cats, 8-10 Circle M Crawfish – Chip Murrey & Texas Underground, 7-10 Clicks Live – Death Row Bodeen, Pulse DFW, 8-12 Cork – Shayliff, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Jimmy Wallace, 7-10 Jakes – Keith Rea, 8-11 Lago Del Pino – Live Music, 9-1 Liberty Hall – Edwin Holt, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Chance Anderson, 9-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – CulverHouse, 8-12 Rick’s – Live Music, 9-1 Stone Country, Lindale – Live Music, 9-1 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 XLN – Magnolia Brown, 9-1 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1

Sunday, January 31st Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 8-12 Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 12-3 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Eddie & The Forgers, 7-10 Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm XLN – The Blacksmiths, 9-12

The #1 Source for Music in East Texas To be included here, send your gigs to:

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Available for Rental

Saturday, January 30th

V I N T E D G E

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

Art Inside the Artist’s Studio:

The Amazing Hancock Brothers Lookers Get Punched in the Looking Balls:

By Derrick White First, ‘Happy New Year’ and may all of your dreams and wishes come true for you and yours this coming year.

“Nothing is true, everything is permitted.” – William S. Burroughs Standing in a dimly lit, Kubrick-long hallway on the third floor of a tattered Ramada Inn in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana, after attending an evening reception for artist Wayne White, I knock on the door for room #308. Through the cracked space of the creaking, slowly opening door, appears a small, oxidized yet powerful handgun gripped in an ink stained hand. Suddenly, this feels like a scene from a B horror movie. Then the door widens and artist (and legend) John Hancock warmly greets my friend Paul and I saying, “Hey guys, come on in. Would you like a drink?” John has his signature thick, dark beard. He is dressed in a plaid shirt, wears a western belt buckle, custom made cowboy boots, and straw bowler hat. He is relaxing with some chewing tobacco, and a glass of whiskey. This night is about to get strange and entertaining. We go out to a few casinos, get some food, and talk long into the night about art and other strange topics until John eventually decides to go to sleep on the floor under the hotel room desk.

John Hancock is an expert printmaker, visual and performance artist, and a printmaking professor at Mary Hardin Baylor in Belton, Texas. John attended Baylor University where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and received his Master of Fine Arts degree from Texas Tech University. Together, with his brother Charles - who also earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Baylor University and is also an expert printmaker, visual and performance artist, currently living in Austin - are the dynamic duo of the The Amazing Hancock Brothers creating, collaborating, performing, and printing images and mash-ups on anything and everything. Charles and John are two Texas outlaw (outsider artist) printmakers producing and exhibiting their unique, collaborative, and powerfully raw prints and collages for the delight and horror of viewers. Their work has a strong visual punch one can feel right behind the eyes. The Hancock Brothers conduct demonstrations, spoken word poetry events, printmaking workshops, participate in exhibitions nationally and internationally, and have work in numerous collections. They are both members of the Mid-America Print Council, Southern Graphics, founding members of the DPA print organization, regulars at Austin’s Annual Ink Slingaz Ball, and inspiring supporters of Drive By Press.

The Hancock Brother’s mash-ups are a sight to behold. Using screen-printing and acrylic paint they will lay out papers, fabrics or, in most cases, blocks of wood and, using a wide variety of screenprinted images, begin to create spontaneously on the surfaces. In a ferocity of commotion they collaborate on twenty to fifty artworks simultaneously. They randomly choose colors of ink and the placement of different images. Their library of Hancock representations is immense. The juxtapositions are endless – skulls next to eyepatch lady faces with fishnet stockings combined with vintage advertisements, zombie faces, snakes, sexy skull women in short skirts, monsters, devils, robots, panties, monkeys, wieners, etc.

They use images of animal and human mutations, sombrerowearing Mexican sugar skulls combined with different text and hidden meanings from words like ‘porno vampyre’ to the peculiar text RU486 (the abortion pill). The Hancock’s colors are bold and intense. Their images are horrific, subversive, and tantalizing.

Their art is vexing, eye catching, and pleasurable. There is an uncertain enticing mischief to their images reminiscent of finding a dirty magazine down in a creek bed when you were eleven. Their process is disordered, expressive, explicit, and prolific. They make a lot of work. The end results of their work are unpredictable. “The dream is a spontaneous happening and therefore dangerous to a control system set up by the non-dreamers,” is a quote from William Burroughs (oftentimes a Hancock subject).

John and Charles are master woodcut printmakers with thousands of custom hand carved blocks of their signature style images.

On one recent trip to East Texas to attend a workshop, Charles sat in the passenger seat of John’s pickup and fearlessly carved several blocks during the ride. He carved several astonishing blocks. The floor was littered with wood shaving ankle deep by the time they arrived. The Hancock’s art has an edgy aesthetic to those unfamiliar 20 • EGuideMagazine.com

but do not let their expertise in printmaking get lost in their eccentric imagery. I’ve watched them carefully and clearly explain the process of printmaking to a room full of students and onlookers.

They inform and entertain, and act as print missionaries with their message, ‘art and art making is for everyone.’ Don’t let any elitist, high art, self-proclaimed culturemaker tell you otherwise. Make art. Do you want to be a weirdo?

Be a weirdo.

John and Charles celebrate the frivolous and the low brow, but with a visual whack upside your head, and behind the graffiti art aesthetic is a proficiency in process.

I leave you with another William Burroughs’ quote I find fitting to the Hancocks and their artistic philosophy, “You were not there for the beginning. You will not be there for the end. Your knowledge of what is going on can only be superficial and relative.”

Drive By Press is a touring woodblock printing company visiting college and university campuses nationwide, conducting print workshops, and touring with popular bands. They discuss on their website about the inspiration behind a new Hancock image t-shirt, “John Hancock is a founding father of 21st century printmaking in America. This shirt is for anyone who has ever had the pleasure of knowing or working with this amazing artist. We decided to pay tribute to this great man who has done so much for Drive By Press and American printmaking. Taylor designed and carved this one, and we are proud of it! We printed this wood block with Drive By Black ink onto a super soft slightly heather t-shirt.” Get some!

More information can be found at www.drivebypress.com/ collections/mens-collection/products/john-hancock-tee The Amazing Hancock Brothers visit us behind the East Texas Pine Curtain every couple of years or so. They had an exhibition and conducted an intense workshop at Tyler Junior College back in April, 2015. Now we eagerly await their next return. I can feel the thunder gathering even now.

Stay tuned. Stay informed. Stay weird.

Events

Rose City Artisans & Flower Market - Time to Sign up! The upcoming Rose City Artisans & Flower Market at the Goodman is scheduled for FridaySaturday, March 25th-26th.

Please e-mail Nora Schreiber at ms.nora.schreiber@gmail. com for a Vendor Application Packet. “We understand this will be Easter Weekend so we would like to put a fun spin on the event by having two Mini Egg Hunts and the Easter Bunny on Friday at 11am and 1pm on the north side of the house,” said Schreiber. “We are expecting this year’s market to be a ton of fun!” There will be live entertainment, and admission is free to the public. Any vendors and artists that would be a good fit for this wonderful event are welcome.

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

Gallery Main Street features a new exhibit of original art approximately every eight weeks. Each exhibit opens with a Saturday evening reception that features music, an opportunity to meet the artists, refreshments, and more. The Opening Receptions are free and open to the public. Upcoming exhibits at Gallery Main Street are: • “Silver Lining” is currently on exhibit through January 4th • “Shattered Images” - Opening reception Saturday, January 9th,

5:30-8pm. On exhibit through March 8th • “Natural Abstractions” - Entries due Friday, February 19th; Opening Reception March 12th • “Landmarks” - Entries due Friday, April 8th; Opening Reception April 30th • “6x6@110” - Open participation fundraiser opening June 6th • “Urban Underground” - Entries due Friday, June 17th; Opening Reception July 9th • “Movie Posters” - Entries due Friday, August 19th; Opening Reception September 10th • “Glassy and Glossy” - Entries due Friday, October 21st; Opening Reception November 5th Entry prospectus are available at the Gallery Main Street website.

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

Saturday, January 23rd - Congregation Beth El Sisterhood Annual Art Auction will be held 6-10pm at Temple Beth El, 1010 Charleston, Tyler. The 38th Annual Art Auction is presented for the first time this year by Marlin Art of New York. The event begins with an Art Preview at 6pm and the auction begins at 7pm. Light refreshments will be available throughout the evening. Tickets are available at the door for a donation of $10 per person. For advance tickets call (903)581-3764 or go to www.jewishtyler.com.

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*A Spiritual Journey of a Great Artist and Peacemaker:

Ruth Drayer

“There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that’s your own self.” – Aldous Huxley author of “Brave New World”

By Derrick White “Where there is peace, there is culture; where there is culture, there is peace.” – Nicholas Roerich.

I believe people come into your life for a reason and one of the biggest blessings of being an educator is how many lives cross paths with my own. I was privileged enough to meet and befriend a Tyler Junior College student a few years ago and I have to say, if more people on this seemingly imploding planet were more like Ruth, things would be a lot better. Take my word for it.

Local east Texas artist, author, numerologist and peace advocate Ruth Drayer has a warm, positive personality, an inner glow, and an eclectic background built from life experiences not formal education.

She always knew she was an artist even though her early home life was, in her words, a battlefield and wasn’t conducive to creativity. She says she spent most of her early childhood hiding. When Ruth began college in Washington, DC, where she had grown up, she intended to teach art but instead she quit school and married a sailor whose life happen to cross her path. By the time her husband was discharged from the Navy and enrolled in medical school, Ruth was working fulltime and was the mother of two children. Still she continued artistic pursuits and worked to brighten their home with color.

Years later, with four kids and a husband starting

At the Tyler Museum of Art This Month:

his private medical practice, Ruth took a local Continuing Education ceramics class and learned to work in clay. Ruth enrolled at the University of Texas at El Paso and took several art classes, and that’s when the magic happened. Unfortunately, then came turmoil. Ruth’s family experienced divorce. “I had to go to work in a florist shop and was trained to do weddings, and I learned the rules of design and discovered I had a natural gift for color,” states Ruth. She remembers, “My life became very hectic after my divorce.”

“As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler; solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness, weakness.” – Henry David Thoreau.

Later, living in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Ruth owned an art gallery, managed another gallery, woodburned designs on sheepskin coats, studied interior design, created rock gardens, and then traveled to Europe. “In Italy, I saw the great value of knowing art history as I recognized so many things I’d studied. I went to many museums, churches, and galleries throughout Europe, and by the time I got to see some of the work of the French Impressionists, I understood the controversy they had created with their brush strokes visible all over their canvases instead of the exact, precise, smooth brush strokes of earlier painters. I then studied color healing, color theory, and read everything I could find on color,” says Drayer.

It was in Italy Ruth realized she could put up with any inconvenience if there was beauty around.

“This idea drew me to the work of the Russian visionary artist Nicholas Roerich, who believed beauty speaks an international, global language. If people were educated to the importance of art, we could all live in a world of peace. He was called a master of color and during the next 15 years I researched and wrote his biography, ‘Nicholas & Helena Roerich, the Spiritual Journey of Two Great Artists & Peacemakers.’ I saw many of his 7,000 pieces. It was his use of color that fascinated and inspired me most,” asserts Ruth. Nicholas Roerich established the peace pact, an international agreement allowing any nation to protect its cultural or artistic heritage with a symbolic banner, the Banner of Peace. The pact states, “Educational, artistic, and scientific institutions shall be protected and respected by belligerents without any discrimination. Thus, any site of cultural activity around the world can fly the Banner of Peace to declare neutrality, independent of combatant forces, and protected by international treaty.”

After writing and publishing a book on the Roerichs, Ruth began to find peace and tranquility in painting. She was drawn to non-representational art.

“I wanted permission to paint without knowing what I was doing,” she says. Ruth adds, “It’s all a voyage of discovery, just like life.”

range of stylistic approaches and viewpoints – some offering a glimpse of an artist’s personal vision, with others speaking out as bold political and social calls to Celebrating 45 years of serving the greater action.

East Texas community, the Tyler Museum of Art Encompassing casts the spotlight on our nation’s diversity for its painting, photografirst major exhibition of 2016: “Embracing Diverse phy, sculpture and Voices: 90 Years of African-American Art.” The prints, the exhibishow opens to tion features close the public Sunto 60 works by 25 Elizabeth Catlett, Mexican (b. United States) 1919day, January 17th of the most promi- 2012, “Madonna,” 1982, lithograph. Collection of Kalamazoo Institute of Arts; Permanent Coland continues nent African-Amer- the Fund Purchase. 2008.3. Copyright: VAGA. through March ican artists of the lection info@vagarights.com 20th. Admission last century, includis free. ing Romare Bearden, TMA memElizabeth Catlett, Ernest C. Withers and Kara bers and special Walker, plus Jacob Lawrence’s complete 22-piece guests are invited Legend of John Brown series. A common thread for a first look among the works – from James Van Der Zee’s at the exhibiportraits of Harlem men and women, to Catlett’s tion during the acclaimed Madonna and Ron Adam’s homage to Preview Recepmaster printmaker Robert Blackburn – is the comtion from 5:30plex, but fundamental, expression of identity.

7pm Saturday, Sponsors for the exhibition are Eleanor CamRomare Bearden, American, 1914-1988, “MeckJanuary 16th at eron, East Texas Chapter of The Links, Inc., and lenberg Autumn,” 1979, lithograph. Collection of the the Museum.

The A.W. Riter, Jr. Family Foundation.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts; Permanent Collection To RSVP or for Fund Purchase. 2007.23. Copyright: VAGA. info@ Special Events information on vagarights.com “Embracing Diverse Voices” will be the focus becoming a TMA member, call (903)595-1001 or visit www.tylermu- of the TMA’s 2016 Black History Month Celebration on Sunday, February 21st, featuring a Spring seum.org.

Organized by the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Lecture Series program, “An American Treasure: Celebrating African-American History and Culture” “Embracing Diverse Voices” explores the broad range of experience and artistic expression among presented by Texas artist Ted T. Ellis. The program begins at 2pm at the TMA, and is open to the pubAmerican artists of African descent. Spanning almost a century, these works demonstrate a wide lic at no charge. A small reception will follow.

TMA’s 45th Anniversary Begins with “Embracing Diverse Voices” on January 17th

Ruth Drayer works in acrylics and builds up layers on the surface of the canvas. She uses texture to add extra elements then paints a spiritual symbol or word like love, peace, harmony, etc. which then gets masked and hidden. “Painting has opened another world for me. My art allows me into dimensions I’d never reach in any other way. I’m still fascinated with color, and I get very involved with each brush stroke and how it interacts with the one next to it. It has been so fascinating to see how much my work grows with a life of its own. I see my earlier work and wonder how I did it and wish I could do more, but I’ve never been able to reproduce anything I’ve already completed,” states the artist.

Artists who influence Drayer include Stanton McDonald Wright (American, early abstract painter), Nicholas Roerich (the aforementioned Russian painter, writer, archaeologist, theosophist), Wassily Kandinsky (Russian painter, art theorist and groundbreaker in purely non-representational painting), and Marc Chagall (Russian-French artist and modernist known for his color and dreamlike images).

“I’d say the most important advice I could give is to paint and create for you. When I began, I called my works ‘no thing’ (no object) paintings and I was embarrassed about what people would say when they saw them, and I shared them with very few. But when I had 12 completed, I had my first art show.

My favorite compliment was from an artist friend who said I painted ‘nothing’ better than anyone she’d ever seen,” beams Ruth Drayer, artist and peacemaker.

Check out this artist of visions and dreams at www.ruthdrayer.com or find her on Facebook while you still can before she moves back to New Mexico to paint, live, dream, and receive love and support from her community.

“He who lives in harmony with himself lives in harmony with the universe.” – Marcus Aurelius. * Obviously a borrowed title.

Peace out!

Also on exhibit: Through Sunday, May 22nd

The Granite Sculpture of Candyce Garrett and “Rock Walk”

The pieces are in place, and the monumental works of acclaimed granite sculptor Candyce Garrett are on view for the public with the outdoor installation, “Rock Walk,” featuring 13 of Garrett’s large-scale stone sculptures placed at strategic locations on the grounds of the TMA. Based in Taos, New Mexico, Garrett spent years working in various sculpture media including clay, wood, limestone, and marble, before moving to the challenges of granite as an apprentice to legendary sculptor Jesus Moroles. Often abstract in design but conveying simple, relatable themes, her granite work draws much of its inspiration from the rustic, expansive landscapes of the Southwest desert.

A digital map spotlighting the locations of sculptures featured in “Rock Walk” is available at www.tylermuseum.org. Printed maps also are available in the lobby for the sculpture sites on campus.

As a complement to the nine-month outdoor installation, a series of smaller-scale pieces will be featured during an indoor TMA exhibition, “The Granite Sculpture of Candyce Garrett,” continuing through Sunday, January 17th. The Museum show will spotlight more than 20 of Garrett’s recent works, each following themes similar to those featured in the outdoor project, but with the distinction that, “the average weight of these pieces are around 500, rather than 5,000 pounds,” TMA Executive Director Chris Leahy said.

Upcoming Exhibits: February 7th – May 15th

“Chihuly: Works from Texas Collections”

This exhibition features more than 30 unique works by internationally acclaimed glass artist Dale Chihuly, drawn from the museum’s collection, as well as public and private collections throughout the state.

Ongoing: First Friday Art Tours

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

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

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

Family Days

Drop by the TMA on the second Saturday of every month, and enjoy a fun-filled event, perfect for the entire family.

Family Days are held in the classroom, and children are invited to stop in from 2-4pm and participate in free art activities. Kids will also like the tasty refreshments provided during the event. Family Day activities enhance the current TMA exhibitions by reflecting similar themes, artistic styles, techniques, and other artistic aspects.

Family Days are from 2-4pm Saturday, February 20th and March 12th and will feature the current exhibit, “Embracing Diverse Voices.”

About the Museum 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 most major holidays.

For more information, call (903)595-1001 or visit www.tylermuseum.org.

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Theatre Productions

Friday, January 8th-Sunday, January 10th and Thursday, January 14th-Sunday, January 17th (Evenings 7:30pm - Sundays 2:30pm) - “Farce of Nature” will be performed at Tyler Civic Theatre.

The non-stop hilarity of this Southern-fried farce highlights one day in the life of the Wilburn family of Mayhew, Arkansas. Meet D. Gene Wilburn, the owner and proprietor of the Reel ‘Em Inn, the finest little fishing lodge in the Ozarks. Tyler Civic Theatre is located at 400 Rose Park Drive in Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center. For more info call (903)592-0561 or log on to www.tylercivictheatre. com. The box office is open Monday-Friday, 10am1pm and 2-5pm. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students.

Friday, January 22nd (7:30pm) - “Annie” will be performed at the Cowan Center. Leapin’ Lizards!

The world’s best-loved musical returns in timehonored form. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin and choreographed by Liza Gennaro, this production of “Annie” will be a brand new incarnation of the iconic original.

Featuring book and score by Tony Award® winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charnin, “Annie” includes such unforgettable songs as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.” The Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the University of Texas at Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the box office, by calling (903)566-7424, or log on at www.uttyler.edu/cowan.

Friday, January 22nd (7:30pm) - “The Texas Tenors” will be at the Belcher Performance Center.

With their Emmy-award winning PBS special now airing across the country, and Billboard chart topping albums, it’s easy to see why The Texas Tenors are quickly becoming America’s favorite new tenors. Since their whirlwind debut five years ago on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” The Texas Tenors have accumulated a long list of awards, accolades, and excited fans. They have performed more than 800 concerts around the world, including a 24-city tour in the United Kingdom, Shanghai, China, and collaborations with some of the most prestigious symphonies, performing arts centers, and arenas in the United States. People are clearly enjoying their talent as they were recently named the #10 Classical Artist in the world for 2014 according to “Billboard Magazine.” From Alabama to Puccini, John Hagen, Marcus Collins, and JC Fisher treat audiences to a unique harmony of Country, Classical, Broadway, and contemporary music. They use breathtaking vocals, humor, and a touch of cowboy charm to create a memorable and musically impressive show. Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University is located at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview. For more info call (903)2333080 or log on at www.belchercenter.com. Box office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm.

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Thursday, January 28th (7:30pm) - “Shaping Sound: Dance Reimagined” will be performed at the Cowan Center. Under the Artistic Direction of Travis Wall, and co-created with Nick Lazzarini, Teddy Forance and Kyle Robinson, “Shaping Sound” is an electrifying mash-up of dance styles and musical genres brought fully to life on stage by a dynamic company of contemporary dancers. After rising to fame on “So You Think You Can Dance,” and “Dancing With The Stars,” these dancers – some of the best talent on stage right now – starred in their own reality TV show, Oxygen Network’s “All the Right Moves.” The Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the University of Texas at Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the box office, by calling (903)566-7424, or log on at www. uttyler.edu/cowan.

Friday, February 5th-Sunday, February 7th and Thursday, February 11th-Sunday, February 14th (Evenings 7:30pm - Sundays 2:30pm) - “A Raisin in The Sun” will be on stage at Tyler Civic Theatre. “A Raisin in the Sun” is a play by Lorraine Hansberry that debuted on Broadway in 1959.

The title comes from the poem “Harlem” (also known as “A Dream Deferred”) by Langston Hughes. The story is based on a black family’s experiences in the Washington Park Subdivision of Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood. Tyler Civic Theatre is located at 400 Rose Park Drive in Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center. For more info call (903)592-0561 or log on to www.tylercivictheatre.com. The box office is open Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm and 2-5pm.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students.

Saturday & Sunday, February 20th & 21st and Friday thru Sunday, February 26th-28th (Evenings 7:30pm - Sunday 2pm) - “Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming” will be on stage at the Cherokee Civic Theatre. The final installment in the Sanders Family saga has Dennis returning home from World War II, in 1946 to find Denise raising raucous twins, June expecting her first baby, Uncle Stanley visiting from Hollywood, and Vera and Burl trying to keep everyone on key. Gospel and blue grass music, homespun humor, and heartwarming family moments make for a touching final chapter in the popular trilogy. Cherokee Civic Theatre is located at 157 W. 5th Street, Rusk. For more info call (903)683-2131 or log on at www.cherokeetheatre.net. Tickets start at $10.

Wednesday, February 24th- Sunday, February 27th (Evenings at 7:30pm, Sunday at 2pm) - “The Drowsy Chaperone” will be on stage at the Jean Browne Theatre.

This musical features a man who literally leads the audience into the world of musical comedy. Host, narrator, and guide, the main man in the cast of characters goes by the name of Man in Chair. The title show-within-the-show is a neverwas musical about a playboy, his actress fiancée

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

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

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

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

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

Friday-Sunday, February 26th-28th and FridaySunday, March 4th-6th (Evenings 7:30pm - Sundays 2:30pm) - “Little Women” will be on stage at Henderson Civic Theatre. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic 1869 semi-autobiographical novel, this play focuses on the four March sisters — brassy, tomboy-like, aspiring writer Jo, romantic Meg, pretentious Amy, and kind-hearted Beth — and their beloved Marmee, at home in Concord, Massachusetts while the family patriarch is away serving as a Union Army chaplain during the Civil War. Intercut with the vignettes in which their lives unfold are several recreations of the melodramatic short stories Jo writes in her attic studio. For more info call (903)657-2968 or log on at hendersoncivictheatre.org. Tickets start at $10.

Saturday, February 27th (7:30pm) - “Seventeen Samurai” will be on stage at the Belcher Performance Center. Direct from TAO’s successful, sold-out world premiere run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, this brand new production will tour North America in the Spring of 2016. The new show will bring you athletic bodies and contemporary costumes combined with explosive Taiko drumming and innovative choreography.

“TAO: Seventeen Samurai” has critics raving about TAO’s extraordinary precision, energy, and stamina. With hundreds of sold-out shows and more than six million spectators, TAO has proven that modern entertainment based on the timeless, traditional art of Japanese drumming, entertains international audiences again and again. Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University is located at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview. For more info call (903)233-3080 or log on at www.belchercenter.com. Box office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm.

Tuesday, March 1st (7:30pm) “Vocalosity” will be on stage at the Cowan Center. “Vocalosity” is the all-new live concert event from the creative mind of artistic producer Deke Sharon (“Pitch Perfect,” “The Sing-Off”) that takes a cappella to a whole new level. This fast-paced production features 12 dynamic voices singing some of today’s

chart-topping hits in brand-new arrangements too incredible to miss. This production will offer the opportunity for local involvement by way of a contest where each local a cappella group may submit a video to the “Vocalosity” website and Deke will choose a winner. That winner will open the second half of the show with a 3 to 4 minute piece. The Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the University of Texas at Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the box office, by calling (903)566-7424, or log on at www.uttyler. edu/cowan.

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, March 10th (7:30pm) “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” will be on stage at the Cowan Center. One of the most enduring shows of all time, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” is the irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son. Directed and choreographed by Tony® Award-winner Andy Blankenbuehler, this new production is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colors. The magical musical is full of unforgettable songs, including “Go Go Go Joseph,” “Any Dream Will Do,” and “Close Every Door.” The Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the University of Texas at Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the box office, by calling (903)5667424, or log on at www.uttyler.edu/cowan.

Saturday, March 19th (7:30pm) - “Peter Noone and Herman’s Hermits” will be on stage at the Belcher Performance Center. Universally regarded as one of Rock and Roll’s finest and most versatile entertainers, Peter Noone is second to none! Star of stage, screen, and record, Noone’s performances are the stuff of legend, deftly delivering a broad palette of music, all gems that through his voice, defined a generation. “Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone” is a must-see concert experience. Rock’s premiere raconteur packs plenty of puns but pulls no punches with his music. Peter Noone is the real deal. Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University is located at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview. For more info call (903)233-3080 or log on at www.belchercenter.com. Box office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm.

Family The Tyler & Whitehouse YMCA:

Inc.

“Strengthening the Community through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility”

By Kelly Griffith-Fields Health and wellness typically come to mind at the cusp of a new year. The YMCA makes it their mission to help all community members build a healthy spirit, mind and body through their various programs.

“I believe the YMCA is a somewhat hidden asset,” Tyler branch President and CEO, Jeremy Bumgardner, said. “A lot of the community may not be aware of what we have to offer.”

The nonprofit organization is opening its doors to the public at its Tyler location, as well as at the Whitehouse Community YMCA, on January 9th from 8am-4pm. The open house is completely free for the community the entire day.

“I would like everyone to come out and see what all the YMCA has to offer,” Bumgardner said.

The open house will include tours and use of the facility. Certified instructors will provide demonstrations of their group classes. Classes such as Pilates, yoga, Bodypump and Turbokick are scheduled to take place throughout the day completely free for the public.

Each person that visits the open house will also receive a free one-week pass to the facility.

“It’s a great way to get the New Year’s resolutions kicked off right with a little assistance,” Bumgardner said.

The YMCA is committed to providing services for anyone, regardless of their ability to pay.

Pricing differs throughout a variety of membership options. Single memberships are available for all ages. Senior household membership options, as well as household and single-parent household memberships, offer one rate which covers the whole family.

Financial assistance is also available for those who qualify.

“We are a very inclusive organization,” Bumgardner said. “We offer a sliding-fee scale so that when someone walks in the door, regardless of how much they make, we can help them.” The YMCA provided over $100,000 through their financial assistance in 2015.

Membership to the YMCA of Tyler also gives you access to the Whitehouse YMCA. As another incentive to join during the month of January, both branches are offering a two-for-one special. When two people join the YMCA on separate memberships each will receive fifty percent off their joiner’s fee.

The YMCA of Tyler was founded in October of 1953. The current property on S. Vine Ave. was donated in 1958 and the structure was built. In 1999, they partnered with the Whitehouse City Council to open a branch facility. It was opened in April of 2001, and offers many of the same programs and amenities as the Tyler location.

Amenities at both locations include locker rooms, a gymnasium, and a fitness center. Cardio machines, weight machines as well as free weights, are also available. Space to accommodate group fitness classes is also on site. There are more than 20 group exercise classes held weekly. A wide range of group classes are offered such as Zumba, PiYo, and Cardio Blast. There’s something for everyone - from Gentle Yoga to Les Mills BodyPump!

Unique to the Tyler branch are its two indoor racquetball courts, tennis courts, track, dry sauna and hot tub, and a four-lane, heated pool. The indoor pool was restored and upgraded to a saline (salt water) pool in 2006. It’s maintained at a comfortable 85 degrees.

Large windows stream in sunlight across the four lanes. It is utilized during an Aqua Blast fitness class, lap swimming, free swim and more.

“Flick’n Float is the first Friday of each month,” Bumgardner said.

“We show a family-friendly movie on a big screen inside of the indoor pool area starting at 6:30pm. It is great fun for all ages.”

Each facility offers Child Watch - featured times when parents are able to leave their kids with the qualified childcare staff while they get in a workout. “It eliminates an obstacle of taking care of yourself,” Bumgardner said.

“Catch,” a licensed after school care program at the YMCA provides tutoring, arts and crafts, snacks, and exercise as part of the participant’s daily activities. Core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility are taught as part of the “Catch” curriculum to students from the ten area schools served by the program.

Youth sports programs are available which teach character development through teamwork, sportsmanship, and sharing. All sports teams are coed and embody a philosophy of fair play, and inclusiveness. Basketball, soccer, volleyball, and football are all scheduled on the 2016 sports calendar. To sign up, go to the YMCA website at tylerymca.org.

YMCA of Tyler also provides a licensed pre-school along side their child care programs. Potty trained children ages 2 ½-5 years old may

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enroll. Care is provided Monday-Friday from 7am-6pm. Activities include dramatic play, arts, music, math, reading and writing readiness, as well as field trips and more.

Summer Day Camp for children ages 4-12 is available Monday-Friday from 7am-6pm with various activities during the summer months.

The YMCA states their cause is to “strengthen the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.”

“We’ve been serving Smith County for a long time,” Bumgardner said. “We have a great track record and look forward to continuing to serve our community for years to come.”

YMCA of Tyler, Texas is located at 225 S. Vine Avenue in Tyler, (903)593-7327.

Whitehouse Community YMCA is located at 301 S. Terry Street in Whitehouse, (903)839-9622.

For more information on their programs and amenities, visit tylerymca.org or search Tyler YMCA or Whitehouse Community YMCA on Facebook.

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

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

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

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

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

A lovely, Full Service Venue for all Your Lamping Needs This charming shop not only has the largest and most diverse selection of shades and finials to be found, and the most friendly and efficient repair and restoration department as well. We also can create a custom lamp from a family heirloom or object d' art.

Artisans can design a custom shade or a base from wood, lucite or marble.

Lamps are displayed on fine 18th and 19th century furniture available for purchases. Find the perfect lamp to enhance your residence, office, lake or mountain house.

(903) 787-7547

2029 Old Jacksonville Hwy., Tyler

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