February 1, 2017 • Issue 2, Volume 5
El Guapo Records & Vinyl: ETX Brewing Company: How Music Got Its Groove Back
Good Times Are Brewing Downtown
Daniel Rocha: From Jock To Rock
Sam Fontenot:
Takin’ A Ride On Heavy Metal
Best Seafood in East Texas!
Hand-breaded & Made to Order Boiled Shrimp, Boiled Crawfish Gumbo, Snow Crab Legs & More THE CATCH 1714 S. BECKHAM AVE. TYLER, TEXAS 903.596.8226
LOCATIONS: THE CATCH THE BOILING CATCH 2551 S. MAIN ST. 7922 S. BROADWAY AVE. LINDALE, TEXAS TYLER, TEXAS 430.235.2003 903.630.6429
THE CATCH 3312 N. 4TH ST. LONGVIEW, TEXAS 903.663.2940
4803 Old Bullard Rd, Ste 1, Tyler, TX 75703 (903) 581-6700 — dakotasintyler.com LIVE MUSIC
Wednesdays & Thursdays 7-10 pm Friday & Saturday's 8-11 pm Wednesday, Feb. 1st - Scotty G Thursday, Feb. 2nd - Daniel Rocha Friday, Feb. 3rd - Patrick James Saturday, Feb. 4th - Tuxedo Cats Wednesday, Feb. 8th - Douglas Jay Boyd Thursday, Feb. 9th - Daniel Rocha Friday, Feb. 10th - Gary Patrick Saturday, Feb. 11th - Tyler Dudley Trio Wednesday, Feb. 15th - Gary Patrick Thursday, Feb. 16th - Daniel Rocha Friday, Feb. 17th - Jonah Gonzales Saturday, Feb. 18th - Johnny & the Nightcrawler's Wednesday, Feb. 22nd - Levi Kitchen Thursday, Feb. 23rd - Daniel Rocha Friday, Feb. 24th - Rick St. Mars Saturday, Feb. 25th - Masquerade Party with Live Music Restaurant Hours (Late nights are bar only): Mon-Thur:11am - 10pm, Fri: 11am - 12am, Sat: 2pm - 12am
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EGuideMagazine.com • 3
February 1, 2017 • Issue 2, Volume 5
Contents
5-6 Food
» Brrr, It’s Cold Outside: Local Comfort Foods Will Keep You Warm Inside » Circle M Crawfish: It’s Crawfish Season Again » News & Events
7-10 Things to Do
» At CESSE This Month: Rock ‘n Roll Saturdays, New Dome Shows, and Star Parties » 2017 East Texas Auto & Cycle Show » “Baby It’s Cold Outside: What to do in Tyler on a Cold Winter’s Day” by Holli Fourniquet » “El Guapo Records and the Vinyl Revival: How Music Got Its Groove Back” by Daniel Poe » “ETX Brewing Company: Good Times Are Brewing Downtown” by Johnny Griffith » Winter and Spring Fun Walks, 5K’s, 15K’s, and More » Get Ready to Laugh and Sing at Liberty Hall
11-16 Music
» “Studio 333: The Sweet Sound of Success” by Johnny Griffith » “Heather Little: Living A Real Life” by Johnny Griffith » The Foundry Coffee House to salute Van Morrison » “Daniel Rocha: From Jock To Rock” by Johnny Griffith » Karen Mal and Crystal Yates in Concert at The Old Firehouse In Edom This Month » In Concert: Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt, Baby Ray’s Apollo Night, Black Violin and more » The Complete Music Gig Guide for Live Music
17 Theatre
» Cherokee Civic Theatre to Present “The Hallelujah Girls” on Stage » “Upcoming Plays, Musicals, and More including Studio 103 Play Reading Series, “45 Seconds from Broadway,” Jay Leno, Colin and Brad of “Whose Line is it Anyway, “Jim Brickman – An Evening of Romance,” “ArcAttack,” Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, “Grey Gardens,” “Mary Poppins,” and “The Hallelujah Girls”
18 Art
» Inside the Artist’s Studio: “Sam Fontenot: Takin’ A Ride On Heavy Metal – Artist’s Bliss” by Derrick White » At the Tyler Museum of Art This Month
19 Family
» Romance is in the Air at the Movies » TJC Science Center’s 6th annual ‘Love Under the Stars’
“EGuide Magazine” is an event-driven entertainment magazine focusing on ‘things Publisher Tena Jerger to do’ in East Texas. We are Sales Manager Louie Jerger published once a month. We Copy Editor Holli Fourniquet, are distributed free in our Gini Rainey, Jill Toft unique stands at over 400 locations in Tyler, Lindale, Ben Editorial Wheeler, Edom, Chandler, John Baggett, Holli Fourniquet, Johnny Chapel Hill, Lake Palestine, Griffith, Barbara King, Daniel Poe, Gini Flint, Bullard, Whitehouse, Rainey, Derrick White Rusk, and Jacksonville. Distribution We will list at no charge most events open Mandy Allen, Chris Colston, Louie Jerger, to the public. All necessary information should Barbara King, Chase Miller, Mike Withrow be included such as date, time, ticket cost, description of event, phone number for the public, website address, photos - the more the better. Submit event to: We are looking for freelance writers. If you have a love for writing, send samples to:
Staff
Need Some Extra Cash? EGuideMagazine@gmail.com
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We are always open to ideas and we have several topics available for assignments.
(903)630-3030 • EGuideMagazine@gmail.com
Food
flour noodles that are made daily and sold in markets. Mary Sanders visits often and says, “I had the spring rolls and the ‘special soup’ phò, which comes with flank steak, beef brisket, and meatballs. I also had the jasmine iced tea. Everything was amazing. The spring rolls are pretty minty, and the phò was delicious. I’ll definitely go back again and absolutely recommend to anyone wanting to get their phò on!” Vietnamese Phò Restaurant offers heavenly phò in either vegetarian, chicken, shrimp, beef flank steak, brisket, meatball, and pork varieties. The huge bowls of soup come steaming hot with a side plate loaded with fresh-from-thegarden basil leaves, cilantro, sliced jalapenos, mint leaves, plus bean sprouts, lime slices, and red onion slices. It comes with a hearty helping of rice noodles in the rich broth. Vietnamese Phò Restaurant also has a big variety of plates and appetizers such as Stirfried Noodle dishes, vermicelli, rice dishes with beef, chicken, and shredded pork. Try the Catfish Lemongrass - it is very good. The jasmine tea was also very good. Vietnamese Phò Restaurant is open Monday-Saturday 11am-8pm.
Brrr, It’s Cold Outside:
Local Comfort Foods Will Help to Keep You Warm Inside It is time to snuggle up with some wintery comfort foods. Here are a few that we love around town.
Love & War Lindale Love & War is certainly an epic name for what has become an epic restaurant, located in Lindale and developed by native Texan Tye Phelps who believes the philosophy described by Mr. John Steinbeck: “I have said that Texas is a state of mind, but I think it is more than that. It is a mystique closely approximating a religion. And this is true to the extent that people either passionately love Texas or passionately hate it and, as in other religions, few people dare to inspect it for fear of losing their bearings in mystery or paradox. But I think there will be little quarrel with my feeling that Texas is one thing. For all its enormous range of space, climate, and physical appearance, and for all the internal squabbles, contentions, and strivings, Texas has a tight cohesiveness perhaps stronger than any other section of America. Rich, poor, Panhandle, Gulf, city, country, Texas is the obsession, the proper study and the passionate possession of all Texans.” -John Steinbeck, 1962 L&W’s concept was created to promote Texas - Texans, Texas food, and Texas Heritage. One of our favorite winter foods is L&W’s Terlingua Ten-Pepper Buffalo Chili. This delicious Texas-style chili is served in a huge bowl, piping hot and topped with chopped onions and cheddar cheese. It comes with freshly-baked Texas-shaped honey cornbread. You can get this chili in two sizes, large and small. L&W has legendary steaks, classic dishes such as the Frio Country Platter (one third rack of baby back ribs and a mesquite smoked half chicken brushed with Shiner Bock BBQ Sauce), fajitas, chicken fried steak, hamburgers, fish tacos, and a fun dish - Tye’s Foot Long Habanero Hot Dog, served with the L&W’s Terlingua Ten-Pepper Buffalo Chili on top. A specialty of the house is The Governor’s Feast, which is a family-style dinner for four featuring beef and chicken fajitas, baby back ribs, smoked venison sausage, venison bratwurst, and shrimp Texana, served with refried beans, Texican rice, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, and fresh flour tortillas. Be sure to save room for L&W’s Campfire S’more Sundae with vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate syrup, graham crackers, and toasted marshmallows, all piled up on a double fudge
chocolate brownie. L&W has live music most weekends featuring Texas singers and songwriters from around the state. Past musicians to perform include Cody Canada, Wayland Hicks, Jason Eady, and Ray Wylie Hubbard. Check out Love and War in Texas in EGuide’s Gig Guide for concert schedules. Love & War is located in downtown Lindale at 114 E. North St., next door to Pink Pistol. For more info call (430)235-2100 or go to loveandwarintexas.com.
Vietnamese Pho Restaurant Vietnamese Pho Restaurant, located at 3837 State Hwy 64 W. in Tyler, offers some Phò guaranteed to hit the spot on these cold wintery days. Phò or pho (pronounced fa) is a Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of broth, linguineshaped 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
the New England Clam Chowder. You can also get Gumbo with a side of cheese grits. At The Boiling Catch (S. Broadway location), Jalapeno Crab Chowder is available too. Don’t forget to save room for The Catch’s heavenly banana pudding for dessert. The Catch and The Boiling Catch are fun, family restaurants that have everything seafoodrelated you could possibly want, from shrimp and crawfish to crab and oysters. Watch their Facebook page to see what seasonal specials are available. Currently, it’s spicy boiled Crawfish! The Catch is located at 1714 S. Beckham Ave. and 7922 S. Broadway in Tyler (The Boiling Catch), and 551 S. Main St. in Lindale.
Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant
Over on the east side of Tyler, Margarita’s quietly sits on the corner of Clayton St. and Front St., projecting bright Mexican festive decorations and colors, as well as a host to heavenly traditional Mexican foods. During the winter, their posole hits the spot. Posole is a savory and hearty, rather soupy-type stew made from dried large white corn kernels (hominy), which simmers for hours, and is served up steaming hot and spicy. A ruddy red purée of dried New MexThe Catch ico chiles give the stew its requisite kick. TraGumbo. That rich roux. Brown in color. ditionally posole is made with stewed pork, Thick in nature. Heavenly in taste. cooked slowly to savor all the flavors. Gumbo is a cold weather soup that we At Margarita’s, it is available in two vercrave when it turns cold. And honestly, who sions - green and red. The posole is served doesn’t need a little more gumbo in their life? with shredded cabbage, lime wedges, avocado, Did you know that the word “gumbo” onion, cilantro, and, of course, warm tortillas, comes from chips, and hot sauce. the West Asado de Puerco is also a great winter dish, African word featuring pork simmered in red spicy rich “kingombo,” sauce, served with rice and beans plus warm which tortillas. The Guisado de Puerco Verde is the translates same thing but in a green sauce. The menu to “okra?” has other soups including the Drunken Soup Gumbo is a featuring charro beans and taco meat. Tortistaple meal lla Soup is also available as well as Colombian when it Soup, Chicken Baja Soup, and Menudo. turns cold, Margarita’s also serves enchiladas, fajitas, and The chile rellenos, tostadas, sopes, shrimp cockCatch has a tail, hamburgers, ribeye steak, quesadillas, and nice bowl of tortas. this heavenly Cajun creation that is sure to satJoe Banick said, “Margarita’s is a happy, isfy your every craving. wonderful surprise with really good food, and Gumbo recipes first showed up in 1802, excellent, but became more popular in the 1970’s when friendly the Cafeteria of the United States Senate added service. it to their menu in honor of a Louisiana SenaI always tor, Allen Ellender. Yeah, we are connoisseurs judge a of all things gumbo! Mexican The Catch offers shrimp, crawfish and sau- restausage gumbo, which comes in two sizes, a cup rant by or a bowl. They start with the same thing all their chili Cajuns do, a rich thick roux, then relleno add what chefs call “The Holy Trin- and they ity” – onions, celery, and green pep- passed pers. These are always a must for my test. We’re looking forward to eating here both Cajun and creole cooking. Let’s again on our next exploring trip into beautiful not forget about the succulent Gulf east Texas.” Coast Shrimp, crawfish, sausage, Margarita’s is located at 1327 E. Front St., and spices. Mix, mix, stir, stir, stir… Tyler. For more info go to margaritasmexfood. and out comes The Catch’s heavcom or call (903)593-5954. They are open enly gumbo creation, full of flavors Monday-Saturday 10:30am-9pm and Sunand chunky with meats and vegday 10:30am-5pm. Inside and patio dining is gies. Another soup on the menu is available.
The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Fundraiser
HEARTS BEHIND THE RED SHIELD Harvey Hall, 2000 W. Front St., Tyler Friday, February 10, 2017 Doors open at 5:30pm
Fajita dinner w/trimmings, silent & live auctions and live entertainment Tickets $15 from auxiliary members or $20 at door
Questions or tickets, call Jeanette Pritchett, president, 903-328-7444 EGuideMagazine.com • 5
Dining News
Now Open - Sake Sushi, located at 5875 Old Bullard Rd. in Tyler, offers “Tyler’s finest sushi, featuring traditional Japanese dishes new to the East Texas area. They also offer Yakisoba and donburi dishes. Yakisoba (soba means buckwheat) typically suggested noodles made from that flour in mainland Japan, yakisoba noodles are made from wheat flour. It is typically flavored with a condiment similar to oyster sauce. It is prepared by frying ramenstyle noodles with bite-sized pork, vegetables (usually cabbage, onions, or carrots) and flavored with yakisoba sauce, salt and pepper. Said by Kenji Ito, “As a Japanese/ American living in Tyler, I was pleasantly surprised by the authenticity of the food here. I’ve grown weary of ‘Americanized’ Asian foods. This place really did their homework on what Japanese food is. Obviously the ingredients won’t get this place to be 100% authentic, but they are much closer than any other restaurant in town. I especially enjoy their ramen and rice bowl dishes.” Also, Jessica Bodman Copeland said, “The sushi rolls were so fresh, bursting with flavor, and beautifully presented. The entire meal was delightful. The owner is simply precious and kind. I had a great experience and will be back. When you go, ask for the Rocky 4.... it’s not on the menu but whoa good!” Roast Social Kitchen, located at 1125 E. 5th St. in Tyler, started the new year with new menu items. Your favorites are still offered including the Bees Knee Pizza, but if you are wanting a quick affordable yummy new lunch special (starting around $8), they have added that. “Our menu is designed to evolve and feature seasonal variety. We will be adding items that will enhance our customer’s experience and allow our Chef and kitchen crew to flex their creative muscle. We are already working on items for the next seasonal menu change, featured Chef’s specials, and adding new categories. Thank you for your support, and I hope you enjoy,” said Nick and Jennifer Pencis. One example is their new seasonal dinner entrees of Seared Duroc pork loin medallions including roasted red potatoes with whipped ricotta and rosemary gremolata along with freshly dressed arugula salad. Every Friday, check out RSK’s Old Fashioned Fridays 6pm-12 midnight. They are pouring a barrelaged version of the classic, along with other bespoke cocktails and a huge selection of craft cocktails, beers, and wine.
Beef Jerky Outlet is now open at 8942 S. Broadway in Tyler at the Villages at Cumberland Park. This unique store offers a huge variety of customcreated jerky in many varieties and sizes including exotic meats and specialty flavors. They also have gourmet snacks, candy, and spices. You can sample the variety of jerky as well as get a variety pack for maximum yumminess. If you are trying to get more healthy, Beef Jerky Outlet says, “In addition to high protein beef jerky, we have all natural dehydrated fruits with no added sugar and gluten free. You can find low calorie, low carb, zero fat pickled okra, mushrooms, and asparagus. Use our no-calorie seasonings to add flavor to those diet foods too.” Aspen Creek Grill is now open, located at 1725 W. Southwest Loop 323 in Tyler in front of Home Depot. “Aspen Creek Grill features made-from-scratch fare with a variety of choices from hand-cut steaks, freshly chopped salads, house smoked ribs, rich and creamy pastas, and juicy double patty burgers, to a full bar and daily specials featuring freshlysqueezed lime margaritas, specialty drinks, and domestic as well as craft beers on tap. Aspen Creek Grill offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with relaxing comfort of a mountain lodge theme for family-friendly dining and also a great destination for a more lively night out with friends.” Try the Chipotle Bloody Mary; it’s fantastic! Saltgrass Steakhouse has started construction on their new steakhouse at 7214 S. Broadway Ave. The Houston-based company, Landry’s Restaurants, will sit near the intersection of South Broadway Ave. and Mueller Garden Road on property once owned by Colonial Baptist Church. “Saltgrass Steak House proudly serves Certified Angus Beef® steaks – the finest in the world. Even USDA Choice beef can’t match its mouth watering taste and tenderness. The fact is that only the Certified Angus Beef® brand has the unique combination of exceptional leanness and fine marbling that makes it truly a cut above the rest.” Fuddruckers Burgers will open this fall in Tyler. Ground was broken over the Christmas break for Patriot Corners, a mixed-use development located across from UT Tyler, on University Blvd. Fuddruckers, known worldwide for their exceptional hamburgers, is a Texas-born heritage brand. The 4,100-squarefoot location will be ideally situated across from the University of Texas at Tyler campus at 3905 University Blvd. and will have a sizable outdoor patio. According to Peter Tropoli, Chief Operating Officer of Luby’s, Inc., “We’re very excited to bring a home for the ‘World’s Greatest Hamburgers’ to this dynamic college town. We look forward to creating the same ties that Luby’s has enjoyed here for more than five decades.” Since 1980, Fuddruckers has been obsessed with making the world happier, one great hamburger at a time.
Circle M Crawfish:
It’s Crawfish Season Again Circle M Crawfish Restaurant, also known as Rodney’s, is located in Big Sandy and has some of the best crawfish around. Those spicy little mudbugs that we all love are back! Crawfish season, which typically starts in March, began this year in January this time around, giving East Texans a very early start to chow down on the mud bugs. “It’s an exciting time of the year! We have the Super Bowl coming up, plus Mardi Gras is going on, and we’re excited that crawfish are here again. It’s our biggest time of the year. We’re all gearing up for it,” says Rodney Murphy, the owner of Circle M Crawfish. Circle M Crawfish serves about 6,000 pounds of crawfish per week, and Rodney claims to not have a “secret recipe” for his. “It’s all about getting the freshest crawfish available, cleaning them right, and keeping them moving until they hit the pot of boiling water and spices,” he said. “They are then thrown into huge vats of boiling water with plenty of spicy seasoning and minutes later, the perfectly boiled critters are moved to another ice chest, where more seasoning is added. Then they are stirred the old fashioned way - by hand - and are ready for the customer to start peeling and eating.” Rodney’s purchases and picks up crawfish from different locations in South Louisiana about six days per week to ensure they sell the freshest crawfish available. Circle M Crawfish’s crawfish platters are sold by the pound and consist of crawfish, new potatoes, and corn on the cob. You can get them as spicy (or not) as you want. Circle M also offers a great selection of Menchie’s, located in the Village at Cumberland Park, is now open. This self-serve yogurt shop offers “quality natural ingredients. Our mission is ‘we make you smile.’ Our product line boasts gluten-free, vegan, and no high fructose corn syrup options, and we strive to use natural flavors including real cake, cookies, spices, fruits, and nuts. Our entire line of frozen yogurt is certified Kosher and is awarded the live and active culture seal by the National Yogurt Association.” Menchie’s is located at 8926 S. Broadway Ave., Tyler. Check their Facebook page for new flavors including Carrot Cake, La Creme Brulee, Dark Chocolate No Sugar Added, Honeydew Sorbet, and more. Potbelly’s Sandwich Shop will have a location on S. Broadway in front of Target. From their website, “We choose high quality meats, cheeses, and veggies, then slice, cut, and chop them ourselves. Our sandwich makers build amazing toasty sandwiches to order and get you through the line really fast. While every
fried and boiled seafoods such as catfish, crabs, shrimp, oysters, alligator sausage, frog legs, boudin, hot links, Choice Angus rib-eye steaks, gumbo, chicken wings, chicken, and much more. The super casual atmosphere at Circle M offers large picnic tables as well as a bar serving beer and wine, live music some Saturday nights, and Boom Boom Room karaoke Friday nights. Rain or shine, they have plenty of seating both for small groups or large ones. You can dine indoors or enjoy outside dining with covered seating. They have a large casual restaurant and are a popular established wholesale distributor for both business and catered events. Circle M Crawfish is one of East Texas’ largest retail and wholesale supplier of live crawfish in the area. They cater from small to large groups bringing complete Crawfish Boils right to your door. Think about them when you’re having your next event or party. Circle M Crawfish is located at 14449 State Hwy 155 S., Big Sandy. For more info call (903)636-9199, or go to circlemcrawfish.com. Rodney’s is open Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday 11am-11pm, and Saturday 11am- 12 midnight. Potbelly Sandwich Shop is unique, they all have friendly folks behind the counter that will make you feel at home.” Potbelly’s in Tyler is expected to open in the fall of 2017.
Events
March 15th - Vintner’s Dinner will be held at Kiepersol Estates in honor of “Waking of the Vines.” This dinner will feature an inspired menu paired with KE wines. For more info as well as tcikets, find them on Facebook at facebook.com/kiepersoltexas. You must RSVP for this event. April 11th - Taste of Tyler - Mark your calendars for this year’s feast of foods, held at Harvey Convention Center, 2000 W. Front St., Tyler. Tickets go on sale at EastTRA.org. Treat yourself to an evening of fine food, live entertainment, and lots of fun at the 32nd Annual Taste of Tyler. Taste of Tyler showcases the newest and most popular restaurants around town. This citywide event raises money to support the ProStart education program. ProStart gives students the opportunity to learn the art of cooking and managing restaurants through a classroom environment. It also creates pathways to earning college credit while in high school. Tickets are now on sale.
It’s Crawfish Season!!! Catfish Shrimp Crawfish Oysters Crab Lobster
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Alligator Gumbo Etouffée Steaks Chicken Sausage
Boudin Tamales Burgers PoBoys Beer Wine
To Do At CESSE This Month:
Rock ‘n Roll Saturdays, New Dome Shows, and Star Parties Visitors to the Center for Earth & Space
A display of shells offers a new perspective on the diversity of reefs; and visitors can more closely examine coral, sponges, and other marine life under a microscope.
Rock ‘n Roll Saturdays
Held monthly, Rock and Roll Saturdays is fun for the entire family. Performances are February 18th, March 18th, April 15th, May 20th, June 17th, and July 15th. “Rock on Demand” fills the entire 40-foot Science Education (CESSE) at TJC have a lot to domed theater with vibrant graphics, comdo this month. pletely enveloping visitors in a 360-degree view while the 16,000-watt, digital surround On Exhibit: “Oceans: Acid vs Life” sound system plays rock hits ranging from the Currently on exhibit, become immersed Beatles and Rolling Stones to The Doors and in marine life and how coral reefs grow and thrive in Aerosmith. Tickets are $5 for each show. CESSE’s newest A Star-Gazing Party exhibit Ongoing the first Saturday of each month “Oceans: Acid vs. (8pm, 8:30pm, and 9pm), you can see a Star Party in a live presentation in CESSE’s 40-foot Life.” planetarium dome. Learn all about the stars, Admisthe planets, and the constellations as you take sion is included a tour of the night sky and travel to distant planets and beyond. There will also be a TJC in the price of astronomy professor with telescopes set up for you to gaze at the astronomical objects with any show ticket or $3 for the exhibit only. Ocean acidification has been described as your own eyes. Best of all, it is completely free! potentially the greatest environmental threat, More Info yet few have heard of it. Studies show that Most shows offer tickets for $5. All Day oceans have experienced a 30% rise in acidity Passes gives you admission to all scheduled in recent years, and its impact is said to have changed fish behavior, making them more vul- shows for the date of purchase. The day pass is nerable to predation and affecting the biodiver- a great deal for anyone who wants to see more sity of the coral reefs, upsetting the ecological than one show. Tickets are $9-$12. The Center for Earth & Space Science Edubalance of the seas. cation at TJC is located at 1411 E. Lake St., Science center visitors can learn more about this scientific study through the exhibit Tyler. of seven interactive video stations. Energetic Theater seating is limited for some events. young explorers can crawl through a life-size Tickets can be purchased in advance at the replica of a coral reef. front counter or online at sciencecenter.tjc.edu.
2017 East Texas Auto & Cycle Show The East Texas
Valentine’s Day Sale February 10th-14th Open MondaySaturday 10am-5pm Downtown Tyler
302 E. Locust St. Tyler, Texas 75702 (903) 705-1145 or (903) 705-1144 oldcitytyler@gmail.com www.oldcitytyler.com
is the 14th consecutive raffle car donated to the East Texas Crisis Center by David Irwin, Managing Partner at Tyler Ford. Entertainment includes Rock ‘n Roll music by the Tyler All-Star Band, Matt & Megan Magill performing a variety of music including country legends Johnny Cash and June Carter. The 2017 East Texas Auto & Cycle Show Crisis Center is gear- will be held at Harvey Convention Center in ing up for the 2017 East Texas Auto & Cycle Tyler Friday, February 17th, 4-9pm, Saturday, February 18th 9am-7pm, and Sunday, FebruShow. This year’s show will feature a unique ary 19th 9am-4pm. collection of race cars as well as classics and Admission tickets are $10 for adults and collectible cars of all kinds. children 10 and under get in free. The show brings in vehicles of all makes, For more info, to view the entertainment from every decade, some very rare, some from schedule, and purchase $10 raffle tickets, go to car enthusiasts who own vast collections of autoandcycleshow.com. cars, and some from those who have owned All proceeds benefit the East Texas Crior purchased the one “dream car” from their sis Center, helping women and their children youth. You can enter a chance to win a 1965 Mus- who seek services and shelter to escape family tang Convertible donated by Tyler Ford. This violence and abuse in the home.
5K’s, Fun Runs & More To add a walk, run, or biking event, please send to eguidemagazine@gmail.com. It is always free to list any event. February 4th - Freeze Your Fanny - FYF is one of the first events in the calendar year that tells cycling enthusiast that the time has come to brush off the cobwebs and start pedaling. Freeze Your Fanny is the one and only fundraiser for East Texas Lightnin’. For more info and weather updates go to facebook.com/ events/1629318374035581. February 11th - Kilgore to Longview 11 Mile Race starts at 8am. Come out and race from Kilgore to Longview to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity, hosted by Longview Running Club. For more info or to sign up go to facebook.com/kilgoretolongview. February 25th - Big Pig Cancer Foundation - Ray Porter Memorial Bike Race will be held in Tyler starting at Tyler State Park. Join this awesome six-hour Cancer Benefit Race. You can bet the Stairway to Bacon will be back, as well as party pit, and bacon! For more info go to runsignup.com/Race/TX/Tyler/rayporter.
March 4th - FRESH15 will start at Fresh by Brookshire’s located at 6991 Old Jacksonville Hwy., Tyler. FRESH 15 was created to provide East Texas with a world-class running event and to inspire participants of all ages toward a healthier lifestyle. Perhaps what’s most unique about this race is that 100% of the money generated is given back to charitable organizations. The main event is the 15k; however, for those who prefer shorter distances, the event also features a 5k as well as a kids’ 1k for ages 12 and under. For more info and to register go to bgcracing.com or facebook.com/FRESH15k. March 25th - True Vine’s 1st Annual Beer Run will be held to celebrate their 3 year anniversary and Open Taps. If you love running and love beer, there is no better way to kick off the celebration of True Vine’s 3 year anniversary than with a fun Beer Run. Lace up your running shoes, come out and join them for a fun 2-mile course that starts at True Vine Brewery, heads to downtown Tyler and back. There will an incredible swag including a commemorative beer glass, shirt, finisher’s beer and post run party and much more. Details and registration for the race are available at truevinebrewing.com.
EGuideMagazine.com • 7
Baby, It’s Cold Outside:
What to do in Tyler on a Cold Winter’s Day By: Holli Fourniquet
Try Something New in the New Year!
302 W. Rusk St. Tyler 903.570.5143 Inside Reflections Wig Salon & Boutique
8 • EGuideMagazine.com
There’s a saying, “If you don’t like the weather in Texas just wait a few hours.” That has certainly been true of our winter so far this year. So it’s understandable if you haven’t exactly prepared for cold weather when it hits. Not to worry; here is a quick guide to fun things you can do in Tyler even in cold weather if you happen to find yourself unprepared. As self-proclaimed foodaholics, our first thought when a cold front hits is where to find some comfort food to warm our bellies. Chili is typically a good go-to meal for when cold weather hits, and here in Tyler you can get chili in a couple different forms. There is the traditional bowl of chili. One of our favorites is found at Rick’s on the Square located in Downtown Tyler. This chili will give you the answer to that age old question: should chili have beans or not? At Rick’s, that answer is definitely yes! The recipe is also a little on the spicier side, which makes this the perfect bowl of chili to warm you up! Or if you’re tired of the same ole’ bowl of chili, why limit yourself to a bowl when you can have it on top of a hot dog! At The Stand, located at 16700 FM 2493, you can choose from regular to jumbo sized 100% beef hot dogs or choose from a delicious list of sausages including andouille, bratwurst, spicy boudin, and more; then just add chili to the top to complete your cold weather meal. If you’re feeling particularly inventive, you can even add Fritos and cheese to make it a Frito pie hot dog. Another great comfort food during cold weather is gumbo. Try some of the best gumbo this side of Louisiana at The Catch, located at 1714 S. Beckham Ave. and 7922 S. Broadway (The Boiling Catch), or Bud Jones Bayou located at 500 E. Erwin St. Both restaurants serve up this heavenly Cajun creation to satisfy your every craving. Some people just like to stay in when it’s cold, and that’s ok. Stop by FRESH by Brookshire’s to pick up your cold weather comfort food, made fresh by a chef and ready for you to heat and eat at home. Here you will find seasonal soups, chili, casseroles, and family packs of tamales. Everything you need to warm your belly from the comfort of your own home sitting in front of the fire. Speaking of staying in on a cold day; you’re going to need a good book to keep you company. Head over to the Tyler Public Library where you will find books and more. The Tyler Public Library is not your typical library. Of course, you will always be able to check out that best seller you have been meaning to read, but you can also check out movies or participate in one of their many events. The Tyler Public Library offers everything from Family Movie Nights and Lego Block Parties to various classes such as sewing and career training to author meet and greets. It’s definitely a place you might want to get familiar with this winter. To get your blood circulating on a cold day, you might go shopping. Whether you’re looking for a great bargain or something more highend, Tyler has all the shopping you could want. Plus, if you stay in Tyler to shop, you won’t have to fight the traffic of a bigger city in this cold winter weather. The typical retail therapy shopping, however, is not all Tyler has to offer if you are looking for some interesting cold-weather recreation. One of Tyler’s newest fun shops is El Guapo Records located at 257 S. Broadway Ave. in Downtown Tyler. El Guapo Records specializes in vintage and new vinyl as well as the occasional live entertainment. After that head right next door to Moon Rivers Naturals. Here you will find body products like soaps
and essential oils using local, organic, and real ingredients. Or since you have a cold day and nothing to do, search through some of Tyler’s best antique, junk, and consignment shops to find your next treasure. A cold day might be the perfect day to try out one of Tyler’s microbreweries: True Vine Brewing Company located at 219 S. Englewood Ave., Tyler or the newly opened ETX Brewing Co. located at 221 S. Broadway Ave., Downtown Tyler. Before you protest that the weather is way too cold to sit outside and drink a beer, hear me out. Research has shown that beer can combat stress, boost your memory, makes skin more beautiful, and can even be used as a cold remedy. In addition to the health benefits, True Vine Brewing also points out, “Because it’s cold outside, your beer will maintain the same temperature it was poured at until it’s consumed.” Both microbreweries have semi-enclosed to enclosed spaces as well as heaters for the cold days. Plus, at True Vine Brewing, anytime the weather dips below 40 degrees, beers are only $4. So get out there and drink a local craft beer! Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to stay in. If there’s one thing Tyler is known for, it’s for the area’s natural beauty yearround. Bundle up and take a hike to explore the nature in the area. Tyler State Park is a great place for a hike. Tyler State Park’s trails vary from easy to challenging, but each trail promises beautiful scenery amongst some of the largest pines in East Texas. The Trails cross several different forest types and offer amazing views you can’t see anywhere else. This is also the perfect place for bird watching as you hike along the trails, with more than 200 species of birds identified at the park, and it is home to a number of East Texas animals including whitetailed deer, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, reptiles, armadillos, opossums, and more. There is plenty to do in Tyler on a cold day; these are just a few of our favorites. Warm up in some of the best ways possible this winter. Soon you will be singing along with Elsa from Frozen, “The cold never bothered me anyway.” For more ideas on these and other things to do in Tyler go to VisitTyler.com.
Master Gardeners Lecture Series at the Tyler Library Master Gardeners at the Library” is a
series of 5 lectures sponsored and provided by the Smith County Master Gardeners. All lectures are free, open to the public, start at 11:30 a.m., and are held in the Library’s Taylor Auditorium. A complete list of the lectures being presented are listed below. • February 10th: “The Rose Rustlers” with Greg Grant • March 10th: “Azaleas” with Keith Hansen • April 21st: “Garden Flower Arranging” with Neysa Mueller For more info go to the Smith County Master Gardener’s website at txmg.org/ smith. Tyler Public Library is located at 201 S. College Ave. in Downtown Tyler. For more info about Library programs go to TylerLibrary.com or call (903)593-READ (7323).
El Guapo Records and the Vinyl Revival:
How Music Got Its Groove Back By Daniel Poe “Saturday you’d hop on your bike and meet up with your buds, or we’d hop in the car once we could drive and spend all day between the guitar shop and the record store. You pick up the newest wax from whatever band you’re into lately and wear it out learning new licks from Page or Billy (Gibbons) or Jeff Beck. That was it, man. If you could manage that, it was a good day.” This was the sort of trip my Dad would take me on when I asked him about growing up in Abilene, Texas. Born in ‘56, he was “there” for the hallowed era of what we now call Classic Rock. Discussing it has always been a communion between us for as long as I could remember, usually stemming from something coming on the radio or whoever was on the cover of the latest “Guitar World” magazine he was poring over. Sometimes I’d wander into his room to see him with his giant can headphones plugged into the receiver, spinning records to unwind from a long day. These occasions were perhaps my favorite and the most special. His eyes would brighten, and he’d flash a smile or a silly face to acknowledge me, and I would sit patiently while he finished his song. I would soak in every detail and can still remember each sensation - the light shimmering off of the shiny, rotating vinyl, the unamplified whisper of the needle riding the groove, the sweet, musty smell of the old record sleeves, the big, bright album art orchestrating to tell just as much as the songs we were playing. It was visceral. This experience is altogether unique and yet not uncommon. Many music lovers could write their own such ode to vinyl. One could expect to hear several of the same tropes from one account to the next and just as many interpretations: (“What do you mean ‘analog is warmer?”), and in the end, if anything, they would convince you that people are passionate about records. Aristeo Rodriguez is one such romantic, and the recently opened El Guapo Records
Ongoing
Third Tuesday of each month - The Heart of Tyler presents a “Toast to Downtown,” a monthly happy hour showcasing local bars, restaurants, and coffee shops in the Downtown area on the third Tuesday of each month from 5-7pm. Check out facebook.com/toasttodowntowntyler. For more info call (903)593-6905 or go to heartoftyler.com. Second Sunday of each month (9-11am)Enjoy Coffee and Cars at the heart of Downtown Tyler. Grab a cup of coffee from Moocho Burrito as you view the cars and meet and greet everyone. For more info go to facebook.com/CoffeeandCarsTyler.
Events
February 4th (12pm) - Bridal, Prom & Party Expo will be held at Harvey Convention Center, 2000 W. Front St., Tyler. More than 80 exhibitors will be throughout the entire Harvey Convention Center. A portion of the ticket sales will be awarded to the Christian Women’s Job Corp, cwjctyler.org. For tickets and more info go to easttexasweddingextravaganza.com. February 4th (8pm) - Jay Leno - Acclaimed TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker, lovable TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist…it’s no wonder that Jay Leno is widely characterized as “the hardest working man in show business.” Jay Leno will be at the Cowan Center located at 3900 University Blvd. on the University of Texas at Tyler campus. Tickets are now available and be purchased by calling
in Downtown Tyler is his love letter. Situated unassumingly between Moon Rivers Naturals and Lightbox Collective, El Guapo popped up seemingly overnight, but in many ways feels like it has been there all along. Within the narrow, vibrantly colored space is the perfect marriage of something old and something new. Black record shelves line the green and orange walls, packed full of fresh and used stock from nearly every music genre imaginable, organized alphabetically. One section showcases some of the most popular recent releases and reissues, bolstered by a strong showing from Third Man Records and Matador, for all your White Stripes and Radiohead needs, respectively. A couple of steps to the left will put you in front of the popular $2 bin, boasting an eclectic selection of well-worn but playable titles. Plucking almost any album from the lot and showing it to him, Aristeo will likely tell you exactly where he picked it and what he loves about it. Occasionally you’ll see him grab a new item off the shelf and say, “You know what? I’ve gotta keep a copy of this for myself!” The stock is as much a personal collection as it is inventory. And much like the records and sleeves, he is a storyteller. You will typically find him standing at the counter, handsome as his store’s name suggests, carefully cleaning new additions with a felt brush in deliberate, circular motions, ready to recount his latest bike trek or his favorite concert memories. He will rattle off his wishlist for new releases, give you recommendations, share his favorite recipes, or talk about growing up in south Texas. Much like myself, music was a sacred thing for Aristeo from very early on. A rich cultural background and a handful of moves did their
part to expose him to a wide variety of genres. His father is a self-taught engineer, so it’s no surprise that he took a shine to vinyl - the raw mechanics of placing a needle in a groove to draw out something he could not only hear but feel. This exchange became even more a part of his life as he began DJing clubs and parties under the moniker DJ Aris. Striving to stay inspired and keep a fresh sound, his record collection grew, and with it, the desire to connect with people and share music in a much more practical, meaningful way. This ultimately meant a lot of waiting. The state of physical media was changing. And shrinking. The ‘80’s and ‘90’s saw everyone putting their LPs in the closet or the garage, trading quality and size for quick and compact in the form of cassettes and CDs. Media became digital, and the Internet made it easier than ever to distribute and acquire music without ever leaving the house. MP3 players allowed for one to carry thousands of songs with them anywhere. Music lovers had more access and control than ever, and it was hard to imagine anything better. But despite everything gained, we lost something. Album sleeves became thumbnails, liner notes fell by the wayside, and any song could be found by scrolling through a body of text. People stopped touching their music. Record stores everywhere went dark. Flip to side B. In 2006, vinyl sales began to increase for the first time in what seemed like forever, hitting a steady stride by 2010 and increasing 30-40% year-over-year, according to Forbes. Thanks to a growing interest in retro style and movements like Record Store Day, vinyl was back on our minds and went into heavy rotation. Many artists embraced the opportunity to be in listeners’ hands again and
catered to the format, releasing special editions and color variants of old and new albums. Jack White’s “Lazaretto” sold 40,000 vinyl copies in the first week alone, and soon became the bestselling vinyl album since Pearl Jam’s “Vitalogy” in 1994. By 2015, records were outselling digital downloads in many markets and sales reached $416 million, the highest figure since 1988, the RIAA reported, and these figures did not account for the sales in the used market. Vinyl was telling stories again, and people were listening. Aristeo’s wait was over. El Guapo Records opened in style on November 19th, 2016, throwing a big block party with live music, food, and the support of neighboring businesses. The turnout was huge. “I sold over half of my stock that first day, dude. It was crazy!” Aristeo said. “I knew this thing wouldn’t work unless I was all in.” The bet paid off. El Guapo has since enjoyed a steady clientele of seasoned vinyl enthusiasts and newcomers alike. “I’ve sold several kids their first ever turntable. How cool is that? Now they’ve got the bug and keep coming in,” he grins. Along with vinyl, there is a solid selection of used CDs, cassettes, record cleaning supplies, shirts, and more. Hang out long enough and you will meet Strawberry, the record store kitty, playing amid the crates. As the saying goes, “analog is warmer,” and a visit to Tyler’s newest record shop will reveal the community is as well. It’s just the sort of place I can call Dad about and say I hopped on my bike to go hang out all Saturday, thumbing through records with my friends. For more info about El Guapo Records call (903)630-7606 or go to elguaporecords.com. El Guapo Records is located at 257 S. Broadway in Downtown Tyler.
(903) 566-7424 or go to cowancenter.org. February 4th (8pm) -Card 53 will be back at Liberty Hall! “We’re back on Super Bowl weekend to bring you a brand new show of our unique style of ‘improv makem-ups.’ At every show we risk embarrassing our wives, moms, dogs, and employer by making up everything on the stage based off your suggestions. Due to the unpredictably of improv, we strive to be “clean-ish.” Liberty Hall is located at 103. E. Erwin, Tyler, libertytyler.com. February 11th (7:30pm) - Collin & BradColin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, stars of the Emmy-nominated “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” have teamed up to present an evening of extraordinary improvisational comedy. Becher Center is located at 2100 S. Mobberly Ave., Longview. Tickets are available at belchercenter.com. February 11th (8:30pm-4am) - Ghostly Valentine - Spend all night in a haunted location in Tyler with a professional group of ghost hunters, psychics, and mediums. Wine and snacks are provided, but attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch. Attendees must be 21 to drink, but can participate in the hunt at any age. Tickets are $25 per person or $45 per couple. This is a haunting good time! Tickets are available at toursoftyler.com. February 14th (11am-1pm) - Historic Heart Bomb - Celebrate with Downtown Tyler as they show some love to a forgotten gem in the heart of Tyler- the New York Store, located at 101 N. Spring St. downtown Tyler. Discover the future plans to polish this building back to it’s original glory. For more info go to facebook. com/events/1406581662707417.
February 24th (7pm) - The Oil Palace Tyler presents “Newsboys Love Riot Tour.” Don’t miss out on an all new theatrical experience. The Oil Palace is located at 10408 Hwy 64 E., Tyler. Tickets are available at premierproductions.com. February 25th (7pm) - MercyMe – The Texas Takeover Tour will be in concert at Tyler Metro Church. MercyMe will be performing with special guest and Texan Micah Tyler. Tickets are on sale now at itickets.com. Tyler Metro Church is located at 14196 Hwy 110 S., Tyler. For more info call (903)561-0235 or go to tylermetro.com. February 25th (9am-2pm) - “Fearfully & Wonderfully Made” is a conference and workshop for all girls and women 3rd grade and up. There are many guest speakers including Korie and Sadie Robertson from A&E’s “Duck Dynasty.” The $25 cost per person includes lunch, breakout sessions, worship with GABC’s Resonate Band, and more. Please bring school supplies to benefit a Gospel Village Mission Project. This will be held at the Green Acres Baptist Church, 1607 Troup Hwy., Tyler. For tickets or more info go to gabckids.org. March 11th (9am-5pm) - Tyler Vinyl Record Show will be held at Staybridge Suites, 2759 McDonald Rd., Tyler. Admission is $3 for adults, and kids under 12 years old are admitted free. This is about all things music and music related. Get your vinyl fix taken care of, and dig through thousands of records these amazing vendors will have available for you. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com/e/ tyler-vinyl-record-show-tickets-30995216527.
Festivals
March 24th-April 9th - The Azalea & Spring Flower Trail travels through ten miles of residential gardens and historic homes sites in Tyler. The two trails have been routed to maintain an orderly traffic flow so visitors can see as many flowers as possible. From the courthouse on North Broadway, follow the specifically marked Trail signs southward to enjoy this outstanding celebration of Spring in East Texas. This beautiful time of year is one to see! For more info and to view the live Azalea cam go to visittyler.com/azaleatrail. April 8th-9th (all day) - April in Edom - Call for entries of all kinds - food, artist, crafts, entertainment, and tons more! Walk back in time to the 13th Annual April in Edom Craft & Folk Street Fair for adults, kids, and pets. Find 125+ vendors with handmade and folk crafts, demonstrations, vintage items, great foods, Kids’ Zone with arts, Pet Parades and contests. There will be three stages plus a Fire 5K Run. For more info go to visitedom.com. May 6th - Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival, Tyler - The dates have been announced for this hugely popular festival. Tickets will go on sale in early February 2017. For more info go to reddirtbbqfest.com. May 12th-13th - The 7th Annual Piney Woods Wine Festival will be in Lindale for the second time. Friday, May 12th, festivities begin at 5pm with wine tastings and food vendors. Saturday, May 13th, festivities will begin at 11am. Uncork the fun with wine tastings with 19 wineries from the Piney Woods Wine Trail. Admission is $5. For more info go to pineywoodswinefestival.homestead.com. EGuideMagazine.com • 9
Let’s Get Ready to Laugh andLiberty SingHall,atlocated Liberty Hall at 103 E. Erwin St.,
ETX Brewing Company:
Good Times Are Brewing Downtown By Johnny Griffith If you ask ten different people on the street what comes to mind when they hear the word “beer,” odds are you’ll get ten distinctly different answers. Ask the same question of Brian and Matt Gilstrap and you’ll get one answer: family. Brian and Matt, along with Brian’s wife Annie, are the founders and operators of ETX Brewing Company, Tyler’s second brewery to open and the newest addition to the growing downtown rebirth here in the Rose City. Originally born in Arlington, both the brothers Gilstrap moved around Texas over the years after attending Texas State University in San Marcos. Brian and Annie met in college where he majored in Business Finance, and Matt majored in Computer Science. Following a move by Brian and Annie to Tyler in 2005 due to a promotion and now living in different parts of the state, Matt and Brian would come together to hang out for the weekend and began brewing beer as a hobby. Twelve years later, they realized their longtime vision of transforming the hobby into a business and now genuinely live their motto for ETX Brewing, “Do What You Love, Love What You Do.” When the vision became a reality, Matt sold his house in Austin, left his job, and moved to Tyler to help with the task of taking the brewery from the garage to the masses. After considering several different locations, the Gilstrap’s finally settled on a former tire service center just off downtown on S. Broadway. After several months of hard work, the vast majority of which was done themselves, the crew at ETX Brewing Company opened their brewery and taproom in January of this year to rave reviews and thirsty crowds. With art from local artists hanging on the walls and beer brewed on site in the facility visible from the bar, flowing through the taps, ETX Brewing Company has the feel of something you’d find on either South Congress in Austin or downtown Ft. Worth. There is a decidedly modern feel, but not so much that the character of the owners doesn’t show through. Brian and Matt kept the roll-up doors of the former service center in place, which allows the bar area to have a more open feel and beckons passersby on South Broadway to stop in and take a break from their hectic schedules. I recently sat down with Matt and Brian to talk with them about the Brewery and sample some of their libations. Johnny: Of all the things you could be doing in life, why a brewery? ETX Brewery: Brewing quality beer has been a hobby and a passion for the brothers for many years now. Four and a half years ago Brian and Annie had twins born prematurely at 25 weeks gestation weighing in at 11 oz. and 9 oz. They were immediately care-flighted to a higher level NICU in Dallas, where they spent the next 4.5 months. Matt made the drive every other weekend to spend time with them in the hospital. At that point, perspective on life, in general, changed forever. Life is far too precious and short to not be spending it doing what you love. Johnny: What was THE beer that hooked you into the craft scene? ETX Brewery: Unanimously, Dogfish Head 60min IPA was the beer we all shared together
Downtown Tyler, is hosting some awesome fun this month. Everything from concerts to classic musical sing alongs, Liberty has something for all ages. Classic movies scheduled are: • February 2nd - “Sleepless in Seattle” • February 9th - “An Affair to Remember” • February 16th - “Casablanca” • March 17th - “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” • April 15th - “Ten Commandments” • May 12th - “Momma Mia” Doors open at 6pm, and movies start at 7pm. Tickets are available online at libertytyler. com or at the door for $7.
Concerts
and loved. Johnny: How did you get from your first batch of homebrew to a full blown brewery? ETX Brewery: A lot of reading and educating ourselves on new techniques. We were constantly striving to make better beer each time. Practice! Practice! Practice! And of course, sampling the product and asking others for feedback. Johnny: What have been some of the biggest challenges to get to this point? ETX Brewery: With any new business, there are challenges of finances and construction, but the nature of opening a brewery brings additional legal hurdles, deciding on the size of equipment, and what beers to commit to brewing. Add to that the fact that we pretty much did all of the work on the brewery ourselves, it gives us a deep appreciation of where we are now. Johnny: How much of a foothold does craft beer have in east Texas at this point? ETX Brewery: Craft beer is just on the cusp of becoming big here in east Texas. For a large majority of east Texans, they are new to experiencing craft beer and especially to visiting a brewery. Our goal is really to provide an education to help people understand more about craft beer and what to look for when choosing a brew. Johnny: How important was the location in the downtown area? ETX Brewery: We were thrilled to have found a location in the downtown area. We love being a part of the revitalization that is happening Downtown! With all of the amazing businesses going in on and around the square, Downtown Tyler is turning into a “must see” for locals and visitors alike. Johnny: What will customers be able to do at the brick and mortar location? Buy beer? Drink beer? Fill growlers? Hear live music? ETX Brewery: Our tap room will have a variety of beers available at all times, which will be changing on a regular basis. Customers will be able to come in and sample or purchase these varieties by the pint. We will have live music on a regular basis, too. Our goal is to be a fun, laid back atmosphere to relax and enjoy a good brew with good company. We are also currently in the works to plan monthly events where a majority of
the proceeds will go back to local charities here in east Texas. Johnny: What is the beer lineup currently? ETX Brewery: We currently have 6 beers on tap: • Test Batch 1 – An American Pale Ale, a bright filtered Golden Ale • Red House Wheat – An American Wheat unfiltered with slight notes of orange • 1846 IPA – Easy drinking and flavorful from the heavy dry hopping with El Dorado hops • Test Batch 2 – Blonde Ale, unfiltered and dryhopped after fermentation to add a floral aroma • Coffee City Stout – A Stout made with coffee, chocolate, and oatmeal (made with Belgian chocolate and locally roasted coffee from Coffee City USA) • Hitching Post – Amber Ale, a perfect balance of malt and hops producing caramel notes and a malty sweetness • Coming soon: Black IPA – A Mexican Lager, American pale ale We also have a non-alcoholic Root Beer which we make in house. Johnny: I know you just opened, but what’s next on your agenda for ETX Brewing? ETX Brewery: We’d like to improve the site and make a friendly space for food trucks, so we have something in the works for that as well as an area out back for live music and more seating. The response has been fantastic so far, and the atmosphere downtown is bringing more traffic back to the area, so we want to make sure we’re in a position to take care of the people who decide to spend their time hanging out with us. Johnny: What kind of experience are you hoping new customers will take away from ETX Brewing? ETX Brewery: We hope they will walk away with a better understanding of craft beer. A lot of people are afraid to try a craft beer when they see it on a menu at a restaurant. We want to take that fear away and empower the customer to know what they are looking for in craft beers. ETX Brewing Company is located at 221 S. Broadway in Downtown Tyler. For more info call (903)630-7720, find them on www.facebook. com/ETXBrew or go to etxbrew.com.
Baby Ray’s Apollo Night will be held February 25th starting at 8pm. A night of live entertainment and lots of laughter as the audience determines who will walk away as the $500 grand prize winner. Kathy Mattea will be in concert March 11th at 8pm. Tickets are $25-40. Since 1983, Kathy Mattea has recorded seventeen albums and has charted more than thirty singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts. Kathy brings her “Acoustic Living Room” show, featuring long-time guitarist/arranger Bill Cooley, to Liberty Hall. The acoustic duo format offers long-time fans a different angle on Kathy’s musical roots. Mouse and the Traps will be in concert April 22nd at 8pm. Tickets are $20-25. Originating in Tyler in 1965, Mouse and the Traps has had several regional hits and been an east Texas favorite for years. Terence Blanchard and E Collective will be in concert April 23rd at 7pm. Tickets are $25-38. Blanchard is an American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, composer, arranger, and film score composer. He has won multiple Grammy awards. Bob Schneider and Mitch Watkins will be in concert April 29th at 8pm. Tickets are $1833. The mix between Schneider’s funk, country, and folk music and Watkins’ jazz guitarist streaks is sure to be a great time.
Fun For All Ages Card 53 Returns to Downtown Tyler February 4th at 8pm. Always a hoot, Card 53 Comedy’s unique brand of “makem-up improv comedy” consists of several scenes that is made up on the spot based off audience suggestions. February 11th at 8pm, “The Newlywed Game Live” returns to Liberty for what is always a fun night. Liberty will choose four couples to compete against each other in a series of revealing question rounds to determine how well the spouses know or does not know each other. Tickets are $15. VIP Box Seats (seat and admit 4) are $100.
L I V E
Every Thursday
Every Friday
Todd Renlee Paul Ruark
Every Saturday
Bobby & Ken
All Live Music is 6:30-9p.m. — No Cover Ever! 10 • EGuideMagazine.com
MUSIC
3320 Troup Hwy, Tyler, TX 75701
www.potpourrihouse.com (903) 592-4171
Serving Steak & Seafood
Music Studio 333:
The Sweet Sound of Success By Johnny Griffith One of the shining ventures in the East Texas area is the Kiepersol Estates just south of Bullard on Highway 69. Billed as “a food, wine, and spirits destination,” KE has been well known for years, receiving many accolades for the experience they provide patrons looking for a great meal, awardwinning wine and food selections, or just a romantic getaway for a day or two. What most people aren’t aware of is the world class recording studio, Studio 333, operating now for several years among the tranquility of the sprawling estate, and quietly providing music recording services to some of the legends of the industry. Supplied with state-ofthe-art equipment, Studio 333 has paired with Chad Mauldin of Mauldin Productions for the past year-and-a-half to provide engineering and production services for the facility. We caught up to Chad to learn more about Mauldin Productions and how they and Studio 333 can benefit the local music community here in East Texas: Johnny: Give us a brief biography on yourself. Chad: I picked up my first instrument when I was five years old. My father, an accomplished guitar player, songwriter, and locally renowned performer began my musical education a full year before my traditional education would commence. Since those early days, I have been a passionate student of all facets of melody, song structure, and performance. While the guitar is my specialty, I also developed proficiencies with piano, bass, drums, and a variety of percussion instruments. It is from a musician’s viewpoint rather than strictly
a technical orientation that I approached the discipline of record making. While basing much of my work in the Dallas/Fort Worth area from 2003-2010 at Fossil Tracks recording, I worked with such luminaries as three-time Grammy winner Larry Franklin, 1989 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees the Soul Stirrers, A-list multi-instrumentalist Milo Deering, and rock guitar prodigy Lucas Martin. And, of course, more recently in the Tyler area at Studio 333, I have worked with such Texas country artists as Kirk Baxley, Chris Colston, and Kadi Lynn of “America’s Got Talent” fame. I am excited to say that we currently have three artists charting on Texas radio. Johnny: How did that transition into a career on the production side? Chad: When I was in high school, the rock band I was playing in made a recording with a producer in my hometown. It was a great experience, and the producer took an interest in me. He began calling me to come over and hang out for cool sessions. As a result, I started collecting recording equipment and making demos for myself and my friends. While in college I met my future wife. Her oldest brother, Jon, was a working platinum-selling engineer in Nashville. Jon had a profound impact on my development as a record maker. I started two studios in East Texas over the years and later in North Texas before returning to East Texas. Johnny: What are the benefits of the
location of Studio 333? Chad: The studio location is beautiful. There is something to be said about making art in an environment that is outside of the frenzy of normal life. We are located in the country outside Bullard, Texas. The property is surrounded by vineyard grape vines. It is a peaceful and inspiring property. Johnny: What has been the philosophy of the studio and Mauldin Productions in working with musicians? Chad: In this day and age, recording technology is such that anybody can have some kind of recording set-up if they wish. Because of this, my emphasis when speaking to a young artist (experienced artists already know this) is that there is a real value in working with people that know how to make a record. In other words, I have learned over the years to make recordings that sound like they should be on the radio. The role of the producer is to connect with the artist and help them capture their vision in a way that their audience will understand. Studio 333 and Mauldin Productions are constantly striving to partner with talented artists in this way. Johnny: How has the response been so far? Chad: Response has been great. It has been a busy couple of years for Mauldin Productions and the studio. As I previously stated, I have several Texas country artists currently charting on Texas radio, and we are always looking for
new and promising talent to work with. Johnny: Who are some of the local artists you’ve had come through the studio? Chad: I work with artists from all over, but I have recently finished producing a local artist named Chris Colston from Lindale, Texas. Chris is an amazing Texas Country singersongwriter. The first single of that forthcoming project is charting on Texas radio currently. Johnny: How have the relationships built with local artists helped the studio gain exposure outside of the area? Chad: Building a solid reputation is critical. We have been blessed to have a number of artists recommending Mauldin Productions and the studio to their colleagues for the past several years. Johnny: Besides recording artists and bands, what other services does Studio 333 provide? Chad: I also provide mixing and mastering services at the studio. In addition, the producing artists and bands will often send me already recorded projects to mix. Sometimes other producers or artists will sense a need to send the project to someone with a keen ear for mixing. I enjoy this kind of work as well. Johnny: For the gearheads out there, give us an idea of the quality of equipment you are utilizing, and how far would one have to drive for a comparable setup? Chad: The studio is a first-class facility. In addition to a modern Pro Tools setup, we have loads of outboard equipment from Neve, API, Focusrite, Universal Audio, EMI, and many others. Also, we have one of the most stunning mic lockers in the area. For example, we have a number of great Neumann mics (u47s, u87s, tlm 49s etc). We also have mics from Blue, Audio Technica, Shure, Manley (gold reference), Akg, and many others. With the exception of one other East Texas studio, one would have to travel to Dallas or Austin to find a facility of this caliber. Studio 333 is located at Kiepersol Estates, 21508 Merlot Ln., in Bullard, Texas. For more info or to book a studio session, go to kiepersol.com/studio.
“Where Good Friends & Good Times Come Together” Comfortable Casual Atmosphere
(9pm 'til 1am)| NEVER A COVER!
Ladies Night on Wednesdays Happy Hour Noon ‘til 5:00pm
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4 CULVER HOUSE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 TAYLOR THOMPKINS & THE TRAINWRECKS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 THE SPILLS
2109 E. Fifth St. Tyler -- 903.535.7956 www.facebook.com/xln.pool.hall EGuideMagazine.com • 11
Heather Little:
is subject to interpretation by all ears. Johnny: How many originals do you think you have By Johnny Griffith at this point, and what are some of Life is simultaneyour favorite cover ously many things at songs to do during once: messy, beautia show? ful, challenging, sponHeather: I don’t taneous, surprising. know how many The sum of these, and originals I have more, shape who we now; hundreds I’d are as people. Yet, if guess. My favoryou listen to mainite cover depends stream radio, you on where I’m playmight think life was ing and for whom. I one big party with trucks and tractors, boys and girls, dollar bills love “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Turn the Page,” and getting paid...that is unless you’ve heard a and “Guilty.” Johnny: Which of your songs would say is song Heather Little wrote. Originally from Princeton, Texas the Lin- the best glimpse of who you are? Heather: I will never tell. dale mother/singer/songwriter has been writJohnny: How strong is the singer-songing songs since she was a little girl when her writer community in this area? mother would sing classic rock songs to her Heather: There is a strong sense of comand she’d sneak listens to her dad’s album munity among singer-songwriters out in East collection that included some of the legends Texas. There are those who feel out of the loop of country music: Dolly Parton, Hank Jr., as well as others. Eventually some of those songs sometimes, and I’ve been one of them before found their way into the hands of people like and probably will be again. It’s a cycle creative local East Texans Miranda Lambert and Kacey people go through. We go out and do what we do, get a little spent or burned out, then we Musgraves where they would end up on the hide and recharge. I think we all run that cycle radio, and immediately you knew that these were not your run of the mill party songs that to some degree at times. Johnny: What are some of your goals for took up so much real estate on the corporate this year? radio landscape. Heather: Hopefully I can finish a couple of Heather writes songs that reflect what she considers to be real life, which covers the EP’s, write a ton of new music, and continue playing more shows. entire gamut of human emotion: joy, frustraJohnny: What experience do you hope a tion, fulfillment, disappointment, and everyfirst-time listener takes away from one of your thing in between. With deceptively complex songs and hauntingly beautiful vocals, Heather shows? Heather: I hope they find some kind of sings about life from a place of genuine experience and authenticity that pulls you in tight comfort, perhaps in knowing they’re not alone, and is reluctant to let you go until the story is hearing out loud that each one of us is just as human as the other. told. Johnny: What was the last thing you lisWe were able to catch up to Heather on a recent trip to Nashville in between gigs to ask tened to before this interview? Heather: The last thing I listened to was her a few questions: Miranda Lambert’s “The Weight of These Johnny: What originally got you into Wings.” music? For more info on Heather Little you can Heather: I’ve been into music as far back as I can remember. It started with my mother find her on Facebook, go to reverbnation.com/ heatherlittlemusic, or online at www.heatherlitalways having music on, and then my older tlemusic.com. brother Jayson taught me to sing harmonies. We always sang together growing up. As for songwriting, I’ve just always made up songs for as long as I can remember. I started performing at about 13 with Jayson at weddings and such. Then on my own here and there. Johnny: How did that translate into a The Foundry Coffee House will salute the career in songwriting? music of Van Morrison at its next tribute show Heather: My professional songwriting began when my mom convinced me to enter on February 3rd starting at 8pm. The coffee shop, located at 202 S. Broada songwriting contest. (I did not win.) That’s way Ave. in Downtown Tyler, holds tribwhere I met Miranda and Rick Lambert as utes during which musicians and singers take they were judges of the contest. She was 17 at the time. We’ve written together on and off the stage and perform music from a legendever since. Miranda and her family are directly ary singer. A recent tribute featured the music of the late great Ray Charles. The tributes are responsible for my start as a professional organized by singer Matt Magill, who performs songwriter. with his wife, Megan. Johnny: When and where was your first More than a dozen singers have signed up public performance? Heather: My first public performance was to perform, including Wade Washmon, Old Omen, Alison Adkins, The Whirlies, Mike the Wylie Opry when I was about 13. Harper, Connie Mims Pinkerton, The Ad Johnny: What has been one of your most Hawks, Booneshine, Joe and Becky Canal, The memorable performances so far? Heather: My most memorable performance Shepherd Good Trio, David “Smitty” Smith, was with Craig Wallace and Matt Bradshaw at Fritz Hager III, Ikneise Monagan, Aneesa the fundraiser for Andy Kay Joiner of Blacktop Cedillo & The Caldwell Stars, Brad Wofford, The Magills & Co., Mouse & the Traps, and Gypsy. Johnny: Who have been some of your big- Gary Freeman. You can expect to hear covers for many gest musical influences? of Morrison’s greatest hits, including “Brown Heather: I have too many musical influEye Girl,” “Tupelo Honey,” “Days Like This,” ences to name. I will say two of the earliest ones, and I continue to love them to this day, “Warm Love,” and “Into the Mystic.” “These shows are so fun and the commuare Rickie Lee Jones and Prince. Prince was a very big deal to me, and I still can’t believe he’s nity digs them big time. Let’s come together and show Van Morrison some love,” Matt really gone. Johnny: Your music has a uniquely beauti- Magill said. A special guest for the night will be Gary ful melancholy and stripped-bare quality that weaves its way through the lyrics and chords. Freeman, a musician who has toured with How would you describe it, and where does Morrison, Magill said. Freeman will perform that come from? and share stories about Morrison. Heather: I have no idea how to truly The music will begin at 8pm. Admission describe my music. It just is whatever it is, and will be $5.
Living A Real Life
February 3rd
February 17th
Michael Player
The Tuxedo Cats
February 4th
February 18th
The Haggerty’s
Texas Rebellion
February 10th
February 24th
February 11th
February 25th
Kirk Baxley Wes Nixon Band
Big Hotel
Taylor Tompkins & The Trainwrecks
The Foundry Coffee House to Salute Van Morrison
7pm Boogie Butt Productions Presents
Starting at 8pm
Daily Drink & Lunch Specials 12 Taps with Quality Texas Brews - Texas Spirits The Best Margaritas in Town Designated Smoking Areas Outside 2 Patios - Pool Table Shuffleboard - Golden Tee - MegaTouch - Pizza to Go 903.504.5860 3807 University Blvd. Tyler, Texas 75701 www.republicicehouse.com 12 • EGuideMagazine.com
EGuideMagazine.com • 13
Daniel Rocha: From Jock To Rock By Johnny Griffith Life takes us on strange journeys at times. Twists and turns make life not only interesting but can serve as character building exercises that define who we are. Local musical phenom Daniel Rocha has been on one of those crazy journey’s that has taken him from East Texas to music venues all over the country and back again as his path continues to unfold. Originally from Whitehouse, Texas, Rocha was a product of Whitehouse ISD and Grace Community school. Exposed to R&B at an early age, Daniel spent his formative years obsessing over guitar licks and perfecting the instrument. Taking a left turn, he decided to pursue a sports career briefly before realizing his true self was found in the secret chords of the melodies he had floating around in his head. Rocha decided to pursue a music degree at Greenville College in Illinois, majoring in Jazz while honing his craft in performance, production, and writing. After graduation, Daniel returned to Texas and took up the role of ‘guitar for hire’ until the desire to be the master of his own destiny became too strong, and he struck out on his own. A couple of albums and countless live performances later, Rocha takes his blend of blues, jazz, soul, funk, and pop to fans of all demographics as much as he can. We managed to slow him down just long enough to give us a better idea of what he’s got going on: Johnny: What got you started in music? Daniel: My mother used to sing at churches, and so I was always exposed to music growing up, sitting under the record player listening to everything from Ronnie Milsap to Hendrix to Bob Dylan. I was staying up late listening to Austin City Limits, I dug that. Johnny: Who were your early influences musically? Daniel: I loved Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric
Clapton, Eric Johnson, Elvis, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Springsteen, Segovia, Django, Marvin Gaye, Prince; anyone doing anything well, I loved. Johnny: When was the moment you felt that you could do this as more than just a hobby? Daniel: I saw guys playing guitar that I knew and said to myself, “You know it doesn’t look all that hard, I could do that.” So I did. The singing and the music theory was harder to digest because I took it up so late. It’s like a language. You should start kids early with basic music theory exposure; it’s much easier to expound on it later after that. Johnny: You have an extensive background in jazz in college and an eclectic musical resume along the way. How has this shaped you for a solo career in music? Daniel: Yeah I’ve done a lot of things up to this point: led bands, produced hip-hop, been a country sideman lead player, played in party bands, done the blues thing; other than metal I’ve run the gambit. I think being able to play and sing really anything is a blessing as well as a curse. I’ve seen guys that know a handful of chords and a couple vocal runs go far because they keep writing the same song and playing the same thing. They’re easy to pigeon hole, so they’re met with success often times. Jazz, theory, and technique are great for writing and playing, but it’s harnessing it that can be a struggle. I think wanting to do something well and refine it is tough. Sometimes the greatest things get thrown in the trash because it didn’t meet expectations of the artist or they got bored with it. Sometimes it’s the simplified version that’s so readily palatable. Johnny: Your music seems to be an amalgam of several different genres, each shining through as the mood or song dictates. How would you describe your original music? Daniel: Singer Songwriter. I write about what’s going on in the world or how I’m feeling or about a movie I saw. When inspired, I can churn out a song in a matter of minutes and generally that’s the best way because if I pick at it too long I generally chuck it. I honestly hate recording music; it seems like such a process
to me. I prefer live performing because it’s real and creating in the moment. Most music these days is so DJ formulaic and fit for public consumption that I’m guessing the lyrics, changes, and breaks 30 seconds in. Almost every hit song these days I can trace directly to another song or pieces of a couple popular songs both the music and lyrics have been plagiarized from. This is done intentionally because it’s easy to sell something to folks that’s already part of their subconscious. Johnny: What have been some of the biggest personal challenges in pursuing this as a career? Daniel: Just keeping on. Most folks unacquainted don’t see it as a real career. They come by that honestly because we’re browbeaten by society to fit the mold and chase the dollar so much so that sometimes the arts take a back seat to other conventional careers. Artsy dreamers don’t help the matter much because they’re generally lazy or can’t get out of they’re own way long enough to accomplish much. I do really well; I don’t struggle, but I should push harder towards being a national touring artist versus just putting in my day’s work. Johnny: What have been a couple of your most memorable successes? Daniel: I played solo for 25,000 people at the Gaylord last year and entertained them successfully for a full hour-and-a-half show. That’s incredibly hard to do by yourself with just a guitar. I’ve gotten calls to play lead on tours for lots of artists, just never one that interested me enough to do it for any prolonged period of time. I’d have to say even with all that, my daughter has been one of my greatest achievements up to this point. Johnny: Are you typically a one-man show or do you collaborate with other musicians during live sets? Daniel: I’m typically a one man show, though sometimes I’ll book some stuff as a band. Johnny: How many originals do you have? Do you have a favorite cover song you like to include in your sets? Daniel: I literally have hundreds of originals
I’ve written over the years. When it comes to cover songs, it would have to be “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins or “Purple Rain” by Prince. I have always just dug those tunes. Johnny: If you could share the stage with any living artist, who would it be? Daniel: Well, since Prince is gone, it would have to be Stevie Wonder. Johnny: What kind of experience do you want people seeing your set live for the first time to go away with? Daniel: I used to want everyone to be in awe of what I can do and that has its place, but these days I want them to feel good, warm, loved, interested, and nourished in a way that they’ve been lacking. If I can make that connection with people through the groove or through a couple really nice moments sonically that touched them, that’s what I’m most interested in. For more info about Daniel Rocha find him on Facebook or go to danielrochamusic.com.
THE OLD
Edom, Texas
MUSIC
7:30 pm, Doors open at 7pm The Old Firehouse Acoustic Concert Series presents:
Karen Mal February 4th
Crystal Yates February 25th
8241 FM 279 - Edom, TX - 903.852-ART1 (2781) www.theoldfirehouse.net 14 • EGuideMagazine.com
Karen Mal and Crystal Yates in Concert at The Old Firehouse In Edom This Month The Old Firehouse is an intimate, smokefree and alcohol-free “coffeehouse” that has made a name for itself by bringing national folk musicians and their all-original music to Edom’s unique listening room and stage. Info can be found at theoldfirehouse.net, info@theoldfirehouse.net, or by calling (903)852-2781. Concerts are typically scheduled each month from October through April and can be found at theoldfirehouse.net along with links to samples of the music. Admission prices for concerts are $12 in advance and $15 at the door, and events are on Saturday evenings beginning at 7:30pm with doors opening early so the audience can enjoy coffee and desserts that are always available. This season’s concert series continues on February 4th with the return of Karen Mal from Austin. Karen sings from raw sensuality to shimmering bell-like clarity, her voice is both tender and powerful and as effortless as a waterfall. There’s a river that flows between Karen and her audience. It’s about love - the possibility and the unbearable beauty of it - elusive and abundant at the same time. Based in Austin, Texas, Karen has created a name for herself as a captivating singer, instrumentalist, and songwriter. Ranging from charming to seductive, impressionistic to philosophical, her songs have brought her nationwide acclaim. She’s won top awards from the Wildflower Arts and Music Festival in Texas, the Tucson Folk Festival, and the Portland Songwriters Association and has also been a three time New Folk Finalist at Kerrville, emerging artist at Falcon Ridge, and a finalist at the
Sisters Folk Festival. On February 25th, local favorite Crystal Yates takes the stage. Inspired by classic country singer songwriters like Merle Haggard and Motown artists like Etta James, she was crowned the national winner in the 2014 Texaco Country Showdown, the longest-running music competition. Crystal Yates was listening to a sermon at Cross Timbers Church in Argyle when she had a musical epiphany. “Stop trying to separate the secular and sacred by treating everything as sacred,” implored the pastor, Toby Slough. It was then that the country singer-songwriter from McKinney, Texas realized her love of songwriting didn’t require her to compartmentalize her audience or subject matter. It’s had a profound effect on how she approached her music — country, spiritual, or otherwise. “If I were a doctor, I wouldn’t just treat the people who thought and behaved just like me. I would treat anyone,” says Yates. She and her husband and guitar player, Will, have a new EP “The Other Side,” to celebrate, but on Sunday mornings you will find them in front of thousands of worshippers leading the song service for Cross Timbers. “So I write out song prescriptions for my own heart, my friends, my family, and then share in hopes that they resonate and bring some hope and a voice to others.” Whether a song is initially intended for two-steppers, the believers in her church, or a close friend in pain, it doesn’t have a genre-specific point of origin. Yates’ songs come from the kind of love she believes in and the kind that’s guided her through the tough times great songs are made of. Concerts at The Old Firehouse in Edom are all original music. Cover tunes are never allowed on their stage. All the music is performed by the songwriters who wrote them.
Concerts
February 9th (7pm) - A Night with Lauren Daigle - Lauren Daigle is Contemporary Christian Music’s fastest selling artist this decade, with the release of her debut album, “How Can It Be.” Produced by Paul Mabury (Brooke Fraser, Hillsong), Daigle’s “How Can It Be” is a compelling collection of songs that celebrate God’s faithfulness with a sense of wonder and awe. “How Can It Be” took home the 2016 Billboard Music Award for “Top Christian Album.” She was also nominated for a 2016 American Music Award for “Favorite Artist Contemporary/Inspirational,” and won six Dove Awards (nominated for 10), including “Artist of the Year.” Daigle also received three K-LOVE Fan Awards, including “Artist of the Year.” Tickets are $20-$40. Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University is located at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview. For more info call (903)233-3080 or go to belchercenter.com. Box office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. February 10th (8pm) - Riders in the Sky will be in concert at Love & War in Lindale, 114 E. North St. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at outhousetickets.com. February 14th (7:30pm) - “Jim Brickman: An Evening of Romance” - Jim Brickman, awardwinning songwriter and pianist, presents his most entertaining and romantic concert of the year. Brickman’s engaging stage presence seamlessly blends emotion and humor with music that touches the heart. Brickman leads the audience on a personal escape with stirring solo piano and vocal collaborations including hits like “Angel Eyes,” “Valentine,” “If You Believe,” and “Love of My Life.” Jim Brickman in concert strikes the perfect balance of musical intimacy, compelling storytelling, and a personal connection with every seat filled. The Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the University of Texas at Tyler campus. Tickets are $37-57 and are available at the box office by calling (903)566-7424 or go to cowancenter.org.
February 17th (7:30pm) - Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt will be in concert at Caldwell Auditorium, 300 S. College Ave., Downtown Tyler. Lyle Lovett was one of the most distinctive and original singer/songwriters to emerge during the ‘80’s. Though he was initially labeled as a country singer, the tag never quite fit him. Lovett had more in common with ‘70’s singer/ songwriters like Guy Clark, Jesse Winchester, Randy Newman, and Townes Van Zandt, combining a talent for incisive, witty lyrical detail with an eclectic array of music, ranging from country and folk to big-band swing and traditional pop. Lovett’s literate, multi-layered songs stood out among the formulaic Nashville hit singles of the late ‘80’s as well as the new traditionalists who were beginning to take over country music. Drawing from alternative country and rock fans, Lovett quickly built up a cult following that began to spill over into the mainstream. Lovett will be performing with legendary John Hiatt. Get your tickets now for a sure sell out event! Tickets are $39-$69 and are available at outhousetickets.com. Parking is free after 6pm downtown in the parking garage across from Caldwell Auditorium. February 25th (6pm) - Baby Ray’s Apollo Night will take place at Liberty Hall. Tickets are available on Eventbrite or by calling (281)845-1043 or (903)216-0345. Liberty Hall is located at 103 E. Erwin, Downtown Tyler. For more info go to libertytyler.com. March 11th (8pm) - Colt Ford and Moonshine Bandits will be in concert at The Oil Palace, 10408 State Hwy 64 E., Tyler. Jason Farris Brown, known professionally as Colt Ford, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He has released four albums via Average Joes Entertainment, which he co-founded. Ford has charted six times on the Hot Country Songs charts and co-wrote (with Brantley Gilbert) “Dirt Road Anthem,” a song on his 2008 album “Ride Through the Country,” which Jason Aldean later covered on his “My Kinda Party” album. For tickets go to oilpalace.com or call (903)566-2122. Tickets are $30-$80.
EGuideMagazine.com • 15
EGuideMagazine.com GigGuide The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Craig Wallace, 3-5, Daniel Lynn, 7-10 Garage Bar – Teazur, 9-1 The Grove – The Magills, 7-10 Kawa’s – Bluez Boyz, 7-10 Wednesday, February 1st Lago Del Pino – Live Music, 10-1 Monday, February 6th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Matthew & War, Lindale – Truck Stop The 10 Spot, Jacksonville – Open Mic, 6-9 Love Gamblers, McDaniel, 8-12 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Darrin Morris, 7-10 Clear Springs – Patrick James, 6-9 M6 Winery, Bullard – Keith Rea, 3-5 Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 6-9 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz 6-9 Tuesday, February 7th Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Chris Crawfish Barn – Karaoke, 6-9 Colston Band, 9-12 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 Dakotas Chop House – Scotty G, 7-10 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6-9 Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 6-9 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Craig Wallace & F D’s Grillhouse – Eric Mosley, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Wes Nixon Band, T.D. Wilt, 6-10 8-12 Garage Bar – Karaoke, 8-12 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny Love & War, Lindale – Songwriters Anony- Rick’s – Professor D & The Playschool, 9-1 & The Nightcrawlers, 8-11 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – mous, 8-12 Love & War, Lindale – Cassidy Diana, 8-12 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Open Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Karaoke, 8-12 Where’s Rufus - DJ, 9-1 Mic, 7-10 Sports Zone – DJ Aris, 9-12 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Sunday, February 12th What about Kabob – Open Mic, 5-7 Republic Icehouse – Open Mic, 8-12 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Thursday, February 2nd Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 12-3 Summerfield’s Bar & Grille – Karaoke, The Back Porch, Kilgore – Adam Brown, The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Tommy & The 7-11 7-10 Acoustics, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 Dakotas Chop House – Daniel Rocha, 7-10 The Grove – Chris Oliver, 11-2 Wednesday, February 8th The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Shelby Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm Ballenger, 7-10 The Back Porch, Kilgore – 2nd Childhood, Love & War, Lindale – The Magills, 8-12 Garage Bar – Open Mic, 6-10 7-10 Monday, February 13th Love & War, Lindale – Dan Johnson & The Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 The 10 Spot, Jacksonville – Open Mic, 6-9 salt Cedar Rebels, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Tuesday, February 14th Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Crawfish Barn – Karaoke, 6-9 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 Dakotas Chop House – Douglas Boyd, Friday, February 3rd Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 6-9 7-10 11th Frame Club – Karaoke, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Craig Wallace & Cowan Center – Jim Brickman, 7pm The Back Porch, Kilgore – Down & Out, F D’s Grillhouse – Eric Mosley, 6-9 T.D. Wilt, 6-10 8-12 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny Garage Bar – Karaoke, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 7-11 Love & War, Lindale – Songwriters Anony& The Nightcrawlers, 8-11 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Kevin Fowler, 8-12 mous, 8-12 Republic Icehouse – Karaoke, 8-12 Dakotas – Patrick James, 8-11 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Open What about Kabob – Open Mic, 5-7 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Travis Bolt, Mic, 7-10 Thursday, February 9th 7-10 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Garage Bar – DJ, 8-12 The Back Porch, Kilgore – LaDarius Republic Icehouse – Open Mic, 8-12 Juls – DJ, 7-10 Daniels, 7-10 BBQ – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Lago Del Pino – Live Music, 9-12 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Dallas Moore, 8-12 Stanley’s Summerfield’s Bar & Grille – Karaoke, Love & War, Lindale – Sunny Sweeney, Dakotas Chop House – Daniel Rocha, 7-10 7-11 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Tanner Sparks, Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 7-10 Wednesday, February 15th Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Finding Garage Bar – Open Mic, 6-10 Shade, 8-12 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Cole Allen, 7-10 Love & War, Lindale – Kirk Baxley, 8-12 Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Clear Springs – Paul Shafer, 6-9 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6-9 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Friday, February 10th Republic Icehouse – Michael Player, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 11th Frame Club – Karaoke, 8-12 Rick’s – DJ Mike, 8-12 Barn – Karaoke, 6-9 The Back Porch, Kilgore – What The Funk, Crawfish Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Dakotas Chop House – Gary Patrick, 7-10 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Uncle Lucius, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Craig Wallace & Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 7-11 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – T.D. Wilt, 6-10 Dakotas Chop House – Gary Patrick, 8-11 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny Marcus Casburn, 6-9 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Jason Herrin Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 & The Nightcrawlers, 8-11 Band, 7-10 Yamato – DJ, 9-12 Love & War, Lindale – Jesse Jennings, Garage Bar – DJ, 8-12 8-12 Saturday, February 4th The Grove – Patrick James, 11-1 Republic Icehouse – Karaoke, 8-12 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Chris Gordon Juls – DJ, 7-10 What about Kabob – Open Mic, 5-7 Band, 9-1 Lago Del Pino Live Music, 8-12 Thursday, February 16th Club 155 – Black Ice, 9-1 Liberty Hall – Opera Amore, 8pm Dakotas Chop House – Tuxedo Cats, 8-11 Love & War, Lindale – Ryders In The Sky, The Back Porch, Kilgore – Darrin Morris, The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Craig 7-10 8-12 Wallace,3-5, Junior Clark, 7-10 Dakotas Chop House – Daniel Rocha, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Juls – DJ, 7-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Koe Wetzel, The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Live Music Kawa’s – Quentin Moore, 7-10 Garage Bar – Open Mic, 6-10 8-12 Lago Del Pino – Gary Patrick, 9-1 Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Love & War, Lindale – Stefan Prigmore, Love & War, Lindale – Prophets & Outlaws, Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6-9 Guthrie Kennard, Heather Little, 8-12 8-12 South Tyler Speakeasy – DJ Mike, 8-12 Purple Pig – Live Music, 6-9 M6 Winery, Bullard – Eric Moseley, 3-5 Republic Icehouse – Kirk Baxley, 8-12 Friday, February 17th Mario’s – Live Jazz 6-9 Rick’s – DJ Mike, 8-12 11th Frame Club – Karaoke, 8-12 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Wesley Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Doctor Doctor, Pruitt Band, 9-12 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – 8-12 Old Fire House, Edom – Karen Mal, 7-10 Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Caldwell Auditorium – John Hiatt & Lyle Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6-9 True Vine Brewing – Live Music, 5-9 Lovett, 7pm Republic Icehouse – The Haggertys, 9-1 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 7-11 Rick’s – Trajikly White, 9-1 Yamato – DJ, 9-12 Dakotas Chop House – Jonah Gonzales, Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Saturday, February 11th 8-11 Marcus Casburn, 6-9 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Ally Venable The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Tyler Dixson, Where’s Rufus - DJ, 9-1 Band, 9-1 7-10 XLN – Culver House, 9-1 Clicks Live – Dark Ave., This Day Forth, The Grove – Patrick James, 6-9 Yamato – Paul Shafer, 7-10 9-1 Lago Del Pino – DJ Aris, 8-12 Sunday, February 5th Dakotas Chop House – Tyler Dudley Trio, Love & War, Lindale – John Baumann, Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 8-11 Michael Player, 8-12 16 • EGuideMagazine.com
EGuideMagazine.com
Music Gig Guide
Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 12-3 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Tommy & The Acoustics, 7-10 The Grove – Chris Oliver, 11-2 Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm
Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Doug Kent, 8-12 Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6-9 Purple Pig – Live Music, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – The Tuxedo Cats, 8-12 Rick’s – DJ Mike, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 True Vine Brewing – Live Music, 5-9 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12
Saturday, February 18th
The Back Porch, Kilgore – Chris Colston Band, 8-12 Click’s Live – Sanctum Solaris, 9-1 Dakotas Chop House – Johnny & The Nightcrawlers, 8-11 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Michael Cheatham, 7-10 Garage Bar – DJ, 8-12 The Grove – Paul Shafer,10-12 Lago Del Pino – The Elegant Few, 9-1 Love & War, Lindale – Phil Hamilton, 9-1 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Chase McClanahan, 9-12 Neon Country, Jacksonville, Josh Ward, 9-1 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Texas Rebellion, 8-12 Rick’s – Gary Patrick Band, 9-1 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 XLN – Taylor Thompins & The Trainwrecks, 9-1
7-10 Garage Bar – Open Mic, 6-10 Love & War, Lindale – Justin Mason, 8-12
Friday, February 24th
11th Frame Club – Karaoke, 8-12 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Chad Cooke Band, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 7-11 Dakotas Chop House – Rick St. Mars, 8-11 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Heather Little, 7-10 Garage Bar – DJ, 8-12 The Grove – Live Music, 7-10 Lago Del Pino – DJ Aris, 8-12 Love & War, Lindale – Micky & The Motorcars, 8-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Tiffani Watkins, 8-12 Oil Palace – Newsboys, 7pm Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6-9 Purple Pig – Live Music, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Big Hotel, 8-12 Rick’s – DJ Mike, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 True Vine Brewing – The Magills, 5-9 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12
Saturday, February 25th
The Back Porch, Kilgore – Gary Patrick, 9-1 Clicks Live – Motograter, 9-1 Dakotas Chop House – Live Music, 9-1 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Craig Wallace, 3-5, Michael Saldana, 7-10 Kawa’s – Live Music, 7-10 Love & War, Lindale – Clay Thrash, Drew Sunday, February 19th Fish Band, 9-1 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz 6-9 Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 12-3 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Wayland The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Tommy & The Hicks, 9-12 Acoustics, 7-10 Old Fire House, Edom – Crystal Yates, The Grove – Chris Oliver, 11-2 7-10 Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6-9 Monday, February 20th Republic Icehouse – Taylor Tompkins & The Trainwrecks, 8-12 The 10 Spot, Jacksonville – Open Mic, 6-9 Rick’s – Professor D & The Playschool, 9-1 Tuesday, February 21st Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 6-9 Where’s Rufus - DJ, 9-1 F D’s Grillhouse – Eric Mosley, 6-9 XLN – The Spills, 9-1 Garage Bar – Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – Paul Shafer, 7-10 Love & War, Lindale – Songwriters AnonySunday, February 26th mous, 8-12 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Open Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 12-3 Mic, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Tommy & The The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Acoustics, 7-10 Republic Icehouse – Open Mic, 8-12 The Grove – Chris Oliver, 11-2 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Summerfield’s Bar & Grille – Karaoke, Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm 7-11 Monday, February 27th Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 The 10 Spot, Jacksonville – Open Mic, 6-9
Wednesday, February 22nd
The Back Porch, Kilgore – Gary Patrick, 7-10 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Crawfish Barn – Karaoke, 6-9 Dakotas Chop House – Levi Kitchen, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Craig Wallace & T.D. Wilt, 6-10 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Nightcrawlers, 8-11 Love & War, Lindale – David Baxter, 8-12 Sports Zone – DJ Aris, 9-12 Republic Icehouse – Karaoke, 8-12 What about Kabob – Open Mic, 5-7
Thursday, February 23rd
The Back Porch, Kilgore – Chad Suttles, 7-10 Dakotas Chop House – Daniel Rocha, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Cassidy Lynn,
Tuesday, February 28th
Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 6-9 F D’s Grillhouse – Eric Mosley, 6-9 Garage Bar – Karaoke, 8-12 Half Moon Grill – Open Mic, 8-12 Love & War, Lindale – Songwriters Anonymous, 8-12 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Open Mic, 7-10 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Open Mic, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Summerfield’s Bar & Grille – Karaoke, 7-11 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12
To list your gigs here, send them by the 20th of every month to:
EGuideMagazine@gmail.com
Theatre Cherokee Civic Theatre to Present “The Hallelujah Girls” onDown Stageat the
Spa-Dee-Dah, you’d think life is all bubbles and blow dryers with a few beauty marks thrown in. And you’d be wrong. There’s trouble in pedicure paradise when “The Hallelujah Girls” comes to the stage of Cherokee Civic Theatre (CCT) this month. A Southern-fried comedy by the talented team of Jones-Hope-Wooten, “The Hallelujah Girls” are friends who patronize the day spa to forget about life’s trials and tribulations – faithless husbands, children with probation officers, and the singular lack of romance. With the sudden death of a friend, combined with the machinations of an old enemy who wants to shut the spa down, the feisty women unite to change their lives, take back their dreams, and save the day. Directed by Mary Vardaman (Jacksonville) and produced by Sissy Crysup (Rusk), CCT’s production features a cast from all over East Texas and beyond. Sharing their comic talents are Laura Cunningham and Corey Folmnsbee (Jacksonville), Frank Evans (Bullard), Monica Kelley (Tyler), Phyllis Johnson (Rockwall), Josie Fox (Nacogdoches), and Amy McCalister and Jo Carraway (Rusk). Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten have written many popular plays included several produced at CCT the past few years: “Always a Bridesmaid,” “Dearly Beloved,” “Dearly Departed,” and “The Dixie Swim Club.” Their sense of humor ranges from the sly to the downright ridiculous and always makes for a rollicking good time. “The Hallelujah Girls” opens on Saturday February 25th with a “Members Only” reception. The show continues Sunday February 26th as well as March 3rd, 4th, and 5th. The evening performances begin at 7:30pm; the Sunday matinees start at 2pm. Advance tickets are available now at cherokeetheatre.net or by calling CCT at (903)6832131. The CCT box office will be open weekdays from 2-6pm starting February 20th until March 4th. Tickets are also available at the door starting one hour before each performance.
Upcoming Productions on Stage
February 3rd-4th (Friday at 3pm, Saturday at 7pm) - Studio 103 Play Reading Series presents “The Lesson” by Eugene Ionesco, classic member of the Theatre of The Absurd. This is free to attend and will be held in the Fine Arts Building, Room 103 on the Tyler Junior College campus. For more info go to tjc.edu/ performingarts.
Friday-Sunday, February 3rd-5th, ThursdaySunday, February 9th-12th (Evenings at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:30pm) - “45 Seconds from Broadway” will be on stage at Tyler Civic Theatre. “45 Seconds from Broadway” takes place in the legendary “Polish Tea Room” on New York’s 47th Street. Here, Broadway theatre personalities, washed-up and on-therise, gather to schmooze even as they lose. Tyler Civic Theatre is located at 400 Rose Park Dr., Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center. The box office is open Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm and 2-5pm. For more info call (903)592-0561 or tylercivictheatre.com. Saturday, February 4th, 2017 (8pm) Jay Leno will be at the Cowan Center. Acclaimed TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, much-indemand corporate speaker, lovable TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist…it’s no wonder that Jay Leno is widely characterized as “The hardest working man in show business.” The Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the University of Texas at Tyler campus. Tickets starts at $62 and are available at the box office by calling (903)566-7424 or go to cowancenter.org. Business to formal attire suggested. February 7th and April 4th (7:30pm) - TJC Performance Series - Enjoy performances by TJC faculty and featured musicians followed by an after show reception with time to meet and greet the performers. This is free to attend and will be held at the Jean Brown Theatre on the Tyler Junior College campus. Concerts will begin at 7:30pm. Saturday, February 11th (7:30pm) - Colin and Brad of “Whose Line is it Anyway” will be on stage at The Belcher Performance Center. Using their quick wit, Colin and Brad take suggestions from the audience to create hilarious and original scenes, just like a live version of “Whose Line!” Throughout the evening, the show becomes truly interactive as audience members are called to the stage to participate in the fun. The Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University is located at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview. Box office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. For more info call (903)233-3080 or go to belchercenter.com. Tuesday, February 14th (7:30pm) - “Jim Brickman – An Evening of Romance” will be at the Cowan Center. This performance is perfect for Valentine’s Day! Jim Brickman, award-winning songwriter and pianist, presents his most entertaining and romantic concert of the year, “Jim Brickman – An Evening of Romance.” Brickman’s engaging stage presence seamlessly blends emotion and humor with music that touches the heart. 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 go to cowancenter.org. Friday, February 17th (10am and 12:30pm) - “ArcAttack” will be at the Cowan Center. From the creators of the original “Singing Tesla Coil,” the crew of “ArcAttack” use their high tech wizardry to generate a truly “electrifying”
“Grey Gardens, The Musical” By Doug Wright, Scott Frankel, and Michael Korie Based on the life stories of the eccentric aunt and first cousin of Jackie Kennedy, “Grey Gardens, The Musical” tells the tender, intimate story of an eccentric mother and daughter (both named Edith Bouvier Beale a.k.a. “Big and Little Edie”). They were raised as Park Avenue debutantes but withdrew from New York society, taking shelter at the Bouviers’ mansion in East Hampton, New York, Grey Gardens. As their wealth and contact with the outside world dwindled, so did their grasp on reality. The musical tracks the progression of the two women’s lives from their original status as rich and socially polished aristocrats to their eventual largely isolated existence in a home overrun by cats and cited for repeated health code violations. They were reintroduced to the world when international tabloids learned of a health department raid on their home, and Jackie swooped in to save her relatives. Based on the lives that inspired the “Maysles Brothers’” classic documentary, this play is both dramatic and fascinating! Showtimes are February 17th-19th and 24th-26th at 7:30pm nightly. performance. Students will meet King Beat, the completely automated robot drummer, and witness several powerful demonstrations with magnets, electricity, and more, culminating in an epic “science experiment meets rock concert” spectacle for the eyes and ears. The Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the University of Texas at Tyler campus. Tickets are $4 and are available at the box office by calling (903)566-7424 or go to cowancenter.org. School groups may call the Cowan Center box office for order forms. Tuesday, February 21st (7:30pm) - Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo will be at The Cowan Center. In the footsteps of Shakespeare (where men played all the roles), “The Trocks” do it with exceptional technique and comedic flair. Four decades strong, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo is a group of ballet enthusiasts founded for the purpose of presenting a playful, entertaining view of traditional, classical ballet in parody form. The inspired blend of their loving knowledge of dance, their amusing approach, and the astounding fact that men can, indeed, dance en pointe without falling flat on their faces, keeps audiences laughing for the entire performance. The Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the University of Texas at Tyler campus. Tickets start at $32 and are available at the box office by calling (903)566-7424 or go to cowancenter.org.
Intermission Gala “We are also continuing the capital campaign for the new building with our fourth ‘Intermission’ gala on Saturday, February 4th at the Henderson Civic Center. One of the portions of our gala fundraising is an auction with both live and silent auction items. We are asking for your help in obtaining items for the auction. Local costumed celebrity waiters serve you all evening with an outstanding dinner, open bar, dancing, and lots of fun,” said James Nicholson.
More info Henderson Civic Theatre (HCT) is located at 122 E. Main St., Henderson. For info call (903)657-2968 or hctonline.org. Henderson Civic Theatre, the premiere performance venue of Rusk County, produces five to seven live theatrical productions per year. Located downtown in the original 1885 Opera House on East Main Street, in the National Register Historic District on Heritage Square, HCT has a long history of bringing quality theater to East Texas. In 2012, HCT purchased the building adjacent to the Opera House and renovation of that space is underway for additional performance space, storage, offices, and classrooms. Thursday - Sunday, February 23rd-26th (Friday-Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday at 2pm)“Mary Poppins” will be presented at Wise Auditorium. The musical with music and lyrics by the Sherman Brothers, with additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, and a script by Julian Fellowes, is based on the book by P. L. Travers and the Walt Disney film. Wise Auditorium is located on the Tyler Junior College campus. The box office opens one week prior to performances, with hours 10am-6pm, weekdays only, throughout the run of performances. For more info call (903)510-2212 or go online to tjc.edu/theatre. February 25th, 26th and March 3rd-5th“The Hallelujah Girls” will be presented at Cherokee Civic Theatre. With faithless boyfriends, children with parole officers, and humdrum marriages, the Friday “regulars” at Spa-De-Dah really need their getaway. So when the owner’s conniving arch-rival tries to take over their sanctuary, things really start hopping! Obstacles are surmounted, new leaves are turned over, and even romance is back in the picture for these feisty and eccentric Southern women. Cherokee Civic Theatre is located at 157 W. 5th St., Rusk. For tickets or more info call (903)683-2131 or go to cherokeetheatre. net. To list your productions here, please go to eguidemagazine.com/calendar and hit “Submit.”
EGuideMagazine.com • 17
Art Inside the Artist’s Studio:
Sam Fontenot
Takin’ A Ride On Heavy Metal – Artist’s Bliss By Derrick White “Is the blacksmith a big, jolly guy who only gets mad when somebody burns down his barn?” This is a line from the film “Rustlers’ Rhapsody,” a 1985 western parody written and directed by Hugh Wilson and a highly underrated comedy. In a poke at 1960’s Spaghetti Westerns’ predictability – all horse opera towns are the same. Good guy Rex O’Herlihan (“The Singing Cowboy”) converses, “This town’s no different. The sheriff is stereotypical and so is the saloon owner with his mustache. Do you have a very pretty, but somehow asexual, new schoolmarm? Is the newspaper run by an idealistic young journalist who’s hocked everything to buy his first press?” The formulaic town drunk replies, “Oh, wait! I know one thing this town has the others don’t! None of the other towns have...” “The railroad coming through?” says another patron. The stunned drunk gasps, “All western towns have the railroad coming through.” If you look around our East Texas area, it seems like every town these days has a downtown revitalization project underway. One prevalent strategy is to focus on the arts and locally-owned businesses. Local Tyler artist and modern day blacksmith Sam Fontenot is a strong participant and advocate for both. Sam is a big, bearded, jolly guy and so full of passion, optimism, and collaboration, I don’t think he ever gets mad. “I have always studied art, whether painting or building. I became a tattoo artist through a traditional one year apprenticeship, and I was a practicing professional tattoo artist for almost nine years. While tattooing, I began blacksmithing metal as a D.I.Y. sideline. A few years ago, I got the opportunity to spend some time with a master blacksmith and learned a great deal about handcrafting tools. Slowly but surely I gained the knowledge and confidence to step out and become a full time metalsmith,” states the artist. Sam works primarily in steel and copper. He will often use wood and glass in projects, especially in furniture pieces. Sam also paints and does printmaking, sometimes adding linoleum print images (a relief printmaking process similar to woodcuts) to his works. In our digital, disposable, insatiable consumption world, Sam is carrying on a dwindling but enduring tradition and vital skill set. A blacksmith is a metalsmith forming or altering objects
At The theTylerTyler Museum of Art 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. The Museum is supported by its members, Tyler Junior College, and the City of Tyler. For more info call (903)595-1001 or go to tylermuseum.org.
Acclaimed Local Photographer Langham Turns Lens on Tylerites with TMA’s “Brickstreet Anthology”
A project more than two years in the making is coming to fruition with the Tyler Museum of Art’s first new exhibition of 2017. The distinct personalities of more than 50 Tylerites as captured on film are the focus of “Brickstreet Anthology: Photographs by Robert Langham,” open to the public Friday, January 27th-May 14th. Admission is free. Museum members and special guests are invited for a first look at the exhibition during the Preview Reception from 5:30-7pm Thursday, January 26th at the Museum. To RSVP or for info, call (903)595-1001 or go to tylermuseum.org. Organized by the TMA, “Brickstreet 18 • EGuideMagazine.com
Sam continues, “I take a great sense of pride in creating a piece of artwork with my own two hands that has the potential to last for generations after I am gone. Also, I have been lucky enough to earn my living as an artist for the better part of my adult life.” Artist bliss. One of the hardest parts about being a full time artist, or for any imaginative professional, is staying creative and fresh and, of course, financial income. “My day to day is filled with making smaller items, which helps me pay the bills, things like bottle openers, fireplace tools, and barbeque sets. I try to find new styles for these items to make them uniquely my own creations,” Sam said. “I also have my passion projects. I am currently getting into lock making. I hope to be proficient in forging and designing locks during the coming year.” Sam is inspired by a range of artists and original individuals. He says, “My favorite artists aren’t the classics by any means. I love the makers, innovators, and practical artists.” One of his early heroes was Ed (Big Daddy) Roth (key 50’s – 60’s California artist, cartoonist, illustrator, custom car designer, and builder who created the hot rod cartoon icon Rat Fink). Sam found his automobile creations fascinating. Another major influence is the blacksmith Sam learned his craft from, Brian Brezeal (Mississippi blacksmith who began forging as a Farrier – a specialist in horseshoeing). “Brian Brezeal is one of the best tool makers of our time. His ‘forge to finish’ methods are the ones I use daily,” states this protégé. Lastly, Sam mentions Adam Savage (American designer and special effects fabricator, and educator from “MythBusters”). “Talk about a craftsman and multitalented builder; Adam Savage’s creations inspire me to learn and overcome obstacles,” Sam said. “Adam is also a huge driving force for the makers’ movement.” Sam is currently in the midst of remodeling a shop/studio with his business partner Brad Brown. They will operate a coopfrom steel, copper, or iron by shaping the metal, using tools erative space with a studio workshop where they will both be striking, bending, and cutting. Blacksmiths produce objects building and designing daily. The space will also maintain a such as gates, railings, fixtures, furniture, sculpture, tools, weapons, and decorative and symbolic items. Generally, black- retail side for sales. They are hoping to house other local talent in the shop as well as their own creations. The shop “Wood smiths have knowledge of how to make and repair metal and Metal Works” will be a unique local experience where one objects both large and small. can actually come by, check out the show room, and watch “I have always been interested in the artisan crafts; my these talented artists work on projects and see the unique and grandfather was a woodworker and tinkerer,” Sam said. “He taught me the value of working with my hands and being cre- hypnotic processes in action. Sam adds, “I hope to be able to ative. I love to work with vintage tools to do modern work. A offer workshops on basic blacksmithing by summer for anyone lot of the processes in metalsmithing have not changed much interested.” in hundreds of years. My shop is full of tools close to or posFor more info or to get in touch with artist and contemposibly older than a hundred years; the rest are reproductions rary blacksmith Sam Fontenot, find him on Facebook or go to made by myself or other tool makers who carry on the craft.” 26forgeworks.weebly.com.
Anthology” is the product of acclaimed local photographer Robert Langham’s extensive research and travel throughout Tyler “to train his lens on numerous local personalities who are as varied as they are dynamic,” TMA curator Caleb Bell said. Shooting on black-andwhite film rather than relying on digital imagery, Langham’s subjects range from business and civic leaders to citizens going about their everyday business “to capture the essence of what it means to be a member of our unique community.” Tyler native Langham has been photographing East Texas subjects since 1971, when he took his first photojournalism class at TJC. His avid interest in fine art photography led him to an apprenticeship with the legendary Ansel Adams, and eventually, wide acclaim in his own right while maintaining a successful commercial photography business in his hometown. Additionally, he has shared his passion with new generations for more than two decades as a photography professor at his alma mater, TJC. His photography has been featured in numerous exhibitions at venues including The Old Jail Art Center in Albany, Texas, and the TMA, where he also served as guest curator for “Scott M. Lieberman, M.D.: At the Vantage Point” in 2014.
“Robert has a long and proud association with our museum, and we have relied on his ideas and expertise as a fine-art photographer for many years,” TMA Executive Director Chris Leahy said. “It’s no mere coincidence that when we decided to organize a photography exhibition that focused on the vibrant personalities of our local community, he was the one we called.” Support for the exhibition is provided by Gold Level Collectors’ Circle Sponsor Myrtis D. Smith. Special Events Special events in connection with “Brickstreet Anthology” include First Friday Tours at 11am February 3rd, March 3rd, April 7th, and May 5th. Family Days are 2-4pm Saturday, February 11th, March 11th, April 8th, and May 13th. Admission to all special events is free, but reservations are encouraged.
Landscapes in Focus with TMA’s “Flora and Fauna”
The Tyler Museum of Art highlights the unique plant and animal life of the Texas landscape from the perspective of 20 of the region’s most prominent contemporary artists with its current exhibition, “Flora and Fauna.” Featuring close to 30 works including painting, photography, sculpture, and silhouettes. The exhibition is up through March 19th. Special Events Special events in connection with “Flora and Fauna” include First Friday Tours at 11am February 3rd and March 3rd. Family Days are 2-4pm Saturday, February 11th, and March 11th.
Family
TJC Science Center’s 6th annual ‘Love Under the Stars’
Lake St., on the TJC main campus in Tyler. Parking is free. “This is our sixth year to host ‘Love Under the Stars,’ and it just keeps growing in popularity,” said Kimberly Lessner, TJC execThroughout the ages, the poets and com- utive director of marketing, media, and posers have been inspired by love and its rela- communications. This winter there is something for all ages tionship to “In addition to mood music provided by at local movie theaters. Join the fun! the cosmos. our talented TJC jazz combo, we’ve revamped Valenthis year’s dome show to include a discussion Liberty Hall tine couples on love stories about the constellations and the Classics and family movies are planned can enjoy mythology behind them.” this spring. Catch a show in Downtown Tyler’s an evening The dome program will also include a look historic theater, Liberty Hall located at 103 E. of “Love at the constellations visible in the night sky Erwin, Tyler. Movies scheduled are: Under the and a virtual tour through the solar system and • February 2nd - “Sleepless in Seattle” Stars” from beyond to visit places in the universe that have • February 9th - “An Affair to Remember” 7-9:30pm inspired or were inspired by love. • February 16th - “Casablanca” Friday Admission is $85 per couple (ages 21 and • March 17th - “Monty Python and the Holy and Saturup) and includes: heavy hors d’oeuvres and Grail” day, February 10th and 11th, at the Center beverages, full-dome planetarium show, an • April 15th - “Ten Commandments” for Earth & Space Science Education at Tyler outdoor, telescopic viewing (weather permit• May 12th - “Momma Mia” Sing Along Junior College. ting), a couples’ gift basket, and a commemoDoors open at 6pm, and movies start at The science center is located at 1411 E. rative photo. 7pm, except where noted above. Tickets are available online at libertytyler.com or at the door for $7.
Romance is in the Air
Advance tickets can be purchased online at sciencecenter.tjc.edu or at the Science Center ticket counter. Seating is limited. Also, other upcoming events are: • February 18th (7pm and 8pm) - Rock ’n’ Roll Night in the Dome – “SpacePark360” combines full-dome technology with thrill rides to create a heart-pounding experience; and “Rock on Demand” fills the entire 40-foot domed theater with vibrant graphics to a rock soundtrack that includes the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Aerosmith and more. • February 4th (8-10pm) - Star Party – Live sky shows in the dome at 8pm, 8:30pm, and 9pm with a telescope viewing 8-10pm. • February 9th (7pm) - Public Science Lecture Series – “Nothing in Biology Makes Sense Except in Light of Evolution: True or False?” will be presented by Dr. Eugenie Scott, founding director of the National Center for Science Education. For more info go to sciencecenter.tjc.edu or call (903)510-2312.
Studio Movie Grill Studio Movie Grill (SMG) is located at 8954 S. Broadway Ave., Tyler. Tickets are available at the door and at studiomoviegrill. com. Along with the hot new movies, SMG offers classic movies and special showings. “Girls Night Out” Grab your girlfriends for a fun night out. Tickets are only $5 and feature retro-screenings of your favorite chick-flicks! These start at 7:30pm. The scheduled movies are: • February 10th - “Ghost” • March 9th - “Sixteen Candles” • April 13th - “The Notebook” • May 11th - “The Devil Wears Prada” • June 8th - “Mamma Mia” • July 13th - “Bridesmaids” • August 10th - “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” • September 14th - “Sex and the City” • October 12 - “Dirty Dancing” • November 9th - “Fried Green Tomatoes” • December 14th - “Love Actually” “Family Rewind Series” SMG invites you to rewind back in time to share your favorite childhood movies. The Family Rewind Series movie tickets are $5 and titles are subject to change. You’re never too old to feel like a kid again. Wednesday screenings are at 7pm, and Sundays are at 2pm. Scheduled movies are: • February 17th and 21st - “Princess Bride” • March 16th and 20th - “Free Willy” • April 20th and 24th - “The Sandlot” • May 18th and 22nd - “Raiders of the Lost Ark” • June 15th and 19th - “The Neverending Story” • July 20th and 24th - “Mrs Doubtfire” • August 17th and 21st - “Jumanji” • September 21st and 25th - “Field of Dreams” • October 19th and 23rd - “E.T.” • November 16th and 20th - “Wizard of Oz” • December 19th - “Home Alone” Special Screenings: Romance Experience film classics on the big screen with the themed SMG Vault Series! Love is in the air in February, so come out and see these romantic favorites: • February 1st - “The Bridges of Madison County” • February 8th - “Casablanca” • February 14th - “The Notebook” • February 22nd - “Father of the Bride” “Special Needs Screenings” Family friendly movies free for children with special needs and their siblings, with adult tickets available for before-noon price. Special Needs Screenings are shown with the lights up and the volume lowered, and children are free to move around, talk, or even dance in the aisles during the movie. Special Needs Screenings are shown at 11am. Parental guidance is always suggested. Scheduled movies are: • February 4th - “A Dog’s Purpose” • February 18th - “The Lego Batman Movie” For more info on movies call (903)5086991 or go to studiomoviegrill.com.
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Our food is great and our employees are the friendliest around! We offer a wide variety of food! If you have not been to Purple Pig, then we’d love to see you! Dine-in, to-go orders, and catering available.
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of equal value. Expires February 28, 2017, Not valid with any other offers. 1 coupon per person.
19785 TX-155 Flint, TX 75762 (903) 825-6800
103 W. Longview St. Arp, TX 75750 (903) 859-2390
8336 Paluxy Dr.
g Cominn Tyler, TX 75703 Soo
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