June 1, 2015 • Issue 6, Volume 3
Cork Food & Drink:
Experience the Flair and Ingenuity
T-Bone Walker Blues Fest: Ben Creative Art Center: A Summer Full of Movies: Los Lonely Boys, Rick Derringer & More
“Where You’ve Ben Creative!”
A Family-Friendly Good Time
992 Est.1
Pinto Beans and Rice 7.95 cooked with smoked ham hocks and Gigi's cornbread
2 • EGuideMagazine.com
4546 Triggs Trace in The Cascades $550,000
Amazing custom built home offers massive great room with soaring ceilings and stone fireplace. Gorgeous hand-scraped hardwood and stone floors. Inviting gourmet kitchen, butler’s pantry, formal dining and breakfast nook. Main level master suite, two good size upper level bedrooms plus game room. Covered patio for entertaining and oversized rear entry garage.
21537 Merlot Lane in Kiepersol Estates $530,000
Swing on the grand covered porch and enjoy the azaleas and lush landscaping that surround this 5,089 sq ft., classic Southern style home tucked away at the end of a curved driveway. The lower level master suite is reminiscent of a five-star hotel and a richly handcrafted staircase leads to an equally beautiful second floor.
7136 Hollysquare Court in Hollytree $295,000
ERA Five Star Realty is now
Come Visit Us in Our Exquisitely Renovated Downtown Tyler Location
THE COTTAGE AT 422 S. BROADWAY
903.561.2200
www.ThePropertyShoppeTyler.com
The luxury of country club living with the added ease of a garden home lifestyle! This Mosaic Builders new 3/2, 2,100 sq. ft., split floor plan offers a spacious, open style with tons of natural light. An oversized family room with vaulted ceilings and an exquisite kitchen offering abundant storage, high-end finishes and stainless appliances. Great covered patio and two-car garage.
2005 Equestrian in Graemont Estates $727,000
This 4300 sq. ft., 5/4/3 estate home sits on a 1.4 acre lot. Master suite with every luxurious feature you can imagine! Oversized family room with stacked stone fireplace and huge gourmet kitchen. Upstairs includes bonus/game room, bar, full bedroom, bath and great storage. Lush landscaping, outdoor kitchen and pergola.
EGuideMagazine.com • 3
FOR SALE REDUCED!
The Entertainment Magazine for East Texas
Contents
BEAUTIFUL HOME!!!
June 1, 2015 • Issue 6, Volume 3
5-6 Food
Located in the prestigious Azalea District 3 master bedroom suites, with 3 full baths Formal living room, formal dining room, Den with fireplace, ½ bath in living area Kitchen remodeled, double car garage Apartment attached to garage, 4,270 sf Heated & cooled, blt in 1950 now priced At only $414,000
» “Cork Food & Drink: Experience the Flair” written and photographed by Barbara King » Yummy Yummy Breakfast: Nom Nom Good
7-13 Music
Call Cindy Gregory at 903-574-5576!
Looking for Lake Property that has it all?
» “A ‘Roxy Roca’ Good Time: Live at Lago del Pino” by Kimber Fountain » Summer Concerts: Tyler’s Liberty Hall Promises Music and Loads of Fun and Variety » 10th Annual T-Bone Walker Blues Fest: Headlining this Year is Los Lonely Boys and Rick Derringer » The Complete Music Gig Guide for Live Music
14-17 Things to Do
Look no further! This lake home has it all! 2 brs/2ba in the main house, 3rd/1ba or mother-in-law suite over garage. 2 car garage & 1 car garage or workshop. Open kitchen and living area with an island and cozy fireplace. Office off the master suite. 1035sf screened in porch that wraps around the back of the house. 24x54 heated pool with diving board, slide, and rock waterfall. Pergola with an outdoor kitchen. 866sf boat house with CH&A, kitchen, living area, 1br/1bath, screened in deck and open deck. Boat lift and jet ski lift. Also a 11x7 storage room. All on 1.78 acres, with a security gate and circle driveway. This is truly one of a kind. Don't wait come see this Lake Tyler Jewel - all this for only $590,000. Call Jason Gregory at 903-570-2411!
» “The Jacksonville Tomato Festival: From Tomato Eating Contests to Street Dances and Tons More Stuff To Do” by Gini Rainey » “Lock & Load Indoor Shooting Range” written and photographed by Lynn Dark » Texas Shakespeare Festival: 2015 Plays Begin this Month » Summer Madness at the Tyler Library: There’s Fun Things to Do For All Ages with Camps, Reading Clubs, Workshops and More » Events and Things to Do Around Tyler
18-20 Art
Thousands of Houses at www.gregoryrealtors.com
» “Inside the Artist’s Studio: Why I am an Art Professor, a Personal Thank You - O Captain! My Captain! Our Fearful Trip is Done” by Derrick White » “Weird Lady Alert: Artist Cierra McGuckie - Curiosities, Oddities and Sideshow Characters” by Derrick White » “Ben Creative Art Center: ‘Where You’ve Ben Creative!’” written and photographed by Barbara King » TMA Summer Camps: Variety Explored for Children of All Ages » Events including the Opening Party for 6x6@110, The 3rd Annual Junebug Music and Art Festival, Tin Toys & Raw Realities continues, Downtown Tyler’s Wine Swirl Poster Contest and more
21 Theatre
» “Attention Playwrights...A New Play Festival at Tyler Civic Theatre Center: ‘A Good Story, Well Told!’” by Gini Rainey » Downtown Tyler Film Festival Now Accepting Entries » The Theatre & Play Guide
22 Family
» “A Summer Full of Movies: Family-Friendly and a Super Good Time” by Kelly Griffith-Fields
23 Books
» Super Heroes Are Coming to the Summer Reading Club » “Three Different Kinds of Grace” by Gini Rainey
Staff Publisher Tena Jerger Sales Manager Louie Jerger Copy Editors
Kimber Fountain, Gini Rainey Editorial
John Baggett, Billy Keith Bucher, Lynn Dark, Kimber Fountain, Kelly GriffithFields, Barbara King, Gini Rainey, Derrick White
Distribution
Mandy Allen, Louie Jerger, Barbara King
Attn: Writers
We are currently looking for freelance writers. If you have a love for writing, send samples to:
EGuideMagazine@gmail.com
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Eagerness trumps experience every time. Therefore, experience is not necessarily needed. If you want to gain experience and get samples for your portfolio, e-mail us.
“EGuide Magazine” is an event-driven entertainment magazine focusing on ‘things to do’ in East Texas. We are published once a month. We are distributed free in our unique stands at over 360 locations in Tyler, Whitehouse, Bullard, Flint, Gresham, Edom, Ben Wheeler, Lindale, Jacksonville and Rusk. We will list at no charge most events open to the public. All necessary information should be included such as date, time, ticket cost, description of event, phone number for the public, website address, photos - the more the better. Submit your event at EGuideMagazine.com.
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Food Experience the Flair Written and Photographed by Barbara King Cork has a life and energy all of its own, which is very apparent this mid-week “Wine Wednesday” night. The bar is packed, the room is buzzing and there is a guitarist/singer in the corner doing his thing. Co-owner Ace Estrella is busy meeting and greeting guests and the vibe is contagious. Folks are coming and staying, and staying, conversing, eating, and mingling all night long. Opened in September, 2012, Cork is the epitome of a fine dining experience along with fun, fashion and flair. Business partners, entrepreneurs, and friends, Ace Estrella and John Florendo, have made Cork the place to mix and mingle in Tyler, and people are coming in droves to see what all the excitement is about. Coming in the door, you will be warmly greeted and immediately surrounded by the ambience of subdued lighting, colorful artwork, and music. It is eclectic, fun and funky, and here, you would think you are in any big city like New York, Dallas or Chicago. Ace describes the passion that fuels the vision of Cork. “We love what we do and we wanted to bring a different dining experience to East Texas. At the end of the day, we want to have folks leave with a memory of excellent ambience, food, wine and service.” Both men have years of restaurant experience, and their partnership blends the knowledge of industry standards with a tinge of risk and outside-the-box mentalities. The dynamic duo of Ace and John have spun their concept into a new upscale eatery and bar that is now “the place to go” in Tyler. Valet parking and outside seating are amenities that just add that extra customer service element that folks crave. Literally building the business from the ground up meant sweat, labor, and copious man hours, including cutting and lacquering sushi boards, upholstering furniture, and everything in between. It is truly a labor of love for the two gentlemen, whose love of fine dining and family is the basis for the collaboration. The eclectic mix of EuropeanAsian cuisine and unique pairings of wine and food makes this an incredible progressive dining adventure. Ace explains, “We are truly educating Tyler about healthy, quality food that is meant to be shared, enjoyed and appreciated in a casual, yet classy non-hurried environment.” Every meal is a present to be opened and shared, and presentation is everything. “We know people eat with their eyes,” says Ace, “and our Chef is always experimenting, changing and growing the menu.” The menu reflects the concept of sharing with the heading “just a few plates to share among friends,” including jalapeno poppers, peppadew peppers (stuffed with goat cheese and sprinkled with candied pecans), potstickers, Filipino spring rolls (cooked with love by Ace’s mom in the Cork kitchen), brussel sprouts, bruschetta and gourmet
sliders. Fresh sushi is the favorite at Cork, and you will only find fresh, high quality ingredients on your plate. Sushi specialties include Surf and Turf, Rainbow, Texas Crunch, I’m a Dragon, and Shrimp Crunch. Rolls are also available in many varieties like Cali, Philly, Spicy, Tuna, Tiger Eye, Veggie, and Spider. The versatile menu allows you to pick and choose from items ranging from $9 for a Harvest or Strawberry Salad, Stir Fry Health Bowls starting at $7, and all the way up to scrumptious Kobe beef and butcher board ribeyes at around $33. Brunch at Cork (available Saturdays 10am-2pm and Sundays 10am-4pm) is the best part of the weekend, and the choices are endless. Feast on everything from Steak & Eggs to French toast, Chicken & Waffles to a Country Fried Steak Bowl. Build your own omelettes, Eggs Benedict, Smoked Salmon Benedict, and Pulled Pork Benedict are available, too. Pair these with the brunch drink of the day, a bottomless Mimosa or a Lemongrass Mint Julep, Sangria or Bloody Mary. There is also a kiddo’s menu featuring waffles, pancakes, and French toast items. Chef Chad Graham has been whipping up taste sensations at Cork over the last eight months, and says, “I have the freedom to experiment, and the menu is always evolving. We try to pair handcrafted cocktails with menu options. I would say that the restaurant reflects a Pan-Asian influence with a Mediterranean flair. Our menu options are 80% made from scratch, and I am constantly researching, reading and building new flavors through marinades, sauces and cooking techniques.” It might seem to be all about the food, service and ambiance, but there is a lot more going on in this eatery. Large, colorful artscapes cover the walls, and upon closer inspection, the works are all credited to local artists, and the music is courtesy of local musicians, too. The
team makes a concerted effort to support local, especially in their concept of farm-to-table, and Chef Graham is quick to point out that the kitchen strives to utilize local produce whenever possible in support of local farmers. Shay Wimberly, Ariel Flores and Nancy Flournoy were there to celebrate a special birthday and picked Cork because they had heard it was a fun, unique atmosphere with great food. Shay says, “We love the eclectic vibe, atmosphere and urban feel. The service couldn’t be better, and we were glad we came in on a live music night.” The restaurant is closed Mondays for private/chef dinners, Wednesdays are “Wine Wednesdays” with ½ price bottles of wine available. “Keep it Local Tuesdays” features $5 for any drink featuring Texas spirits and the famous $6 pub burger made from all natural grass-fed beef from Happy Cattle Company. “Our dream that began as lists and sketches on notebook paper has become a reality that is continually growing and is a true reflection of our personalities and vision,” said Ace. Come find out what all the talk is about at Cork. Restaurant hours are Tuesday-Sunday 4-10:30pm (bar is open later). Find them at www.CorkTyler.com, Facebook at ‘Cork Food and Drink’ or at (903)363-9197. Cork is located at 5801 South Broadway in the Times Square Plaza, Tyler.
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Attn: We Have Crawfish! Steaks - Burgers - Seafood - Crawfish......Karaoke Saturday Nights......Located on Hwy. 155 South, Flint 903.565.6262 EGuideMagazine.com • 5
Yummy Yummy Breakfast: Nom Nom Good
Tyler has a lot of options if you are hungry for breakfast - from southern classics to Mexican flair. You can definitely find something around town for whatever mood you are in. Here are a few of our favorite places and dishes:
Mi Mexico Lindo Restaurant
Redeemable for one use at Tyler Rocket Fizz 4129 South Broadway Avenue (903) 561-FIZZ (3499) Check www.rocketfizz.com for more shop locations.
Delivery From...
...and many more!
www.PRDTyler.com 903.508.3833 Patriot Restaurant Delivery
A lovely, Full Service Venue for all Your Lamping Needs This charming shop not only has the largest and most diverse selection of shades and finials to be found, and the most friendly and efficient repair and restoration department as well. We also can create a custom lamp from a family heirloom or object d' art. Artisans can design a custom shade or a base from wood, lucite or marble. Lamps are displayed on fine 18th and 19th century furniture available for purchases. Find the perfect lamp to enhance your residence, office, lake or mountain house.
(903) 787-7547
2029 Old Jacksonville Hwy., Tyler
6 • EGuideMagazine.com
Serving Tyler with two locations: 801 SSE Loop 323, Tyler, (903)787-8811 (on the corner of Old Henderson Hwy. and East Loop 323) 2410 E. Gentry Parkway, Tyler, (903)526-5464 (on Hwy. 271, about 2 miles inside the loop) If you think ‘taqueria meets breakfast,’ then you will fall in love with these two, locally owned Mexican restaurants. The original, located on E. Gentry (the Hwy. 271 part of Gentry), has been serving up huge breakfast portions and great prices for years, and now the same family has opened a second location in the old Tyler Truck Stop building on the east Loop. In the mood for some authentic migas or a huge breakfast burrito? Then Mi Lindo is the place to go for some breakfast fare. Try the Eggs with Fajitas, which is sizzling fajitas served on a cast iron skillet with eggs on top. Combo plates, as well as classics, are available, and on weekends you can get menudo and barbacoa too. Flavorful salsas, fresh ingredients, warm, from-scratch flour tortillas are always available. Breakfast is on the menu seven days a week.
quiche, or house made muffins. “The menu specializes in house prepared from scratch items, beginning with whole grain stuffed breakfast popovers (your choice of egg, cheese, bacon, sausage, avocado and salsa) cardamom coffee cake, muffins, fruited breads, yogurt and fruit bowl and a newly added breakfast to-go cup that replaces home fries for a popover for those early morning commuters.” Breakfast is available Monday-Friday 8-10am.
Stanley’s
525 S. Beckham, Tyler, (903)593-0311, stanleysfamous.com A little known fact is that Stanley’s does an awesome breakfast! A favorite is the Breakfast Brother-In-Law grilled hot link, cheese and scrambled eggs on a bun. J. D.’s Breakfast Bowl is awesome as well, featuring scrambled eggs, pan fried red potatoes, your choice of meat (we love the brisket on this) with cheddar cheese all layered in a heavenly bowl. Stanley’s recently added Biscuits & Gravy, and they are amazing, and their Breakfast Burritos are huge. If you are there a little later in the mornings and they have stopped serving breakfast items, you could get the Mother Clucker - it has an egg on top so that counts as breakfast right?
Mama’s Restaurant
2105 E. 5th St., Tyler, (903)526-7915 Mama’s is hidden in a strip shopping center on the east side of Tyler and could be described as a “loveable dive” or a “hidden gem.” This southern-style eatery features all the classic family Cork Food & Drink favorites such as bacon and 5201 S. Broadway Ave., Tyler, egg plates, pancakes, waffles, omelettes, biscuits and gravy, and more. (903)363-9197, www.corktyler.com Saturday and Sunday Brunch is simply The Bacon and Egg Breakfast Plate consists of three eggs, four (yes, four) strips of extra crispy bacon, hash browns and toast. A Breakfast to die for at Cork. Our favorite is the Spicy Chicken & Waffles or the Nutella Combo Plate can consist of chicken fried steak with gravy, two eggs over medium, hash browns, and biscuits. There are some Mexican Crêpes, or the Mornings at the Farm Steak & Eggs, or the….it’s just so hard dishes on the breakfast menu as well. Try their Migas! The generous to choose! Brunch is served 10am-2pm portions and great prices make this restaurant a favorite on our list (Saturdays) and 10am-4pm (Sundays) plus they serve breakfast all day. and also features Bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. Most Sundays there Happy Fish 2202 E. Fifth St., Tyler, (903)944-7921 is live music. Happy Fish is now open for breakfast. And their Cajun Egg Scramble is pretty awesome- scrambled eggs with andouille sausage, tomatoes, The Diner onions, and sliced jalapenos, served with hash browns or creole pota7924 S. Broadway, Tyler, (903)509-DINE, thedinertyler.com toes and toast or tortillas. Happy’s Sampler’s Plate is good if you want Let me just say this... Green Chile Chicken Omelette...one need a little bit of everything. It includes two eggs cooked any way you not say much else, right? But, we will describe it to prove our point. want, two bacon strips, two sausage, two slices of ham, hash browns This omelette is huge, light, and fluffy, stuffed full of grilled diced or creole potatoes and two pancakes. Breakfast at Happy’s is available chicken breast and a whole Poblano pepper. 6am to close - all day and night! Their Blueberry Pancakes are a great choice too. You can add cheese, too (we suggest pepDon Juan’s per jack). This is served Serving Tyler with two with skillet potatoes locations: or hash browns, and 1313 E. Erwin, Tyler, bread, and is topped (903)526-2999 with a grilled tomato. 113 E. Erwin, downtown Swap the bread and Tyler, (903)526-0702 potatoes for pancakes or French toast at no www.donjuantyler.com charge. If I had to choose my last breakfast meal, I’d choose DJ’s Chilaquiles Second fav, the Cin- - hand made tortilla chips cooked in red or green salsa, then topped namon Roll Pancakes, with lots of Queso Fresco and sour cream served with beans. I’d get described on the menu two eggs over medium on top and a side of bacon. This is Mexican as “multi-grain panbreakfast perfection! A very, very close second would be DJ’s Huevos cakes cooked with can- Rancheros - scrambled eggs with ham, onions, peppers all cooked died pecans and topped together, light and fluffy, served with a side of salsa verde and corn with vanilla icing, cin- tortillas. Although not technically open breakfast hours, DJ offers a namon, whipped cream full breakfast menu daily. and caramel.” Or as we like to say, “One big pile of ooey-gooey heaven!” “God Bless America” And don’t forget the Crabcake Benedict featuring two large crab July 2 - “Yankee Doodle Dandy” cakes, grilled and placed on top of grilled tomatoes, then topped with (1942) poached or fried eggs. You can choose between Hollandaise or etouJuly 9 - “Mr. Smith Goes to fée sauce to top it off. Washington” (1939) The Diner offers other classics such as French Toast, Pancakes, Liberty Hall is located in July 16 - “Forrest Gump” (1994) Waffles and Crepes, alongside egg white Frittatas, egg combo plates downtown Tyler at 103 July 23 - “Saving Private Ryan” (1998) with meat options of sausage, andouille sausage, bacon, turkey sauE. Erwin St., and offers “Sundance” Movies sage, turkey bacon, pork chops, chicken fried steak, chicken breast entertainment through film, August 6th - “Whiplash” (2014) or bone-in ham steak. Breakfast Skillets and Tacos are also available theater, comedy and music. August 13th - “Tomato Republic” in classic and unique combinations too. Variety is abundant to say Movies are $7. Tickets are (2014) the least. available at the door, online at August 20th - “Gloria” (2013) Cafe Bhojana Java www.libertytyler.com. August 21st - “Kimberley Jim” (1963) 400 W. Rusk St., Tyler, (903)617August 27th “Dear White People” Movies begin at 7pm. 6083, bhojanajava.com (2014) Cafe Bhojana Java offers deli“Rock Out at the Movies” Haunted October cious coffee drinks and no frills June 11 - “The Blues Brothers” October 1st - “Evil Dead II” rustic gourmet recipes for breakfast (1980) October 8th - “Army of Darkness” and lunch. Breakfast is a smash hit June 18 - “This is Spinal Tap” October 15th - “Dawn of the Dead” and our favorite, along with hun(1984) October 22nd - “The Fly” dreds of other Tylerite’s, is the CinJune 25 - “Pink Floyd The Wall” October 30th & 31st - “Rocky namon Popover with house made (1982) Horror Picture Show” strawberry jam, a slice of breakfast
COME PARTICIPATE IN THE FIRST ANNUAL
T-BONE WALKER JUNIOR SHOWCASE!
The T-Bone Walker Blues Fest is seeking student age guitar players to compete in the First Annual T-Bone Walker Junior Showcase for guitar players. Contestants will be separated into 3 age categories, with three finalists in each category selected by festival staff based upon a video submission. Finalists will perform at the Festival on Saturday morning, June 6.Winners in each category will perform on the T-Bone festival stage with a T-Bone Walker performing artist. Go to tbonewalkerbluesfest.com
for complete details!
JUNE
5&6
MAUDE COBB CONVENTION C E N T E R FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION
WWW.TBONEWALKERBLUESFEST.COM EGuideMagazine.com • 7
Music
Summer Concerts:
Liberty Hall Promises Music & Fun
A ‘Roxy Roca’ Good Time:
There are a lot of fun concerts coming to the City of Tyler’s Liberty Hall this summer. Here is a rundown of the next few month’s exciting events.
Live at Lago del Pino
The Quebe Sisters
Saturday, July 18th, 8pm For the music lovers, the Quebe Sisters will be performing in concert with a refreshing blend of swing, vintage country, bluegrass, and jazz standards, plus a little Texas-style fiddling too! Awarded the “Crescendo Award,” by the Western Music Association and winner of the “Western Swing Album of the Year” from the Academy of Western Artists, the Quebe Sisters have recently released their latest album, “Every Which-A-Way.” This great night of music will sell out fast, be sure to get your tickets soon. Ticket prices depend on seats but range from $15-$150.
By Kimber Fountain Nineteenth century novelist and literary scholar, Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch, expounded the literary theory that all storylines ever conceived can be retraced to one of seven basic themes. In other words, there are no truly original stories, merely different versions of the same ones. The general notion of this theory could even be applied to music, that everything is merely a re-creation of something else. However true this may seem, it is an egregiously skeptical and limiting idea that ultimately proves irrelevant. It has not prevented Hollywood from maintaining its billion-dollar industry status, and it does not in any way deter bands like Roxy Roca from making rapturous music and staging thunderous live performances of a re-invented sound that is uniquely all of its own. The powerhouse that is Roxy Roca was formed in late 2010. Founder and frontman Taye Cannon’s formative years were spent in various locations across the deep south. In 2001, he arrived in Austin, where he made his musical debut as the voice of a rowdy and raucous punk band called Mocktiger. “But my heart was always into soul,” Taye professes, recalling his innate connection to groove as a child when his father would spin the sounds of Motown. It was a calling that not even the erroneous cacophony of punk rock could quiet, and at last he made the decision that “I was going to do what I wanted to do,” he says. Upon returning to Austin from a relaxing and enlightening cross-country RV trip, he decided, “I was ready.” Paulo Coelho once wrote, “when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it,” and thus a serendipitous meeting of guitarist Errol Siegel, and the prompting to ask him if he wanted to start a band, marked the beginning of a long and storied orchestration. Former Mocktiger member Roger Wuthrich then proved that Taye was not alone in his versatility, as displayed by his eagerness to join the new concept. “At first the three of us just spent some time writing music, all the while knowing we wanted a bigger band, more instruments,” Taye remembers. Not long after they began acquiring additional musicians, and were inaugurated into the Austin music scene at an Austin City Limits music festival after-party. Closing out their fifth year as an ensemble, the Roxy Roca lineup has shifted a few times over that duration. Taye explains, “We have fluctuated from nine to ten members, then eight... down to six. Some of that is because we have really honed in our sound, but also, touring is not for everyone.” There is certainly no shortage of either sound nor touring in the realm of Roxy Roca, who just this year released their first album after a very deliberate and calculated focus on perfecting their style and captivating a nationwide audience by way of live shows that are guaranteed to get people on their feet. The approach worked. A little over two years was all it took for Roxy Roca to become a full-time touring act, and since has logged thousands of miles traveling all over the United States. It also set them up to perform the epic feat of recording a studio album in four days. Even more remarkable is the fact that the band recorded every track as continuous takes with all of the current lineup in the same room, Cannon, Siegel (guitar), and Wuthrich (bass), as well as Ryan Greenblatt (drums), Thomas Hays (trombone), and Royce Phillips, Jr. (alto sax). “It was challenging,” Taye admits, “You only get a couple of takes
Battle of the Bands: Rock, Paper, Scissors
Saturday, August 1st, 8pm The City of Tyler’s Liberty Hall is now accepting entries for the annual battle of the bands event, “Rock, Paper, Scissors.” The actual battle will take place Saturday, August 1st. Bands who are interested in performing in this show should submit a DVD or link of their performance with a limit of three songs. The band can feature any genre of music and at least one song submitted must be original. Bands must be from the East Texas area. A panel of judges will review the submissions and narrow the competition. The night of the show, each artist will have 30 minutes to get on stage, play and get off the stage. The artists selected to move forward will be posted on Liberty Hall’s Facebook page and voted on by the public. Bands may mail a DVD recording to Liberty Hall at 110 W. Erwin St., Tyler, TX 75702. You can also e-mail a link of your stuff to apayne@tylertexas.com, subject line: Rock, Paper, Scissors.
The Derailers to get it right.” But, the risk of balancing a recorded album upon the precarious spontaneity of what was in essence a live performance totally paid off. ‘Ain’t Nothin’ Fancy,’ is a whirlwind of lip-snarling funk, body-bumping grooves, and the reckless abandon of soul, all underscored by the way it perfectly captures the palpable energy of everything about the band, from their explosive live performances all the way down to Taye’s wing-tipped shoes. Whether on stage or in the studio, Roxy Roca is not just a band that plays music, they are a cohesive unit that knows why they play music. “We understand why we are all here – we are on stage with a feel-good sound that also hits you spiritually. That is why I was drawn to it as a child,” says Taye, who continues with a presentation of the trifecta that makes their sound so undeniably charged. “The funk gets people moving, the blues say ‘hey, we know where you’re coming from,’ and the soul brings in the spirituality....some of us are from jazz backgrounds, some of us are from rock, but what unifies us is that we all want to uplift.” For more info go to www.roxyroca.com.
Roxy Roca Live in Texas:
June 18th June 19th June 20th July 4th
Discovery Green, Houston (Free Show) Scat Jazz Lounge, Fort Worth ($10) Lago del Pino, Tyler ($5) The Monnalisa Room at Hotel Sorella Citycentre, Houston (free)
Mike Harper
August 14th at 8pm In a career that has given rise to more than a decade’s worth of fine-tuned, highly anticipated and wonderfully received music, the Derailers continue to build the relationship between song, listener and dance floor. Each album has been a mix of well-crafted original songs and cover songs so thoughtfully chosen and so representative of the band, fans think they are as original as the band themselves. In terms of sound, the Derailers have gotten smoother with age. Tickets are $20 for floor seats and $15 for balcony seats.
Ruthie Foster
Saturday, September 19th, 8pm Those who have followed Ruthie Foster’s eclectic musical history know that she can burn down any stage with her combustible blend of soul, blues, rock, folk, and gospel. Ruthie’s astonishing voice has taken her on an amazing ride. Foster’s list of achievements include “Best Female Vocalist” in 2007, 2008 and 2013 from the Austin Music Awards, 2009 and 2012 Grammy nominations for “Best Contemporary Blues Album,” the 2010 Living Blues Music Award Critic’s Poll for “Female Blues Artist of the Year,” and recent Blues Music Award wins for 2010 “Best Contemporary” and “Best Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year.” Ticket prices depend on seats but range from $18-$150.
Tickets
Tickets to all of the above shows are available for purchase online at www.LibertyTyler.com.
Serving Steak, Seafood, Entrees, Sandwiches, Soups, Salads
Todd Renlee
Thursdays, June 4th & June 18th
Thursdays, June 11th & June 25th
L I V E
Paul Ruark
Every Friday
8 • EGuideMagazine.com
IC MUS
Bobby & Ken
Every Saturday
3320 Troup Hwy, Tyler, TX 75701
www.potpourrihouse.com (903) 592-4171
Offering Candles, Jewelry, Home Decor, Scents, Silver, Clothing, Accessories, Leather Wedding Showers, Rehearsal Dinners, Birthday and Anniversary Parties
AT OUR NEW LOCATION FM 2493 (Old Jacksonville Hwy) Off Loop 49 Inside
Come By & See Our Monthly Specials & Register for Drawings!
10th Annual T-Bone Walker Blues Fest:
10-11pm Rick Derringer 11:15-12am T-Bone Walker All Star Tribute Patterson Nissan Outdoor Stage 5:20-5:30pm Opening with Bernita Walker 5:30-6:15pm Gus Samualson and the Swapadelics 6:30-7:15pm Dagnabbit 7:30-8:15pm Peterson Brothers 8:30-9:15pm Jonathon “Boogie” Long 9:30-10:30pm Eric Gales Saturday, June 6th The 10th Annual T-Bone Walker Blues Fest is set for June 5th-6th Maude Cobb Convention Center Stage/KLTV Indoor Stage at Maude Cobb Convention Center in Longview featuring headliners 3:20-3:30pm Opening with Bernita Walker Los Lonely Boys, Rick Derringer, Tab Benoit, and Eric Gales, plus 20 3:30-4pm Pleasant Hill Quilting Group other acts during the two-day festival. 4:45-5:30pm Buddy Flett Other attractions of the festival include a Custom Car and Cycle 5:45-6:30pm Jonathon “Boogie” Long Show, T-Bone Junior Showcase Competition, Artist Meet-and-Greet, 6:45-7:30pm The Stratoblasters Saturday Kid Entertainment, and food and merchandise vendors. 7:30 -7:50pm BB King Tribute Guest artists will perform on two stages: the Maude Cobb Con8-8:45pm Eric Gales vention Center Stage, and the Patterson-Nissan Outdoor Stage adja9-10pm Tab Benoit cent to the convention center building. 10:30-11:45pm Los Lonely Boys Festival hours are 5-11pm on Friday for both stages. On SaturPatterson Nissan Outdoor Stage day, the outdoor gates open at 10am for the Junior Showcase with the 9:45-10am Opening with Bernita Walker festival shows beginning at 1pm while the Maude Cobb doors open 10-11am T-Bone Walker Jr. Showcase 3rd-5th Grade Finals at 2pm. 11-12 noon T-Bone Walker Jr. Showcase 6th-8th Grade Finals Admission prices vary by venue and time of day. Tickets are avail- 12 noon-1pm T-Bone Walker Jr. Showcase 9th-12th Grade Finals able at www.tbonewalkerbluesfest.com and at the gate. 1-1:30pm T-Bone Walker Jr. Showcase Award Ceremony Entrance to the Patterson-Nissan outdoor stage is free until 1pm, 1:30-2:15pm Glen McKenzie with Electric Gypsy half price until 5pm and $20 for the evening performances. Outdoor 2:30-3:15pm Soul Farmers seating is BYOC, that’s “Bring Your Own [lawn] Chair.” 3:30-4:15pm Dr. O and the Gip Band The Maude Cobb Convention Center Stage admission ranges 4:30-5:15pm Cary Morin from $25 for Friday (general admission) to $200 for prime reserved 5:30-6:15pm Ally Venable seating with hospitality invitation on Saturday. 6:30-7:15pm Christone “Kingfish” Ingram 7:30-8:15pm Alan Fox Band Performers are: 8:30-9:15pm Lance Lopez Los Lonely Boys are a sibling trio whose music draws equally 9:30-10:15pm Wesley Pruitt Band from rock, blues, Tex-Mex, Conjunto, and Tejano. The Band won 10:30-11:30pm Tyler Lenius Band the “Best Pop Performance” Grammy Award in 2005 for their single, “Heaven.” Their most recent album is “Revelation,” released in Janu- Autographed Guitar Auction Enter for a chance to win a guitar signed by all the T-Bone Walker ary of 2014. Festival Performers! Guitarist-singer There will be a total of about 15 guitars available that you can bid Tab Benoit, raised on the Louisiana bayou, has been described as the on during the auction which will be held Saturday night. These great “standard-bearer for a new generation of Cajun blues musicians – a traditionalist and an innovator at the same time.” Benoit, a Grammy- collector’s item are one of a kind. Guitars will be available to view in the Lobby of the venue prior nominated songwriter, tours relentlessly and will appear in 2015 at the Tampa Bay Blues Festival and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage to the auction. Festival. Guitar Workshops Rick Derringer is back for an encore performance at the festival, New this year are a few unique Guitar Workshops! having wowed audiences with his 2014 performances. In addition to Each Guitar Workshop will be limited to 40 guests. Ticket prices Friday and Saturday night performances, guitar master Rick will once are $20 each. All workshops will take place in the Northcutt Room in again conduct guitar workshops for local aspiring players. Fans can Maude Cobb’s Main Building. Due to the artist time schedule, artist also participate in a Meet- signatures will not be permitted. You must RSVP to reserve your spot. and-Greet event with this Workshop hosts are: music industry legend. Saturday, June 6th Eric Gales’ gui1:30pm - Blues Fingerstyle Guitarist Cary Morin tar work, firmly rooted 2:30pm - Blues Guitarist Jonathon “Boogie” Long in the gospel and blues 3:30pm - Just off “Experience Hendrix Tours,” Eric Gales traditions of his native 4:30pm - Blues Guitarist Lance Lopez Memphis, was a hit when he appeared at the 2014 T-Bone Walker Jr. Showcase The T-Bone Walker Blues Fest recently sought student age guitar festival. He returns, following another gig with players to compete in the First Annual T-Bone Walker Junior Showthe “Experience Hendrix case. Finalists will perform at the Festival on Saturday morning, June 6th. Winners in each category will perform on the T-Bone festival Tours,” to show off his stage with a T-Bone Walker performing artist. unique style of modern blues. More Info Additional artists For additional information, and to purchase tickets online, visit appearing are Jonathon the festival website at www.tbonewalkerbluesfest.com. “Boogie” Long, Cary Morin, Jimmy Wallace and The StratoblastUp to the minute, information can be found on the festival’s Faceers, Trudy Lynn & Steve Krase, The Johnny Winter Band, Christone book page. “Kingfish” Ingram, Lance Lopez, Gus Samuelson and Swampadelic, Buddy Flett, Peterson Brothers, Alan Fox Band, Wesley Pruitt Band, Tyler Lenius, Dagnabbit, Ally Venable, Soul Farmers, Glen McKenzie and Dr. O & the Gip Band.
Headlining this Year is Los Lonely Boys, Rick Derringer, Tab Benoit and A Ton More
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The Line-Up is:
Friday, June 5th Maude Cobb Convention Center Stage/KLTV Indoor Stage 5:45-6pm Opening with Bernita Walker 6-6:45pm Cary Morin 7-7:45pm Christone “Kingfish” Ingram 8-8:45pm Trudy Lynn & Steve Krase 9-9:45pm Lance Lopez
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Eddy’s, Athens – Karaoke, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Jason Herrin Band, 7-10 Fresh by Brookshire’s – Eric Moseley Duo, 6-9 Half Moon Grill – DJ, 9-1 Monday, June 1st Juls – DJ, 7-11 C10, Jacksonville – Acoustic Pickin’ Circle, 6-9 Lago Del Pino – Bri Bagwell & The Banned, Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10 8-11 Tuesday, June 2nd Lake Palestine Resort – Caitlyn Brette, 6-9 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 Leon’s, Longview – The Haggertys, 8-11 The Foundry – Open Mic, 6-9 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Juls – Paul Shafer, 4-7 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Mike Ryan, 8-12 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Open Mic, Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 7-10 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6-9 Purple Pig – Acoustic Music, 6-9 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Dustin Becker, 8-12 Republic Ice House – Open Mic, 8-12 Ricks – Good Question, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 7-10 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Uncle Lucius, 9-12 Wednesday, June 3rd Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Rio, 7-10 Cafe Bhojana – Michael Gonzalez, 11am-2pm Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 TBone Walker Blues Festival: Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 KLTV Stage: Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Open Mic, 7-10 Cary Morin, 6 - 6:45 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, 7 - 7:45 Trudy Lynn & Steve Krase, 8 - 8:45 The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Lance Lopez, 9 - 9:45 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 7-11 Rick Derringer, 10 - 11 Republic Ice House – Karaoke, 7-12 T-Bone Walker All Star Tribute, 11:15 - 12 Stanley’s BBQ – The Haggertys, 7-10 Patterson Nissan Stage: Thursday, June 4th Gus Samualson & The Swamadelics, Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 5:30 - 6:15 Eddy’s, Athens – David Fox, 8-10 Dagnabbit, 6:30 - 7:15 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Amelia Mic Check, Peterson Brothers, 7:30 - 8:15 7-10 Jonathan “Boogie” Long, 8:30 - 9:15 The Foundry – Live Acoustic, 6-9 Eric Gales, 9:30 - 10:30 Half Moon – DJ, 8-12 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Yamato – DJ, 9-12 Potpourri House – Mike Harper, 6-9 Saturday, June 6th Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Dazed, 9-1 Stanley’s BBQ – BBQ & Blues, 7-10 Breakers – Brady, 8-10 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Last Call Outlaw, 7-10 Friday, June 5th Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10 The Back Porch, Kilgore – The Tuxedo Cats, Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Chip Murrey & 8-12 Texas Underground, 9-1 Cork – The Blind Pursuit, 7-10, DJ Mike, 10-12 Eddy’s, Athens – 315 South Band, 9-1 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – DJ Krash The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Austin Brasher, 7-10 Karaoke, 8-12 Fresh by Brookshire’s – Raven Hunter, 6-9 Eagles Bluff Country Club – Kid Icarus, 7-10 Half Moon Grill – Escape Artists, 9-1
Juls – Senor Gringo, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Brandon Rhyder, 9-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Out Of The Question, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Cody Wayne & Westbound 21, 9-1 Pic-n-Spur Lodge, Athens – Kelly Spinks, Miles Of Texas, Steve Carpenter, 6-10 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Aaron Copeland, 8-12 Rick’s – Deja Groove, 9-1 Stanley’s BBQ – Paul Shafer, 7-10 Stone Country, Lindale – Brad Smallwood, 9-1 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 T- Bone Walker Blues Festival: KLTV Stage: Buddy Flett, 4:45-5:30 Jonathan “Boogie” Long, 5:45-6:30 The Stratoblasters, 6:45-7:30 BB King Tribute, 7:30-7:50 Eric gales, 8-8:45 Tab benoit, 9-10 Los Lonely Boys, 10:30-11:45 Patterson Nissan Stage: TBW Jr. Showcase 6-8th Grade Finals, 11-12 TBW Jr. Showcase 9-12th Grade Finals, 12-1 TBW Jr. Showcase Award ceremony, 1-1:30 Glen McKenzie with Electric Gypsy, 1:30-2:15 Soul Farmer, 2:30-3:15 Dr. O & The Gip Band, 3:30-4:15 Cary Morin, 4:30-5:15 Ally Venable, 5:30-6:15 Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, 6:30-7:15 Alan Fox Band, 7:30-8:15 Lance Lopez, 8:30-9:15 Wesley Pruitt Band, 9:30-10:15 Tyler Lenius Band, 10:30-11:30 Tuscan Slice – Ramoth Gilead, 6-9 XLN – Jason Herrin Band, 9-1 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-12 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1
Sunday, June 7th
Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12
Hollytree Country Club – Patrick James, 6-9 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Buggaboo, 8-11 Monday, June 8th C10, Jacksonville – Acoustic Pickin’ Circle, 6-9 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Group Therapy, Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10 9-12 Tuesday, June 9th Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6-9 The Foundry – Open Mic, 6-9 Purple Pig – Live acoustic music, 6-9 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Open Mic, Republic Ice House – Kid Icarus, 8-12 7-10 Ricks – Madison Avenue, 8-12 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Republic Ice House – Open Mic, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Stoop Kids, 9-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 7-10 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Wednesday, June 10th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Kyle Bannister, 7-10 Tuscan Slice – Ramoth Gilead, 6-9 Cafe Bhojana – Michael Gonzalez, 11am-2pm Where’s Rufus –Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Chris Wayne Band, 8-12 Saturday, June 13th Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 The Back Porch, Kilgore – What The Funk!?, 9-1 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Open Mic, 7-10 Cork – Lager & The Fatties, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Charlie Parker Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & Band, 9-1 The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Eddy’s, Athens – Jason Herrin Band, 9-1 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Michael Gonzalez, 7 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 7-11 Fresh by Brookshire’s – The Frio River Band, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Karaoke, 7-12 Half Moon Grill – Live Music, 9-1 Stanley’s BBQ – The Haggertys, 7-10 Harvey Convention Center – Dwight Yoakam, Thursday, June 11th 7-10 Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Clicks Live – Hussle P, Yung Pren/ASAP, 8-12 Lago Del Pino – The Tuxedo Cats, 9-12 Liberty Hall – The Caddo Sessions, 7pm Eddy’s, Athens – David Fox, 8-10 Lindale Community Theatre – Beyond The Pale, The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Blue Louie, 7-10 7-10 The Foundry – Live Acoustic, 6-9 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Half Moon – DJ, 8-12 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Blind Mojo, Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 8-11 Potpourri House – Todd Rinlee, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Bri Bagwell & The Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Banned, 9-12 Stanley’s BBQ – BBQ & Blues, 7-10 Oil Palace – Fantasia, 7-10 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6-9 Friday, June 12th Purple Pig – Live Music, 6-9 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Gene Evans, 9-1 Republic Ice House – Steve Carpenter, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Chris Colston, 6-10 Rick’s – Electric Circus, 9-1 Clicks Live – Sons Of Texas, 9-12 Rose City Farmer’s Market – Withrow Cooley, Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – DJ Krash 8am-12 noon Karaoke, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Paul Shafer, 7-10 Eddy’s, Athens – Karaoke, 8-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Last Call Outlaws, 9-1 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Father Brother, 7-10 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Fresh by Brookshire’s – Blue Louie, 6-9 Casburn, 6-9
Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 12-2 XLN – The Blacksmiths, 9-12
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LIVE MUSIC:
June 6th - Jason Herrin Band June 13th - The Blacksmiths June 19th - Matt Begley & Bitter Whiskey June 27th - Sweet Pain EVERY SUNDAY - The Blacksmiths
Comfortable Casual Atmosphere Ladies Night on Wednesdays Happy Hour Noon ‘til 5:00pm
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XLN – The Blacksmiths, 9-1 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-12 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1
Sunday, June 14th
Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 XLN – The Blacksmiths, 9-12
Monday, June 15th
C10, Jacksonville – Jam Session, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10
Tuesday, June 16th
Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 The Foundry – Open Mic, 6-9 Mojoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Open Mic, 7-10 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Open Mic, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12
Wednesday, June 17th
The Back Porch, Kilgore – Cole Allen, 7-10 Cafe Bhojana – Michael Gonzalez, 11am-2pm Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Open Mic, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Republic Ice House – Karaoke, 7-12 Stanley’s BBQ – The Haggertys, 7-10
Thursday, June 18th
Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 5-9 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Cody Johnson, 8-12 Eddy’s, Athens – David Fox, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Wesley Pruitt Band, 7-10 The Foundry – Live Acoustic, 6-9 Half Moon – DJ LL, 8-12 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Potpourri House – Mike Harper, 6-9 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Blue Louie, 6-9 Stanley’s – BBQ & Blues, 7-10 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12
Friday, June 19th
The Back Porch, Kilgore – Chris Colston, 8-12 Cork – The Tuxedo Cats, 7-10 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Bo Hennessy, 8-12 Eddy’s, Athens – Karaoke, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – June Bug Music Festival, Fresh by Brookshire’s – Jazz Connection, 6-9 Half Moon Grill – Brian Kelley, 8-12 Juls – The Magills, 6-9 Lago Del Pino – Parker McCollum, 9-12 Lake Palestine Resort – Caitlyn Brette, 6-9 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – The Stratoblasters, 8-12 Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6-9 Purple Pig – Live Music, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Paul Shafer, 8-12 Ricks – Live Music, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Shinyribs, 9-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Tuscan Slice – Ramoth Gilead, 6-9 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 XLN – Matt Begley & Bitter Whiskey, 9-1 Yamato – DJ, 9-12
Saturday, June 20th
The Back Porch, Kilgore – Johnny & The Nightcrawlers, 9-1 Breakers – Bongo & The Point, 8-10 Circle M Crawfish – JNL Blues Band, 7-10 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Bo Hennessy Band, 9-1 Eddy’s, Athens – Ally Venable Band, 9-1 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – June Bug Music Festival, 7-10 FRESH by Brookshire’s – Hubcap & The Loose Nuts, 6-9 Juneteenth Music Festival, Downtown Tyler – Cool Ricky Blues, Zapp Band, 7-10 Lago Del Pino – Roxy Roca, 8-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Ramoth Gilead, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Chris Colston, 9-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Something Blue, 8-12 Rick’s – Safira, 9-1 Stanley’s BBQ – Paul Shafer, 7-10 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1
Sunday, June 21st
Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 8-12 Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 12-2pm
Monday, June 22nd
C10, Jacksonville – Open Mic, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10
Tuesday, June 23rd
Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 The Foundry – Open Mic, 6-9
MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Open Mic, 7-10 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Open Mic, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12
Wednesday, June 24th
The Back Porch, Kilgore – Steve Carpenter, 9-1 Cafe Bhojana – Michael Gonzalez, 11am-2pm Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Open Mic, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 7-11 Republic Ice House – Karaoke, 7-12 Stanley’s BBQ – The Haggertys, 7-10
Thursday, June 25th
Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 5-9 Eddy’s, Athens – David Fox, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Jason Herrin, 7-10 The Foundry – Live Acoustic, 6-9 Half Moon – DJ LL, 8-12 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Potpourri House – Todd Rinlee, 6-9 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Stanley’s – BBQ & Blues, 7-10 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12
Friday, June 26th
The Back Porch, Kilgore – The Voodudes, 9-1 Clicks Live – Anchors & Halos, 9-1 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Cory Morrow, 8-12 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – DJ Krash Karaoke, 8-12 Eddy’s, Athens – Karaoke, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Matt Dunn, 7-10 Fresh by Brookshire’s – The tuxedo Cats, 6-9 Half Moon Grill – Live Music, 8-12 Jake’s – Daniel Foster, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – The Damn Quails, 8-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Stephen Blackwell, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Max Stalling, 8-12 Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6-9 Purple Pig – Live Acoustic Music, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Kid Icarus, 8-12 Rick’s – Party Machine, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Soul Track Mind, 9-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Tuscan Slice – Ramoth Gilead, 6-9 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12
Saturday, June 27th
The Back Porch, Kilgore – Teazur, 9-1 Breakers – Tuxedo Cats, 8-10 Circle M Crawfish – Phat Johnny & The Buicks, 7-10 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – The Frio River Band, 8-12 Eddy’s, Athens – Strange Brew, 9-1 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Devin Leigh, 7-10 FRESH by Brookshire’s – Munkey Rench, 6-9 Half Moon Grill – The Texas K.G.B., 9-1 Lago Del Pino – The Free Loaders, 9-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz 6-9 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Wes Scott, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Troy Cartwright, 9-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Chris Wayne Band, 8-12 Ricks – The Elegant Few, 9-1 Rose City Farmer’s Market – David Allen & The Outlaw Drifters, 8am-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Paul Shafer, 7-10 Stone Country, Lindale – Wayland Hicks, 9-1 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Where’s Rufus - DJ, 9-1 XLN – Sweet Pain, 9-1 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1
EVERY TUESDAY- Open Mic!!! June 5th - Dustin Becker June 6th - Aaron Copeland June 12th - Kid Icarus June 13th - Steve Carpenter June 18th - Blue Louie June 19th - Paul Shafer June 20th - Something Blue June 26th - Kid Icarus June 27th - Chris Wayne Band
Sunday, June 28th
Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 XLN – The Blacksmiths, 9-12
Monday, June 29th
C10, Jacksonville – Jazz N J’Ville, 6-9 Circle M Crawfish – Bad Remedy, 7-10 Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10
Tuesday, June 30th
Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 The Foundry – Open Mic, 6-9 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Open Mic, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12
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To Do
The Jacksonville Tomato Festival: From Tomato Eating Contests to Street Dances and Tons More
By Gini Rainey
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V I N T E D G E
5304 Old Bullard Rd. Tyler 903-617-8933 www.AAVintedge.com Facebook.com/aavintedge
Girls Night Out - Date Night Private Parties - Corporate Events
www.PinotsPalette.com/Tyler PAINT. DRINK. HAVE FUN. 322 ESE Loop 323, Suite 156 ● Tyler, TX 14 • EGuideMagazine.com
When you start talking about summer, I start thinking about fresh vegetables and fruit, and one of my favorites is the tomato. When you start talking about tomatoes, there is nothing better than the Jacksonville tomato and that is what this annual festival is all about. This year marks the 31st time Jacksonville will open its doors to folks who will drive hours just to get Jacksonville tomatoes. Most of this year’s over thirty events will take place from 9am-4pm in the area of The Tomato Bowl and the Norman Activity Center on Commerce Street. Shuttle services will be available for those folks parking closer to the overpass. With over 200 vendor slots available and all of them filled, there will be booths offering everything from East Texas arts and crafts, food items, clothing, cowboy hats, woodwork, and a boat load of a lot of other items. There will also be plenty of food vendors, information booths, raffles, and items for children. Some of the vendors are local, but others will be coming from as far away as Houston, Central Texas, and Dallas. This year the city will again be presenting specialty label salsas for sale that will feature different flavors ranging from hot to sweet. Additionally, a tomato based salad dressing will be available for purchase. Talking about tomatoes, be sure to visit the Farmer’s Market, located in the parking lot across from the Tomato Bowl and adjacent to the Norman Activity Center. All of the produce available for sale is of the finest quality and grown by local farmers. All of the Cherokee County Tomato growers are being encouraged to gather up their tomatoes and be a part of the festival. The categories they will be competing in are: Commercial Grower-Biggest and Best Plate of Three, Individual Grower-Biggest, Best Plate of Three, Best Plate of Three-Heirloom Variety, and Best Plate of Three-12 and under. Open categories include Most Unusual and People’s Choice. All of these categories have a cash prize of $75 per category. Other tomato events will be the Tomato Eating Contest, the Tomato Peeling Contest (peel those ‘maters with your teeth), Salsa Contest (not the dance – the dip), and the Best Home-Grown Tomato Contest. There will also be a Tomato Drop and a Tomato Packing Contest, as well as some great contests for the kids, like the Tomato Shoot (kiddos learn the safety of shooting a BB Gun while taking aim at tomatoes), and a poster contest for children in the 1st thru the 3rd grade drawing their “top tomato.” In addition to these great activities, there will also be Soccer and Tennis Tournaments, a Got Talent Contest, a Gospel Concert, a Kids Zone, an Antique Car Show, a Motorcycle Show, a Tractor Show and fried green tomatoes! As if all of this is not enough to bring you out to Jacksonville on June 13th, Chili’s 10th Annual Street Dance will take place in front of Chili’s, 1225 S. Jackson Street, from 7-10pm. Jacksonville’s Chili’s is the only location in the chain that provides a Street Dance, and folks are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and listen to the live music featuring Lady Chazz & the Tramps, Group Therapy and Reagan Johnson. During the Street Dance, Chili’s will sponsor the first-ever Jacksonville Bloody Mary Contest. Entertainment throughout the day includes Lightning Bob Stewart, Exalters from Calvary Baptist Church, Johnnie Helm’s Band, Blind Mojo, and the Charles Denman Blues Band. Local favorite, Mark Hanks, will be opening the Gospel Concert with Casey Rivers as the headliner beginning at 4pm inside the Norman Activity Center. In addition to hosting the Annual Festival, Jacksonville also holds the Guinness World Record for the Largest Bowl of Salsa. This 2,672 pound bowl of chip dip was put together at the Festival
on the steps of the Tomato Bowl in June 2010 by Bob Blumer, host of The Food Network’s shows, “The Surreal Gourmet” and “Glutton for Punishment” along with ready, willing, and eager citizens of J’Ville. As another part of the fun for this Festival, a challenge was issued to Warren, Arkansas, and Crystal Springs, Mississippi, by the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce this past spring. Warren and Crystal Springs also hold annual Tomato Festivals in June, so the three communities will compete to see who has the best tomatoes, and the winner will be announced during the Tomato Throw Down on KTBS-TV in Shreveport, Louisiana during their morning program in early June. Each community states their tomatoes are the best and are ready for the Throw Down. The categories are Best Plate of Three, Best Tasting Tomatoes, Biggest Tomato, Tomato Eating Contest and Best Fried Green Tomato. As a result of this challenge, former Smith County Sheriff J. B. Smith, who grew up in Warren, Arkansas, purchased and delivered a 665 pound Jacksonville concrete tomato to his hometown of Warren. Smith remembers picking tomatoes in the fields of Bradley County when he was a youngster. Since 2012, Jacksonville has sold to its community over 340 uniquely decorated concrete tomatoes. If you think a 665 pound concrete tomato would add to your landscaping, they can be ordered from the Chamber’s web site, www.jacksonvilletexas. com/pages/ConcreteTomatoes. The 665 lb. concrete tomatoes are $250 each and Cherry Tomatoes are available for only $150. For more information about the Jacksonville Tomato Festival, visit the web site at www.jacksonvilletexas.com/pages/TomatoFest.
The Fourth Annual East Texas Comedy Festival
June 18th-20th, times vary each day This fun weekend of laughs has something for everyone in the family! On Thursday, June 18th, Liberty Hall will host a Stand-Up Showcase, which will have six to eight stand-up comedians that will go back to back in a standup showdown. Friday, June 19th at 7pm, ET Comedy Festival will present a family-friendly improv show presented by Card 53. Feel free to bring the kids, nothing harmful here and the whole family is guaranteed many laughs. At 8:30pm, it’s back to adult time as the festival presents the “On the Spot” comedy show, hosted by Comedian Barry Whitewater. This will feature stand-up comedians that will perform an entire show in the improv style of comedy. Saturday night at 8pm, the festival concludes with an evening of stand-up featuring headliner Dan St. Germain. St. Germain is a comedian from New York and has performed stand-up on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” and the “College Humor Live” National Tour. St. Germain has also appeared on MTV’s “World of Jenks,” and is a 2009 ECNY nominee for “Best Emerging Comic.” Individual night tickets are available for $15$20 online at LibertyTyler.com. Tickets at the door are $20-$25. There are VIP tickets available for the entire festival for $45 online. VIP Box Seats are available for $100 which seats 4. Tickets for the Family Show are $8 online or at the door. Liberty Hall is located at 103 E. Erwin, downtown Tyler, www.libertytyler.com.
Lock & Load Indoor Shooting Range
2015 Line Up Announced
Written and Photographed by Lynn Dark Practice makes perfect, and I cannot think of any activity in which accuracy is more important than the use of a firearm. Finding a safe place to practice is also pretty important. Lock & Load Indoor Shooting Range (Lock & Load) is the only enclosed facility in the immediate Tyler area. Tracy Wright is a sales associate at Lock & Load, and an accomplished competition shooter. He was more than eager to discuss the facility, available products and services, and some general information about firearms. Wright said that the one thing he could not stress enough is that no matter what your skill level is, it is important to train and stay proficient with your gun. He grew up around guns and thought he was pretty knowledgeable. Once he became involved with competitive shooting, he realized that he did not know as much as he thought he did. And there is always more to learn. Whether you are interested in taking up shooting for self-defense or simply for the sport of it, you can find plenty of assistance at the range. They offer an “Introduction to Handguns” class once every two weeks. It is a two-hour class held every other Wednesday evening. One hour is spent in the classroom with instruction, and the other hour is spent on the range. The hour in the classroom covers gun safety, range rules, and the ABC’s of handgun operation. Out on the range, instructors offer critiques on things like stance, proper grip, safe handling, and proper operation of your particular gun. The cost of the pre-paid class is $50, and space is limited to 10 people per class. Classes fill up as much as two weeks in advance. Concealed carry classes are also available. As for learning to clean your particular gun, the staff offers simple instruction at the counter, and of course they will clean it for you for a fee. Basic cleaning costs $45, ultrasonic cleaning costs $55. The frequency of needed cleaning varies by the gun. There is such a wide variety of weapons out there that it would be impossible to offer cleaning instruction on every particular gun. The individual is responsible for researching that information, which can often be found on the manufacturer’s website. YouTube videos are also available. If you do not own a gun, or simply want to try out something different, a variety of guns are available for rent. The only rifle (or long gun) offered is a 22 caliber. The “biggest” handgun offered is a 44 magnum, though you may have trouble finding ammunition for it. The cost is $8 for a handgun plus the cost of the ammunition. For those who do not remember, the most recent ammunition shortage occurred after the tragic school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. The market has improved as far as the availability of most caliber bullets, but prices remain high. Ammunition for a 22 remains the hardest to get, even though it is the most popular caliber gun. Manufacturers are turning it out, but people buy it up as fast as they can get their hands on it. Wright recommends a 9mm for those interested in a larger caliber weapon. The ammunition is readily available, and cheaper than most others. It is on the smaller side of large caliber weapons, and fairly easy to learn to handle. Wright explains that if you make the effort to learn the mechanics of the gun, you shouldn’t have problems. Taking the basic gun course is highly recommended. Almost any pistol is allowed at Lock & Load, with the caveat that the 44 magnum is probably as big as they would let someone shoot. 22 rifles are allowed, but to shoot a centerfire rifle, you must be a member. To shoot an automatic weapon, you will need to show your registration stamp from the FBI.
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The Texas Shakespeare Festival, held on the campus of Kilgore College, begins its lineup of plays for the 2015 summer season this month. All performances, unless otherwise indicated, begin at 7:30pm. Matinee performances, indicated by an * begin at 2pm. Information about tickets and other special events are found at texasshakespeare.com. Plays to be presented are:
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
June 25th, July 2nd, July 4th, July 10th*, July 12th*, July 17th, July 19th, July 22nd, July 23rd*, and July 25th Shakespeare’s most famous comedy is performed every day of the year somewhere in the world. Touched with magic and loaded with laughs, it is considered one of the ten most brilliant comedies ever written.
“The Nerd”
June 26th, July 3rd*, July 5th*, July 10th, July 12th, July 15th, July 16th*, July 18th*, July 23rd, and July 25th “The Nerd” is a modern American comedy written by Larry Shue, who also wrote “The Foreigner,” which was a huge success in the FesRules are a must where firearms are regularly being discharged. tival’s 2013 season. Along with “The Foreigner,” “The Nerd” is one When asked about the most important, Wright talked about the most of the most frequently produced comedies of the American theatre, basic of firearm safety: do not ever point your gun at anyone. In all guaranteed to elicit almost-endless laughter from its audience. seriousness, if you always treat your gun as though it is loaded, all of “Twelfth Night” the other rules fall into place. Everyone is required to read the rules June 27th, July 3rd, July 5th, July 8th, July 9th*, July 11th*, July and sign a liability waiver prior to entering the range. 16th, July 18th, July 24th*, and July 26th* You must be 21 years of age or older to sign the liability waiver. “Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve Everyone under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. In fact, it is not legal for anyone under 21 to own a handgun, or to pur- greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them,” and “Love sought is good, but given unsought is better,” are two examples of chase ammunition for a handgun. There are 13 operating lanes at the facility; 10 on the pistol side, the poetic wisdom in Shakespeare’s masterpiece, “Twelfth Night.” Its and three on the rifle side. They are all 25-yard lanes. Use of the lanes memorable characters, such as Sir Toby Belch and Malvolio, have made “Twelfth Night” a favorite for centuries. is first come, first served. If the lanes are full, members go to the top of the waiting list. Wright says that things flow well most of the time, “Man of La Mancha” and you shouldn’t have to wait longer than 15 minutes for a lane to June 28th, July 1st, July 2nd*, July 4th*, July 9th, July 11th, July open up. Two hours is the maximum time on a lane for non-mem17th*, July 19th*, July 24th, July 26th bers. There is no time limit for members. Lane fees are $20 for non“Man of La Mancha” is one of the most universally admired members and $10 for members. American musical dramas. Based on the classic novel by Cervantes, a Hearing and eye protection is included in the lane fee, although Spanish contemporary of Shakespeare, it features such beautiful songs they are available for purchase as well. The store also offers ammuas “The Impossible Dream” and “Dulcinea,” and tells the inspiring nition, targets, holsters, cleaning kits, and numerous other items for story of Don Quixote’s noble quest for an ideal world where the evil sale. Guns may be purchased on the premises from a certified dealer. are punished and the righteous rewarded. Most patrons at Lock & Load are non-members who simply come in to shoot. Memberships become advantageous to those who shoot “The Belle of Amherst” July 14th at 2pm and 7:30pm, July 15th at 2pm and 7:30pm, July more often. Both individual and family memberships are available. 18th at 10am Advantages to membership include a 50 percent reduction in lane fees, time limit waiver, discounted lane fees for a guest, free range tar“The Belle of Amherst” is a one-woman play written by William gets, and discounts on ammunition, gunsmithing services, classes, Luce about the life and poetry of Emily Dickinson. Throughout the specialty targets, and gun rentals. evening, the actress plays fifteen different characters. Wright found his way to Lock & Load because of his interest “The Princess and the Players” in competition shooting. They host International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) matches, which take place all over the world. An July 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, and 25th at 10am This production is intended for children ages 3-11, but adults are upcoming competition is based on concealment, which requires cerwelcome. Children under 3 years old are not admitted. tain types of garments. Walls and moving targets are involved in the When a spoiled young princess demands to be entertained, setup. The idea is to shoot the bad guys and avoid shooting the good guys. Use of cover is required. Several stages are involved in the com- young William Shakespeare and his troupe of actors perform a new play for her. Their performance not only entertains her, it also teaches petition which are timed. There are several skill levels, and particiher valuable life lessons. This funny, original play has memorable pants only compete against others at their level. characters and an important lesson for everyone. There are several other types of shooting competitions includFor more info contact (903)983-8601 or texasshakespeare.com. ing target shooting and cowboy shooting. IDPA shooting is set up to be affordable for the average person. Wright says that in many other The Texas Shakespeare Festival performs in the Van Cliburn Auditoshooting matches, more expensive equipment is required in order to rium on the campus of Kilgore College. be competitive. We will post your events for FREE! Lock & Load Indoor Shooting Range is located at 3408 SSW Loop 323, Tyler, next to Sweet Sue’s. Business hours are 11am-9pm, Please send to: Tuesday-Friday, and 10am-9pm on Saturday. For more information, you may contact them by phone at (903)939-1500, or visit their website at www.lockandloadtyler.com.
Available for Rental
Performing In Concert: June 11th The Forge Ben Wheeler 7-10 June 12th FRESH 6-9 June 18th Republic Ice House 6-9 EGuideMagazine.com • 15
Summer Madness at the Tyler Library
Come to the Tyler Library this month and see the many exciting events that are planned for young and old alike. The Tyler Library is located at 201 S. College, downtown Tyler. For more info call (903)593-7323, www.TylerLibrary.com. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult over 18 at all times. Monthly events include:
Children
Storytimes All storytime programs will be in Taylor Auditorium. • Leeme un Cuento / Read to Me (children 3-6) is on Mondays at 10:30am. • Child Care Story Share (children 3 and up) is on the first and third Tuesday at 10:30 in the auditorium. Registration is required. • Toddler Time (children under age 3) is on Wednesdays at 10:30am. • Read Aloud Crowd (children older than 3) is on Thursdays at 10:30am. • Starry Time Story Time (family program) is on Thursdays at 6pm. • Family Saturday Stories will return in the fall. Please note, all story time sessions are cancelled for the week of June 1st-5th and will resume June 8th. American Girl Book Club and LEGO® Block Party will not meet during the summer and will resume September 5th. Fab Fridays Held 10:30-11:30am in the Taylor Auditorium. These are best suited for children ages 5-12. Topics include: June 12th “Touch a Truck” - Dump trucks, front end loaders, police cars, fire engines, and many more city vehicles will be available to touch in the Library’s parking lot. June 19th “Owls: the Night’s Silent Hunters” - Find out how owls hunt things that go bump in the night with the rangers from Tyler State Park. June 26th “Bats, Texas’ Billion Dollar Aerialists” - Discover the wonder of bats with the rangers from Tyler State Park. July 10th “Zooniversity” - The teaching zoo that comes to you. Come see exotic animals! Thank you to our sponsor, The NuRock Companies and its vice president, Dan Allgeier, for making this event possible. July 17th “Four-Legged Heroes” - McGruff the Crime Dog, Therapet and the Tyler Chapter of the Dog Scouts will teach you how dogs are more than man’s best friend. July 24th “Heroes on the Rail” - Exciting stories and adventures with the Texas State Railroad. July 31st “Game Time” - Come play card games, board games and other games at this fun event. Lego League For ages 3-12, this fun time is held every Tuesday this summer, 2-4pm. LEGO® League is an open, creative play time with Lego® and Duplo® blocks. We provide the blocks, you provide the imagination. This is a come and go event. No registration required. Kid Buzz Held for children entering 1st-5th grade, this summer series is held Wednesdays, 2- 3:30pm, beginning June 9th. Space limited to 30 participants each session. First come, first served. Topics include: June 10th “Police Heroes” - Officers from the Tyler PD will perform a skit, assist with a fun craft and introduce you to a K-9 officer. June 17th “BEE a Hero” - Learn about bees and beekeeping with East Texas Beekeeping Association Queen Willow Lancaster. June 24th “Called to Serve” - Stories and crafts with active members and veterans of our armed forces. July 8th “Ed-ZOO-cational” - Learn about interesting creatures from the crew from Caldwell Zoo. July 15th “Space Heroes” - Learn how astronauts live in space from the experts from NASA. July 22nd “Wildland Firefighters” - Learn how firefighters put out forest fires with Texas Parks and Wildlife.
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July 28th “A-MAZE-ING Firefighters” - Participate in a fire safety maze and water bucket race with the Tyler Fire Department. Summer Reading Club events are made possible by the Tyler Public Library and the Friends of the Tyler Public Library, along with other generous donors listed at www.TylerLibrary.com.
Events
June 2nd - “Did She Say, ‘Cut Off Their Heads?’” addresses the summer care of perennials. This is part of a program that will be held as part of the IDEA Garden First Tuesday in the Garden Series. These are informative lecture series that cover gardening speaker topics suitable for a particular month. The lectures are held on the patio in the Teens IDEA garden, which is located in the southeast corner of Tyler’s Rose Need volunteer hours? No Problem! We provide numerous opporGarden. The Tyler Rose Garden is located at 420 Rose Park Drive tunities year round such as the Summer Reading Club, the Teen in Tyler. There is limited seating and you may want to bring a lawn Advisory Council and other ongoing programs to earn hours. To be chair for your comfort. The lecture will run for about 30 minutes, a youth volunteer, you must be 12-17 years and complete a youth followed by a question and answer session. Registration is at 8:30am volunteer application with the City of Tyler at VolunteerTyler.com. with lectures beginning at 9am. Tickets are $15 each. You can pay Free Audio Books, continuing this summer, SYNC is a program that at the lectures. For more information about Smith County Master Gardeners, the Master Gardeners’ program and their events, either gives away two complete audiobook downloads: a current Young call (903)590-2980 or visit their website at www.txmg.org/smith. Adult title paired thematically with a Classic or Required Summer Reading title each week to listeners ages 13 and above while SYNC is June 5th-6th - Firefighter Challenge Event will be held in the in session each summer. To register go to the Library Website > Teens parking lot behind Sears at the Broadway Square Mall in Tyler. This section. is a great time to watch the state’s best Firefighters compete. It is free attend and there are many fun booths and things to do for all ages. Saturday, May 16th (1-2pm) - Teen Advisory Council, for ages 12 to to 18, will meet in Taylor Auditorium. This is a group for teens looking For more info go to www.facebook.com/TylerCombat. to take a more active role in helping to conceive and plan Library Saturday, June 6th - “Jewels in the Garden” Conference - The events. For more info, please contact (903)593-7323. Smith County Master Gardeners will be presenting a special one-day dedicated to the memory of Master Gardener Sue Adee, Saturday, May 16th (2pm) - Stories in the Round! Start a story, with conference who passed away in January of this year. It will be held at the Tyler other people adding to it, and you add to theirs. How many serious Garden Center with registration beginning at 8:30am and stories will be created? Not many! This will be held in Taylor Audito- Rose the program starting at 9am. Keynote Speaker for the event will be rium for ages 12-18. Nicholas Staddon, Director of New Plants for Monrovia, the leading grower of premium ornamental and edible plants. The topics of 2015 Summer Reading Club at your Tyler Public Library his presentation will be “Great Ideas for the Modern Garden with True Gems and Jewels for your Garden” and “New to You and More – A Garden Adventure.” Also scheduled to speak are Tom LeRoy, These are open to students entering 6th-12th grade and held Thursdays at 2pm in Taylor Auditorium. They are free, and no regis- Horticultural Agent, Montgomery County, Texas – retired, and Steve tration required. Seating is limited to 30 participants, first come, first Huddleston, Director of Fort Worth Botanic Garden. The cost of this event is $35. Lunch is included with the registration, as are tours served. These fun sessions are a great chance for teens to learn and of four gardens that are designed and maintained by Smith County have some summer fun. Topics include: Master Gardeners. Registration forms are available online. For more June 11th “Minute to Win It” - You have one minute to complete information about Smith County Master Gardeners, the Master the challenge. Easy, right? Think again! Gardeners’ program and their events, either call (903)590-2980 or June 18th “BEE a Hero” - Learn about bees and beekeeping with visit their website at txmg.org/smith. East Texas Beekeeping Association Queen Willow Lancaster. Saturday, June 6th - Weekend Warrior Race 5K Obstacle Run June 25th “Smart Money” - It’s never too early to start taking care Discover the world of obstacle racing with Tyler’s very own Weekend of your dollars and cents. Donald Kimmel from Regions Warrior Race. Weekend Warrior Race is a 5K trail run with 9+ Bank will teach you how to be smart with money. obstacles. This race promises to challenge all fitness levels and be a July 9th “Ed-ZOO-cational” - Learn about interesting creatures fun experience for all. This will be held at the Camp Tyler Outdoor with the crew from Caldwell Zoo. School, 15143 Camp Tyler Rd., Whitehouse. To register go online to July 16th “Astronomical Afternoon” - Fly me to the moon and, on www.weekendwarriorrace.com or call (903)752-1401. The race starts the way, can we stop by Mercury and Venus, too? Learn at 8:30am. Preregistration is recommend. about our solar system from Bill the Science Guy. July 23rd “How Many Bears?” - Can you track a bear in the forest? June 9th - Pooches on the Patio will be held at Juls, 7212 Old Jacksonville Hwy., Tyler starting at 5pm. Bring the whole family, pooches Learn how from the rangers from Tyler State Park. and all, and enjoy a relaxing dinner on the patio. A percentage of the July 30th “Teen Chopped” - 4 teams. 4 baskets of food. Which proceeds will benefit the SPCA of East Texas. team can create the best meal? Saturday, June 13th - The 2015 Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala featuring Adult Dwight Yoakam - This year the Cattle Barons will host Grammy “Using e-Resources with your Digital Device” - Learn how to use Award-winning singer/songwriter Dwight Yoakam at Harvey the library’s e-resources from OverDrive and OneClickDigital on your Kindle, Nook, iPad, or Android device. Also, Ebsco e-books on Convention Center in Tyler. The theme for the 28th annual gala is your computer will be covered. The e-Resources class is held the first “Remember the Cause.” Gala co-chairwoman Jennifer Gaston said, “Changing the location to in-town and inside will eliminate some of Saturday of every month, 2-3pm. the aura inherent in its previous setting on the ranch where it has Beginner Belly Dance Classes will be held for free. No registration been held in past years, but it will also be easier to access and more is required. This will be held every Tuesday, 12:30-1pm in Taylor convenient.” The gala raises money for the American Cancer Society Auditorium. which funds and conducts cancer research, advocates for laws to “Knot for Grandma” Quilting Classes will be held every Thursday, further the fight against the disease, and promotes access to quality, affordable health care. This past year’s gala raised more than $309,000 10am-1pm in the Story Room. A supplies list is available at the for the organization. information desk. Saturday, June 20th - Annual Children’s Village Charity Horse Computer Classes will be held this summer for free, covering basic will be held 10am-4pm. This is an all day event so come early computer skills, e-mailing basics, internet and job search tips. Regis- Show to register to compete against riders your same age or come as a tration is required. Sign-up at the info desk. spectator to enjoy the competition while feasting on one of our great June 30th - Club Read Book Club is held the last Tuesday of the burgers from the concession. The event is hosted by the Tyler Saddle month at 10am. The June book is “Mrs. Kennedy and Me” by Clint Club and is held at the Mt. Selman Arena on CR 855 off Hwy 69 Hill. This is open for all book lovers. For more information, call South of Tyler. Visit one of two websites for more information: childrensvillageoftexas.org or tylersaddleclub.com. (903)593-READ.
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Wine Swirl is a pairing of area restaurants with Texas wineries. Ticket holders will be able to “swirl” from site to site downtown to sample food and wine while enjoying live entertainment and art. Tickets are $50 per person. All net proceeds help fund the work of the Main Street Department, which includes Gallery Main Street, events such as ArtWalk, art exhibits, historic preservation, business development and more. For more info go to www.DowntownTylerArts.com or call the City of Tyler Main Street Department at (903) 593-6905. EGuideMagazine.com • 17
Art
Inside the Artist’s Studio:
Why I am an Art Professor, A Personal Thank You O Captain! My Captain! Our Fearful Trip is Done By Derrick White “You must strive to find your own voice. Because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are to find it at all. Thoreau said, ‘Most men lead lives of quiet desperation.’ Don’t be resigned to that. Break out!” – said by the character John Keating from the film “Dead Poets Society” It is sentimentalized in books and movies all the time, the impact another person, especially a teacher, can have on one’s life. I am sure if we all paused for a moment to think, there would be a short list of human beings, other than family members, who have helped shape the people we are today, hopefully for the better. “A lot of people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else thought they could,” is a quote from Zig Ziglar. This applies directly to my daily life, and the reassurance and freedom I have been given to do my job my way and with the confidence of knowing someone believes in me and supports my decisions even when he doesn’t agree with them. I am able to do my job well for one simple reason; I have the full encouragement of my boss. In 1998, after the birth of our daughter, I knew I had to do something to better provide for my family and so I quit my full-time warehouse job and began working at the Arlington Museum of Art, Tarrant County College, and teaching night art classes at Eastfield Community College in Mesquite, all concurrently. Two years later I applied for a position at Tyler Junior College and although I interviewed, I did not receive the job. Fortunately, due to continued growth in the TJC art department another full-time position opened up the following year (the imbedded lesson here – persevere). I applied again and was hired by an inspiring professor, artist, person, and the most proactive and effective leader I have ever known; frankly, the world’s best boss. Art department chairperson Christopher Stewart is leaving Tyler Junior College after over 21 years of dedication and service to the East Texas arts community and managing a department of working professional artists and professors he has formed into a family. Chris is advancing to an opportunity awaiting him in West Texas. I have
Weird Lady Alert:
Artist Cierra McGuckie Curiosities, Oddities & Sideshow Characters
By Derrick White Egypt’s Hatshepsut was one of the most powerful women in the ancient world. Empress Theodora was one of the most influential women in the middle ages. Norman Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter symbolizes real women who filled factories and shipyards during World War II. Artist J. Howard Miller created the ‘We Can Do It!’ poster, based on factory worker Geraldine Doyle, who was also becoming a Rosie the Riveter. Supergirl is the female counterpart to the iconic Superman, created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino in 1959. Do not let her cape fool you; local Tyler artist Cierra McGuckie is a serious and super artist. I have never met anyone else so eager to smile and laugh. She is funny, quick-witted, talented, and offbeat in that good way this world really needs. She creates works two-dimensionally in oil, acrylic, ink, charcoal and mixed media. Originally from Celeste, Texas, Cierra attended Tyler Junior College from 2005-2007. She served as Art Club president, was a showcase artist, and the art department assistant. McGuckie’s art is painterly and rich but with the influence of commercialism symbols and iconography. Her work invites viewers to visually meander closely to her convincing brushstrokes and graceful lines, but also allows one to stand back and feel the powerful gut punch of a strong image. Cierra McGuckie states, “My inspiration includes women from the past with their differences and similarities likened to our culture today.” Curiosity is a strong desire to know about something, or sometimes about a strange or unusual object. It is also the confusing influence McGuckie’s paintings have on those fortunate enough to experience them. Superior art is defined by its ability to make viewers feel human emotions, think and ponder aspects of the human condition, and sometimes raise confounding human questions in the audience’s mind even if there are no logical answers. Cierra’s work creates a kind of psychological acumen with powerful, emotional intensity. Who are these women? Are they dead? Immortalized? Ghosts? Regardless, they are visually entrancing and your mind begins to create a narrative and starts to piece together a genealogy while you are unable to look away 18 • EGuideMagazine.com
worked alongside Chris for 15 years feeling like a collaborator in building something great. Something we both believe is important. One of my colleagues still celebrates what his family calls ‘Saint Christopher Day’ – the anniversary of receiving the call from Chris Stewart telling him he had been hired to join us at TJC. Chris Stewart’s leaving is a huge artistic, educational, and creative loss for East Texas. Ouch! There needs to be a way to know you are in the good ol’ days before they are actually gone. Somehow, we will endure. One of the great things about having Chris Stewart as your boss is he can be intimidating. Even after all this time, he will call me into his office and I immediately think I am in trouble, only to find he wants to share an interesting film trailer or website he feels I might find useful. He is a very tall, brooding, red-headed man capable of riding 50 miles on a bicycle and crushing argumentative students with merely a quick Eastwood-style stare. As another colleague puts it, “Chris Stewart’s patronus (powerful magical guardian) is himself.” He is the precise guy you want in your corner, on your side, protecting your interests, and backing you up, which he does justly, honorably, and faithfully. I am an art professor because Chris Stewart believes I should be one. He gave me a chance when I needed it and allowed me to find my own teaching voice. He permits his faculty to do their job, expects them to do it right, discover their style, and exercises their strengths. Over the last two decades Chris has built the most vibrant and dynamic department on the campus of Tyler Junior College and one of the best art programs in the state of Texas. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him. He is very intelligent and knowledgeable, but can also comfortably discuss current events, films or have casual conversation with faculty and students. His door is literally always open for advising, student arbitration, or a good joke. Chris has an inspiring and outstanding work ethic. Chris is an impressive professor and motivator with a love for art, teaching, and learning. Chris Stewart’s strength is his ability to lead by example. He has very high expectations for himself, our school, our students, and the arts in our region. He has served our community well, and I consider him a great supervisor and an even greater friend. He has guided me through both professional and personal life issues and has been a source of amazing support and understanding for my family. There has never been a problem Chris hasn’t been able to resolve. He is supportive of department decisions, willing to lend advice, and make fair, prudent judgments when necessary. Chris Stewart has been instrumental in building an energetic and profitable program at Tyler
Junior College. The growth of our department has steadily increased, even when overall college enrollment has fluctuated. Our reputation on campus and in the local and state community is strong and respected. If we are credited with getting things done right, Chris Stewart is the reason why; he’s an inspiration for living YOUR best life. The movie “Dead Poets Society” makes references to a Walt Whitman poem, especially when the teacher tells his students that they may call him “O Captain! My Captain!” if they feel daring enough to do so. At the dramatic end of the film, the students show their support to the parting instructor by reciting the phrase while standing on their desks. I’m standing atop my desk right now. Chris, you will be missed. You have made an important impact on many, especially me. Thank you. Chris Stewart received a BFA degree from Texas Tech University and his MFA degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He has accepted the position of Department Chair for the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. To see more of Chris’ art visit www.christopher-stewart.com.
from the haunting stares. Cierra creates in a range of media, styles, and subjects, but is probably most noted for her eerie depictions of old and deceased women. “I started as most do when I was a kid, and I just continued to do what I was passionate about,” she states. When we talk of the importance of art in her life she says, “The most important thing art has given me is an outlet for my weirdness and freedom to represent this in any form I select. It also has allowed me to meet and befriend some of the most amazing and talented people I know.” About her influences Cierra admits, “It is tough to choose, but I would say artist Alice Neel. Her paintings specifically tickle my fancy. I love the intensity and authenticity of her work.” The influence is unmistakable. Alice Neel (an American painter 1900 – 1984) was predominantly known for her no-holds-barred, gritty portraits. When discussing creative frustrations Cierra told me, “The most frustrating thing as an artist is having the need to create, but not being able to do so due to time restraints. It’s all about balance, and I’m pretty terrible at that.” Like most of us, she is no juggling circus clown, but she does have a husband, a stepson, and a three-year-old daughter running around, so anyone who has been there knows it is a wonder she gets anything done at all. Find what you love to do and devote your life to doing that. No matter what happens you have to take time to create or express. You have to forget about logic, and fear, and doubt. You just have to do everything you can to get to the one thing that is going to make it all worthwhile and at the end of the day, you have to jump. Cierra McGuckie earned an Associate’s Degree in Art from Tyler Junior College in 2007 and a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2010.
To contact her directly and ask what the heck is going on in that outlandish, crazy brain of hers, please e-mail her at: cierrajade1031@hotmail.com. You can also very shortly you can check out her website (coming soon) at cierramcguckie.com.
Ben Creative Art Center: “Where You’ve Ben Creative!” Written and Photographed by Barbara King If you have never spent the day in Ben Wheeler, the “little bend in the road,” you owe it to yourself to head there as soon as possible. Most trivia lovers would love to know that Ben Wheeler was named for the area’s first mailman in the 1860’s, Benjamin Wheeler, who delivered the mail on muleback. The town was reinvented and rejuvenated by the late multi-millionaire Brooks Gremmels and his wife Resa as a hub for arts and music. Truth be told, there is a lot going on in this little hamlet, and now there is a mecca for arts and creativity right in the center of it all. The Ben Creative Art Center is the masterpiece of whirlwind Kelli Holmes, who along with her husband Don, is also the owner of the outrageous retail store across the street, the Frilly Pepper. But this new venture is her passion, her lifeblood, and a realization of her dream to bring a creative space to the town. “I taught art classes in Keller for five years,” explains professional artist Kelli, “and I was just waiting for the right moment to be able to find the space and share my love of art with the community.” Holmes is all about reigniting imagination, creativity, and “synapses that have been asleep.” Spending an afternoon with Kelli in the new, airy, tree-filled, fairylit space called the Ben Creative Art Center (BCAC) is a mixture of networking, friend-making and, of course, exposure to the arts in their purest form. Visitors came in from Garland, Tyler, Weatherford, and New Mexico to chat, connect, sign up for classes, and get ideas. No one leaves a stranger when they enter the front door that is brightly embellished with paint brushes dabbed with color. Canopied by a tin ceiling, the tree-filled space has room for Kelli’s personal studio up front, exhibits of her art, and a center space filled with bright red, café-type tables. Of course, there is the art zone, where students make their masterpieces. The BCAC is also home to an artist’s gallery, featuring local artisans which rotates every two months. You can find original artwork, photos, glass, ironworks and jewelry and at the same time help support the community. “Ten percent of our art sales goes back toward scholarships for students who don’t have the opportunity to take advantage of our classes,” explains Kelli. The Center is gearing up for summer, and there are a variety of courses to choose from. “The BCAC is a “no parent” zone,” explained Kelli. “We want our students to make a mess, have fun, and find their voice through their art.” The Center provides instruction that boosts self-esteem and confidence, along with silliness and humor. The studio is lined with masterpieces constructed from bottles, pipe cleaners, and cardboard boxes. Mediums include clay pottery, charcoal, paints, and tons of glitter and beads. Kelli likes to design her classes around seasonal themes, and everyone goes home with their own creation to
display and be proud of. Recent creations include marble box painting and tissue paper collages on foil. The Center is now enrolling for Children’s/Teens Summer Sessions and camps, which are held on the 2nd week of the month, with “less instruction, more fun projects, and the chance to showcase hidden talents,” explained Kelli. Available courses and schedules can be found on the website. Everyone can participate - with classes for kids ranging from five and up - and adult themed “arty” parties. Imagine it, and Kelli can make it happen. Professional guest instructors present classes on a variety of genres, including drawing and design, creative writing, coppersmithing, brazing and welding. Kelli views the Center as a “cross-pollinating culture of cultivation and creativity.” Friday parent’s night out and ChARTonnay classes are a great alternative to your typical ‘dinner and a movie’ evening. Themed birthday parties are the talk of the town, from fairy motifs for the girls to sequined fedoras for the boys, with the art project designed to enhance the chosen theme. All parties are custom-designed and age appropriate. Parties are $175 for 8 children, or $25 a child. You can bring a cake and refreshments, and the Center will provide all art supplies. Recent Saturday visitors to the Art Center were Desirae Lupo and her mother Kayla, from Streetman, Texas. Kayla, a teacher, was eager to learn new ways to engage kids in stimulating enrichment activities. “Idle time is not good for kids,” explained Kayla, “and some of these ideas are great ways to motivate and encourage kids to create.” Desirae was excited to share her love of all things artsy, saying she recently
created costumes for an one-act play, and was looking for unique ideas for project work. Kelli has a big personality, coupled with a huge heart that is focused on making a difference and giving back to the community that embraced her family, and it is apparent when she talks about the scholarships that are available at the Arts Center and the recent art classes where Van students were encouraged to come and heal through art-therapy. “We are honored and privileged to promote art in Ben Wheeler,” said Kelli, “and to energize and make the creative experience fun and enjoyable for everyone.” Ben Creative Art Center is located on 1374 FM 279 in Ben Wheeler, right across from The Forge. They can be reached at (817)721-7778 or you can view available classes online at bencreativeartcenter.com or at Facebook.com/bencreativeartcenter.
A A Bohemian Bohemian Upcycle Upcycle Boutique Boutique in in Ben Ben Wheeler Wheeler
funky funky & & groovy: groovy:
clothing kids stuff accessories candles soaps shoes hats jewerly ...in other words, far out things! Downtown Ben Wheeler at 1560 FM 279 1 (817)721-7778 • www.frillypepper.com
Art Camps the 2nd Week all Summer 12-2:30.pm Ages 5-12
See our schedule at bencreativeartcenter.com for: Beginners Art Classes Advanced Painting Classes Themed Arty Parties Mommy & Me • Art Camps Special Events Friday Parent's Night Out Kid's Creative Happy Hour Studio Time • Workshops Beginning/advanced art instruction ChARTonnay Classes Group / Solo exhibition opportunities Competitions Scheduled opportunities to BENefit the BCAC Scholarship fund.
The BCAC......where you have Ben Creative! 1374 Hwy 279, Ben Wheeler, TX
Open Wednesday 11-3, Thursday-Saturday 10-7, Sunday 11-3 EGuideMagazine.com • 19
TMA Summer Camps:
body of work that can be taken at face value – a group of paintings of toys. But if you visit the museum to see the exhibit yourself, think about this: these toys are involved in a much deeper story. View each piece individually. Then observe each in context with the surrounding Variety Explored for Children of paintings, and a much larger picture begins to form. Tyler Museum of Art is on the Tyler Jr. College campus, located at 1300 S. Mahon, All Ages Tyler. For more info call (903)595-1001 or go to www.TylerMuseum. This summer the TMA is offer- Events org. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday Saturday, June 6th - Opening Party for 6×6@110 will be at 6pm. ing a wide variety of camps that involve the students in hands-on art Canvases will sell for $20 with all proceeds going to the City of Tyler 1-5pm, and closed on Mondays. activities across a broad range of media and styles. At the conclusion Main Street Department and Gallery Main Street. Some canvases will Deadline of Monday, June 8th - Wine Swirl Poster Contest - The be assigned to a silent auction area that will remain available for bids City of Tyler Main Street Department is seeking artwork to feature in of each week-long session, campers and their families will celebrate throughout the event. The last day of 6×6@110 is Friday, July 3rd. their achievements with a mini-art exhibition and reception. a commemorative limited-edition poster as part of its second annual The idea of 6×6@110 is to get artists and art supporters to create art Downtown Tyler Wine Swirl. Artists are invited to submit images With the exception of Designer’s Challenge–Cardboard, each on small canvases distributed by Gallery Main Street. The canvases camp takes place 9am-12 noon and is limited to 10 campers. The cost of their artwork for the contest to select a work of art to be reproare turned back in to the gallery, and then sold via a special exhibit for duced for the print. The artist whose work is selected will receive a is $95. Designer’s Challenge–Cardboard takes place, 9am-4:30pm $20 each. The project has been recognized by the Texas Downtown $250 prize and the honor of having their work represent the Wine and is limited to 5 campers. The cost is $160 per camper. Association’s Best Promotional Event award, and hundreds of visitors Swirl online and in publications. The Downtown Tyler Wine Swirl For more info, please call the museum at (903)595-1001. will flood Gallery Main Street on June 6th for the opening party and is set for June 27th. The Wine Swirl is a pairing of locally owned “Paint…Paper…Action!” in turn, purchased hundreds of miniature canvases. The 6×6 part of restaurants with vineyards. Ticket holders will be able to “swirl” from June 14th-19th (ages 6-8) and June 22nd-26th (ages 9-12) the project’s title is due to the use of 6” x 6” canvases. The 110 in the site to site downtown to sample food and wine while enjoying live “Paint…Paper…Action!” - American artists like Jackson Pollock title refers to the gallery’s address, 110 W. Erwin, downtown Tyler. entertainment and art. Artists are encouraged to go to www.Downtaught us that you don’t have to stand in front of an easel to make art. This event is free to attend. townTylerArts.com for full rules on the art contest. The contest is open In this action-packed class we’ll get up and move to the beat while we to all media, though the artwork itself must translate well to print. In try all kinds of drawing and painting techniques with sometimes sur- The 3rd Annual Junebug Music and Art Festival will be held June addition, the artwork must communicate the enjoyment of wine and 19th-20th. Junebug is brought to you by the Forge and held in Ben prising materials. Be prepared to get messy! food, in keeping with the Wine Swirl event. Those who want more Wheeler. In prior years, artists participated in the Far Out Fest which ® “Movie Magic with Lego MOC-up” information should call Gallery Main Street at (903)593-6905. has now been incorporated into the Junebug Festival. Along with July 6th-10th (ages 6-8) and July 13th-17th (ages 9-12) fine artists, the festival showcases groups of Texas musicians. The If you already know that “MOC” stands for “My Own Creation,” event attendance exceeds 1000 over the weekend. Artists will exhibit Through July 12th - TMA Saddles Up for Lynda Lanker’s “Tough By Nature” - Acclaimed artist Lynda Lanker’s singular take on a you won’t want to miss this chance to build anything out of LEGO® works in clay, digital art, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, vanishing way of life – and the spirit and stories of the women who toys, in celebration of the new exhibition “The Art of the Brick” open photography, printmaking and drawing, sculpture and metalwork, shaped it – comes to the Tyler Museum of Art as the next stop on the at the TMA July 10th-September 13th. Then we’ll use your creations watercolor and wood. Currently there is booth space available at national tour of “Tough By Nature: Portraits of Cowgirls and Ranch to make stop-motion movies that can be shared online with family theforgebenwheeler.com. Women of the American West.” This solo exhibition of Lanker’s work and friends. We’ll be using a free app that you can download. is the culmination of a labor of love that has spanned two decades Continues through June 28th Tin Toys & Raw Realities: “An ® Mythology with Lego Brickology for Lanker, a resident of Kansas City, Missouri and native of Wichita, Exhibit About Play, About War, That is Political in Nature” John July 20th-24th (ages 6-8) and July 27th-31st (ages 9-12) Kansas. More than 40 portraits featured in “Tough By Nature” showHartley is an Ohio native who transplanted to Fort Worth. He is the In this class we’ll use some of the best stories from the ancient artist who created the exhibit of over 20 works of art, all of which are case the artist’s versatility in capturing her subjects across a broad past to inspire young sculptors working with that marvel of modern created using antique toys as their subject matter. Creating paintings range of media, including charcoal and graphite drawings as well design, the LEGO® brick, in celebration of the new exhibition, “The as stone and plate lithographs, acrylics, oil pastels and egg tempera. using toys from the past creates nostalgia for viewers who may have Art of the Brick.” This class is about telling a story without words played with the same toys as a child or with their children. However, The exhibition admission is $5 for adults and $3 for seniors. Tyler by combining 2D and 3D elements, then presenting them digitally Museum of Art is on the Tyler Jr. College campus, located at 1300 S. when the viewer looks a little deeper, past the nostalgia, the toys are through photos and video. Mahon, Tyler. For more info call (903)595-1001 or go to www.Tylerpositioned to create subject matter that suggests a deeper meaning Designer’s Challenge - Cardboard! than initially meets the eye. The toy soldiers, action figures, firearms Museum.org. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, August 3rd-7th (ages 13+) and military vehicles are painted into lifelike existence on a large scale Sunday 1-5pm, and closed on Mondays. Saturday, June 13th (Second Saturday of each Month) - Family You won’t find a class like this anywhere in East Texas! Each day with an incredible photo-realism technique. Many of the toy pieces Day at the Tyler Museum of Art – Come join the fun at the monthly we’ll challenge you to push your creativity in design, then build your the artist used as the subjects of his paintings are on display in cases Family Day. Free art activities, light snacks and a festive atmosphere vision out of our favorite material - cardboard! You never know what throughout the exhibit. The toys are an integral part of the exhibit; some of them are considered valuable works of art themselves. Some are on the menu the second Saturday of each month with the Tyler the challenge will be - possibly a suit of armor, clothing, or funcMuseum of Art’s popular Family Day program. Admission is free. For tional furniture - until that morning. On Friday, we celebrate the end of them are aged, as they are antique toys that are weathered from information, call (903)595-1001 or visit www.tylermuseum.org. years of play or just the passage of time. John Hartley has created a of a fun summer with a one-of-a-kind challenge and reception that the entire family will enjoy. Spots are limited for this class, so sign up early. Tyler Museum of Art is on the Tyler Jr. College campus, located at 1300 S. Mahon, Tyler. For more info call (903)595-1001 or go to www.TylerMuseum.org.
FIRE
MOUNTAIN
Open Weekends February thorough November
20 • EGuideMagazine.com
Theatre Attention Playwrights...A New Play Festival at Tyler Civic Theatre Center:
“A Good Story, Well Told!”
schools. “Students are the perfect model of independent filmmaking: endless creativity, lots of experimentation, and no money,” said Film Festival Chairman Justin Reese. “We want to encourage them to hone their craft by providing an audience and a cash prize they can use to fund their next film.” There will be awards with cash prizes for Best of the Fest, Best East Texas Film, Best Student Film, and Audience Favorite. Films may be submitted through Film Freeway (www.TylerFilmFest.com) by July 31st. Lower entry fees are available for applicants who submit as early. East Texas filmmakers will receive a discounted entry fee by submitting to the East Texas Short Films category, and will be eligible for a special Best East Texas Film award, in addition to being eligible for the Best of the Fest award. More info is at www.TylerFilmFest.com. Any inquiries should be made to the Main Street Department at (903)593-6905.
Tyler Civic Theatre Center is pleased to announce its 9th New Play Festival. A Readers Theatre will be held in Events the Rogers The- Saturday, June 6th (5pm) - “A Woman’s Worth atre on Saturday, A Man’s Value” Stage Play - This play is thought August 15th for the plays selected. Adult playwrights (over 18) are invited to submit plays for general/adult audiences or children/teen audiences. Again this year, the festival encourages junior playwrights (ages 12-18) to submit plays for children’s theatre or for older teen audiences. Scripts for consideration must be e-mailed to newplays@tylercivictheatre.com no later than Monday, June 15th. Scripts should be e-mailed as an attachment in an accessible format (MS Word or pdf). They may also be mailed or delivered to 400 Rose Park Drive, Tyler TX 75702, on or before the deadline. Details as well as necessary forms are available at www.tylercivictheatre.com. Only unpublished scripts will be considered. Sections of a work in progress, such as one act of a multi-act play, are welcome. All those submitting plays will be notified no later than July 15th by e-mail, announcing the selections to be read at the New Play Festival Reader’s Theatre on August 15th. A playwright whose script is selected shall cast their play and provide readers and a script to each reader. TCTC can provide a pool of actors should the playwright not be able to cast their play themselves. Each play is given a maximum of 45 minutes, with 40 minutes to read the script and five minutes for the playwright to introduce himself or herself and the readers. The first play will start at 1pm. While rehearsals are encouraged, it is the intent of the New Play Festival that scripts shall be read in Reader’s Theatre format. TCTC will provide stools, stands for scripts, and adequate lighting. Readings will be in the Rogers Theatre within the theatre center. All are welcome to attend the New Play Festival for a minimal charge of $5 per adult and $3 for students and seniors. This will gain entrance to all readings throughout the day. Please e-mail any questions to newplays@tylercivictheatre.com. New for 2015 will be the First “People’s Choice Award.” Of the plays chosen to be read at the TCTC New Play Festival, one will be chosen that day to have a full production the following month on Saturday, September 26th in the Rogers Theatre. After the play readings on August 15th, the audience members that have enjoyed all the play readings will have the opportunity to vote by secret ballot on which play they would most like to see produced the following month. Everyone is welcome to come and support this festival and the playwrights that have shared their creations!
provoking, funny and will leave you in tears. Come out and see what happens to Vanessa, Reggie and messy Kevin - which will guarantee a laugh. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased online at www.awomansworthamansvalue.eventbrite.com or at Cuttin’ Up Barbershop in Tyler. Pre-sale tickets are $20 and $30 at the door. This will be held at Liberty Hall Theater, 110 W. Erwin St., downtown Tyler. June 19th-28th - “Les Misérables” is a musical based on the novel “Les Misérables” by French poet and novelist Victor Hugo. The Broadway production opened March 12th, 1987 and ran until May 18th, 2003, closing after 6,680 performances. It is the fifth longest-running Broadway show in history and was the second-longest at the time. The show was nominated for 12 Tony Awards and won eight, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. “Les Misérables” has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, original French lyrics by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, with an English-language libretto by Herbert Kretzmer. Set in early 19th-century France, it is the story of Jean Valjean, a French peasant, and his quest for redemption after serving 19 years in jail for having stolen a loaf of bread for his sister’s starving child. Valjean decides to break
his parole and start his life anew after a kindly bishop inspires him by a tremendous act of mercy, but he is relentlessly tracked down by a police inspector named Javert. Along the way, Valjean and a slew of characters are swept into a revolutionary period in France, where a group of young idealists make their last stand at a street barricade. Thursday-Saturday performances are at 7:30pm. Sunday matinees are at 2:30pm. Tyler Civic Theatre is located 400 Rose Park Drive in Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center. For more info call (903)592-0561 or www.tylercivictheatre.com. The Box Office is open Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm and 2-5pm. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students.
EGuide is currently seeking 2015-2016 Theatre Production Schedules! Please submit to: EGuideMagazine@gmail.com
Downtown Tyler Film Festival Accepting Entries
Entries are still being accepted through July 31st for the 5th annual Downtown Tyler Film Festival to be held September 23rd-26th in the City of Tyler’s Liberty Hall. The Downtown Tyler Film Festival is a celebration of storytelling through film in East Texas. This is an international film festival, which seeks to encourage local East Texas, independent works. Only short films of 15 minutes or less are accepted. Films may be of any genre, but must have been completed after January 1st, 2014. There is also a student category for films produced entirely by filmmakers under the age of 18. Every year the student film category grows increasingly competitive, and festival coordinators hope to receive even more entries from local East Texas
EGuideMagazine.com • 21
Family
August 12th.........“The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water” All movies are rated G or PG and start it 10am. Regal Tyler Rose Stadium 14 can be found at 1250 Loop 323 SSW in Tyler. For more info visit regmovies.com.
A Summer Full of Movies: Family Friendly and A Super Good Time By Kelly Griffith-Fields Movies are often a good way to escape reality for a couple of hours. During the summer, they are also a good way to escape this Texas heat. If your kids have played in the pool until their fingers prune and they have exhausted their park time, there is certainly another way to entertain them - at the movies! Several Tyler theaters are making it easy and affordable this summer.
Times Square Cinema
Times Square Cinema has a line up approved for the whole family. “We like to play very clean, family movies,” owner Howard Charba said. “It’s a good chance for kids to come to their first movie.” Each movie is rated G making it appropriate for even the youngest members of the family. The doors open by 9am and the shows start at 9:30am each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Melissa Vining is a mother to three young children who often takes advantage of the summer movie specials. “We enjoy watching the movies, even if we’ve seen them before,” Vining said. “It’s just a fun, indoor activity for the summer.” Because Time Square is local, family-owned and operated, Vining said she likes to bring the family and support a local business. Movie tickets are just $1 for the Summer Movie Special and Kid’s Combos are available for $3 which provides popcorn, a drink, and candy. Movies scheduled are: June 9th-11th......................................................................“Babe” June 16th-18th.....................................................“Space Chimps” June 23rd-25th....................................................“Rock-a-Doodle” June 30th, July 1st & 2nd............................“Tale of Despereaux” July 7th-9th.............................................. “Horton Hears A Who” July 14th-16th....................................................................... “Rio” July 21st-23rd..................................................................... “Rio 2” July 28th-30th.........................................“The Land Before Time” August 4th-6th....................................................................“Balto” August 11th-13th..............................“Chipmunks Chipwrecked” August 18th-20th.............................................. “Curious George” Time Square Cinema also offers more ways to make a day at the movies more cost effective. Loyalty cards offer free incentives after your fifth and tenth visits. A “Deal of the Month” is also promoted on their website. They are located at 5201 South Broadway in Tyler. Visit tylermovies.com for more information.
Carmike Cinema
At Carmike Cinemas, the 2015 Summer Kids’ Series will take place every Thursday. The doors open at 9am and the movies, rated G or PG, will begin at 10am. Movies scheduled are: June 18th.................................................. “Rise of the Guardians” June 25th...................................... “How to Train Your Dragon 2” July 2nd........................................................ “Monsters Vs Aliens” July 9th.....................................................................“The Croods” July 16th.................................................................... “Megamind” July 23rd...................................................... “Shrek Forever After” July 30th..................................................................“Marmaduke” August 6th................................................................“Tooth Fairy” August 13th...........................“SpongeBob: Sponge Out of Water” August 20th..............................................................“Paddington” During the Kids’ Series, the cost is $4 which includes admission, small popcorn, and a small drink. Carmike Cinemas is located at 7415 South Broadway in Tyler. More information can be found at carmike.com.
Studio Movie Grill
Studio Movie Grill (SMG) is Tyler’s newest theater. SMG offers in-theater service and dining. With the push of a button at your seat, a server will arrive to take your order. There’s a variety of meals to choose from with their American grill menu. Ribs, burgers, pizza, quesadillas and of course, movie theater popcorn, is available. Your meal is served at your seat to enjoy as you watch the show. “It’s an easy outing,” Manager Scott Sinclair said. “We are a onestop shop for food and movies this summer for the kids.” The Children’s Summer Series will offer popular children’s films for $3 running June-August. Movies scheduled are: June 1st-5th............................................. “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” June 8th-12th...........................................................“Madagascar” June 15th-19th................................................................... “Rio 2” June 22nd-26th.............................................................. “Shrek 2” June 29th-July 3rd..................................................“Chicken Run” July 6th-10th.............................................“Horton Hears a Who” July 13th-17th................................. “How to Train Your Dragon” July 20th-24th..............................................................“Ice Age 2” July 27th-30th..............................................“Monsters vs Aliens” August 3rd-7th...................................................“Kung Fu Panda” August 10th-14th.................................................. “Puss in Boots” August 17th-21st...............................................................“Turbo” All movies will begin at 11am and are rated G or PG. SMG Special Needs Screenings SMG also offers a few film series aside from the summer special to bringing families together at the movies all year long. SMG Special Needs Screenings are family friendly movies, free for children with special needs and their siblings. Adult tickets are available at the ‘before-noon’ price. These specials screenings are shown with the lights up and the volume lowered. Children are free to move around and make noise. “It’s a comfortable, safe place for kids to be themselves,” Sinclair said. A special needs screening of “Inside Out” will play June 27th at 11am. Michelle Johnson said she’s happy to see something like this in Tyler. Her son Gavin has special needs. He is sensitive to loud sounds and uncomfortable in the dark. Something seemingly as simple as going to a movie can be quite the challenge. “Studio Movie Grill gives us the opportunity to go out as a family and enjoy a movie,” Johnson said. “It’s a judgment-free zone, and that’s a challenge to find when you have a child with special needs.” “Toons! Film Series” Television Shows Series On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11am, kids can watch their favorite television shows on the big screen. Children’s television episodes and direct-to-DVD titles are shown as part of the “Toons! Film Series.” For $3 a ticket children can see their favorite characters such as “Care Bears,” “Thomas,” “Octonauts” and others. “The Toons series is great for the younger kids,” Sinclair explained. Since each showing is only about an hour long, it can keep their attention. The Retro Family Rewind Series The Retro Family Rewind Series runs all year as well. Popular titles such as “The Goonies,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and “Home Alone” are shown for just $3 per ticket. “Many parents grew up watching these and now they can share them with their kids on the big screen,” Sinclair said. SMG is located at 8954 South Broadway. For more information on Studio Movie Grill and any of their film series visit their website at studiomoviegrill.com
Skyvue is located at 10713 Hwy 69 N in Tyler. For more information and their current show times visit tylerdrivein.com.
Tyler Library Summer Movie Madness
This summer, the Tyler Library welcomes a series of movies, and all ages are welcome. These are free, but registration is required for groups of five or more. For safety purposes, children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult (over 18) at all times. Pillows, blankets, and carpet-friendly snacks are welcome. The schedule of free movies is: Thursday, June 11th 3:30pm “Divergent” Friday, June 13th 2pm “The Incredibles” Monday, June 15th 10:30am & 2pm “The Tale of Despereaux” Thursday, June 18th 3:30pm “The Amazing Spider Man 2” Friday, June 19th 2pm “The Tale of Despereaux” Monday, June 22nd 10:30am & 2pm “Sky High” Thursday, June 25th 3:30pm “The Monuments Men” Friday, June 26th 2pm “Sky High” Monday, June 29th 10:30am “Frozen” 2pm “Mulan” Tuesday, June 30th 10:30am “Beauty & The Beast” 2pm “Kit Kittredge” Wednesday, July 1st 10:30am “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” 2pm “Wreck-It Ralph” Thursday, July 2nd 10:30am “Alice in Wonderland” (animated 1951) 2pm “Hook” Monday, July 7th 10:30am & 2pm “Muppets Most Wanted” Thursday, July 9th 3:30pm “Soul Surfer” Friday, July 11th 2pm “Muppets Most Wanted” Monday, July 14th 10:30am & 2pm “Big Hero 6” Thursday, July 16th 3:30pm “Apollo 13” Friday, July 18th 2pm “Big Hero 6” Monday, July 21st 10:30am & 2pm “Planes: Fire & Rescue” Thursday, July 23rd 3:30pm “Into the Woods” Friday, July 25th 2pm “Planes: Fire & Rescue” Monday, July 28th 10:30am & 2pm “Annie” Thursday, July 30th 3:30pm “Captain America” The Winter Soldier” Friday, July 31st 2pm “Annie” “Dumbo” Monday, August 3rd 10:30am 2pm “Lady and the Tramp” Tuesday, August 4th 10:30am “Mary Poppins” 2pm “Mighty Joe Young” Wednesday, August 5th 10:30am “Lion King” 2pm “Holes” “The Princess and the Frog” Thursday, August 6th 10:30am 2pm “Hoot” Friday, August 7th 10:30am “An American Tail” 2pm “Eight Below”
“Tornado Alley:” The Center for Earth & Space Science Education
Beginning Tuesday, June 2nd and continuing thru Wednesday, June 10th, you can learn more Regal Tyler Rose 14 about the force of one of Regal Tyler Rose 14 is hosting “Summer Movie Express.” Tickets nature’s most destrucare available for purchase at the box office for just $1 and a portion of tive weather events – the the proceeds go to the Will Rogers Institute. Zap Packs, featuring popinfamous tornado, in corn, a drink and candy will also be discounted during the showings. “Tornado Alley,” starting at the Digital 40 foot Dome Theatre on TJC’s Movies scheduled are: campus. June 19th........................................................................“Nut Job” “Tornado Alley” follows Sean Casey (Discovery Channel’s “Storm June 23rd...............................................................“Earth to Echo” Chasers” series) and researchers from the Vortex2 initiative on a jourJune 24th...................................................................... “Boxtrolls” ney to bear down on a tornado at the closest proximity possible. June 30th..................................................................“Paddington” Skyvue Drive-In Narrated by actor Bill Paxton (“Twister”), “Tornado Alley” chroniJuly 1st...............................................................................“Turbo” cles storm chasers as they head out into gale force winds, torrential Another unique movie viewing option in Tyler is Skyvue. SkyJuly 7th............................................................................... “Rio 2” vue Drive-In has been showing films for the past eight years. Manager rains and hail, while measuring storms with advanced weather-gaugJuly 8th......................................... “How to Train Your Dragon 2” Robert Phillips says the concept is quite simple, he’s playing movies ing instruments and gathering extreme weather data never collected July 14th..................................................................“Mr. Peabody” for everyone out in a field. “It’s just something different,” Phillips said. before. July 15th.................................................................. “Book of Life” “It makes for a fun, group atmosphere.” Casey and his crew are armed with a 70mm camera, as well as July 21st.................... “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” armored vehicles built to withstand the harshest of weather systems. Skyvue plays current titles and double features on an 85-foot July 22nd.............................................. “Penguins of Madagascar” screen. Outdoor speakers project sound for those watching from out- Viewers get to share the ride with Vortex2 researchers as they aim to July 28th................................................................“Madagascar 3” side their cars. The movie may also be heard through an FM radio infiltrate the tornado’s inner core and record scientific data. July 29th..............................................................“Dolphin Tale 2” station tuned in to the vehicles. Children, students and seniors can attend for $5, adults for $7. August 4th..............................................“Muppets Most Wanted” The Center for Earth & Space Science Education is located on the A concession stand is supplied with the usual movie snacks for August 5th.... “Alexander & the Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” purchase though Phillips says he sells more handmade pizza than Tyler Junior College Campus at 1411 E. Lake Street in Tyler. August 11th.......................................................“The Lego Movie” anything else. They have quite the reputation for it. For more information visit www.tjc.edu/cesse. 22 • EGuideMagazine.com
Books Heroes Are Coming to the Tyler Library for A Summer Reading Club Event
Summer Reading Club will soon be here and with it comes heroes of all shapes, sizes and identities. In keeping with our heroes theme this year, many of the Library programs will feature local, state and national heroes as well as heroes you might not expect. The Summer Reading Club begins Monday, June 8th, with a superhero kickoff party beginning at 1pm in the auditorium. Participants up to age 12 will register then will get to make superhero costumes and have their superhero picture made. Summer Reading Club will end Friday, July 31st, with a week of movies to follow from August 3rd through August 7th. New to our Summer Reading Club will be the ability for participants to track their summer reading online. The Library has partnered with ReadSquared to provide patrons of all ages with a fun, online Summer Reading Club experience. Beginning Monday, June 8th, participants will have access to the website where they can set up individual accounts with fun avatars. As the participants - young or young at heart - log their reading, they will earn points which will allow them to ‘level up’ in the program and earn badges. Once the participant reaches the appropriate level, he/she will receive a free book and an entry in the Summer Reading Club prize drawing. Participants can earn extra points, fun badges, free books and more prize entries by participating in library events, reading from special reading lists, playing online games, visiting Summer Reading Club sponsors and more. Also, the wheels on the Tyler Transit buses go round and round to the Tyler Public Library this summer! Children, up to age 18, can ride a city bus for free to and from the Library from Monday, June 8th through Friday, August 21st. All you have to do is provide a library card and get on or off the bus at the bus stop closest to the Library located in front of the Fair Parking Garage near the corner of Broadway Avenue and Elm Street. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult over 18 at all times. Transit and transfer passes are free for children up to age 18, only to and from the Library. Adult passes are $1 each. For more information about the Library and its programs, please go to www.TylerLibrary.com or call (903)593-7323.
Three Different Kinds of Grace By Gini Rainey
“Don’t Let Me Go” by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Once again, a book has captured my undivided attention. In a story that basically is built on the premise that it takes a village, Catherine Ryan Hyde tells a tale of a group of people who live in a run-down apartment house in Los Angeles that join together to help keep young Grace out of the foster care system. All of the folks in this house have their own set of problems, but through a common love for Grace, their precocious 9 year old
neighbor who has a drug addict for a mother, they find themselves working through those problems and becoming even better people than they were before Grace entered their lives. Billy, an agoraphobic former professional tap dancer is the first to bring Grace into the fold, followed quickly by the loving and caring manicurist, Rayleen. Filipe takes his turn at walking Grace home from school and begins to teach Grace Spanish. Billy, stepping way out of his comfort zone, takes Grace in after school, and teaches her to dance. Mr. Lafferty is a bit bigoted to the other neighbors and seems angry, but Grace has a way to melt parts of his heart. Ms. Hinman, says she is too old to help, but finds she wants to and enjoys a lost hobby in making Grace some new clothes. They all come together and help Grace, and each other, and consequently pulling each other out of their comfort zones. Unfortunately, Grace’s mother Eileen rises out of her self-induced drug fog and really doesn’t care much for everyone in the building taking over her responsibilities for Grace. Knowing that the only thing that matters to Eileen is her child, the group “kidnaps” Grace, and sets the ransom at 30 days of being clean for Eileen to get her daughter back and calls in her sponsor, Yolanda, to help with the plan. Although each of the characters is pretty quirky, there’s not a one of them I wouldn’t love to have as my neighbor. In true Catherine Ryan Hyde fashion (Hyde also wrote “Pay It Forward” among some 30 other books), the situation, characters, and story line is not only believable, but intriguing. She has laid so much feeling and depth on every main character, but because of her style, it’s not too much. There is so much sadness and joy in “Don’t Let Me Go,” that one balances out the other. Definitely pick up this book for a great summer read that will tug at your heartstrings. Rating: 5 of 5 Copyright 2012 – Create Space Independent Publishing Platform
me say this, that the younger you are when you begin his 10-Step program, the sooner your “wealth” will begin to grow and the peace of mind that you will begin to feel will be well worth the purchase price of this book. Trust me! Rating: 5 of 5 Copyright 2014 - Pinkerton & Mims, Inc.
“Destiny’s Grace” by Kirby Roy III
In a book set for release in July 2015, Kirby Roy follows the growth of the friendship of Derrick and Candace as it becomes something much more than they had anticipated. In a quote from Mr. Roy that accompanied his book for my review, he states that, “If up to 72% of children are born out of wedlock, then this is a story a lot of women and men can relate to. But since Grace is involved, it is a story filled with belief in the face of doubt.” Basically, this is pretty much the usual boy dates girl, girl sleeps with boy, girl gets pregnant story. None too surprising, it has one of those “one time without protection” scenarios where she gets pregnant. What makes this book completely different is the style with which it is written. I found myself involved in a constant state of verbiage whiplash due to the different “voices” that Mr. Roy has chosen to convey this story of an unexpected pregnancy and its resolution. I’m not sure if I’m the only person that would find the verbiage styling unsettling, but nonetheless I did. Conversations between Derrick and Candace and their friends are either in the language of the highly educated people they are, or when the girls or the boys are together they slip into a slightly blue side of ethnic language. When their parents are involved, a distinctively different set of vocabulary is used and their personal thoughts, yet another. Running through the whole of it, also, is a major thread of presumed guilt, expectations, and a hope that an all-forgiving grace will take care of all of the conflicts surrounding them. “Common Sense to Uncommon I personally was troubled by the verbiage, but to be perfectly honWealth” by Jeff Pinkerton est, I found it difficult to put this book down because I wanted to see There are a ton of books on the market to choose from that make how all of the conflicts would resolve. promises to show you how to become a wealthy person. Most of Rating: 3 of 5 them are very lengthy, and a lot of them tell you how to make money. Copyright 2015 – Cave Publishing The thing about most of these books is that when you purchase them, you are actually buying into helping the author make the money. Most of these books have at least 200-250 pages, if not more, and most of them wind up on the shelf along with so many of the other self-help books that you’ve purchased before and never managed to finish reading, much less applied to your particular situation. What sets Pinkerton’s book apart, as far as I’m concerned, is the way he explains the differences between money and wealth, then breaks down how to accomplish becoming wealthy into 10 easily understandable and do-able steps, and then manages to do it in a neat, little 126-page book. A lot of his wisdom is scripturally-based which might turn off some people. However, try to remember that a lot of the scriptural references for living life are drawn on common sense wisdom that people have successfully utilized for thousands of years and can possibly lead the reader to a state of grace. The first concept that you will need to embrace in order to continue towards success using Mr. Pinkerton’s plan is the definition of true wealth. If you can define what true wealth means to you, you have taken a step in the right direction. Pinkerton suggests that not all wealth is monetary, but rather the non-material things in life that are important to you. He encourages you to define what your personal “truth” is, based on how you feel about yourself, your family, your community, and the people who will come after you. Once you have determined that, you will be ready to establish your goals and begin working towards them. Pinkerton writes that most of us are infected with “Jones-itis,” (a severe plague affecting America – Keeping Up With the Joneses) and because we all are bombarded daily with the commercialization in America to buy this and buy that, it is difficult to get rid of the infection. But, once you can get passed that, and with a clear set of goals in mind, following his 10-Step Program towards building “wealth” becomes infinitely easier. His book is set up in a workbook style with the admonition to write in the book, because it’s your book – you paid for it! With a series of heart-searching questions, practical examples of each step, and pages to make notes, Pinkerton walks you through each step in an easy to understand language that will help formulize your goals, and more importantly, execute them. I promise you, this will be one self-help book that will not be found on the shelf any time soon. Let
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