May 1, 2015 • Issue 5, Volume 3
Chez Bazan French Bakery:
Keeping East Texas Sweet for Generations
The Alan Fox Band: Classic Sound, Modern Rock
A Summer of Variety:
Joshua Lozoff, The Quebe Sisters & More
Different Ways to Exercise: From Pole Dancing to iJump
2 • EGuideMagazine.com
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EGuideMagazine.com • 3
The Entertainment Magazine for East Texas
Contents
May 1, 2015 • Issue 5, Volume 3
5-6 Food
» “Chez Bazan French Bakery and Café: Keeping East Texas Sweet for Two Generations” written and photographed by Barbara King » A Host of Farmer’s Markets Have Opened to Celebrate the Season » Food News & Events
7-15 Music
» “The Alan Fox Band: Classic Sound, Modern Rock” by Kimber Fountain » “Matt Bradshaw: Just A Good Ole Music-Kinda Boy” by Billy Keith Bucher » 10th Annual T-Bone Walker Blues Fest: Headlining this Year is Los Lonely Boys and Rick Derringer » The Lake Palestine Palooza: Jordin Sparks to Headline » “Take Five with Take 2: Rockin’ Out KE Bushman’s” » The Complete Music Gig Guide for Live Music
15 Theatre
» Texas Shakespeare Festival: 2015 Line Up Announced » “LipShtick: The Musical: Written, Composed and Staged by Local Favorites, The Magills” » Cowan Center 19th Season Kicks Off with Trace Adkins » The Complete Theatre Production Guide
16-17 Things to Do
» A Summer of Magic, Comedy, and Concerts at Liberty Hall: Magician Joshua Lozoff, Peter Roussel, East Texas Comedy Festival, The Quebe Sisters, “Battle of the Bands: Rock, Paper, Scissors,” and Ruthie Foster » Tip-Toe Through the Gardens: The Master Gardeners » “Tyler Tents and Events: A Myriad Of Special Events, From Weddings and Proms To Fundraisers and Homecomings” written and photographed by Barbara King » I-20 Team Real Estate Lindale Championship Rodeo » Free Movies in the Park Begins » “Spring into Local, Farm Fresh Food” by Barbara King » Events and Things to Do Around Tyler
18-19 Art
» “Inside the Artist’s Studio: The Unstoppable Joe French: My Heroes Are Real People” by Derrick White » ArtSquared: A Fresh Approach to ArtWalk Downtown » The TJC Art Student Showcase Exhibition Featuring the works of three selected Tyler Junior College Art Students: Andres Breffitt, Kailan Counahan and Jessica Sanders
20-21 Fitness
» “A Few Different Ways to Exercise” written and photographed by Barbara King » Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure,® Saturday, May 9th » “Off Road Biking: Hitting the Local Trails” by Lynn Dark
22 Family
» “In the Summertime, Camps Are the Best” by Kelly Griffith-Fields
23 Books
» 7th Annual East Texas Book Fest: 2015 East Texas Celebration of Libraries and Literacy » “Spring Has Sprung: A Great Time For Patio Reading” 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
4 • EGuideMagazine.com
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.
The Entertainment Magazine for East Texas EGuideMagazine.com
PO Box 130133 • Tyler, TX 75713 • (903)630-3030 EGuideMagazine@gmail.com
Food Chez Bazan French Bakery and Café:
Keeping East Texas Sweet for Two Generations Written and Photographed by Barbara King Walking through the door of Chez Bazan, you feel and smell the warm atmosphere of a European bakery, and immediately see the tantalizing cookies, cakes, and baked delicacies displayed in their glass cases. What makes this café so different is the legacy of family and tradition that is a testament of hard work and perseverance. Richard Bazan, an award winning chef, brought his talent and expertise to Tyler, opening “Chez Bazan” in 1985. He worked feverishly to make it the foremost bakery in the area, but in 1999 he died at the young age of 44. He left behind a loving family who remember working alongside him in the kitchen, with hands mixing icing and waiting on customers. “Chez Bazan means ‘the home of,’” explains effervescent Claudia Bazan Hill, “and do not be surprised to see members of the family greeting and serving you.” Graciela Bazan, the matriarch of the family, can be found most days at a corner table, under a wall of pictures of all the grandchildren, blessing guests and the food that will be enjoyed. “Our mother is truly the glue that has kept the business going,” says Claudia. “She is our biggest cheerleader, nurturer, critic, and prayer warrior.” The café is truly a family affair, with brother Ralph serving as the head baker and younger sister Anna, who recently moved to Kansas City, lending her expertise in marketing and public relations. It does not take long to understand what is important to the Bazan family. “We were doing full-time catering, as well as weddings and special events,” remembers Claudia. “I was working every weekend and never seeing my husband and kids, and I had a moment when I thought, ‘am I going follow in my father’s footsteps and not see my kids grow up?’” So the business was actually scaled back and today, the café buzzes with business between 11-2pm when lunch is served, but the bakery stays open for walk-ins and special orders. This year Chez Bazan celebrates thirty years of wonderful food and a passion for people, and Claudia is the first to say that the family is humbled by the support and friendships they have made throughout the years. “In March, we designed a wedding cake for a bride and discovered that we had made her first birthday cake as well. We don’t just want to make one cake for you, we want to be there for your wedding, baby shower, and for your family birthday celebrations too.” The bakery itself is open Monday-Friday from 7am-6pm, Saturday 8am-4pm, and is closed Sundays. The selection of fresh baked treats is extensive and includes cookies of every variety, macadamia nut, butter pecan, and oatmeal raisin, to name a few. Fresh cream pies are a house favorite and selections include key lime, coconut cream, and strawberry cream. Fresh bread is baked daily, along with cheesecakes, miniature pastries, and of course their custom cakes. The Café at the Chez has a very elaborate coffee bar which features cold, hot and frozen specialties, and folks are encouraged to drop by for Happy Hour, Monday-Friday from 3-5pm, when all drinks on the menu are $1 off. The lunch experience at Chez Bazan is a relaxing affair and best enjoyed when you can take your time. As Claudia explains, “you will see every age, culture and ethnicity at lunchtime, from moms with babies to businessmen.” The menu has something for every palate from fresh salads (chicken Caesar, California, tuna and very berry) to crêpes, quiches, and hot soups (including Gracie’s chicken tortilla, which has been featured in “Southern Living” Magazine). Signature sandwiches include smoked turkey avocado, turkey bacon melt, French dip, and their Dad’s all time favorite, Jamaican chicken. Chez Bazan can handle your catering needs too, with fruit and cheese party trays, boxed lunches, and salad boxes, with a minimum 24 hour notice. They can help with breakfast as well, with trays of pigs-in-a-blanket, fresh fruit, petite quiches, or the breakfast sampler (mini butter croissants, mini scones, and mini cinnamon rolls). The bakery also has a beautiful private Chatham Clock room that is available for special occasions. They have hosted birthday parties, bridal, wedding, and baby showers, and corporate meetings. But for some, it is all about the cakes, custom made to order and Chez Bazan’s specialty. At the front of the store, there is a touch screen online photo gallery of Chez Bazan’s fantastic cake creations, featuring bride and groom’s cakes and birthday cakes. You can scroll to your heart’s content, and get some great ideas for your own big event. “We hope that a visit to Chez Bazan will make you feel at home and put a smile on your face, whether you come in for a cookie or just need a break from a hectic day,” says Claudia. Call Chez Bazan at (903)561-9644 for catering needs, or for a consultation. Reach them at www.chezbazan.com, or www.facebook. com/Chez-Bazan-French-Bakery-Cafe. Chez Bazan is located at 5930 Old Bullard Road in Tyler.
A Host of Farmer’s Markets Have Opened to Celebrate the Season
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays - Tyler’s Farmers Market has moved its opening day to May 24th. You will again see the familiar large tent on Old Bullard Road (at the end of the Sears parking lot at the Broadway Square Mall) teeming with fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers. All your favorites will be back, including tomatoes, sweet onions, new potatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, pickling cucumbers, slicing cucumbers, cantaloupes, peppers, corn, honey, sweet potatoes, peas, beans and even plants. You can meet and greet new farmers and old hands ready and willing to share advice. This Every Saturday - Rose market, which has been “selling good health through local produce City Farmer’s Market, since 1983” is open 7am-2pm. located in the parking Tuesdays and Saturdays - East Texas State Fair Farmer’s Market, lot of Juls restaurant on located at the Fairgrounds, is a unique, open-air market, that opened Old Jacksonville Road in in 2009. It operates rain or shine under covered pavilions from Tyler, is now open. This 7am-2pm. The big opening day will be Saturday, May 2nd running market is a unique and through August 2nd. The market features veggies, fruits, nuts/seeds, highly successful partnerfresh herbs, and seasonal flowers. Vendor and farmer’s applications ship between the East Texas Community Food Coalition and the are available online at etstatefair.com. Their slogan says it all, “Real well-known restaurant, Juls. Have your pick of the crop of locally Farmers, Real Food.” grown produce including free-range eggs, cut flowers, herbs, local honey, baked goods, fresh-pressed juices, and Porch Culture coffee. Saturdays - Lindale Farmer’s The range of items goes on: meats, cheeses, jams and jellies, olive Market at Picker’s Pavilion oil, seasonings and granola. The Market will also feature live music, Hosting 32 plus vendors, “variety” as well as art and crafts from local artisans. This pet-friendly market is the key word at this market. offers a pet rest area and kids are encouraged to attend as well. The Open every Saturday 8am-1pm. Market strongly believes and advocates that farmer’s markets can The market is located at 205 North teach kids the value of local food and community building. Juls St. E., Lindale, (903)882-3422, Restaurant is now taking full advantage of the market being in their www.lindaletx.gov. Featuring backyard by utilizing the locally grown produce, fresh and fresh food available and organic, homemade jams, jellies, serving this produce in breads, cookies, and pies, as well their meals. The Market as handcrafted wood items, soaps, has made it even easier to candles, and artwork. Fresh farm purchase from the farmers, eggs and grass-fed beef and poultry are available. accepting debit and credit To list other farmer’s markets, send your info via e-mail to eguidemagcards, SNAP, and WIC azine@gmail.com. Also, please it add to our calendar online at vouchers. Find them at EGuideMagazine.com/calendar. facebook.com/rosecityfarmersmarket or online at foodcoalition.org. Rose City To feature your restaurant in Farmers Market is open every Saturday, 8am-1pm, weather permitEGuide Magazine, send us a note at.... ting and located at 7212 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler, (903)581-5857. “Community Yoga” will also be held on the Juls patio from 8:309:30am with Tanya from The Yoga Spot. Bring a mat, towel, and water. Donations are appreciated for the class. EGuideMagazine.com • 5
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www.PRDTyler.com 903.508.3833 Patriot Restaurant Delivery
Ongoing - Studio Movie Grill is now open! Featuring top current movies and a delicious menu of food, this promises to be a great place to spend your time. Studio Movie Grill offers dining and drink options at lounge chairs and dining tables in front of the big screens in its unique facilities. The Tyler location will be the 20th Studio Movie Grill built in America. Featuring 12 screens and more than 44,000 square feet of space, Studio Movie Grill is a new, unique experience for East Texans. Their menu includes salads, pizza, a ton of sandwiches and unique items such as “Popcornoplis,” caramel crunch, white and dark chocolate striped gourmet popcorn and a “Steak ‘N Gravy Sandwich,” featuring Texas-style tenderloin steak, caramelized red onions, swiss cheese, balsamic ketchup on sourdough bread. The “Sriracha Chicken Sliders,” feature breaded chicken with sriracha aioli, pepper jack cheese, bok choy and red onions...yummy! Studio Movie Grill is located in the Cumberland Village Shopping Center, 8954 S. Broadway Ave., Tyler. For movie times go to eguidemagazine.com/movie-times. Their Grand Opening featured the much-anticipated movie, “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” Opening Soon - Roast Restaurant at 1125 E. Fifth St., Tyler, across from the new TJC Nursing facility will be opening in a few months. More details to come. Slim Chickens is now open, located at 7925 S. Broadway, Tyler, (903)561-7546, slimchickens.com. “Everything at Slim Chickens is cooked to order and there are no heat lamps in the store. The chicken is never frozen, and can be served fried or grilled. Although the menu is not huge, it is diverse, offering healthy options such as salads and wraps,” stated Sam Rothschild, vice president of franchise development. ‘Slim’ is a character used as a kind-of company logo that is a chicken wearing a fedora, suspenders and a guitar neck for a necktie. “We’re kind-of a Delta, Memphis-blues kind of brand,” Rothschild said, adding that Slim is a character that represents the soul of the brand. Rothschild also added that he worked for Applebee’s and Bennigan’s when the chains opened restaurants in Tyler. He has worked in the restaurant industry since 1975 and joined Slim Chickens in October. Welcome to Tyler Slim! Been to the mall lately? Mandarin Express in Broadway Square Mall, Tyler, is undergoing a huge remodel and expansion. Currently, the only eatery within the mall is Chick-fil-a, however within a few months the mall will feature a super upgraded and enlarged option. We can’t wait to get our fix of the Bourbon Chicken again! Fit City Foods is launching its new website this month, enabling those of us who tend to do everything online to order easier. The Fit City Food program promotes a healthy lifestyle, and help you lose weight, increase your energy levels, lose body fat, and build muscle. Order online and they will deliver the next day to your gym for free. Visit fitcityfoods.com to check it out.
Events
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
May 2nd - Knife Sharpening will be at The Kitchen Drawer, Tyler, 10am-3pm, sharpening knives (straight edge, serrated, and Asian), scissors, and cleavers. Major repairs will be available including chip, broken tip, bolster and reshape. Pricing for sharpening based on knife length. You may leave knives in advance to be sharpened. The Kitchen Drawer is located at 7678 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler, (903)592-9992, www.thekitchendrawertyler.com. Friday, May 8th - The 4th Annual Mistletoe & Magic Crawfish BoilThe Junior League of Tyler’s Annual Crawfish Boil is a family-friendly event that kicks off the Annual Mistletoe & Magic Celebration. This will be held 4:307:30pm at Lake Tyler Petroleum Club, 15898 Eastside Rd., Tyler, TX 75707. Tickets are $25 for adults and $8 for children six and up. For more info call the Junior League of Tyler at (903)595-5426. Sunday, May 10th - Mother’s Day Brunch with the Texas State Railroad will be held 10am-3pm at The Texas State Railroad facility, 789 Park Road 70, Palestine. Treat Mom to a special day out with the family by taking her on a relaxing ride through the beautiful countryside while enjoying a heavenly brunch served on the train. Reservations must be booked by May 6th by calling (877)726-7245. Wednesday May 20th - Food Truck Wednesday - Join Us For Curbside Tacos at Residence Inn Tyler, 350 W. Heritage Dr., Tyler. They will be hosting another fun food truck night as part of the Residence Inn Mix. Tyler’s own Curbside Taco will once again be at the hotel serving their delicious tacos. Bring a little money and your appetite
and meet in front for a fun evening. This starts at 6pm. Check out the truck and menu at www.curbsidetaco.com. May 23rd (6pm) - Savour the Moment Dinner - Please join the ETSO for a culinary experience in the vineyard and under the stars at High Hill Farm. Executive Chef Erin Willis and host Chef Andy Knudson join forces to create a culinary experience you won’t soon forget. Ticket cost is $175 per person. This benefits the East Texas Symphony Orchestra, downtown Tyler. High Hill Farm is located at 12626 CR 217, Arp, highhillfarm.com. Tickets are available at by calling (214)929-6492 or at www.etso.org. Thursday-Sunday, May 29th-31st - FRESH by Brookshire’s Celebrates “National Hamburger Day,” 11am-8pm at the 801 Grill on the patio all weekend. Buy an 801 Grilled Burger and receive a $1 off your order plus enjoy live music Friday with Ramoth Gilead and Saturday with Kevin Hahn Band, performing both nights 6-9pm. This is great family-friendly fun for all ages. FRESH by Brookshire’s is located at 6991 Old Jacksonville Hwy., Tyler, freshbybrookshires.com. Saturday, May 30th - Open Taps at True Vine Brewing Company is held the last Saturday every month, 5-8pm, and features their current ales, and ‘sometimes limited and experimental’ ales plus local music. There is plenty of festiveness for all! Bring your own chair and join us in the community. “Open Taps” is exclusively an outdoor event. In the case of bad weather, it will be canceled. Please stay tuned to their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts for details. A paid adult admission will get you in the door and two beer tickets for True Vine’s current offerings. Additional beer tickets will be available for sale. The first 200 adult-drinker guests will receive a True Vine beer glass. This is a family friendly event. Tickets are $10 in advance and available for purchase up to 24 hours before the event. Tickets are $15 at the door. Children 11 and under get in free with adult ticket. Entry for non-drinker adults and children 12 years and over is a $4 cover in advance and $5 at the door. A portion of all proceeds will go to a local non-profit. True Vine is located at 219 S. Englewood Ave., Tyler, www.truevinebrewing.com. Saturday, June 27th 2nd Annual Downtown Tyler Wine Swirl Returning to downtown Tyler, the 2015 Wine Swirl promises to be even bigger and better than last year! Come downtown and sample Texas wines and food from area restaurants, listen to music, and enjoy the downtown atmosphere. This will be held 6-10pm. On the day of the event, ticket-holders will come to Gallery Main Street and receive a commemorative plate and wine glass, which they can use to receive samples of wine and food from participating wine and food vendors scattered around the square. Each represented winery will give the guest a 2 oz. sample of wine. The guest may just have the sample or may purchase wine by the glass or by the bottle. Along with wine samples, guests can also receive a huge variety of food samples from many downtown and locally-owned restaurant at each particular site. This event serves as one of the fundraisers for the City of Tyler Main Street Program. Gallery Main Street is located in downtown Tyler at 110 W. Erwin St., (903)593-6905. There are only 500 tickets available and last year it sold out several weeks prior to the event. Tickets are $50 per person. Tickets will go on sale at the Gallery during a kick-off party on May 23rd during ArtSquared. They will go on sale online the next day. For more info call (903)593-6905.
Liberty Hall is located in downtown Tyler at 103 E. Erwin St., and offers entertainment through film, theater, comedy, and music. Movies are $7 and begin at 7pm. Tickets are available at the door and online at libertytyler.com.
JUNE: “Rock Out at the Movies”
MAY: “Mother Knows Best”
“Yankee Doodle Dandy” (1942)
May 14th
June 11th
“The Blues Brothers” (1980) June 18th
“This is Spinal Tap” (1984) June 25th
“Pink Floyd The Wall” (1982)
JULY: “God Bless America” July 2th July 9th
“Terms of Endearment” (1983) “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (1939) May 21st
July 16th
“Imitation of Life” (1959)
“Forrest Gump” (1994
“Mildred Pierce” (1945)
“Saving Private Ryan” (1998)
May 28th
July 23rd
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
The Alan Fox Band:
Classic Sound, Modern Rock By Kimber Fountain Any attempts to rigidly define the genre known as “Classic Rock” are about as futile as trying to label the corners of a circle. The lines are blurred from the get-go with the word “classic,” which implies music from a specific time period - in this case the 1960s and 70’s but there was a lot of music made in that time frame that does not even breach the border of consideration as Classic Rock. To add to the confusion, some have chosen to broaden that generational window as time has passed, furthermore, even select, modern bands who exude the Classic Rock sound (whatever that is) have been labeled as such, although the parameters used are widely open for interpretation and personal taste. In fact, pretty much the only thing that can be said definitively about this particular genre is that ‘you know it when you hear it.’ But if dusting off your uncle’s old vinyl sounds about as appealing as turning the dial on an antique radio in a valiant attempt to get that needle exactly where it needs to be to pick up the 70’s radio station, never fear. The Alan Fox Band can singlehandedly fulfill all of your Classic Rock curiosities from the comfort of the 21st century. That being said, the first thing that must be established about the Alan Fox Band is that their output would be much more aptly described as a revival, as opposed to a replication, or regurgitation of the hits of years past - which it is not. “We play it how we feel it,” says guitarist Donnie Pendleton. “We don’t try to emulate anyone else. [Our music] definitely has a Classic Rock vein, but,” he adds emphatically, “it is modern music.” In other words, these guys have a sound that was created from the inside-out; an assemblage of experienced and proficient musicians produce fresh and original tracks with a nostalgic alacrity that takes classic and makes it timeless. Originally formed in 2000, The Alan Fox Band is a five-piece band comprised of members from all over northeast Texas. Namesake and founder Alan Fox is from Carthage and performs as a guitarist and vocalist, as does Donnie Pendleton, who hails from Fort Worth and has been with the band for over ten years. Donny Hart, the Lead Vocalist from Arlington, is the newest member with a still-impressive tenure of three years, and his time is matched by current drummer Terry Salyer out of Kilgore. Bass Player Greg Cagle from Palestine completes the lineup with his sixth year as a member of AFB. “We all knew each other from previous projects, gigs, and venues,” says Pendleton, who later explains that in the band’s earlier years, “it was Blues Rock.” As the band absorbed the talents and influences of Hart, Greg, and Terry, their sound evolved and began to evoke the deeper harmonies and more striking melodies of Classic Rock. Each member is an established musician in their own right, and each will attest that the band’s music is really a reflection of many different sounds, a collaboration of their individual talents and techniques which results in the whole being even greater than the sum of its parts. Of course, a firm foundation is necessary to support such a cacophony of talent, and for The Alan Fox Band that foundation is an innate cohesion that exists among all of the members. “We are greater as a unit, [which is] the reason that this band functions as well as it does,” explains Donny Hart. “ It is because we are old enough to be past all of the stuff that tears other bands apart.” Greg adds to this, remarking that, “there is no ego in the band, we record well together, we play well together, we all have the same work ethic.” This proves advantageous especially considering that no two members live in the same town, a fact which does not at all hinder the band’s progress or professionalism. Donnie Pendleton describes the phenomena that naturally occurs 8 • EGuideMagazine.com
in the band’s work. “It tends to motivate itself - it has an energy of its own. When I sit down with Donny [to write songs], things happen.” Greg agrees, “Anytime we are in preproduction for new material, I get excited. Just listening to rough cuts, is very gratifying.” Donny also says of Alan Fox that, “he makes huge contributions. When we have song ideas, he’ll have a hook or a perspective that makes it happen.” Often, the song-writing process is fleshed out in live rehearsals, as they allow inspiration to fill in the melodies and bass lines. In fact, Greg admits that often they “put stuff together so ‘off the cuff’ that I’ll say to myself, ‘I gotta sit down and learn that.’” Alan Fox Band released the album “JuJu Ear Rub” in 2008, and their live performances have expanded far beyond the local dive to the national festival circuit. Then in 2013, the band was given huge honors at the L.A. Music Awards, a nationwide red-carpet media event that was founded in 1991 to increase exposure to the independent music scene. That year, the band was named “Hard Rock Band of the Year” and Donnie Pendleton was awarded “Guitarist of the Year.” Currently they are putting together a new album to be released in its entirety in the fall of this year, but they are taking a different approach with its release. “Our strategy this time has been to let [each song] out as a single as it is completed,” explains Greg, “and then we will release a collection of those on a CD.” Most importantly, the band’s song-writing reaches to all of the depths and heights that their musical prowess can take them. “Our lyrics mean something,” says Hart. “We tell stories, [the music] feels how we all sometimes feel - heavy and bluesy.” Full-length versions of two of AFB’s most recent singles are available for free on ReverbNation.com. Produced by Aaron Avenue Records, “El Cabron” and “Redemption” are quintessential Classic Rock ballads which perfectly showcase the band’s electric and powerful live performances, punctuated by the crisp and clean wails of Donny Hart that can be heard all the way back in 1973. AFB is endorsed by Curt Mangan Strings.com, and Donnie Pendleton is endorsed by Goulding Guitars in England, gouldingguitars.com. Find the music of Alan Fox Band on iTunes, Amazon, ReverbNation.com, and YouTube; or see them live at the Main Street Festival in Grapevine, Texas on May 16th, and in Longview at the T-Bone Walker Blues Festival on June 6th. Visit them online at www.alanfoxband.com. Also, for more gigs, see EGuide’s Gig Guide.
will be going in with me, and Heather Little. She is a fantastic songwriter and singer herself. She will be going in to do some backup vocals. Hopefully, we’ll have this project out by summer. And Heather is always working on her projects as well.” He stroked the beard on his chin as if he was looking into the future at the task ahead of him. “Overall I’ve been working harder for the last nine or ten years now. I met Heather about three and a half years ago. She was doing a gig in Canton where the woman who owned the place asked me if I wanted to do a song swap with her. Right away, I said ‘well, heck yeah’ because, although I’d never met Heather before, I sure knew who she was. I mean, I jumped all over that, and right off the bat I was just very excited. That night we played together and then we became buddies from that point on.” “Yes sir, she’s gonna come into the studio with Craig and I, and we are going to just try to get that really cool sound we get when we play at the Forge. Craig can certainly do it,” said Matt. “He’s been playing with us for a long while now, both as duos and sometimes as a trio.” “I just really want to capture the natures of the sounds and get some of that same kind of magic. Get it down on a record. If we can do that, we’ll all be getting off into some really cool stuff. This town [Ben Wheeler], has done a lot for my music. I couldn’t thank them enough. Every time I play a gig here I’ll meet someone who has something to do with me or my music. It’s just really special how music brings this town together. I feel very lucky just to be a small part of it. That’s how I feel about that.” “I know that once I get this CD out it is gonna be a more storytelling kind of record. Nothing as big and flashy as the first one was. I mean, it was fun having the larger band like that was on the first one, but this will be more intimate and personal.” Certainly, Craig Wallace will be a big part of the direction that this album takes. Craig has a style of playing which has to be heard to be really believed. He can dish out a bluesy kind of sound with a Written and Photographed by Billy Keith Bucher slide guitar or quickly Matt Bradshaw is a laid back, humorous musician out of the little pluck strings and harmonics which accenEast Texas town of Wills Point. When I spotted him waiting for our tuate the music which interview, he was slumped back in a big chair on the front porch of Matt and Heather are Moore’s Store in Ben Wheeler. From the first time I met him, I knew trying to deliver. He his conversation would often be punctuated by small bursts of light and easy laughter, and he had a way of telling his stories with the same goes a long way in delivering the nuances of the lyrics lyrical sense of rhythm with which he makes music. His speech was with harmonics and notes which peppered with politeness. are spiked with his finger work. “Yes, sir,” Matt said as we sat down at a table, “I’m from Wills He can really bring out a differPoint, which is about thirty miles down the road from here. I graduated from there in 2006, I’m 26 years old and I never thought I’d live ent dynamic in the sounds of both Matt and Heather’s songs, which is this long. After all,” he said with a quick laugh, “when you’re eighteen, you never think you’ll make it much past that. And then you hit important because you are dealing 21, and you’re just so excited to be drinking that those next few years with original material. Matt glanced out the window really fly by.” He laughed again, only this time it was a slow laugh that at the main street of Ben Wheeler, rolled out of his chest like the lyrics to one of his songs. where so much music has begun to “Yeah, yes sir,” he added, “I started playing country and Amerihappen and has helped to develop cana type music when I was 15. I kind of picked up a guitar and got together with some buddies who had thrown together a program for Brook’s dream for the town. For an FFA talent show. I don’t know how I got roped into that. It was the this writer, when I first came to Ben Wheeler from Dallas, I asked at the Forge who I should hear first. first time I had ever played in front of an audience. After that, I was talking to one of my friends, because a 16 year old isn’t really thinking Amelia, the bartender, said that the locals really liked Matt Bradshaw and Heather Little. And now that I have been here a while, and have about much of anything, but I do remember thinking, ‘A guy might just be able to make a little money doing this sort of thing.’ So I called heard them play several times, I agree. They are a strong act alone or up this little club in Tyler called Armadillo Willie’s and, ol’ Connie let together, and when they team up with Craig Wallace there is really a lot of creative music being made. me play in her club for a time, off and on.” “I’m hoping to get out two records this year,” said Matt, “with “For a couple of years after that I didn’t play as much while I worked and went to school. Then I put out the album from Rosewood seven cuts at least on each record. That should keep me out of trouble,” he added with a smile. “At least for a little while,” he laughed. Studio in Tyler, and it’s been more hectic since then. Now I’m going To hear more Matt Bradshaw go to www.reverbnation.com/mattback into Rosewood Studio this month to start my new one. Whew!” he said as he lifted his gimme cap, scratched his head, and put it back bradshawmusic or www.facebook.com/M.BradshawMusic. His upcoming gigs are listed in our Gig Guide. down again. “Craig Wallace, who I play with at the Forge quite a bit,
Matt Bradshaw:
Just A Good Ole Music-Kinda Boy
10th Annual T-Bone Walker Blues Fest: Headlining this Year is Los Lonely Boys, Rick Derringer, Tab Benoit and A Ton More
Additional artists appearing are: Jonathon “Boogie” Long, Cary Morin, Jimmy Wallace and The Stratoblasters, Trudy Lynn & Steve Krase, The Johnny Winter Band, Christone “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.
The Line-Up is: Friday, June 5th
Maude Cobb Convention Center 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 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 Soul Farmers The 10th Annual T-Bone Walker Blues Fest is set for June 5th-6th 6:30-7:15pm Buddy Flett at Maude Cobb Convention Center in Longview featuring headliners 7:30-8:15pm Peterson Brothers Los Lonely Boys, Rick Derringer, Tab Benoit, and Eric Gales, plus 20 8:30-9:15pm Jonathon “Boogie” Long other acts during the two-day festival. 9:30-10:30pm Eric Gales Other attractions of the festival include a Custom Car and Cycle Saturday, June 6th Show, T-Bone Junior Showcase Competition, Artist Meet-and-Greet, Maude Cobb Convention Center Stage Saturday Kid Entertainment, and food and merchandise vendors. 3:20-3:30pm Opening with Bernita Walker Guest artists will perform on two stages: the Maude Cobb ConPleasant Hill Quilting Group vention Center Stage, and the Patterson-Nissan Outdoor Stage adja- 3:30-4pm 4-4:45pm Gus Samuelson and the Swampadelic cent to the convention center building. 5-5:45pm Jonathon “Boogie” Long Festival hours are 5-11pm on Friday for both stages. On SaturThe Stratoblasters day, the outdoor gates open at 10am for the Junior Showcase with the 6-6:45pm 7-7:45pm The Johnny Winter tribute band featuring Paul Nelfestival shows beginning at 1pm while the Maude Cobb doors open son with special guest James Montgomery at 2pm. 8-8:45pm Eric Gales Admission prices vary by venue and time of day. Tickets are 9-10pm Tab Benoit already on sale at www.tbonewalkerbluesfest.com. Entrance to the Patterson-Nissan outdoor stage is free until 1pm, 10:30-11:45pm Los Lonely Boys half price until 5pm and $20 for the evening performances. Outdoor Patterson Nissan Outdoor Stage seating is BYOC, that’s “Bring Your Own [lawn] Chair.” 9:45-10am Opening with Bernita Walker The Maude Cobb Convention Center Stage admission ranges 10-11am T-Bone Walker Jr Showcase 3-5th Grade Finals from $25 for Friday (general admission) to $200 for prime reserved 11-12 noon T-Bone Walker Jr Showcase 6-8th Grade Finals seating with hospitality invitation on Saturday. 12 noon-1pm T-Bone Walker Jr Showcase 9-12th Grade Finals 1-1:30pm T-Bone Walker Jr Showcase Award Ceremony Performers are: 1:30-2:15pm Glen McKenzie with Electric Gypsy Los Lonely Boys 2:30-3:15pm Dagnabbit Band are a sibling trio whose 3:30-4:15pm Dr. O and the Gip Band music draws equally 4:30-5:15pm Cary Morin from rock, blues, Tex5:30-6:15pm Ally Venable Mex, Conjunto, and 6:30-7:15pm Christone “Kingfish” Ingram Tejano. The Band won 7:30-8:15pm Alan Fox Band the “Best Pop Perfor8:30-9:15pm Lance Lopez mance” Grammy Award 9:30-10:15pm Wesley Pruitt Band in 2005 for their single, 10:30-11:30pm Tyler Lenius Band “Heaven.” Their most recent album is “RevelaAutographed Guitar Auction tion,” released in JanuEnter 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 on during the auction which will be held Saturday night. These great the Louisiana bayou, collector’s item are one of a kind. has been the described as the “standard-bearer for a new generation of Guitars will be available to view in the Lobby of the venue prior Cajun blues musicians – a traditionalist and an innovator at the same to the auction. time.” Benoit, a Grammy-nominated songwriter, tours relentlessly and will appear in 2015 at the Tampa Bay Blues Festival and the New Guitar Workshops New this year are a few unique Guitar Workshops! Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Each Guitar Workshop will be limited to 40 guests. Ticket prices Rick Derringer is back for an encore performance at the festival, having wowed audiences with his 2014 performances. In addition to are $20 each. All workshops will take place in the Northcutt Room in Friday and Saturday night performances, guitar master Rick will once Maude Cobb’s Main Building. Due to the artist time schedule, artist signatures will not be permitted. You must RSVP to reserve your spot. again conduct guitar workshops for local aspiring players. Fans can Workshop hosts are: also participate in a Meet-and-Greet event with this music industry Saturday, June 6th legend. 1:30pm - Blues Fingerstyle Guitarist Cary Morin Eric Gales’ guitar work, firmly rooted in the gospel and blues 2:30pm - Blues Guitarist Jonathon “Boogie” Long traditions of his native Memphis, was a hit when he appeared at the 3:30pm - Just off “Experience Hendrix Tours,” Eric Gales 2014 festival. He returns, following another gig with the Experience 4:30pm - Blues Guitarist Lance Lopez Hendrix Tours, to show off his unique style of modern blues.
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T-Bone Walker Jr. Showcase
The T-Bone Walker Blues Fest is seeking student age guitar players to compete in the First Annual T-Bone Walker Junior Showcase. Contestants will be separated into three age categories with three finalists in each category selected by festival staff based on upon a video submission. All Area students are eligible to enter, grades three through 12 (2014-2015 School Year). Finalists will perform at the Festival on Saturday morning, June 6th. Winners in each category will perform on the T-Bone festival stage with a T-Bone Walker performing artist. Rules and more info are available on the event website. To enter, you can submit a video or YouTube link of yourself performing with an audio to TBWSJR@gmail.com. Please include student’s name, parent’s name and phone number, age, grade, address and e-mail address. The deadline for entry is May 8th.
More Info
For additional information, and to purchase tickets, visit the festival website at www.tbonewalkerbluesfest.com. Up to the minute, information can be found on the festival’s Facebook page.
The Lake Palestine Palooza: Jordin Sparks to Headline May 23rd
It’s time for a Lake Party! And what better way to celebrate Memorial Weekend than with a great day in the sun - filled with lots of live music, great food, awesome raffles, plus an “on the water” Boat Show! This will be a super fun event for the entire family. Be sure to bring your bathing suit too - there will be loads of sunbathing plus you can take one of the boats from Nautical Mile Marine out for a test drive. Live Music will be by Jordin Sparks and Melanie Martinez with special guests Adam Brown, Levi David Kitchen, Matt Le’Roy Band and more.
Jordin Sparks
Jordin Sparks is an American singer, songwriter and actress. In 2007, she rose to fame after winning the sixth season of “American Idol.” At age 17, she became the youngest winner in the series’ history. Prior to “American Idol,” Jordin Sparks had strong ties to the contemporary Christian music scene. However, when her self-titled debut album was released in November 2007, it became clear that Sparks was aiming to be a pop star. The album generated three Top 10 pop singles including a superstar duet with Chris Brown, “No Air.” The song was nominated for a 2009 Grammy Award. In the spring of 2009, “Battlefield,” the first single from Jordin Sparks’ second album, was released. It was produced and co-written by Ryan Tedder (One Republic), the man behind Leona Lewis breakthrough “Bleeding Love.”
Melanie Martinez
In 2012, Martinez became a contestant on season three of “The Voice,” where she auditioned singing Britney Spears’ “Toxic.” Three of the four judges (Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton) hit the “I Want You” button for her. Martinez chose Levine to be her coach and the rest is history. In week three of the show, Martinez’s performance of “Seven Nation Army” finished the voting period at #10 on the iTunes Top 200 Single Chart, causing her iTunes votes to be multiplied by ten. This occurred again in week four, when “Too Close” ended the voting period at #6. Martinez was eliminated by audience votes (or lack of) in week five. In response, Martinez said, “I never expected to get that far and this is beyond what I’ve ever dreamed of. I’m just so glad I got to express who I am as an artist and really touch people’s hearts because that was the ultimate goal.” On April 7th, 2014, Martinez announced that she’d been signed to Atlantic Records and that she would be going on tour. She also announced her debut EP, “Dollhouse,” which was released on May 19th, 2014. Martinez has a new album on the way; it is said to be out in Summer of 2015. Martinez’s song “Carousel” was featured in a preview for FX’s mini-series “American Horror Story: Freak Show,” with the theme song also being a riff on the song. The festival will be held 11am-6pm at The Villages Marina, 18270 Singing Wood Ln., Flint, Texas 75762. For more info go to www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-Palestine-Palooza. This event is free with a donation to Pets Fur People in Tyler at the entrance. Coolers are welcome.
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With influences that have never strayed far from rock, whether he is playing his custom Tom Anderson, his Rickenbacker 12-string, or his Strat, he is comfortable in his role as utility guitarist, playing either lead or rhythm guitar as needed. Jack Harris - a classically trained pianist who discovered electronic keyboards, along with Rock ‘n Roll as a teenager in the late 60’s - is now an avid jazz enthusiast. Harris feels as comfortable improvising over old jazz standards as he does playing hard driving rock. His synthesizer riffs bring back memories of the times when you listened to music on your old 8-track. Paul “Turk” Henry joined the Take 2 band in 2006 as the new lead vocalist. An Air Force brat raised overseas, Henry’s musical influences range from Kate Bush, The Beatles, Steppenwolf, Fiddler on the Roof, Cream, Jethro Tull, Yes, Queen, DIO and Ozzy, along with many more. He is the co-founder/bassist/vocalist of Hobbit, and cofounder/lead singer of LIX. Bass player, Phil Rumbley is a director of bands at Grace CommuBy Gini Rainey nity School, plus teaches jazz improvisation at Tyler Junior College, as well as electric and upright bass to private students. Starting out in eleLooking for something fun to do Mother’s Day weekend? Get your rock on when Take 2 takes the stage at KE Bushman’s Celebra- mentary school on the trombone, Phil added the bass to his repertoire during the early 70’s and was heavily influenced by the rock genre durtion Center in Tyler, May 9th at 7pm. With 10 years of experience playing live, private, and corporate events, Take 2 has sold out down- ing that time. Rumbley is no stranger to classic rock, as one of his first bands played that genre throughout the Dallas music scene. town Tyler’s Liberty Hall twice in the recent past. Completing Take 2’s signature sound is Tom McGowan. Tom has Playing timeless tunes that will bring back memories, Take 2 chooses to cover their personal favorites and the best of the best from been a drummer since he was ten years old and has contributed his talent to ten rock bands with both percussion and vocal duties. He is classic rock. Take 2 brings to the stage a concert-quality signature sound combined with classy staging and lights that make their perfor- also a drumline and percussion instructor at Tyler Junior College and mances ones that will both impress you and make your evening fun joined up with Take 2 in 2006. Special guests for the evening will be Night Lights, a four piece and special. Indie/Pop Rock band out of Dallas, with sounds comparable to Playing classic rock songs comes naturally to this band of five very talented and experienced musicians from East Texas. The mem- Maroon 5 and Foo Fighters. Opening for the evening will be Chance Peña, a local singer/songbers of Take 2 classic rock band evolved from that cool era in Rock writer whose music includes Indie Folk and Americana genres. ‘n Roll music when classic rock was born, and each of them really Rounding out the evening will be Ted Kamel Foods with some are impressive - not only in their respective roles in the band - but as delicious food, along with a full bar stocked with plenty of Kiepersol a group. Their sound is so uniquely above and beyond just a cover Estate wines and mixed drinks. Food and drinks are not included in band. This, combined with their style that is so close to the original, the ticket price. will amaze you. Reserved tickets begin at $20 and are selling fast. They are availAlthough Greg Murphy, guitarist and vocalist with the group, able at www.outhousetickets.com. studied the blues riffs of Clapton and Stevie Ray, he finds that his For more info about the evening visit www.take2band.com. interests seem to always settle back to the Led Zeppelin era rock.
Take Five with Take 2: Rockin’ Out KE Bushman’s Celebration Center, May 9th
LIVE MUSIC: May 2nd - The Cable May 9th - Tyler Lenius Band May 16th - Bone Dancer May 23rd - Ally Venable Band May 30th - Something Blue EVERY SUNDAY - The Blacksmiths
Comfortable Casual Atmosphere Ladies Night on Wednesdays No Cover Charge, Ever! Happy Hour Noon ‘til 5:00pm
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Saturday, May 2nd - OneLove Network Spring Benefit Concert will be held at The Foundry Coffee House at 7pm. All proceeds benefit the community ministries of OneLove Network and their bridge ministries, Hunger For Love. The amazing lineup of music for the evening is Rockie And The Rentals, The Brothers & Sisters, December Sun and The Wheat And The Winepress. A suggested donation at the door will be $10. Larger donations can be made and are tax deductible. Each attendee will be registered for free fun giveaways throughout the evening. For more info go to www.facebook.com/OneLoveNetwork. Saturday, May 9th - Christian Motorcyclist Association 2015 Presents “The Run For The Son Benefit Concert Jam” at the Oil Palace, Tyler. There will be 20 bands with all different genres. Tickets for adults is $12. Doors open at 9am and the concerts will be held 10am-10pm. Saturday, May 16th - “Rock the Park Whitehouse Music Festival” will be held 4-10:30pm at the Whitehouse City Park. The lineup includes Reign (formerly Magdalene), Bibeau, Sewerville, The Kid Icarus Project and Swerve City as well as the Whitehouse High School Drum Line and Jazz Band. ‘Rock the Park’ will auction two electric guitars, signed by members of Reign, Bibeau, Sewerville, The Kid Icarus Project and Swerve City. 100% of the proceeds from the first guitar auctioned will be delivered to the Whitehouse Community YMCA to keep their babysitting program and yoga classes in place. Admission is free. For more info search on Facebook for “Rock the Park Music Festival in Whitehouse City Park.” Every Thursday - Withrow Cooley is hosting a jam session at Momma B’s Shonuff Burgers, BBQ & More, in Jacksonville on West 79 across from the Valero truck stop, starting at 7-10pm. Bring your instruments and come jam. Everyone is welcome. Every Friday and Saturday - FRESH by Brookshire’s features Live Music on the patio 6-9pm. This is a very family-friendly way to hear local bands. FRESH is located at 6991 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler, (903)747-3503, freshbybrookshires.com. Check out our Gig Guide for a schedule of bands that are performing this month. Saturday, June 6th - Guitar Workshops to be Featured at 10th Annual T-Bone Walker Blues Fest - New this year are a few unique guitar workshops. Each guitar workshop will be limited to 40 guests. Ticket prices are $20 each. All workshops will take place in the Northcutt Room in Maude Cobb Main Building. Due to the artists’ time schedule, artist signatures will not be permitted. You must RSVP to reserve your spot. Workshop hosts include: Blues Fingerstyle Guitarist Cary Morin (1:30pm), Blues Guitarist Jonathon “Boogie” Long (2:30pm), Just Off Hendrix Tour, Eric Gales (3:30pm), Blues Guitarist Lance Lopez (4:30pm). For additional information, go to tbonewalkerbluesfest.com. Every Tuesday Open Mic Jam - Republic Ice House has started a new Open Mic every Tuesday hosted by Adam Brown and Josh Farrer, 6pm - close. Bring your guitar, your voice and your friends! Republic Icehouse is located at 3807 University Blvd., Tyler, (903)504-5860, www.republicicehouse.com. 21 and over only.
Red Dirt Festival Returns May 2nd We had a killer time at our first Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival last year, and we’re ready to party with y’all again on Saturday, May 2nd. Some of the state’s best barbecue joints are going to bring their tasty smoked meats for you to sample and all day and night they’re going to be playing some of the best music the Lone Star State has to offer - it’s the best of both worlds - all in one location!
The Food
Eighteen of Texas’ best barbecue restaurants will set up shop around Tyler’s downtown square, giving you the opportunity to sample meats from each one. Participating this year are: • BBQ on the Brazos (Cresson) with Pitmaster John Sanford • Bet the House BBQ (Denton) with Pitmaster Shawn Eagle and Cody Smithers • Black’s Barbecue (Lockhart) with Pitmaster Kent Black • Buzzie’s BBQ (Kerrville) with Pitmaster Buzzie Hughes • Country Tavern (Kilgore) with Pitmaster Armando Contreras • Freedmen’s Bar (Austin) with Pitmasters Evan LeRoy and Chris McGhee • Hays Co. Bar-B-Que (San Marcos) with Pitmasters Michael Hernandez, Aaron Hernandez and Omar Serna • Hutchins BBQ (McKinney) with Pitmasters Tim Hutchins and Dustin Blackwell • Kreuz Market (Lockhart and Bryan) with Pitmasters Roy Perez and Marco Oglesby • Lockhart Smokehouse (Dallas) with Pitmasters Damian Avila and Eric Perry • Louie Mueller Barbecue (Taylor) with Pitmaster Wayne Mueller • Meat Church (Waxahachie) with Pitmaster Matt Pittman • Opie’s BBQ (Spicewood) with Pitmasters Seth Glaser and Marina Sanchez • Riverport Bar-B-Que (Jefferson) with Pitmaster Stephen Joseph • Schmidt Family Barbecue (Bee Cave) with Pitmaster Chad Franks • The Slow Bone (Dallas) with Pitmaster Jack Perkins • Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q (Tyler) with Pitmasters Nick Pencis and Jonathan Shaw • Stiles Switch BBQ and Brew (Austin) with Pitmaster Lance Kirkpatrick
The Music
Josh Abbott Band
Headlining this year is the Josh Abbott Band starting at around 10:30pm. Weeks before its Valentine’s Day release on iTunes, the Josh Abbott Band’s “Touch” was already well on its way toward being one of the most talkedabout songs in Texas music of 2012. Granted, the hot-streak momentum of Abbott’s career had a lot to do with that. In the wake of the breakout success of “Oh, Tonight” (which climbed to No. 44 on Billboard’s country chart) and the title track from 2010’s regional smash “She’s Like Texas,” created a stir that reached all the way to music executives in Nashville and New York City.
Stoney LaRue
Stoney LaRue makes real-life, thinking man’s music. Seriously, how many other singer-songwriters would say this kind of thing about their own output: “You have to be careful about what you put out there and what you sing about, because it’s a little like the Laws of Attraction,” LaRue says. “You’ve either lived it and written about it, or you’re writing about it and you’re gonna. So much country music today chases inexact images of imaginary roads leading to nowhere, allegedly ambling a pickup truck down dusty roads to some idealized,
nonexistent party.” “I’ve always been motivated by, and came up under, the style of old Woody Guthrie songs,” LaRue says. “It’s always been about talking to the people.” Hence you have the laid-back, conversational style found on LaRue’s newest album project, “Aviator,” his debut for eOne Entertainment.
Kyle Park
His career is young. His past is impressive. His future seemingly has plenty more in store. That’s why Texas singer/songwriter Kyle Park, one of the spark plugs on the Southwestern tour circuit, has titled his new album “Beggin’ For More.” It is the fourth album of a self-made career in which Park served as both the artist and the record label. ‘More’ is the key word in the title. He earned his first No. 1 single in the middle of recording the album, when “The Night Is Young” topped the Texas radio charts, and he naturally heard fans begging for more music. But it also finds him covering more creative turf. “Beggin’” displays an expansive lyrical bent, ranging from the playful Internet-age commentary of “Tagged” to the introspective spirituality of “You Make Me Believe.” Stylistically, “Beggin’” contains more traditional country than he has previously inserted on an album, but it also shows him pushing the envelope on several tracks. U2-style guitar sounds and unexpected chord changes populate “The Night Is Young,” and a muscular foundation on “True Love” is part danceable soul music, part Wallflowers’ “One Headlight.”
Uncle Lucius
South Austin’s Uncle Lucius is a dream, conjured in the minds of five sonic mercenaries, a clarion call to arms for true believers. It is the voice that shakes you from complacency, grabs you with both hands, and implores: Get in the van!!! Like the city that brought them together, Uncle Lucius is “a gumbo, with hints of Americana and folk juxtaposed with a slow-cooked roux that is steeped in classic rock n roll and the blues. The resulting flavor is familiar and unique, roots at its most refined, albeit with a gutbucket foundation.”
The Bigsbys
The Bigsbys are full of soul and passion, and that is just the guys in the band. Their music carries that much weight plus a whole lot more. And they’re back at Red Dirt in 2015. The path to finding willing ears for new music is a twisted, thorny road. Good songs, good music and good people inevitably find their way to open ears and hearts. The Bigsbys play rock and roll distilled from the roots of America and tested by the road. The band is quickly building a reputation for soulful performances, tight sets and a unique sound. “Good Will Suitcase,” their second album, is out now. Take it from us - we’ve heard it, and it’s good!
EVERY TUESDAY- Open Mic!!! May 1st - Michael Player May 2nd Adam Brown & Josh Farrer May 8th - Casey Martin May 9th The Kidd Icuras Project May 15th - Dustin & Delano May 16th - Something Blue May 22nd - The Tuxedo Cats May 23rd - 3 River Shines May 30th King Richard & the Bayou Boys
Tickets
VIP tickets are sold out. General admission tickets remain. You can enter the gate at 3pm. Tickets are $50. These will sell out before the event, guaranteed. Concert only tickets are available for $25. You can enter at 5:30pm. Tickets are available at www.reddirtbbqfest.com.
Saturday, May 2nd at 7:30pm (doors open at 7pm)
The Old Firehouse Acoustic Concert Series:
Tony Ramey
A poet at heart, Tony Ramey began writing at the young age of ten, learned to play guitar and put his words to music when he was sixteen. Tony is an award-winning literary scholar, a former college professor, an award-winning songwriter, and is one of the most successful artists on the Texas music scene today. His repertoire of songs reaches over 1,800 and his songwriting career spans sixteen years as a professional. Joining Tony will be Grady Yates. Tickets are $12 in advance at www.theoldfirehouse.net and $15 cash at the door. The Old Firehouse in Edom is located at 8241 FM 279.
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Stanley’s BBQ – The Haggertys, 7-10
Friday, May 1st
The Back Porch, Kilgore – Keith Horton Band, 8-12 Clicks – Reign, 9-12 Cork – The Tuxedo Cats, 7-10 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – DJ Krash Karaoke, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Ty Joiner & Travis Bolt, 7-10 Fresh by Brookshires – Texas Rebellion, 6-9 Halfmoon Grill – Escape Artists, 9-1 Jake’s – Quentin Moore, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Eric Tessmer Band, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Big Gus & Swampadelic, 8-12 Panera Bread – Eric Moseley Duo, 7-10 Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Acoustic Music, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Michael Player, 8-12 Ricks – Madison Avenue, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – The Haggertys, 9-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Tyler Senior Activity Center- Patrick Odom 7-10 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12
Saturday, May 2nd
The Back Porch, Kilgore – Dagnabbit, 9-1 Breakers – Todd Rinlee, 8-10 Circle M Crawfish – Sweet Pain, 7-10 Clicks Live – Autumn Stay, Blacktop Mojo, Magdalene, 9-1 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Black Ice, 9-1 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Heather Little, 7-10 Fresh by Brookshires – King Richard & The bayou Boys, 6-9 Halfmoon Grill – Austin English Band, 9-1 Jake’s – Joe Snyder, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Jason Lee McKinney, 9-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Wesley Pruitt Band, 9-1 The Old Firehouse – Edom – Tony Ramey, 7-10 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Red Dirt BBQ Fest. – Uncle Lucius, Stoney LaRue, The Bigsbys, Josh Abbott Band, Kyle Park, 6-12 Republic Ice House – Adam Brown & Josh Farrer, 8-12 Rick’s – Trajikly White, 9-1 Rose City farmers Market – Eric Moseley Duo, 8am-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Paul Shafer, 7-10 Stone Country, Lindale – Big In Vegas, 9-1 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 XLN – The Cable, 9-1 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-12 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1
Friday, May 8th
The Back Porch, Kilgore – What The Funk?!, 9-1 Clicks Live – Edge Of Misery, Victims Of Sanity, 9-12 Cork – Tuxedo Cats, 7-10 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – DJ Krash Karaoke, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – URR, 7-10 Fresh by Brookshires – The Tuxedo Cats, 6-9 Half Moon – Something Blue, 8-12 Jake’s – Blue Catz, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Charlie Montague, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Texas Rebellion, 9-12 Panera Bread – Terry Bloss, 7-10 Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Live acoustic music, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Casey Martin, 8-12 Ricks – In10City, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Lucas Jack, 9-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Where’s Rufus –Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12
Saturday, May 9th
The Back Porch, Kilgore – Teazur, 9-1 Big Mikes Grill House, Bullard – Karaoke, 7-10 Clicks Live – This Day Forth, 9-1 Cork – Senor Gringo, 7-10 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Gene Evans, 9-1 Faulkner Park – Chris Wayne Band, 8-11 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Devin Leigh, 7-10 Fresh by Brookshires – The Haggertys, 6-9 Halfmoon Grill – Brad Good Band, 9-1 Jakes – Kinfolk, 9-12 Juls – Purple Velvet Fox, 7-11 KE Bushman, Bullard – Night Lights, Take 2,7-10 Lago Del Pino – Dovetail, 9-12 Lindale Community Theatre – BlacktopGypsy, 7-10 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Blind Mojo, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Kimberly Dunn, 9-12 Oil Palace – The Run For The Son Benefit Concert, 10am-10pm Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Live Music, 6-9 Sunday, May 3rd Republic Ice House – The Kid Icarus Project, Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 8-12 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 Rick’s – Grand Theft Radio, 9-1 XLN – The Blacksmiths, 9-12 Rose City farmers Market – Out Of The QuesMonday, May 4th tion, 8am-12 C10, Jacksonville – Acoustic Pickin’ Circle, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – Paul Shafer, 7-10 Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10 Stone Country, Lindale – Last Call Outlaws, 9-1 Tuesday, May 5th Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Breakers – Senor Gringo, 7-10 Casburn, 6-9 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 XLN – Tyler Lenius Band, 9-1 The Foundry – Open Mic, 6-9 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-12 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Open Mic, Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1 7-10 Sunday, May 10th The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Republic Ice House – Open Mic, 8-12 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 7-10 Fresh by Brookshires – Bluegrass Jam, 2-5 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 XLN – The Blacksmiths, 9-12
Wednesday, May 6th
The Back Porch, Kilgore – Cole Allen, 7-10 Cafe Bhojana – Michael Gonzalez, 11am-2pm Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Drew Fish, William Clark, 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
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Wednesday, May 13th
The Back Porch, Kilgore – Steve Carpenter, 7-10 Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Cafe Bhojana – Michael Gonzalez, 11am-2pm Cork – Blue Louie, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Duke Brothers, 7-10 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Prophets & Outlaws, The Foundry – Live Acoustic, 6-9 8-12 Half Moon – DJ Rufus, 8-12 Momma B’s Shonuff Burger & BBQ, Jacksonville Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Open Mic, 7-10 – Jam Session, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6:30-9 The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Karaoke, 7-12 Stanley’s BBQ – BBQ & Blues, 7-10 Stanley’s BBQ – The Haggertys, 7-10 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12
Thursday, May 7th
Monday, May 11th
C10, Jacksonville – Jam Session, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10
Tuesday, May 12th
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
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, May 20th
The Back Porch, Kilgore – Mathew Marcus McDaniel, 9-1 Cafe Bhojana – Michael Gonzalez, 11am-2pm Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Max Stalling, 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 Thursday, May 14th Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 7-11 Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 5-9 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Out Of The Question, Republic Ice House – Karaoke, 7-12 Stanley’s BBQ – The Haggertys, 7-10 7-10 The Foundry – Live Acoustic, 6-9 Thursday, May 21st Half Moon – DJ LL, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 5-9 Momma B’s Shonuff Burger & BBQ, Jacksonville The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Jordan & Morgan – Jam Session, 7-10 Lansdowne, 7-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 The Foundry – Live Acoustic, 6-9 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6:30-9 Half Moon – DJ LL, 8-12 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Momma B’s Shonuff Burger & BBQ, Jacksonville Stanley’s – BBQ & Blues, 7-10 – Jam Session, 7-10 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6:30-9 Friday, May 15th Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Todd Freeman & Stanley’s – BBQ & Blues, 7-10 Bullet Proof, 8-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Clicks – Sons Of Affliction, 9-12 Cork – The Haggertys, 7-10 Friday, May 22nd Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Karaoke, 8-12 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Darrin Morris Band, Farris Texas Wings & Wraps, Palestine 9-1 Withrow Cooley 7-10 Big Mikes Grill House, Bullard – Zach Nytomt, The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Clay Thrash, 7-10 7-10 Fresh by Brookshires – Phat Johnnie Wills, 6-9 Clicks Live – In This Moment, Butchers Babies, Jakes – Southern Crossing, 8-11 Upon A Burning Body, 9-1 Juls – DJ, 9-12 Cork – Ramoth Gilead & The Affliads, 7-10 Lago Del Pino – Chase & The New South, 9-12 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – DJ Krash Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Karaoke, 8-12 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Live Music, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Owen Tiner, 7-10 Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Fresh by Brookshires – Nightwork Jazz, 6-9 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Halfmoon Grill – Chris Wayne Band, 8-12 Purple Pig – David Allen & The Drifting Outlaws, Jake’s – Channel 8, 8-11 6-9 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Republic Ice House – Dustin & Delano, 8-12 Lago Del Pino – Jucy Dan & The Love Tunnels, Ricks – Safira, 8-12 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – The Sideshow Tragedy, 9-12 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Breaking SouthStone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 west, 8-12 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Casburn, 6-9 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Tyler Senior Activity Center- Patrick Odom 7-10 Purple Pig – Live Acoustic Music, 6-9 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Republic Ice House – The Tuxedo Cats, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12 Rick’s – Party Machine, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Saturday, May 16th Stanley’s BBQ – The Bigsbys, 9-12 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Ally Venable Band, Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 9-1 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Circle M Crawfish – Gypsy Creek, 7-10 Casburn, 6-9 Click’s Live – Fallen, Broken Silence, A New Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Horizon, 9-1 Yamato – DJ, 9-12 Club Skyy – Moe Money McCoy, 7-10 Cork – Sarah Roberts Jazz Quartet, 7-10 Saturday, May 23rd Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Bo Hennessy The Back Porch, Kilgore – Cody Wayne & Band, 9-1 Westbound, 9-1 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Jeff Allen, 7-10 Big Mikes Grill House, Bullard – Karaoke, 7-10 FRESH by Brookshires – Wayland Hicks & The Circle M Crawfish – One Red Cent, 7-10 Travelers, 6-9 Clicks Live – In This Moment, 9-1 Jakes – Andrew Plan, 8-11 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Sons Of AfflicLago Del Pino – Midnight River Choir, 9-12 tion, 8-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Heather Little, 7-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Ben Lowery, 9-1 FRESH by Brookshires – Purple Velvet Fox, 6-9 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Jake’s – Jaden Farnsworth, 9-12 Republic Ice House – Something Blue, 8-12 Juls – Jazz Connection, 4-7 Rick’s – The Elegant Few, 9-1 Lago Del Pino – LC Rocks, 9-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Paul Shafer, 7-10 Lake Palestine Palooza – Jordan Sparks, Stone Country, Lindale – Anthony Riley Band, 11am-6pm 9-1 Mario’s – Live Jazz 6-9 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Live Music, 9-12 Casburn, 6-9 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 Republic Ice House – 3 Rivers Shine, 8-12 Whitehouse City Park – Reign, Sewerville, Ricks – Inversion, 9-1 Bibeau, Kid Icarus, 3-8 Rose City farmers Market – The Scrips, 8am-12 XLN – Bone Dancers, 9-1 Stanley’s BBQ – Paul Shafer, 7-10 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1 Stone Country, Lindale – Texas Express, 9-1 Sunday, May 17th Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Casburn, 6-9 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 8-12 Where’s Rufus DJ, 9-1 Fresh by Brookshires – Bluegrass Jam, 2-5 XLN – Alley Venable Band, 9-1 XLN – The Blacksmiths, 9-12 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1
Monday, May 18th
C10, Jacksonville – Open Mic, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10
Tuesday, May 19th
Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 DoubleDave’s – Channel 8, 7-10 The Foundry – Open Mic, 6-9 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Open Mic, 7-10
Sunday, May 24th
Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 Fresh by Brookshires – Bluegrass Jam, 2-5 XLN – The Blacksmiths, 9-12
Monday, May 25th
C10, Jacksonville – Jazz N J’Ville, 6-9 Circle M Crawfish – Bad Remedy, 7-10 Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10
Tuesday, May 26th
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
Wednesday, May 27th
The Back Porch, Kilgore – Chris Colston, 9-1 Cafe Bhojana – Michael Gonzalez, 11am-2pm Click’s Live – Nothing More, To Whom It May, Paco Estrada, 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, May 28th
Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 5-9 Cork – The Kid Icarus Project, 6-9 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Kayla Ray, 7-10 The Foundry – Live Acoustic, 6-9 Half Moon – DJ LL, 8-12 Momma B’s Shonuff Burger & BBQ, Jacksonville – Jam Session, 7-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Stanley’s – BBQ & Blues, 7-10 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12
Friday, May 29th
The Back Porch, Kilgore – Anchor Down, 9-1 Clicks Live – Death Row Bodeen, 8-12 Cork – DJ, 9-12 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – DJ Krash Karaoke, 8-12 Eagles Bluff – Patrick James, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Southern Charm, 7-10 Fresh by Brookshires – Ramoth Gilead, 6-9 Jake’s – Kid Icarus, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – The South Austin Moonlighters, 8-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – The Damn Quails, 8-12 Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Live Acoustic Music, 6-9 Rick’s – Empire 6, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – The Effinays, 9-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12
Saturday, May 30th
The Back Porch, Kilgore – Lady Chazz & The Tramps, 9-1 Circle M Crawfish – Charles Denmon, 7-10 Clicks Live – Can’t Kill The Ugly, No Due Respect, Super Heavy Weight, 9-1 Cork – Quentin Moore, 7-10 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Live Band, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Doug Kent, 7-10 FRESH by Brookshires – Kevin Hahn Band, 6-9 Halfmoon Grill – The Texas KGB, 9-1 Jake’s – Live Music, 9-12 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Gary Patrick, 9-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Matt Dunn & Cherish Lee, 9-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Republic Ice House – King Richard & The Bayou Boys, 8-12 Ricks – Trajikly White, 9-1 Rose City farmers Market – Ramoth Gilead, 8am-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Paul Shafer, 7-10 Stone Country, Lindale – Casey Martin, 9-1 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Where’s Rufus DJ, 9-1 XLN – Something Blue, 9-1 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1
Sunday, May 31st
Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 Fresh by Brookshires – Bluegrass Jam, 2-5 XLN – The Blacksmiths, 9-12
Theatre 2015 Line Up Announced The Texas Shakespeare Festival, held on the campus of Kilgore College, has announced its lineup of plays for the 2015 summer season. All performances, unless otherwise indicated, begin at 7:30pm. Matinee performances, which are indicated by an * begin at 2pm. Information about tickets and other special events are found on it’s 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 Festival’s 2013 season. Along with “The Foreigner,” “The Nerd” is one of the most frequently produced comedies of the American theatre, guaranteed to elicit almost-endless laughter from its audience.
“Twelfth Night”
June 27th, July 3rd, July 5th, July 8th, July 9th*, July 11th*, July 16th, July 18th, July 24th*, and July 26th* “Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them,” and “Love sought is good, but given unsought is better,” are two examples of the poetic wisdom in Shakespeare’s masterpiece, “Twelfth Night.” Its memorable characters, such as Sir Toby Belch and Malvolio, have made “Twelfth Night” a favorite for centuries.
“Man of La Mancha”
June 28th, July 1st, July 2nd*, July 4th*, July 9th, July 11th, July 17th*, July 19th*, July 24th, July 26th “Man of La Mancha” is one of the most universally admired American musical dramas. Based on the classic novel by Cervantes, a Spanish contemporary of Shakespeare, it features such beautiful songs as “The Impossible Dream” and “Dulcinea,” and tells the inspiring story of Don Quixote’s noble quest for an ideal world where the evil are punished and the righteous rewarded.
“The Belle of Amherst”
July 14th at 2pm and 7:30pm, July 15th at 2pm and 7:30pm, July 18th at 10am “The Belle of Amherst” is a one-woman play written by William Luce about the life and poetry of Emily Dickinson. Throughout the evening, the actress plays fifteen different characters.
“The Princess and the Players”
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 welcome. Children under 3 years old are not admitted. When a spoiled young princess demands to be entertained, young William Shakespeare and his troupe of actors perform a new play for her. Their performance not only entertains her, it also teaches her valuable life lessons. This funny, original play has memorable characters and an important lesson for everyone. For more info contact the Texas Shakespeare Festival office at (903)983-8601 or at texasshakespeare.com. The Texas Shakespeare Festival performs in the Van Cliburn Auditorium on the campus of Kilgore College.
“LipShtick: The Musical:”
Written, Composed and Staged by Local Favorites, The Magills An all-new, original musical, “LipShtick: The Musical,” will be performed May 10th and 11th at Liberty Hall in Tyler. Local recording and performing artists The Magills have written, composed and staged the musical to be performed by the students of Megan Magill’s Musical Theater Studio on Mother’s Day Weekend, May 10th at 2pm and 6pm and again May 11th at 6pm. Tyler, Texas native Megan Anderson Magill (who had been away from home), returned to Tyler with her husband in tow Matt Magill, an Oklahoma-born singersongwriter, in 2010. The duo wrote “LipShtick: The Musical” in the summer of 2014 and Megan directed and choreographed the musical comedy just this last spring. Many East Texans will be surprised to learn that the married duo’s relationship began on the musical theater stage. Megan started her performing career as a working actress in New York City going on to join the prestigious Actors Equity Association and performing on stages all over the country for nearly a decade. According to Matt, “When Megan and I moved back to Tyler, the last thing I thought we would do was write a musical for a cast of 50 girls. And yet, that is exactly what happened!” Mother’s Day Weekend is the ideal weekend for this laugh-outloud, “Girl Power” musical that explores issues of identity, teenage angst and the love, passion, character and grit exhibited by the women of one family throughout the decades. Blending the traditional American Musical with rock n’ roll, folk and gospel music, “LipShtick: The Musical” is a hilarious thrill ride through the past that shapes our future. Director and choreographer Megan Magill sheds more light on the story, saying, “[The play] is really a look at the insecure child in all of us, which, admittedly, sounds totally heavy. But, with the added levity of slapstick comedy and a toe-tapping musical score, the subject is more easily digested and definitely more light-hearted and fun.” Matt agrees, “Yeah, when we look back on our 20’s, we’re both so grateful that we didn’t get all that we expected life would bring us. Now, looking back, the disappointment and heartache shaped us, and still continues to shape us daily. Everything that we learned, we learned by falling down and then finding the strength to get back up.” Picking up where her husband leaves off, Megan continues, “For me, saying something very true in a light-hearted, and, of course, musical way, has always been the most impactful and graceful element of musical theater. The bridge from disillusionment to fulfillment is a long, arduous process for some, and for others it can happen in an instant. To laugh, cry, and sing through that process is what my life is all about.” The Magills call “LipShtick: The Musical,” a “whimsical amalgamation of stories that have captured our imaginations for years.” Matt says, “Imagine ‘Back to the Future,’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ and ‘Peggy Sue Got Married’ all jumped in a pink blender together…that’s ‘LipShtick. [Are you] interested yet?” As anyone who’s seen The Magills in concert can tell you, the duo compliments each other in a most harmonious way. Support local artists and future stars. Come out and see the debut of “LipShtick: The Musical.” This will be on stage at Liberty Hall, 103 E. Erwin St., downtown Tyler. Tickets are available at www.themagills.org and at the box office the days of the show.
Productions
May 1st-9th - “Mary Poppins” - The Brook Hill Fine Arts department is proud to present the musical, “Mary Poppins.” This full length musical has recently finished its run on Broadway and now everyone can enjoy this classic with the addition of new songs and surprises. If you love the original, you will adore this new version. The cast is an exciting mix of actors ranging from eight to 18, but make no mistake, when the curtain falls you will not feel like you have been to a school play. Tickets range from $5-$20. The Brook Hill School is located at 1051 N. Houston St., Bullard, TX 75757. For more info or tickets in advance, call (903)894-5000. May 1st-3rd and May 8th-10th –“The Great Easter Egg Hunt” by Ken Jones will be on stage at Henderson Civic Theatre in Henderson. “The Great Easter Egg Hunt” centers around an annual ritual whereby citizens vie for the ultimate prize attainable in Umatilla, Florida: The Golden Egg. It is a comic journey through one day in an isolated town that reflects the greed, cowardice, regret, avarice, love, stupidity, hope, passion and drama of life in America. Henderson Civic Theatre is located at 122 E. Main St. in Henderson. For information call (903)657-2968 or www.hctonline.org. The theatre is located on Heritage Square in downtown Henderson, a National Register Historic District, in the original Opera House which was built in 1885. May 6th-10th and May 14th-17th - “Perfect Wedding” - This play has provoked waves of laughter in literally hundreds of productions around Europe and across America, and is due to be made into a Hollywood film. It is that rare combination - a riotous comedy and a touching love story at the same time. It is about an appalling situation, when a bridegroom wakes on his wedding morning in his own bridal suite, with his bride-to-be about to arrive any moment, and finds a strange girl in bed beside him. What is more she is an extremely attractive girl but in the depths of his post stag-night hangover, he cannot even remotely remember having been introduced to her. Worse - during the ensuing panic to get the stranger dressed and out of the way, the bride arrives and the girl is trapped in the bathroom. The only way out of the dilemma is to persuade the best man to pretend that the hidden girl is his girl friend. 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 tylercivictheatre.com. The Box Office is open Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm and 2-5pm. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students. May 8th-9th and May 14th-17th –“100 Lunches” will be on stage at the Tyler Civic Theatre with Thursday-Saturday performances at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 2:30pm. Successful mystery playwright Chuck Reynolds has had his plays lauded by all critics except Charity Starr. When she shows up at his home and has the unmitigated gall to ask his expert help in writing a play of her own, Chuck fiendishly insists that their teacher/pupil sessions be held over lunch with Charity footing the bill at the most expensive restaurants in New York City. Lunatic waiters provide a uniquely hilarious touch to these meetings. Love blossoms despite the scheming of Chuck’s amorous neighbor. Charity’s play opens on Broadway and she finds out what it is like to be a target for all her critical confreres. Non-stop fun, romance, and explosive hilarity make this an ideal show for the entire family. Tyler Civic Theatre is located 400 Rose Park Drive in Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center. For more info call (903)5920561 or tylercivictheatre.com. The Box Office is open Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm and 2-5pm. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students. The Brunch tickets are $35 which is for both brunch and the play. Brunch tickets require advance purchase. May 21st-22nd (10am), May 22nd-23rd (7:30pm) and May 24th (2pm) - “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” will be presented at Lindale Community Theatre. The ballet comes to Lindale - come see this classic tale told through dance and music. It is sure to be visually stunning! This will be held one weekend only. Lindale Community Theatre is located at 109 W. Hubbard St., downtown Lindale. Call (903)638-0402 for more information or log on to www.lindalecommunitytheater.org. Tickets for adults are $15, students $12, 12 and under $8 and available at the door or online.
EGuideMagazine.com • 15
To Do
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 comeThere are a lot of fun concerts, comedy shows and more coming dian from New York and has performed stand-up on “Late Night with to the City of Tyler’s Liberty Hall this summer. Here is a rundown of Jimmy Fallon,” and the “College Humor Live” National Tour. St. Gerthe next few month’s exciting events. Some will sell out quickly so we main has also appeared on MTV’s “World of Jenks,” and is a 2009 ECNY nominee for “Best Emerging Comic.” strongly suggest you get your tickets now. Individual night tickets are available for $15-$20 online. Tickets at Magician Joshua Lozoff the door the day of performances are $20-$25. There are VIP tickets Friday, May 1st at 8pm available for the entire festival for $45 online. VIP Box Seats are avail“Joshua Lozoff ‘Life is Magic’” has perable for $100 which seats 4. formed in Tyler twice before and we have Tickets for the Family Show are $8 online or at the door. invited him back for another show due to The Quebe Sisters the overwhelming response. Saturday, July 18th, 8pm Joshua Lozoff has been studying and For the music lovers, the sharing magic around the world for the past 15 years. He regularly performs across Quebe Sisters will be performthe U.S., and beyond. In 2005, he was one ing in concert with a refreshing of only two magicians to receive an invitablend of swing, vintage country, tion to perform at the World’s Fair in Japan. bluegrass, and jazz standards, In both 2007 and 2008, Joshua’s show plus a little Texas-style fiddling broke box office records by selling out all 29 performances. With too! Awarded the “Crescendo no props, no sidekicks, and no rabbit or top hat, he will perform Award,” by the Western Music entertaining, in-your-face magic. His only tools are everyday objects Association and winner of the coupled with the amazement of the human mind. This magician has “Western Swing Album of the Year” from the Academy of Western Artmesmerized audiences throughout the United States and Latin Amer- ists, the Quebe Sisters have recently released their latest album, “Every ica and will astound you with his deeply perplexing, simple and lucid Which-A-Way.” conundrums. Lozoff says, “The most beautiful thing about magic is This great night of music will sell out fast, be sure to get your tickhow it appeals to everyone. I can go from a black-tie gala to a backets soon. yard barbeque, and everyone has a few moments in time which tranTickets prices depend on seats but range from $15-$150. VIP Box scend our ordinary reality; moments of awe, of astonishment, and Seats are still available. just a flat-out fun time.” For 14 years, Lozoff was a professional actor in Los Angeles, with Battle of the Bands: Rock, Paper, Scissors Saturday, August 1st, 8pm a recurring role on the hit TV show “Cheers,” as Gino Tortelli. He The City of Tyler’s Liberty Hall is now accepting entries for the was also in the movies “Clueless,” and the original film, “Teenage annual battle of the bands event, “Rock, Paper, Scissors.” The actual Mutant Ninja Turtles.” After 14 years as a professional actor, Joshua left Los Angeles to ‘regain his sanity’ and devote more time to service battle will take place Saturday, August 1st. Bands who are interested in performing in this show should subwork, including volunteer stints throughout Latin America, where he mit a DVD or link of their performance with a limit of three songs. The learned his magical trade from a street vendor. band can feature any genre of music and at least one song submitted “This is a great show for the whole family – even the teenagers must be original. Bands must be from the East Texas area. will love it!” stated Anne Payne, Liberty Hall Manager. A panel of judges will review the submissions and narrow the Tickets are $15 online. At the door, tickets will be $20. competition. The night of the show, each artist will have 30 minutes Texas Speaker Series: to get on stage, play and get off the stage. Timing is important and Peter Roussel will be considered in judging. Artists are encouraged to get their fans Thursday, May 7th at 7pm to attend – showing a following, which will be considered in judging. With over 45 years of experience in Artists will be judged on the following: performance, stage presence, business, government, politics and media, minimal dead air, visual, audience reaction, vocal quality, and overall including two tours of duty in the White musicianship. House and service as an assistant to PresiThe artists selected to move forward will be posted on Liberty dents Ford and Reagan, Peter Roussel is an Hall’s Facebook page and voted on by the public. The field will then be author, public speaker, university instructor, narrowed to five artists that will compete at the concert on August 1st and television and radio commentator based at Liberty Hall, downtown Tyler. in Houston, Texas. “Each entrant will receive a professionally recorded video of their Mr. Roussel’s career in Washington performance at Liberty Hall to use to market their music for future began in 1969 when he was named Press bookings,” said Anne Payne, Liberty Hall Manager. “I am contacted by Secretary to U.S. Congressman George H. W. Bush. In 1970, he a lot of musicians that want to play at Liberty, but we cannot feature was Campaign Press Secretary in Mr. Bush’s race for the U.S. Senthem all. This event opens up the doors to new artists in our area and ate. When Congressman Bush was named U.S. Ambassador to the gives them that opportunity.” United Nations in 1971, Mr. Roussel joined him there as his personal Bands may mail a DVD recording to Liberty Hall at 110 W. Erwin press officer, serving during a two-year period of headline-making St., Tyler, TX 75702. You can also e-mail a link of your stuff to events, including the admission of the People’s Republic of China. In apayne@tylertexas.com, subject line: Rock, Paper, Scissors. For ques1973, Ambassador Bush was appointed Chairman of the Republican tions, call (903)595-7274. National Committee and Mr. Roussel returned with him to WashRuthie Foster ington, continuing to serve as his personal press officer. In 1974, Saturday, September 19th, 8pm Peter Roussel assumed his first assignment at the White House as Those who have followed Ruthie Staff Assistant to President Ford. In 1976, he transferred to the President Ford Committee as Special Assistant to the campaign’s national Foster’s eclectic musical history know that she can burn down any stage with director, James. A. Baker, III, and subsequently was Communications Director for Mr. Baker’s 1978 campaign for Attorney General of her combustible blend of soul, blues, rock, folk, and gospel. Ruthie’s astonTexas. ishing voice has taken her on an amazFrom 1981-87, Mr. Roussel served in the White House under President Reagan as Special Assistant and Deputy Press Secretary. His ing ride. Foster’s list of achievements include “Best Female Vocalist” in duties as a spokesman for the President of the United States required 2007, 2008 and 2013 from the Austin Music Awards, 2009 and 2012 briefings of the White House press corps and accompanying President Reagan on domestic and foreign trips, including summit meet- Grammy nominations for “Best Contemporary Blues Album,” the 2010 Living Blues Music Award Critic’s Poll for “Female Blues Artist of the ings with Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev at Geneva in 1985 Year,” and recent Blues Music Award wins for 2010 “Best Contempoand Iceland in 1986. Mr. Roussel is the author of the novel, “Ruffled Flourishes,” pub- rary” and “Best Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year.” Foster’s newest release, “Promise of a Brand New Day,” produced by Meshell lished in 2009 by Bright Sky Press. It draws on his experiences as Ndegeocello, has been honored by the National Academy of Recorda press spokesman at the White House and has been acclaimed by ing Arts & Sciences (NARAS) winning her the third straight Grammy national media. nomination for 2015 “Best Blues Album.” Tickets are $15 online and at the door one hour prior to the Tickets prices depend on seats but range from $18-$150. VIP Box show. Veteran and student tickets are available for $10. Seats are still available. The Fourth Annual
A Summer of Magic, Comedy, and Concerts:
Tickets Now on Sale for Tyler’s Liberty Hall Upcoming Events
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 will host a Stand-Up Showcase, which will have six to eight stand-up comedians that will go back to back in a stand-up showdown. Friday, June 19th at 7pm, ET Comedy Festival will present a 16 • EGuideMagazine.com
Tip-Toe Through the Gardens: The Master Gardeners Events By Gini Rainey Have you often felt you had a symbiotic relationship with the plants that surround you? Have you ever thought about being a Master Gardener? Have you ever wondered exactly what a Master Gardener is or does? Master Gardeners are members of the local community who take an active interest in their lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, and gardens. They are enthusiastic, willing to learn and to help others, and able to communicate with diverse groups of people. The Smith County Master Gardener Association is a local group in Tyler and they boast over 150 members. The group is a non-profit, educational and charitable organization that works in association with the Texas AgriLife Extension and sponsors activities throughout the year. They host the following events:
IDEA Garden “First Tuesday Garden” Series
Ongoing the first Tuesday each month The IDEA Garden “First Tuesday in the Garden” Series is an informative lecture series that covers gardening speaker topics suitable for a particular month. The lectures are held on the patio in the IDEA garden, which is located in the southeast corner of Tyler’s Rose Garden. The Tyler Rose Garden is located at 420 Rose Park Drive in Tyler. There is limited seating. You may want to bring a lawn chair. The lecture will run for about 30 minutes followed by a question and answer session. Registration is at 8:30am with lectures beginning at 9am. Tickets are $15 each. You can pay at the lectures. Upcoming topics and dates are: • May 5th - “Getting Ready for Hot Weather” • June 2nd - “Did She Say, ‘Cut Off Their Heads?’” which addresses the summer care of perennials
The 2015 Home Garden Tour
May 30th, all day Once again, the Smith County Master Gardeners will host their annual Home Garden Tour which is open to the public. This year four homeowners have opened their gardens for viewing. The gardens are listed on the website. Tickets are available at txmg.org/smith or call (903)530-4496 or (903)590-2980.
“Jewels in the Garden” Conference
June 6th, all day The Smith County Master Gardeners will be presenting a special one-day conference dedicated to the memory of Master Gardener Sue Adee, who passed away in January of this year. It will be held at the Tyler Rose Garden Center with registration beginning at 8:30am and the program starting at 9am. Keynote Speaker for the event will be Nicholas Staddon, Director of New Plants for Monrovia, the leading grower of premium ornamental and edible plants. The topics of 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, Horticultural Agent, Montgomery County, Texas, and Steve Huddleston, Director of Fort Worth Botanic Garden. The cost of this event is $25 thru May 15th and $35 after that date. Lunch is included. Registration forms are available on-line. For more information about Smith County Master Gardeners, the Master Gardeners’ program and their events, either call (903)590-2980 or visit their website at txmg.org/smith.
Events
Saturday, May 2nd - Kilgore Geekend - Tours of Tyler, in conjunction with Kilgore Main Street and Geek Eazy, present the second Annual Kilgore Geekend, 10am-6pm, located in downtown Kilgore on Commerce Street. There will be vendors, artists and activities for the whole family. This event is to celebrate National Free Comic Book Day. For more information you can contact Tours of Tyler at (214)621-6071 or go to www.ToursOfTyler.com. Friday, May 8th - Love Lives Here: Your Story is Beautiful To The Moon Sisterhood - Designed with women in mind, at this fun event you will laugh till the tears roll and then be profoundly inspired by women who will share their own stories. How many of us need some time with our girlfriends? In our world, it’s rare to hit “pause” in our lives long enough to breathe and nurture our relationships with other women. Here is your chance. Slated for the Friday before Mother’s Day, this is the perfect time to take some time just for you. The doors open at 4pm. You’ll be able to shop, get a massage, savor a slow cup of coffee, and catch up with your girls as you watch a fabulous style show by Gaudy Couture. There will be door prizes, music, and lots of smiling faces to greet you, as well as more than 30 vendors set up to shop for that perfect Mother’s Day gift. Then at 6:30pm, an unforgettable dinner and presentation will be experienced by all. This will be held at Harvey Hall Convention Center, 2000 West Front St., Tyler. Tickets are available at www.tothemoonmom.com. Saturday, May 16th - Lovin’ on Kids Benefit Festival will be held 10am-4pm at Bergfeld Park, 1510 S. College Ave., Tyler. The Magdalene Home invites your support for the Lovin’ on Kids Benefit Festival, a family-oriented event held at Bergfeld Park. Activities for children include bounce houses, a dunking booth, cake walk, face painting, and other fun events. The first 2000 families will receive a free backpack Tickets full of gifts. Upon entering the Festival, attendees are asked to bring Tickets to all of the above shows are available for purchase online non-perishable food or household items and drop them off at one of at www.LibertyTyler.com. Also, please “Like” The East Texas Comedy the four entrances to help “Pack the Pod.” These items will provide for Festival and Liberty Hall Facebook pages and follow them on Twitter. the physical needs of women and children at he Magdalene Home. All You can also sign up to receive e-newsletter updates at proceeds will benefit The Magdalene Home of East Texas. The Magdawww.LibertyTyler.com. This is the best way to get “advance notice” lene Home merchandise area will sell their very popular t-shirts and (before the public knows) of future events coming to the Liberty. other branded items. For more info call 1-844-4BABY-MOM.
Tyler Tents and Events:
A Myriad Of Special Events From Weddings And Proms, To Fundraisers And Homecomings Written and Photographed by Barbara King Do you have a grand vision in mind for your wedding, corporate event, or special function, but just lack the expertise to make it happen? Tyler Tents and Events is ready and eager to help your dream become a reality. The dynamic duo of Amanda and Andy Jones is a father/daughter team that brings over 15 years of experience, creativity, and artistry to their business, which opened in April of 2014. Andy is the business mind behind the operation. He also owns and operates stores in Fairfield, Athens, Corsicana, and Palestine, and brings his expertise to the business. Amanda lends her creativity, artistry, and imagination to every event. “If you can dream it, we can do it,” says Amanda, “and there is no client dream that is too big or too small.” This is not your typical cookie cutter rental store, there are no customer counters, but an expansive space full of color, choices and displays that will spark creativity. The Jones team promotes the concept of expression, including a white linen draped “play table,” where you can choose items from around the store to actually see firsthand how your concept can look. “We encourage clients to come in, sit down with us and describe the feel and flow of their event,” explains Amanda. “We realize that this could be a once in a lifetime event, and there are no second shots at getting it right. We are here to listen and advise, and to provide exceptional quality and customer service.” Tyler Tents and Events will be there with you every step of the way - from the initial consultation, to the site visit, and from the setup, to the breakdown - they will be there! “We want to foresee any problems with the venue as far as setup,” says Andy. “We evaluate the site to make sure that the vision that our client has can be accomplished with the space, and of course, within budget. “You can rest assured, as a family business, we will be there, onsite with you and always available to resolve any issues,” he explains. The business is all-inclusive, with the rental of linens, specialty chairs, tents, china, crystal and flatware all available. Mirabella Event Décor, the other arm of the business, is Amanda’s passion, and her creativity shines in custom draping. “I love draping for dramatic effects,” she says, “and we are also
I-20 Team Real Estate Lindale Championship Rodeo: May 14th-16th Downtown Lindale Parties Rodeo Style
The Lindale Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Lindale is excited to announce the 28th Annual I-20 Team Real Estate Lindale Championship Rodeo, presented by Lonestar Ram Rodeo, to be held Thursday-Saturday, May 14th-16th at the Lindale Rodeo Arena located on Highway 16 West, three blocks from downtown. Entertainment will begin each evening at 6pm with the Rodeo events following at 7:30pm. Highlighting the event each night will be Mutton Bustin’ starting at 6pm followed by live music. Entertainment will include the spectacular Cowgirl Chicks from Weatherford, Texas, who warm up the crowd with family-friendly dance choreography and trick riding that is show-stopping. These professional trick riders and singers are a crowd favorite and truly exciting to watch. A fan and contestant favorite for over 20 years, the I-20 Team Lindale Championship Rodeo promises loads of fun for the entire family. “We expect over 500 contestants to compete for over $60,000 in prize money in exciting events like bull riding, bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping and more,” said Shelbie Glover,
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able to order custom seating, specialty lighting and props and effects for themed parties.” The company can supply everything from hand-strung chandeliers to a s’mores bar - all that is needed is your imagination. Recently The Cascades was transformed over 5 days for a spectacular wedding by the unlikely addition of huge tents inside the venue, enhanced by dramatic draping and formal seating. Tyler Junior College also hosted a recent reception with help from Tyler Tents and Events for the grand opening of the Robert M. Rogers Nursing and Health Sciences Center. Clients can also take advantage of special services unique to the store. Bolts of fabrics line the showroom, and seamstresses are available to work with you to create custom made tablecloths and overlays. They will custom order for you, and the store has china patterns available that are not found anywhere else in town. “We are constantly searching for new and innovative products,” says Andy. “We have used sailcloth tents that are really popular on the east coast. These are statement tents; in the evening they have a translucent glow that really makes an impact.” The company has had a hand in a myriad of special events, from weddings and proms to fundraisers and homecomings. The venues they have transformed have ranged from barns to conference rooms to school gymnasiums. “We really encourage collaboration with the client,” explains Amanda. “We don’t normally like to give price quotes over the phone. We would rather meet you and let you explore our showroom, and then brainstorm how we can create your dream.” Tyler Tents and Events is located at 5515 Hwy. 31W and is open Monday-Friday from 9am5:30pm and Saturdays by appointment only. For more info, call (903)200-6744. Find them at tylertentsandevents.net and Facebook.com/ tylertentsandevents. Lindale Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. Children seven to twelve can compete for prizes in the calf scramble, while children six and under can compete for cash in the fan favorite “cash scramble.” Adult advance tickets can be purchased at the Chamber office and at local area merchants for $8. Advance rodeo tickets are free for children 12 and under at sponsor locations. Please note that advance ticket sales will end at 6pm each evening. Adult tickets purchased at the gate are $10 and $5 for children. Call the Lindale Chamber at (903)882-7181 for ticket locations or visit www.lindalechamber.org.
Movies in the Park Begins If you enjoy being outside under the stars and sharing a free fun-filled evening with your entire family, the Tyler Parks and Recreation Department has something just for you. The Spring Movies in the Park schedule is: • Saturday, May 2nd at 8pm - “Big Hero 6” • Saturday, May 9th at 8:15pm - “Planes-Fire and Rescue” • Saturday, May 23rd at 8:15pm - “Brave” These will be shown at the beautiful Bergfeld Park amphitheater. Refreshments will also be available at no charge thanks to our wonderful sponsor, Tyler Beverage Company. To help sponsor this series or for more information about this event, please contact (903)5957271 or check out www.TylerParksandRec.com.
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Art
The TJC Art Student Showcase Exhibition:
Featuring the Works of Three Selected Tyler Junior College Art Students: Andres Breffitt, Kailan Counahan, and Jessica Sanders
Inside the Artist’s Studio:
The Unstoppable Joe French: My Heroes Are Real People By Derrick White
Recently, while I was sitting in a local emergency waiting room, officers from the sheriff’s department entered the hospital, as they occasionally do, with a patient. They were escorting their client across the crowded, anxiety-filled room, when suddenly one of the officers stopped, turned, and headed directly for me. Shaking my hand heartily, he turned to his partner, smiled, and said, “this is my art professor!” We visited briefly about how well he was doing and he mentioned how much he enjoyed my class. Wow! Here was a former student from years ago, a graduate working in his chosen career, and he remembers fondly the time spent in a community college art class. These types of rewards are hard to measure and difficult to put a price on but as a teacher, I will tell you ‘satisfaction in the success of former students’ is one of the best benefits of the whole gig. This encounter reminded me of the author Maya Angelou’s quote, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I teach to the best of my ability with the understanding that my students go on to become the people with whom my family and I share our community - nurses, police officers, artists, teachers, etc. When I get surprise visits from former students it always makes my day. When someone takes the time to stop by, say hello, introduce their new baby, or invite me to their latest art event after taking a class 10 years ago, I am soft-soaped and it affirms what I do for my day job. I had a visit from one of my favorite former students just the other day. I first met artist Joe French, from Longview, back in 2007 when he absent-mindedly wandered into the art department, asking to borrow some paper. He returned to show me the drawings he had made (instead of taking notes), and I encouraged him to continue to create. Before I knew it, Joe was an art major involved and immersed in every art class we offered and every process he could learn. Thoughtfully engaged and concerned, Joe became an officer in the art club, volunteered his time and talent to community service projects, and was selected as a performance grant scholarship student. Joe carried his excitement and exploration to the University of North Texas in Denton, where he investigated the evolution of his creative process and even some destructive methods such as burning canvases with holes, painting with flames, and at times scorching work completely to ash. After finishing at UNT, Joe returned as a special guest speaker for our 2012 annual Thunderdome art competition, an outrageous and fun contest with only one winner. All the losing art pieces are lavishly destroyed by the annihilators, giving students an inspiring speech to follow their dreams. Joe challenged them to live unafraid. Anyone who knows Joe French will absolutely concur about his passion for life, people, community, art, friendship, and love. He is a big, bearded man who, once he sees you from across the room, approaches with a big unavoidable bear hug. Joe later moved to Central America to keep his charitable spirit fed by teaching English and Art in Honduras, fulfilling his dream to give back to the community of his family’s heritage. Everything was perfect…and then the roof caved in. Catastrophically, in December of 2013, Joe French was savagely assaulted and robbed in Puerto Cortés, Honduras. While walking the two blocks home after his school’s Christmas party, he was shot five times, including once in the head, while being mugged by a gang of young thugs who stole his cell phone. Miraculously Joe survived the attack and was taken to the hospital. After some amazing and immediate online funding efforts by his family and friends, Joe was flown by specialized helicopter to Baylor Medical Center in Dallas where he has undergone multiple surgeries along with extensive physical and occupational therapy, and he continues to battle, fight, and persevere to this day. Joe was an inspiring guy before, and he is an incredibly inspiring guy now. My heroes are real people, ones that do not give up and cannot be stopped. Joe French says, “I will get better, better, better.” When Joe paid me this visit, he was doing well and he continues to 18 • EGuideMagazine.com
The TJC Wise Auditorium Art Gallery is pleased to have the opportunity to showcase the talents of three outstanding Tyler Junior College art students. These works include a variety of media including painting, printmaking, ceramics, drawing and mixed media. These three TJC students were awarded a 2014 – 2015 art performance grant. The student showcase exhibition allows artists exposure as well as the experience of creating exhibition-ready artwork. Students display their art at a professional level and are integral in curating, promoting and installing the exhibition. The artists are: Andres Breffitt (Tyler)Sharp and edgy graffiti inspired street art, Andres uses spray paint, markers, acrylic paint and anything else he can get his hands on. Originally from Venezuela, Breffitt’s artwork is a celebration of Americana from his unique perspective. It is a colorful, eye-catching, and powerful juxtaposition of iconic imagery and personal text. Kailan Counahan (Rusk)- Masterfully proficient create and recover. Amazingly, Joe is walking, talking and once again in drawing, painting, and making artwork and involving himself in the therapeutic progression printmaking, Kailan’s works of having a creative outlet. Satisfaction in former students is indeed are intricate and captivatone of the best benefits of my career. ing whether you are viewing Joe is a passionate and caring individual. He is a ‘people person’ a Victorian anthropomorphic bird lady or a sophisticated animal or who is friendly and immediately likable. Joe is community minded and nature print. Her art exudes both excellent ability and patience. Your has volunteered many times, including being involved with canned eyes will not be disappointed. food drives and offering to do face painting at the annual MDA Walk Jessica Sanders (Hawkins) - Jessica has immersed herself in a at Broadway Square Mall. Joe French is a key member of the current wide variety of art disciplines including weaving, ceramics, drawing, regional art movement, a dedicated group of active artists involved in painting, 3-D design, as well as printmaking. She combines an interevents and exhibitions. Joe has helped with local happenings as well esting use of chaos and control, and spontaneity and intention in her as participated in exhibitions at area venues and alternative music and work. Jessica’s figurative forms are powerful yet genteel reminders of exhibition spaces. “I yearn for self-expression! I strive to provide an our shared humanity. outlet for the common individual, a place of departure. I believe those This exhibition is free and open to the public and will continue who search long enough will find what they’re looking for. I believe through May 7th, Monday-Friday, 9am-7pm. The Art Gallery at Tyler this is my purpose, my addiction, my burden. I believe a search for Junior College is located in Wise Auditorium Fine Arts Building near visual and emotional expression is called for in everyone’s life. I hope South Mahon across from the Tyler Museum of Art. to explore all visual boundaries and leave nothing behind,” Joe says. Joe is one of those rare and special people with a passion for life. Events He works hard to inspire those around him. He shares what he loves Gallery Main Street Continues “Exploding Boundaries” Art and his creativity with others. I, like many others, hope for a local Exhibit thru May 4th - “Exploding Boundaries” is the second juried community supportive of its striving visual artists. East Texans should exhibit of 2015 for Gallery Main Street. The exhibit prospectus support one of our own and give encouragement to Joe and his family explains fiber art as “…all traditional fiber techniques such as spinto assist with the unimaginable medical expenses. This is your oppor- ning, weaving, embroidery, quilting, sewing, dyeing and others, as tunity to show you are willing to sponsor a vital asset to our area and well as traditional techniques with non-traditional materials, such purchase one of a kind, original art by a local, living Texas contempo- as weaving wire or metal, fabric collage and three-dimensional rary artist. sculptures.” “Many people mistakenly assume a fiber art exhibit Buy local. Buy Joe. We desperately need supportive community must be a quilt show,” said Beverly Abell of the City of Tyler Main art collectors. My heroes are real people. Street Department, “but it’s so much more than that.” Abell noted For more information please visit www.frenchmadeart.com or on that the exhibit is comprised of more than 50 uniquely different Facebook look up “Recovery of Miracle Joe French.” fiber style pieces. “This exhibit includes sewn pieces for sure, but it is also includes woven metal and other unique materials interpreted in a non-traditional way with fabric techniques,” said Abell. The fiber arts exhibit is a collaborative project with the East Texas Fiber Artists group. In addition to the monetary award for Best in Show that is given by Gallery Main Street, the fiber artists will present merit award certificates. In addition, the public will be invited to vote for a People’s Choice winner throughout the exhibit until May 4th. Those ArtSquared is the new generation of the Downtown Tyler Artwho want more information on the exhibit or future Gallery Main Walk, which originally began in 2009. This summer, Gallery Main exhibits should go to www.DowntownTylerArts.com or call Street will present an event bigger and more interactive ArtWalk, rela- Street (903)593-6905. Gallery Main Street is located in downtown Tyler at beled as ArtSquared. This family friendly event is set for Saturday, 110 W. Erwin St. May 23rd from 12 noon to 8pm. Downtown Tyler will come alive again as an arts district all over Tuesday, May downtown, including the T. B. Butler Plaza, inside business and along 19th - An Art the sidewalks on Erwin, Spring, Ferguson, and College. Activities will show benefiting take place all around the square in downtown businesses, and on the the Children’s Plaza. The program will include a big selection of styles and mediums Advocacy Center of art vendors, live music on several stages, art demonstrations, inter- will be presented active projects and art banners on exhibit around the square, “Chalk and hosted by Nora the Block” sidewalk art demos, and tons more. Schreiber at StanAs with ArtWalk, artist participation will be via a juried process. ley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q starting at 5pm. Artists featured will be Dace Entries are due Friday, May 1st. Artists also have the opportunity to Kidd, Derrick White, Lisa Rachel Horlander, Cierra McGuckie, Dana have a free space inside downtown businesses. This will require the Cargile, Gunar, Loye, Alexas, and Asher. There will be live music artist to propose a demonstration or interactive feature, as well as by Dustin Becker. There will be art activities for kids of all ages too. art sales/exhibit. Vendor spaces are available as well; entry fee is $25 Stanley’s BBQ is located at 525 S. Beckham in Tyler. 50% of all sales per desired 10x10 space. As always, the event is free and open to the will be donated to the Children’s Advocacy Center in Tyler. For more public. information call (903)520-3436.
ArtSquared:
A Fresh Approach to ArtWalk in Downtown Tyler
Deadline is Friday, May 29th for “6x6@110” Gallery Main Street’s award-winning and super-popular 6x6@110 project is back. The purpose of 6x6@110 is to raise funds for the operation of Gallery Main Street. Now is the time to pick up your canvases and participation guidelines. Each adult may pick up three canvases, and kids get one each. The idea of 6x6@110 is to get artists and arts supporters to create art on small canvases distributed by Gallery Main Street. The canvases are turned back into the gallery, and then sold via a special exhibit and reception for $20 each. 6x6@110 will open with the usual debut party on June 6th at 6pm. The project has been recognized by the Texas Downtown Association’s Best Promotional Event award, and hundreds of visitors flood Gallery Main Street for the opening party and in turn, purchase hundreds of miniature canvases, with all proceeds going to help support the City of Tyler Main Street Department and the arts in Downtown Tyler. The 6x6 part of the
project’s title is, of course, due to the use of small 6” x 6” canvases. The 110 in the title refers to the gallery’s address, 110 W. Erwin, downtown Tyler. The exhibit attracts oils, photography, acrylics, fiber art, miniature sculptures, pottery and more. Continues through June 28th - Tin Toys & Raw Realities: “An Exhibit About Play, About War, That is Political in Nature” - John Hartley is an Ohio native who transplanted to Fort Worth. He is the artist who created the exhibit of over 20 works of art, all of which are created using antique toys as their subject matter. Creating paintings using toys from the past creates nostalgia for viewers who may have played with the same toys as a child or with their children. However, when the viewer looks a little deeper, past the nostalgia, the toys are positioned to create subject matter that suggests a deeper meaning than initially meets the eye. The toy soldiers, action figures, firearms and military vehicles are painted into lifelike existence on a large scale with an incredible photo-realism technique. Many of the toy pieces the artist used as the subjects of his paintings are on display in cases throughout the exhibit. The toys are an integral part of the exhibit; some of them are considered valuable
a resident of Kansas City, Missouri and native of Wichita, Kansas. More than 40 portraits featured in “Tough By Nature” showcase the artist’s versatility in capturing her subjects across a broad range of media, including charcoal and graphite drawings as well as stone and plate lithographs, acrylics, oil pastels and egg tempera. Text panels detailing the stories of the women who are portrayed accompany each of the works. The exhibition admission is free for TMA members, $5 for adults and $3 for seniors. Students, children under 12, and TJC faculty and staff are admitted free. Tyler Museum of Art is on the Tyler Jr. College campus, located at 1300 S. Mahon, Tyler. For more info call (903)5951001 or go to www.TylerMuseum.org. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm, and closed on Mondays.
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works of art themselves. Some of them are aged, as they are antique toys that are weathered from years of play or just the passage of time. John Hartley has created a 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 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, Tyler. For more info call (903)5951001 or go to www.TylerMuseum.org. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm, and closed on Mondays. Through July 12th - TMA Saddles Up for Lynda Lanker’s “Tough By Nature” - Acclaimed artist Lynda Lanker’s singular take on a vanishing way of life – and the spirit and stories of the women who shaped it – comes to the Tyler Museum of Art as the next stop on the national tour of “Tough By Nature: Portraits of Cowgirls and Ranch Women of the American West.” This solo exhibition of Lanker’s work is the culmination of a labor of love that has spanned two decades for Lanker,
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 EGuideMagazine.com • 19
Fitness
A Few Different Ways to Exercise Written and Photographed by Barbara King
If you are on the lookout for some unique and fun ways to battle the boredom of your regular gym workout, Tyler definitely has lots of things happening that might fit the bill. Every Friday amid the business of downtown, a group of people assemble in the square who are peaceful, relaxed, and in sync. Yoga is going on right there in the downtown Square - with bodies stretching and moving on mats in the center of everything. The YMCA of Whitehouse hosts these free, instructional yoga lunch breaks from 12:05-12:55pm and all are welcome to bring a mat and exercise. Yoga has been described as a physical, mental, and spiritual practice or discipline. The physical postures of yoga are used to alleviate health problems, reduce stress, make the spine supple, and aid in rehabilitation and physical therapy. The main focuses of yoga, which are exercise, breathing and meditation, have been shown to reduce high blood pressure, improve symptoms of heart failure, enhance cardiac rehabilitation, and lower cardiovascular risk factors. Lindsay Gray, group instructor, explains the merits of yoga as, “a great way to decompress, gain strength and flexibility, and build your core.” Gray walks the group through physical, mental, and muscle exercises, and suggests alternative ways to move based on the abilities of the individual. Jessica Russell, a stay-at-home mom, sees the yoga sessions as, “an hour away from stress and taking time for myself. It is the quietest and most tranquil time that I have during the week.” “It is certainly a centering, calming time during my day,” said Gay Howard, who works at nearby TJC. “It has so many benefits, including enhancing digestion, balance, and core strength.” The group ends their session in quiet meditation, ending with a closing Namaste, (the traditional Indian gesture of bow and benediction) that encourages love, kindness, peace, ease, and wellness. For more information about the Downtown Yoga Break, call the Whitehouse YMCA at (903)839-9622. Pole exercise is by no stretch of the imagination the preconceived notion of seductive swinging. This is a real workout of climbing, swirling, leaping and moving. Amy Price, the owner of Pole Exercise-Tyler means business on the pole - and her clients will attest to the fact that it is an hour of heavy duty exercise. Price explains that pole exercise, “builds confidence, strength, flexibility, and muscle memory.” Four poles grace the studio and the night I attended the class, the ladies were learning movements that required climbing, swinging, transitioning, and some fun and cool tricks. “The studio is a totally safe environment,” explains Price. “We have mats, spotters, and we encourage our clients to challenge themselves, but always to listen to their bodies.” The poles are each bolted into plywood studs in the ceiling and into the cement floor, and are totally secure with no movement. Pole exercise is widely popular in Europe, and can be a combination of both exercise and entertainment. “The pole session works so many different areas of your body, including shoulders, back, hips, and thighs,” says Price. Price equates a pole exercise session to a mixture of ballet and gymnastics. Each session starts with a ten-minute warm up of stretching, with Price tailoring each individual workout to the strengths and abilities of the client. “In our studio, we promote self-awareness and challenge you to set personal goals and objectives and try to reach them over time,” explains Price. LaDeidre Ford has been coming to Pole Exercise-Tyler for 3 months and loves the fact that, “there is no end to what you can do during a pole session. The whole experience is definitely not what I thought it would be. It is an intense, but graceful mix of moves, building up my strength and endurance and I also think I have become more fluid.” The ladies are encouraging, laughing, and having a great time during the session, while Price shimmies up the pole to show them a new move. Price has clients of all ages ready to climb the pole - even folks in their late 60’s. Some moves that are taught may resemble yoga or trapeze ones, with more experienced polers eventually supporting their weight freely, without hands on the pole at all. Natania Rosales, 18, said, “I come for the fun and the challenge of pushing my body to climb and swirl and even do handstands against the pole.” Price hosts “pole parties” almost every weekend for up to six people at a time. The parties are basically poling 101, and include warm-ups, basic spins and eventually a routine that guests can perform. “It has become really popular for bachelorette parties as well, and the girls come and bring their own food and drinks and have a truly unique, fun experience,” she said. If you want to try a class or get more information about the poling experience, call Amy Price at Pole-Exercise Tyler at (903)283-4223. The studio has recently re-located to 115 W. Front St., Tyler. Another alternative for exercise is Tyler’s new iJump Trampoline Park. Stepping into the raucous, exciting world of iJump you will find 20 • EGuideMagazine.com
May 9th Downtown Tyler Registration is still open for the 17th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®, Saturday, May 9th in downtown Tyler, and the new race location promises a fresh approach to this annual event. This year’s theme is “We live here. We race here. We save lives here.” This theme is geared around bringing awareness and reminding people that 75 percent of the net proceeds remain in Smith County to help the uninsured and underinsured get the breast health screenings, treatment and education that they need. The Komen Race Series is the world’s largest and most successful education and fundraising event for breast cancer. This is the largest 5K event for the community to celebrate breast cancer survivors, honor those we have lost, and serve those in need. Breast Cancer Survivors who wish to be recognized can a wear complimentary pink cap and t-shirt. Again this year, breast cancer survivors will be treated to a breakfast and special gifts in the foyer of Regions Bank following the survivor group photo which will take place at 7am. In addition, all participants are encouraged to wear “in memory” or “in honor” back signs, honoring loved ones for their strength and courage. This is one of the signature traditions that make the Komen Race for the Cure® so unique. You can visit www.komentyler.org to register or to find more information about the 2015 Race for the Cure®. Online registration is open and continues through Friday, May 8th. Along with a registration form, participants have the opportunity to download a pledge sheet for the “Power of 10,” and help raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Tyler Affiliate. Online pre-registration is as follows: Adult walker/runner nontimed (18 and older) $25, adult runner timed (18 and older) $30, youth walker/runner non-timed (11-17) $20, youth runner timed (11-17) $25, child walker/runner (walking - 10) $15, child runner timed (walking - 10) $20, and baby (must be in a stroller) $5. There will be a Kid’s for the Cure® Kid’s Dash and will be broken down by the following age ranges: stroller-2, 3-6, and 7-10. The Kid’s Dash begins at 7:30am and each child will receive a medal. The Race attracts people of all ages and fitness levels. Although most participants choose to walk or jog, elite runners are also drawn that this is a fun-filled adventure for the entire family. to this event. All Komen Race for the Cure® courses are certified. iJump is basically a humongous 15,000 area, chock full of interac- Comptom Time and Measure will be the timing company and all race times will be posted on the Komen Tyler website after the race. tive trampoline fun. “Kids can literally bounce off the walls in a comFor a $50 registration fee, the VIP package is available and pletely safe environment,” explains co-owner Rachel Guthrie. Her husincludes reserved parking and one race entry. band Jared and two other couples, Melanie and Cody Ferguson and Those who choose to stay home or cannot attend the Race but Tiffany and Todd Sceroler, comprise the team of hard-working entreprewould still like to show support may register for Sleep In for the neurs behind this innovative trampoline park. “We are all parents ourselves, so our number one priority is for the Cure®, which includes a special Sleep-In item as well as a race t-shirt kids to have fun and to be safe at all time,” explained Guthrie. Looking for $35. Online registration online. For more information about the Komen Tyler Race for the around the massive facility on a Saturday, there are hundreds of kids, Cure®, visit www.komentyler.org or call the local affiliate office at but if you look again, and you will see very visible spotters and iCrew (903)561-6992. members that are especially trained to watch out for everyone. They also have posters and yard signs available at the Komen There are trampolines built for every size and shape, all the way Tyler office. Let them know if you would like to decorate your windown to the smallest under six squad who can jump safely in “grids.” dow or yard and they will make arrangements to get the materials to These smaller jump spots are designed for little ones and are carefully staffed. Parents can also be close and hands-on to help their toddlers soar. you. Contact them at (903)561-6992. An hour at iJump is $12 and gives the jumper - adult and older kids Events alike - unlimited access to all kinds of neat activities, including a long Saturday, May 2nd – Color Up 5K – Start in pristine white at Tyler’s 80-foot trampoline, trampoline dodgeball and basketball, and a foam Rose Garden and end up looking like a bouquet of roses at the finish pit. Older kids can play dodgeball in a netted trampoline area, while others are lining up to get a jump on shooting baskets and doing cart- line. This is 3.1 miles of color bombs, painters, and the biggest postrace color party in East Texas! Register at www.colorup5k.com/tyler. wheels in the foam pit. Children 4 and under can jump with a parent for $12. Each additional hour of jumping is $8. Sunday, May 3rd – Tri Tyler Half Iron (“TTHI”) and the Olympic Guests can sign an online waiver before arrival, and iPads are avail- (“O”) & Sprint Triathlon (“ST”) - The “TTHI” race will consist of a able in the lobby for easy registration. Keeping track of jumpers is easy 1.2 mile swim, 62 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run. The “O” will be with color-coded wristbands, and a speaker system that alerts jumpers a 1500 meter swim, 24 mile bike ride and a 6.2 mile run. The “ST” when their time is up. will be a 650 meter swim, 12 mile bike ride and a 3.1 mile run. You There is something to interest everyone, from Open Jump sessions, can participate in whatever level that you would like. This year the to ifitClasses, plus teen nights every Saturday 9-11pm, and weeJumps course location is new, on the west side of Lake Tyler. All participants and family nights every Tuesday from 6-8pm. will receive a tech t-shirt. All finishers will receive a finisher medal. iFitness memberships are available for $49.99/month with unlim- Finishers of the Half will receive a finisher t-shirt and medal. Post race ited jumping access. “Rebounding on a trampoline can burn up to 1,000 food and adult beverages will be available for all. To register or view calories an hour,” said Guthrie. “Jumping also detoxifies your body more the courses, go to tritylerhalf.com. This is the last part of this year’s than grounded workouts. Vertical motion workouts are a lot more fun, “Tyler Triple Threat.” and more efficient than horizontal motion workouts, like jogging or Friday, May 8th - Nightwalk For Hope - (Rescheduled to this running.” date) Nightwalk for Hope is a fundraiser benefiting ‘For The Silent.’ “We are thrilled to host school groups, youth and church groups, 2.5 miles long, the walk will encompass two segments sports team events and corporate jumps,” said Guthrie. VIP Parties can Approximately of the Rose Rudman Recreational Trail in Tyler. Participants will be be booked for $240 which includes an hour of jumping for 10 peogiven lanterns to carry as they walk the trail, illuminating the night ple, 30 minutes in a private party room, Rounders Pizza, bottled water, and symbolizing that hope is alive for those silenced by trafficking. private party host, a free iJump t-shirt, pair of iJump grip socks for the This is a family-friendly event. Children and babies are invited. birthday child, one free iJump pass for the next visit for the birthday Strollers are welcome; please leave pets, bicycles and skates at home child, printable invitations, and basic party needs. this event. Registration is available online at www.forthesilent.org/ A Premier party is $170, and includes 10 jumpers for an hour, 30 for nightwalk. You can register at the event but signing up online gets minutes at a party table, bottled water, shared party host, 1 free jump you a free t-shirt. Registration fee is a suggested donation of $10 per pass for the birthday child, and printable invitations. adult. All proceeds go directly to For The Silent’s prevention, interThe Duke family came to celebrate son Pierce’s birthday at iJump and mentorship programs in East Texas. Event registration and Mrs. Duke was clearly happy that, “the kids will be exhausted and vention, in Rose Rudman/Southside Park near the starting line at happy at the end of this, and I won’t have to clean anything up!” There commences 6:30pm. They will begin walking at about 8pm. Please join everyone are lots of comfortable seating areas, couches and bar height tables for at the finish line for fun and music. parents to visit, mingle and watch the fun as it happens. Expansion plans are in the works, with a possible addition of Saturday, June 6th - Weekend Warrior Race 5K Obstacle Run another 15,000 square feet of iJump trampoline fun. Discover the world of obstacle racing with Tyler’s very own Weekend For more info, to sign up for classes, or reserve a party, call Warrior Race. Weekend Warrior Race is a 5K trail run with 9+ (903)630-7090. The park is located at 2029 Capital Dr., in Tyler. They obstacles. This race promises to challenge all fitness levels and be a fun experience for all. This will be held at Camp Tyler Outdoor School, can be reached at info@ijumptyler.com and Facebook.com/ijumptyler. The park is closed Mondays and open Tuesday-Thursday 3-9pm, 15143 Camp Tyler Rd., Whitehouse. To register go to www.weekendwarriorrace.com or call (903)752-1401. The race starts at 8:30am. Friday 1-10pm, Saturday 10am-11pm, and Sundays 1-6pm.
Off Road Biking:
Hitting the Local Trails Written and Photographed by Lynn Dark I once owned a truck, and I swore that I would never buy another one. When you have one, even the most casual acquaintance becomes your “best friend” every time they need to move. I only mention this because, for the most part, the streets of Tyler really are not very “bike friendly.” To be fair, they are not “horse and buggy friendly” either, but I digress. You will need a truck, or at least a vehicle capable of carrying a bicycle, to safely get to the off-road biking trails in the area. Once there, however, you will be rewarded with exceptionally maintained trails for your enjoyment, exercise, and experience with nature. Tyler Simpson of Simpson’s Fitness and Adventure Sports gives us the scoop on off road/mountain biking in the area, starting with the fact that the terms are synonymous. An avid cyclist, Simpson has ridden trails in Arkansas, Colorado, Alaska, and any number of other places. He plays an integral part in the upkeep of our local trails. There are four biking trails in Smith County. The trail at Tyler State Park has been around for 25 years, and is maintained by the state. These trails have the most rugged terrain in the area. The trails at Faulkner and Lindsey Park are maintained by the city. The smaller trails at UT Tyler are maintained by the university. Simpson calls the trails at Lindsey Park, “the jewel of the area.” More time and money has been spent on these trails than any of the others. He explains that, “the state has more regulations than the city does about what you can and can’t do with the trails. For example, boardwalks have been placed over wet areas, and wooden banking turns have been installed in some places. These trails are faster, with lots of elevation differences, and more physical ability is required.” Faulkner Park has the best trails for beginners. These trails have less elevation, and lots of turns. They are the best place to learn to handle a bike without any difficult, “technical” situations where a rider could sustain a serious injury. UT Tyler is described as a short trail, with lots of up and downs through ditches. It has a few “fun” features that have been added to the natural terrain. These trails are located on the northwest corner of the campus next to the Frisbee golf area. Maps of the city trails can be found at the City of Tyler’s Parks and Recreation website on the Parks and Trails page. The city and university trails are free, while there is a $5 admission fee to Tyler State Park. Many people come from out of town just to ride the local trails. “We have lots of Dallas riders because their trails are more clay based, and when they become wet, they are unrideable. Our [Tyler’s] trails are sand based, and tend to drain a lot better. We also get quite a few riders from the Shreveport area too,” Simpson states. As for trail rules, the riding direction is mandated. Hikers and runners must travel in the opposite directions. Hoofed animals are not allowed, and dogs must be leashed. No one should use the trails when they are wet. The city parks are open until 12 midnight, but good lights are necessary for night riding. Simpson strongly recommends that, “all users of the trails only wear one earbud so that they can hear what is going on around them in order to avoid dangerous situations.” He also advises riders to keep their cell phones with them, and to go with a riding partner. You definitely want to consider your surroundings when you determine what you should have with you when you set out on your riding adventure. While riding in Alaska, Simpson and a friend carried air horns, bear spray, bells, water bottles, a first aid kit, a whistle, and a repair kit. When he showed me a photo from this trip,displaying a 38 magnum with bear load strapped to his chest, I was surprised to say the least. To participate in this sport, you will need an off road/mountain bicycle. This type of bike typically has a fatter tire that can handle the natural tread bed of dirt, roots, and rocks in the area. You can purchase one of these bikes from a bicycle store for $350 and up. Simpson’s current personal bike goes for $9,499! Mountain bikes can be found for less in department stores and at Wal-Mart, but those bikes will be heavier, and not as performance oriented. There are several other advantages to purchasing your bike at a bicycle shop. For example, the bike will be assembled by a professional, and you will get much better service from professional mechanics. The staff at these specialty stores is better equipped to help you get started. For riding the trails in East Texas, Simpson strongly recommends a helmet, gloves, and optional special shoes. Few riders in this area wear protective pads on their knees and elbows, or a full-face helmet.
This is because the riding here is not that “technical.” Other parts of the country have more rugged terrain, where people would wear what Simpson refers to as “full armor.” That would also include more protective footwear that comes up higher on the legs. Off road biking is a full body workout. It seems obvious that it works your legs, but it also works your arms, upper body, and cardiovascular system. More than just exercise, mountain biking is also a sport in the Summer Olympics. In addition, competitive cyclists compete in world, national and state championship events. Simpson recently took part in the Ouachita Challenge in Arkansas. He describes it as, “an annual event that is more of a gathering. People come from all over the country to meet up with friends with whom they have ridden previously.” This particular race is a 60 mile endurance event. For an inexpensive camping trip, Arkansas is very
accessible from East Texas, and Simpson describes it as, “an incredible mountain biking heaven. There are hundreds of miles of biking trails funded by the Walton Foundation. Both Walton grandsons are avid mountain bikers.” In fact, Simpson says that the Arkansas trails are emerging as some of the best in the country. Many participants incorporate off road biking into their vacations. For example, most ski resorts now convert the property into mountain bike ride centers during the summer. Riders use the lifts to go up the mountain, and then ride trails back down. We have a fairly large biking community in East
Texas. Anyone looking to make friends, find riding partners, or simply to see what is going on in the area should check out the Tyler Bicycle Club’s Facebook page. There, you will find posts about the condition of the trails, club meetings, requests for riding companions, etc. Mountain biking can be as simple as hitting the local trails for a brief workout, or something that becomes an outright obsession. Vacations can be planned around riding the next trail. Friendships can be forged both locally and across the country. It really seems to be a special community. Happy trails everyone!
EGuideMagazine.com • 21
Family
canoeing, fishing, arts and crafts and more. All activities are subject to change due to the weather. Group swimming lessons are 30 minutes long and are offered at three different levels. Campers should pack a sack lunch and bring a bottle of water each day. They should also come dressed in appropriate swimwear. Registration is open and space is limited. Parent/Toddler swim lessons are designed for children to take with their guardians. This class is designed to teach child safety around the pool, as well as to show the parents techniques to encourage their children to be more comfortable in the water. Ideally, children six months to three years can benefit from these lessons. By Kelly Griffith-Fields The Beginner Level is designed for ages 3-5 years old. The class is for children old enough to participate in a class setting without needNow is the time to make summer plans! Are you looking for ing a parent nearby. These lessons will cover the basics of water comoptions to occupy your child’s time while they are out of school for fort, breath control, floating, gliding, kicking and coordinated swimsummer break? There are a myriad of options in Tyler - whether ming movements on front and back. you are looking to expand kids creativity, build or hone their athIntermediate lessons are designed for children who can swim with letic skills, or further their education in a fun atmosphere - there are many summer camp options. You are guaranteed to find something a crude front crawl for about five yards. With these lessons, they will refine their skills with special emphasis on rhythmic breathing. Stufor everyone. dents will then branch out into other swimming strokes, elementary Science Camps breaststroke and back crawl. The Discovery Science Place is hosting weekly summer camps June backstroke, To register for more info, visit UTTyler.edu/hpc/summerpro15th-August 7th from 10am-4pm each day. Before and after care is also grams.php The or camp is located in the Herrington Patriot Center, on available for an additional fee. Before care may begin as early as 7:30am the campus of UTT, 3900 University Blvd. in Tyler. and after care ends as late as 5:30pm. “At the Discovery Science Place we strive to create an exciting and Art Camps Ben Creative Art Center in Ben Wheeler is offering Art Camps the educational camp experience,” Executive Director Chris Rasure said. “Our mission is igniting curiosity and young minds through fun hands- second week of each of the summer month from 12-2:30pm. If your child has an interest in art, then this is the place to take them this sumon exploration; after all, science is our middle name!” mer for a fun-filled, creative “arty good time.” The cost is $150. These The camps will be divided into two age ranges based on school grade. Kindergarten-third grade and fourth-sixth grade will each have camps are for ages 5-12. To sign up go to bencreativeartcenter.com. their own activities to focus on. Each week of camp will have its own Asthma Camps theme. Science enthusiasts will delve into projects surrounding physics, UT Health Northeast is celebrating 31 years of Texas Asthma chemistry, and robotics. There are also camps for techies, tinkerers, and Camp bettering the lives of asthmatic children. The Camp began in mad scientists. “Who doesn’t want to make their own homemade slime, 1985, making it the oldest and one of the most established asthma build a program Lego robot, or launch model rockets,” Rasure asks. camps in Texas. During this time, over 2000 kids have attended for “When the activities are engaging, the learning comes naturally.” the opportunity of a normal camp experience in a safe environment. Camp days are filled with a variety of hands-on activities and learnIf your child is between the ages of seven and fourteen years old ing experiences, many of them utilizing DSP exhibits. Rasure explained and has been diagnosed with asthma by a physician, consider applystudents will watch science videos, work on group projects and have ing for the Texas Asthma Camp. A week will be spent at Camp Tyler playtime in the museum itself. Campers will also create projects that on Lake Tyler where campers learn to take control of their asthma they will be able to take home. having fun at the same time. Campers have a full day scheduled The Discovery Science Place is located at 308 N. Broadway in Tyler. while with multiple activities and asthma education. For more info and to register visit www.discoveryscienceplace.org. Following attendance at asthma camp, research has shown chilSwim Camps dren are able to better manage their condition. They have fewer The University of Texas at Tyler is hosting “Summer Fun Camp missed days of school and less visits to the doctor and emergency 2015” and five sessions are available this summer beginning in room. They also have fewer hospital admissions due to their disease. early June and running through mid-July. Summer Fun Camps are The Camp is staffed by physicians and nurses around the clock. This staff is made up of lung disease experts and they are there to give designed for children between the ages of five and nine years old. Camp days run from 9am-1pm, each beginning with 30-minutes of peace of mind to campers and parents alike. The Camp counselors are also made up of a majority of respiratory therapy students from TJC. group swim lessons. The swim lessons are based on age and led by Rec Sports “Learn to Swim” instructors. Other camp activities include Because asthmatic children are not usually able to attend traditional
In the Summertime, Camps Are the Best
camps, the Texas Asthma camp has created a safe environment for them to participate in fun activities and make lifelong friends. Camp is set for June 21st-26th. The total cost of camp is $250 and financial aid may be available. To register and apply or for more information visit www.UThealth.org/asthmacamp. Camp Tyler is located on Lake Tyler at 15143 Camp Tyler Road, just off FM 2127.
Soccer Camp
The 2015 Kyle Lake Memorial Soccer Camp will be held June 8th12th at First Baptist Church South Campus, located at 17002 US 69 in Tyler. The Camp is for both boys and girls entering 1st-9th grades. Young athletes will meet daily 8:30-11am to develop fundamental skills. While working in small, age-appropriate groups, students will focus on dribbling, trapping, passing, shooting and goalkeeping. The cost of the camp is $60 for individual players or $180 for families including up to four players. You may register a team of eight players for $350 and $400 for a team of ten. For more information or to register visit www.kylelake.org.
Caldwell Zoo Camps
Caldwell Zoo is opening its doors this summer for “ed-ventures.” Age appropriate half-day and full day camps are available for students from four years old to high school seniors. Each camp is filled with lots of zoo fun and education. “Summer camp at the zoo is a chance to learn about animals as you see them,” zoo teacher Lauren Furch says. During their time on the zoo grounds, campers will experience close encounters with small, touchable animals. They will also learn about animals through fun activities, stories, games and songs. A morning snack and drink will be provided. Camps are divided by age group and theme. The zoo aims to keep the groups small and focused. About 12 children take part in each camp. Since space is limited and registration fills quickly. “We always make sure that the campers have a one-of-a-kind craft to take home,” Furch says. “Our older campers take-home experiences and knowledge.” The Zoo also presents a unique opportunity for young adults interested in careers that include animals. “Both Critter Careers and Zoo-niversity will touch on college education and degrees needed to work in certain professions that are animal-centered,” Furch explains. At Critter Careers, campers will investigate wildlife career possibilities within the zoo and community. They will also be able to spend the night at the zoo. “We will bring in outside presenters to discuss their careers and how they were obtained,” Furch said. Zoo-niversity is a three day, two night camp for high school students. “These campers will have the chance to work alongside zookeepers and learn just exactly what a typical day may entail,” Furch said. The fun doesn’t end at night, she explains. “Once the sun goes down, our campers will have the chance to work with our night keepers in order to fully understand what goes into maintaining our animal collection,” Furch said. Campers will need to bring a sack lunch each day of camp. Caldwell Zoo is located at 2203 Martin Luther King Blvd in Tyler. For more information or to register for any education classes or camps visit www.caldwellzoo.org.
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MOUNTAIN
Open Weekends February thorough November
22 • EGuideMagazine.com
Books
7th Annual ET Book Fest: 2015 East Texas Celebration of Libraries and Literacy
The 7th Annual East Texas Book Fest (ETXBF) will be held Friday-Saturday, August 21st-22nd, at the Harvey Convention Center, 2000 W. Front Street, Tyler. This celebration of libraries and literacy will be bigger and better than ever - filling the hall with celebrated authors, scholars, musicians, actors, and readers of all ages. The Smith County Area Libraries Together (SALT) and the Tyler Area Partners for Literacy (TAP) are partnering to host two full days of exciting and fun events. SALT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of public libraries in Smith County. TAP is a coalition of nonprofit community partners advocating, promoting, and supporting literacy among children and adults in the city of Tyler and surrounding communities. Co-chairs for the 2015 ETXBF are Dr. Dee Brock, Ph.D., a retired PBS Vice President of Education, and Dr. Kouder Mokhtari, Ph.D., Anderson-Vukelja-Wright Endowed Professor of Literacy Education, University of Texas at Tyler. “SALT and TAP are both really excited by the way this event is shaping up, and we urge the community members to mark their calendars,” Mokhtari said. There will be an exhibit area as well as workshops and seminars being offered both days. Last year over 60 authors and publishers participated and this year, with a larger facility in line, the event promises to be even bigger. Some 100 Texas authors who write in many genres and for all ages will display their books and chat with readers. In addition, professionals will demonstrate and explain various literacy projects for children and adults. Other experts will lead seminars to make reading more meaningful and rewarding to all and help writers improve their craft and sales.
Workshops and Seminars
Day 1 requires a $40 registration fee for attendance at seminars and workshops. There are two tracks: Track 1 presents well-known literacy experts and professionals who demonstrate best practices in teaching, reading, and writing and the use of those skills. Track 2 focuses on the craft of writing and publishing books. Outstanding authors, agents, and publishers lead seminars and workshops on these topics. Continuing education credit is available for many of these workshops and seminars. Attendees who register in advance for Day 1 will receive a free lunch. Day 2 is free to the public. Texas authors will exhibit, sell, and autograph books while chatting with attendees. Breakout sessions will provide opportunities to learn more about selected authors, agents, publishers, and literacy projects. There will also be an author expo, with publishers, authors, illustrators, and writers’ groups displaying and selling their works, and they will all be on-hand to talk with readers of all ages. Rounding out the celebration will be musicians, videos, actors, games, and storytellers to entertain participants throughout Day 2.
Exhibitors for Vendors, Authors and Publishers
Attention Texas Authors and Publishers: Are you a published Texas author? Do you want to display and sell your books to a bookloving audience in a fabulous venue? Would you like to be a part of the 2015 East Texas Book Fest to honor and celebrate books, authors, reading, and libraries? The book exhibition area will be open throughout the six-hour day to allow participants adequate time to talk to authors, browse, and buy their books. The deadline for submitting author applications is May 15th. The Book Fest committee will send acceptance notifications in June. If you have any questions, please contact us at etxbookfest@yahoo.com. Exhibitor and vendor applications are available as well. For additional information visit www.etxbookfest.org. Also, watch the website as authors are accepted for the latest news.
Spring Has Sprung:
A Great Time For Patio Reading By Gini Rainey “Maude” By Donna Foley Mabry
Here’s another book that was hard for me to put down. Recommended to me by my cousin, “Maude” is a finely woven collection of the life stories told to Mabry by her grandmother. Beginning in 1906 and covering a time span of over 57 years, the book not only tells the story of Nola Maude Clayborn Connor Foley, but also that of a country that was changing and surviving industrialization, women’s rights, world wars, depressions, and Viet Nam. “Maude” has been enjoying a healthy run on the Wall Street Journal’s Best Sellers list for over 16 weeks (at publication) and it’s no surprise why. This detailed account is about an incredibly resilient woman whose life was marred by one after another tragedy over her lifetime. Maude was an amazingly strong, selfless woman for whom happiness was a fleeting, rare part of her life. Not filled with syrupy remembrances of her grandmother, Mabry shares the good, bad and the ugly of a life full of sacrifices, hardships and pain. From the death of her parents at the age of eleven to the birthing bed to the loss of all but one of her children, the pain that Maude experienced would have been more than enough to harden the hearts of most people, but she survived and rose to the top over and over again. “Maude” was absolutely absorbing and is the powerful story of a strong woman’s life - of her joys and her great sorrows. The historical influences on her life story are hugely significant and help to create a virtual time line that gives the reader significant historical mile markers throughout the book for reference as to the time and place of each event in Maude’s life. Although Mabry has a popular series of historical romances, I’m more than glad that she strayed from fiction to take the stories that her grandmother shared with her and gather them into a chronicle of a woman whose life was an endurance test of hardship after hardship, and yet still had a faith that carried her through each event. Because Mabry was a part of the story, she was able to personalize and retell it in a way that will allow the reader to experience her grandmother’s emotions in a very real way. Bottom line - this is a beautifully written book about an extraordinary woman and how she conquered a life of hardship and adversity. Rating: 5 of 5 Copyright 2014 – CreateSpace Independent Publishing
thinking about it and its characters well after you’ve finished reading it, Inclan’s tale of a failing marriage, the tragedy of cancer, and a new love is one that’s been told before, but what makes this book so intriguing was Inclan’s ability to create full-bodied, flawed, vibrant, human characters that made this book worth reading, even though there were parts way too predictable or too easy. If you’ve ever battled cancer, or been there for someone who has, you will find that the emotions Inclan’s characters display are spot on. The emotional roller coaster ride that they go through will make you feel you are right there with them, holding their hands through it all. If you’ve not had that experience, this book will help you to realize that no matter how perfect other people’s lives may look, you just never know what is happening behind the closed doors of their lives. There are moments in life that seem flawless, and then there are those that, well, really aren’t. Taken for what they are or aren’t, with Inclan’s profound perspective of the reality of life, you will be able to see these moments through the eyes of her characters and realize that life is a gift to be cherished and honored. Rating: 4 of 5 Copyright 2011 – Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
“Hidden – A CSI Reilly Steel Thriller” By Casey Hill
Please forgive me, but I have become hooked on this series of books! I figure, if I’m reading and reviewing three books a month for you, my dear readers, I should be able to read what intrigues me part of the time. That being said, if you haven’t picked up one of the Reilly Steel books yet, might I suggest you do? Oh, and be sure to start with the first one. I was afraid that Casey Hill (which just happens to be the pseudonym of husband and wife writing team, Kevin and Melissa Hill, who live in Dublin, Ireland) might fall into the trap of writing books by a standard formula after having read the first two in their series. These centered on serial killers with penchants for glomming on to literary influences and committing their crimes in weird and bizarre ways that relate to the literature. I was pleasantly surprised that the third in the series broke away from that tendency. Beginning with the death of a young girl on an isolated Irish country road that seems at first to be a simple hit and run, Reilly Steele’s amazing sixth sense tells her there is more to this incident than a straightforward murder. With her team of forensic experts gleaning evidence from the scene, and the mysterious angel wings tattoo on the girl’s back, the pieces should have begun to fall together. But, nothing is as simple as it appears when Team Hill begins to weave a tale of intrigue. With her forensic team and the two detectives from the first two books, Reilly begins to connect the dots between this accident and the cold cases of several missing children from the area. Although this mystery doesn’t draw from the usual literary “The Instant When Everything’s Perfect” sources, it does explore the Irish myth of Tir na nÓg - a story of a By Jessica Barksdale Inclan sanctuary from the world, a place where music and beauty were celJessica Barksdale Inclan is the author ebrated and happiness last forever. The crimes of the villain in this of twelve traditionally published novels book will leave you with a very unsettled feeling of whether he is as well many short stories, poems, and guilty or not. The grayness of what he does could open up a whole ebooks, and with this book, she defies new avenue of discussion on what acts of some perpetrators are truly tradition by giving us a book that could worthy of prosecution. easily fall into more than one genré. There won’t be any spoilers in this review – so no spoiler alerts What does one call a book like this? be issued, because there are very few clues as to who the actual Is it a contemporary romance? It’s a story will of love, to be sure, but doesn’t follow the villain is – and why he does what he does. In true Casey Hill fashion, this is a very engaging, page turning rules of the romance genré. Is it wombook that will have you guessing right up to the very end. en’s fiction? Perhaps, yet there’s plenty Oh, and Hill gives a bit of a teaser as to the rekindling of the of meat here for men to enjoy as well, if they care to take a look at it. Is it litera- romantic interest between Reilly and investigator Chris Delaney – which is not necessarily a bad thing. ture? Probably not. The language isn’t Just so you know, until I catch up to where they are, I’m going to quite rich enough, the themes are too keep reading their books. transparent. All I know is that it’s a pretty good book and in the end, isn’t that Rating: 5 of 5 what really matters? With its deceptively simple story that keeps you Copyright 2013 – Simon & Schuster
EGuideMagazine.com • 23
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