Chills and thrills await at locales all over Funkytown this Halloween season.
BY ANTHONY MARIANI AND JUAN R. GOVEA
FEATURE
The Candy Man murder 50 years ago still haunts Halloween across the country.
BY E.R. BILLS
BUCK U
TCU tightened up defensively against a good squad (with a frosh QB).
BY BUCK D. ELLIOTT
MUSIC
With a new label, the thunderous Trauma Ray is ready to blow up.
BY PATRICK HIGGINS
HEARSAY
The Americana Marfa Lights look out over their debut album and open roads.
BY JUAN R. GOVEA
Friday 11/1 - 9 am - 5 pm
Saturday 11/2 - 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday 11/3 - 9 am - 3 pm
9400 Blue Mound Road Fort Worth, TX 76131
INSIDE
Amending the Truth
At Stage West, a Constitution lover ponders her — and our — fate.
By Reese Pierce
Stopping Point
Though the offense should have scored more, TCU’s D came to play.
By Buck D. Elliott
Bewitching Brews and Views
Not only are the
By
Anthony Mariani and Juan R. Govea
My Bloody Chameleon
Trauma
By Patrick Higgins
Anthony Mariani, Editor
Lee Newquist, Publisher
Bob Niehoff, General Manager
Michael Newquist, Regional Director
Ryan Burger, Art Director
Jennifer Bovee, Marketing Director
Clintastic, Brand Ambassador
Emmy Smith, Proofreader
Julie Strehl, Account Executive
Sarah Niehoff, Account Executive
Stacey Hammons, Senior Account Executive
Tony Diaz, District Manager
Wyatt Newquist, Account Executive
CONTRIBUTORS
Christina Berger, E.R. Bills, Jason Brimmer, Buck D. Elliott, Juan R. Govea, Patrick Higgins, Laurie James, Kristian Lin, Cody Neathery, Wyatt Newquist, Steve Steward, Teri Webster, Ken Wheatcroft-Pardue, Elaine Wilder, Cole Williams
EDITORIAL BOARD
Laurie James, Anthony Mariani, Emmy Smith, Steve Steward
Cover photo by Juan R. Govea
It’s been 50 years since the Candy Man murder, and everything’s different.
BY E.R. BILLS
Fifty years. It goes by in a flash.
Timothy Mark O’Bryan was 8. I was 7.
It was Halloween, 1974. On a Thursday, a school night. Just like the All Hallows’ Eve coming up this year.
I lived in a rural area between Aledo and Weatherford. Timothy lived in Deer Park, part of the burgeoning Greater Houston metropolitan sprawl.
Timothy’s father, Ronald Clark O’Bryan, was an optician by trade and worked at the Texas State Optical in Meyerland Plaza in Houston. Ronald’s somewhat dour countenance — reminiscent of a doughy, drab Perry Mason — masked a wonderful singing voice. Today, he might have auditioned for American Idol or America’s Got Talent, but back then, he had to settle for being a soloist at the Second Baptist Church in Deer Park, where he was also in charge of the bus program.
By all accounts, Timothy’s father Ronald seemed like an All-American dad.
But the American Dream is expensive, and Ronald wasn’t good with money. He was behind on loans, saddled with increasing debt, and his car was about to be repossessed. He’d already sold the family’s home. No amount of praying or belting out Bible hymns was going to fix this, so he pursued a rather unorthodox business opportunity.
Several months before Halloween, Ronald began taking out life insurance policies on his children, Timothy and 5-yearold daughter Elizabeth. Then Ronald began researching cyanide. He discussed it with a co-worker. He telephoned a friend who worked at a chemical company and inquired about the poison, even asking about lethal dosages. Ronald even made a trip to a Houston chemical supply and approached a salesperson about purchasing some of the deadly substance.
And so it went.
Optician by workday, cherished church parishioner on Sunday, and troubled though reportedly loving father at home.
A few months before Halloween, Ronald purchased additional $20,000 life insurance policies on Timothy and Elizabeth. He paid cash for both but didn’t tell his wife, Daynene.
Halloween day in the Houston area in 1974 was warm, mid-70s to low 80s. By the time evening came around, it was raining, but the suburban Houston streets were filled with miniature ghosts, goblins, astronauts, Wonder Women, Supermen, and even some Evel Knievels. Nearby Pasadena was a Halloween hot spot, and Ronald decided to take Timothy and Elizabeth to trick-or-treat there with a Pasadena resident named Jim Bates and his son. Ronald was still wearing his white optician’s lab coat.
The kids were having fun going from house to house with other kids. Then Ronald’s crew came to a residence where no one responded to their Halloween hails. They gave it a minute, knocked again, and then went on — but Ronald didn’t want to give up or maybe said he thought he heard something. He decided to wait, just to be sure, and sent his friend and all three kids on to the next house.
In a few minutes, Ronald caught up to them. His patience had apparently paid off. He’d hit the proverbial jackpot. He said the residents had finally come to the door and given him five giant Pixy Stix!
“You must have some rich neighbors,” Ronald commented to Bates, giving each kid a stick, and they went on to the next house.
Though All Hallows’ Eve had fallen on a Thursday night that year, it was a sweet
success for Ronald and his neighbor’s children. They only had to trick-or-treat down two streets to fill their bags.
Later, when Ronald, Timothy, and Elizabeth returned home, Timothy wanted to eat some of his candy. Ronald reportedly allowed him to have one piece. Timothy chose the giant Pixy stick.
Timothy had problems getting it open, so his father opened it for him.
When Timothy held the tail end of the giant stick up to pour some of the open end into his mouth, he immediately complained. Nothing came out. Ronald took the stick, obligingly rolled the oversized plastic strawlike container between his palms to loosen its contents, then handed it back to his son. Timothy tipped the candy container back up and poured some of it into his mouth.
Timothy smacked his lips. “Oh, Daddy,” he said. “That’s bitter.”
Ronald gave him some Kool-Aid to wash it down.
Timothy gasped and immediately started vomiting. Within moments, his small frame was wracked by convulsions. Ronald called an ambulance.
Ronald reportedly held Timothy in his arms until the first responders arrived. The boy went limp and was dead in less than an hour.
The O’Bryans were well known in Deer Park, and the community was shocked. The alarming news spread fast and remarkably far. The initial narrative — for Ronald’s part, anyway — was ingenious. An 8-year-old boy had been poisoned by tainted Halloween candy, and reporters came from as far away as London and Germany. Parents across America were terrified and aghast, and
churchgoers of every faith were outraged, claiming they weren’t surprised that such a thing could happen on a Satanic, pagan holiday.
Untold tons of Halloween candy from homes across America were tossed out summarily, and legions of prepubescent trick-or-treaters protested en masse. When the Pasadena police made an appeal to the citizenry to bring in suspicious treats, the candy delivered was enough to fill an entire squad room.
Every other giant Pixy stick Ronald had reportedly received from the house he’d patiently waited at was recovered unopened, and each contained quantities of cyanide capable of killing two or three adults.
Ronald O’Bryan tried to collect on one of the insurance policies he’d taken out on Timothy less than 11 hours after the boy’s death, but he really hadn’t thought things through.
The notoriety and hellish hoopla that accompanied Timothy’s grotesque demise didn’t shellshock local law enforcement for long. They wanted Ronald to take them to the house where he’d received the poisoned Pixy treats. First, Ronald said he couldn’t remember, but Ronald and Bates had taken their kids trick-or-treating on only two streets. Then, the story Ronald concocted to present the poisoned candy to the kids completely backfired.
The residence Ronald identified belonged to a man named Courtney Martin, who happened to be a p.m. shift supervisor at Hobby Airport. Martin had more than 200 witnesses who could vouch for his whereabouts, and things went swiftly downhill from there.
The police found out about Ronald’s financial problems and mounting debts. They continued on page 5
also discovered the recent life insurance policies he had purchased on his children.
Ronald denied everything, at first, and then only admitted to purchasing the insurance policies. He steadfastly maintained his innocence. Presumably inspired, he dedicated the next solo he sang at his church to Timothy. He performed a moving rendition of “Blessed Assurance” in front of the congregation, changing the chorus of “This is my story, this is my song” to “This is Tim’s story, this is Tim’s song.” It was a brilliant piece of stagecraft that reportedly left nary a dry eye in the church.
The Pasadena police kept digging, and Ronald’s neighbors and fellow parishioners were incredulous. “I’ll not believe it,” said one resident, “until I hear it from his own lips.”
Ronald was jailed and indicted for the murder of his son and the attempted murder of the other children. When detectives shared the evidence with his wife Daynene, she said, “Oh, my God, no” and lowered her head, visibly distraught.
When she was able to gather herself, Daynene told the Pasadena police that Ronald had problems. She said her husband exaggerated things and was a spendthrift. She also said that he was in constant financial trouble and had started and lost more
than 20 jobs in the last five years. And it went further. Ronald had collected on two insurance claims involving fires that destroyed furniture.
In the ensuing trial, Daynene O’Bryan testified that her husband asked her how
the insurance money should be spent before Timothy’s funeral. Another relative testified that on the actual day of Timothy’s funeral, Ronald asked them if the insurance money should be used to pay off bills or buy a new house.
Ronald denied all the charges, but the Harris County district attorney caught him lying more than once during cross examinations. The jury deliberated for less than hour and found Ronald guilty. During the continued on page 7
Look Again
mind: “Growing up and seeing your parents’ flaws like is like losing your religion.”
punishment phase of the trial, the DA asked for a death sentence because, as he put it, Ronald ought to be damned to Hell.
“It is the most despicable crime I ever heard of,” the DA added, “to take the life of your own flesh and blood for money.”
The night of Timothy O’Bryan’s murder, Ronald may have looked like he was dressed up for Halloween in his lab coat, but it probably helped him conceal the giant Pixy Stix. Investigators never pinpointed how Ronald acquired the cyanide, but the circumstantial evidence and corroborating eyewitness testimony were overwhelming.
Over the next several years, Ronald’s conviction was appealed in the state courts and, eventually, to the U.S. Supreme Court, which refused to review the case. On September 30, 1984, State District Judge Michael T. McSpadden set Ronald O’Bryan’s execution date for October 31, exactly eight years after his heinous, financially motivated act of filicide.
“I picked it for you, especially,” Judge McSpadden informed Ronald at the sentencing hearing, but Ronald was granted another appeal and continued to insist he had “absolutely nothing” to do with the crime.
Dubbed the “Candy Man” and often referred to as “The Man Who Killed Halloween,” Ronald O’Bryan exhausted his appeals in early 1984 and was executed by lethal injection on March 31. Ronald’s final meal included steak and Boston cream pie.
This approaching Halloween will mark exactly 50 years since the original Houston “Candy Man” struck, and I can’t say it’s far from my mind. A line from Nicola Yoon’s 2016 book The Sun Is Also a Star comes to
In this life, Timothy O’Bryan died without ever knowing his father was a murderer, much less his murderer. In the next life, did Timothy get to see Ronald perform his theatrical version of “Blessed Assurance”?
“Perfect submission, perfect delight … Visions of rapture now burst on my sight”? Or “Blessed assurance / Jesus is mine … Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine”?
I think Timothy might have preferred Boston cream pie, but my family wasn’t religious.
Back then, my dad and mom drove my brother and me to Fort Worth to trickor-treat. There were more neighborhoods, and the houses were closer together. My Halloween that year — unlike Timothy’s — was excellent. Nice crowds, great treats, and some houses where the residents really went all out to make their places creepy. I remember open garages converted into dungeons. Figures you assumed were stationary playfully lunging at you but making you almost jump out of your costume.
I remember weird, wax harmonica treats and Sweet Tarts. I remember Marathon Bars and Pop Rocks. It’s five decades ago, but I still recall it all and especially what happened to Timothy O’Bryan.
The scariest thing about his Halloween was his father.
And what came after wasn’t much better. Trick-or-treating was discouraged in innumerable American towns and cities. In 1975, the city of Houston hosted a Halloween party at the Astroworld amusement park to cut down on trick-or-treating. In other parts of the nation, schools held on-campus parties to discourage trick-or-treating.
One Texas patriarch’s act of filicide via cyanide evolved into tales of dangerous pills handed out as candy and pins and razor blades inserted in apples. In a ludicrously paranoid, major way, tricks were taken out of treats, trick-or-treaters were egregiously short-changed, and All Hallows’ Eve was changed forever. l
Juuuust Enough
Edging
out the Utes, TCU completes the minimum work requirement for their second Big 12 victory of the season.
BY BUCK D. ELLIOTT
I’ve always liked former Dallas Cowboys receiver Joey Galloway, a great analyst, easy on the eyes, and he spits truth from his ESPN desk most of the time, so when asked by his broadcast partner who he liked in Saturday’s nightcap in Salt Lake City before the crew signed off, he simply said: “I’m gonna take TCU, for no real reason. I don’t even feel good about it.” Gospel, Joey, gospel.
Galloway’s flippant attitude is so indicative of the mindset of Frog Nation right now. I’d just flipped over from watching Texas fans litter their own field in some sort of hyper-ironic, Don’t Mess with Texas bizarro protest after a pass interference call went against them. Alas, purple patriots were forced to endure the mountain time zone to watch yet another contest in which an enigmatic Sonny Dykes-led squad took the field with mediocrity likely to follow. The Utes dealt with problems of their own. After considered most likely to win the Big 12, Utah had lost two straight to the ’Zona schools, and their super-duper senior quarterback was injured again, leaving duties to a semi-experienced freshman.
Despite a bye week that Frog coaches and players described as transformative and physical, the Frogs drove the field and
promptly fumbled in the red zone. The defense responded with a shutdown series, blocked punt, and what seemed like it would surely be redemption for an early blunder. The result was a blocked field goal and zero points despite two early trips within the shadow of Utah’s goal posts. It would take the Frogs a third journey to nab their first field goal and points of the game. Quarterback Josh Hoover was more impeccable, albeit reserved, with the football in general, and took his brethren 79 yards before his friends pushed his tuchus into the end zone for what would be the Frogs’ only touchdown of the game.
Offensively, TCU did enough in this game to limp across the first-down marker but only because the defense played unequivocally their best football of the season and in the new Andy Avalos era. Utah boasted a vaunted rushing attack, but Avalos hedged his bets against a young quarterback and committed resources to stop the run. He was punished in the secondary only once. This defense seemed like what Utah Head Coach Kyle Whittingham would remember from the Mountain West days: Purple players flew to the ball and tackled well, and the linebackers and secondary aggressively challenged the pocket. TCU defenders allowed only 12 first downs and 267 yards and stopped the Utes on both attempted fourth-down conversions. Aside from Utah’s 71-yard pass and touchdown, it didn’t feel like the Frogs gave up anything, and that was enough to gently slide the knife of distrust from fans’ ribs for them to breathe a little and to allow the wounds to scab somewhat.
It was a damn good thing the defense showed up, because TCU’s offense couldn’t score. They moved the ball fairly well against one of the better defenses they’ve played, but 403 yards and 13 points paints an appropriately pitiful picture of proficiency. Hoover still tossed the ball 41 times, completing just more than half his throws, but the essential number was zero — interceptions, that is.
The most significant individual performance was from touted receiver Savion Williams serving as a running back on direct snaps. Williams averaged more than 10 yards per carry, and Kendal Briles used the wildcat formation as the X factor the Utes just couldn’t solve. When Dykes needed to ice the game on fourth and short with barely two minutes remaining, they snapped it again to the big receiver, who bullied and
was able to gain yards when the Utes knew a run was coming. I applaud the creativity in some ways, but there’s a bitter aftertaste of desperation.
bashed his way for a first down so his quarterback could kneel his way to victory.
It was a win but a dreadful one in many ways. As I languished at the end of a long Saturday, Briles could have created meaningful distance between fans and another cardiac event. No rest was enjoyed. Faithful, if they wanted to be sure TCU would win, needed to suffer all the way until 1 a.m. to know their boys improved to 2-2 in conference play. Realistically, TCU’s offense should have scored 27 points at minimum, but their grotesque inefficiency anywhere past the opponents’ 20-yard line keeps Frog Nation nervous even in firstand-goal situations. It’s difficult to believe that after an entire bye week, a major college football team with an offensive coordinator convinced he’s ready to be a head coach can’t cobble together some sort of jumbo personnel package and successfully run the ball from under center when the opponent knows that’s what they’re going to do.
Frog running back Trent Battle displayed toughness and toted the rock well from the traditional shotgun-spread formation, but Williams was the only person who
The most modern configuration of the Big 12 is bleak for Texas-based teams. Tech, who the Frogs face Saturday afternoon in Fort Worth, is still a contender for the conference despite being stomped by freefalling Baylor in Lubbock last weekend for their first league loss. Houston, despite upsetting TCU the week before, is still sitting in the basement tied with the Bears with one conference win each after a lopsided loss in Lawrence. Thus, Dykes arrives to back-toback familiar foes (Tech and Baylor) and a small possibility to save face and recruiting prowess over Lone Star counterparts. The Red Raiders are 5-2, four of those victories achieved by single possessions. The tortilla tossers roster a fine bell-cow back in Tahj Brooks. Expect the senior to get 20 or more carries as the veteran has already logged more than 800 yards on the season. Head Coach Joey McGuire is more committed to a balanced attack than Dykes but is not above attacking the secondary if Avalos chooses to put the game on the arm of Behren Morton, who is a much more capable passer than Utah’s Isaac Wilson. The Frogs will need to stop Brooks as their highest priority. The game isn’t winnable otherwise. Expect to see a more coherent passing attack from Briles’ group, if for no other reason than Houston and Utah have more accomplished defenses than Tech.
Like SMU, this matchup holds some special significance for Dykes as he’s a descendant of the Mike Leach coaching tree, as well as the son of a former Red Raider head coach. Sonny himself is also a TTU alum and baseball letterman. These squads have met 66 times for what is now called the West Texas Championship — Battle for the Saddle Trophy. More concerning is the lack of swagger at home for TCU. The Frogs haven’t won a meaningful game at Amon G. Carter this season but instead suffered an embarrassing collapse against UCF as well as a humiliating strongarm by Houston. Regardless, it’s acceptable to have newfound hope in the defense and faith the offense can return to a form they possessed against lesser defenses earlier in the season. If I have to make a prediction, I’ll just parrot Joey G: I’m gonna take TCU, for no real reason. I don’t even feel good about it. l
Frog defenders played their best game of the season at Utah, allowing fewer than 300 yards and only seven points. Courtesy TCU Athletics
JONAH FREEMAN + JUSTIN LOWE
STAGE
The Constitution in You
Stage
West’s production of this Pulitzer finalist checks the right boxes.
BY REESE PIERCE
When I first saw the title What the Constitution Means to Me, I admit it didn’t spark much interest. I blamed this on a personal malaise brought on by the fraught nature of the current political climate. But this morning, as I waited in a long line for the first day of early voting, I couldn’t get it off my mind. In a good way. I was recharged. I had cast away the doom and gloom and stepped through those library doors with a zeal I haven’t felt in a while. I am uncommonly grateful that my political ennui lifted and that reviewing this Pulitzer-Prize finalist play and my well-placed faith in Stage West led me to that seat Sunday afternoon, without which today could have looked much different.
Directed by Stage West Executive Producer Dana Schultes and starring Megan Noble, Heidi Schreck’s poignant piece is a moving, informative, and interactive look at how the limitations and possibilities of our founding document ripple throughout our contemporary society. It’s almost a one-woman show. Heidi spends a lot of time reenacting — and, in some ways, exorcising — the love she once had for our founding fathers’ words. The self in question is her as a teenage super-fan of the Constitution. This young Heidi paid her way through college with the money she made from her performances in Constitutional debates in various American Legion halls throughout the country. Now, she’s an adult. She spends the course of 90 minutes trying to unearth how she could have loved a Constitution that doesn’t seem to recognize her humanity, and, in the process, she not only unpacks the politics surrounding this hallowed four pieces of parchment but also processes some generational trauma that she carries with her to this day.
Noble is electric. From portraying the high energy and sheer excitement of her teenage self on the debate stage in front of an audience of legionnaires to becoming the wiser and almost mournful woman she is now, she is relentless. The way she can harness the various sides of herself while seeing the Constitution with a set of experienced eyes that have known the damage that can come from her status as woman is quite compelling.
Set designer Leah Mazur creates the perfect space for Heidi to rediscover herself, centered on what looks like an old VFW with wood-paneled walls and military photos. It succinctly captures the hyper-masculine and stale veneer of the old American Legion Halls young Heidi would have performed in as a youth.
The only other character on set during the main portion of the show is Legionnaire Danny (David Wilson-Brown), who is both a militaristic and self-serious debate moderator and, separately, a lifelong friend of the adult Heidi. There is a turn later in the play that Wilson-Brown nails with a
level of sincerity and pathos that could have felt gimmicky or forced in the hand of other directors, but it’s clear that Schultes’ understanding of the work really allows him to shine here.
The play culminates in a real-life debate with the audience. The third actor is the Debater, played here by teenager and local debater Solaris Khalid but on other nights by another local debater, Ellen Reid. Khalid is a natural, and her gravitas allows her to counter Heidi perfectly as the two, with the help of theatergoers, explore further what the Constitution means to them. The debate between the two is lively and is the perfect way to end a pretty miraculous slice of political science.
Thanks to Schreck’s excellent writing, Schultes’ superb directing, and the stellar work of the cast and crew, the material feels alive and relevant. In a time when politics is performance, it is cathartic to peel back the layers of our society to see what’s at stake, and revisiting the Constitution never hurts. l
Megan Noble ponders the Constitution in a real-life debate with the audience in Stage West’s production of What the Constitution Means to Me
Season’s
Greetings!
And by ‘Season,’ We Mean Halloween.
Inspired by a recent trip to Goodwill, where I found shopping bags, figurines, and plush toys from The Nightmare Before Christmas in the new goods section, I worked on this week’s column while streaming the 1993 Tim Burton classic on Disney Plus. What started as a recognizance mission to scope out costumes became the laziest of home decor ideas. Halloween right on through Christmas will be all Oogie Boogie, Jack, and Sally for me this year. For other Halloween film selections from a Best-Of-winner perspective, check out last week’s Big Ticket on FWWeekly.com. As for hitting some bars with spooky vibes, don’t miss our Eats & Drinks article in this week’s issue. When it comes to info on local happenings, you can always count on us at the Weekly. #HumbleBrag
Admission at the Gate - For information call 817-628-5082
the event of rain, the Saints and Sinners Tour will be on November 2 & 3.
The ever-popular annual Boo at the Zoo event at the Fort Worth Zoo (1989 Colonial Pkwy, 817-7597555) is 9am-4pm Fri and 9am-5pm Sat-Sun. Enjoy animal shows, live entertainment, and Halloween treat stations. While costumes are encouraged, anyone over 13 must keep their face visible, identifiable, and free from any heavy makeup or full-faced costume masks for safety purposes. As this is a very busy time at the zoo, consider utilizing public transportation. The Southside
ZIPZONE service stops just outside the entrance, and Trinity Metro bus No. 53 stops a short walking distance away. (You can find more information at RideTrinityMetro.org.) This daytime event is included with your admission, which is $19 for adults or $15 for children (ages 3-12) and seniors (age 65+) at FortWorthZoo.org.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad hosts a Witches’ Brew Train at the Cotton Belt Railroad Historic District (705 S Main S, 817-410-3185) at 7:25pm. Tickets to this adults-only ride are $42 at GVRR.com. Texas craft beer and wine will be available for purchase. There’s a kid-friendly event on Sunday, too.
Higher Purpose Emporium (505 W Northside Dr, Fort Worth, 682-207-5351) is hosting its annual Pride Halloween Party with family fun from noon to 5pm followed by an adults-only party 6pm-9pm. Enjoy creation stations, raffles, readings of various kinds, a vendor market, and witchy demos, plus a costume contest with prizes. The family-friendly daytime fun is a free community event. Tickets for the after-hours adult party (18+) are $10 per person at HigherPurposeEmporium.com. Did you know that Fort Worth has its own legendary monster? From 10am to 3pm, celebrate at the 55th Annual Lake Worth Monster Fest at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge (9601 Fossil Ridge Rd, 817-392-7410). This family-friendly event will include canoe paddling, a hayride, a nature hike at Greer Island (the home of the creature), a tire toss contest, music, and presentations from cryptozoologists, including local author Lyle Blackburn. Admission is $6 for adults and $2 for kids.
This weekend, the North Fort Worth Historical Society presents the 17th Annual Saints and Sinners Tour at Oakwood Cemetery (701 Grand Av, 817-625-5082) at 1pm and 3:30pm Sat and Sun. Admission for this walking tour is $15 for adults and $10 for children and students, paid at the gate. In the event of rain, the tours will be on Sat-Sun, Nov 2-3, instead.
Globe Life Field (734 Stadium Dr, Arlington, 817-533-1972) is hosting its inaugural Halloween Festival noon-4pm. Guests will be invited directly onto the field at the home of the Texas Rangers to enjoy various family activities. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their Halloween costumes and bring their own trick-or-treat bags/containers for the trickor-treat stations. There will also be costume parades, playing on the field (including pitching in the bullpen, playing wiffle ball, taking photos in the dugouts, and running the bases), and face painting, plus guided ballpark tours to see some of the players and visit the clubhouses. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for kids 4-14, and free for kids 3 and younger at GlobeLifeField.com/Halloween.
Mmm, pumpkins! This and more await at Boo at the Zoo.
Summon your “strangest and most unique self” for a costume contest at Cosmic
N&D
continued from page 14
Grapevine Vintage Railroad is hosting two styles of rides for the young’uns today at the Cotton Belt Railroad Historic District (705 S Main S, 817-410-3185). The Trick ’R Treat Train Excursions, running at 11:50am and 1:50pm, will include prepackaged bags of treats, as well as Halloween songs and stories. Kids are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes. Tickets are $20 per person at GVRR.com.
Those of you whose kids are really into Harry Potter might consider the Wizard Train leaving the station at 5:30pm and 7:30pm. There will be festively decorated train cars, magic tricks, puppet pets, and a real toad during the ride. Wizard sweets and treats from the British Emporium will be sold onboard from a trolley. Costumes are highly encouraged. Tickets are $30 per person at GVRR.com, with proceeds benefiting Friends of the Grapevine Library.
Thursday 31
You basically have two choices tonight. Embrace the trick-or-treaters at your door or go out and find some adult fun. Besides the bars covered in this very issue, I have another idea. At least once a month, art installation destination Meow Wolf: The Real Unreal (3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy, Ste 253, Grapevine, 866-636-9969) hosts an adults-only party. From 6pm to 10pm, the Cosmic Howl Adulti-Verse includes adult beverages for purchase and a costume contest — Meow Wolf says to “summon your strangest and most unique self.” Tickets are $45 at MeowWolf. com.
For those staying in, please be kind to the teenagers. With or without a costume, they chose to participate in a childhood tradition one last time over God knows what else. Also, can we be kind to the animals when choosing which candy to buy? The harvesting of palm oils used in most confections is a problem for the animal kingdom as habitats are destroyed in the process. Choosing to put your money behind companies that use certified sustainable palm oil helps make a difference for wild orangutans and other endangered species. The following candies/brands are made by companies with membership in the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil and are committed to making a difference: Almond Joy, Crunch, Dove Chocolate, Good & Plenty, Haribo, Hershey, Jolly Rancher, LifeSavers, M&Ms, Reese’s, Skittles, Snickers, and Twizzlers. Learn more at AudubonZoo.com/boo
By Jennifer Bovee
Howl at Meow Wolf on Halloween night.
EATS & drinks
Not-soEarthly Delights
Chills and thrills await at locales all over Funkytown this Halloween season.
BY ANTHONY MARIANI AND JUAN R. GOVEA
Like superheroes and cheesy music, Halloween is another kid thing that we adults have co-opted for our own enjoyment and entertainment. “Screw dem kids!”
At The Cicada (1002 S Main St, Fort Worth, @The_Cicada_Ftw), customer Sydnee Dunagan enjoys a Brass Brassiere. Made with TX Bourbon, Grand Marnier, lemon juice, and pomegranate juice and topped with ginger beer, the cocktail comes from the twisted mind of Cicada co-owner Tyler Ann Stephens, who’s a (blood-)sucker for the season.
we say. “We’re allowed to have fun, too.”
(Nostalgia is a helluva drug.) Now, instead of Snickers bars, Milky Ways, and Reese’s Cups and their evil, twisted cousins, Mallo Cups, which can f*ck all the way off, most of us crave boozy treats enjoyed in supernatural settings. And Funkytown does not
disappoint. This year, places all over are going all out for All Hallows’ Eve. They’re not only dressing up their gory insides, offering specials, and hosting costume contests, but some have even concocted ghoulish beverages for the occasion. So, enter … if you dare. — Anthony Mariani
Self-described contemporary cocktail habitat Proper (409 W Magnolia Av, Fort Worth, 817-984-1133) is celebrating witchy season with its Krew of Boo Halloween popup, which, along with ghoulish portraits and other creepy décor, includes a slew of seasonal cocktails, like the Possum Kingdom. The Toadies-inspired drink is made with Acre Distilling Halo vodka infused with French butter cookies, creme de cacao, honey, and vanilla cream and garnished with a toasted marshmallow.
continued on page 18
Juan R. Govea
The nightmarish décor and seasonal beverages at Nickel City (212 S Main St, Fort Worth, @ NickelCityFWTX) are courtesy of Black Lagoon. The L.A.-based pop-up group is spreading its fang-tastic love in 34 other North American cities this year. Fort Worth is lucky to have ’em.
Club Reflection (604 S Jennings Av, Fort Worth, @ ClubReflection) is partnering with the other LGBTQ+ clubs nearby for a wild night of costume contests on Saturday. At 10pm, Liberty Lounge’s contest carries at a $100 prize while across the street afterward at Jackie O’s, the purse is $150. The $300 grand prize will be at Club Reflection at midnight.
Best host winner Kolin Jardine is the main man at Tarantula Tiki Lounge (117 S
Fort Worth, @Tarantula_Tiki), where the spine-chilling seasonal fun extends from the interior to behind the bar. One phantasmagoric drink is Tarantula’s version of the Painkiller, with Pusser’s Rum, pineapple, coconut, orange, and nutmeg.
Along with the ghastly look of Nickel City (212 S Main St, Fort Worth, @NickelCityFWTX), some of the potions also come from pop-up Black Lagoon, including the Siren’s Song (Lot 40 rye whiskey, Giffard Caribbean pineapple, Flor de Caña rum, Lustau Amontillado sherry, spiced oat orgeat, Caribbean bitters, lime).
continued on page 19
Main St,
Juan R. Govea
Juan R. Govea
Juan R. Govea
Eats & Drinks
A manager at Ol’ South Pancake House (1509 S University Dr, Fort Worth, 817-3360311), Suzi Norton has been dressing up as a scarecrow the past four years just to liven up the joint. Norton is also responsible for decorating the entire eatery herself. She does it because she just loves this ghostly time of year.
To add a bit of the macabre to the Ambrogio (Painted Donkey blanco tequila, Mathilde Cassis, Topo Chico, cinnamon, raspberry, lime), Nick Rayburn, manager at Atlas (314 S Main St, Ste 100, Fort Worth, 682-3485386), serves the beverage along with an IV bag. The South Main establishment won best cocktail in our 2024 Best Of edition.
Named after the London pub in Shaun of the Dead (the Duke of Albany in real life), downtown’s Winchester Tavern (903 Throckmorton St, Fort Worth, 817-501-1850) opened its doors on Halloween 2017, which doubles the primeval power of October 31 every year. For this All Hallows’ Eve at the Winchester, there’ll be a costume contest with fiendish prizes.
The Poe-inspired décor at Atlas (314 S Main St, Ste 100, Fort Worth, 682-348-5386) lends every visit throughout the year a haunting, gothic vibe, but during Halloween, it’s particularly atmospheric. And sinister.
At El Chingon (2800 Bledsoe St, Ste 100, Fort Worth, 817-870-9997), the frightful fun gets going after Halloween. At 5pm on Sat, Nov 2, the West 7th club and restaurant hosts Boos Fest. The meetup for the bar crawl is at 5pm here, and the route will snake its way through stops at Kung Fu Saloon, The Local, and Wonder Bar. Tickets are $22.49-49.99 at BarCrawlNation.com and include trick-or-treat prizes, DJs, and no cover at all the fully decorated stops, plus a $750 (gift card value) costume contest and scream-worthy drink options, with an after-party at 10pm.
RIDGLEA ROOM RIDGLEA LOUNGE RIDGLEA THEATER
MUSIC
Changing Trauma Ray
Now
with a new label and a new guitarist, the Fort Worth heavy-gazers release their first album.
BY PATRICK HIGGINS
Since their self-titled debut EP in 2018, Trauma Ray has been a sleeper Fort Worth music success story. Their brand of thundering, wall-of-sound shoegaze hasn’t necessarily led to regular rotation on local radio or press coverage as often as their moves might have warranted, but it has been earning them an ever-growing underground following both locally and nationally. Extensive touring and a steady outflow of bite-sized releases from three EPs and a handful of singles have vaulted Trauma Ray to playing packed rooms across the country both as headliners and in support of national artists like Slow Crush, Spiritual Cramp, and Teenage Wrist, gathering millions of streams on digital platforms along the way. It’s a trajectory in the old-school fashion: organic, word of mouth, show by show.
Trauma Ray sit now with all the makings of a band poised for a big leap. The next few months might provide it to them. On Friday, just prior to kicking off a monthlong tour that sees them crisscross their way around the U.S. after a short run in the U.K., the five-piece heavy-gazers are set to release Chameleon, their debut album.
One reason for the potential surge is that the album and successive tour come with the support of a new label. The highly anticipated 12-track long-player will be their first with bi-coastal New York/L.A.based imprint Dais Records (Drab Majesty, Cold Gawd). The collaboration looks to give a huge boost to the momentum the band has been building for the last several years.
“It’s been a really good relationship,” said singer/guitarist Uriel Avila of the band’s new digs. “Everyone’s just been so supportive and helpful. I would say they’re as excited as we are to put this record out. That’s a hard thing to find.”
In building toward the album drop, Trauma Ray released three singles: the hauntingly hooky “Bishop,” the tranquil and emotive “Spectre,” which was
accompanied by a slick video, and, most recently, the blistering “Bardo,” which hit streaming services earlier this month. These colossal tracks, and the remainder of the effort, demonstrate that not only has the group’s following and label backing grown, but their sound has, too. Chameleon will be the first release to incorporate the group’s new third guitar player, Coleman Pruitt. He joins Avila, bassist Darren Baun, drummer Nicholas Bobotas, and guitarist Jonathan Perez in pushing the band’s already seismic sonics into the red, crafting an aesthetic that is as affecting as it is roaring.
“The best part about incorporating [Pruitt] into the band was that it almost took no effort at all,” Avila said. “He had been going to our shows since our very first ones. He was already best friends with our drummer, and they lived together. We would see him all the time. He’d always been there. His tastes and his writing style weren’t very different or too far off from what we were doing. But it’s also his own. It’s been fun to mesh our prior songwriting style with his.”
On Chameleon, the extra layer certainly results in mammoth volume, but Avila’s
Uriel Avila: “It’s my way of having some sort of catharsis and self-reflection. I like writing about things that people may struggle with because I struggle with them.”
haunting melodies and mournful lyrical themes aim to give the vocals equal weight to the massive sound.
“The theme of the record is death and the change that comes with it,” Avila said. “That’s why we called it Chameleon, because a chameleon changes into its surroundings, tries to blend in as much as it can. I think that’s what people do when they experience death. They try to blend in and try to find their place again after dealing with it.”
Avila said that much of the inspiration came from the experience of the pandemic, all the loss of life and how society has come through it and tried to recover a sense of normalcy. It’s a topic he hopes listeners will find relatable, if not a little dark. Creating an emotional connection with the listener is a consistent motivation for him.
“I guess a lot of it comes from a sort of depressive side to my thinking,” he explained. “It helps me remember to feel empathy. It’s my way of having some sort of catharsis and self-reflection, and it’s something I think is really understandable to a lot of people. I think it’s important to connect with people. I like writing about things that people may struggle with because I struggle with them.”
Avila hopes that this record does that and is perhaps a nudge for others to find their own avenues of expression. “I think it’s so cool to feel like you inspire people through the things that you make. Because they felt something. Because they said, ‘Hey, I understand what you’re talking about’ or, ‘This song really spoke to me’ or, ‘I’m going through this situation, and this song really helped me through it.’ That’s awesome because maybe you’re inspiring them to do something — to make their own music or their own art.”
With the sense of sitting on the cusp of a big next step, the guys are excited and anxious for what’s in store but remain cleareyed about the possibilities.
“It feels very surreal,” Avila said. “This has always been a labor of love, and we’ve never really expected much from this, and we’re extremely grateful to be in the position that we are. You never know when things are going to pop off, or if they’re going to pop off. We’re just really fortunate and really grateful.” l
Trauma Ray capture big emotions and an even bigger sound on debut album Chameleon.
HearSay
Marfa Lights Shine
Left Arm Tan was a pretty popular, twangy roots-rock outfit, but when they disbanded earlier this year, guitarist Daniel Hines wrote “about 50 to 70 songs,” he said, “and it felt like a story was forming.”
Hines and three other former LAT members — Mark Belding, Brian Lee, and Shawn Light — formed Marfa Lights, whose recently released eponymous debut album was inspired by Hines’ “novella-like” story. It’s essentially a road trip to self-discovery, one told through the eyes of a Gen X dude breaking down in his 1970 Ranchero in Marfa on the way to Mexico The band’s name, Hines said, is a pretty accurate reflection of their sound. “The small-town Southwestern desert vibe [with] Latin influences is what we were going for” in the studio.
Said studio was the River Oaks home retreat of producer/singer-songwriter Phil Pritchett (Red Shahan, Sanco Loop, Seth Van Dover). Hines recalled looking for a studio when someone suggested Pritchett. “We had lunch,” Hines said, “and knew it was a perfect fit. I can’t say enough about how great it was to work with” Pritchett.
Hines considers the end product Americana minus the country fundaments that typically inform it. “We wanted this album to be uniquely different and
have a sound that isn’t like anything else. We didn’t want things to be too perfect, and we wanted the songs to be raw and natural.”
Hines is really happy with the result. Pritchett is, too.
The producer said Hines “had a good vision for the album. There is an unusual artistic approach to it, and knowing our boundaries, when we were getting a too-familiar sound, [Hines’] role was to point that out. It was fun and challenging to record, and it’s really special.”
Light mastered the LP at his home studio, which Hines feels helped drive home the sound they all wanted.
“There’s something about when you turn on an old song from the 1970s on an old car stereo,” Hines said. “A big theme for the album is the intersection between old and new technology.”
Marfa Lights already have enough material for a follow-up album, Hines said. The future, he added, is — like an empty road outside Marfa — wide open.
“I enjoy writing songs and playing music,” he said. “I [said to myself] at the end of Left Arm Tan, ‘If there were 100 people in the room that like what you do and want you to play your music, I think that alone justifies making music.’ ”
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Marfa Lights songwriter Daniel Hines: “There’s something about when you turn on an old song from the 1970s on an old car stereo.”
Courtesy Marfa Lights
Marfa Lights Sat w/Phil Pritchett at the Ridglea Room, 3309 Winthrop Av, Ste 64, Fort Worth. $20-200. 817- 941-0086.
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TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Notice of Draft Federal Operating Permit
Draft Permit No.: O4542
Application and Draft Permit. EnLink North Texas Gathering, LP, 415 Private Road 3502, Bridgeport, TX 76426-4665, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for an initial issuance of Federal Operating Permit (herein referred to as Permit) No. O4542, Application No. 35905, to authorize operation of the Benbrook Compressor Station, a Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas facility. The area addressed by the application is located at 13320 Us Hwy 377 S in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas 76126. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility’s general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For exact location, refer to the application. You can find an electronic map of the facility at: https://gisweb.tceq.texas.gov/LocationMapper/?marker=- 97.527222,32.626944&level=13 This application was received by the TCEQ on November 2, 2023.
The purpose of a federal operating permit is to improve overall compliance with the rules governing air pollution control by clearly listing all applicable requirements, as defined in Title 30 Texas Administrative Code § 122.10 (30 TAC § 122.10). The draft permit, if approved, will codify the conditions under which the area must operate. The permit will not authorize new construction. The executive director has completed the technical review of the application and has made a preliminary decision to prepare a draft permit for public comment and review. The executive director recommends issuance of this draft permit. The permit application, statement of basis, and draft permit will be available for viewing and copying at the TCEQ Central Office, 12100 Park 35 Circle, Building E, First Floor, Austin, Texas 78753; the TCEQ Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Office, 2309 Gravel Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76118-6951; and the Benbrook Public Library, 1065 Mercedes St, Benbrook, Texas 76126-2742, beginning the first day of publication of this notice. The draft permit and statement of basis are available at the TCEQ Website:
www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/tvnotice
At the TCEQ central and regional offices, relevant supporting materials for the draft permit, as well as the New Source Review permits which have been incorporated by reference, may be reviewed and copied. Any person with difficulties obtaining these materials due to travel constraints may contact the TCEQ central office file room at (512) 239-2900.
Public Comment/Notice and Comment Hearing. Any person may submit written comments on the draft permit. Comments relating to the accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness of the permit conditions may result in changes to the draft permit.
A person who may be affected by the emission of air pollutants from the permitted area may request a notice and comment hearing. The purpose of the notice and comment hearing is to provide an additional opportunity to submit comments on the draft permit. The permit may be changed based on comments pertaining to whether the permit provides for compliance with 30 TAC Chapter 122 (examples may include that the permit does not contain all applicable requirements or the public notice procedures were not satisfied). The TCEQ may grant a notice and comment hearing on the application if a written hearing request is received within 30 days after publication of the newspaper notice. The hearing request must include the basis for the request, including a description of how the person may be affected by the emission of air pollutants from the application area. The request should also specify the conditions of the draft permit that are inappropriate or specify how the preliminary decision to issue or deny the permit is inappropriate. All reasonably ascertainable issues must be raised and all reasonably available arguments must be submitted by the end of the public comment period. If a notice and comment hearing is granted, all individuals that submitted written comments or a hearing request will receive written notice of the hearing. This notice will identify the date, time, and location for the hearing.
Written public comments and/or requests for a notice and comment hearing should be submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 787113087, or electronically at www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/ and be received within 30 days after the date of newspaper publication of this notice. Please be aware that any contact information you provide, including your name, phone number, email address and physical address will become part of the agency’s public record.
A notice of proposed final action that includes a response to comments and identification of any changes to the draft permit will be mailed to everyone who submitted public comments, a hearing request, or requested to be on the mailing list for this application. This mailing will also provide instructions for public petitions to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to request that the EPA object to the issuance of the proposed permit. After receiving a petition, the EPA may only object to the issuance of a permit which is not in compliance with the applicable requirements or the requirements of 30 TAC Chapter 122.
Mailing List. In addition to submitting public comments, a person may ask to be placed on a mailing list for this application by sending a request to the Office of the Chief Clerk at the address above. Those on the mailing list will receive copies of future public notices (if any) mailed by the Chief Clerk for this application.
Information. For additional information about this permit application or the permitting process, please contact the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Public Education Program, MC-108, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087 or toll free at 1-800-687-4040. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040.
Further information may also be obtained for EnLink North Texas Gathering, LP by calling Mr. Lance Green at (225) 6926947.
Notice Issuance Date: September 24, 2024
ADVERTISE HERE
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BEST BOOK SALE IN TX!
Head to the JR Long Cultural Arts Center (425 Granbury St, Cleburne TX) the 4th weekend in November. Find 1000s of books at a deep discount 10am-8pm Fri-Sat, Nov 21-22 and 1pm-6pm Sun, Nov 23. For updates, visit The Published Page Bookshop Facebook page (@ BiblioTreasures).
COWTOWN ROVER
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EVANGELICALS FOR HARRIS
Faithful, compassionate evangelicals exercising our God-given citizenship by voting for someone who truly reflects Christian values. See more at: EvangelicalsForHarris.com
FLEA MARKET
4445 River Oaks Blvd
Every Sat & Sun 9a-5p
All your favorite vendors and friends will be there with Tino, Mo and Zelda!
The Gas Pipe, The GAS PIPE, THE GAS PIPE, your Peace Love & Smoke Headquarters since 4/20/1970! SCORE a FREE GIFT on YOUR Birthday, FREE Scale Tuning and Lighter Refills on GAS PIPE goods, FREE Layaway, and all the safe, helpful service you expect from a 51 Years Young Joint. Plus, SCORE A FREE CBD HOLIDAZE GIFT With-A-Buy thru 12/31! Be Safe, Party Clean, Keep On Truckin’. More at thegaspipe.net
HANNAH in HURST
Get out of the heat & feel better fast! Professional inoffice massage therapy (MT4797). No outcalls. 817-590-2257
HISTORIC RIDGLEA THEATER
THE RIDGLEA is three great venues within one historic Fort Worth landmark. RIDGLEA THEATER has been restored to its authentic allure, recovering unique SpanishMediterranean elements. It is ideal for large audiences and special events. RIDGLEA ROOM and RIDGLEA LOUNGE have been making some of their own history, as connected adjuncts to RIDGLEA THEATER, or hosting their own smaller shows and gatherings. More at theRidglea.com
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Providing honest, dependable work at a fair price! Call or Text today for a FREE estimate. Chris 817-495-3017
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NOW HIRING for NIGHT SHIFT
The Romance Store Apply in Person 6900 South Fwy #140, Fort Worth, TX 76134
Prepare for power outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect™ standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-855-988-6789.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The following vehicles have been impounded with fees due to date by Texas Towing Wrecker, 205 S Commercial St, Fort Worth TX 76107, 817-877-0206 (VSF0000964): Crane, 1969, VIN 4084ak13448, $1213.07; Fruehuaf, 1963 Tanker Trailer, VINOMC202901, $1806.07; Fruehuaf, 1983 Fruehuaf, VIN 1H2V04828DE020208, $1702.54; Heil, 1990 Tanker, VIN 1HLA3A7B1L7H54826, $1356.07; Honda, 2004 CRF50F, VIN JH2AE03004K432316, $249.47.
