CC Magazine October 2011

CC

October 2011

MAGAZINE

LADY ANTEBELLUM STARS BRINGS EMMY WINNERS TO CORPUS

NUECES COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT

HOW DO TWO PEOPLE GET BLAMED FOR A $720 MILLION ERROR? WHO IS REALLY TO BLAME?

RAIN

THE BEATLES ARE BACK

ZIEGFEST

THE 9TH ANNUAL ZIEGENBOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL COMES BACK TO WHATABURGER FIELD The best things in life are

FREE But you can give ‘em to the birds and bees

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CC MAGAZINE

JEFF CRAFT Publisher

JCRAFT@CCMAGONLINE.COM

DALE RANKIN

Editor in Chief / Co-publisher EDITOR@CCMAGONLINE.COM

JAN PARK-RANKIN

Advertising Director/ Co-publisher ADS@CCMAGONLINE.COM

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Samantha Koepp, Dale Rankin, Georgia Griffin, Ronnie Narmour, Aletha Eyerman-Craft

PHOTOGRAPHY Miles Merwin, Jan Rankin, Dale Rankin, Ronnie Narmour, M & J Photography

From the editor...

It’s the time of year when we Coastal Benders heave a collective sigh of relief as the fat part of the Hurricane Season is behind us.

Our houses will stay put for at least another year. The drought hasn’t hit the Coastal Bend as hard as most Texas cities and so far we have made it without water restrictions which is rare in our state right now.

Since the last issue the owners of the Schlitterbahn water parks announced to the City Council that they want to build a new park on North Padre Island. It would be their third on the Texas coast and fourth in the state. The City and the developers are working out the details but it looks like the Schlitterbahn train is rolling down the track.

Also included in the plan is a Beach Walk almost a mile long which will bring retail and hotel development to the Island. The Beach Walk will include a canal and bridge that will connect the existing Island canal system to Lake Padre and through it to the open Gulf. If completed the project will be a game changer in the local tourist industry. We should have complete plans and construction schedule by the next issue.

This issue we take on the problems that have engulfed the Nueces Appraisal District. A well functioning Appraisal District is the key to the property tax system in Texas and in the latest annual budget cycle ours has been anything but.

We’re continuing to make some changes here at CC and we welcome your input. We are also getting a lot of feedback on Mr. Smarty Pants but we always need more questions. So if you have something around town that has been bouncing around in your brain pan send it along and we’ll see if we can get to the bottom of it.

Enjoy the great October weather because we paid for it with the August heat.

Dale Rankin

© Copyright 2011 all rights reserved. CC Publishing, LLC reserves the right to edit, rewrite & refuse editorial materials and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, omissions, or consequence arising from it. CC magazine shall be held harmless indemnified against any third party claims. CC Publishing, LLC accepts no claims made by agents, contributors or photographers. Opinions expressed by contributing writers or columnists are not necessarily those of CC Publishing, LLC or its affiliates. Advertisers appearing in CC magazine present only the viewpoint of the advertisers. CC magazine is printed in the USA. We assume no responsibility for advertising claims made in this publication. All correspondence to this publication becomes the property of CC magazine. Publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without express permission of the publisher and author(s).

n

14 Rain CC Magazine interviews Mark Lewis, one of the creators of the hit Broadway musical, Rain. Lewis gives us a taste of the upcoming show at American Bank Center and talks about how the Beatles inspired him from earliest childhood.

18 Ziegfest

Ziegfest Music Festivals are in their 9th year across Texas, and this is the second time the event has been held at Whataburger Field. This year’s lineup includes Robert Earl Keen, Jack Ingram, Reckless Kelly and Phillip Thomas

20

Lady Antebellum

South Texas Academic Rising Scholars 2011 Corpus Christi STARS extravaganza will feature six time Grammy award winning trio, Lady Antebellum.

14

18

07 Ask Mr. Smarty-Pants 09

Inside the Center

13 STARS Events Page 15 Live Music Tonight 16 The Canvas 17 Art Scene 19 Night Life & Club guide 19 Personal Services guide 22 Dining Guide 27 The Lenz

10

20

How Could the Nueces County Appraisal District Get It So Wrong?

According to the district appraisal errors totaling $720 million dollars were the fault of two employees.

One, who it turns out didn’t even know how to create the problem, and another who was guilty only of fixing it.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Pants He Knows Everything There Is To Know About Corpus Christi

mrsmartypants@ccmagonline.com

Dear Mr. Smarty Pants, Last week I took my son fishing on the beach in Kleberg County and was surprised by a completely naked man walking down the beach. My son was so busy fishing he didn’t even notice that the man was wearing nothing but a cap but now I’m afraid to take him back to our favorite fishing spot because I’m not sure if this was just one guy walking around naked or if this is something that goes on all the time.

The problem is that once you get past the jurisdiction of Corpus Christi - about one mile south of Bob Hall Pier it is the sole jurisdiction of Kleberg County’s finest. The county lines of Kleberg County go from the mainland out across the Laguna Madre and then on to the Island. To reach that stretch of beach from the Kleberg County seat in Kingsville is about sixty miles each way. So it takes a half a day to dispatch a deputy to check out a Naked Man there.

I don’t really want to use my name so I’ll just sign...

Nervous in Corpus

Well Mr. Corpus, or Nervous if you prefer... unfortunately Mr. Smarty Pants is all too aware of the Naked Men Syndrome. In fact, those who live on the Island and frequent that stretch of beach - or strip of beach if you will - refer to the eight miles of beach located just south of Bob Hall Pier as Brokeback Beach. Mr. Smarty Pants can tell you from first hand observation that there is a lot more going on down there than just pantless men running around.

It was a few years back when he went for a walk there with his wife. When his wife fell some distance behind while picking up shells Mr. Smarty Pants was startled when he turned around to look for her and instead saw a naked man walking a few paces back his squishy parts a floppin’. The naked man seemed to want to say something but never really got close enough. He was a strange looking little man, standing there in the altogether with his reverse lobster tan. Instead of his arms and legs being red and the rest of him being white like a normal lobster tan, this fellow had unburned arms and legs but his squishy parts were red as a beet.

For years naked men have been trysting on the beach in Kleberg. State law is funny on such matters. It does not make women going topless illegal in the state but instead gives local authorities the right to make whatever applicable law it sees fit. It does not specifically address - that Mr. Smarty Pants is aware of - public male nudity below the belt line. That is

It’s been going on since the early 1970’s and Kleberg County seems unable or unwilling to stop it. In the Halcyon Days before Al Gore invented the Internet the Naked Men just waited in the dunes until another Naked Man happened along, now with the help of Mr. Gore they often make contact on the web and make an appointment - one naked man to another - to engage in deeds better not witnessed on public beaches.

Naked Beach Dudes

Do you know anything about this?

Mr. Smarty Pants remembers thinking, “Dude you better get some calamine lotion on that thing soon or you’re gonna regret it.”

why you are able to have public nudity at Hippy Hollow on Travis Lake in Austin.

Naked Men know this.

A little over a year ago a local attorney was driving the beach with his 12 year-old daughter when a naked man got out of his truck and made a point of showing his privates to the passing car. The attorney took a photo and filed a complaint with the Kleberg Sheriff.

It turned out there was a semi-permanent Naked Man Camp down there so the Kleberg Sheriff assigned an unmarked car to one of his deputies who lives in Flour Bluff and the deputy would make a pass down Brokeback Beach each day on his way to work. Six arrests were made and charges were filed. One of the Arrested Naked Men was a Border Patrol agent in training. The man who was blocking traffic offered up the puzzling defense that he was only naked “from the waist down.”

Kleberg County does have a law against public nudity but it is a misdemeanor and hardly worth the sixty mile drive.

Mr. Smarty Pants did once hear of the case of a man who was arrested for showing his privates and charged with a felony, but once the cops got a look at his evidence they dropped it to a misdemeanor. He’s not sure if that’s true or not but it could be.

So to answer your question, Nervous, all Mr. Smarty Pants can say is if you go to the beach in Kleberg County or down past the sticks to Malaquite Beach on the northern section of the National Seashore where cars are not allowed, there’s a fairly good chance you’re going to encounter a Naked Man. If he approaches and asks if you “are cool” our suggestion is to answer no. He’s not enquiring about your body temperature.

Hope that helps.

Mr. Smarty Pants

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INSIDE THE

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by Samantha Koepp

Check out our bag of treats!

The last day of October, Halloween, is usually the most anticipated day of the month. With over 10 events planned at the American Bank Center this month, you will have something to anticipate every week! From comedy to comics to concerts, treat yourself and others to some fun without having to dress up and walk around the block with a bag full of melted candy.

Menopause the Musical-October 6 @ 7:30PMAmerican Bank Center Selena Auditorium A perfect evening to bring all your couple friends to what may be the best group therapy session!

Take advantage of a $6 discount off tickets when you purchase 10 or more tickets. Also for every 15 tickets purchased receive 1 free ticket. Call 361826-4754 for more info.

IceRays vs. Bulls- October 7 @ 7:05PM American Bank Center Arena- It’s Frosty Friday!

Get half priced 20 oz draft beers and sodas!

Realms Con – October 7-9- American Bank Center Convention Center A sci-fi fan’s dreams come true! There will be special appearances by several guests plus film screenings, question and answer panels,

workshops, concerts and much more.

IcesRays vs. JackalopesOctober 8 @7:05PM- American Bank Center Arena Purchase Flint Hills Chill Zone seats for just $7 day of the game at the American Bank Center Box office!

Corpus Christi Heat Wave - October 8-9 American Bank Center Convention Center This custom car show and tattoo expo is your opportunity to see some great rides, get exclusive deals from auto vendors and get a tattoo on site.

IceRays vs. Mustangs- October 15 @7:05PMAmerican Bank Center Arena No need for a babysitter; it’s the Caller Times Family Night! Get a family four pack of tickets for just $34.

Coastal Bend Fashion Showcase – October 16 American Bank Center Henry Garrett Ballroom Catch the latest fall fashions with runway shows from local boutiques.

Caller Times Best of the Best – October 16 American Bank Center Convention Center Visit over 100 exhibitors and have an opportunity to meet reality celebrities

IceRays vs. Mustangs- October 16 @ 3:05PMAmerican Bank Center Arena After Best of the Best stay for the IceRays game!

IceRays vs. Tornado- October 20 @ 7:05PMAmerican Bank Center Arena Get 2 IceRays tickets for the price of one during Two for Thursdays.

ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd- October 21 @ 7:00PM- American Bank Center Arena Put on your cheap sunglasses and get ready to rock! The Rebels & Bandeleros tour brings together two legendary bands who will keep you singing to the classics all night long!

WWE- October 22 @ 7:30PMAmerican Bank Center Arena The stars have aligned for WWE fans in Corpus Christi. For one night only witness the Superstars of both RAW and Smackdown bring a special show that you will have to be here to see LIVE! Chris Tomlin- October 26 @ 7:00PM- American Bank Center Selena Auditorium In the world of Christian music, Chris Tomlin reigns as king. Bring your friends and family for an evening of celebrating faith and fellowship.

Group discounts are available; when you purchase 15 tickets, receive 2 free. For more information contact Eric Jaramillo at 826-4754.

Tickets are available at the American Bank Center Box Office Monday through Friday 10AM- 6PM, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster. com or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

American Bank Center is Corpus Christi’s premier event center providing unprecedented guest experiences. For more information, visit us online at www.americanbankcenter.com.

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Leslie A. Ratliff,CPA

361-528-3583

205 Green Ave., Taft, TX 78390 Tax Preparations - Individual • Partnership • Corporate • Estate Extensive Bookkeeping Services, Quarterly Payroll Services

How Could the Nueces County Appraisal District Get It So Wrong?

According to the district, appraisal errors totaling $720 million dollars were the fault of two employees.

One, who it turns out, could not have caused the problem, and another who was guilty only of fixing it.

No matter where you go in the 254 counties in Texas one thing never changes. The county appraisal district is a black hole for information. A lot of information goes in but not very much comes out. Sure each property owner gets a slip in the mailbox telling them what their appraised value is for the year.

from the largest - CCISD - all the way down to eight special management districts. The districts then use those numbers to set their budgets, with adjustments coming by July 25 when by state law a final and certified list must be presented so the taxing entities can set their tax rate. Sounds pretty simple.

But try walking into or calling an Appraisal District with a big question about how they operate and to get an answer you will have to file an Open Records Request. An appaisal district’s DNA is designed to be able to withstand political heat and external pressure.

So what happened?

Created by legislation in 1979 after a bitter fight over the state’s property tax structure, the job of the appraisal districts sounds simple if you say it real fast; decide how much every single, piece of real propety in your county is worth so each of the governmental entities in the county can levy a tax on it.

The same howeowner who will swear on a stack of bibles at an appraisal hearing that his property is worth nowhere near what the district says it is will turn around and put it on the market at twice the appraised value without batting an eye. It is the Texan way.

So if it is so simple how did the Nueces County Appraisal District manage to get it so wrong?

How hard is to find a a $700 million error in city homestead exemptions for homes in Corpus Christi City Limits? How hard is it to realize that there might be a problem when your numbers say the value of homes in the city has dropped by 6.6% since last year when the real estate market was already in the tank then?. How hard is it to realize something might be wrong when the City of Port

the problem wasn’t reported to the City until July after the Council had taken the meat ax to their budget only to find out their tax base had actually increased by 1.3%.

What caused all these problems? According to Chief Appraiser Ollie Grant there were only two problems and their names are Nick Horak and Debra Morin. When all the dust finally settled Horak and Morin are the only two employees who were ever disciplined for causing the problems.

Both were summarily fired, paid for their unused vacation time, and stiffed for their unused sick leave which for Horak was 200 hours and for Morin was 20 weeks.

We must take time to point out here that after several tries we were unable to get a meeting or a phone call with Mr. Grant. There are some questions he might have answered but we never got the chance to ask him. One of those questions is how could two people in an organization as large as his be the sole cause of such big problems?

And, why didn’t someone inside the district raise a red flag when the numbers for the 2011 roll were so at odds with those from the 2010 roll?

After all, it is the Chief Appraiser who is legally responsible for certifying the roll, not underlings.

By talking to district employees off the record and piecing together information that has come to light since the problems we were able to put together what we believe is an accurate breakdown of the breakdown.

For now there are two things we can say for sure about the Nueces County Appraisal District; First, they don’t really like explaining themselves to their constituency; And second, trouble rolls downhill.

How did it happen?

“I didn’t even know how to change that in the computer,” she said. “I hadn’t been trained how to use the new software. I had been there 26 years and had never had any problems. If I thought I made a mistake I would have been comfortable saying so and taking the blame.”

From the top down an appraisal district is an insular organization by nature. Where at City Hall or the County Courthouse the City Council and County Commissioners respectively as the Board of Directors can get their hands around even the smallest minutia of the workings of the staff, much of what the staff at an Appraisal District does is so specialized, intricate and at the same time far reaching that even the most ardent Board member isn’t ever really sure how it all comes together.

The annual life cycle of The Nueces Appraisal District is simple; Re-assess the value of each piece of property in the county at least every two years, determine a cumulative value for all the property within the bounds of the each of the 32 overlapping taxing entities, produce a preliminary tax roll by April to present to each of the boards

Aransas had $20 million in new growth last year and this year had only $1 million? Well, it’s pretty dang hard to hear Chief Appraiser Ollie Grant tell it. It took him three months to figure it out and another two to admit it.

It turned out the Appraisal District numbers showed the median home value in town dropped 8% when it turned out to be an actual increase of 1%. Shouldn’t that have warranted a double-check?

The public response from the district managers when the first numbers were compiled in April was “the numbers always drop.” That must have been news to the legions of county property owners who saw their values rise. To make matters worse 10

To get to the bottom of this mess you must first know something about the people who caught 100% of the blame.

Nick Horak is a 2005 graduate of King High School whose title at the district was Information Systems Manager. His job to was make sure the software produced the correct numbers once the data was entered; not to enter the data - just fix computer software problems when they arose.

Horak’s demeanor is that of many IT experts, deliberate and precise. A well-spoken man who favors pressed shirts and sensible shoes. A solid person with a wife and daughter.

Morin graduated from Carol High School and started working in the district in 1985 and in 26 years had worked her way up to Manager of Taxpayer Services. She is a personable woman and her role was to deal with the public, answer requests filed under the Open Records Act, and deal with local charitable organizations seeking tax-exempt status. She has a daughter who is a sophomore in college and had hoped to retire in ten years. She did her job and her ambition was to one day be district’s first Hispanic Chief Appraiser.

She was the only female department head and she

Wh Rey May erro

D for ch

didn’t complain that her pay was lower than that of men in similar positions. She is the kind of boss most anyone in a public organization would like to work for.

Everyone agrees that the terrible miscalculations in the 2001 roll would not have happened if the district board hadn’t decided to spend an enormous amount of money on new computer software and if the managers hadn’t decided to install it during the busiest time of the year leading up to the finalizing of the tax roll. But they did.

The new software went live on March 15 and all the data from the old system had to be transferred to the new. On March 13 Morin had received a phone call from a man who lived in the City of Corpus Christi city limits who reported that he had discovered the amount of the Homestead Exemption on his home had somehow been mistakenly recorded at only half its value - it needed to be doubled to match that of last year.

The terrible miscalculations in the 2001 roll would not have happened if the district board hadn’t decided to spend an enormous amount of money on new computer software and if the managers hadn’t decided to install it during the busiest time of the year

the Plano company that sold the software to the district, had been using Morin’s computer to install software and Morin had been unable to log in. She says she told the man from True Automation whose name we will withhold for now - but she does not know if he fixed it or not. But as months went by and rumors and then published reports began to surface of grievous errors in the appraisal numbers she approached Grant and was assured the problem had nothing to do with her or her department.

The City Council was hopping mad that they had to go through the budget cutting gauntlet because of the Appraisal District’s error and it was clear someone’s head would have to roll.

Worried by press reports, Morin went to Grant several times and was reassured she nor her department was suspected. That continued until July 28 when she was told by Ollie Grant the problem had been traced to her computer and on August 5 as she picked up her paycheck she was called into Grant’s office and summarily fired.

Why couldn’t Assistant Chief Appraiser Jay Reynolds or Ollie Grant do the same thing Mayor Keith McMullin did? It was a glaring error but they didn’t see it when the Mayor of Port Aransas saw it immediately.

In the three days leading up to the software changeover an employee from True Automation,

“I didn’t even know how to change that in the

The 700 Million Dollar Fall Guys

computer,” she said. “I hadn’t been trained how to use the new software. I had been there 26 years and had never had any problems. If I thought I made a mistake I would have been comfortable saying so and taking the blame. When he first told me I thought ‘I don’t remember changing it’ then I realized I couldn’t have changed it - I didn’t know how. And under the system we had it wasn’t my job to change it. It was my job to tell someone in IT and they would change it.”

She had reported the problem with the man’s homestead exemption through channels and somehow the change got made but she since it wasn’t her job to do so, she doesn’t know who actually did it. But according to the district’s investigation it was done at her computer.

It turned out that when the under-reported homestead exemption for the single homeowner was doubled using the new computer software it triggered - accidently or by the software’s design is unknown - a doubling of the value of the homestead exemption for every eligible home in the City of Corpus Christi to the tune of $700 million dollars!

According to those inside the district the problem was discovered in early May and on May 13 Horak was informed of the problem and fixed the software to correct it. In late July, after the council had learned of the problem and someone had to take the fall, he was called in and told that it had been determined that on May 13 he had corrected the problem.

Debra Morin, a district employee for 26 years who hoped to become chief appraiser was Manager of Taxpayer Services.

“I said I don’t know if I corrected it or not,” Horak said. “I fix stuff like that all the time. That’s what I do, I fix problems.”

Then in early August he went on vacation to California and had his phone turned off. When he returned and got off the airplane he turned on his phone and found a voice mail from Ollie Grant which he saved and played for us.

I wish you all the luck, sir, and I’m sorry this happened but based on all the facts that (were) presented I have to terminate your employment, effective today, sir,” Grant says.

He had three days to appeal but appeal what?

No one alleged he caused the problem, only that the fixed it.

But then it got worse.

Port Aransas problems

Nick Horak, an IT expert who may have actually corrected the error was fired via voicemail upon returning from vacation.

11

While this was going on the preliminary tax roll had been sent to the City of Port Aransas and showed that Port A had a total of $1.5 million in new construction for the tax year 2011. As soon as Port Aransas Mayor Keith McMullin saw that number he knew it was wrong. First of all the previous year’s new construction had been $20 million. And second McMullin who is a real estate Continued on next page

broker knew of a single new development that alone should have added at least $15 million to the roll.

sitting at her computer when the error that caused the problem was entered and they will name the software company employee who was.

“I immediately sent it back to the Appraisal District and told them it was wrong,” McMullin said. “They sent it right back and said no, it was correct.”

If that is the case and the suit never goes to trial then when the final chapter is written one person who didn’t cause the problem will be out of work, along with the person who fixed the problem, and we will never know if Ollie Grant or Jay Reynolds, the people ultimately responsible for the getting the tax roll right, actually looked at the faulty tax rolls before forwarding them to the cities of Corpus Christi and Port Aransas.

After two more futile tries McMullin finally decided to do their job for them.

He asked them for the addresses of all the new construction they had listed in Port Aransas.

“They sent back six address,” McMullin said. “I matched those against our construction permits and found another eleven pieces of new property that had a total value of about $20 million dollars.”

The error was potentially devastating to the Port Aransas budget because the way the tax law works all new construction in the past year is taken out of the equation when the tax rate for the following year is calculated. The reasoning is that since new construction means the city has to provide city services to the newly added property they should not have to burden last year’s tax roll to do it but rather simply apply the tax rate to the new property after the rate is calculated based on last year’s roll.

When he sent the correct numbers to the district the answer came back, “It’s a problem with the new software.”

The person who caused that problem was never identified, at least not publicly.

Morin went to a meeting of the District Board shortly after her firing to ask to be allowed to speak. Instead the board went into executive session to discuss her firing and she wasn’t allowed to hear the discussion.

The fallout When the dust finally settled the Chairwoman of the Appraisal District Sandy Billish resigned when she took a job with the Del Mar College citing a potential conflict of interest.

Grant said he would retire for health reasons within a year but as of this writing hasn’t filed any paperwork to that effect - at least not that we know of (one of the questions we would like to have asked him).

His Assistant Chief Appraiser Jay Reynolds has been suspended for reasons that, according to the district, are unrelated to these problems. However, he was suspended with pay, a move that those cynical of and wise to bureaucratic machinations might observe is a common way to buy silence until legal issues are resolved.

Morin and Horak have retained attorney Jon Brooks who asks a simple question: Why couldn’t (Suspended with pay Assistant Chief Appraiser) Jay Reynolds or Ollie Grant do the same thing Mayor Keith McMullin did? It was a glaring error but they didn’t see it when the Mayor of Port Aransas saw it immediately. If the computer software was bad that happens and should be fixed by next year, but why have them sign off on the certified tax roll if they aren’t going to look at it, and if they looked at it and didn’t see the problem why are they still there? Would they have signed off on it if it were zero?

Good questions all, and maybe they will be answered during discovery for the lawsuits that Horak and Morin have filed against the district. But based on what we hear from those working inside the district the chance of that suit ever being heard in open court are small. There are whispered stories of cover-ups of other problems, and illicit inter-office relationships that will prompt the district to settle before the case goes to trial.

For Horak the timing of his firing couldn’t have been worse. His wife and daughter were out of the country when he was fired and his mother in-law was to arrive any day from Peru to live with them. When asked how he was doing he said, “Not very well. I don’t know how I am going to support them.”

Morin went to a meeting of the District Board shortly after her firing to ask to be allowed to speak. Instead the board went into executive session to discuss personnel matters - her firing - and she wasn’t allowed to hear the discussion. Her request that the meeting be kept open fell on deaf ears.

She says she can produce several witnesses who will swear that she was not

We won’t know the history and to paraphrase the great CBS correspondent William L. Shirer, “Those who don’t know history are bound to repeat it.”

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Events Page

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October 21-23 51st annual Texas Jazz Festival at Heritage Park

Realm’s Con October 7-9 @ ABC Friday & Saturday: 10:00am-3:00am Sunday: 10:00am-6:00pm RealmsCon.Com

www.texasjazz-fest.org

Dia De Los Muertos Festival Islander Revue Music and Dance Extravaganza

Friday, October 28th 2011, 4 pm to midnight

* The Aurora Theatre Scenes from the Rocky Hor presents ror Show and Nunsense 6:30 - 7:30pm * Jazz Band Performa nce 7:309:00pm * Andrews Distributin g Cold Beer Samples * Grimaldi’s Pizza Sam ples lapalmera.com

On Starr Street downtown

TAMUCC Performing Arts Center

Live Music, Folklorico dancers, Crafts, hecho a mano art expo, kids crafts and games, community altar, Lucha Libre Tent

Benefitting Student Scholarships

diadelosmuertoscc.com

Friday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.

LIVE! at La Palmera,

October 20 | 6-8pm | Food Court Free entertainment and concert series featuring perfor mances by:

General admission $10.

Students $5 Tamucc.edu

Coastal Bend JayCees Haunted House is Back!

Oct 28-31

7PM-midnight $10 General Admission $25 Speed Pass Info at www.jccb.weebly.com

Wednesday October 19 5-8pm

Women’s Expo

Facebook/Jaycees Haunted House

Girls Night to Howl!

Fashion, costume contests, jewelry, booths @ Solomon Ortiz Center (Behind Whataburger Field) FREE ADMISSION FREE PARKING Call 361-883-1600 or thebeach965fm.com for info

Aurora Arts Theater Presents THe Rocky Horror Show! Every Friday & Saturday in October auroraartstheatre.com

Ziegfest 2011 October 22 @ Whataburger Field Reckless Kelly, Robert Earl Keen, Jack Ingram, Casey Donahew Band

RAIN

By Aletha Eyerman

T

he Beatles! Their music was the anthem of the 60s and no musical group has ever had such a transformative effect on popular music.

The Beatles’ evolving sound still provides something for everyone. The band’s music has remained a constant on our airwaves, and in our hearts, long since the group disintegrated in 1970.

You started studying music at the age of five, were an accomplished pianist at 13, founded the band and were the original keyboardist. Music seems to be your first love yet you’ve stepped away from playing and now focus on managing. RAIN has become huge, a worldwide success. Do you miss playing at all?

Fortunately, you can still experience the timeless sounds of The Beatles with RAIN. Once a southern California Beatles’ cover band playing bars, RAIN has morphed into a professional group, a full world tour included, presenting the evolution of The Beatles’ music on the big stage, Broadway-style.

The band became a Broadway show and we’ve been touring over the world.

After several decades it was just too difficult to manage and play and give it all the show deserved. I was ready to step aside and transition to management.

The band deserved it and needed my full attention as a manager.

And lucky for us, Corpus Christi, RAIN is coming to the American Bank Center in November! I had the opportunity to speak with one of RAIN’s original creators, Mark Lewis, to find out more.

Sometimes, we are at eight shows, six days a week. I miss it when I was doing it once or twice a week, but it was just too much trying to handle everything.

After so many years, how do you keep the show fresh?

Why The Beatles?

I remember the night The Beatles were on The Ed Sullivan Show. I was in another room, not even watching it. My mother came to get me when they came on and I was just blown away. I went to the record store next day after school, and bought the LP, Meet the Beetles. I was so impressed that they played their own songs, wrote their own music.

The music is so great that when you put it In front of a new audience, it is a new show. It is always fun and exciting and energetic. We are very lucky that we have the beetles catalog to choose from because there is so much authenticity to the music and maintaining the integrity of that music is a challenge. But we do it. New places, new faces... it is all very exciting. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

At that point, I wanted to be in a band. My father used to sing as a hobby, my mother played piano. My older sister spent her allowance on records. There was music in my home. When I was young I took piano lessons.

As a result of the overwhelming success that has come from RAIN, what is the coolest thing you’ve been able to do?

Satisfaction. I’ve always thought outside of the box, never had a “normal” job.

It is nice doing what you love, but… it is the satisfaction to see that this crazy dream had a light at the end of the tunnel. I get to do what I did as a kid, as an adult.

Tell me about RAIN. What can the audience expect?

A Trip to the 60s with The Beatles. A lot of stuff went on the 60s but the beetles were always there. They represent the time. The show takes you from the early days of rock n’ roll in the 50s (sociologically) and then there was the assassination of our president. Six weeks later these mop tops from England land and bring happiness with their music. Vietnam, all the craziness going on… then there was this great music.

The audience can expect stage production, lighting, changing sounds and the great music of The Beatles.

Experience what Beatlemania was all about! From Ed Sullivan to Abbey Raod!

RAIN covers the Fab Four from the earliest beginnings through the psychedelic late 60s and their long-haired hippie, hard-rocking rooftop days. RAIN is a multidimensional experience with historical footage and hilarious television commercials from the 1960s. RAIN will be at the American Bank Center on November 20th, so mark your calendar.

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Live Music Tonight

The Coastal Bend's Most Complete Live Music Calendar Compiled by Ronnie Narmour

Saturday, Oct. 1st Larry Joe Taylor @ Back Porch Mustang Elvis @ Hooks B-B-Q Susan Herndon & Tom Skinner @ Third Coast Theater Los Skarnales/Reely Rotnz @ Executive Surf Club Stoney LaRue/ Britt Lloyd Band @ Brewster Street Sol Tribe @ The Gaff Matt Wood @ Wildhorse Stuart Burns @ Coffee Waves Port A Spark in the Dark @ C-Bar Café Ruben Limas @ Island Italian

Sunday, Oct. 2nd Acoustic Jam w/ Van Blize @ Tarpon Ice House

Monday, Oct. 3rd Open Jam w/ Antone Perez @ Dr. Rockits

Tuesday, Oct. 4th Antone & the Atomic Blues Band @ Dr. Rockits Open Mic w/ Rev. Fred @ House of Rock Clarissa Serna @ Revolution Bar & Grill

Wednesday, Oct. 5th John Eric @ Pelican Lounge Ruben Limas @ Blackbeards

Thursday, Oct. 6th Battle of the Bands @ House of Rock Dirty River Boys @ Executive Surf Club

Friday, Oct. 7th Uncle Lucius @ Back Porch Ray T & the City Crew @ Flats Lounge Mama Tried @ Wildhorse Nancy Silva Project/Bar Nutz @ House of Rock Spazmatics @ Brewster Street Paul Renna @ Executive Surf Club Gary Moeller @ Coffee Waves Port A David Brown @ C-Bar Café Brian Winfrey @ Island Italian Justin Estes @ Scuttlebutts

Saturday, Oct. 8th The Drakes feat: Tom Gillam @ Back Porch Beltsander Races w/ Mama Tried @ The Gaff Texas A&M CC Bug Party @ House of Rock Sing-Along Piano Bar @ Brewster Street Carlton Pride and Mighty Zion @ Executive Surf Club C-Roots @ Coffee Waves Port A Get Off the Lawn @ C-Bar Café 5th Anniversary Party @ Flats Lounge CC Symphony Orchestra @ TAMUCC Performing Arts Center Fred Jarmon @ Blackbeards Too Ruben Limas @ Island Italian Bushbullit @ Cassidy’s Irish Pub

Sunday, Oct. 9th Veil of Maya/After the Burial/Misery Signals/Within the Ruins/I The Breather @ House of Rock

Monday, Oct. 10th Open Jam w/ Antone Perez @ Dr. Rockits

Tueday, Oct. 11th Open Mic w/ Rev. Fred @ House of Rock Clarissa Serna @ Revolution Bar and Grill

Live Music Tonight

Wednesday, Oct. 12th Flatbroke @ House of Rock Ruben Limas @ Blackbeards John Eric @ Pelicans Lounge

Thursday, Oct. 13th Battle of the Bands @ House of Rock Soul Struck @ Executive Surf Club

Friday, Oct. 14th Shirley Fischer & Russell Edge @ Sunset Sounds, Roberts Point Park Jerry Diaz & Hanna’s Reef @ Back Porch Ray T & the City Crew @ Flats Lounge Transistordale @ The Gaff Judas Priest/ Thin Lizzy/Black Label Society @ Concrete Street Jimi Hendrix Tribute Show: John Cortez/ Cathouse/Rockaholics @ House of Rock Bushbullit @ Executive Surf Club Another Level @ Brewster Street Get Off the Lawn @ Coffee Waves Port A Stuart Burns @ C-Bar Café Ruben Limas @ Blackbeards Brian Winfrey @ Island Italian Justin Estes @ Scuttlebutts

Saturday, Oct. 15th Jessie Dayton @ Back Porch Chuck Pyle @ Third Coast Theater Reggae Festival @ The Gaff DilloFest @ House of Rock Metal Shop @ Brewster Street Jon Cortez Band @ Executive Surf Club Stuart Burns @ Coffee Waves Port A Chad Martin @ C-Bar Café Fred Jarmon @ Blackbeards Too Ruben Limas @ Island Italian Sunday, Oct. 16th Hudson Falcons/The Booked/Jason & the Punk Necks @ House of Rock

3 Doors Down will play Concrete Street Amphitheater on October 29th

Monday, Oct. 17th

Saturday, Oct. 22nd

Friday, Oct. 28th

Open Jam w/ Antone Perez @ Dr. Rockits Black Dahlia Murder/All Shall Perish/ Cannabis Corpse @ House of Rock

Ziegfest @ Wataburger Field 51st Annual Texas Jazz Fest @ Heritage Park Dust Devils 9th Annual Coastal Bender @ Back Porch Jimmy Dasher @ Wildhorse John Steele Art Show @ House of Rock Matt Hole @ Executive Surf Club David Martinez @ Coffee Waves Port A C-Roots @ C-Bar Café Fred Jarmon @ Blackbeards Too Ruben Limas @ Island Italian Bushbullit @ Landry’s Seafood

Davin James @ Back Porch Ray T & the City Crew @ Flats Lounge Dia de los Muertos/ Sonidos del Bario @ House of Rock Five Card Draw @ Brewster Street Scarecrow People @ Executive Surf Club David Brown @ Coffee Waves Port A Stuart Burns @ C-Bar Café Ruben Limas @ Blackbeards Justin Estes @ Scuttlebutts Corpus Christi Live: Sean Jones @ TAMUCC Performing Arts Center

Tuesday, Oct. 18th Open Mic w/ Rev. Fred @ House of Rock Lionize/ Larry & His Flask @ House of Rock Clarissa Serna @ Revolution Bar and Grill

Wednesday, Oct. 19th Ruben Limas @ Blackbeards John Eric @ Pelicans Lounge

Sunday, Oct. 23rd

Thursday, Oct. 20th

51st Annual Texas Jazz Fest @ Heritage Park Corb Lund/ Pake Rossi @ House of Rock

TBA @ Back Porch Battle of the Bands @ House of Rock Wade Bowen @ Brewster Street Forty Pound Dog @ Executive Surf Club

Monday, Oct. 24th

Friday, Oct. 21st

Open Jam w/ Antone Perez @ Dr. Rockits

Shelley King @ Back Porch 51st Annual Texas Jazz Fest @ Heritage Park ZZ Top/ Lynard Skynard @ American Bank Center Ray T & the City Crew @ Flats Lounge Bush/Chevelle & the Filter/10 Years @ Concrete Street Lighter Ray @ Executive Surf Club Pictures @ Brewster Street Spark in the Dark @ Coffee Waves Port A Gary Moeller @ C-Bar Café Ruben Limas @ Blackbeards Brian Winfrey @ Island Italian Justin Estes @ Scuttlebutts Hilda Lamas @ Mug Room

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Tuesday, Oct. 5th Antone & the Atomic Blues Band @ Dr. Rockits Open Mic w/ Rev. Fred @ House of Rock Clarissa Serna @ Revolution Bar and Grill

Wednesday, Oct. 26th HOBO @ House of Rock Ruben Limas @ Blackbeards Chris Tomlin @ Salina Auditorium John Eric @ Pelicans Lounge

Thursday, Oct. 27th Ruben and Amber @ House of Rock William Clark Green @ Executive Surf Club

Saturday, Oct. 29th Costume Contest w/Cruise Control @ Back Porch 3 Doors Down/Theory of a Deadman/Pop Evil @ Concrete Street Zombie Prom @ House of Rock Le Freak @ Brewster Street Stuart Burns @ Coffee Waves Port A Acoustic Breeze @ C-Bar Café Fred Jarmon @ Blackbeards Too

Sunday, Oct. 30th Turkey Bowl @ Back Porch

Monday, HALLOWEEN Open Jam w/ Antone Perez @ Dr. Rockits

Wednesday, Nov. 2nd Lady Antebellum @ American Bank Center

Friday, Nov. 4th Ray T & the City Crew @ Flats Lounge Gary Moeller @ Coffee Waves Port A C-Roots @ C-Bar Café

The

Canvas

Exposing Local Artists…

By Georgia Griffin

Zulia Gotay de Anderson Zulia Gotay de Anderson signs her paintings very simply, “Gotay”. At first, her paintings also seem simple, yet as you spend time with them you find that each vibrant gem has a resonant voice.

models. Every Wednesday from 10 to 1 we paint with models, you know, anyone we can get. We want interesting people that we can paint, like that guy was so neat, I love that one… All of these people I painted there – that’s the way I practice, but then I paint from my imagination.”

Zulia’s work can be found in many magazines and the occasional book, including the Realidades junior high school Spanish text book series from Prentice Hall which has students writing about and discussing “Important artists and their work: Pablo Picaso, Antonio M. Ruiz, Zulia Gotay de Anderson, Fernando Botero, Diego Rivera, Salvador Dali” – that’s some mighty fine company to keep! Zulia has also been listed in the 31st Edition of Who’s Who in American Art out this year.

In her Artist Statement she says, “Painting from what I remember or imagine allows me to change things as I need to. This lets me concentrate on what I like: the arrangement of colors, the composition of shapes, the challenge of design.”

“I always did art. When I was small I always did figures, with clay, matches, dirt, sticks, shells… I did a lot of shells when I was young, at school shows, because I didn’t have any other materials. In college I majored in art for the BA (College of Sacred Heart, Santurce, Puerto Rico Instituto de Cultura de Puerto Rico). I studied some in Denver, and then I went to New Mexico, and I took my Masters in Art Education there (University of New Mexico, at Albuquerque).”

Elaborating further, Zulia says “I decide I want to do like a woman in the river, for example, and I start composing shapes and then the background that I want. Sometimes I just start painting, but usually I work mainly on the canvas with charcoal, because then I can erase and change. And I like charcoal because sometimes when I don’t have any idea I just squiggle something… flip it over, and over and then “oh, I like this shape” and work from there.”

“This is another thing that I do, little towns, but mainly New Mexico towns. I have so much fun doing those because it’s like little stories. You know in Spanish we like to have a story in the paintings, so I start putting every house, and a little thing in every house… and a New Mexico style is a lot of little balls, the clouds are little balls, the trees are like little balls, I like doing that. Sometimes I try different things… I like working in different colors, like “People of the Earth” I like that with all the browns. Rarely do I mix colors.

I like to use it almost directly from the tube. I hate to mix, like the red. If I mix it, I only put yellow, because if not they die, you know? I never can get the red that I want back if I do that.”

“My husband and I used to travel a lot; we moved every six months all around the United States for his work, so I would go to classes, college classes, whatever, always taking classes, I’ve been studying all my life. I started painting when I was studying in Puerto Rico, and then I had my masters in art education so I was a teacher. I started painting full time when my husband decided to do this job traveling around consulting. That’s when I started painting full time, and it makes a difference when you paint full time.”

Zulia says her goal is to paint happy pieces. She loves to paint works that relate to the nurturing gentle side of women: mothers with young children, grandmothers reading to their grandchild(ren), and young women just enjoying the simple things in life, a bowl of mangos, perhaps… there are other images too, a fisherman repairing his net, the winding roads of an imaginary pueblo… almost all of Zulia’s works come from her rich imagination.

Locally Zulia has a strong relationship with the St Charles Gallery, and a friendship with Lisa Baer Frederick over at the Estelle Stair Gallery, both in Rockport, TX. I am honored to have been given the time to visit with Zulia because she’s in the middle of preparing for two show in Tucson, AZ – both affiliated with the Jane Hamilton Fine Art Gallery. In fact, as she takes me through her studio and storage room, she pauses here and there to consider the recent pieces she may choose to send to the gallery.

Zulia’s work draws us in; that seeming simplicity making us pause, draw our breath more slowly, and soak up the gently uplifting mood she evokes using a riot of color.

One might think such color choices would be far too energizing for the mood she’s after, and yet, her touch is right on target.

As she picks amongst her many works for the Arizona shows Zulia also shows me several portrait studies. “We go every Wednesday to the Art Center and paint from

Keep your eyes on the local show listings, because the happy warmth of Zulia’s work is not to be missed!

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415 D Corpu 361.8 KSpac Hours Wed-S Free A Main G Exhibit Juror, Works Erick S Noctu 2Nd P 3Rd P 4Th P Honor Honor

Art St Collec

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Art Scene

A Few Items Of Note For October K Space Contemporary

Treehouse Art Collective LLC

415 D Starr Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401 361.887.6834 KSpaceContemporary.org Hours: Wed-Sat 11a – 5p Free Admission Main Gallery: Third Coast National 5th Annual Exhibition Juror, Tony Magar Works on display through November 18th, 2011 Erick Schaudies Memorial Award For Best Of Show: Nocturne, Mira Gerard 2Nd Place: Mother’s Recipe, Jane Honovich 3Rd Place: Figure, Jean Plough 4Th Place: Slice, Jonathan Whitfill Honorable Mention: Tonka Jet, Kurt Dyrhaug Honorable Mention: Swindler, Paul Valadez

309 North Water Street, Suite D Corpus Christi, TX 78401 361.882.4822 TreehouseArtCC.com Hours: Tue-Sat 11a – 8p Sunday Noon to 6p Free Admission Featured Artist: Victoria Vos (one of a kind, hand painted porcelain) Opening Reception First Friday, September 30th Works on display through October 30th You can also find the Treehouse Art Collective members participating in the First Saturday Marina Market Days at the Lawrence Street T-Head, October 1st from 9a to 4p

Art Star Gift Shop & Gallery: Gerald Lopez’ Mask Collection. Works on display through October 28th

1902 N. Shoreline Blvd Corpus Christi, TX 78401 Tel: 361.825.3500 Fax: 361.825.3520 STIA.org Hours: Tues - Sat 10a to 5p Sundays 1p to 5p Closed Mondays & Holidays Admission: Adults $6 Seniors (60 and older) $4 Active Military $4 Students (12+) $2 All members - Children under age 12 - Texas A&M University-CC students

Hot Spot: David Phillips’ “Natural Selection” Works on display through October 28th

Art Center of Corpus Christi 100 Shoreline Blvd Corpus Christi, TX 78401 Tel: 361.884.6406 Fax: 361.884.8836 ArtCenterCC.org Hours: 10a – 4p Everyday except Monday Monday CLOSED Admission is always FREE DIMENSION XXXIX Annual Juried Exhibition Juror: Ana Montoya, AnArte Gallery, San Antonio TX Exhibition on display starting October 1st, 2011 Artists’ Reception & Award Ceremony: Thursday, October 13th, 2011, 5p to 7p Works on display through October 30th Corpus Christi Reads: True Grit “True Grit” inspired events: Saturday, October 15th, 2011, 1p to 3:15p Works on display through October 30th A broad selection of classes, workshops and events are scheduled monthly at the Art Center – visit the website for further information, or call to request a copy of the schedule of classes!

South Texas Institute for the Arts

October 6th, 2011, from 10am - 5pm Lunch Amongst the Masters October 21st at Noon $1/Members, $20/Nonmembers RSVP by calling 361.825.3504 Guest curator of The Art of Caring: A look at Life Through Photography, Cynthia Goodman PhD, will speak about the exhibition. Catered lunch provided by Hester’s Café.

Brown Bag Lecture November 15th at Noon, in the Auditorium Free with Museum Admission – BYO lunch Archivist Jesenia Guerra from the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History will present a slide lecture “John Fred’k “Doc” McGregor: The Man Behind the Camera.”

Check the museum’s website event calendar for Moms& Tots and other events throughout the month.

Rockport Center for the Arts 902 Navigation Circle Rockport, Texas 78382 Tel: 361.729.5519 Fax: 361.729.3551 RockportArtCenter.com Hours: Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10a – 4p Sundays, 1p – 4p Closed Mondays Always Free Admission Shorelines 2nd Annual National Juried Exhibition Juror: Larry Felder, award- winning artist Presenter: Rene Paul Barilleaux, Chief Curator, McNay Art Museum, San Antonio Reception, Saturday, October 22nd, 5-7p Works on display September 15th through October 15th, 2011

The Art of Caring: A Look at Life Through Photography October 21st through December 31st 2011 Photographic exhibit depicting caring in every stage of life from birth through old age.

The Art of Work October 21st 2011 through January 15th 2012 Self-selected works of art by full time Art Department Faculty from Texas A&M University. Artists include Department Chair Jack Gron, Historian and Essayist for the Exhibit Dr. Carey Rote, Graphic Design Professor and brochure designer Amanda Garcia, and department members Greg Reuter, Barbra Riley, Louis Katz, Joe Peña, and Ryan O’Malley.

Coastal Bend JayCees Haunted House is Back!

Oct 28-31

7PM-midnight $10 General Admission $25 Speed Pass Info at www.jccb.weebly.com Facebook/Jaycees Haunted House

Free Day at the Art Museum

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Ziegfest 2011

Robert Earl Keen is one of country music’s most prolific writers and artists. He’s had his songs recorded

by George Strait, Lyle Lovett, Shawn Colvin, the Dixie Chicks and the Highwaymen (Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash & Kris Kristofferson); appeared in prestigious publications like Men’s Journal; performed on Late Night With Conan O’Brien and The Today Show; had Garth Brooks mention his music in one of his own songs, and played concert venues steadily for more than 20 years.

Ziefgest 2011 will be held at Whataburger Field on Saturday, October 22nd. The stellar line-up will include: Robert Earl Keen (10:10 PM) Jack Ingram (8:40 PM) (7:10 PM) Reckless Kelly (6:05 PM) Phillip Thomas (5:00 PM)

Jack Ingram started his music career singing at a friend’s bar near the Texas Christian University campus in Fort Worth. He then landed on the U.S. Country Top 40 charts in late 2005 with the song “Wherever You Are”, going all the way to #1—one of the first songs he recorded for his Big Machine record label. A chart regular ever since, he’s performed nationwide tours with Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn, Sheryl Crow, and many more, as well as at the Austin City Limits music festival multiple times, the Country Throwdown Tour, the Houston Rodeo, San Antonio Rodeo, and Austin Rodeo to name only a few. Ingram’s songs are authentic and cut straight to the heart, talking about life, love and all that goes with it. And it’s clear after talking to him for only a few minutes, that it’s no accident that he’s the same way.

The Casey Donahew band is comprised of Donahew (acoustic/electric/ vocals), J.J. Soto (lead guitar), TAZ (drums), Steve Stone (bass), Josh Moore (fiddle) and A.C. Copeland (keyboards). Donahew grew up in Burleson, south of Fort Worth, where he was active in rodeo and his father’s greyhound racing business. Donahew started playing local clubs just nine years ago. His latest release, Moving On (2009), debuted at No. 28 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and sold over 14,000 in five months. Always popular with the college-age crowd (his corner-turning 2007 show at Billy Bob’s Texas drew 3,500 without radio airplay), Donahew and mates perform over 200 shows a year. His everyman persona and remarkable ability to connect with fans make for entertaining and memorable performances.

Reckless Kelly is led by brothers Willy (vocals/guitar) and Cody Braun (vocals/fiddle/mandolin/harmonica). This alternative country-rock outfit formed in Bend, Oregon, before relocating to Austin, Texas, in October, 1996.

The Brauns had previously toured with their father in Muzzie Braun & the Boys, a Western swing band, and were joined in their own group by lead guitarist Casey Pollock, bassist Chris Schelske, and drummer Jay Nazz. The band played locally on historic Sixth Street in Austin. They turned a small bar & restaurant called Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar, into a noted music venue. From November 1996 through May 1998, they packed the place out with their infamous Monday night show. During this period other music venues in Austin invited them to play, including the Continental club, the Saxon pub, Stubb’s barbecue, and Antone’s Home of the Blues.

Phillip Thomas has opened for acts such as Mark Chestnut, Johnny Lee, Tracy Lawrence, Kevin Fowler, Johnny Cooper, and Reckless Kelly, just to name a few. Now at only 22 years of age, Phillip has finished his 2nd recording session along with the assistance of the fiery Texas rock band, Vallejo. Phillip’s first single to be released off the new LP is titled “Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay” and is a fun summer song written for all the party going fans throughout Texas and the Southwest.

Ziegfest Music Festivals are in their 9th year across Texas, and this is the second time the event has been held at Whataburger Field. The stadium is the home of the Texas League’s Corpus Christi Hooks, the Houston Astros Double-A affiliate. Ziegfest is also presented by Ziegen Bock Beer, K-99, the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Grande Communications. H-E-B is presenting sponsor of Ingram. General Admission tickets are $19 and are on sale through the end of September at the Whataburger Field box office or by calling 361561-4665 (HOOK). Individual tickets will increase to $25 each on October 1. 18

It’s not the oldest bar in Port Aransas but it IS the coldest. Always entertaining, The Flats is where the “locals” hang out. Pool, darts, juke box and live music on the weekends. It’s never too slow and it’s never too busy; get to know the bartenders by name, and you’ll never wait for a drink! Say hi to owners John and Lynda, and meet some new friends!

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Live Music

1030 3rd Street, Corpus Christi TX 78404 / Mon-Sat 7am to 2am Sun 12pm-2am / 361-882-0030

801 Tarpon, Port Aransas, TX 78373 Open 2pm to 2am Every Day! 361-749-1990

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Historic Vernon’s Bar is your home away from home. Come in for GREAT daily drink and lunch specials! We have live music every Wednesday night by local artists, games, and 15 BEERS ON TAP served ice cold so there’s something for everyone. Stop in for happy hour, or come watch the game or race. Always good people and great times!

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s e h c a Re

South Texas for the STARS South Texas Academic Rising Scholars (STARS) 2011 Corpus Christi STARS extravaganza will feature six time Grammy award winning trio, Lady Antebellum.

The group has self-titled double platinum debut album and a triple platinum second effort, Need You Now and Lady Antebellum’s third album, Own The Night has just been released.

The blockbuster show is scheduled for Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011 at The American Bank Center.

The STARS Student scholarship Fund depends on the support of corporate sponsors, foundations and individuals to achieve its goal of assisting promising South Texas students in attending the college or university of their choice. Because of the support given to STARS in 2010, they will be able to provide over 2 million dollars in scholarships for the coming academic year.

Since its inception, the STARS Student Scholarship Fund has assisted nearly 8,000 South Texas students obtain a higher education at the college or university of their choice.

STARS extravaganzas are held in Corpus Christi, Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley annually.

Each year, top entertainers are featured making this one of the premier events in South Texas.

This year’s headliner Lady Antebellum was formed in 2006 and consists of multiinstrumentalist and harmony singer Dave Haywood, co-lead singer Hillary Scott and co-lead singer Charles Kelly. Hillary and Charles met at a Nashville music spot and decided to try writing together. Charles and his high school musician friend and co-writer Dave Haywood were living with Charles’ brother Josh Kelly at the time.

Late night songwriting sessions with the new trio soon became the genesis through which they discovered the remarkable emotional effect that was created when Charles and Hillary’s vocals blended. With

Dave’s harmony and instrumental genius added to the mix the three young musicians realized that they had something special.

By 2007 the trio was signed by Capitol Nashville to a record deal and they started pouring out the hits starting with “Love Don’t Live Here” and “I Run To You.” The groups’ second album, Need You Now released in January of 2010 took the band to an even larger audience. To date the album has sold over five million copies and won five Grammy Awards.

“We never expected to be thrust into the international spotlight in the way that we were…from the success of just one song,” says Kelley. “It was six months or so after the album came out that we were finally able to go play overseas. When we got there, we were floored at the life that “Need You Now” had taken on. The power of that one song really changed the scope of our entire career at home and in all these places we had only dreamed of playing.”

The November 2nd show is sure to be a sell out so be sure to get your tickets early by calling 1-800-745-300 or online at www.ticketmasters. com To become a sponsor of the 2011 STARS extravaganza or for more information on the South Texas Academic Rising Scholars Organization, please contact STARS at info@southtexasstars.org or visit their website at www.southtexasstars.org STARS: Making Wishes Come True This scholarship program was founded as a

grass-roots organization in October 2002 by Chairman Joe LaMantia Jr., of L&F Distributors and has been dedicated to providing successful futures for local students in South Texas. STARS assists students in any level of their college career, whether one is trying to accomplish an Associates Degree, Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree, or a Doctoral Degree.

Making STARS Mission Possible The two businesses which run the show for the success of STARS are L&F Distributors and Anheuser-Busch/InBev. Because most expenses are underwritten by these businesses, STARS is able to make sure that 100 percent of every dollar donated to the organization is used for student scholarships. From mom and pop businesses to major companies, STARS has seen an impressive amount of support from all aspects of the community. A few of their proud and prominent supporters are Valero, Ed Hicks Imports, and the Corpus Christi Hooks.

In response, STARS has been working thoroughly every year to raise funds through its sponsored events in the Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, and Corpus Christi where businesses, organizations, and individuals are enlisted to support the STARS Extravaganzas.

Supporting STARS comes with perks other than investing in the lives of future leaders.

Sponsors receive VIP privileges which include a white linen dinner, a live and silent auction, and musical entertainment by top performers during the annual Extravaganza along with year round media exposure.

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STARS not only has strong supporters, but strong partnerships with area colleges and universities which maximize their funds through the Matching Funds Program. These partnering schools match contributions from STARS to the students from that particular school which are awarded annually for the fall and spring semesters.

Texas A&M University in College Station, A&M Kingsville, Texas State University in San Marcos, and University of Texas at San Antonio are just a few of the partnering schools that have allowed STARS to maximize its funds and positively impact the coastal bend community.

While the supporters and partnering schools make up for most of the success in the organization, STARS would not continue in success without its dedicated and diverse Board of Directors. Governed by a small group of people headquartered in McAllen, STARS remains dedicated to its goal of making sure no deserving student is left in the cold. To guarantee this, the Board of Directors is geographically diverse with staff located in Irving, Laredo, McAllen, and Corpus Christi making sure that all of South Texas is represented equally and properly.

Impacting the Coastal Bend There is no question that STARS has had an impact on the coastal bend. In an area where the community is predominantly Hispanic and relatively young, the region’s educational attainment and personal income are considered below state average. However, there has been a considerable increase rate of college attendance in recent years.

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Dining Guide LOS CABOS

Cafe & Cantina Authentic Mexican Cuisine Los Cabos Cafe & Cantina in Flour Bluff serves authentic Mexican cuisine made from the freshest ingredients. We have an outdoor patio (smoking allowed) and a full bar.

Live entertainment Thursday through Sunday.

15% discount for seniors and military with proper ID. Kids Eat Free!

939-8300 Phone 939-8302 FAX 9601 S.P.I.D.

With 30+ years of German baking experience and tradition in Germany, owners Juergen & Brigitte Kazenmayer have brought the original tastes, aromas and joys of German breads, pastries, pies and cakes to Corpus Christi, Texas. Committed to maintaining the highest German standard, every product is handmade following age-old German traditions and recipes. There are no short-cuts at JB’s. Every product is made from scratch. We want you to experience the best of Germany in Texas 15137 S.P.I.D. On the Island 361-949-5474 Open Tues - Sat 7 am - 7 pm Sunday 8 am - 6 pm

Taste The Difference!

The Gourmet Pizza Our famous Padre Pizza dough is handmade daily. Our sauces are created from the freshest tomatoes and seasoned with our own Chef’s blend of natural herbs and spices.

Our lasagna made from scratch daily is the most tasty and delicious you will ever try, and our salad selections are prepared to order using the freshest produce available.

14993 SPID On the Island 949-0787

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Intracoastal Waterfront Dining Casual Full service restaurant and bar • • Amazing sunsets • Scenic view of boats, barges and wildlife • Live music nightly by local artists • Large “sea-level” patio for parties and events

361.949.6744 Open Daily 11AM

Located on Padre Island Under the JFK Bridge 13309 S. Padre Island Dr. www.docsseafoodandsteaks.com Like us on Facebook

Town & Country Cafe has great breakfast and lunch specials every day, offering great food at a fair price. Town & Country Cafe is a great location for business meetings and client luncheons and there is no charge for the use of the meeting room.

4228 South Alameda Corpus Christi, TX 78412

(361) 992-0360 Locally Owned and Operated

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Dining Guide

Live Music ● Art Shows

Coffee Waves Port A 1007 State Hwy 361 Port Aransas 361-749-0825 Open 6am-Midnight

Buy One Gelato Get One Free!

Only in Port A

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C Bar offers organic gourmet coffees, artisan level espresso, fresh-baked pastries, assorted panini sandwiches, frozen fruit smoothies and gelato. In addition to CoffeeWaves’ popular menu, C Bar has a full premium bar featuring microbrewery beer, an extensive wine list and super premium liquor.

Taking advantage of this unique combination, C Bar serves fresh fruit gelato daiquiris and piña coladas and coffee Bailey’s with gelato. C Bar’s signature drink? Martini Floats!

361-749-0704 165 Social Circle in Cinnamon Shore 5009 Hwy 361in Port Aransas

Vernon’s Bar and Grill is a landmark breakfast and lunch destination downtown, and we even deliver! Daily lunch specials Monday - Friday will keep you coming back. Our breakfast tacos are FANTASTIC and you won’t order from anywhere else after you’ve tried them. Kitchen is open late night Thursday - Saturday. Great food, ice cold beer, and GREAT times!

1030 3rd Street, Corpus Christi TX 78404 Mon-Sat 7am to 2am, Sun 12pm-2am

361-882-0030

Snoopy’s and Scoopy’s Snoopy’s Pier was literally a product of the Redfish Wars, a battle over commercial fishing rights in Texas. Ernie Buttler realized the Redfish Wars signaled the beginning of the end of the commercial fishing industry in Texas. So Ernie decided to give up trying to catch fish and shrimp and start cooking them instead. In August 1980 Ernie and his wife, Corliss, purchased a small bait stand and burger joint with a fishing pier on the Intracoastal Waterway. Over time, the place was transformed with a lot of hard work and patience into a family-friendly seafood restaurant. Special attention is given to providing local harvested quality seafood at affordable prices.

Scoopy’s was opened by Ernie’s wife and features home made soups, salads and sandwiches using only Texas products. Scoopy’s is proud of their shrimp salad, known by locals as the best in town.

They also have great house made desserts and ice cream by the scoop.

13313 S.P.I.D. · Corpus Christi (361) 949-8815 · snoopyspier.com

Tango Tea Room Yin Yang Fandango & Tango Tea Room The Tango Tea Room brings a taste of Austin to Downtown Corpus. Tango serves a variety of Mediterranean and world cuisine, including some of the best vegetarian and vegan fare you can find in Corpus. We also specialize in vegan and gluten-free desserts, cupcakes and muffins. Come on down and get your hippie on!

505 S. Water Street in downtown Corpus Christi.

361-883-9123 Tangofandango.com 10-7 Monday through Thursday 10-9 Friday & Saturday 11-6 Sunday

949-7737 � 15370 SPID- On the Island Located on Padre Island, Island Italian has been serving the community since 1987. A family friendly restaurant, Island Italian also serves beer and wine and is available for private parties of up to 53 people. Flat screen TV and DVD / VHS for meetings. Delivery on Padre Island after 5pm.

Daily Lunch and Dinner Specials.

Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday 11am to 9:30pm Saturday 10am to 10pm Sunday 5pm to 9:30pm

Located at Ennis Joslin & Ocean Drive Featuring a buffet seven days a week, twice daily.

Dine-in amenities include Big Screen TVs, Free WiFi, Daily Beer Specials, Texas A&M Sand Dollars accepted.

Military Appreciation on Tuesdays.

Visit pizzastate.com for daily specials and online coupons. College Student and Senior Discounts.

6133 S. Alameda, Corpus Christi Tx 78412 (361) 993-3283

d o o f a e S t a e r G and Burgers All you can eat shrimp Wednesdays are back!

Thursdays Prime Rib with Twice Baked Potato

Libations Amusements 18 Holes of Miniature Golf

Open 11 am - 2 am Kitchen Closes @ 1 am

One Bite & You’re Hooked

2034 State Highway 361

361 749- Taco (8226)

It Takes Tea To Tango

Real, Satisfying food prepared just for you from fresh ingredients

Tango Tea Room 505 South Water Street 361-883-9123

Huge Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten-Free Friendly Menu Fresh Non-veg stuff too.

Ice Cold Drinks Smoothies Flavored Teas Milkshakes And other cool treats

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KEDT Classic Brew @ Museum of Science & History

Photos Courtesy of

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an evening for women!

WOMEN’S EXPO FALL 2011

Runway Fashions jewelry Bring this ad & Register to shoes & accessories booths Costume Contest food & drinks

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19TH 5:00PM - 8:00PM SOLOMON ORTIZ CENTER 402 HARBOR DRIVE (BEHIND WHATABURGER FIELD) CORPUS CHRISTI TX FREE ADMISSION FREE PARKING

HEAD to TOE WOMEN’S EXPO

Brought to you by

GIRLS NIGHT TO HOWL! For info call (361) 883.1600 or check out thebeach965fm.com

Fashion’s Night Out @ La Palmera Mall

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Corpus Christi Symphony Melodies in the Moonlight

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Craft Training Center Coastal Bend Employers Need People Trained in the Following Trades IMMEDIATELY!

Welding Pipefitting Instrument Fitting Crane Operations Industrial Painting Scaffold Building Field Safety / Safety Tech The Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend works with local employers to ensure they have the skilled workers they need.

You can have a rewarding, high-paying career and be in high demand for years to come.

Find out how Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend can help you achieve your goals.

Call today or visit www.ctccb.org

Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend 7433 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, TX 78409 (361) 289-1636 Toll Free: (866) 237-5455

Welding Night Classes at Ingleside ISD beginning Spring 2011.

Call CTC for details.

PARADISE P LIMOUSINES Welcome to Luxury in Paradise!

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The only Limousine Service located on Padre Island Serving Corpus Christi, Padre Island, Port Aransas and Surrounding Areas

Carpet Cleaning

Embroidery/Monograms

Available for any and all occasions

SisterChicks

Embroidery-Monograms

The best prices in the area for your Embroidery & Monogram needs No minimums !

Party Rentals to Port A and Corpus Leave the driving to us

Call SisterChicks @ 361-853-3240

King Service Cleaning Window Cleaning Service

(361) 949-1161 (361) 877-LIMO (5466) www.ccparadiselimos.com

Commercial, Residential & New Construction Clean-Up

15201 S. Padre Island Dr. Suite 250 Corpus Christi, TX 78418

Free Estimates 25 percent off for first time customers!

We do windows... inside, outside, screens, sills, paint removal, and up to 4 stories' worth of work.

The Sewing Ladies & Clothing Resale 720 Dallas • Portland 361.643.5512

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855-NEC-RD4U | www.necretail.com NEC Retail is a division of Nueces Electric Cooperative. You do not have to buy NEC Retail’s products to continue to receive quality distribution services from Nueces Electric Cooperative.