STEAM Magazine South Texas Entertainment Art Music volume 1 issue 5 August 2012

5 ue Is s l.1 Vo 20 12 Au gu st

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STEAM Guitar Guitar Giveaway!

Giveaway!

Blood&Glory!

Local Local MMA MMA Star Star Robert Robert Villegas Villegas

Inkslingers

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filmmakers, actors and crew –have a lot of fun in the name of local filmmaking Filmmaking teams had one week to make a short film from start to finish. The entire process must have occurred within that 7 days. The Official 7-Day Time Period for 2012 was from Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 6:30 PM to Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at 6:30 PM. The completed films will be screened at Harbor Playhouse on August 25, 2012. The screening will be followed by an awards presentation and afterparty for the best films and performances. The Awards and Afterparty will occur at House The Corpus Christi Film So- of Rock on August 25, 2012 folciety kicked off the 7 Day lowing the screening. House of Film Challenge last month Rock is located at 511 Starr St. and I was lucky enough to work on one of the teams. I was lucky enough to help out on a film directed by Madeline The Corpus Christi 7-Day Schmidt and starring Adam FIlm Project (CC7D) is an Elliff. The filming was done annual filmmaking competi- by Max Cole a Comm. Major tion/screening celebrating its at TAMUCC. Max used a Canfifth year. It was designed to: non 7D and shot 24 frame per –celebrate area filmmakers, second at 1080p. I was surboth veterans and amateurs prised how professional ev–create an avenue for more eryone was and how much filmmaking activity in our area fun it was to create a film. I –boost the skill set and create can’t wait for the screenings resume experience for local and afterparty in August.

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FILM

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Mathis

Turn It Up-14

Faust Brewery-11

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Writer – Shawn Blair Writer – Matthew Stuesser

Blood&Glory-20

Guitar-15 Cover by Sean Starwars

“It Came From The Bayou!” 09 6

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Joe Mack - 27

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E-Class-24

Rusty

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J Boss-12 STEAM Magazine is published monthly by STEAM Magazine South Texas Entertainment Art & Music in Corpus Christi, Texas. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Views expressed within are solely the authors and not of STEAM Magazine.

Typographical, photographic, and printing errors are unintentional and subject to correction. Please direct all inquiries: rusty@steamtx.com

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like Waylon Jennings and the rest of the Outlaws. Also shows about The Dukes of Hazzard, and numerous other CMT original programming shows.

You can listen to the song online by doing a Google search for “Forrest Lee Jr, I’m In Love With My Guitar”.

Both the instrumental and vocal versions are on the Cloud.

Writer’s Writer’s Block byby Forrest Forrest Lee Lee Jr Jr Welcome Back to Writers Block.

I couldn’t think of anything to say when I started writing this, guess I have writers block myself. So I’m going to randomly type ideas until I catch a hook for this article.

Let’s see, I wrote about my favorite writers, also about cowriting in past articles… what can I write about this time?

Hmmn… Ah, I got it… Noodling!

Spell checker won’t fix that word. But basically I’ll just noodle around the neck of my guitar until I stumble onto a riff or chord pattern I like. Then repeat the riff until I feel a melody around it. I write instrumental guitar music as well as traditional vocal songs. Once in a while one of my noodling sessions turns into a vocal song. Again, I try to record everything as soon as I have a basic outline, to my android or Pro Tools.

I started playing a riff in a country style in the key of A, and added the G chord picking each string in an arpeggio ascending pattern, and then added the D chord played the same way. Finishing with a swampy descending lick in A, and repeat…

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Music

After I came up with the whole song instrumentally, I recorded it in my studio. And suddenly the lyrics just happened to flow… its autobiographical writing.

Verse I got my first guitar, when I was two years old He’s born to be a guitar picker, daddy always told Now I’m all grown up, and when life gets me down I pick up my guitar, and my fingers go to town.

So you never know what can happen just by picking up a guitar and noodling around. I never expected this song to make any money and I was pleasantly surprised to hear it while watching a TV show.

By: Forrest Lee Jr. Producer, singer/songwriter Forrest Lee Jr is a singer songwriter, guitarist and producer in Nashville, TN. He co-manages Loretta Lynn’s Coal Miners Daughter Recording Studio. His songs have been released by several recording artists, and used in hundreds of film and TV shows.

www.ForrestLee.com

Chorus It makes me feel better when I’m under the weather I pick until my fingers bleed, and then I pick some more She’s my one and only, she won’t ever leave me lonely And I know that she’ll never break my heart I’m in love with my guitar As you can see in the verse, I was more concerned about the rhyme in the second line, than to finish the line with “me”. It’s not always perfect grammatically, but it works.

Something that started as an instrumental has now been used for literally hundreds of TV music beds.

Many of them on CMT in specials about some of my musical heroes

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Backstage Legal

by Spencer Breunig, Esq. I was digging through my collection of CDs the other day and I came across a few that had a “Parental Advisory Explicit Content” warning on the jacket. Perhaps I am dating myself, but I think we are all or mostly aware of what this is. Are CDs that out of date? Anyway. It got me thinking. What are the laws involved in the distribution of those warning labels? Who decides and what is their process?

The whole reason for my even wondering is because, as I hope everybody reading this knows, we are guaranteed a freedom of speech by the First Amendment to the Constitution.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Audio recording had not been invented in the 1790s, so no mention is made of recorded speech, but speech is speech nonetheless, regardless of the medium through which it is dis-

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tributed, and audio recordings are protected just as every form of communication, including this very production you are reading at this moment in time.

Why then must some albums display warnings that their content is explicit?

Why, for that matter, do certain words get “bleeped” on the radio or on TV?

pressing political views or ideas.

This includes over the radio, on film, audio recording, print, etc.

When it comes to private viewing, (the examples being the rating system for movies and the “Explicit Content” warning on CDs), the reason for legality is simple: the censorship occurs in the private sector. Parents can let their kids watch R-rated movies and listen to albums with explicit lyrics all they want, and record and movie companies are perfectly free to put anything they want in the products. The only restriction is that the producers of this media must tell the customer what he or she is watching and/or listening to.

Public censorship is legal when the medium is of a “spectrum scarcity,” such as broadcast radio and television, and is only in

place to protect the general public from “obscene, indecent, or profane language” on the radio.

Do we enjoy the full extent of the freedom guaranteed us under the First Amendment? One side of the coin is that, objectively speaking, we are able to pretty much say anything we want to say, regardless of the audience, with relatively few exceptions.

The other side of the coin is that there are exceptions to this general statement; and the First Amendment, see above, does not list those exceptions.

www.SpencerBreunig.com Spencer Breunig is a Texas licensed attorney.

The information contained in this article is not legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client privilege and you should consult with an attorney if you need legal advice.

It is such commonplace that, if you are like me, you rarely notice it, and even rarer are the times that you ask why it is the way that it is. Unfortunately, time and space restraints do not permit for the full scholarly analysis that this subject deserves. However, it is interesting to note that almost, if not every specific topic, from how the FCC monitors and censors the radio to how the MPAA decides what ratings to put on movies, has been fought over tooth-and-nail by interested parties, and decided by the supreme and appellate courts of this country. Generally speaking, courts have held that the First Amendment protects the sharing of ideas. In other words, you cannot legally be prevented, by the government, from ex-

Music

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LEARN IN-DESIGN

Isolation Booth Microphone Kama Sutra: Part Two Drums Before you start recording drums, it’s vital that you get a good drum sound. There are four factors involved in getting a good drum sound: having good drums with fresh heads, tuning them well, having a good sounding room to record them in, and most importantly, having a fantastic drummer with excellent timing and great technique. If you’ve got these essential elements it almost doesn’t matter where you place the mics; you’re going to get a great sound.

Once the drums are sounding great in the room, this is the mic placement I use in the studio as a starting point. First I walk around the room while the drummer is playing, and find that sweet spot where the kit sounds big, full, and balanced. I’ll place a stereo pair of condenser mics at that spot and go listen in the control room.

Next I’ll place two mics a few feet over the kit looking down at each side, equidistant away from the snare.

This keeps the snare drum in phase, as the sound waves from the snare will hit both overheads at the same time.

Then I’ll place a dynamic mic on the top of the snare to capture the crack and body of the drum, and a condenser mic on the bottom of the snare to capture the sizzle of the snare wires and blend the two to taste.

Next I’ll place a mic inside of the bass drum to capture the attack and fundamental frequency of the drum, and one a few inches outside

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the bass drum looking at the resonant head to capture a more realistic, balanced sound and blend the two together.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW!

I move to the toms next and place a dynamic mic on each tom, usually a couple inches away, perpendicular to the batter head. This placement keeps cymbal bleed to a minimum and gives more low end to the toms as the batter head and microphone capsule move in perfect sympathy.

Finally, if any element in the kit needs reinforcement I’ll give it it’s own microphone. In my experience it is usually the ride cymbal (in which case I’ll place a condenser mic looking up at the ride from underneath and flip the polarity on the preamp).

This is my starting point for drums that I modify depending on the genre, tempo, and sonic direction of the song. There’s a lot more that goes into capturing a good drum sound, but these techniques should provide a great foundation. Next month I’ll be discussing electric guitar and bass micing techniques.

By Mason Shirley—Record Producer

www.SoundMachineStudio.com

Entertainment

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The Amazing Bros.

My destination in Houston was the grandaddy of local music in Texas, The Continental Club off of Main St. for a The Ink Slinger’s Showcase & Picnic dubbed “It Came from the Bayou.” Printmakers from all over come running when Houston artist Carlos Hernandez calls. Carlos is one of Houston’s favorite artists who made Gig Posters for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Arcade Fire, Black Joe Lewis and many more. The Inkslinger lineup of artists included Outlaw Printmaker Sean Starwars, Corpus’ own Ryan O’Malley, The Amazing Hancock Brothers, Matt Rebholz & many more future stars.

When I walked in Carlos greeted me with a free poster printed with BBQ Sauce and an “It Came From The Bayou” original gig poster. Within 30 seconds of being there I was already heading to the car to put works of art in a safe place, a trip I made at least a dozen times. (The last Inkslinger’s Ball I left a Bill Fick poster behind.)

One of my favorite things about Corpus Christi is it’s proximity to great American cities like Houston and San Antonio. Last month I took a road trip to these Texas gems on a weekend just shy of the 4th of July. I started my trip Saturday morning driving to Houston first but not without a cup of joe with a shot of expresso from the downtown Coffee Waves. The road to Houston is a peaceful one around the coastal bend. It’s a little over a four hour drive but be careful I got pulled over doing 75 in a 70. Slow down, listen to some music and enjoy the view because the State Troopers are on the look out for speeders and folks not wearing a seatbelt.

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Art

Inkslinger’s Art Showcases are a wonderful opportunity for civilians to purchase fine art at very affordable prices. Printmakers are known for making their art accessible to the public, whether it’s by wheat pasting prints on public walls, printing on t-shirts or having affordable art fairs like these where it was hard to find a piece of work over $40. Yes

they make a little money at these events but probably just enough to cover materials and the travel to get there, more important to them is the chance to get together congregate and share work. I must say I’m quite addicted to these art fairs for it is endless fun to thumb through the works of some of todays most important artists. I have quite the collection since meeting O’Malley & Co. in 2011. I believe these works of art will be worth their weight (and the weight of the presses they were printed on) in gold one day.

The artists simply lay their prints across tables for people to search, and may be hang a few strategic prints and t-shirts behind them.

This style is done purposely so that it doesn’t have a gallery feel which can seem intimidating to some.

These artist prefer the more laid back approach of passing out free Lonestars and grooving to jams of DJ Psychedelic Sex Panther.

One of the beautiful things about printmaking is the ability to produce or pull multiple prints as opposed to a painting or sculpture which are usually one of a kind. Multiples are the main ingredient that make affordable art fairs possible. Some of the highlights of the night included the knighting of Carlos Hernandez

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417 Starr St

www.BurningBonePress.com

into the Dirty Printmakers of America by The Amazing Hancock Brothers, meeting and drinking beers with Sean Starwars who was kind enough to provide artwork for our August cover, hanging out at Sig’s Record Shop across the street, connecting with Houston AIG members who were more than happy to help Corpus start a chapter and hanging with all of the artists afterwards at some of Houston’s best live music venues.

After the showcase we all headed to Shoeshine Charley’s Big Top Lounge

www.SigsLagoon.com

drank more beer and watched The Mercy Brothers perform two amazing sets. We finished the night at The Continental Club where we were able to catch Yello Echo, a Houston trio lead by husband & wife Mani Nezami & Crystal Tolivar kick some serious jams. All in all it was a glorious night in Houston, one this Corpitan won’t soon forget.

SeanStarWars.com

Ryan O’Mally 10

ART

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Donnie B.

The next morning instead of driving back to Corpus I decided to meet some friends in the San Antonio area for some dinner and drinks. I met a friend in the white tail deer laden, Texas Hill Country town of New Braunfels.

Our destination that night was The Faust Hotel and Brewery. The hotel/ brewery is nestled in historic downtown New Braunfels and was recently voted #1 Hotel in the town. I immediately found out why when I ordered a flight of their handcrafted beers.

My favorite beer was the Bourbon Barrel Bacon Brown Ale, which went well with their whiskey soaked cherries. The Summer seasonal Holy Whit, a wheat beer made with Ginger and Honey was quite refreshing.

The Altered States German Altbier is a crowd favorite. The Dusseldorf-

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styled ale is the quintessential Altbier, attaining the duality of a light-bodied ale with dark, malty flavor and color.

I got a chance to meet and talk with the Master Brewer Ray Mitteldorf. A true beer gentleman Ray was nice enough to give me a tour of the brewery and taste/talk beer all night. A professional brew master with 12 years experience, Ray joined The Faust Brewing Company team to manage all aspects of the brewing operation. Mr. Mitteldorf brought with him his training from The Seibel Institute of Technology, as well as his experience at breweries such as The Yellow Rose Brewing Company of San Antonio, The Dodging Duck Brew Haus in Boerne, and The Houston Brewery. Ray was a proud brewer and even invited Corpus’ own BASH (Bay Area Society of Homebrewers) for a tour and tasting.

All the malt & hops made us hungry so we took to the beer inspired menu and found to our delight the Faust Brewery German Nachos. The nachos consisted of heaping house fried kettle potato chips smothered in a silky beer cheese sauce and topped with kraut and grilled juicy bratwurst.

They were the perfect compliment to the flight of beers we had and kept us sober enough to try one of their chipolte vodka bloody marys and a few of their party shots handcrafted by the barkeep Donnie “The Deutsch Dragon” Bachhoser. Donnie made sure we were good and drunk and ends every night with a little dance party.

My favorite thing about the brewery/ hotel is their motto “You Don’t Have To Go Home. You Can Stay Here!”

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www.FaustBrewing.co/

Entertainment

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J Boss: In The Game Game In the 2 years I have known Joe “J Boss” Aceves I have seen him rise from producing free shows at some of the smaller venues around town, to producing some of the most popular rap shows within Corpus Christi. During this time what has most impressed me about J Boss is his drive and desire to make a difference within his community and the love and support he has shown to his community’s youth. Not only is J Boss a credit to his community, the music he produces is far above the “typical” standard of rap. If you have not yet done so, please check out his music.

J Boss moved to San Patricio County after high school in 2005, and became one of South Texas’ hottest up and coming Rap artists. Although J Boss is relatively new to the “South Texas Rap Game,” he is already making a huge impact by opening up for many the most popular Texas artists. His first solo project dropped on Valentine’s Day 2012 and was titled “Tha Underboss” and is quickly selling in 4 countries and across the U.S, “Tha Underboss” album may be found on ITunes, cdbaby.com and all other major download sites. J Boss also

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By: Mathew Edward Stuesser

recently put together a mix tape for his label “Money Bosses Entertainment.” Be on the lookout for J Boss as he climbs to the top.

M: What got you started rapping?

J: I recorded my first song for fun back when I was in 9th grade then never really got into doing music seriously until I started doing music with my bro Speck-T back in 2010 and since then it’s been on.

M: Who are your influences?

J: I don’t really have influencs, for me it’s more about motivation and that motivation is my family.

M: What was your favorite show to perform at?

J: My favorite show was for my “Tha Underboss” album release party for at Club Toxic when we opened up for Hurricane Chris.

M: What was your favorite show to produce?

J: I would have to say when we brought Devin the Dude to Club Toxic that was a good show all the way around, it also was one of my favorites to perform at.

M: Where can we find your music?

J: You can find download of our music on Itunes,Cdbaby.com, and any other major download site, just

MUSIC

Google J Boss “Tha Underboss” and www.reverbnation.com/therealjboss M: Do you have any shows coming up?

J: Always have shows coming up it never stops, just keep your eyes and ears open. You can get updates at facebook.com/moneybossesent and reverbnation.com/ therealjboss M: Do you have any videos that we can watch posted somewhere?

J: Yes the latest one I show is for a song on my album called “On My Own” directed and edited by Mathew Stuesser, and also the one me Speck-T and Soop did for the “G Pass” directed and edited

by Blockbleedaz. I want to give a big shout out to both of them for the time and work on the videos.

M: Where can you be contacted for bookings?

J: moneybossesent@gmail.com or call me at 361-534-2348.

M: Do you do other things besides rapping that you would like to talk about?

J: I’m a homebody and a family man so if I’m not doing stuff related to music then I’m at home with the family or doing something with them.

M: What is Money Bosses Ent.?

J: Money Bosses Ent is a label that my brother Money Ray (who is now incarcerated) and I started; I keep it moving for him. Free Money Ray! The label also consists of Speck-T, Rilla, Tasha Love, DJ Hurricane, and Soop which is pretty much an All Star Team.

M: I know that you do a lot for your community, what are some of your current projects?

J: Well as of right now I’m coaching youth football again, for the 2nd year in a row, and other then that I’ve done lots of things to help out in the community, from free events for the youth to cancer benefits.

M: What’s next from J Boss J: As of right now I’m working on a new mix tape titled “A Bosses Life,” it will feature some of the hottest artist in the 361, be on the lookout for that but for now you can hit me up for cd orders for my album “Tha Underboss” and the mix tape called “Welcome To San Pat” at

MoneyBossesent@gmail.com

Inteview By Matthew Stuesser

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into the business of touring and the effects it has on one man’s life at a time when music ruled, when the music business was played by ear, with the band that became the most iconic American band in history – LYNYRD SKYNYRD.

CD Review By Shawn Blair

A MUST READ FOR ALL MUSIC LOVERS, FOR ALL HISTORY BUFFS, FOR EVERYONE!

Cupid’s Victim Pericardial Kevlar Cupid’s Victim Makes Kevlar Sexy… I really don’t know what to say about this Corpus Christi band.

Well, I should rephrase that—I don’t know what not to say. I start the first track of their Pericardial Kevlar EP, and think to myself “Okay, standard guitar riffs… this is alright I guess.” Then, fifteen seconds in, female vocalist Tamara Gamez starts singing. I was not expecting that voice and it got my attention. With the female vocals you’ll of course say they have a Paramore or Evanescence sound, but I have to admit that the rest of the band really throws in some solid riffs, tempo changes, and double bass pedal rhythms that give a sound more like Flyleaf or Spit, and even a Muse-y intro to “Patchwork Heart.” I can only list so many other bands before I admit (which I rarely do) that this band might actually have an original sound. Just listen to “Shoebox” and you’ll see what I mean. It’s so powerful, but so playful at the same time; it makes me think of juggling…daggers… that are on fire… on a merry-go-round.

If this is their studio sound then I need to see them live. Check this EP out for some good indie rock.

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Book Review

There is only one band whose songs are still in heavy rotation on radio stations throughout the world 38 years after they were released.

And there is only one man that witnessed their meteoric rise to international stardom and has the talent to tell the world what it was like.

Join former tour manager Ron Eckerman in the mid 1970s as he experiences the phenomenal rise of America’s favorite band, the band that defined Southern Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Ron Eckerman has the incredible ability to transport the readers to another day, another time, another world, and places them in the middle of the music scene of the 1970s. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the wild days of the music business and see what happened behind the scenes with major rock acts… if you’ve ever wanted to see what the toll is on a person’s life… if you’ve ever been curious about the tragic plane crash that took the life of one of the world’s greatest performers and lyricists… then this is the book for you. It’s a rare glimpse

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ron Eckerman was an early pioneer in the concert industry. In 1973 he began producing concert tours and created a concert lighting and tour management company, Clearlight Enterprises. The organization toured with the top bands of the era: Fleetwood Mac, Peter Frampton, WAR, Willie Nelson, Humble Pie, Foghat, Alvin Lee and Ten Years After, Trapeze, Montrose, Gary Wright, Waylon Jennings, and many others.

azon, Barnes and Nobles, BooksA-Million, and most online booksellers, and is on bookstore shelves throughout the country. It is also available in the United Kingdom and Europe, and will soon be available in Australia, to contact the author roneckerman@turnitupbook. com. For personal appearances and book signings contact Michelle Hershey at mmhershey@gmail.com.

To purchase his book go to Ron’s website:

www.turnitup.com

In 1976 he took on the challenge of managing Lynyrd Skynyrd tours and witnessed and participated in their phenomenal rise to international fame. The experience was cut short by the tragic plane crash in October of 1977 which took the lives of singer and lyricist Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist/songwriter Steve Gaines, back-up singer Cassie Gaines, and assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick.

After recovering from the plane crash that put an end to the original band, Eckerman produced in television, film, and stage, and taught theater for a number of years. In recent years, he has been writing short stories, technical manuscripts, and financial newsletters, and now writes full time when not promoting and marketing his current book or making personal appearances.

Turn It Up! Turn It Up; released in October of 2011. It is approximately 375 pages, the book is available at Am-

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Things To Do An touring comedians Thursday – Sunday!

Entertainment The King’s Showcase II Friday August 17 begins at 1 PM Trevino Ranch (FM 772 & CR 1055) Ricardo TX Vendors and Art Exhibits! All Ages welcome!

2 stages and 20 musical performances!

For more information: www.theoldfolkhouse.com Hooks Baseball Games Whataburger Field, Corpus Christi Home Games: Daily August 1& 2, 8-13, and July 21-27. Games are daily. Weekday and Saturday games begin at 7:05 pm and Sunday games begin at 1:05 pm, unless otherwise noted.

Hooks Friday Fireworks August 10 at 7:05 pm vs. Arkansas Travelers and August 24 at 7:05 pm vs. Midland Rock Hounds. Friday Fireworks are presented by Bud Light For more information on Hooks home games and promotional events please visit their website: corpuschristi.hooks.milb.com Summer 2012 Bay Jammin’ Concert Series – FREE! Every Thursday in August, 7:30pm–9:30pm Cole Park Amphitheater, Corpus Christi The City will showcase a variety of wonderful bands. Music will be live—in a variety of genre from rock, country, world beat, jazz, blues and much more. All these concerts are offered FREE for everyone, so bring your lawn chairs, blankets and enjoy this wonderful entertainment.

Comics Live! Comedy Club 1214 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi Corpus Christi's only home for live national

Bay Jammin’ Cinema Series – FREE! Every Friday in August at 7:30pm Cole Park Amphitheater, Corpus Christi This year’s lineup is full of action, adventure and laughter for all ages. Movies will be shown under the stars against our beautiful Corpus Christi bayfront every Friday evening beginning at dark. All films are closed captioned.

The movies are offered FREE for everyone, so bring your lawn chairs, blankets and enjoy this wonderful family entertainment.

CC Speedway The fastest ¼ mile asphalt track in Texas!

Gates open at 6pm and Racing at 8!

241 Flato Rd, Corpus Christi 4th Scout Night! - Texas Pro Sedans, Front Runners, Bombers, Super Streets, Sport Mods, Dwarf Cars 11th Enduro, Front Runners, Bombers, Super Streets, Sport Mods, Lone Star Legacys 25th Texas Pro Sedans, Front Runners, Bombers, Super Streets, Sport Mods Saxet Gun Show August 11 & 12, 9AM-6PM Richard M Borchard Fairgrounds, Robstown Come down to the Robstown Fairgrounds and enjoy the Saxet Gun Show. Buy, sell and trade your guns, knives, ammo, coins, militaria, cameras and more. Parking is free and admission is only $5.00 www.saxetshows.com South Texas Speedway The place to be on Saturday nights!

6701 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi 4th The Back to School Bash! Then catch Brandon Jenkins in the Turn 5 Bar! !

18th All Classes Racing and Kyle Bennet in the Turn 5 Bar! !

Concrete Street Concerts August 12 and September 1 Concrete Street Amphitheater, Corpus Christi

Creed is coming to Concret August 12th! The band wil 11X Platinum album, ‘Huma as well as other selected h are Adelita’s Way & Eve to Our Annual Labor Day by t September 1st! Randy Roge Turnpike Troubadours, & C

Bowl For Kids’ Sake - Big Fundraiser August 25, 10AM-5PM AMF Saratoga Lanes, 6116 Christi Bowl for Kids' Sake is abo kids. Funds raised go direc children with carefully-sc Brother and Big Sister vol sponsor, a bowler, or both!

Hurricane Alley Roller De August 18 Cancer Awarenes August 25 Brats Bout H.A.R.D. House, 3952 Leopar Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for 6:30 p.m. for general admis promptly at 7:00 p.m. For m check us out at: hurricanea

Blood & Glory MMA Event August 25 at 7:00 PM Richard M Borchard Fairgr Doors open at 6:00 pm, firs Tickets are $15 and availa tions and at the door. Robe Munoz, Roger Narvaez, Dan Audrey Alvarez, Patrick Y Danny Perez and Elias Gar the card as of print date).

361-387-9000

Wave Walkers at La Palmer August 28 La Palmera Mall, 5488 SPI The doors at La Palmera op come take a few laps aroun

nd Places To Go

te Street on Sunday, ll be performing it’s an Clay’ in its entirety hits! Supporting acts o Adam! the Bay show is back! ers Band, Stoney LaRue, Cody Johnson Band!

Brother Big Sister

Ayers St, Corpus

out having fun to help ctly toward matching creened, caring Big lunteers. You can be a !!

erby ss Bout

rd St., Corpus Christi r H.A.R.D. V.I.P., and ssion. Game begins more info you can also alleyrd.com/

rounds, Robstown st fight at 7:00 pm. able at all Rock’s locaert Villegas, Hector ny Slick, Chris Pecero, Ybarra, Dustin Adams, rcia (scheduled to be on For more information

ra Mall

ID, Corpus Christi pen daily at 6 a.m. so nd the mall and then

join fellow fitness fanatics in Center Court near the fountain for some bingo and refreshments. Wave Walkers is a free event held the last Tuesday of each month, 8-10 a.m.

Hurricane Alley Waterpark Open Daily 10am-6pm.

702 E Port Ave, Corpus Christi August 7th and 14th - Come swim under the stars while you’re watching the stars of the big screen during the Hurricane Alley Waterpark Summer Dive-In Movie Series! We’ll open the park up from 6PM – 10PM, and it will be buy one General Admission ticket and get one FREE (offer only valid for tickets purchased at the Main Gate the night of the movie)! The park will be fully operational for the entire night, and we’ll have a big screen set up on the Storm Surge stage. Visit our website for more information! hurricanalleycc.com U.S.S. Lexington Travel back in time aboard the famous U.S.S. Lexington. One afternoon will provide a humbling glimpse of what it’s like to live and serve aboard this marvel of the sea. www.visitcorpuschristi.com The Texas State Aquarium A day at the aquarium is a surefire way to keep your youngest explorers engaged and excited. www.visitcorpuschristi.com Padre Island National Seashore Be Covering 130,000 acres, this spectacular expanse remains home to the largest remaining natural barrier island in the world. www.visitcorpuschristi.com South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center Flamingo Fandango! a totally frivolous exhibit of 100-or-so innovatively-dressed pink plastic yard flamingos, designed by professional and amateur artists is on display through August 15. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information: 361-852-2100

As Compiled By Tamma Hicks Mustang Island State Park Families enjoy a serene environment at Mustang Island State Park. Fishing, bonfires, building sand castles and birding are popular pastimes at this great spot. Pack the kayak or rent one to enjoy the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail. www.visitcorpuschristi.com

art First Friday Artwalk Friday, August 3, 2012, 05:30pm - 09:00pm Downtown Corpus Christi ArtWalk is a self-guided tour of galleries, studios and gallery-for-an-evening venues in Downtown Corpus Christi held the first Friday of every month. Come join us for art, music, entertainment, refreshments and lots more. The event begins at 5:30 pm at La Retama Park with artist vendors and live music. Over 50 participating venues! www.artwalkcc.com.

K Space Contemporary Watered Down: the Ebb and Flow of It July 6 – August 24 415 D Starr Street, Corpus Christi Main Gallery: Watered Down: the Ebb and Flow of It. A national juried show of works based on the theme of water. kspacecontemporary.org/ Port Aransas Community Theater Annie 8 Performances only: August 2-5 and 9-12 2327 State Hwy 361, Port Aranasas A classic production of a family favorite, Annie! portaransascommunitytheater.com/ Continued...

More things to do art Ben Baily Art Gallery Imaganes de una Xicana August 1 – September 6 Texas A&M University – Kingsville Featuring selected works by renowned California-based Chicana artist Yreina D. Cervantez. Cervantez has more than 30 years of experience as a Chicano artist, community activist and scholar. The exhibit features a collection of her serigraphs, lithographs, linocuts, and color pencils.

For more information: 361-593-3401 Harbor Playhouse 9 to 5: The Musical July 13 – August 12 1 Bayfront Park, Corpus Christi 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. Outrageous, thoughtprovoking and even a little romantic, 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is about teaming up and taking care of business... it's about getting credit and getting even. www.harborplayhouse.com TREEHOUSE Art Collective John Zerr and Lisa Olsen August 3 – September 1 309 N Water Street, Ste D, Corpus Christi John Zerr’s work includes watercolor landscapes of the Coastal Bend, Padre and Mustang Islands, Colorado, Costa Rica, Panama and Europe. Lisa Olsen’s work includes acrylic painting of local water fowl and nature.

2012 CC7D SCREENING, AWARDS, & AFTERPARTY! August 25 Harbor Playhouse, 1 Bayfront Park, Corpus Christi The Venue at House of Rock, 511 Starr St, Corpus Christi The completed films will be screened at Harbor Playhouse on August 25, 2012. The screening will be followed by an awards presentation and afterparty for the best films and performances. The Awards and Afterparty will occur at House of Rock on August 25, 2012 following the screening.

House of Rock is located at 511 Starr St. Aurora Arts Theatre Alfred Hitchcock’s 39 Steps July 20 – September 1 5635 Everhart Rd., Corpus Christi, TX 78413 Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have this intriguing, thrilling, riotous, comedy! www.auroraartstheatre.com Art Museum of South Texas The Art Museum of South Texas is a wonderful place to tour during a leisurely afternoon around downtown Corpus Christi. www.visitcorpuschristi.com Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History Tour the oldest shipwreck that was found nearby in the Gulf of Mexico and share the adventures of early explorers as you stroll among treasures from word-famous shipwrecks. www.visitcorpuschristi.com

Ayers Event Center 3433 Ayers St, Corpus Christi Home of the Thursday Night Jam! Backwoods Saloon 1540 Sun Ray Rd, Ingleside, TX Live music every weekend!

Blue Marlin Saloon 3006 E Surfside Blvd, Corpus Christi Live music every weekend!

Brewster Street Ice House 1724 N. Tancahua, Corpus Christi brewsterstreeticehouse.com Cowgirls Saloon 1701 S Brahma Blvd, Kingsville The place to be in Kingsville!

Dr Rockit’s Blues Bar 709 N. Chaparral, Corpus Christi Featuring Live Music Every Night! Genres include Texas country, rock, reggae, and of course blues! drrockitsbluesbar.com Elements Lounge & Nightclub 4223 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi Come experience an upscale dual venue that will leave you speechless! ! !

Executive Surf Club 309 N. Water Street, Corpus Christi Live music and great food, what more could you ask for?! Coming in August on Friday Nights – 3rd Latin Talk; 10th – Lyrical Bynge; 17th – Cruise Control; and 24th – The Groove.

More places to The Office Club 2422 Rand Morgan, Corpus Christi Check out our ad on page 5!

Flanagan’s Downtown 417 Starr St., Corpus Christi Check out our ad!

Frontier Saloon 9709 Leopard Street Corpus Christi Check out our ad!

Garage Bar & Grill 15013 Northwest Blvd, Corpus Christi Thursday night poker; Country and Southern Rock on the weekends.

Happy Daze Hookah Lounge 201 N Woodlawn, Alice TX Entertainment on the weekends!

Harrison's Landing 108 Peoples St T Head, Corpus Christi Where Corpus Christi Goes to Unwind!

House of Rock 511 Starr Street, Corpus Christi Corpus Christi’s premier live music and event venue!

Jamison’s Sports Pub 4528 Weber Rd, Corpus Christi Come watch the Cowboys and the Texans on our big screen TVs! Los Cabos 9601 South Padre Island Dr. in Flour Bluff, Corpus Christi Live music every weekend!

Outta Bounds Sports Lounge 1402 Rodd Field Rd, Corpus Christi Come join the fun! **

Recess Bar & Grill 5710 S. Alameda St, Corpus Christi This is the place for great burgers and on the weekend checkout their live music!

Revolution Bar & Grill 2306 Airline Rd, Corpus Christi Great food and lots of music! Featuring Clarissa Serna on Tuesdays and DJ Dus on Wednesdays!

Roper’s 4653 Everhart Rd, Corpus Christi DJs spinnin’ your favorite tunes all night long!

Seawall Food & Spirits 520 S Shoreline, Corpus Christi Great food, good drinks, and live music on the weekends!

Sharkey’s Beach Club 2600 State Hwy 361, Port Aransas Get your partying shoes on and head to Sharkey’s, the biggest night club in Port A! South Texas Ice House 6601 Everhart Rd, Corpus Christi Best burgers in town – Try one and you’ll see!

7 Brothers Saloon Highway 181, Normanna TX Live music! Don’t want to drive home?

Stay in our RV park!

Sugar Shack 106 N Fulton Beach Rd, Fulton DJ/Karaoke on Thursdays and Live music on Fridays & Saturdays!

go

Tarpon Ice House 321 N. Alister, Port Aransas Live Music, 2 bars, pool, darts, big screen TVs, WIFI, and a beer garden!

The Texan 3625 South Staples Street, Corpus Christi Live music is always free to bar patrons and the range of music is diverse, everything from punk to honkey tonk.

Theo’s Billiards 5815 Weber Rd, Corpus Christi Free pool every day until 7 pm! ! Don’t miss DJ Dus on Illectronic Thursdays!

Watch the PPV UFC fights and stick around for the live entertainment every Saturday!

VFW Post 3837 12030 Leopard St in Northwest Corpus Christi See our ad for our July shows! Are you looking for a great room for your next event? Give us a call!

Vick’s Place 7136 FM 666, Mathis Ice cold beer, live music on Friday and Saturday nights, and Jam sessions on Sundays!

Whiskey River Nightclub At the corner of Staples and Holly, Corpus Christi The party never ends at Whiskey River.

Free dance lessons every Tuesday!

Zeros Hard Rock Club 6327 McArdle Rd, Corpus Christi Don’t miss these shows! 8/4 – At My Signal, Blood of the Martyrs, Miriam, Victory by birthright, and Bleed by Example; 8/17 – Defiled Creation and guests; 8/25 – Brad’s Rotten Mutated Birthday Show!

Please email your Event and Club submissions! sales@steamtx.com

Local MMA Fighter Robert Villegas Kicks Faces Off!

Blood & Glory!

I arrived at the iXpose Marketing office just before 10 am. I was dam sure not going to be late and take the chance of pissing off Robert Villegas who is headlining Rocks King of Supplements Blood & Glory Mixed Martial Arts card on August 25th at Robstown’s Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds presented by Extreme Combat Promotions. We’re here with the guys from Extreme Combat Promotions, Rock’s King of Supplements, and iXpoze Marketing Group; all are sponsoring this fight.

There’s nothing like sitting down for a one-on-one conversation and realize there are about 15 other people in the room listening as Robert, Rusty, and I begin talking about growing up in Corpus Christi, his training, and the upcoming heavyweight fight.

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EZ - How long have you been fighting?

RV - I’ve been fighting for about 26 years, but I’ve been in martial arts for about 23 years.

EZ - 23?! You probably started with karate or something?

RV - I started with tae Kwando and karate. They led into judo, boxing, and kickboxing.

EZ - How about high school? Where did you go and did you wrestle?

RV - I went to King High School.

No wrestling or other high school sports. I was in to martial arts.

What happened was when I was a kid, about 12 or 13; I saw the movie “Bloodsport”. When I saw that movie I was just amazed by it. I watched it so many times the VHS tape broke and my mom thought I was on drugs (laughter). I just knew that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I am sure I could have done well with sports, but I just didn’t

have the capacity for it. My capacity is for fighting. I remember I got beat up one time and that was it; I really got into martial arts.

EZ - So you mentioned “Bloodsport”.

Who are some of your fighter idols?

Junk Yard Dog? Mike Tyson?

RV - I looked up to guys like that, Mike Tyson, and guys like that; that just have the strength. People like Rickson Gracie that had this mystic about him from back in the “vale tudo” days. (Vale Tudo means “anything goes” in Portuguese.) Back in the 90’s we’d watch video-tapes of these fights in Brazil and we were just amazed with this stuff. This was the real thing – people fighting in the backyard, kicking each other in the head, stomping on each other’s heads. We’d see the fights with Gracie and see him just demolish, destroy these other guys. He had this mystic about him that people respected and feared him, so that’s

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what I want to try to be like. Not to use what I do to be the bully, because I have no respect for bullies, but to respect me for what I do. Win or lose, I’m a martial artist first and foremost and a fighter second. I was brought up in the martial arts code and that’s how I train and teach.

EZ - Can you tell us a little more about your gym, Extreme MMA Academy?

RV - I opened up the gym about 12 years ago and we’re located in the Southside (5801 Patton St, Holly and Airline). I came up with extreme because that’s how I trained. Back in the day we use to train without gloves and people would get hurt, broken arms, legs, noses, teeth – it happened. At Extreme MMA Academy I teach my students martial arts. I don’t want to just teach them to fight, but to be better in life.

EZ - So a youth sees your gym one day and walks in. What happens

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then?

RV - Well that just depends. Is he there because this just caught his eye or because it’s something he wants? How I got started was by mowing lawns and saving until I had enough for two months of classes because my parents wouldn’t pay for them. At the end of the two months I told the instructor that I was done because I didn’t have any more money. He said he was impressed with me and to stay, so he gave me odd jobs around the gym to pay for classes.

I did this until I got my black belt.

EZ - Do you see any “eye of the tiger” in any of the kids around here?

RV - Actually, in a few kids; when you see kids like that you want to take them under your wing, mentor them. Not everyone wants to be a martial arts fighter and it’s the same for boxing. When you see that quality in a kid you know you can help build him up into a champion. They are the best but I wish my parents pushed me a little harder. I have a ten year old daughter and I push her, the way I wish my father had pushed me.

EZ – What do you think of your opponent Jonathon Ivey?

RV - Jonathan Ivey is a tough cat man. He’s fought everybody. You tell him you’ll give him a hundred bucks and he’ll fight you right there. He’s just a bad dude. He’s like a fire hydrant; he’s someone who can’t be stopped and I want to go in there and try to stop him with my striking. I want to show everybody that I’m not just a jujitsu guy.

I have a lot of wins by submission but I am going to go in there for a throw down and whatever happens will happen. If he goes to the ground, because he’s a footlocker, he like to do that; that’s fine because I’m a black belt in jujitsu and I can defend that. It’s going to be a good war in there. Hopefully he’ll bring his A game, because I’m going to bring my A game and we’re going to battle.

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EZ - Take us through a normal training day. Like what time do you get up?

RV - Basically, I get up as late as possible. Some guys like to get up and train in the morning but I can’t do that. My day starts, when I feel good is at about 3 o’clock in the afternoon. I do all my boxing and training from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm and then I come back home and eat something. Then I go back to the gym and do a three or four mile run, jump rope, all the stuff I need to do. I take it pretty slow.

I’m fighting heavyweight now, so I don’t want to kill myself in the gym. This is going to be a cage war. I do enough, because I want to go into the ring healthy without injuries. Now if I have injuries going in, I’ll still do my fight; I won’t back out unless it’s like a broken leg because I really can’t do that.

EZ - Ok, but what would you do if you broke your right hand? Are you right handed or left?

RV - I’m right handed. Actually about four months ago I had a fight in Miami FL and I was in California training and I broke my fibula.

I trained for two weeks on a broken fibula and I was still going to fight in Miami against Roy Jones Jr., a strike force fighter. Well, he got into a car wreck and broke his jaw – had to get it wired shut. The promoters tried but weren’t able to get a replacement for him, so they canceled the fight. I went in for an x-ray and sure enough my fibula was broken. I had the surgery done quickly and here I am now.

EZ - So, you’re a local kid…

RV - I’m not a kid. I’m 36. (nervous laughter) EZ - So what’s it like seeing the sport grow locally, and to headline a fight in backyard?

RV - I think we’re ten years behind other places like California.

You go to California and there’s a ton of fighters there. Dallas and Houston are starting to come up,

but why not Corpus? Corpus is a fighting town! The people here love boxing, they love martial arts, and so why not have Extreme Combat Productions bring it here every three or four months? It builds training, it builds more fighters. It’s something I think our town needs.

EZ - Have you gotten to travel?

RV - Oh yeah, I’ve been to Japan, to Korea, and all over the US. I have fought a lot of really good fighters and I’ve had it handed to me and I’ve dealt it too. I’ve had good training session and bad. I’ve been all over.

EZ - Have you fought in Mexico?

RV - Yeah, that was kind of a bad experience. I went down to Mexico City with one of my fighters and he ended up losing his fight but they didn’t pay us. So we ended up coming back without getting paid. We were supposed to sign the contract when we got there but it wasn’t ready and we just went with it.

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Rusty – See how similar fighting is to the music business? You’ve got to have contracts. We worked with a band that when club owners would say they couldn’t pay us they guys would start figuring how much they could get for barstools.

RV - I wasn’t going to do that in Mexico though (laughter). The fights over there are possibly connected to cartels or something. And the guy I was there with had red hair, so we stayed in the hotel until it was time to go home. Lesson learned. (laughter) EZ – Who is the toughest guy you ever fought?

RV - Dave Phillips. (no hesitation) This guy is an interesting character. He trains with a shoebox team down in Brazil, with all the original vandelay fighters. I was training in Big Bear with Rico Rodriguez and Tito Ortiz back in the day, 2003. So we’re going to do an eight man fight.

The first guy I fight is an ex-UFC

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fighter, Sam Adkins, and I figured I would pass him pretty quick. It took three rounds and I was pretty beat up. Dave Phillips had only had a ten-second fight and he’s coming in next. So he comes into the fight playing “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson (laughter) and I’m like I’m going to kick this guy’s ass just for playing that damn music (laughter). He gets in the ring and kicks the ropes and does a Michel Jackson turn and I’m thinking I’m just going to kick his ass! (laughter) We get into it and we have a two round battle. I tried to triangle him and he rolled and stacked me, but I got back on top and that’s when I knew he was done for. So I stomped him on the head and I kicked him in the face. I guess that knocked him out for a few seconds (laughter) and I got disqualified for it, because Texas rules say you can’t kick a downed opponent. So yeah, he’s a tough character and since then we’ve become friends. He reminds me of a Roman. He is from Texas and travels the earth. He’s a third degree jujitsu black belt. You can look him up; Texas MMA just did an interview with him (www. txmma.com, search Dave Phil-

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lips). They call him Crazy Dave and there’s a reason for it. He’s insane. (laughter) EZ - I understand you’re involved in the “Enough! Anti-Bullying” project. Can you tell me about it?

RV - I don’t like bullies. Period. It just really irks me when people get bullied. Anytime I see someone helpless against a bully I’ll be the first one there to help. I just hate bullies.

EZ – Have ever tried out for the “Ultimate Fighter”?

RV - I tried out for “The Ultimate Fighter” about 3 years ago. Went to Seattle for the tryouts and out of the 800 or so people I made it into the top 20. At two weeks out I had gone to Los Vegas for all the testing, MRIs and what not. At one week out I was at 185, so I had dropped from 230.

They had already decided I was going to be on “The Ultimate Fighter” and then they canceled it so I didn’t get a chance to go on and showcase what I can do. But they called me back when I was at 240 and they asked if I would do the 185s again.

But I just couldn’t do it. I got down to about 189, 190, my diet was perfect and I just couldn’t lose that last 4 pounds.

EZ - What is your diet like right now,

during training?

RV - Right now I eat a lot of high protein lean meats and good carbs. I eat three or four really good meals and then one bad every day. (laughter) I don’t really have to watch what I eat right now, but when I’m fighting at 205 I have to really pay attention and train specifically for that. For example I will eat five or six meals each day, drink two gallons of water, and then the last day is when I drop the final few pounds and I’m on point, but now fighting as a heavyweight I just have to make sure I’m healthy. I eat four or five meals a day and drink a Coke a day. When I feel I need to do that I do. That’s basically what I do.

EZ - We’re here with the guys from Extreme Combat Promotions, Rock’s Supplements, and iXpoze Marketing Group; all sponsors of the Blood & Glory mixed martial arts card. Now, this MMA card is stacked heavily with local fighters: Hector Munoz will fight in the co-main event, Roger Narvaez, Danny Slick, Chris Pecero, Audrey Alvarez, Patrick Ybarra, Dustin Adams, Danny Perez and Elias Garcia (scheduled to be on the card as of print date).

RV - I want to thank Extreme Combat Promotions for this fight. Rock’s

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Supplements, here in Corpus Christi, is one of my main sponsors. They get me all the supplements I need and anything else. Rock and Eddie are there any time I need something, great supporters and I really appreciate it. Really I thank everyone here today because they are the ones that are bringing the sport out.

Second, like I said before - Corpus is a fighting town! The people here love boxing and they love martial arts. Of course there are guys out there that love me, and a few that hate me, but they’re the ones that push me and make me work harder.

And if they really doubt me then I invite you down to Extreme MMA Academy or to Blood & Glory August 25th.

EZ - We’ll be rooting for you! It was honor meeting you and break a face!

Rocks King of Supplements Blood & Glory mixed martial arts card presented by Extreme Combat Promotions!

August 25 2012 Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds in Robstown Tickets are $15 and available at all Rock’s locations and at the door. For more info 361-387-9000

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E-Class: Chasing the Dream!

One night, not too long ago, we were checking out the happenings at Revolution. We were watching Clarissa Serna, who always puts on an excellent show; when she pulled this guy from the audience and he began rapping. You have to understand that every once in a while we are out and about and see things that can’t just be done in pictures – we have to talk and that’s how we met E-Class.

R - So how long have you been in the business and when did you realize that this was something you could really sink your teeth into?

EC - Well, I did it throughout my teenage years and then my story took a different turn. After I graduated from high school I got a real job and started moving up the corporate ladder. So I just left it behind and got married, had a kid, I was a store manager for Radio Shack here and in Austin.

I ended up moving back to Corpus Christi in 2005 and met up with my close childhood friend - who is the same exact age as me, who hadn’t gotten married, and had continued on with music, even after I gave up years before. We had kept up with each other over the years, so I still had someone close to me that was in the business and had the up-to-date knowledge on what was happening.

So in about ’07 he asked me if I wanted to give it a try, go mess around in a studio kind of thing and of course my answer was no, I’ve moved on from that being a business man and parent, but you know I did it for fun anyway, against my will (laughter).

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MUSIC

So we saved it on my iPod and I took it to some of my work buddies and asked them what they thought of these guys, didn’t tell them it was me. They gave me a pretty good review and that’s when I knew I could still get back into music.

I go big or go home, so with that feedback I invested in and built a home studio with all the equipment. This was in about ’08 that I just jumped back in. At first I was a bit rusty in writing and performing, but I’ve always been the guy who’s in the right place and the right time. So running into Clarissa Serna was just by accident and she asked me if I rapped and when I said yes, she told me to get on the stage and show her. At the end of the night she came up to me and said I was awesome and invited me back. That was December 2009 at Revolution.

R - I really like how you’re saying that timing is has just been right for you, but that you also are business minded. So besides the want and need you have for music, you also have the business know how to get it done.

EC - You know I have a song, track number 4 of my “Sorry 4 the Wait” cd, where I tell the whole story from growing up wanting to do the music, to getting married and then going through a divorce, to getting back into music and following my dream. I write all my lyrics so the whole feel of the cd is it’s never too late to go back and follow your dream. Because honestly in the rap world I’m old; if I were in another genre I’d be fine but fortunately I look young and I carry myself in a trendy way. So my biggest obstacle is the opposite

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of most. What I mean by that is most guys are living at mom and dads and flipping burgers; trying to live the dream. That is not a bad thing, but I’ve already been through it. I’ve been the professional, the dad, the husband and now I’m chasing the dream.

Here’s a sample of track 4…

“Well now I got a lot to say so you can say I’m kind’a wordy. I’ve been gone for so long but now I’m dam near pushing 30. Had dreams of being this fly since my days of a little birdy, but I gave it all up back when I was in my teens kind’a like that girl did when you were in them jeans. Well then I grew up and then I found a bride, 8 years, 3 kids, still my passion for this music never died. But now I’m back after a decade, resurrected and revived. Lots of knowledge, but no college, got me wrapped up in this corporate world and like a dressing room people change. Never thought I would divorce the girl so some things I’ve given up and some things I’ve sacrificed. Just knowing dreams are never free and you have to pay the price. I been destined to be great since 80 baby, call me Jerry Rice. I’m here shining with no ice, no weed up in my system but I’m higher than a kite.”

R - That is a great message! People just tend to forget that you have to go through change to get above.

EC - Exactly. There is a guy that works for ESPN Radio who follows me on Twitter and he has used my line repeatedly and said he’s even thought of getting it tattooed, “some things I’ve

–

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given up and some things I’ve sacrificed. Just knowing dreams are never free and you have to pay the price.” I take that as just saying I’m telling the truth.

Don’t get me wrong and I don’t want to paint the picture that I’m some cookie-cutter, straight-laced guy. But I am positive and I can go up against the gangster style and sound and still be a positive force.

R - Did you ever say what if I can’t do this? And what do you tell people that ask why you’re doing this – like me?

EC - Yeah, actually I did ask myself just that. I had set a limit with myself that if something significant, something that would tell me to continue with my dream, if that didn’t happen before I turned 30, then I’d move on. I got connected with a group out of Dallas called the Citizens and we won a contest to open for Little Wayne, so I got to perform at America Bank Center in front of 10,000 screaming fans.

And that’s when I know this is what I was supposed to be doing.

I tell the people that question my wanting to be a rapper, that I do this for the love of the music. I don’t talk about big jewelry or nice cars or that I have that because I don’t lie in my music, but will I talk about how I’m going to get that stuff. I have been solo for almost two years now. I emcee on Friday nights at Revolution and I lead the party at a number clubs

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throughout the area. It’s not what I prefer doing but I get to say my name a hundred times over the mic each night and whether they are annoyed or not, they’ll probably remember my name.

R - You mentioned your cd, “Sorry 4 the Wait”. Do you have any other cd’s out or other projects?

EC - “Sorry 4 The Wait” is my full length album I put out last year and right now I’m working on my second but I don’t have a set date for release yet is called “1980’s Rise & Shine”. It will be 12 or 13 tracks and we’re also working on 3 videos to go along. And finally, I’m working on a Vimeo, which is a behind the scenes kind of documentary and I just dropped that footage off.

I’m featured in “Hold Your Hand” a track on Clarissa Serna’s new album and in the video for it. You can check it out on YouTube. I also opened for Snoop Dogg by winning a contest held by Club Toxic and got to perform in front 5,000 people at Concrete Street.

I’ve also got a group that I’ve been putting together called (thewinners) “The Winners Circle”.

We have some of the best hiphop producers in the city. I have Svani, aka DJ Moon Pie, who is my main producer, engineer; we bounce things back and forth, and right hand guy. The 361 Kings are two guys that also roll-up into the group, Rich Delarosa and Philippe

Valdez. Each person in the Winners Circle has a specific job and they’re very good at what they do.

I’ve recently gotten into the Rap Battle scene. In which rappers compete against each other in three rounds. It’s rapping on the spot, no music it’s just you and your abilities against the other guy. I get into the battle ring and people look at me kind of funny because I don’t look thug, but I show them can hold my own.

R - That sounds really interesting and I’d like to see it. How often are they held and where?

EC - Yeah, these battles can get pretty vicious. This is an underground scene here so there isn’t a lot of press to the battles. These are held about every four months or so and were at Revolution, but the last one, which was last weekend, was at the House of Rock.

R - Man you are busy! OK, so we know that you are at Revolution on Airline in Corpus every Friday night. How else do people find you?

EC - That’s easy. There are two ways to find me. First, facebook. com/e-classmusik. Yeah, music with a k. It was a typo, but it singles me out. And secondly, twitter! I really encourage people to use twitter. @eclasscc. Now a days, in my genre of music, you have to have and use Twitter.

R - Hey, thanks for taking the time to talk with us. Good luck with all your projects and keep us posted!

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STEAM Interview w/Okie Joe Mack!

Oklahoma native Joe Mack has been performing and writing music for the majority of his life; from his childhood in the Lutheran church to growing up in the ghettos of Lawton to emerging himself into the hippie-infused reddirt music culture, Mack has blended all the facets of his life into a style that is undeniably his own. His new album, “Pieces”, was released at the end of January 2012.

Mack has shared bills and stages with some of the top talent from across nation, including Ryan Adams, Tim Reynolds, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Travis Linville & The Burtschi Brothers, Umphrey’s McGee, Carter Sampson, and many, many others.

Mack actively serves the arts and entertainment community as the managing editor of The Current, Northeast Oklahoma’s alternative news monthly. In addition to his busy full time journalism career, Mack is also a sought after collaborator, joining forces with fellow Okie musicians like Carter Sampson, Bill Erickson, and most notably Meandering Orange.

STEAMTX.COM

Music

I was able to catch up with Mack while on the road between gigs – Take a look at his schedule and you can see how hard it is to do that.

R - You are quite the touring show. I see your schedule is taking you all over the South.

What albums can we expect to hear music from?

J - “The Crazy World” was my first studio album that came out and we released it on Halloween 2008. My new album, released in January of this year, is “Pieces”. It’s an allacoustic album with me just playing rhythm guitar and singing. It’s more of a vocal, melody type of project that sat on the shelf for about eight years and I finally got antsy and employed my brother and his studio and we came out with “Pieces”. You can get both albums on CD Baby; that’s where I do my online retailing (www.cdbaby.com/cd/mackjoe). I will be on iTunes in August, I believe.

R - This issue will be available on the 1st of August, so this is good timing and I’m glad I could catch up with you. I was listening to “The Crazy World” and I didn’t realize your music was so eclectic. I can hear some of your influences – Frank Zappa, Dan Hicks – You just have all kinds of stuff going on.

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Thanks for listening to

Todays Best Music!

Oklahoma native Joe Mack has been performing and writing music for the majority of his life; from his childhood in the Lutheran church to growing up in the ghettos of Lawton to emerging himself into the hippie-infused red-dirt music culture, Mack has blended all the facets of his life into a style that is undeniably his own. His new album, “Pieces”, was released at the end of January 2012.

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Mack has shared bills and stages with some of the top talent from across nation, including Ryan Adams, Tim Reynolds, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Travis Linville & The Burtschi Brothers, Umphrey’s McGee, Carter Sampson, and many, many others.

Mack actively serves the arts and entertainment community as the managing editor of The Current,

Music

Northeast Oklahoma’s alternative news monthly. In addition to his busy full time journalism career, Mack is also a sought after collaborator, joining forces with fellow Okie musicians like Carter Sampson, Bill Erickson, and most notably Meandering Orange.

I was able to catch up with Mack while on the road between gigs – Take a look at his schedule and you can see how hard it is to do that.

R - You are quite the touring show.

I see your schedule is taking you all over the South. What albums can we expect to hear music from?

J - “The Crazy World” was my first studio album that came out and we released it on Halloween 2008. My new album, released in January of this year, is “Pieces”. It’s an allacoustic album with me just playing rhythm guitar and singing. It’s more of a vocal, melody type of proj-

STEAMTX.COM

ect that sat on the shelf for about eight years and I finally got antsy and employed my brother and his studio and we came out with “Pieces”. You can get both albums on CD Baby; that’s where I do my online retailing (www.cdbaby. com/cd/mackjoe). I will be on iTunes in August, I believe.

R - This issue will be available on the 1st of August, so this is good timing and I’m glad I could catch up with you. I was listening to “The Crazy World” and I didn’t realize your music was so eclectic. I can hear some of your influences – Frank Zappa, Dan Hicks –You just have all kinds of stuff going on.

J - I like to do a mix of very thought provoking, mindbending music. Not always, sometimes it’s more straightforward with a message and a more familiar sound, melody.

But sometimes I just like to be a little more out there and be a little Frank Zappa. I’m a big fan of his and bands like Phish, The Grateful Dead. I’m not afraid to explore the inner workings of music; especially American music. The songs on this album were all written between 1999 and 2003, 2004. And then literally just sat on the shelf until the fall of 2011, when I said it’s time to turn them loose on the world. I’m not sure that was my best decision, but these songs needed to get out into the world and it felt right.

R - You said that you did all the work on “Pieces” and let the songs sit for quite a while, so how long did it take to get the music together for “The Crazy World” and did you use a full band?

J - We did use a full band and there are a lot of really great musicians on it that came in from around the country and gave me their time and talent

STEAMTX.COM

pretty freely and openly. We did the recording, tracking and everything down at my buddy Travis Linville’s studio; he is on tour right now as the lead guitarist for Hayes Carll. The Crazy World is really geared as a full band arrangement with lots of layers and texture. I started writing this group of songs in about 2003 and just collected them until I was ready to record and that was in 2008. At this point I have enough material to put out a double album if I wanted to.

R - That just leads me to asking about a new project for you.

Do you have one in the works and when do you think it will be done?

J - Well, I have already started the tracking for it but I’m not really working on a deadline. I just wanted to get a good running start and take the time to do it right. In the ideal situation I would have it out late spring of next year. I’d like to do a live record again; I haven’t done one in a long time.

R - This issue will be available on the 1st of August, so this is good timing and I’m glad I could catch up with you. You’re going to be playing at the Tarpon Ice House in Port Aransas on August 25th, is it?

J - Yeah, I’ll be there on the 25th and 26th. I’ll start at about 7:00 pm on Saturday and do my one-man-band show. I’ll record, build, and construct a song right there in front of people. Then I’ll stick around and jam on Sunday afternoon. I’m not sure what I’ll be playing, but I do plan on sticking around a little longer than I did last time; I’m really looking forward to it, looking at it like a miniature vacation for me. The night before I’m playing a festival in Arkansas and will be driving in, it’s going to be quite a run!

R - If I remember correctly from your last stop here, you tend to do the drive thing quite often.

Are you going to stay in the Port

Aransas area?

J - Oh absolutely. I’m not really sure where, but I’ve got someone looking into it for me.

R – As I mentioned earlier you’re touring a lot, all over the South and up the East Coast right?

J - Yeah I sure am. It’s been a really productive year on the road. And I always end up out there with a friend or two, either Carter Sampson or Sara Garde – from Meandering Orange another project I’ve got going. This year I’ve had the pleasure of playing in New York City, St. Louis MO, and just all over the place. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville.

R - Man, I don’t know how you do your magazine with that much touring.

J - I don’t really know either!

I’m sure if I ever really wanted to I could put one down and pick up the other and just go in one direction, but I really like doing the music side and I really like doing the media side and I’m just not at that point yet.

R – Ok, just a quick recap of your gigs here in Port Aransas.

J - I’ll be at the Tarpon Ice House in Port Aransas on August 25th and 26th. I’ll start at about 7:00 pm on Saturday and then I’ll stick around to jam on Sunday afternoon.

R - Great, I will definitely try to get out there both days and hopefully even jam with you!

Thanks again for taking time to catch up with me.

For more information Joe’s tour schedule visit:

and

www.JoeMackMusic.com

Music

Executive Surf Club Downton Corpus Christi 309N. Water Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 884-SURF ExecutiveSurfClub.com

August 2012

Friday Night Live Music Lineup!

8/4

Weak Day Boyz

8/11

Paul Renna

8/18

8/25

9/1

Phil Pritchett & The Full Band

Matt Hole

& The Hot Rod Gang

Time Pilots

$2 Tuesday Night Pint Night!

Wed. Night Open Mic! Live DJ THURSDAY Live DJ! FREE ORDER OF BATTERED FRIES! Good for one order of Battered Fries with the purchase of a sandwich.

No cash value. Expires 7/31/12

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