December 5, 2014 • Issue 15, Volume 3
Riondo’s Ristorante: “Winter Wonder Island:” Dickens on the Strand: Ice & Light Sculptures: An Inspired Revival of Classic Dining
A Season of Ice Sculptures to Santa Surfing
A Holiday Celebration of History
Moody Gardens Lights Up the Holiday Fun
where
swizzle
meets
sizzle
Dine afternoon and eve, as you savor our menu that includes fresh local seafood, steaks, and more. Or, enjoy a cocktail after work at our distinctive bar that features wines by the glass, signature spirits, and delicious bar bites. Live piano Friday and Saturday evenings.
1919 Strand Street Galveston Island 77550 (409)974-4100 (409)632-7280 Complimentary valet and parking in north lot when dining.
2 0 2 4 S E AWA L L B LV D , G A LV E S TO N , T X | 4 0 9 . 7 6 5 . 7 7 2 1
JOIN US:
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w w w. Ho t e l G a l v e z . c o m
S U N D AY B R U N C H w i t h S a n t a AT H O T E L G A LV E Z
Dec. 7, 14 & 21 • Reservations suggested • Now taking reservations for Christmas Day Brunch
jazz up your weekend
LIVE JAZZ EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY | 6PM–10PM
Unwind to the sounds of live jazz every Friday and Saturday night at The Toujouse Bar. Enjoy a top-shelf spirit, wine, or beer while listening to classic and acoustic jazz in an elegant and intimate atmosphere. The bar also offers flavorful food specials and expanded Martini selections.
Complimentary valet available for bar and restaurant patrons.
............................................................................... 2300 SHIP’S MECHANIC ROW, GALVESTON, TX | 409.763.0300 | www.TheTremontHouse.com
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• Poorboys • Gumbo • Fresh Oysters • Daily Specials Located in Galveston’s Historic Downtown District
Free
Photo
with Santa Claus!
Saturday
December 13, 2014 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
And Christmas Market Cookie Decorating Ornament Design Hot Chocolate Tasting Pastries, Jams, Muffins and More Pin the Nose on Rudolph Ring Toss Duck Pond Face Painting Other booths for both children and adults.
VENDORS WANTED
gita@gdccommunications.com
or call: 713-299-4354
SAINTS CONSTANTINE & HELEN ORTHODOX CHURCH 4109 Avenue L, Galveston, TX 77550 – www.stschsoc.org (Behind Old City Cemetary on Broadway between 43rd and 41st)
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Photos with Santa Claus can include the entire family. Fun booths for adults too. (foods, arts, and crafts) The Island Guide Magazine
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December 5, 2014 • Issue 15, Volume 3
Contents 5-6 Dining » “Riondo’s Italian Ristorante: An Inspired Revival of Classic Dining” by Kimber Fountain » “Let’s Do A Little Strand Street Pub Crawl This Holiday Season!” by Cindy Walker 7 Movies by Dustin Chase » Reviews include “The Imitation Game,” “American Sniper,” and “1000 Times Goodnight” 8-11 Things to Do » “Dickens on the Strand: A Holiday Celebration of History” by Gini Rainey » “The Winter Wonder Island of Texas: A Season of Ice Sculptures to Santa Surfing” including A Haunted Christmas, Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens, Spongebob Square Pants Ice Sculptures, Victorian Home Tour for the Holidays, Holiday Concert in the Park, Ian Moore and Drew Kennedy in Concert, Santa Train, Breakfast with Sandhill Cranes, Curt Miller Magic Show and Tons More
Nowhrimp S u d u at V Crab
Fresh Oysters
Ca & Ti tfish lapi a
Me
Fr Mulesh Sha let, Squ d id
Frogs Leg
Live Shri mp
Live s Crab
dy Bloo ito Bon Bait k Shar
FishFree Isla ing nd a & dvic e! The Home of Chicken Boy & Flounder Pounder Lures Affordable Fishing Poles and Tackle
Home of the $499 per lb. Fresh Gulf Shrimp
Hours: 5:30am until last fisherman is standing!
All your Bait & Tackle needs including... Fresh Oysters - Live Shrimp Live Mullet - Live Crab
Staff Publisher Tena Jerger
1813 61st, Galveston TX 77551
GalvestonIslandGuide.com
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Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” “The Nutcracker,” Michael Martin Murphey’s “Cowboy Christmas,” “Robert Earl Keen - Merry Christmas from the Fam-O-Lee,” Houston Children’s Chorus “Holiday Pops Concert,” Jerry Jeff Walker, and Manhattan Transfer Christmas Show
» “Zak Perry: Galveston’s Ramblin’ Man” by Kimber Fountain » The Music Guide for Live Music Across the Island
20
How to be a Part of “Island Guide”
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Copy Editors Dana Khan, Gini Rainey Editorial Stephen Boothe, Terry Card, Dustin Chase, Kimber Fountain, George Douglas Lee, Gini Rainey, Cindy Walker Photography Christa Schreckengost Distribution Terry Card, Kimber Fountain, Louie Jerger, Alex Smith © 2014 Island Guide Magazine The Island Guide welcomes your opinions, comments and inquiries. Please contact us at:
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12-14 The Island Guide Fun Maps 15 Books » “Some Great Books to Give and Receive” by Gini Rainey » Galveston Bookshop Welcomes Book Signings Throughout the Month 16-18 The Fine Arts » There’s Lots of On-Going Exhibits at Local Galleries 19 Tours » “Ice and Light Sculptures: Moody Gardens Lights Up the Holiday Fun” by Terry Card » From Sea to History: There’s Tours for Everyone 20-22 Music » The 1894 Grand Opera House Hosts Charles
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“The Island Guide” is published once a month on the first Friday of the month. Deadlines for editorial and advertisements is the 20th of each month. We are distributed at over 380 locations on Galveston Island and the West End. We will list at no charge most events open to the public. All necessary information should be included such as date, time, ticket cost, description of event, phone number for the public, website address, photos the more the better. “The Island Guide” will make every effort to include as much as possible. Please include who to contact. Send to: theislandguide@gmail.com “The Island Guide” Fun Maps are published in every issue. Businesses are added on a space available basis and are not guaranteed placement.
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Dining Riondo’s Italian Ristorante:
An Inspired Revival of Classic Dining By Kimber Fountain, Photos by Christa Schreckengost For seventeen years, the lower west half of the historic and monumental Hutchings and Sealy Building on the corner of 24th and Strand was the home of Luigi’s Restaurant, which undoubtedly no one expected to close. Even less expected was for someone to come into that space and proceed to raise the bar even higher than it could be set by a restaurant that was a Galveston favorite for almost two decades. But such a happening has indeed occurred, and the opening of Riondo’s has breathed a fresh and inspired life into these classic confines. Proprietor Don McClaugherty is a seasoned veteran of the restaurant industry, having worked with food since he was 16 years old. His experience also includes marketing and promoting with the United States Ski and Snowboarding Association, as well as the Association of Volleyball Professionals. Locally he employed his expertise at Willie G’s and most recently Farley Girls, where six months ago he found himself engaged in a most serendipitous conversation with Al Fichera, a prominent Galveston builder and restaurateur. Don remembers, “He came in to the restaurant one day, and said, ‘Hey, you know Luigi just moved to Houston, maybe it is about time you open up your restaurant’.” Well-known to Al was both Don’s long-held desire to own his own restaurant, and him being a chef, that seemed to be a perfect fit. It was then Don was connected with long-time chef of Mario’s on the Seawall, Rico Caminos, and together with Don’s wife, Dr. Melissa Pope, they set off to bring Galveston a stunning combination of old- and newworld artistry, from the dining room to the kitchen, both culinary and otherwise. Oozing with elegance and sophistication, one cannot help but think that from somewhere in the ethers, Nicholas Clayton himself inspired and is now applauding the interior renovation. Unknowingly, Don and Melissa redesigned the restaurant’s downstairs space in a way that perfectly mirrors the intentions that Galveston’s premiere 19th century architect set forth in his construction of the Hutchings and Sealy Building. Built between 1895 and 1897, Clayton’s most notable commercial work fuses the foundational design elements of High Victorian architecture with an overlay of Renaissance Revival artistry. Inside Riondo’s, the atmosphere is illuminated literally and figuratively by an appreciation and re-purposing of Victorian era technology. But at its essence, a reverberating melody echoes through the interior landscape that is reminiscent of the strum of a lute winding down the canals of 16th century Venice. The walls have taken on warm and creamy earth tones that coordinate effortlessly with the building’s exterior, and are further brought to life by the works of local artist Joey Quiroga. The custom tables that Melissa designed herself are built of Douglas Fir and Swedish Pine and are coupled with handmade table settings from Wayne Schulz’s Living Soul Pottery. Together they emanate a rustic, old-world feel, brilliantly lit by low-hanging strings of Edison bulbs and a color-changing Mason Jar Wall inspired by High West Distillery in Park City, Utah. The once vault of Hutchings bank now houses an intimate dining space, with newly painted wine cabinets and curtains that flank the archways to provide even more privacy. Up front in the bar, the serenity of an elegant fish tank meets guest by the entrance, and the renovated bar includes two flat screen televisions. “Our goal was really to provide guests an ambiance that matches the flavors of our food,” says Don, and undoubtedly the dining room sets a perfect scene for the voluminous creativity of Chef Rico Caminos. “I have to create all the time,” says Rico with conviction, “I have to be in a place where I can create, or I get bored, and Don and I definitely agree on that.” Create he did, and create he does. Rico, who has roots in both Italy and Argentina, designed the entire menu, “basically from all of my experiences over the past thirty years,” he explains. On a daily basis, he not only devises off-the-menu featured items for both lunch and dinner, he also oversees and participates in the creation of most of the integral ingredients for his dishes. He grinds his own pastas and meats; makes his own sausage and sauces; the pizza dough, Focaccia, and Ciabatta breads are baked in house; and Rico even goes so far as to make his own cheeses and the ladyfingers for his Tiramisu. His output is also noticeably lighter than most Italian fare, which is attributed again to his attention to detail. “I don’t go crazy with the butter,” Rico says, and instead he makes an assortment of stocks in house that provide the base for his sauces. “I make veal stock, and chicken stock, also shrimp and fish, and for each dish I use the stock that is particular to the dish.” For example , sauces made to complement his chicken dishes are made from chicken stock, veal for veal, and so on, and thus they serve to enhance the subtle flavor nuances of the meat instead of masking it with heavy creams. Riondo’s boasts both a lunch menu ($7-$15) featured daily until 3pm and a more elaborate dinner menu ($15-$32) that is served from 3pm until close. Both menus are equally approachable in price and flavor while still capturing Rico’s creative ferocity, and include
a variety of appetizers, soups, salads, pastas, meats, and seafood. Described as “farm to fork” the team grows many of their own herbs and procures seafood, dairy, and produce from local farms and markets including Healthy Way Dairy out of Santa Fe and Katie’s Seafood on the harbor. Authentic fare includes a Country Table Antipasti, complete with prosciutto de Parma and Soppressata, along with fresh melon, marinated artichokes and olives, and Parmigiano-Reggiano drizzled with a dry-aged balsamic vinegar reduction; as well as a Cioppino, or Zuppa di Pesce, a bed of homemade fettuccine pasta piled high with mussels, shrimp, and fish tossed in a chunky and savory tomato sauce. Rounding out and still further embellishing the Riondo’s dining experience is their excellent service, as well as the capability to host larger private parties and events. Servers and bartenders were handselected and are as knowledgeable about their food as they are willing to provide detailed and personalized service. The team extends their dining offerings into both off-site catering and their upstairs private dining room which can seat up to 120 people. It is available for reservation, and also used for special events hosted by the restaurant itself. Coming up on December 11th, Riondo’s will host a Wine Dinner that is open to the public (reservations required) in conjunction with Randal Petit and Mark Donati Vineyards. Tickets are available at the restaurant or online. Then on December 27th, Riondo’s will help celebrate a different side of holiday “spirit” with Dash Beardsley’s Christmas Dinner and Spirits, an event by Ghost Tours of Galveston. Guests will enjoy dinner inside one of the Original Ghost Tour’s most popular stops, followed by an after-hours paranormal investigation. Tickets are available at www.ghosttoursofgalvestonisland.com. You can also book your own Holiday events with Riondo’ by visiting www.riondos.com. Riondo’s Italian Ristorante
2328 Strand St., downtown Galveston (409)621-9595, riondos.com Open Sunday-Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday, 11am-10pm
The Riondo’s Management Team: (from left to right): Kimi Wimberly (Bar Manager), Amy Burlingame (Admin), Chef Rico Caminos, Proprietor Don McClaugherty, Jon Franks (Manager)
Be Glamorous!
Because Hunger is Never in Fashion
Gather your girlfriends this holiday season for the ultimate shopping experience, because hunger is never in fashion! This Style Show and Holiday Market will benefit the Galveston County Food Bank, Wednesday, December 10th at the Showboat Pavilion, 416 6th St., Texas City. This fun event will include: 9:30am - VIP Holiday Market Preview 10am - Holiday Market and Silent Auction 12 noon - Luncheon and Style Show 2pm - Silent Auction closes 2:30pm - Holiday Market concludes For tickets visit GalvestonCountyFoodBank.org. General admission is $30 and VIP admission is $40 which includes reserved up front seating and market preview. There are still a few vendor booths available. Booths are $25 and VIP booths are $45 which feature prime booth placement, recognition at event and on the Food Bank’s web site, entry into the swag bag. Electricity hook-ups are limited and are provided on a first come first serve basis with a $10 fee. Fashion is presented by Tina’s on the Strand and the cuisine is provided by Moody Gardens Hotel. For additional information, please contact (409)945-4232. The Island Guide Magazine GalvestonIslandGuide.com (409)256-5166 5
In Galveston Home of the Water Wall Serving food, beer, wine and a full service liquor bar Take out available Dog Friendly Patio 2110 Strand St., Downtown Galveston
Live Music Every Friday & Saturday
(409) 497-4972 Open Daily 11:00am-2:00am Food served till 1:30am
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Let’s Do A Little Strand Street Pub Crawl This Holiday Season! By Cindy Walker
Nothing will make you feel merrier than to do the ‘drinks and eats shuffle’ down Strand Street this time of year. With lots of new businesses and a few moving around, there is a ton of good stuff going on downtown. Let’s take a look at these wonderful establishments, full of merry-goodness! First stop is Patrick’s, located next door to the long-standing 2 Steppin’ Saloon, in the old Contender’s Sports Bar location, Patrick’s offers tons of games, big TV’s and everything a bar lover would want including sports everywhere you look, weekly drink specials and music most weekends. Patrick’s is located at 2411 Strand St. and is open till 2am. Shot specials are always popular as well as two pool tables, foosball, Big Buck HD and Golden Tee and a few others. This is a great place to just hang out or make it an evening! 2 Steppin’ Saloon is a different kind of place featuring country music with Sundays hosting a DJ. Ladies Night is every Tuesday with $2 slices of pizza and ½ off all drinks. Wednesdays they have karaoke and every weekend live music starts around 8pm. This fun bar, 2 Steppin’, is located at 2413 Strand St. Next, have you been to the newest addition on the Strand, the Drunken Monkeyz? Located at 202 20th St. on the corner of Strand St. and 20th, the Drunken Monkeyz is in the previous Bobbie’s House of Spirits building. This is a very cool place! It has been completely remodeled and when doing so, they opened up the ceiling and found a ton of windows in the top area. They had these little treasures rebuilt, reglazed, resealed and totally redone - and what a huge difference! Now this place has a brand new face hosting tons of light, new paint, flooring and furniture. This bar is a great new addition to The Strand and we look forward to many, many libations sitting on their bar stools! While you are doing the Strand St. Pub Crawl be sure to check out the newest addition to the islander’s already favorite Cowboy’s Cajun Kitchen - a full service bar! This addition features all the standards at most bars but a selection of 8-9 Abita beers is a stand out. Come in, get a beer and order some of the best Cajun food on the island. A few stand outs for us are the Double Dunk Catfish Sandwich - to die for! Also their own creation - a Chicken Fried Steak with mashed potatoes all loaded up into a yummy sandwich! Their regular menu is always a treat and they are now serving Sunday Brunch featuring fried green tomatoes served over smoked boudin and topped with poached eggs, blackened shrimp and hollandaise sauce. These brunch specials change often so be sure to check their Facebook page for the week’s special. Also, be sure to try the Wild Game Gumbo featuring smoked wild boar and sausage. We could go on and on!
Speaking of Bobbie’s House of Spirits, nothing can keep this girl down. Bobbie’s has moved a block down to 1828 Strand St. at the corner of Strand St. and 19th. Not only did they double their size but this long time Galveston locals favorite now has a brand new home with loads of space and a brand new set-up. Also Bobbie’s has a new addition of an upper deck on top and that will feature bands, weather permitting, plus this area has a wonderful view of downtown and the harbor. This is a must-do on a Sunday afternoon! Now that you have covered the right side of the road, let’s work our way back up the street on the left, stopping first at Stuttgarden Tavern on the Strand. Where to begin, where to begin! You have to try Stuttgarden’s Shepherd’s Pie; it’s a great start, but their German and craft beers are a very close second featuring Spaten, Paulaner, Warsteiner, Franziskaner Hefe - just to name a few! The selection changes so there is always something new to try. This place is a new addition to The Strand District and has some awesome food, the recently revitalized Water Wall, indoor and outdoor seating and tons more. Stuttgarden’s Bangers & Mash is heavenly as well as the Gouda Brat, a big brat covered in mushrooms, onions and smoked gouda beer fondue...if you are not drooling by now, you must be dead! They are open Monday thru Saturday 11am to 2am, Sunday 12pm to 2am and their kitchen stays open until 1am. Most weekends, there is a DJ. Woof friendly! Brews Brothers is not new to the Strand St. bar scene, and in fact they recently celebrated their 3rd anniversary. Featuring well over 20 beers on tap and even more in bottles, this is a beer lover’s paradise. Selections change often so there is always something new to try including the seasonal favorites from the Pumpkin Series including La Calabaza del Diablo, a pumpkin stout, brewed with roasted pumpkin, ancho and habenero chilies, dark chocolate and spices. Brews Brothers is having a beer pairing dinner December 15th featuring a fivecourse dinner paired with five Brews Brothers beers including this years debut of Beer Nog. Tickets start at $62 plus a small processing fee. Don’t leave Brews Brothers without getting the Mission from God burger, which has to be the best burger on the island! This bit of heaven is a 1/2 pound burger with crispy bacon, goat cheese, and beer sauteed onions and mushrooms, all dressed with mayo and house beer mustard. Try their donut holes too - craft beer batter fried golden bites of goodness dusted with powdered sugar and served with craft beer glaze for dipping. Need we say more? Last, but certainly not least, is Crow’s Southwest Cantina - it’s always a party here! This popular spot has live music every night of the week! Mondays is karaoke, Tuesdays is acoustic open mic, Thursday is an Open Mic Jam plus every Friday, Saturdays and Sundays, both afternoon and well into the evening, there is always live music from the area’s most popular bands. The menu has a good variety and the beer is always super cold. Enjoy the breeze from the open front doors with seating outside to people watch, plus this is a great place to see some awesome Harleys too! Have fun doing the Strand Street crawl and be sure to wear your “fat pants!”
Movies Movie Reviews By
Dustin Chase
www.texasartfilm.com Dustin is a Member of the “Houston Film Critics Society” Film Critic/Assistant Editor for “Texas Art & Film” (texasartfilm.com) Film Critic for “The Daily News” (Galveston) Entertainment Reporter for “Galveston.com” Film Critic for “Island Guide,” (Galveston) & “EGuide Magazine” (Tyler) and Online Air Entertainment News Commentator at “News 92FM’s Livin’ Large”
“The Imitation Game”
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Mark Strong, Charles Dance On Screens December 17th Winning the Toronto International Film Festival award proved to be a good omen for “12 Years a Slave,” “The Kings Speech” and “Slumdog Millionaire,” as they went on to win best picture at the Academy Awards. “The Imitation Game” is based on the extraordinary true story of mathematician Alan Turing, whom Winston Churchill acknowledged contributed more than any other individual to winning the war. It isn’t just a story about how one brilliant man created a decoder to help stop Hitler, it’s also about the “shameful, disgraceful part of our history,” said Cumberbatch, who will likely be up for a best actor nomination. What “The Imitation Game,” distributed by The Weinstein Company, won’t get is a best director nomination, which might just lose it the Best Picture game. Things were bleak in 1939; Britain was losing the war to Germany, largely because of its inability to crack the Enigma code the Nazis were using to communicate via radio. Alan Turing explained to the War Department that he didn’t need them; it was the war itself that needed him. He was unpopular the moment he met with Commander Denniston (Dance), who worked under Churchill; but Turing was eventually put in charge of building an enormous machine that he believed would decode the messages and help England win World War II. Turing was also a homosexual which, during that time period, was illegal. Stewart Menzies (Strong) said to Turing that he wished the spies in his department were as good at keeping secrets as he. Don’t let the similarities between “A Beautiful Mind’s” Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly performances detract from what Cumberbatch and Knightley do here, although there are many comparisons. “The Imitation Game” isn’t an agenda film, but it does have a point to make, a pledge to offer, and, as Cumberbatch points out regarding Turing’s Royal Pardon decades after his death, “The only person who should be pardoning anybody is him” (Turing). Cumberbatch’s performance might not be able to rival that of Michael Keaton’s showy “Birdman” or the body and facial contortions of Eddie Redmayne’s Stephen Hawking—two who will certainly be his fellow nominees. However, Cumberbatch’s popularity, his consistently great work and this being his best performance will certainly land him in the race. Cumberbatch gives a detailed, subtle and often internalized performance as Turing, who suffered with a deep, inner struggle and lifelong pain. He dedicated himself to a country that turned on him after they got what they needed from him. It’s a powerful role and Cumberbatch (“August Osage County,” “The Hobbit”) quietly devours every scene and frame. Oscar nominee Keira Knightley (“Begin Again,” “Laggies”) also turns in another terrific performance. In one scene, her character delivers a beautiful and almost heartbreaking–speech about the type of marriage she and Turing might have; seconds later her mood has changed, and she calls Turing a monster. It’s a scene-stealer for the actress and should land her a supporting actress nomination. Director Morten Tyldum doesn’t inject the type of creative cinematic ability into this pretty standard script that it might have deserved; this one is by the numbers. That will make this “agreeable” film a difficult sell to represent the year’s “best film.” “The people no one thinks anything of are the ones that do things no one can imagine.” It’s that beautiful sentiment that should echo louder than any award it receives; thankfully, it’s quoted in the film. Final Thought – Cumberbatch gives a performance that will stay with you after the last frame. Grade B
“American Sniper”
Starring Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller On Screens December 25th The tragic story of the man who became the greatest American sniper in US history comes to light with director Clint Eastwood’s steady hand at the helm. Eastwood, a believer in the right to bear arms, certainly uses this compelling story of Chris Kyle, not only to showcase his skill with a weapon, how many lives he spared, but also the effect seeing that much “evil” can have on a man. Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper (“American Hustle”) has, in the past two years, become an actor I, for one, never expected him to be. His version of Kyle, while physically accurate, doesn’t give the viewer much insight into the man behind the weapon. Of course that isn’t Cooper’s fault, that’s the screenplay which is partially adapted from Kyle’s book. “You’re a Texan, patriot, and you’re pissed off, sign here please,” the recruiting officer says to Chris Kyle (Cooper). He gave up being a cowboy to serve his country, and through training, it became apparent this guy had an eye on the gauge unlike anyone else. Before the first tour he marries Taya (Miller), a woman he rescued in a bar, promising to return and fulfill all her dreams. By the second tour, Taya has given birth to their first child and Kyle has become the most wanted man in Iraq, the bounty on his head from the insurgents is 180,000. They call him ‘The Legend,’ and by the third tour, two kids, everyone knows who he is. By the 4th tour, Kyle continues to chase Iraq’s own legend and finish this cat and mouse chase he started. I can’t help but feel that after the success of “Lone Survivor” last year, (another film that was mistakenly campaigned as an Oscar film early on) this pattern of hyping a film that has no business in the awards race is a detriment to an otherwise decent film. “American Sniper,” due to the prestige of its director and star, is attempting to break into an already crowded awards race and its unfair pressure put on a film that would have fared better in the spring or summer. “American Sniper” looks fantastic, the sound mixing and effects are incredible and top notch, Eastwood always knows who to hire for the right job. The decisions Kyle must make, pulling the trigger on a woman, a child. We see and understand that it isn’t done without moral and internal repercussions; that doesn’t need dialogue. Kyle and his unit are out to stop a man nicknamed The Butcher whose weapon of choice is a drill. Compared to another war film like “Fury,” “American Sniper” lacks the emotional impact it needs, it hits the target but misses the bull’s-eye. Final Thought – Forfeits emotional character depth to focus on high quality scenes of war. Grade B-
located 3 Blocks off the Strand! Open 11AM-6PM
Wednesday–MONdaY
528 23rd Street 409-497-2999
Kuhn Rikon * Nordicware * Swiss Diamond * Kyocera * Shun * Le Creuset * Wilton Armetale * Lodge
www.thekitchenchick.com www.facebook.com/kitchenchick
213 23rd Street - Downtown Galveston (409)762-0144
Stop by and have a game on us!
Join us for a Board Meeting of a Lunc htime!
Espresso bar and full menu! Open 11am-10pm and 11am-Midnigh Sun-Thurs t Fri & Sat
Games Make Great Gifts! Swing By and Check out our Huge Selection of Games For Sale Check our website for upcoming events and tournaments - www.boardgameisland.com
“1000 Times Goodnight”
Starring Juliette Binoche, Nicolaj Coster-Waldau On Screens December 25th Throughout 2014 I have heard, read, and been witness to endless reports, articles and topics on the lack of the female roles concerning awards season. However, I look around and see roles like Jessica Chastain in “Miss Julie,” Marion Cotillard in “Two Days, One Night,” Juliette Binoche in “Clouds of Ils Maria” and now, yet again, Juliette Binoche in “1000 Times Good Night.” Perhaps you have to dig a little deeper since these are international films, but there are women doing extraordinary work in cinema that no one is paying attention to. Acclaimed director Erik Poppe takes a look at a woman torn between her family and the call to bring awareness to war with photographs. “1000 Times Good Night” tackles what films like “Veronica Guerin and Fair Game” only skimmed the surface of. The first time we see Rebecca (Binoche), her face is covered in a shroud as she is allowed to photograph chosen women as they prepare to have explosives fixed to their bodies. Deep in the confines of Kabul, Rebecca has an untamable instinct that nearly gets her killed as she fights for the photograph that she hopes will cause ‘newspaper readers to choke on their morning coffee’. After barely escaping with her life, Rebecca returns home to face the distraught faces of her husband Marcus (Waldau) and their two impressionable young girls. She is faced with leaving her high risk, world-renown photo journalist profession or losing her children. “I hope the photograph was worth it,” Steph, the eldest daughter says to her mother. The turning point of a good movie into a great film occurs when the eldest daughter is looking through mom’s photos of pre-teen girls being mutilated and raped in 3rd world cities. At that moment she understands the purpose and part of the driving force behind what Rebecca believes to be important work. What Steph will face later is dealing with the fact that her mother will choose the work over family. Final Thought – Binoche delivers a powerful, resonating performance in one of the best films of the year. Grade A-
Come Experience the New Pelican Club! Setting a New American Table Open to the Public - Reservations Only Hours of Operation: 5:00pm-9:00pm Wednesday through Saturday Bar Menu available Happy Hour 4:00pm-5:00pm Wednesday-Saturday
Located at 3819 Ave T, Galveston, (409)761-5503
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Things To Do Dickens on the Strand: A Holiday Celebration of History
By Gini Rainey, Photos by Christa Schreckengost With a nod to the ghost of Dickens’ past and an eye towards the future, Galveston’s world famous Victorian holiday festival returns to Galveston Island December 5th-7th. “It’s exciting for us to offer a new twist to the annual Dickens event this year,” says Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) Executive Director, Dwayne Jones. “This year we bring back some old favorites for those who come annually, but we are adding a distinctive historical theme that will add new attractions and cultural experiences.” The annual holiday street festival, based on 19th-century Victorian London, features parades, non-stop entertainment on five stages, strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers and a host of other entertainers. With over 150 costumed vendors peddling their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with holiday food and drink, Dickens on the Strand is also a great opportunity for you to get a head start on your holiday shopping. In addition to numerous new craft and specialty vendors featuring Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations and gift items, daily parades will also host new groups and excitement from all of the colonies of Britain. As always, attendees in Victorian costume are admitted for half price. “The 41st anniversary of Dickens on The Strand will be an extraordinary event. Over the years, Dickens has become a cherished part of many families’ holiday experience and a way to enjoy a part of our heritage of Southeast Texas. The feeling of Dickens is animated and magical, and simply fun for all,” states GHF Executive Director, Dwayne Jones. “We look forward to making 2014 an exceptional experience with Dickens characters, Queen Victoria and her royal entourage, and visitors from the Dickens’ Museum in London. You will not want to miss the celebration.” The festival weekend also hosts a multitude of spirited fun events such as the crowd favorite Whimsical Whisker Revue, a facial hair contest for the bearded and the dandy, the Dickens Victorian Bed Races, Victorian Costume Contest, and Civil War living history encampments and daily parades through Galveston’s National Historic Landmark Strand District. In addition, new and expanded events are planned for all days of the event.
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Included in the festivities will be authentic recreations of popular Victorian sports. For hundreds of years cricket has been the British’ national sport, as popular in Dickens’ lifetime as it is today. Visitors will have an opportunity to personally experience this iconic British pastime by joining in the short, informal, 19th century era cricket games that American cricket player and historian Tom Melville will be conducting on a continuous walk up basis at the corner of Strand St. and 21st Street on Saturday, December 6th from 10am to 4pm and
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Sunday, December 7th from 12pm to 4pm. The games are open to everyone and absolutely no experience is required. A tournament featuring the martial art of singlestick, which uses a wooden stick as well as a weapon and is used as a way training soldiers in the use of swords such as the sabre, will be on display at the GHF Texas Seaport Museum Sunday, December 7th at 11am. Competitions will run all afternoon with finals being held onboard the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA. New this year is Fezziwig’s Beer Hall. Mr. Fezziwig was everything Ebenezer wasn’t and the GHF will be paying tribute to his jovial personality with the newly expanded Fezziwig’s Beer Hall. Join them Friday evening, December 5th from 5-9pm for specialty acts, hearty brews and new friends. In addition, selected cocktails from “Drinking With Dickens,” written by Charles Dickens great-grandson, Cedric, will be introduced by his daughter, Jane Monk. Jane will also play host to this lively start to the 41st anniversary of the festival. This will also be your first opportunity to purchase GHF’s limited edition Fezziwig’s pint glass. Admission is free. Fezziwig’s is located at 22nd and Strand in front of the Windsor Castle Stage. In conjunction with the Fezziwig’s Beer Hall events on Friday evening, a contest will be held in search of an official town crier for the city of Galveston. Contestants will recite a 100-125 word, online submitted, cry for the panel of judges. The winning crier will go on to represent Galveston and “Dickens on The Strand” throughout the year. The 1859 St. Joseph’s Church, the state’s first wooden built church, which is also well known for its exceptional acoustics, will host three holiday bell concerts on Friday, December 5th at 5:30pm, 7pm, and 8:30pm. Tickets are $10 per person and reservations are required. In a renewed take on the Dickens classic, “Dinner With Dickens” annual dinner returns to the breathtaking Garten Verein. Held for one night only on Friday, December 5th, 6pm, guests will be treated to an evening of specially crafted food, storytelling and royal company as the festival’s Queen Victoria makes her entrance. The evening’s festivities will begin with the festival’s Queen Victoria making her annual entrance. Tickets are $80 per person and reservations are required. Additionally, you will be able to join Jane Monk, the great-great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens, and a celebrity chef as they prepare a traditional English breakfast, and share their Dickens story in one of Galveston’s most beloved historic homes, the 1859 Ashton Villa. Tickets are $55. This will be held Saturday, December 6th at 8am. A book signing is scheduled Saturday, December 6th, 3 to 4:30pm with Mr. Ervin Mendlovitz, the author of the historical novel, “Galveston 1900.” Set in Galveston at the time of the great storm, it tells the love story of a Russian immigrant and a young Texas woman who is far ahead of her time. The signing will be held at Galveston Bookshop, 317 23rd Street. On December 6th, the Texas Seaport Museum will transform to a London wharf for a toast to the end of the day and beginning of the evening. The Tall Ship ELISSA will welcome visitors on board Saturday at 4:30pm for heavy appetizers, cocktails, cannon fire and special
guests leading up to the evening’s Pickwicks’ Lanternlight Parade. Tickets for this event are $45 per person. Saturday evening, December 6th at 7:30pm, Galveston’s historic Trinity Episcopal Church, 22nd and Winnie Street, will host the return of the Victorian Pipe Organ Extravaganza. The event will feature internationally acclaimed concert organist Ronald Wyatt following a special appearance by the Houston choral group, The Sons of Orpheus, under the direction of Edgar Moore. Following the concert, authentic Victorian refreshments will be served by candlelight in the church’s 1882 Eaton Hall that was designed by the renowned architect Nicholas Clayton. Guests will also have the opportunity to view and purchase items from Trinity’s Phoenix Jewelry collection in Eaton Hall following the concert. The Phoenix Jewelry is comprised of pieces created from the Tiffany glass window that was damaged by Hurricane Ike. Admission to the event is $10 and advance tickets can purchased at the church office, The Grand 1894 Opera House box office and online at the website at www.thegrand.com. Tickets will also be available at the door. New this year is Saint Arnold’s Strand Walking Tour. Taking place twice a day on December 6th and 7th, participants will be able to learn about the history of The Strand and enjoy some of Saint Arnold Brewing Company’s signature ales. Three festival pubs will be visited on a guided walking tour through the National Historic Landmark district. Tickets are $25 per person and include three complimentary beers. Additionally, GHF welcomes the Galveston County Children’s Museum as they partner with Dickens on The Strand to bring a new area specifically for Dickens loving youth. Oliver’s Alley will feature numerous games, workshops and activities for attending Children in this new and expanded section. The activities planned for Oliver’s Alley
will allow children to step back in time and experience ‘play’ in the manner of children in Victorian times. The same techniques used to develop the exciting and novel “STEM and Arts” exhibits at the Galveston Children’s museum will be used to create a magical place where children can explore, investigate, and discover the Victorian world, creating their own toys and reviving games from the Victorian era. This year’s festival begins Friday, December 5th with free admission from 5-9pm and continues Saturday, December 6th from
10am-9pm and Sunday, December 7th from 12-6pm. Tickets purchased before December 5th are $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 7-12. Tickets purchased at the gate are $14 for adults and $8 for youth. Discounted tickets for GH members are available for $9 in advance or $11 at the gate. Come in costume and you can get in half price! For more info, please visit online at www.galvestonhistory.org or call (409)765-7424.
ALL HAIL HER MAJESTY, THE QUEEN!
Dickens on The S trand
DECEMBER 5, 6 & 7, 2014
D I C K E N S O N T H E S T R A N D. ORG
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“The Winter Wonder Island of Texas:”
ice skating rink (bring your own skates or rentals available for $6), try out our new Arctic Ice Slide or take pictures with Santa. Events and activities include Festival of Lights, Ice Skating, A Season of Ice Sculptures Ice Slide, to Santa Surfing Train Ride, Galveston is the “Winter Wonder Island” of Texas Holiday and this season the island will offer visitors more than Films, 1,000 magical holiday events during November and Pictures December, including a new ice sculpture exhibit feawith Santa, turing nearly 2 million pounds of ice! In addition, Holiday visitors to Galveston can experience the largest holiBuffet, Ice day lighting festival along the Gulf Coast, ice skatSculptures ing, snow tubing, Victorian Christmas celebrations (new) and Food Drive Fridays. Food drive Fridays and more. offer the opportunity to enjoy the Festival and get a Here’s a preview of what to expect in Galveston special discount to help those in need this holiday this holiday season: season. Bring a nonperishable food item every Friday Shopping in the Historic throughout the Festival and receive a two-for-one Downtown Strand Seaport Festival admission. The food will be donated to the Ongoing Thru December 31st Galveston County and Houston Food Bank. For Downtown Galveston has all the charm of a tradidetails, visit www.moodygardens.org. tional holiday destination while offering the benefits Ice Sculptures of tropical weather and outdoor shopping. This 36-block district boasts beautiful Victorian ironfront Thru January 4th, 2015 buildings filled with boutique shops, antique stores, Moody Gardens will transform into the premier unique art galleries, and some of the finest cuisine on holiday destination this Christmas with SpongeBob SquarePants. Being the only holiday ice exhibition the island. on the Gulf Coast, this vast and amazing display Haunted Christmas at Mayfield Manor of magnificent ice creations will add a frosty new Ongoing Thru December 31st addition to the Festival of Lights and other holiday Come explore the haunted history of Christmas attractions this year. A skilled team of 20 professional holidays in Galveston at the Manor, located at 2313 ice carvers from Harbine, China will take 900 tons of Harborside, downtown Galveston. For more info call ice and transform them into majestic marvels ranging (409)762-6677 or visit hauntedmayfieldmanor.com. from holiday-themed sculptures to a wide range of scenes featuring the beloved underwater characters Holiday Performances from SpongeBob SquarePants. Chilled and held at a temperature of 9 degrees, you can witness these at The Grand works of art within a 28,000 sq. ft. insulated tent Throughout structure located on the property. This holiday treat December for the whole family will be open through January The Grand 1894 4th as Galveston makes its holiday transition into a Opera House Wonder Island. Admission to the exhibition presents a holiday Winter season filled with is $26.95 for adults, $21.95 for seniors and children. live entertainment - Broadway musicals, iconic stars, For details, visit www.moodygardens.org. comedy and lots of music will ring in the season! Holiday Magic at the Museums Events include: Thru January 4th Holiday Magic at House Museums will take place at • Friday, December 5th - Charles Dickens’ “A The 1892 Bishop’s Palace and 1895 Moody Mansion. Christmas Carol” • Saturday, December 13th - Nutcracker Afternoon These magnificent historical buildings will be adorned with holiday décor and are open for tours Tea, 12:30pm • Saturday, December 13th (2pm and 7:30pm) and daily. Sunday, December 14th (2pm) - City Ballet of Holiday Splash at Houston Presents “The Nutcracker” Schlitterbahn Waterpark • Tuesday, December 16th - Michael Martin Thru January 4th Murphey’s “Cowboy Christmas,” 8pm Little ones can learn to surf with Santa at Galveston’s • Saturday, December 20th - Robert Earl Keen only indoor waterpark this holiday season plus Merry Christmas from the Fam-O-Lee, 8pm additional activities will include an ornament-making • Sunday, December 21st - Houston Children’s contest, artificial snow showers, and holiday character Chorus “Holiday Pops Concert,” 4pm • Saturday, December 27th - Jerry Jeff Walker, 8pm meet and greets. The Indoor section of the park • Sunday, December 28th - The Manhattan Transfer is open weekends (Saturday-Sunday) 10am-5pm November 1st-22nd, Fridays-Sundays November Christmas Show, 4pm 28th-December 20th, and daily on December 22nd, • Saturday, January 3rd - “Flashdance,” 3pm, 8pm 23rd, 29th-31st. Santa will appear each of these days For more details visitwww.thegrand.com. for the children to make their wish lists. For more Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens info visit schlitterbahn.com/gal. Thru January 3rd, 2015 Holiday Lights and Magic in the Park As one of the largest holiday celebrations in the region, Festival of Lights has become a holiday tradi- Thru December 31st tion for families and groups alike. Enjoy more than 1 Attend free festivities in downtown Galveston’s million lights within 100 sound-enhanced animated Saengerfest Park, including light shows, music, visits light displays and nightly live entertainment. You with Santa and more. Bring out the whole family can also skate around on the area’s only outdoor for a day filled with festive holiday tunes from local
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and area school choirs, bands and amazing church choirs during this free event. Performances will be held in Saengerfest Park at 23rd and Strand St. from 12 noon 6pm on Saturday, December 13th, and Sunday, December 14th. Dickens on the Strand
December 5th, 6th, and 7th The 41st Anniversary of Dickens on The Strand takes visitors on an enchanted journey through history with an exciting festival that transforms Galveston’s historic Strand into the Victorian London of Charles Dickens. For details see our feature article or visit www.galvestonhistory.org.
is a powerful process tool, which has the capacity to open people in a supportive way to the deeper dimensions of human experience. Because its appeal Victorian Home Tour for the Holidays is universal, it embraces people from diverse backDecember 5th grounds and all walks of life. It is truly a marriage of The East End Historical District Association will feature many gorgeous homes available to tour. The the medical field and human spiritual needs. This will East End Historical District was designated a National be held at 6pm at the Moody Methodist Labyrinth, 2803 53rd St., Galveston. It is free to attend. Historic Landmark and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The architecture Sunday Brunch with Santa of the East End December 7th, 14th and 21st reflects some Hotel Galvez’s famous Sunday brunch will be full of the city’s of cheer this holiday season with visits from Santa, most notable 11am-2pm. Advance reservations are recommended examples of by calling ( 409)765-7721. Hotel Galvez & Spa is residential located at 2024 Seawall Blvd. Galveston. For more Victorian info visit www.galveston.com. architecture with a variety Ian Moore and Drew Kennedy at St. of styles and Joseph’s Church periods. This December 12th year’s tour will feature four East End homes decorated This live concert will feature music by Ian Moore for the holiday season, along with the First Presbyte- and Andrew Kennedy and is part of the TWELVE rian Church. The EEHDA Cottage will also be open Project. For three years, the TWELVE project has for refreshments, and guests can enjoy a variety of given Galveston community members the opportuholiday music at some of the locations. Tickets are $15 and are on sale at The Grand 1894 Opera House, nity to capture, through the art of photography, their 2020 Postoffice St., downtown Galveston. This will unique viewpoints of life while raising money for worthwhile charities. This year, TWELVE has given take place 5:30-9:30pm. that task to 12 Texas musicians as they turn their creativity to photographing life behind the mic as Pipe Organ Extravaganza at Trinity well as participate in a newly formed concert series. Episcopal Church 2014 participants are Hayes Carll, Drew Kennedy, December 6th Ian Moore, Asli Omar, Waylon Payne, Joe Pug, Galveston’s historic Trinity Episcopal Church will host its annual “Christmas Blast! Pipe Organ Extrava- Carrie Rodriguez, Randy Rogers, Bo Salling, Little Joe Washington. Armed with the same film camera, ganza,” featuring concert organist Ronald Wyatt at an Olympus Trip 35, and the choice of black and 7:30pm. The program will include a concert and white or color film, this year’s participants selected Christmas carols with Wyatt’s accompaniment. A fixture of Galveston’s Christmas celebrations for more one photo for gallery exhibitions at The Grand 1894 than 20 years, the Pipe Organ Extravaganza is a tradi- Opera House. In addition to the auction, each artist will also perform in Galveston through December as tion celebrating the season. The organ is moved to the center of the altar, giving guests the opportunity part of the TWELVE music series. For more info or tickets visit www.twelvepeople.org. to witness the mastery of Wyatt. After the performance, Victorian-style refreshments will be served by Holiday Concert in the Park candlelight in the church’s 1882 Eaton Hall. This is December 13th free to attend. Don’t miss this very special Holiday Concert in the Full Moon Labyrinth Walk: Cold Moon Park, filled with festive holiday tunes from area choirs December 6th and bands from 12-6pm. This free event will be The public is invited to participate in this Full Moon held at Saengerfest Park, 2300 Strand St., downtown Galveston. labyrinth walk which begins approximately 1 1/2 hours after sunset. This magnificent labyrinth is a Santa Train at the Galveston Railroad precision replica of the original Chartres design in Museum France, adapted by Marty Kermeen. It is 39 feet December 13th in diameter, and the path is 12 1/2 inches wide, extending a total of 750 feet in length. The labyrinth Welcome Santa as he comes to town aboard the Galveston Railroad Museum’s Harborside Express
train. Stroll through our Garden of Steam and enjoy the festive Holiday lights and decorations. You can even complete your Holiday shopping at our Gift Shop. Towering at the head of the Strand, the vast Railroad Museum boasts one of the largest restored railroad collections in the southwest, and one of the five largest in the country, with numerous railroad memorabilia and exhibits, including more than 40 pieces of locomotives and rolling stock. For more info, visit galvestonrrmuseum.com. Santa in the Park
December 13th-14th and 20th Children will be able to visit and take pictures with Santa in the Park in downtown Galveston’s Saengerfest Park on Saturday, December 13th, Sunday December 14th, and Saturday December 20th from 1-5pm. For more info visit galvestonholidayinthepark.com. Breakfast with the Sandhill Cranes
December 13th-14th Get a fascinating view of the magnificent Sandhill Cranes that migrate through Galveston’s West End just before the holidays. This will be held at Moody Gardens Golf Course Banquet Facility, 1700 Sydnor Lane, Galveston. Back by popular demand, dynamic and charismatic Keanna Leonard will educate participants about crane behavior and entertain us all with her lively videos and engaging stories. After a light breakfast and the presentation, attendees will embark on a special tour of the island’s West End to observe the three-to-four-foot tall birds, known for their impressive size and the bright red cap atop their heads. We’ll have experienced birders with spotting scopes on hand at some previously scouted crane hotspots to answer questions and make sure you get to observe the cranes. Early bird registration is $20 for GINTC members, $25 for non-members. After November 21st, $25 GINTC members, $30 for nonmembers. For more info, galvestonnaturetourism.org. Photos with Santa Plus Cooking Decorating and More
December 13th Come get your photo taken with Santa for free at Saints Constantine and Helen Orthodox Church, 4109 Ave. L in Galveston, 9am-2pm. There will be lots of arts and crafts, food, goodies and vendors plus photos can include the entire family! For more info call (713)299-4354. Roosting with the Sandhill Cranes
December 13th The Sandhill Cranes’ captivating dusk flight to roost is just one highlight of this one-of-a-kind experience at a private home on Galveston’s West End. Join GINTC and Keanna Leonard, crane expert and Education Director at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary in Gibbon, Nebraska, as we toast to the Sandhill Cranes while the sun sets over the wetlands along the shores of Galveston Bay. Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, libations, and a distinctively intimate presentation about the cultural and historical significance of cranes. This event is limited to 20 participants and will be held 5-7:30pm. Registration is $125 per person, and includes a copy of Keanna Leonard’s book, “The Private Lives of Sandhill Cranes.” Moody Mansion Open Holiday House
December 14th Moody Mansion will host its annual Open House offering tons of free activities and celebrations. Moody Mansion is located at 2618 Broadway, Galveston. Restored to its turn of the century splendor, the 28,000 square-foot, four-story structure was completed in 1895. Today, guests can visit 20 rooms on a tour that depicts the home life of a powerful Texas family. Today, its rooms are filled with the furnishings and personal effects of the family and during the holidays it is a beautiful sight to see. For more info go to www.moodymansion.org. Moody Gardens Christmas Dinner and Show featuring Curt Miller and Friends
December 18th-27th Experience holiday magic at Moody Gardens with master illusionist Curt Miller and friends. Curt and his talented friends are back this December to introduce a new production, featuring new magic, music and fun. Witness people appearing and disappearing right before your eyes. Over the past two years at Moody Gardens, Curt Miller’s Christmas show has been seen by over 15,000 people. Executive Chef Robbin Murphy is also presenting a new holiday dinner buffet as a perfect accompaniment to an evening of engaging family entertainment. Your ticket includes the dinner and show and admission
to Moody Garden’s incredible Festival of Lights. Tickets start at $55 for adults and $39 for children. For more info go to moodychristmasshow.com. Drop-in Greeting Card Poetry Party
December 19th Come join the fun and write greeting card messages with a variety of colorful writing tools at Rosenberg Library. This free event is fun for children to create holiday memories. Rosenberg lIbrary is located at 2310 Sealy St., downtown Galveston. For more info visit www.rosenberg-library.org. Santa Hustle
December 20th Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, you’re warmly welcomed to join the jolly fun which starts and ends at Saengerfest Park on Sunday, December 21st. Race participants will receive a Santa hat and beard to show their holiday spirit during the race, along with dri-fit sweatshirts. Throughout the courses, which runs along 25th Street for the 5K, and along the oceanfront for the half marathon, holiday cheer will abound with seasonal music, candy and cookie stations, signs and other seasonal goodies. The Galveston Santa Hustle will benefit both the Galveston County Food Bank and Toys for Tots. To register or for more info go to santahustle.com. Download the Official Holiday Brochure at www. galveston.com/holidaymagic/brochure_hires.pdf.
Events
Ongoing - Looking for something fun to do? How about kayaking in Galveston? For as little as $10 you can kayak the bay and other areas of Galveston. Artist Boat is establishing a Coastal Heritage Preserve on Galveston Island and is looking for people who want to explore by kayak. Their grant to acquire the land at the new Coastal Heritage Preserve provides financial resources to launch three years of educational programming from this special place. Public trips are available for $10 per person. For a schedule and to register for a public trip, visit the Coastal Heritage Preserve page on their website. For more information, contact Artist Boat at (409)770-0722 or artistboat.org. Every Sunday - Galveston’s Own Farmer’s Market brings locally grown produce, prepared foods, and edible farm products to residents of Galveston and the surrounding areas every Sunday morning, 9am-1pm. They strive to foster a greater sense of community, all while supporting farmers and producers, and connecting individuals with their local food economy. Galveston’s Own Farmer’s Market is located at 2508 Postoffice St., Galveston. Thru December 5th - GISD Schools and ABC13 Join Forces for 24th Annual “Share Your Holidays” Food Drive - Culminating Friday, December 5th, with the Ball High School Student Council taking the lead, GISD schools and ABC13 will again join forces to help end hunger on Galveston Island and in Galveston County. This year’s 34th annual “Share Your Holidays” food drive will conclude on Friday, December 5th when donors can bring their contributions to Ball High School, 4115 Avenue O (Clock Tower entrance), between 6am and 4pm. Entertainment and on-camera interviews will also be part of the activities on December 5th, with entertainment to include Tuffy Tor, Santa Claus, The BHS Band, Tornettes and cheerleaders; Hispanic Dance presentation, student council interviews, and the “Hand to Hand” food chain link. For more info, (409)789-4717. Since ABC13 and Ball High School joined forces 33 years ago, over 1 million pounds of food have been collected. Saturday, December 20th - Galveston Island Market Setting Up for A Holiday Market - Galveston Island Market volunteers and vendors will be returning to Galveston’s wonderful downtown area at 22nd and Mechanic, next to Nautical Antiques and Big House Antiques from 10am-4pm. The Market will feature several of its regular vendors as well as new artisans and will be offering unique wares for holiday shoppers. Hand-crafted items make excellent presents. The Market is co-sponsored by the Galveston Art League and prides itself as a true artisan market. All art items are hand-crafted or produced by the vendors. Look for the tents along Mechanic and 22nd St., weather permitting. This is the last Market of 2014 and they take a break in January, but will be back in February through June in 2015, third Saturday of every month. Artisans interested in participating in the future should go to the Market website, www.galvestonislandmarket.com.
See our Menu at www.thejungle.co (yes, it’s .co)
2525 Jones Dr. In Front of Schlitterbahn 409-741-8300 Monday - Thursday: 7:30am to 9pm Friday: 7:30am to 9:30 pm Saturday: 7:30am to 9:30pm Sunday: 7:30am to 6:00pm
We Deliver!
Delivery to home, work, hotel and the beach!
Legendary Burgers Fresh Salads Authentic Gyros Gourmet Sandwiches Hand-Dipped Ice Cream Shakes & Malts Signature Fried Catfish Fried Shrimp Chicken Fried Steak Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs Children’s Menu
Kids Eat FREE Friday Night Breakfast Buffet Every Weekend 7:30 to 10:30 (one free child per 1 paid adult purchase 4 to close)
Loved by Yelp Readers! Recommended by Trip Advisor Voted Galveston’s #1 American Food Restaurant The Island Guide Magazine
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I-45 to Houston Clo
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Offatts Bayou
69th
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Airport Rd
Stewart R
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Calvary Cemetery
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53rd
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Galveston College
61st
4 miles past Jamaica Beach
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79th
Stewar Road t
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Lake Madeline
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oad
Stewa
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Sydnor Bayou 99th
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Hope Ro
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Campeche Lake Sweetwater Lake
Bay Sho
Sydnor
Moody Gardens Golf Course
Saints Consta & Helen Orthodox Ch
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Seawall Blvd.
The Pelican Krogers Club
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Advertise Here for $ 75 a month!
Live Music Every Friday! Sea Isle Subdivision - 4 miles west of Jamaica Beach
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Store - 409-497-4148 Restaurant - 409-497-4152 Bait Shop - 409-632-0338
Marine Fuel • General Store • Bait & Tackle Official CCA Weigh Station Free Boat Ramp Boat Storage Over the Water
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VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER 2328 BROADWAY (BEHIND ASHTON VILLA)
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER 2328 BROADWAY (BEHIND ASHTON VILLA)
(409)740-3111
7000 Seawall Blvd., Galveston See the new mobile website www.thedawnbeachcondos.com http://m.galveston.com Managed by Prestige Management Services
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Intracoastal Canal
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19th
21th
Kempner Park
21th
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Beachtown Community
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Galveston Island Visitors Center at Ashton Villa
29th
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Downtown Galveston (see map on back)
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14th
aints Constantine & Helen Orthodox Church
. 168
Ferry Landing
East Beach
Stewart Beach Park Av
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Mario’s Seawall Italian Restaurant
Pelican Club
Benno’s On the Beach
Home of the $699 per lb. Super Colossal Shrimp
Gaido’s
Voted Galveston’s Best Mexican Food & Margarita 2012 Mexican Food 2013 By Galveston Daily News Extended Summer Hours: Mon-Thur 11am-9:30pm Friday 11am-10:30pm Saturday 8am-10:30pm Sunday 8am-9:30pm
Come check out our New Margaritas! Breakfast served Saturday & Sunday 8-11am
Private Parking Lot
Dine In | To Go | Catering | Private Parties 1401 Market St. @ the corner of Market St. and 14th Phone: (409)762-6001 Walking distance from the Strand
Open Sunday-Thursday 12-9 Friday & Saturday 12-10 409.744.4237
6026 Seawall @ 61st St.
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Harborside Dr.
Galveston C ruise Terminals
“Harborside” Tall Ship Elissa Texas Seaport Museum Harbor Tours Pier 21 Theatre Jet Boat Tours
“The Strand” Galveston Railroad Museum
Strand
Patrick’s
Saengerfest Park
2 Steppin’ Sports Bar Saloon
Mechanic
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Historic Arts and Entertainment District
Island Muisc Center
25th
PostOffice
Jack’s Pub
21st
Church
19th
International Fine Art Gallery
20th
GALVESTON POST OFFICE
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Galveston Island Visitors Center at Ashton Villa
23rd
GALVESTON CITY HALL
24th
Winnie
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A Ship Watcher’s Paradise SHIPS, DINING, INN, THEATER, ADVENTURES
Family owned and operated for over 20 years and serving authentic homemade Mexican food, this best kept Island secret is a favorite with the locals.
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Serving up one of the best Mexican breakfasts on the Island and offering everything from burritos to migas, chorizo or if you prefer traditional eggs, bacon and potatoes there is something for everyone. Lunch include enchiladas, combination plates, fajitas, tacos and steaks.
Pier 21 is part of Mitchell Properties Visit www.mitchellhistoricproperties.com for more information.
Open Monday-Saturday 6am-2pm 413 24th St., Galveston - (409)763-9289
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Cowgirls
There’s a new cupcake in town!
Celebrating everyday life and special events using old fashioned baking methods to provide outstanding cupcakes for your family, friends and colleagues.
409-762-1111
2108 Church St. #101B, Galveston, TX 77550 “TheCupcakeCowgirlsGalveston”
Books
Some Great Books to Give and Receive By Gini Rainey “Taboo: A CSI Reilly Steel Thriller” by Casey Hill
It didn’t take me long to download this book to my Kindle after my daughter e-mailed me, saying “Mom, you need to get this book I just read about. It’s the first book in a series of books for people that like Patricia Cornwell and Kathy Reichs!” I absolutely love the convenience of e-books, because in the time it took me to finish reading her e-mail, I now had in my possession another great book. Don’t get me wrong – I still love to hold the real thing and turn the real pages – but being able to have immediate access to a great read is very nice. “Taboo” centers around Quantico trained forensic investigator Reilly Steel from San Francisco and a serial killer in and around Dublin. Sent to Ireland to help drag the Garda forensic team into the 21st century, and to also keep an eye on her Irish born father who had returned to his roots, Reilly becomes entangled in a series of murders that are cryptically tied to Freudian precepts. This book has enough blood and guts to keep those who enjoy that sort of thing interested, while also having a lot of the antiseptic work of modern day lab technologies to keep the techies happy. Reilly is savvy, not only in the lab, but also on the scene and in the squad room. Combining Reilly’s background with the forensic team members she is training, there’s not a whole lot that gets past the scrutinizing eye of one of the best investigative teams to hit the streets of Dublin. Hill does a remarkable job of building the crime scenes into easily imaginable visuals that help to immerse the reader directly into the middle of the investigations. With characters that are so completely developed and identifiable, the intrigue of “Taboo” has all the makings of a great, page-turning read. This book was almost impossible for me to put down, as each page turn took me deeper and deeper into the middle of the intrigue of the plot. Don’t think that there isn’t also a bit of romance in this book, as Reilly takes a nice liking to one of the members of the force, and a subtle, trusting relationship begins to build between the two. With Chris by her side, they make a formidable forensic team and bounce theories and ideas off each other that help to bring them closer and closer to the killer. “Taboo” is well written and with plot sequences that quickly build at a steady pace, it will keep the reader coming back for more until the book is finished. Without a doubt, this is a book whose ending is not easily discerned until the last page is turned, making it a book well worth the read if you are a fan of forensics and crime scene investigation and enjoy a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very end. Rating: 5 of 5 Copyright 2011 – Simon & Schuster “A Fireproof Home for the Bride” by Amy Scheibe
Being fortunate enough to know the author personally (Amy is my niece), I received an advance readers’ edition of this book last
week. Mark this down as another book I was unable to put down. This is Amy’s second book, the first being “What Do You Do All Day” and I found it to be a very interesting book about the coming of age during the mid-50s in the mid-west. Filled with enough romance, intrigue, and racial prejudices, it’s a book that will appeal to readers of all types of literature. Centered around the life of main character, Emmeline, Scheibe does a wonderful job solidly creating characters that will either tear at your heart or fill you with anger. This book is full of so many raw emotions it will leave you feeling the joy, pain, and anger of the characters. In a time and space where one wouldn’t imagine arranged marriages, racial injustices, and social prejudices still existed, the characters of “Bride” find their lives ruled by the social mores of the day. Although not an arranged marriage of the traditional sort, Emmeline’s family basically assumed that she would marry Ambrose when the time was right, thus merging the land holdings of both families into a much larger farm that would provide a more influential presence in the community. However, because of the expectations and pressures of their families and a desire to know more about life before becoming committed to just one person, 18 year old Emmy breaks off her engagement with Ambrose and moves out of the family home. On her own, she discovers family members and their histories and unpleasant facts about Klan activity in the community, but most importantly, she discovers herself and what she is truly capable of doing. At a time when women were expected to get married and have children, Emmy finds her true calling in investigative reporting for the local newspaper. With the help of one of the reporters, she is able to uncover and expose the activities of some of the seamier residents of the community. In a book that is as interesting to read as it is compelling, Scheibe has boldly hit on subjects often thought of as taboo and off-limits for people of the 50s, where such things didn’t exist (really?) or, if they did, certainly weren’t talked about. In my opinion, this book is well worth the read, and although not available for purchase until March 2015, it can be pre-ordered now through Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Rating: 5 of 5 Copyright 2015 – St. Martin’s Press
Bartee Haile is the author of “This Week in Texas History,” a syndicated column found in many local newspapers. Then at 3pm, meet the writers collectively known as Miles Arceneaux with their new Gulf Coast thriller entitled “Ransom Island.” It’s 1953 and life is good at Shady’s, the Sweetwater brothers’ fish camp, dancehall, and beer joint on Ransom Island. The biggest event in the island’s history is coming up—an integrated dance featuring Duke Ellington. It’s a daring idea for fifties-era Texas, and not everyone is happy about it. But interracial dancing soon becomes the least of the Sweetwaters’ problems, as Galveston mobsters track a runaway girl to Shady’s and decide the offbeat island is just the place to diversify their illegal rackets. And God help anyone who gets in their way. “Ransom Island” is the third book featuring the Sweetwater brothers and the first to involve Galveston Island. The Sweetwater family history is rooted in the shrimping trade and the brothers all exude a salty, dockside charisma as they navigate their trials and misadventures with a cast of offbeat characters and seedy lowlifes. Miles Arceneaux is the pen name of the Texas writing team of Brent Douglass, John T. Davis, and James R. Dennis.
Saturday, December 20th
Wanda Vassallo and her three illustrated children’s books all focusing on animals. (11am-1pm) “Animal Trials and Smiles” is a picture book in verse about the challenges various animals face and the surprising solutions they come up with. “I Was the Mother of a Baby Duck” is the true story of a family adopting an orphaned duckling. “Lessons From Finned, Feathered and Furry Friends” features six short illustrated stories in verse showing lessons we can learn from animals. All three books are soft cover and illustrated in color. Dr. Wanda Vassallo is a writer, a dramatist, a speaker, and a musician. She is the author of 10 published books, about 150 magazine articles, and some 50 plays. She resides with her husband in Dallas, Texas. “Galveston’s Maceo Family Empire: Bootlegging and the Balinese Room” by Scott Belshaw, T. Nicole Boatman, Richard B. McCaslin (2-4pm) Galveston Bookshop will host a book signing with authors Scott Belshaw and T. Nicole Boatman, newly published by HisGalveston Bookshop Signings tory Press. Galveston Bookshop is located at 317 23rd St., downtown At the dawn of the twentieth cenGalveston, (409)750-8200, galvestonbookshop.com. tury, Galveston was a beacon of opportuSaturday, December 13th nity on the Texas Gulf Coast. Dubbed the “Murder Most Texan” by Bartee Haile “Wall Street of the Southwest,” its lais(1-3pm) sez-faire reputation called those hungry for success to its shores. Led by brothers “Ransom Island” by Miles Arceneaux Salvatore and Rosario at the height of Prohibition, the Maceo family (3-5pm) answered that call and changed the Oleander City forever. They built Galveston Bookshop will host two book signings featuring a book of Texas an island empire of gambling, smuggling and prostitution that lasted three decades. Housed in their nightclubs frequented by stars like true crime and a suspense thriller set in Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra and Duke Ellington, they endeared themPort Aransas and Galveston. selves to their Galveston neighbors by sharing their profits, imitating Starting at 1pm, meet true crime crime syndicates in their native Sicily. Though certainly no saints, the writer and Texas historian Bartee Haile with his book of high profile Texas mur- Maceos helped bring prosperity to a community weary from a cender cases entitled “Murder Most Texan,” a tury of turmoil. Discover the history of Galveston’s famous crime famcollection detailing sixteen cold blooded ily with authors Nicole Boatman, Dr. Scott Belshaw and Texas historian Richard McCaslin. killings from Lone Star history that have shocked and bewildered Award-winning author Richard B. McCaslin is a professor of hisTexans for decades. Texas has long boasted its iron fist of the law and strict treatment tory at The University of North Texas. Dr. Scott Belshaw is a tenuretrack assistant professor of criminal justice a The University of North of its hardest criminals. Nevertheless, scoundrels, fiends, and homicidal criminals inevitably slipped through the Lone Star justice system Texas and former adjunct professor of forensic psychology at Argosy University. Nicole Boatman earned a master of science in criminal jusdespite the best efforts of even the legendary Texas Rangers. From roadside murder to political assassinations, discover the seedy under- tice with her thesis providing a historical account of Texas organized crime which developed into this book. belly of Texas’ murderous past.
Events
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of the project, John Allen, and the funder, Ed Bass. This power struggle outside of the dome affected the individuals within, creating a deep and personal division. Within six months the Biospherans had separated into two groups of 2 men and 2 women Galveston Artist Residency: that refused to speak or eat together. This exhibition stands as a microcosm of the inherent conflicts within a creatively-conceived collaborative effort. Eric Heist is an artist who works in multiple media exploring the effects of power upon individuals and the contradictions that exist between group and individual interests. Past installations have addressed military, religious, corporate, and economic systems through video, sculpThe GAR Gallery is tural objects, and works on pleased to present “Biosphere paper. Installations are the2 by Eric Heist” and in the matically organized and indiGAR Project Space: “Cajole vidual works represent differThe Nice Nice” by Anna Elise ent perspectives on a singular Johnson. topic that acquire meaning “Biosphere 2 by Eric through a cumulative effect. Heist” Recent exhibitions include “Biosphere2,” an exhibiFoundations, a solo exhibition of recent works by Eric tion at Schroeder Romero/ Heist. This installation conShredder, NY, UStrust, a tinues Heist’s interest in the solo exhibition at Schroeconomic and psychological eder Romero, Candy Facdynamics of communal idealtory, a collaborative project ism in the face of individual with Genesis P-Orridge, at interests. As in previous exhiTeam gallery, New York and bitions by the artist, an array Centre of Attention, London. of media are directed toward His work has been included a thematically-organized, in exhibitions at Participant, research-based approach to an Inc., Max Protetch, Ronald historic event. Feldman Fine Arts, White In the early nineties, a Columns, Roebling Hall, NY, multi-million dollar facility and the Brooklyn Museum was constructed in the desert of Art, among others. He is a outside of Tucson in Orafounder and current director of Momenta Art, a not cle, Arizona. A team of 8 scientists/creative individuals were assembled, half were male, half were for profit gallery in Brooklyn, NY. He has taught at New York University, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, and female, to live together for a two-year period in a 3.5 acre “closed system” in which no materials were The Cooper Union, New York. His work has been reviewed by Holland Cotter of the New York Times, removed or added to the environment. Oxygen, William Powhida in The Brooklyn Rail, and Chrisfood, and waste would all have to be cultivated or disposed of within the Biosphere. There were a tian Viveros-Fauné in Art in America. number of “biomes” constructed -- Desert, Savan- GAR Project Space: “Cajole The Nice Nice” by Anna Elise Johnson nah, Ocean, Rain Forest, Agriculture -- that were Opening in the GAR Project Space, we’re to be maintained by the “Biospherans” and would, excited to present “Cajole The Nice Nice,” a collecin turn, maintain the biosphere, providing water, tion of new works by Anna Elise Johnson. The title food, oxygen, and efficient waste recycling. for this exhibition comes from a line in the Dada Biosphere 2 was an Earth-based model for Manifesto by Tristan Tzara that asks if art is only a Mars space station/colony. It was conceived by visionary/poet/actor John Allen and influenced by meant to “cajole the nice nice bourgeois.” The exhibition includes a sculptural acrylic collage and a artists that included Brion Gysin, William S. Burseries of two-dimensional collages on hardboard. roughs and Buckminster Fuller. All manipulate a historical photograph that presThe Biospherans were expected to sustain themselves by growing and raising their own food ents an archetypal scene of political negotiation. In the photo, two suited leaders sit in armchairs with a and to maintain complex life support systems rug beneath them and a fireplace, fire stokers, table, within this giant geodesic terrarium. Within six months a variety of factors converged to undermine cup and papers between them.The translators and the utopic nature of the project: negative publicstaff have been purposely omitted from the shot in ity, interior malfunctions, lack of food, lack of oxy- order to stage a dialogue and posit a personal relagen and a power struggle between the visionary tionship between two world leaders. The original
Now on Exhibit “Biosphere 2” and “Cajole The Nice Nice”
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photograph depicts the negotiations between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev at the 1985 Geneva summit. This selected, singular photograph is meant to monumentalize this event. The collages also represent the scene from multiple vantage points through the incorporation of additional photographs (from the Ronald Reagan Library Archive) taken before and after the carefully chosen and widely disseminated iconic photograph, expanding upon the single memorialized moment. In the art works, the key players in the scene are cut away, and their removal disperses attention to the carefully manipulated mis-en-scene, making it possible to imagine the scene outside of the stabilized narrative of the event. Objects move and repeat in multiple iterations. Abstract shapes taken from the Kurt Schwitters 1943 collage, “Difficult,” also overlap and intersect with photographed objects in the room. In the exhibition’s sculptural collage - created by cutting and pasting digital prints, painting, and drawing on layers of acrylic and then attaching the layers with a resin-based adhesive to create a solid, standing acrylic block the viewer’s physical position in front of the piece shifts the relationship between objects and shapes within the piece, aligning or misaligning them as the viewer moves around the work. In the two-dimensional collages, shapes and objects shift, recombine and repeat throughout, transposing digital, painting, and drawing media. The art works juxtapose abstract shapes from the Dada collage by Schwitters with photographs of objects from a political scene set in a bourgeois interior at the end of the Cold War and at the beginning of globalized market deregulation and the meshing of market (bourgeois) interests with those of the state. This juxtaposition of political posturing and art elements contemplates in what way such representations and abstractions lure and coddle the bourgeois. Can art create resistance to this “cajoling the nice nice” by imagining new relationships between the political scenario and art devices? This body of work attempts to reinject a representation of stabilized, normalized politics with the potentiality of the political. Anna Elise Johnson received her MFA from the University of Chicago in 2012 and her BFA from Washington University in St. Louis in 2005, with a major in painting and a minor in art history. She was born in Starnberg, Germany, and grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado. After completing her BFA, Johnson worked in the arts in Baltimore and Denver and as an assistant to her father, who is also an artist. Afterwards she lived in Berlin, Germany for years and worked as an artist assistant for Julie Mehretu. After completing her MFA at the University of Chicago, Anna Elise was a fellow at the Core Program in Houston, TX. She has exhibited her work across the United States as well as in Berlin and London. Galveston Artist Residency is located at 2521 Mechanic St., downtown Galveston, (409)9744446, 446, www.galvestonartistresidency.org. These exhibits will be on display through January 31st.
Events
Affaire d’Art - 2227 Postoffice St., (409)789-0079 or www.affairedart. com - A Jewelry Affair will take place December 13th from 11am - 6pm. They will be hosting their first ever Jewelry Showcase featuring one-of-a-kind men’s and women’s jewelry from their in-house Jewelers. Artists and beloved guests will be showing their handmade creations just in time for Christmas. They will have over 1000 pieces of jewelry to choose from. The GMPA / GRCC “Christmas Around the World” Christmas Parade will be passing by right outside our doors so feel free to bring a chair and get comfy. The parade starts at 11am and routes go through downtown Galveston. The parade will feature local first responders from the Galveston Police Department’s SWAT and Dive Team, the Galveston Fire Department, Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and many more. We will be serving hot wassail to keep you warm. On exhibit this month is Jeff Hamachek. Jeff Hamachek is a professionally trained artist with a graphic arts degree from the Art Institute of Houston. He has been painting for over 20 years, but most recently has a focus on Island subject matter. Inspired by the Impressionist masters, Monet and Van Gogh, his preferred medium is oil on fine canvas with a contemporary but still impressionistic style. In his execution, the subject is quite premeditated, while the use of color is transitional as images evolve with light until the desired result come to life on canvas. Jeff’s paintings are heavily influenced by his love of Galveston Island. The beach, its people, the Islands history and pride, have all served as a source of meaningful and continuous inspiration for him. Also Kelly Halbach will be showing her work. “From the time I first picked up a pencil, I began sketching. Raised on a West Texas dairy farm, I was riding horses as soon as I could walk. Not surprisingly, my first charcoal at age eight was of a great black horse. After studying applied art at Texas Tech University, I painted two series: one of impressionistic pastels and one of animals in oil. Then, art was put on hold as business and family matters made painting impractical. Through the years, my extensive travels – safaris in South Africa, months in various European locales, studying in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and trekking through New Mexico and the Southwest U.S. – have inspired me. My paintings reflect the richness of these varied cultures and locales. Now
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living on the Gulf Coast of Texas, I am inspired by the gorgeous shorebirds and scenery found on our coastline and birding trails. I endeavor to give them life on paper and canvas. My art is displayed in galleries throughout the Houston and Galveston areas and concentrates primarily on ocean and beach themes. I have created a number of series that include lighthouses, palm trees, sea horses, water birds, shells, fish and coral. I have recently created new contemporary art and have painted a series entitled “Martini Ladies” that has been very well received. While I enjoy painting in oils, watercolors best capture the softness created by the hazy sunlight of the shores. My training includes classes and private art instruction at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C. I live and paint in Nassau Bay, Texas, just south of Houston.” ArtWalk will be held throughout town, ranging in time from 4-10pm. Mostly held in the heart of the downtown historic district and now other parts of the Island, ArtWalk is a free event that takes place in existing commercial galleries, non-profit art spaces, and what are called “other walls”- restaurants and retail stores. For a brochure listing all participants, stop by the Galveston Arts Center at 2501 Market St., or go online at www.galvestonartscenter.org. All events are free. Various artworks will be for sale. 2015 ArtWalk dates are January 17th, Febuary 28th, April 18th, May 30th, July 11th, August 22nd, October 10th and November 28th. The Artists’ Studios - 1902 Ave. N, Galveston, (512)217-1994 - This is a large studio designed for space rentals for artists to paint, draw, or sculpt in an active creative atmosphere. Are you an artist and don’t have a space to work? Then this is the place for you. This space is designed for you to rent and use to create your art. The Artists’ Studio has spaces available for rent on a month-by-month, 6-month and 1-year basis. All utilities are paid and rental includes locker space. There are spaces available for classes as well. Amenities include free wi-fi, free coffee or tea, keyless digital entry, industrial sinks, bathrooms, and small fridge for cold drinks. Call for availability. DesignWorks - 2119 Postoffice St., (409)766-7599 - DesignWorks gallery opened the fifth annual Celebrate Studio Jewelry this month. The theme this year is “Teachers + Students.” The “teachers” are renowned metalsmiths Diane Falkenhagen, adjunct professor at Alvin Community College, and Sandra Zilker, department chair, jewelry and enamel program at Glassell School of Art. Diane’s talented students are Mary Davenport, who works with shed antlers; Paula Kennedy, who does amazing things with polymer clay; and Marjorie Metoyer whose enameled and oxidized copper pieces are striking. Sandie’s accomplished students are Paula Angeleri, who works with patinated copper; Diana Diebold, making lyrical sterling silver pieces; and Sylvia Otaola, working with oxidized copper with floral cut-outs. Ed Gearke Island Gallery & Studio - 2328 Strand, 2nd Floor, (409)526-2209 - Ed Gearke is a selftaught artist who, since childhood has employed pastel drawing as a means for revealing his observations of the world around him. For most of his life, however, art was relegated to a peripheral status. As Gearke entered his forties, he felt an urgent calling to pursue his art more diligently. In 1986 he began to lease studio space at the Blue Star complex in San Antonio. Regular contact with other artists and intensive studio sessions impelled him on an exhaustive search for meaning through art. Gearke is most profoundly inspired by his surrounding environment and has chosen people and landscapes as his primary subjects. The artists objective is to forge a connection between himself and the viewer. His drawings are vehicles for expressing the moods these subjects instill in him and initiating a dialogue with the audience. The artist employs pastel primarily for the “ hands-on” approach it allows. He appreciates the ability to propel the medium naturally with his hands and fingers. Gearke enjoys the immediacy of its results and the casual ease with which it delineates form, color, light and shadow. Pastel is as unassuming as the artist himself; with it, he is directly able to handle his medium and control every mark. His latest work is currently the feature at this gallery. G. Lee Gallery - 2214 Postoffice St., (409)370-7350 - G. Lee Gallery is pleased to announce that resident artist, George Douglas Lee, is this month’s featured artist. Lee earned a BFA in fine arts and graphic design from Sam Houston State University. His work includes landscapes, portraits, surrealism and nonobjective pieces, accomplished in a variety of styles and media. Over the years, Lee has shown extensively in Galveston and the greater Houston area. He was recently inducted into the Texas Playwriting
Hall of Fame. Lee is also a produced screenwriter and lead singer with the Noise Poets. Brushes By the Beach® Plein Air group show continues thru the month of December. Thirty Texas artists submitted over 50 paintings to the contest, in which all of the artists created their work out of doors on Galveston Island. Artists chose a variety of subjects from beach to marsh, historic homes, to the Island’s iconic landmarks and famous eateries. George will be showcased along with photography by Mary Lou Darst and Peter Bowman; contemporary art by Lou Sprecher, Brendan Martinez and Bud Clayton; oils by Svetlana Bazaman; and landscapes and mixed media by Michael Basham daily through December 30th. Galveston Arts Center - 2501 Market St., (409)763-2403 “Orna Feinstein | Now and Zen: Fifteen Years of Contemporary Printmaking” will be on exhibit this month through January 4th. Galveston Arts Center presents a retrospective of uniquely layered abstract monoprints by Houston artist Orna Feinstein. The exhibit celebrates fifteen years of contemporary printmaking by Feinstein and was curated by Vincent Falsetta of the Art Department at University of North Texas, Denton. Inspired and fascinated by the interior geometry organic things — the concentric patterns of tree rings or the cellular structure of a plant when observed under a microscope, Feinstein uses oilbased inks on various surfaces such as fabric, paper and Plexiglas that she assembles or stitches together. Her three-dimensional works examine themes of life and progression, reinventing the monoprint as an abstract physical object that advances, accordionlike, across space and time. The pieces selected for this show demonstrate the evolution in materials and approaches that has occurred in Feinstein’s work over the years, highlighting her sophisticated relationship with color including monochromatic, bright multi-hued and black and white works. Also, GAC is presenting their annual Holiday Art Workshop this month. Never Buy Gift-Wrap Again! That’s the theme of Galveston Arts Center’s Holiday Art-making workshop to be held on Saturday, December 13th at Moody Mansion, 2618 Broadway St. in Galveston. Rebecca Braziel, an experienced art teacher and exhibiting artist, will demonstrate various methods of creating attractive gift-wrap using materials at hand, from block-printing techniques to decorative collage and other creative surface treatments. The workshop is designed to be fun for artists and non-artists alike and get people into a holiday mood. At the end, participants will take home several generously sized sheets of their own “designer” gift-wrap that will impress friends and family and ad a personal touch to any holiday décor. The Saturday workshop will be held in the open and spacious loft above the garage at Moody Mansion. There will be a morning session just for kids from 10am to 12 noon (recommended for ages 6 and up) and an afternoon session for all ages from 1-3pm. Teens are welcome to attend either session. Tuition is $20, which includes materials and supports all of Galveston Arts Center’s educational programs. Members of Galveston Arts Center, as always, receive a 10% discount. Galveston Art League - 2117 Postoffice St., (409)621-1008, or www.galvestonartleague.com - Carol Outlaw-Wagner is the featured artist at the Galveston Art League’s December membership show. Her work is on display through December 28th. Carol will be holding a reception for those interested in learning about her work on Saturday, December 13th, 3-6pm. Carol is a longtime member of the Art League and shows her work there as well as at a number of local galleries. Seeing and studying sunlight as it falls across an object is what inspires Carol to want to record it on canvas. The hour before sunset is when she loves to take photos of birds, water vistas, and coastal scenes. She paints both from her photos and in the open air. Carol was a small business owner for 25 years. After retiring, she has the time to study and paint with many local artists. She also loves to go to workshops Cont. on page 17
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given by international artists where she meets new artist friends and sees different locations to paint. Carol says, “Painting has become a passion for me. I feel very fortunate to get to explore this world with paintbrush in hand.” Galveston Artist Residency - 2521 Mechanic St., (409)974-4446, www.galvestonartistresidency.org The GAR Gallery is pleased to present “Biosphere 2 by Eric Heist” and in the GAR Project Space: “Cajole The Nice Nice” by Anna Elise Johnson. These exhibits will be on display through January 31st. Heard Gallery - 2217 Postoffice St., (903)3579073 - This month at The Heard Gallery there will be a wide variety of painting styles on display by gallery owner and artist Ray Heard. While there are displays of airbrush, wood carving and photography by fellow artists, you will see beautiful examples of pallet knife application, soft blending, thick mosaic, traditional brushed paint, impressionism and even computer generated art. Collectors looking for that one of a kind oil painting may want to discuss a commissioned original at The Heard Gallery. J. Bangle’s Silk Stocking Gallery - 25th and Ave. L, (409)763-6161 - The heart of the gallery is the art collection by renowned local and national artists; most notably, “Galveston’s own” Pam Heidt. Katrina Howarth Gallery - 215 Tremont St., (713)550-6431 or www.thehowarthgallery.com On display this month are new fine art original oil paintings by artist and gallery owner Katrina Howarth of beautiful European landscapes and colorful still life compositions of florals and tabletops. MiArt - 1327 Market St., (409)692-7833 - For the last ArtWalk of the year, MiArt gallery owner Michèle Grindberg presents the best of her own “happy” oil paintings as well as new pieces by mixed media artist Regina Lee Parkinson. Mary Ann Hasty, the popular clay artist who has won many juried art shows with her creative whimsical pieces will present her latest work; an array of plates, bowls, vases, jars and figurative work like mermaids and angels in beachy colors. Various local jewelry artists will display their unique handcrafted sterling/gemstone creations. Surrounded by some of Galveston’s most popular East End restaurants, MiArt gallery offers the perfect opportunity to combine enjoying a great meal and delightful art. René Wiley Gallery - 2128 Postoffice St., (409)7509077, www.renewileyart.com - Rachel Wiley-Janota continues her solo exhibition of landscape paintings. Her new work depicts a variety of views from around Galveston Island. Wiley-Janota is known for her focus on industrial subject matter, storm clouded skies, and her diverse use of materials in each work. René Wiley’s newest series highlights aerial views of Galveston Island. Wiley is also showing figures on the beach, historic downtown streets and harbor scenes. The gallery offers custom ordered, limited edition giclée prints, and, as always, convenient shipping and gift certificates for their customers. PeckArts - 2208 Postoffice St., (409)621-1500 or www.PeckArts. com - PeckArts’ mission is to provide Galveston with fresh modern and contemporary fine art on a regular basis, where art lovers can enjoy an exciting collection of cheerful, elegant, and sophisticated works by a group of talented and professional artists. Centrally located amid the galleries on Postoffice street, in Galveston’s well established arts district, you’ll find PeckArts. PeckArts offers unique representational and abstract works with a coastal feel. Opened in the fall of 2009, artist and owner Jennifer Peck shows her popular collages of beach life and you’ll often find her busy creating inside. Currently Catherine Stroud is also on exhibit. Homer Allen, Robin Renee Hix, Ross De La Garza, Gabriel Prusmack, Russell Mai, Joe Hobbs, Catherine Stroud, Justin Howell, Eva Currie, Ted Armulowicz, Anne Camp, Annie Lockhart, Brent Freed, and Mary Farragher are on exhibit as well. PeckArts is now carrying Alone Star Jewelry as well. Houston designers, Lisa Kirkeby and Shauna Sopel, create this beautiful jewelry using fine silver that is accented in semiprecious stones. Each piece is handcrafted and inspired by the great state of Texas
Third Coast Gallery - 2413 Mechanic St., (409)974-4661 - Third Coast Gallery proudly presents new, smaller paintings by Jack Morris, along with additional images of Galveston and New Orleans. These smaller pieces are somewhat of a departure from Jack’s larger works because they’re smaller, and they’re somewhat more spontaneous in nature. The gallery is also featuring sculpture by Deborah Hill and Laura Armstrong. Tremont Gallery and Pawsh Boutique - 511 23rd St., downtown Galveston, (409)256-0762 - Nearly 700 students attend Visual Arts classes daily at Galveston’s Ball High School. The art classes offer a quality program to all levels of the student population. Student work is displayed throughout the campus and a number of public shows are held at Ball High and Galveston College each year. A select number of these pieces created by Ball High students enrolled in the classes will be featured at the gallery along with works from established local artists. This unique gallery has quickly established itself as a venue that provides many talented and recognized local artists a place to showcase their work, including artistic mediums such as photography, oil paintings, watercolor pieces and graphic design. Tremont House - 2300 Mechanic Row St., downtown, (409)763-0300, www.TheTremontHouse. com - In celebration of the heritage of The Tremont House, A Wyndham Grand® Hotel, and the contributions of hotel owners George and Cynthia Mitchell, the hotel has added a small exhibit on the three Galveston hotels bearing its name and the Mitchells. Guests can find this free display just east of the front desk. The history of The Tremont House can be traced back to 1839 when the first hotel, located at the corner of Tremont and Postoffice Streets opened. A second, grander hotel existed from 1872 to 1928. The current Tremont is the third Galveston hotel to assume this name and honor this tradition. The Tremont House opened in 1985 and is housed in the 1879 Leon & H. Blum Building. The hotel will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2015. Cynthia Mitchell, who passed away on December 27th, 2009, and George Mitchell, who passed away on July 16th, 2013, were instrumental in the restoration and revival of Galveston’s heritage and culture. The Mitchell family continues to preserve Galveston’s Historic Strand District and is currently renovating the 1859 Hendley Building. One panel in the display focuses on their role in restoring The Historic Strand District. “Our guests are always interested in the history of The Tremont House so we are pleased to offer this display,” says Complex General Manager Steve Cunningham. “We invite the public to stop in and read a little about the history of the hotel and the Mitchells. Plus, it gives guests a great excuse to stop in and enjoy our Tremont Café, Toujouse Bar and Rooftop Bar.” Vacation on Canvas - 2113 Postoffice St., downtown Galveston, (409)974-4066 - Stop in to see artist and gallery owner Robert Peterson’s newest collection of original paintings. Robert has masterfully captured our island environment in brilliant vivid colors and precise detail with all the relaxing comfort that has become his trademark. Along with his original paintings, Robert offers reproductions of his artwork in canvas giclées, cards, paper prints and one of a kind ceramic tiles. Water’s Edge Studio and Gallery - 1302 21st St., (409)762-1925 - After a quick trip to Colorado and finding cooler weather there, painter Gayle Reynolds is ready to embrace a new season. The current exhibit is called “Cooler Weather,” but the paintings will be about cooler weather in Galveston. Rex Reynolds is drawing ever closer to finishing his West Bay Fishing Dory, the seventh boat he has built. His Adirondack tallboys are on exhibit. The bronze sculptures of ladies by Pat Moberley Moore will be on sale for Christmas time at 25 percent off the usual price. Those ladies are romantic and mystical. Jack Farrell is exhibiting his welded, rusty steel figurative sculptures. Of special interest is a handsome piece titled “Torso II.” Pottery by Madeleine Baker features drawings of birds and palms. A new exhibitor at the gallery is Chase Jennings, showing his primitive necklaces each centered with an arrowhead.
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Tours
Ice Sculptures and Light Sculptures: Moody Gardens Lights Up the Holiday Fun By Terry Card Oh, the magic of Christmas! Santa and his elves in their North Pole workshop merrily churning out toys. The aroma of Christmas dinner being cooked. It’s the season for magic! Soon Santa’s gift-laden sleigh will once again be lighted through the black star-studded sky by Rudolph, leading Dancer and Prancer, Donner, Blitzen and all Santa’s reindeer. Families will gather beside the traditional tree proudly adorned with decorations created at home and school by small hands. Laughter and family stories will abound, followed by turkey dinner, Christmas movies, and a box of Kleenex. These are Christmas traditions! And an on-going Galveston Christmas tradition is the Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens Hotel. This year, for the first time, a unique ice show is included in the Festival of Lights Spectacular. Moody Gardens “Ice Land” will feature more than 50 majestic holiday themed and beloved underwater SpongeBob SquarePants characters, created, managed and sculpted by 31 world class ice artists from Harbin, Northern China, working 38 hour shifts, six days each week. Unlike at the Harbin World Festival, which has run continuously since 1963 and where all the ice is carved out of the river and illuminated by lights, the 72 different colored ice blocks at “Ice Land” were created by employing a milk solution in dye which was continuously stirred into the water during the freezing process. In addition to the sculptures, some of which are up to 30 feet high, there will be ice tunnels and a sure-fire most popular exhibit with kids young and old, and the grand ice slide adding to the excitement. The opening of “Ice Land” featured Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants, who has been involved since the inception of the character created by Steve Hillenburg in 1999. The artists have been sculpting the exhibit since September in a 28,000 square foot insulated tent, with 17,000 square feet of exhibition space kept at a constant 17 degrees. Any variation below 17 degrees can cause cracking and splintering, and above 17 degrees will cause loss of definition through ice melt. The tent has been constructed to withstand winds of up to 130 mph. After the carving of the 900 tons of ice is completed, the temperature will be maintained at 9 degrees by the six refrigeration units needed for creating a winter world in the sub-tropical Texas Coast. “Ice Land” may well provide many children with their first encounter with ice and snow. What a treat it will be for them to be teleported into the world of Santa and the North Pole! Although this is the initial year for “Ice Land,” it has been three years in the making. In fact the process of evaluating the project was started about eleven years ago by John Zendt, who has been with Moody Gardens for 17 years, the last five as President and CEO, and who researched ice festivals at home and around the world, searching for the best team. Once he determined that Harbin had the best ice carvers in the world, with several first place finishes, he knew the logistics of arranging for passports, visas, and permission from the Chinese government would require an expert. He found that expert in the person of Kun Lu of VYA, a Dallas company. Kun Lu was born in Guangdong, China and immigrated to Ottawa, the capital of Canada, and from there immigrated several years later to Dallas. It was VYA that created and assembled the incredible display of pandas, bamboo trees and lanterns along the side of the tent leading to the entrance. The good news is that this majestic exhibit, with its award winning sculptors is contracted to return for the next two years - a veritable coup for Moody Gardens and Galveston. And – for visitors to the vast indoor display – each will be issued a thermal parka, to provide protection from the 9 degree temperature. Hats and gloves will also be available for sale at the gift shop outside
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the entrance. “Ice Land” being incorporated into Moody Gardens spectacular Festival of Lights for the first time this year, will add superlatives to an already highly engaging display of lights. Once you exit from the “Ice Land” tent, a seemingly never ending pathway through and around the more than one million lights on display, will guide you through a hundred sound enhanced displays, many of which are animated, creating a moving world of lights in a parkland setting by the water, that on its own, is breathtaking. Families with babies in carriages and toddlers in hand, turning at every display with wondrous eyes, make their way along the paved paths through the lighted wonderland. Older kids romp through the displays, ogling the mechanical wonders as they sparkle and swirl through automated programs. Later, if they can convince their parents, they will stay to enjoy the nightly live entertainment. Those who have never had the opportunity to try ice skating, or those residents and visitors brought up in the north who long gave up ice skating or hockey, can create an entirely new experience on ice, or reinvigorate old memories as they skate in the ice rink. Skaters can either bring their own skates or rent skates for $6. A new addition to the Festival is the Arctic Ice Slide. This will be an adventurous addition to complement old standbys like having pictures taken with Santa, the train ride, holiday films and the holiday buffet. Another program is “Food Drive Fridays,” which offers the opportunity of enjoying the Festival while benefitting from a special discount. Bring a non-perishable food item to help those in need, on Fridays throughout the Festival of Lights, and receive a two-for-one admission. The food is donated to the Galveston County and Houston Food Bank. The Festival of Lights and “Ice Land” extravaganza for the young and old at heart is open through January 4th. Admission is $26.95 for adults and $21.95 for seniors and children. Moody Gardens is located at 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston. For further information, visit www.moody.org.
Tours
Galveston Historic Tour presents the December Tour: Victorian Christmas Tour - Explore the Victorian homes in the East End Historical District that are decorated for the holidays. This driving tour will include a history of some of the homes along with the Christmas lights. The tour departs from Ashton Villa, 2328 Broadway, every Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm. The cost is $15 per person, reservations are required and can be made by calling (409)789-9911. Baywatch Dolphin Tours - Owned and operated by Galveston local Captain Michael Caldwell, Baywatch Dolphin Tours is a fun, friendly and informative romp through the waters of Galveston Harbor. The Dolphin Tour lasts just under an hour; the boat leaves every hour on the hour, daily, from 10am to 5pm. Adults are $10, children are $5, and infants and pets ride free. For more info, www.baywatchdolphintours. com, (832)859-4557. Bishop’s Palace offers tours daily. The Bishop’s Palace is one of the best known and most widely recognized historic attractions in the country. The building is owned by the Galveston-Houston Catholic Archdiocese, and is managed as a museum by Galveston Historical Foundation.
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Bishop’s Palace is located at 402 Broadway, Call (409)765-7834 or go online at www.galvestonhistory.org for tickets. Colonel Paddlewheel Boat launches at One Hope Boulevard in Moody Gardens. Experience the elegance of the paddlewheel from a bygone era aboard the Colonel, a triple deck sternwheeler. Admission is $10.95, children (4-12) $8.95 and senior (65+) $8.95. Cruises are MondayFriday at 1pm and Saturday and Sunday at 1pm and 3pm. Galveston Party Boats - Galveston Party Boats is Galveston’s premier fishing-charter company that pioneered the use of the catamaran fishing vessel in Galveston waters. Aboard these vessels, sport fishermen will enjoy the use of the latest in technology and equipment for securing some of the Gulf’s most prized catches. Visit their website for pricing. For more info, www.galvestonpartyboatsinc.com, (409)763-5423. Ghost Tours of Galveston - Join a haunted ghost tour like no other. Galveston’s oldest and longest-running ghost tour is owned and operated by Dash Beardsley, the known authority on Galveston and its hauntings. Also during December, paranormal enthusiasts everywhere will be happy to learn that in Galveston, ghosts aren’t just for Halloween. On December 27th, Dash Beardsley’s Ghost Tours of Galveston will host it’s first-ever holiday event, Dash Beardsley’s Dinner and Christmas Spirits. The event will include a buffet style dinner from 7-9pm presented by Riondo’s Italian Ristorante that includes two complimentary glasses of house wine. Following the dinner, from 9pm-2am, guests will follow Dash and his guides as they lead an investigation of the second floor of the Hutchings and Sealy Building, where a heroic schoolmarm rescued people through the window from the 16 foot storm surge of The Great Storm of 1900. Following the storm, the Red Cross established a hospital in that same room, where the schoolmarm lost her life to disease three months later. Tickets are $60 and include dinner and the investigation. Riondo’s is located in the Hutchings and Sealy Building, 2328 Strand St. For tickets or more information visit www.ghosttoursofgalvestonisland.com. Harbor Tours - Tours take place daily at 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm and 4pm. See Galveston Harbor up close aboard “Seagull II,” Texas Seaport Museum’s 50-foot twin-engine motor vessel. Tours depart from Harborside Dr. For more information, call (409)765-8687. Historic Sightseeing Shuttle Tours - Join Galveston Island Tours as they guide you through all the showcase of gorgeous buildings, churches, and tree sculptures that the Island has to offer. These usually last a little over one hour. You are able to purchase tickets at www.galvestonmerchants.com and at the time of the tour. There is free parking at the Visitor’s Center in the back of Ashton Villa, 328 Broadway St., Galveston, (409)765-8687. Tickets are adults $15, students and seniors $12. Ocean Star Oil Rig Museum - The only facility of its kind in the world, the Ocean Star Oil Rig Museum is not only three stories of dynamic exhibits and information regarding the oil industry, it also serves as the training grounds for many people making their entrance into the world of offshore drilling. The Ocean Star is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with the last ticket sold at 4pm. Self-guided tours can be accompanied by an optional audio narrative via portable listening device. For more info, www.oceanstaroec.com, (409)766-7827. Tall Ship Elissa - The Elissa is the queen of the harbor, standing at 100 feet tall and 200 feet long. She is a three-masted, iron-hulled barque built in 1877, and is one of the oldest, fully functioning sailing vessels in the world. For more info, www.galvestonhistory.org, (409)763-1877. Texas Seaport Museum - This harborside museum tells the story of Galveston’s days as one of the busiest and most influential commercial ports of the 19th century, which was also the era when Galveston had surpassed Ellis Island in the number of immigrants coming to America through our Harbor. Special exhibits and educational programs are presented, both chronologically and categorically, and include the Galveston Immigration Database which stores digital records of nearly 150,000 immigrants who arrived to the United States via Galveston. The museum also sells a Seaport Package which includes entrance into the museum, onto the Elissa, and a seat on a Harbor Tour. The package is $20 for adults, $15 for youth and free for children under 5. For more info, www.galvestonhistory.org, (409)763-1877. Train Rides on The Harborside Express - The train boards every Saturday, every 15 to 20 minutes with the last ride boarding at 1:45pm. The $4 ticket fee is in addition to museum admission. Located at 2602 Santa Fe Place, downtown Galveston, www.galvestonrrmuseum.com.
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Music
The Houston Children’s Chorus
The Festive Holiday Season at The Grand By Gini Rainey
The Grand 1894 Opera House, located at 2020 Postoffice Street in historic downtown Galveston’s Cultural Arts District, is one of the few remaining theatres of its era in Texas and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. As further recognition of its importance to the citizens of Texas, in 1993 the 73rd Texas Legislature proclaimed The Grand “The Official Opera House of Texas.” It is also one of the busiest venues on the island and this holiday season is no exception! Hopefully you will be able to attend one or more of the following events to help make the season as bright as can be! Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”
Friday, December 5th at 8pm, Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” will be presented in celebration of the annual Dickens On The Strand Festival. A timeless tale of hope and redemption, “A Christmas Carol” has enchanted audiences around the world since it was first published in 1843! The miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, his overworked-underpaid clerk Bob Cratchit, the angelic Tiny Tim, and the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future come together in a highly entertaining theatrical performance. Tickets are from $30.
Sunday, December 21st at 4pm, The Houston Children’s Chorus will feature more than 100 talented performers, ages 8 to 13 years, singing music from around the world, representing the diverse cultures of the Houston area. The superb acoustics and intimacy of The Grand 1894 Opera House make it the perfect setting for the angelic young voices of The Houston Children’s Chorus (HCC). Under Stephen Roddy’s artistic direction, HCC provides a comprehensive music education and performance program for children of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds from the greater Houston area. Tickets are $15 for adults; $12 for children. Jerry Jeff Walker
Saturday, December 27th at 8pm, one of the Lone Star State’s most popular musical ambassadors, Jerry Jeff Walker returns to The Grand as Galveston prepares to ring in 2015! Walker has been called “Mister Bojangles,” “The Gypsy Songman,” and “The Jimmy Buffett of Texas.” Praised for his unpretentious poetic sensibility and restrained, but endearing singing style, Walker is a gifted storyteller with a “say what you mean, sing what you say” delivery. His annual return to The Grand will included a special combination of spirited melodies, heart-tugging ballads, and down-home fun. Tickets are from $30.
The Manhattan Transfer
Sunday, December 28th at 4pm The Grand 1894 Opera House welcomes the Grammy Award-winning vocal group The Manhattan Transfer for a special afternoon of their greatest hits and Christmas favorites. Since breaking into the music business some 40 years ago, The Manhattan Transfer has reigned as one of the most important and innovative vocal groups in the history of popular music. The quartet’s tight harmonies, riveting arrangements, and smooth style have led to 10 Grammy Awards, including a first-ever Grammy win Nutcracker Afternoon Tea Saturday, December 13th at 12:30pm, The Nutcracker Afternoon in both Pop and Jazz categories in the same year. For their Grand 1984 Opera House debut, Janis Siegel, Alan Paul, Cheryl Bentyne, Tea will take place. This is an annual tradition at The Grand! Treat and Trist Ethan Curless will deliver a sparkling performance that your favorite little girl or boy to the Nutcracker Afternoon Tea. This showcases their amazing vocal talents in jazz, pop, woo-wop, scat, delightful event features tea-time fare of finger sandwiches, cookies, punch and of course, tea! Get your photo with our Nutcracker danc- and world beat styles. This performance is sponsored in part by AM1070 Radio and in part by an award from the National Endowers. A perfect complement to a performance of “The Nutcracker.” ment for the Arts and Texas Commission on the Arts. Make this your new family holiday tradition. Call for pricing on tickets and Box Seats. Special discounts for Tickets start at $30. group and senior tickets may be available. “The Nutcracker” For more information about any of the shows and ticketing inforSaturday, December 13th mation, call (409)765-1894, (800)821-1894, or visit The Grand’s at 2pm and 7:30pm and Sunwebsite at www.thegrand.com. day, December 14th at 2pm the City Ballet of Houston will do the stage production of “The Nutcracker.” An annual holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker” will delight audiences of all ages. Galveston’s Ramblin’ Man It tells the story of a young girl By Kimber Fountain who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince, a Sugar Plum Fairy and a fierce battle against a Mouse King. Zak Perry chose Guitar class for an This is presented by The City Ballet of Houston. City Ballet of Hous- elective high school, only because he ton is dedicated to providing the highest quality dance experience for thoughtin would be easy. Turned out its audiences, through supporting both youth and professional danc- it was in itfact easy, because stumbling ers since its inception in 1958. something that was already lookTickets to the “Nutcracker Afternoon Tea” do not include seats to upon ing for you always is. Zak’s mother was a performance of “The Nutcracker.” an accomplished pianist, and “I think Michael Martin Murphey’s my Dad wanted to be Frank Sinatra,” “Cowboy Christmas” of his father, who was a nightTuesday, December 16th, at Zak says performer for many years. “They 8pm, The Grand will host Michael club soon became my biggest fans,” and his Martin Murphey’s “Cowboy twenty-plus year career has Christmas.” Murphey was capti- subsequent him all over the country, resulted vated by his first visit to the annual taken Cowboy Christmas Ball in Anson, in seven studio albums, and has at last Texas, where the community has landed him in Galveston, where his celebrated the holidays with this genuine performances and authenevent every year since 1934. “The tic songwriting have found an eager Cowboy Christmas Ball is steeped audience. “Early on, the music wasn’t the priin everything I hold dear in growing up in Texas at Christmas time,” Murphey said. “I was floored that ority,” Zak remembers, “at first it was just about the partying and the lifestyle.” Then his musical journey took the community had worked so hard to keep it going. I fell in love watching the older couples dance and the dances being passed on to him to New York, where he was introduced to, and eventually mentored by, the work of artists like Warren Hayes and Neil Young. “It is the younger people. It reconnected me to the tradition.” just impossible to pigeonhole their style,” he says. “I liked that,” and Tickets are $25. “Merry Christmas From the their music influenced Zak to carve out his impossibly vague, yet undeFam-O-Lee” by Robert Earl niably attractive, songwriting style. It can be heard, or more appropriately not heard, in his deft maneuvering from genre to genre, both Keen between and within songs, which never fails to keep you from wonderSaturday, December 20th, at ing just what he will play next. 8pm, will see the presentation of In addition to songwriter credits and a markedly popular acous“Merry Christmas From the Fam-OLee,” an evening of holiday music tic/solo career, his recording and many of his performance endeavors are backed by The Zak Perry Band, with whom he recently released and daffy family memories perthe 2014 full-length album “Broken Glass Parade.” The bedrock of formed by country legend Robthe band is Zak’s twenty year relationship with guitarist Vern Venert Earl Keen. Heralded as one of the Lone Star State’s most popular nard, whose array of talents cover lead, rhythm, and slide guitar, keys, and consistently acclaimed musi- percussion, and harmony vocals. “We have stuck together for a really cal ambassadors, Robert Earl was long time,” Zak says, “but we have had a lot of different bassists.” inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2012. Their sound is solidified by talented percussionist Jason Charron, who has been with Zak almost as long as Vern. The band recently signed Along with his guitar, his great backup band, and plenty of holiday decorations, Keen’s December appearance at The Grand includes on with a new booking agent, Road Dawg Productions. The Zak Perry Band’s latest release, “Broken Glass Parade” was a sleigh full of holiday music and daffy family memories, inspired recorded and edited entirely in a home studio established by Zak by one of his most popular songs, “Merry Christmas From The and Vern. “Over the years we have spent so much money to pay for Fam-O-Lee.” Tickets are from $30. studio time and editing, so we decided to put that money towards 20 The Island Guide Magazine GalvestonIslandGuide.com (409)256-5166
Zak Perry:
Bobbie’s House Of Spirits
By George Douglas Lee A Galveston Island entertainment institution has re-opened as a grand music venue one block from the former location. Bobbie’s House of Spirits is back, bigger and better than ever! The building, located at 1928 Strand, is a perfect room for club and concert. Musicians will love it, the lounge is perfectly designed for customer comfort as well. The new location is spacious, with high ceilings, excellent acoustics, state of the art air conditioning, a professional riser stage with in-house theatrical lighting, an enormous bar, pool table, games and excellent seating, Truly a music palace the equal of Houston’s Continental Club or any of the finest music clubs in the greater Houston area. “I want people to have fun, feel at home and enjoy the great music,” says Bobbie Krantz, owner of the club that bears her name. “I believe it’s the best of it’s kind on the Island. Everyone is always welcome.” Bobbie got her start in the bar business with the legendary Baja Beach Club on Galveston’s far east end, Boddeker Drive, in 1994. She operated it until 2004. In June 2008, she opened the original Bobbie’s House of Spirits at the corner of 20th and Strand. Unfortunately, the House of Spirits was devastated only months later by Hurricane Ike. A resilient, indomitable and recession-proof Galvestonian, Bobbie Krantz re-opened the club a year later. Her perseverance, loyalty and encouragement of musicians is well known to area musicians and all who know her. Music lovers and loyal customers have already found the new location, even though she’s ahead of her soft opening date and has done no advertising. Positive word of mouth has always been part of the Bobbie Krantz aura. Bobbie’s new venue will continue to host open mics, live music and showcase national acts stopping in Galveston. But - encouraging Galveston musical talent has been Bobbie’s passion and driving force from the beginning. Ask anyone who’s played there, they will have only praise for this very gracious lady. The atmosphere, warmth and sense of family hasn’t changed, only the building. Yes, Bobbie is back with the House of Spirits, the authentic music mecca on Galveston Island. Bobbie’s House of Spirits is located at 1828 Strand just the east of downtown. purchasing our own equipment. So literally everything, the strings, the horns, all of it, was recorded in the studio we set up in Vern’s living room.” That, however, is a fact that you would never believe to be true upon hearing the album’s sound quality, and the overall result would be better defined as a symphony than an album. Embellished by the classical angst that only a broken heart can deliver, myriads of instruments, from strings, to accordions, to French Horns and congas, clearly and unapologetically showcase Zak’s alluring vocal acuity. “I was living in Austin, but a girl broke my heart,” Zak explains with a sardonic grin. “So I moved to Galveston, and this was the first song I wrote when I got here,” he says, speaking of a song entitled “Bad Habits & Your Memory.” Quite possibly one of the best broken-heart songs ever conceived, the song is catchy for all of the right reasons, not the least of which is its stirring simplicity. The title track, “Broken Glass Parade,” “is also about her,” Zak points out with a chuckle. The song’s ballad-like composition morphs into a dark, but whimsical cacophony of brass and cymbals, and as the opening track of the album, like the Master of Ceremonies, it ushers in high expectations for the parade of melodies that follow. None of them disappoint. Zak Perry and his band are featured weekly all over the Island, and many locations have shown him continued support since his move to Galveston. He has played an acoustic set at the Poop Deck every Friday for three years now, and was recently seen at the grand-reopening of Bobbie’s House of Spirits, one of the first places in Galveston to showcase his music. Zak Perry can also be seen every Saturday at Hemingway’s from 4-8pm. In an effort to give back to the Island community, Zak has launched his first annual ‘Island of Misfits Toy Drive’ in conjunction with Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe, and will feature performances and an open mic for both musicians and poets. The event will take place on December 20th, and all proceeds from the Toy Drive will benefit local, less fortunate children. Soon, Zak Perry plans to take to the road on a tour that will take him from Texas all the way to California where he plans to meet up with his son, whom he raised by himself, when he graduates from boot camp for the US Marine Corps. “I’m not sure if I will come back,” Zak says with a curious smile, “I might just want to stay in California... But I do know that Galveston will always be special to me, and I will always come play here.” Zak Perry plays every Friday evening at The Poop Deck on the Seawall in Galveston starting at 9pm. Also, December 20th, 9pm, Perry will be at Old Quarter for it’s Annual Christmas Gathering. For more info contact Zak Perry at zakperry@hotmail.com or The Zak Perry Band at www.zakperryband.com, www.facebook.com/ zakperryband.
IBC’s Annual Santa’s Night Out Pub Crawl:
and to attend dressed in Santa or holiday inspired costumes for the evening. A group will be Celebrate with a Pub Crawl photo taken at 8pm and Benefit a Great Cause and a list of parLooking for a way to get on Santa’s good ticipating stops is available at www.santasside this year? Islander By Choice has a sure nightout.com. fire way to help with the 7th Annual Santas’ About Galveston’s Shriners Night Out. The annual toy drive and pub Hospital for Children crawl invites the public to join in their finest Located in the heart of Galveston, ShriSanta suits, reindeer outfits or elf attire and ners Hospital for Children provides acute, takes to the streets of Galveston for cold ales, reconstructive and rehabilitative care for warm toddies, and fine friendship as toys are children with burns and other skin condicollected for Galveston’s Shriners Hospital tions. Their inpatient and outpatient units For Children. are designed to allow children to recover in This year’s event will begin at 7pm on a safe, fun and friendly environment where Saturday, December 20th at Murphy’s Irish family comes first. Their world-class physiPub. Although the event is free for all, orga- cians and researchers are committed to connizers are asking participants to bring a new, tinuously advanced burn care and treatment unopened toy to Murphy’s for donation to children from all over the world.
Tremont House Mardi Gras Party Given for Sea Aggies
Mardi Gras at The Tremont House will have a little more maroon this year, as the hotel transitions its famous Mardi Gras Ball to a new era in memory of hotel owner and 1940 Texas A&M University graduate George P. Mitchell. The first A&M Mardi Gras Parade Viewing Party benefitting the George P. Mitchell Society of Texas A&M University at Galveston and underwritten by The Tremont House, A Wyndham Grand® Hotel, is set for Saturday, February 14, 2015 beginning at 6pm in The Tremont Ballroom. Mitchell, who passed away on July 26, 2013, donated the land for Texas A&M University at Galveston’s main campus in his father’s name and has been recognized as the most generous donor in Texas A&M University history. In tribute to this close tie to the university, The George P. Mitchell Society of Texas A&M University at Galveston is now the beneficiary and host of this legendary party which had been presented by George and Cynthia Mitchell and the Mitchell family since its start in 1985. The A&M Mardi Gras Parade Viewing Party will take place entirely in the Tremont Ballroom and offer dinner, open bar, live music and a premier view of the Momus Grand Night Parade as it passes in front of the hotel. Guests
will have the option to watch the parade from the ballroom balcony or on the street level in a gated viewing area. The Tremont House is donating the venue, staff and food and beverages enabling all proceeds to benefit the school. “We are excited about this new tradition of Mardi Gras at The Tremont House and we are pleased with our long term partnership with Texas A&M University at Galveston,” says Complex General Manager Steve Cunningham. “Mr. Mitchell would smile knowing that our ballroom will be filled with Aggies and supporters of his prized alma mater.” To purchase tickets or a table, please call The Tremont at (409)740.-4111. The Tremont House, A Wyndham Grand® Hotel, celebrated its first Mardi Gras Ball and Hotel Grand Opening on February 16, 1985. As The Tremont House approaches its 30th Anniversary, the hotel plans to revive old practices, pass on current rituals, and create new traditions for the future.
There’s nothing to worry about when SHE goes off to college!
Friendly Faces with Lots of Smiles Centrally Located Near Everything!
A great place to enjoy nature, try your hand at fishing, riding bikes and spending time with your kids and family. Enjoy your stay!
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Great Rates - Lots of Amenities -- Reserve Today! 6310 Heards Lane - Galveston Island, Texas 77551 409-744-2837
www.bayoushoresrvresort.com
Kids classes Wednesday and Friday at 6pm 1922 Strand St., Galveston, TX 77550 409.934.3624 www.anaconda-jiu-jitsu.com
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Bobbie’s House of Spirits NEW LOCATION!!! 1828 Strand St. at the corner of Strand St. and 19th Live Music Every Weekend Daily Drink Specials Rockin’ Happy Hour
Music Guide Friday, December 5th 2- Steppin Saloon – Live Music, 9-1 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jigger’s – Bourbon Street, 9-1 Club 21 – DJ, 9-1 Crow’s – Live Music, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Joel Sewell, 5-10 Old Quarter – Dana Cooper, 9-1 The Poop Deck – Zak Perry, 9-1 Riondo’s – Joyce Fields, 6-9 Rum Shack – In Your Face, 9-1 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Stuttgarden – Soulshine, 7-11 Tremont House– Island Jazz Project, 6-10 Tortuga – Karaoke, 4-8 West End Restaurant – Karaoke, 7-11 Yaga’s – Live Music, 10-1 Saturday, December 6th 2- Steppin Saloon – Live Music, 9-1 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jiggers – Space Monkey, 9-1 Club 21 –DJ, 9-1 Crow’s – Live Music, 9-1 Hilton Resort – Kirk Ford & Jim Ramirez Duo, 7-10 Hotel Galvez – Joe Sewell, 5-10 Old Quarter – George Ensle, 9-1 Pleasure Pier – Velvet Punch, 4-8 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Stuttgarden – DJ, 7-11 Tremont House– Island Jazz Project, 6-10 West End Restaurant – Larry Emerson, 7-11 Yaga’s – Live Music, 10-1 Sunday, December 7th 2- Steppin Saloon – Tejano DJ, 8-12 Bobbie’s House of Spirits – Open Mic, 9-1 B Jiggers – Karaoke, 8-12 Bull’s – Open Mic, 7-11 Crow’s – Live Music, 12-4 Hemingway’s – Robert Kuhn, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Joyce Fields 11-2pm Nonno Tony’s – Danny Kristensen, 4-7 Rosie’s – Tom Katz, 4-8 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Monday, December 8th B Jiggers – Video DJ, 8-12 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 Crow’s – Karaoke, 8-12 Galveston Island Brewing – UK Experience, 5-8 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Tuesday, December 9th The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jiggers – Karaoke, 8-12
Crow’s - Troubadours Open Jam, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Wednesday, December 10th 2- Steppin Saloon – Country Karaoke, 8-12 B. Jiggers – Video DJ, 8-12 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 6-9 Bull’s – Damn Union, 9-2 Crow’s - Open Mic Acoustic, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Nonno Tony’s – Mickey Hobbs, 5-8 Old Quarter – Open Mic, 9-1 West End Restaurant – Karaoke, 5-9 Thursday, December 11th 2- Steppin Saloon – Country DJ, 8-12 The Bar – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jigger’s – The Line Up, 9-1 Crow`s Southwest Cantina – Open Mic Jam, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Medicinal Purpose – Zak Perry, 8-11 Old Quarter – Ray Wylie Hubbard, 9-1 Stuttgarden – Noise Poets, 7-11 Friday, December 12th 2- Steppin Saloon – Live Music, 9-1 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jigger’s – P.F. & The Flyers, 9-1 Club 21 – DJ, 9-1 Crow’s – Live Music, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Joel Sewell, 5-10 Old Quarter – Ray Wylie Hubbard, 9-1 The Poop Deck – Zak Perry, 9-1 Riondo’s – Joyce Fields, 6-9 Rum Shack – Playboyz, 9-1 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 St. Joseph’s Church – Ian Moore & Andrew Kennedy, 7pm Stuttgarden – DJ, 7-11 Tremont House– Island Jazz Project, 6-10 Tortuga – Karaoke, 4-8 West End Restaurant – Karaoke, 7-11 Yaga’s – Live Music, 10-1 Saturday, December 13th 2- Steppin Saloon – Live Music, 9-1 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jiggers – The Nailers, 9-1 Club 21 – DJ, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Joe Sewell, 5-10 Old Quarter – Al Staehely, 9-1 Pleasure Pier – Louis Adams Band, 5-9 Rum Shack – Alter Ego, 9-1 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Stuttgarden – DJ, 7-11 Tremont House– Island Jazz Project, 6-10 Yaga’s – Live Music, 10-1 Sunday, December 14th 2- Steppin Saloon – Tejano DJ, 8-12 B Jiggers – Karaoke, 8-12
Bobbie’s House of Spirits – Open Mic, 9-1 Crow’s – Open Mic, 12-4 Hemingway’s – Robert Kuhn, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Joyce Fields 11-2pm Nonno Tony’s – Danny Kristensen, 4-7 Rosie’s – Tom Katz, 4-8 Saengerfest Park – Holiday Concert, 12pm Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Monday, December 15th B Jiggers – Video DJ, 8-12 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 Crow’s – Karaoke, 8-12 Galveston Island Brewing – UK Experience, 5-8 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Tuesday, December 16th The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jiggers – Karaoke, 8-12 Crow’s - Troubadours Open Jam, 8-12 The Grand – Michael martin Murphey, 8pm Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Wednesday, December 17th 2- Steppin Saloon – Country Karaoke, 8-12 B. Jiggers – Video DJ, 8-12 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 6-9 Crow’s - Open Mic Acoustic, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Nonno Tony’s – Mickey Hobbs, 5-8 Old Quarter – Open Mic, 9-1 Thursday, December 18th 2- Steppin Saloon – Country DJ, 8-12 The Bar – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jigger’s – The Line Up, 9-1 Crow`s Southwest Cantina – Open Mic Jam, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Friday, December 19th The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jigger’s – 11th Hour, 9-1 Club 21 – DJ, 9-1 Crow’s – Live Music, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Joel Sewell, 5-10 Medicinal Purpose – Three Hour Tour, 8-11 Old Quarter – Robert Kuhn & Matt Mejia, 9-1 The Poop Deck – Zak Perry, 9-1 Riondo’s – Joyce Fields, 6-9 Rum Shack – Level One, 9-1 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Stuttgarden – DJ, 7-11 Tremont House– Island Jazz Project, 6-10 Tortuga – Karaoke, 4-8 West End Restaurant – Karaoke, 7-11 Saturday, December 20th 2- Steppin Saloon – Live Music, 9-1 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino,
7-11 B. Jiggers – The Fuse, 9-1 Club 21 – DJ, 9-1 Crow’s – Live Muisc, 9-1, The Grand – Robert Earl Keen, 8pm Hilton Resort – Kirk Ford & Jim Ramirez Duo, 7-10 Hotel Galvez – Joe Sewell, 5-10 Old Quarter – Zak Perry, 9-1 Pleasure Pier – Sundance Head – 5-9 Rum Shack – Playboyz, 9-1 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Tremont House– Island Jazz Project, 6-10 Sunday, December 21st 2- Steppin Saloon – Tejano DJ, 8-12 B Jiggers – Karaoke, 8-12 Bobbie’s House of Spirits – Open Mic, 9-1 Bull’s – Open Mic, 7-11 Crow’s – Live Music, 12-4 The Grand – Houston Childrens Chorus, 4pm Hemingway’s – Robert Kuhn, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Joyce Fields 11-2pm Rosie’s – Tom Katz, 4-8 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Monday, December 22nd 2- Steppin Saloon – Country Karaoke, 8-12 B Jiggers – Video DJ, 8-12 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 Crow’s – Karaoke, 8-12 Galveston Island Brewing – UK Experience, 5-8 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Tuesday, December 23rd The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jiggers – Karaoke, 8-12 Crow’s - Troubadours Open Jam, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Wednesday, December 24th 2- Steppin Saloon – Country Karaoke, 8-12 B. Jiggers – Video DJ, 8-12 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 6-9 Crow’s - Open Mic Acoustic, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Nonno Tony’s – Mickey Hobbs, 5-8 Old Quarter – Open Mic, 9-1 Thursday, December 25th 2- Steppin Saloon – Country DJ, 8-12 B Jigger’s – The Line Up, 9-1 Crow`s Southwest Cantina – Open Mic Jam, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Old Quarter – Open Mic, 9-1 Friday, December 26th 2- Steppin Saloon – Live Music, 9-1 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11
B. Jiggers –Louis Adams Band, 9-1 Club 21 – DJ, 9-1 Crow’s – Live Music, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Joe Sewell, 5-10 The Poop Deck – Zak Perry, 9-1 Riondo’s – Joyce Fields, 6-9 Rum Shack – Wyskey Tango, 9-1 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Stuttgarden – DJ, 7-11 Tortuga - Karaoke, 4-8 Tremont House – Island Jazz Project, 6-10 West End Restaurant – Karaoke, 7-11 Yaga’s – Live Music, 10-1 Saturday, December 27th 2- Steppin Saloon – Live Music, 9-1 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 6-9 B. Jiggers – The Line Up, 9-1 Club 21 – DJ, 9-1 The Grand – Jerry Jeff Walker, 8pm Hotel Galvez – Joe Sewell, 5-10 Pleasure Pier – the Staylyns, 4-7 Rum Shack – Level One, 9-1 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Stuttgarden – DJ, 7-11 Tremont House – Island Jazz Project, 6-10 Yaga’s – Live Music, 10-1 Sunday, December 28th 2- Steppin Saloon – Tejano DJ, 8-12 B. Jigger’s – Karaoke, 8-12 Bobbie’s House of Spirits – Open Mic, 9-1 Bull’s – Open Mic, 7-11 Crow’s – Live Music, 4-8 The Grand – The Manhattan Transfer, 8pm Hemingway’s – Robert Kuhn, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Joyce Fields, 11-2pm Rosie’s – Tom Katz, 4-8 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Monday, December 29th B. Jiggers – Video DJ, 8-12 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, Crow’s – Karaoke, 8-12 Galveston Island Brewing – UK Experience, 5-8 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Tuesday, December 30th Crow’s – Country Karaoke, 8-12 B Jiggers – Karaoke, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Wednesday, December 31st 2- Steppin Saloon – Country Karaoke, 8-12 B Jiggers – The Line Up, 9-1 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 Crow’s - Open Mic Acoustic, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Nonno Tony’s – Mickey Hobbs, 5-8 Old Quarter - Open Mic, 9-1 Rum Shack – The Goods, 9-1
Welcome to Surfside, Texas! Stahlman Park Reception & Conference Center 2211 Bluewater Highway This facility is ideal for events such as family reunions, wedding receptions, class reunions as well as company meetings.
Voted Best Gulf Coast Beach Town by Readers of Gulfscapes Magazine!
Boat Ramp
Surfside has completed the joint project between the Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Village of Surfside, a Boat Ramp on Thunder Drive that leads directly into the Freeport Channel. This Boat Ramp park has restrooms and fish cleaning stations and is the fastest boat ramp access to the Gulf on the Texas Coast. How to find us:
Village of Surfside Beach
1304 Monument Drive - Surfside Beach, TX 77541 979-233-1531 - www.surfsidetx.org 22 The Island Guide Magazine
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(409)256-5166
MEDICINAL & r PURPOSES Ba 712 7th St. @ Winnie near Stewart Beach
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(409) 974-4365
UTMB DISCOUNT Craft Beer, Wine & Cocktails Dine In, Take-out & Delivery located at 202 20th st. on the corner of strand st. and 20th
daily happy hour & drink specials sports bar - football and cold beer! 409.443.5533
DAILY LUNCH & DRINK
SPECIALS! TRIVIA EVERY TUES @ 7 ALL NCAA & NFL GAMES TELEVISED NO COVER...FREE PARKING
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Leading Edge 409-744-3300 3616 7 Mile Road Galveston, Texas
Call for a Free Market Analysis of your Property: 409-744-3300
3406 Eckert
25007 Monterey Crt.
4103 Campeche
1820 Market
21531 San Luis Pass
4014 Elissa Court
4206 W Bayside Way
112 Tarpon
11210 Bernice