Island Guide December 2015 edition by The Island Guide

December 4th, 2015 • Issue 12, Volume 4

Baby It’s Cold Outside: Time to Get Your Gumbo On!

Music, Music Everywhere: There’s Over 30 Concerts Coming Up

A Victorian December: 2015 Dickens on the Strand

Winter Wonder Island:

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

DECEMBER 4, 5 & 6 - DICKENSONTHESTRAND.ORG GALVESTON’S WORLD FAMOUS VICTORIAN HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OFFICIAL SPONSORS ™

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December 4, 2015 • Issue 12, Volume 4

Contents 5-7 Dining

» Baby It’s Cold Outside...Time to Get Your Gumbo On! » The Kitchen Chick Presents: November Holiday Cooking Classes

8-11 Music

» Music, Music Everywhere: Ruthie Foster, Louis Adams Band, Little Jewford, Whetherman, Sisters Morales, The Victorian Pipe Organ Concert, and Holiday in the Park Caroling » A Outstanding Holiday Season at The Grand: “Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol,’” “Rudolph, the RedNosed Reindeer, The Musical,” Tony Bennett, “Merry Texas Christmas Y’all: Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel,” Jerry Jeff Walker, Olympia Dukakis in “Rose,” “The Producers,” The Oak Ridge Boys, “Ragtime, The Musical,” “TAO: Seventeen Samurai,” Itzhak Perlman, “Vocalosity,” and Capitol Steps » Upcoming Galveston Symphony’s Holiday Concerts » The Music Guide for Live Music Across the Island

12-14 The Island 15 Books

Guide Fun Maps

» “Grab a Glass of Wine and Get Comfy” by Gini Rainey » Galveston Bookshop Book Signings this Month

16-20 Things to Do

Nowhrimp S u d u at V

Fresh Oysters

Catf & Ti ish lapi a

M Crab

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

21-22 The Fine Arts

Staff Publisher

Tena Jerger Copy Editors Gini Rainey, Jill Toft Editorial John Baggett, Terry Card, Dustin Chase, Sissie Coomes, Sharis Roe DeJaynes, George Lee, Rob Lucey, Gini Rainey Distribution Terry Card, Louie Jerger, Alex Smith © 2015 Island Guide Magazine The Island Guide welcomes your opinions, comments, and inquiries. Please contact us at:

Bloody Shark Bait Inshore & Offshore Bait Ice $1.85 - Cold Drinks - Snacks Picnic Supplies - T-shirts (Bulldogs)

1813 61st, Galveston TX 77551

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» “Exploring Hidden History Museums” by Rob Lucey » Galveston’s Galleries Prepare for the Holidays

How to be a Part of “Island Guide”

Sales Manager Louie Jerger

Hours: 5:30am until last fisherman is standing!

All your Bait & Tackle needs including... Fresh Oysters - Live Shrimp Live Mullet - Live Crab

» A Victorian December: 2015 Dickens on the Strand » Celebrate the Holidays at Moody Gardens with Ice Sculptures, Festival of Lights, Ice Skating, and More » Holiday with the Cranes on Galveston Island, GC Theatre Department presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” East End’s 2015 Christmas Homes Tour, Galveston State Park Moves Flawlessly Into Winter » Project S.I.T.: Transforming Benches into Enlightening Art Pieces by Rob Lucey » “The Boomerang Effect,” Holiday Splash at Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Surfing Santa, Ice Sculptures with SpongeBob SquarePants, Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens, Sunday Brunch with Santa, Artist Boat presents: Float the Boat, Santa Train, “The Nutcracker” Tea and Performances, Holiday in the Park at Saengerfest Park, and Santa Hustle Galveston 5K & Half Marathon

PO Box 130133 Tyler, Texas 75713-0133 (409)256-5166 GalvestonIslandGuide.com theislandguide@gmail.com

“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 400 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 e-mailed and include the date, time, ticket cost, description of event, phone number for the public, website address, and photos - the more the better. “The Island Guide” will make every effort to include as much as possible. Please include who we should contact if we have questions. 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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Food Baby It’s Cold Outside...Time to Get Your Gumbo On! Did you know that the word “gumbo” comes from the West African word “kingombo,” which translates to “okra?” Gumbo is a staple meal when it turns cold, and Galveston has a nice variety of styles and kinds that are sure to satisfy your every craving. Gumbo recipes first showed up in 1802, but became more popular in the 1970’s when the Cafeteria of the United States Senate added it to their menu in honor of a Louisiana Senator, Allen Ellender. Yeah, we are gumbo professors and connoisseurs of ‘all-things gumbo,’ and here on Galveston Island, we have lots of Gumbo choices. Here are a few of our “Locals’ Favorite” Gumbos, as well as a few of our own picks. Gaido’s 3828 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, (409)761-5500, gaidos.com Let’s get started with the tried and true Galveston favorite, Gaido’s. Having opened their doors to the public in 1911, it’s only fair that we start with them. The same year that air conditioning was invented, the Gulf was teeming with a bounty of fresh seafood. From that day forward, Gaido’s popularity as the freshest fish house on the Gulf grew from S.G. Gaido’s unwavering commitment to serve only the best. They have been open for what seems like forever for a reason, and they have been “rouxing” up that delicious brown southern charm for as many years. Gaido’s Brooks’ Gumbo, a Thibodeaux, Louisiana-inspired hearty gumbo, is made with okra, shrimp, and Cajun spices. A rich roux is the key to Gaido’s gumbo, and it is a long-time favorite for many locals. Gaido’s Brooks’ Gumbo is available in two sizes, by the cup or by the bowl. Trust us, you are going to want the larger serving of this world class gumbo. If you would like to try the gumbo and other soups, the Soup Combo is the way to go. You get three small cups, consisting of gumbo, bisque, and the soup of the day. Watkin’s Bisque is as legendary as Brooks’ Gumbo. It is a delicate blend of flavors with a seafood cream base, along with shrimp, pureed tomatoes, carrots, onions, and spices. Add a half dozen oysters to complete your Cajun meal. Gaido’s oysters come in a variety of style - on the half shell, Oyster Maria (cornmeal battered and fried with bacon on top), Cy’s Demise (charcoal grilled with parmesan), or baked. You can also get a combination platter and a side of French bread for an awesome meal. The Pelican Club 3819 Avenue T (behind Gaido’s), Galveston, www.pelicanclubgalveston.com A sister restaurant to Gaido’s, The Pelican Club’s Executive Chef Ross Warhol, originally from upstate New York, has been educated in some of the world’s most legendary kitchens. Yet, even with such an enriching education, he credits his grandma, the best chef he’s ever known, for inspiring his love of all things culinary. He says, “I have had the humbling honor of cooking in some of the most renowned kitchens in the world. Those experiences led me to a deep belief in sourcing fresh, seasonal food from the surrounding fields and sea in a daily search to create new, dynamic dishes. With each unique creation, we want to engage not only your palette, but your sense of adventure as well.” Traditional Creole Gumbo is classic Cajun fare, and comes loaded with chicken, andouille sausage and white rice. Add to your enjoyment by pairing your gumbo with the snapper crudo, a tostada, corn

pudding, avocado, pico de gallo, pickled red onion, queso fresco, serrano pepper, and cilantro. The Pelican Club is open Wednesday-Saturday 5-9pm and offers a nice, quiet atmosphere that is far removed from the hussle and bussle of the holiday season. Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar 2105 Postoffice St., Galveston, (409)7508888, littledaddysgumbobar.com Downtown in the popular shopping district of Postoffice St. quietly sits Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar, offering outdoor and indoor dining. If you have the word “Gumbo” in your restaurant’s name, well then you can bet that it’s going to be good. The word gumbo is often used as a metaphor for a mix of cultures that existed in Louisiana in the 18th century. This culture combined the cooking of the French, indigenous tribes, and Africans. So it is in this tradition, that Galveston’s own Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar brings you a full menu of delicious gumbos (pictured above). Not one or two kinds of gumbo - but four! Choose from seafood, chicken and sausage, prime rib, or if you can’t make up your mind, the Mumbo Gumbo is a combination of it all. Each serving of gumbo is made to order in their award-winning steam kettles, and is served with steamed rice. Their gumbo is available in two sizes, “Little Daddy” and “Big Daddy.” This restaurant has made an entire menu based around Gumbo, and what a great job they have done. With more than 62 types of beer and a large wine list available, you can kick back with a “Big Daddy” bowl, an ice cold pint and a side of the NOLA’s Seafood Balls - life just doesn’t get much better. Black Pearl Oyster Bar 327 23rd St., Galveston, (409)762-7299 While we are downtown, let’s walk on over to the Black Pearl, located on the corner of 23rd and Market St. The Black Pearl focuses on its oyster bar, but is equally lauded for its grilled specialties, fresh-from-the-Gulf seafood, tantalizing steaks, and their gumbo. The Black Pearl stirs up some of the best seafood gumbo on the island. Their homemade, hearty, and rich roux is loaded with shrimp, oysters, crab, sausage, and okra, and makes up some of the best gumbo you will ever hunger for. Black Pearl’s Seafood Gumbo is available in cup or bowl size. Grab a side of Crab Stuffed Jalapenos and do a some hearty eating while you sit by Black Pearl’s large glass windows and people watch. Oysters at The Black Pearl are always available, in delicious dishes

such as Oysters Rockafeller with spinach cream cheese, Oysters Haelen topped with crab meat, cheddar, and bacon, and Oysters Diablo with spicy diablo sauce, shrimp, and cheddar cheese. Benno’s on the Beach 200 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, (409)762-4621, bennosofgalveston.com Let’s roll on down to the seawall to the infamous Benno’s. Located right on the Seawall, Benno’s hosts a gorgeous view of the rolling tide waters of the Gulf. You can’t help but feel relaxed, happy, and warm looking out at the view while enjoying a nice hot bowl of Shrimp Gumbo. Don’t even begin to count the number of Gulf Shrimp in your bowl, there are way too many to try. They start with the same thing all Cajuns do, a rich thick roux, then add what chefs call “The Holy Trinity” - onions, celery, and green peppers. These are always a must for both Cajun and creole cooking. Let’s not forget about the succulent Gulf Coast Shrimp, sausage, and spices. Mix, mix, stir, stir...do it with love and fire, and there you have Benno’s Gumbo. The Shrimp Gumbo is available in two sizes, cup and bowl, so grab some French bread to go with it and you will be one happy Cajun. Don’t forget to save room for Benno’s heavenly Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce for dessert. Benno’s is a fun, family restaurant that has everything seafoodrelated you could possibly want, from shrimp and crawfish to crab and oysters. Watch their Facebook page to see what seasonal specials are available.

213 23rd Street - Downtown Galveston (409)762-0144

Join us for a Board Meeting of a Lunch time!

Espresso bar and fu ll menu! Open 12 Noon-10p and 12 Noon-Midn m Sun-Thurs ight Fri & Sat

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Miller’s Seawall Grill 1824 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, (409)763-8777, millersseawallgrill.com Right down the seawall from Benno’s is the long-time, locals’ favorite, Miller’s Seawall Grill. This place is full of Galveston locals everyday - rain or shine, cold or warm weather, the locals love Miller’s. Mama Miller’s very own unique gumbo recipe is a hot and spicy bowl of goodness. Everyone has their own secret gumbo recipe, with the key word in this sentence being “secret.” Miller’s has been cooking up Mama Miller’s Gumbo for 37 years, so you know it has to be good. If you aren’t sure about it, ask for a sample first. It is spicy! We promise you it is spicy, rich, and hosts a heavenly roux of flavors. Bowls of gumbo are served with grilled bread and rice, while the cups of gumbo are served with crackers. We recommend a bowl and a classic - a big ol’ Fried Shrimp Po-Boy. You may need a short nap before moving on. Leo’s Cajun Corner 3201 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, (409)765-5151, leoscajuncorner.com If you drive down Broadway, you can’t help but smell the hickory smoke wafting through the air as you pass Leo’s Cajun Corner. Again, when the word “Cajun” is in the name, you can bet that they know their stuff and have some authentic gumbo. Follow your nose to the wonderful seafood gumbo and smoked meats - that’s right, smoked meats such as ribs, sausage, boudin, and brisket, all cooked to a Cajun perfection. Leo’s Gumbo is prepared fresh daily, comes in the standard two sizes of cup or bowl, and is super reasonably priced, starting at $3.25 for a cup.

The Kitchen Chick Presents:

“Get the Drift”

Traditional fast food with a spin & a hint of Scottish cuisine. Specialty burgers & dogs, salads, wings and Scotch eggs & sausage rolls. Serving breakfast.

1110 23rd St. Galveston - 409-974-4300

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December Holiday Cooking Classes Coming up this month are a lot of exciting new series of cooking classes for children and adults. Thursday, December 3rd, 6:30-9pm Maceo’s Famous Meatballs & Gravy Chef Concetta Maceo of Maceo Spice & Imports will take you back to where it all started and teach you how to make some of her family’s most loved recipes. Begin by learning the secrets to delicious crispy homemade mozzarella sticks. Chef Concetta will then teach you how to make her family’s famous meatballs and gravy. And for dessert, learn to bake the impressive Celli sister’s Charlotte Russe cake. Mama mia! This class is $55 per person. Monday, December 7th, 2-6pm Authentic Italian Lasagna Chefs Laura & Linda of The Italian Wooden Spoon are back to teach you how to make authentic Italian cuisine. Begin by learning the secrets to preparing the real Italian lasagna – trust us it’s nothing like the American version. Chef Laura will also teach you to make a fresh tomato and herb bruschetta. And for dessert, learn to make a decadent chocolate and cookie ‘salame.’ Cibo delizioso! This class is $60 per person. Tuesday, December 8th, 6:30-9pm Authentic Italian Gnocchi Chefs Laura & Linda of The Italian Wooden Spoon are back to teach you the secrets to making feather-light gnocchi – the best gnocchi this side of the Atlantic. Chef Laura will teach you two delicious sauces to top these soft potato pillows: traditional tomato and savory butter and sage. You will also learn to make a tasty stuffed tomato appetizer. No meal is complete without dessert, we’ll end with a silky panna cotta. This class is $60 per person. Wednesday, December 9th, 6:30-9pm Bottoms Up Boozy Cooking You will really get into the ‘spirits’ of the holiday with Chef Cat at this festive class. She’ll kick things off by teaching you to make a vodkapoached shrimp with bloody Mary cocktail sauce. Next, learn to make baked brie en crut smothered in a boozy fig sauce, a traditional French coq au vin and for dessert, a sinful dark chocolate stout cake with Bailey’s frosting. Cheers! This class is $60 per person. (409)256-5166

From their website, “[We have] a commitment to our customers to provide top quality products - always fresh, never frozen - using four generations of authentic Louisiana recipes. From speciality sausages and boudin, to homemade desserts, we always put our very best in everything we do.” With Leo’s long-standing reputation and that they are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner - you have no excuse not to get in there and get your grub on. And those smoked meats that we mentioned earlier - they are perfect for your holiday party menus. Leo’s makes their own sausage in four versions - pork, beef, ‘garlic onion with beef or pork,’ and Leo’s Special - pork, jalapeno, bell peppers, hot sauce, garlic and onions. Boudin is available too in regular flavor, crawfish, and smoked versions. Deer sausage is available sometimes as well. Although we tried, there is no way to eat and write about all the wonderful gumbo that is available on the island. It is a challenge that we gladly accept, but there is certainly no way to try it all, so maybe you should do a little gumbo island exploration yourself. Let us know what you find by sending your suggestions to TheIslandGuide@ gmail.com or posting on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ galvestonislandguide. Stay hungry my friends!

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GalvestonIslandGuide.com Thursday, December 10th, 6:30-9pm Magical Holiday Cupcakes with Chef Mary Bass Chef Mary Bass will teach you how to bake a trio of indulgent cupcakes that evoke the magic of the holiday season. You will master a Ferrero Rocher cupcake with amaretto frosting, a cinni-bun cupcake with cream cheese frosting, and an Andes mint snowcap cupcake. Wash it all down with hot cocoa and homemade marshmallows (you’ll make those too). Happy, happy holidays start with cupcakes! This class is $50 per person. December 12th, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm Kid’s Gingerbread House Workshop The Kitchen Chick is pleased to offer two gingerbread house decorating parties with local baking guru Stephanie Conti. Kids just need to bring their imagination and creativity – we’ll supply the rest. Hot apple cider and cookies will be served. Class price includes one child accompanied by one adult and a gingerbread house to take home. Open to kids 5 years and up. Classes are limited Classes are $25. Monday, December 14th, 6:30-9pm Magical Holiday Cupcakes with Chef Mary Bass On Monday, December 14th, Chef Mary Bass teach a second classed for cupcakes. She will teach you how to bake a trio of indulgent cupcakes that evoke the magic of the holiday season. You will master a Ferrero Rocher cupcake with amaretto frosting, a cinni-bun cupcake with cream cheese frosting and an Andes mint snowcap cupcake. Wash it all down with hot cocoa and homemade marshmallows (you’ll make those too). Happy, happy holidays start with cupcakes! This class is $50 per person. Thursday, December 17th, 6:30-9pm It’s New Years Y’all! Chef Mary Bass’ Twist on Southern Tradition Chef Mary Bass will teach you how to make a traditional southern New Year’s meal with a twist. You will learn to make spicy blackeyed pea hummus with crudite, cast iron baked honey poblano cornbread, savory ham stuffed cabbage rolls, and luscious champagne poached pears. There is no better way to ring in the new year! This class is $60 per person. Monday, December 21st, 1-3pm Kids Homemade Pasta Making Class Kids love learning to cook at The Kitchen Chick! Chef Mary wants kids to cook with confidence and creativity. She will teach them how to make delicious homemade pasta, two savory sauces to smother it in, and a yummy dessert. Class open to children ages 8-14. This class is $30 per child. Tuesday, December 22nd, 1-3pm Kids Bread Baking Class Chef Bailey is fired up to teach young chefs how to bake fresh homemade bread. She will teach them how to make delicious cinnamon rolls and loaves of buttermilk white bread. This class is open to children ages 8-14. This class is $30 per child. Please call (409)497-2999 to reserve your spot. Reservations are made on a first come, first serve basis and class sizes are kept small to ensure that you get to interact with the instructor. Also, please note that website comments will not count as reservations - you must call to reserve your spot. Payment is due at the time of reservation.

20% off all Food Menu Items from 11 am to 3 pm weekdays during the entire month of December!

We don't just sell great craft beer .... we sell great craft food! HAPPY HOUR 3-7 pm - Monday thru Friday $2.75 Well Drinks $2.75 Domestic Bottles $1.00 off all draft MONDAY MADNESS 7 pm to Close Shawn & Michael's Monday Night Poker Party - 8 pm $6.00 Bratwurst On a Bun $5.00 Cherry Limeades $2.00 Domestic Bottles $2.00 Well Drinks $2 TUESDAY 7 pm to Close Tony' Trivia Tuesday - 8 & 9:30 pm $7.00 Traditional Burgers $2.00 Domestic Bottles $2.00 Well Drinks -- $5.00 Waterwalls THIRSTY THURSDAY SUNDAY WEDNESDAY All Day Long $5.00 Blood Mary’s 7 pm to Close STEAK NIGHT $4.00 - 16 oz L.I. Teas $4.00 Stein Night $14.00 Best Steak Ever All Draft Beer - 7pm to Close FRIDAY & SATURDAY w/ Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli (Excludes Special Cask and Live Music - 7 pm to 11 pm $3.00 House Wines Select Drafts) $3.00 Fireball and Jagermeister Shots Weekly Bourbon Specials 11 pm to close

Best Lil’ Beer Garden In Galveston Home of the Water Wall

Friday, December 18, 7pm - Live Music - Nite Energy Wednesday, December 2, 7pm Open Mic Night with Jeremy Kilgore Saturday, December 19, 7pm Live Music - Under Cover Brothers Friday, December 4, 7pm – Live Music - Smith and Turner Sunday, December 20, 9am Saturday, December 5, 7pm – Live Music - Los Vertigos Santa Hustle, Stuttgarden Opens at 9 am for After Party Monday, December 7, 8pm Monday, December 21, 8pm Shawn & Michael's Monday Night Poker Shawn & Michael's Monday Night Poker & Liquor Promo Party & Liquor Promo Party Tuesday, December 22 Tuesday, December 8 7pm- Freetail Brewery Pint Night; 8pm - Tony’s Trivia Tuesday 7pm - Karbach Brewery Pint Night – 8pm - Tony’s Trivia Tuesday Wednesday, December 23, 7pm Wednesday, December 9, 7pm pen Mic Night with Jeremy Kilgore Open Mic Night with Jeremy Kilgore Friday, December 25 – Bar & Kitchen Opens at 5 pm Friday, December 11, 7pm – Live Music - Naked Truth Saturday, December 26, 7pm – Live Music - Lindrix Saturday, December 12, 7pm – Live Music - Shawn Micheals Monday, December 28, 8pm Sunday, December 13, 7 pm – $4.00 Draft Night Shawn & Michael's Monday Night Poker & Liquor Promo Party Monday, December 14, 8pm Tuesday, December 29 Shawn & Michael's Monday Night Poker & Liquor Promo Party 7pm Ballast Point Brewery Pint Night Tuesday, December 15, 8pm - Tony’s Trivia Tuesday 7pm - South Austin Brewing Pint Night Wednesday, December 30, 7pm – Open Mic Night with Jeremy 8pm - Tony’s Trivia Tuesday Kilgore Wednesday, December 16, 7pm Thursday, December 31, 8pm – Live Music - DJ Daddy-O Open Mic Night with Jeremy Kilgore WEATHER PERMITTING

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Music

Music, Music Everywhere

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Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 12-9, Friday and Saturday 12-10, Sunday 12-9

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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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There is a lot of great music going on this month on the Island! Here is a list of the best that we found. Ruthie Foster January 9th at Old Quarter Acoustic Café, 9pm-1am Congratulations to Ruthie Foster for winning the 2015 Koko Taylor Award (Traditional Blues Female) at the 36th annual Blues Music Awards! Those who have followed Ruthie Foster’s eclectic musical history, know that she can burn down any stage with her combustible blend of soul, blues, rock, folk, and gospel. Ruthie’s astonishing voice has taken her on an amazing ride. She came from humble church choir beginnings in rural Texas, followed by a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy Band, and ended up in Austin. Ruthie’s list of achievements include Best Female Vocalist in 2007, 2008, and 2013 from the Austin Music Awards, a 2012 and 2009 Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album, the 2010 Living Blues Music Award Critic’s Poll for Female Blues Artist of the Year, and recent Blues Music Award wins for Best Contemporary and Best Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year. Louis Adams Band December 19th at B. Jiggers, 9pm-1am Louis Adams-Diaz has performed in England, Scotland, Japan, and the USA, for the Queen of England once, and for the President of the United States three times. He sang for the World Energy Summit in Houston, and the Japanese American Summit in Hiroshima. With “Broadway on the Gulf” in Galveston, he was in a two-week run of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and he performed with Tommy Tune and Shirley Jones for the opening of The Hobby Center in Houston. He managed to do all of this by the 8th grade. Additionally as part of the world-class Houston Children’s Chorus, he performed in 13 different languages beginning in the 3rd grade, sang for both the annual Galveston and Houston Uptown Tree Lighting ceremonies, the annual Thanksgiving Day parades, and annual performances at The Grand Theatre, and for past Dickens on the Strand in Galveston. He sang background vocals for both Beyonce Knowles and Josh Groban at the 2004 Superbowl. He won numerous awards in high school for solo, small group, and choir competitions, including winning a Sweepstakes award in New York, and was consistently in the top performing and pop groups. Once he retired from Houston Children’s Chorus, he started a rock band and played drums and sang background vocals, performing at several Houston area venues, including for the ExxonMobil music Festival. He started playing solo gigs two years ago, playing at wine bars, restaurants, dinner clubs, private parties, and The Old Town Spring Crawfish Festival. While he began playing percussion in the church worship band at age 10, he has functioned as a worship leader for several years. Well traveled and culturally diverse, he performs a variety of tunes from pop, rock, country, rap, and alternative genres. His range is broad and his pitch is right on. He brings fourteen years of solid performance experience and professionalism to every performance. Be sure to check him out at B. Jiggers this month! Little Jewford Fridays and Saturdays in December* at Stella’s Piano Bar at Havana Alley, 7-10pm Little Jewford is known around the world as Kinky Friedman’s keyboard player, sidekick, and the “last surviving member” of the original band Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys. He’s been called a “man of many voices” and an “idiot savant.” Little Jewford’s solo performances blend musical talent, wit, and humor into an entertaining one-ofa-kind show. He describes his act as a “Dean Martin and Victor Borge cocktail, with a twist of the Marx Brothers.” An internationally celebrated piano entertainer, Little Jewford plays everything from rat pack cool to sophisticated smooth, a bit of classical, ragtime, and original compositions, plus, to top it all off, comedy songs, his own personal stories, and musings. *Except Friday and Saturday, – December 25th and 26th

Whetherman December 4th at Mod Coffee Shop, 7-9pm Whetherman is the moniker of 31 year old Nicholas Williams, who has independently released six full-length albums of “sunny, soulful folk music that is irresistible” (Indie Music Reviewer) since 2007, and most recently, the critically-acclaimed “Seeds for Harvest” in April of this year. A finalist for the 2015 Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriter Showcase, Williams also received praise from BBC Radio of his latest release as “Completely beautiful…an absolute delight to the ears.” His songwriting displays earnest and poetic lyrics, soulful vocals, alongside percussive acoustic guitar, and a rolling harmonica - creating a rustic apple pie Americana sound. Sonicbids, the world’s leading DIY resource for independent musicians, featured Williams for their article on “Success Stories - How to Make It as a DIY One-Man Band: Advice from Whetherman,” as he’s been touring 180 shows a year in over 40 states across the US since 2012, as well as performing throughout the UK and Western Europe on his own. He is completely independent from management, agencies, or contracts, taking a grassroots approach, and living the music he’s created. In this way, he’s opened for acclaimed acts such as The Wailers, The Wood Brothers, Howie Day, Kim Richey, Donavon Frankenreiter, Anders Osbourne, and Town Mountain among many others. Living on the road for the better part of the last four years, his surroundings have secured songs of conviction, poetry, and resonance of nature. The end product has become a type of easy-listening that lifts the spirits and feeds the soul, akin to the likes of Ray Lamontagne or Van Morrison’s early recordings. A large part of the sound behind his two most recent albums, is a six-member group that takes nothing away from the artfully established singersongwriter presence, complimenting it with an eclectic array of Americana. The cast includes Rachel Murray (vocals), JP Salvat (percussion), Alex Hayward (drums), Adam Mantovani (upright bass), Drew Matulich (mandolin/fiddle/guitar) and Eric Brigmond (keys). Williams is currently touring the US in support of his new album. You can find Whetherman on iTunes and Bandcamp, as well as streaming on Pandora Radio and Spotify. Sisters Morales December 5th at Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe, 9pm-1am Sister Morales are back from about a year of their sabbatical. They are bringing a five piece band with the incredible David Spencer on lead guitar. The Sisters are back together for good and Old Quarter is honored to have one of their first gigs - at our little, but somehow famous, listening room. Old Quarter always host great music - Sisters Morales is one of those acts. The Victorian Pipe Organ Concert December 5th at Trinity Episcopal Church, 7:30pm The Victorian Pipe Organ Concert will be presented by Trinity Episcopal Church starting at 7:30pm. A fixture of Galveston’s Christmas celebrations for more than twenty years, the Pipe Organ Extravaganza performances are an annual tradition held on the Saturday evening of Dickens on the Strand. Opening the revelry is a special appearance by Houston choral group, The Sons of Orpheus, followed by the organ concert, and a Christmas Carol singalong. Featuring internationally acclaimed concert organist Ronald Wyatt, his masterful performances are awe-inspiring and even funny, as he weaves his witty commentary and anecdotal stories into the music. Admission is $10. Advance tickets are available at the church office located at 22nd and Winnie, downtown Galveston, the Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., and online at www. TheGrand.com. Tickets will also be available at the door on December 5th as well. For more information call (409)765-6317 or go to TrinityGalv.org. This is part of Galveston Island’s Winter Wonder Island Celebration. Holiday in the Park Caroling Friday-Saturday, December 12th-13th at Saengerfest Park, all day Bring out the whole family for a day filled with festive holiday tunes from local and area school choirs, bands, and amazing church choirs during this free event. Spend some time shopping for those last minute gifts at your favorite Galveston Strand shops as well as festive vendors located on 23rd Street. Children will also be able to visit and take pictures with Santa in the Park. This is free to attend and is part of Galveston Island’s Winter Wonder Island Celebration.

The Grand Celebrates The Holiday’s Island Style

Musical” includes everyone’s favorite characters from the TV special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph. The show is an adventure that teaches children that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition The Grand 1894 Opera House, located at 2020 that speaks to the misfit in all of us. Postoffice St., downtown Galveston, is one of the few Tickets start at $24. remaining theatres of its era in Texas and is listed in A Galveston Island Winter Wonder Island Event. the National Register of Historic Places. As further Sunday, December 20th, 7pm recognition of its importance, the citizens of Texas Tony Bennett and the 73rd Texas Legislature proclaimed The The Grand welcomes back the one and only Grand “The Official Opera House of Texas” in 1993. Tony Bennett and his wonderful trio. Winner of 18 Host to a wide variety of excellent entertainment, a Lifetime Achievement The Grand has a little bit of something for everyone. Grammy® Awards, including Tickets are available by calling (409)765-1894, Award and two Emmy® Awards, Tony is an NEA (800)821-1894, or visit The Grand’s website at www. Jazz Master and a Kennedy Center Honoree who has sold over 50 million records worldwide. thegrand.com. Tickets start at $77 and only a few tickets remain Upcoming performances include: available. Friday, December A Galveston Island Winter Wonder Island Event. 4th, 8pm Tuesday, December 22nd, 8pm “Charles Dickens’ “Merry Texas Christmas ‘A Christmas Y’all: Ray Benson and Asleep Carol’” at the Wheel” EbeneSpice up your Christmas party with a swinzer Scrooge, Bob gin’ slice Cratchit, Tiny Tim, of holiand the Ghosts of day cheer. Christmases Past, Texas’ prePresent, and Future mier Westcome together. This ern swing delightful perforband mance features stunning sets, lush costumes, and decks the plenty of music and dance. halls with Tickets start at $29. plenty of A Galveston Island Winter Wonder Island Event. honkytonk holiday fun. Saturday, December 19th, 2pm and 7pm Tickets start at $29. “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed A Galveston Island Winter Wonder Island Event. Reindeer, The Musical” Saturday, January 2nd, 2016, 8pm Saturday, DecemJerry Jeff Walker ber 19th at He’s been called “Mister Bojangles,” “The Gypsy 2pm and 7pm Songman,” and “The Jimmy Buffett of Texas.” One “Rudolph, the of the Lone Star Red-Nosed State’s most popuReindeer, lar musical ambassaThe Musical” dors returns to The comes to life! Grand as Galveston A beloved rings in 2016. Jerry TV clasJeff delivers a memsic for the orable evening, filled whole family soars off the screen and onto the stage with heart-tugging of The Grand 1894 Opera House this holiday seaballads, spirited melson. “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Musi- odies, and down-home fun. cal” is sponsored in part by Sunny 99.1 and is part Tickets start at $35. of Galveston Island’s Winter Wonder Island Celebra- A Galveston Island Winter Wonder Island Event. tion. Local support is provided by Sunny 99.1. Saturday, January 9th, 2016, 8pm In 1939, Montgomery Ward Department Store Olympia Dukakis in “Rose” advertising copywriter Robert L. May created the Oscar-winning star of “Moonstruck” and story of “Rudolph” as a free pamphlet distributed by “SteelThe Magnolias” will capture your heart in this the store during the busy holiday shopping season. unforgettable portrait of an octogenarian who surTen years later, Robert’s brother-in-law turned the vives the Warsaw Ghetto and builds an amazing life story into a Christmas song, premiered by singing America. This one-woman show, based on a true cowboy actor Gene Autrey at Madison Square Gar- in story, is a moving tribute to the endurance of the den in New York City in 1949. “Rudolph” quickly human spirit. became one of the biggest Christmas hits of all time, Tickets start at $21. selling over 25 million copies. Only Bing Crosby’s This is a Galveston Island Winter Wonder Island Event. version of “White Christmas” has sold more. The Saturday, January 16th, 2016, 3pm & 8pm television special “Rudolph,” based on the hit song and sung by Burl Ives, was first broadcast in 1964 “The Producers” A scheming producer and his mousy accounand has become the longest-running Christmas special in television history.   tant aim to produce the biggest flop on Broadway in “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Mel Brooks’ laugh-out-loud cult comedy film turned

Broadway musical spectacle. Winner of a record 12 Tony Awards, “The Producers” is a ‘boffo’ hit filled with singing, dancing, and plenty of outrageous, inyour-face humor. Tickets start at $24. This is a Galveston Island Winter Wonder Island Event.

Saturday, January 23rd (7:30pm) and Sunday, January 24th, 2016 (3pm) The Oak Ridge Boys Few Country music groups have had the enduring popularity, cultural significance, or crossover success of the Oak Ridge Boys. The 1981 stratospheric rise of “Elivra” to the top of the Country and Pop charts brought them one of their five Grammy® Awards, went double Platinum and cemented the Oaks in Country Music History. Members of the Grand Ole Opry and the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Oak Ridge Boys are true living legends. Tickets start at $35. Saturday, February 13th, 2016, 8pm Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra of New Zealand The land of The Hobbits adores them, and so will you. There is high-octane ukuleles of all sizes, sublime vocal harmonies, flamboyant outfits, delightful theatrical effects, and plenty of audience participation. From tunes of the “South Pacific” to “ukulelefied” versions of rock and pop classics, you’ll love this musical funfest. Tickets start at $19. Saturday, February 20th (8pm) and Sunday, February 21st, 2016 (3pm) “Ragtime, The Musical” The lives of an upper-class New Rochelle family, a determined Eastern-European Jewish immigrant, and a daring young Harlem musician intersect in turn-of-the-century New York, where each longs for a better tomorrow. This Tony Award® winning Broadway tour-de-force is “simply stunning in every way.” (Variety) Tickets start at $24. Friday, February 26th, 2016, 8pm “TAO: Seventeen Samurai” Direct from their sold-out world premiere at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, TAO presents its latest artistic triumph, combining amazing athleticism, striking contemporary costumes, innovative choreography, and explosive Japanese drumming. “Extraordinarily

Galveston Symphony Performs January 17th at The Grand

Sunday, January 17th at 7pm The Symphony will perform another Pops Concert with the theme “Dance!” Sunday, February 14th at 4pm The Symphony will present the third subscription concert of the season. The Valentine’s Concert will include Mozart’s “Sinfonia Concertante, K.364” featuring Elias Goldstein, viola and Espen Lilleslatten, violin, and Bruckner’s “Symphony No.4.” Sunday, April 10th at 4pm Balakirev’s “Overture on Three Russian Folk Songs,” Prokofiev’s “Piano Concerto No.2” featuring Andrew Staupe on piano, and “Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 4.” Sunday, May 1st at 4pm The program will include Schreker’s “Intermezzo, Op.8,” Copland’s “Old American Songs,” with John Weinel, tenor, Frazier’s “Jefferson: The Making of America V: Jefferson and Liberty,” with John Weinel narrating, and concludes with Brahms’ “Symphony No. 1.” All of the concerts will be held at The 1894 Grand Opera House, 2020 Postoffice, downtown Galveston. Tickets are available at www.GalvestonSymphony.org. talented...incomparable muscular zeal.” (Chicago Tribune) Tickets start at $21.

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Saturday, February 27th, 2016, 8pm Itzhak Perlman Revered for his charm and humanity as well as his talent, the reigning virtuoso of the violin is treasured for his remarkable artistry and his irrepressible joy for making music. Tickets start at $50. Saturday, March 5th, 2016, 8pm “Vocalosity” No genre of music is off limits to this amazing a capella vocal group – from 10th century Gregorian chant and classic choral, to barber shop quartet and bouncing doo-wop, to The Beatles and Bruno Mars. This fast-paced evening features 12 dynamic voices singing and swinging to some of today’s chart-topping hits in brand-new arrangements. Tickets start at $24. Sunday, March 6th, 2016, 7pm Capitol Steps This always entertaining Washington DC-based comedy troupe, which began some 35 years ago as a group of Senate staffers, provides a unique blend of musical and political satire. Their tasteful lampooning is guaranteed to leave both sides of the political spectrum laughing. Tickets start at $21.

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409.877.7680 - www.TurnKeyVR.com - Stefan.Hollands@turnkeyvr.com Saturday, December 5th The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jiggers – P.F. Flyers, 9-1 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Christopher & Gweenie, 5-9 Thursday, December 3rd The Grand – Victorian Pipe Organ ExtravaThe Bar – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 ganza, 7pm B. Jigger’s – The Line Up, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Reg & Cary, 5-10 Crow`s Southwest Cantina – Open Mic M&M – Dick LeMasters, 6-9 Jam, 9-1 Mod Coffee House – Christie Glaser, 7-9 Hotel Galvez – Joe Sewell, 6-10 Number 13 – Roger Tienken, 6-9 KRave Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Old Quarter – Sisters Morales, 9-1 Old Quarter – Ian Moore, 9-1 Pleasure Pier – Epic Blaze, 4-8 Poop Deck – Zak Perry, 9-1 Rum Shack – Rachel Rose Band, 10-2 Silver Spot Saloon – Marina, 8-12 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Silver Spot Saloon – Live Music, 9-1 Friday, December 4th The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, Stella’s Piano Bar at Havana Alley - Little Jewford, 7-10 7-11 Stuttgarden – Los Vertigos, 7-11 B. Jigger’s – Last Soul Clan, 9-1 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Christopher & Tremont House– Trio Du Jour, 6-10 West End Restaurant – Larry Emerson, 7-11 Gweenie, 4-8 Yaga’s – DJ Quilla, 10-1 The Grand – A Christmas Carol, 8pm Hotel Galvez – Reg & Cary, 5-10 Sunday, December 6th Jimmy’s On The Pier - Djidala Djembe Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Christopher & Drum Circle, 10-1 Gweenie, 4-8, opem mic 8-12 Mod Coffee House – Whetherman, 7-9 Galveston Farmers Market – Dem, 8am Old Quarter – George Ensle, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Joyce Fields 11-2pm Rum Shack – The Playboyz, 10-1 Nonno Tony’s – Danny Kristensen, 4-8 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Rosie’s – Joe Pena & Friends, 9-1 Silver Spot Saloon – Live Music, 9-1 Shrimp & Stuff – Night Of Sax, 11-1pm Splash Bar – DJ Mellemel Frausto, 9-1 Silver Spot Saloon – Open Mic, 7-11 Stella’s Piano Bar at Havana Alley - Little Splash Bar – Karaoke, 6-9, DJ Joe Rios, 9-2 Jewford, 7-10 Monday, December 7th Stuttgarden – Smith & Turner, 7-11 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, Tremont House – Trio Du Jour, 6-10 7-11 West End Restaurant – Karaoke, 7-11 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Karaoke with Yaga’s – Harbors Over Highways, 10-1

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Music Gig Guide

Debbie, 6-12 Galveston Island Brewing Co. – Monday Night Guys, 5-8 On The Bayou – Karaoke, 8-12 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1

Old Quarter – Ray Wylie Hubbard, 9-1 On The Bayou – Karaoke, 8-12 Silver Spot Saloon – Marina, 8-12

Pleasure Pier – Summer Street, 5-9 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Silver Spot Saloon – Live Music, 9-1 Stuttgarden – Shawn Micheals, 7-11 Friday, December 11th Tremont House – Trio Du Jour, 6-10 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, West End Restaurant – Zach Tate, 7-11 7-11 Tuesday, December 8th Yaga’s – SNAFU, 10-1 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, B. Jiggers – Play Boyz, 9-1 Sunday, December 13th Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Christopher & 7-11 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Christopher & Gweenie, 4-8 B. Jiggers – Karaoke, 8-12 Gweenie, 4-8, open mic 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Reg & Cary, 5-10 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Acoustic Hotel Galvez – Joyce Fields, 11-2pm Jimmy’s On The Pier - Djidala Djembe Tuesday, 8-12 KRave Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Drum Circle, 10-1 Float – DJ Nonstopp, 7-10 Nonno Tony’s – Danny Kristensen, 4-7 M&M – Dick Lemasters, 6-9 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Pleasure Pier – Summer Street Band, 2-6 Mod Coffee House – Jacob Stiefel, 7-9 Splash Bar – Karaoke with Debbie, 9-2 Rosie’s – Joe Pena & Friends, 9-1 Old Quarter – Jimmie Dale Gilmore & Wednesday, December 9th Shrimp & Stuff – Night Of Sax, 11-1pm Butch Hancock, 9-1 B. Jiggers – Dueling Pianos, 8-12 Silver Spot Saloon – Open Mic, 7-11 Poop Deck – Zak Perry, 9-1 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, RumShack – Alter Ego, 9-1 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 6-9, DJ Joe Rios, 9-2 6-9 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Monday, December 14th Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Karaoke with Silver Spot Saloon – Live Music, 8-12 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, Debbie, 6-12 Splash Bar – DJ Mellemel Frausto, 9-1 7-11 Drunken Monkey – Acoustic Open Mic, Stella’s Piano Bar at Havana Alley - Little Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Karaoke with 8-12 Jewford, 7-10 Debbie, 6-12 Hotel Galvez – Joe Sewell, 6-10 Stuttgarden – Naked Truth, 7-11 Galveston Island Brewing Co. – Monday KRave Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Tremont House – Trio Du Jour, 6-10 Night Guys, 5-8 Nonno Tony’s – Mickey Hobbs, 6-9 West End Restaurant – Karaoke, 7-11 On The bayou – Karaoke, 8-12 Old Quarter – Ray Wylie Hubbard, 9-1 Yaga’s – SNAFU, 10-1 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 On The Bayou – Soulfiya, 9-1 Saturday, December 12th Splash Bar – DJ Alex, 9-1 Tuesday, December 15th The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, B Jiggers – Karaoke, 8-12 Stuttgarden – Open Mic with Jeremy 6-9 Kilgore, 7-11 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Acoustic B. Jiggers – A Sure Thing, 9-1 Tuesday, 8-12 Thursday, December 10th Crow’s Southwest Cantina – The Relics, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 B Jigger’s – The Line Up, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Reg & Cary, 5-10 Splash Bar – Karaoke with Debbie, 9-2 Crow`s Southwest Cantina – Open Mic Mod Coffee House – Mystery Loves Jam, 9-1 Company, 7-9 Wednesday, December 16th Hotel Galvez – Joe Sewell, 6-10 Number 13 – Roger Tienken, 6-9 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, KRave Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 7-11 Old Quarter – Brad Boyer, 9-1

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B. Jiggers – Dueling Pianos, 8-12 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Karaoke with Debbie, 6-12 Drunken Monkey – Acoustic Open Mic, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Joe Sewell, 6-10 KRave Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Nonno Tony’s – Mickey Hobbs, 6-9 On The Bayou – Soulfia, 9-1 Splash Bar – DJ Alex, 9-1 Stuttgarden – Open Mic with Jeremy Kilgore, 7-11 Thursday, December 17th B Jigger’s – The Line Up, 9-1 Crow`s Southwest Cantina – Open Mic Jam, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Joe Sewell, 6-10 KRave Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 On The Bayou – Karaoke, 8-12 Silver Spot Saloon – Marina, 8-12 Friday, December 18th The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jiggers – The Fuse, 9-1 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Christopher & Gweenie, 4-8 Hotel Galvez – Reg & Cary, 5-10 Jimmy’s On The Pier - Djidala Djembe Drum Circle, 10-1 M&M – Dick LeMasters, 6-9 Mod Coffee House –Tommy Lewis, 7-9 Old Quarter – Joe Ely, 9-1 On The Bayou – Live Music, 8-12 Rumshack – Level One, 9-1 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Silver Spot Saloon – Live Music, 9-1 Splash Bar – DJ Mellemel Frausto, 9-1 Stella’s Piano Bar at Havana Alley - Little Jewford, 7-10 Stuttgarden – Nite Energy, 7-11 Tremont House – Trio Du Jour, 6-10 West End Restaurant – Karaoke, 7-11 Yaga’s – Ocean Roots, 10-1 Saturday, December 19th The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 6-9 B. Jiggers – Louis Adams Band, 9-1 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Christopher & Gweenie, 5-9 Hotel Galvez – Reg & Cary, 5-10 M&M – Dick LeMasters, 6-9 Mod Coffee House – Jim Presley, 7-9 Number 13 – Roger Tienken, 6-9 Old Quarter – Marina Rocks, 9-1 Rumshack – Bristol Fashion, 9-1 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Silver Spot Saloon – Live Music, 9-1 Stuttgarden – Under Cover Brothers, 7-11 Tremont House – Trio Du Jour, 6-10 West End Restaurant – Larry Emerson, 7-11 Yaga’s – Dominic James, 10-1 Sunday, December 20th Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Christopher & Gweenie, 4-8, open mic 8-12 Galveston Farmers Market – Live Music, 8am The Grand – Tony Bennett, 2pm Hotel Galvez – Joyce Fields, 11-2pm KRave Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Old Quarter – Zak Perry, 9-1 Pleasure Pier – Summer Street, 4-8 Rosie’s – Joe Pena & Friends, 9-1 Shrimp & Stuff – Night Of Sax, 11-1 Silver Spot Saloon – Open Mic, 7-11 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 6-9, DJ Joe Rios, 9-2 Monday, December 21st The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Karaoke with Debbie, 6-12 Galveston Island Brewing Co. – Monday Night Guys, 5-8 On The Bayou – Karaoke, 8-12 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Tuesday, December 22nd B Jiggers – Karaoke, 8-12 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Acoustic Tuesday, 8-12 The Grand – Asleep At The Wheel, 8pm Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Splash Bar – Karaoke with Debbie, 9-2 Wednesday, December 23rd The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Karaoke with Debbie, 6-12 Drunken Monkey – Acoustic Open Mic, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Joe Sewell, 6-10 KRave Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Nonno Tony’s – Mickey Hobbs, 6-9 On The Bayou – Soulfiya, 9-1 Splash Bar – DJ Alex, 9-1

Stuttgarden – Open Mic with Jeremy Kilgore, 7-11 Thursday, December 24th Crow`s Southwest Cantina – Open Mic Jam, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Joe Sewell, 6-10 KRave Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Old Quarter – Open Mic, 9-1 Silver Spot Saloon – Marina, 8-12 Friday, December 25th The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Christopher & Gweenie, 4-8 Hotel Galvez – Reg & Cary, 5-10 Jimmy’s On The Pier - Djidala Djembe Drum Circle, 10-1 On The Bayou – Live Music, 8-12 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Silver Spot Saloon – Live Music, 8-12 Splash Bar – DJ Mellemel Frausto, 9-1 Tremont House – Trio Du Jour, 6-10 West End Restaurant – Karaoke, 7-11 Saturday, December 26th The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 6-9 B. Jiggers – The Line Up, 9-1 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Christopher & Gweenie, 5-9 Hotel Galvez – Reg & Cary, 5-10 Mod Coffee House – Jim Kachelmeyer, 7-9 Number 13 – Roger Tienken, 6-9 Old Quarter – Ezra Charles, 9-1 RumShack – J Metro, 9-1 Silver Spot Saloon – Live Music, 9-1 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Stuttgarden – Lindrix, 7-11 Tremont House – Trio Du Jour, 6-10 West End Restaurant – Larry Emerson, 7-11 Yaga’s – Live Music, 10-1 Sunday, December 27th Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Christopher & Gweenie, 4-8, open mic 8-12 Galveston Farmers Market – Live Music, 8am Hotel Galvez – Joyce Fields, 11-2pm KRave Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Rosie’s – Joe Pena & Friends, 9-1 Silver Spot Saloon – Open Mic, 7-11 Shrimp & Stuff – Night Of Sax, 11-1pm Splash Bar – Karaoke, 6-9, DJ Joe Rios, 9-2

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Monday, December 28th The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-10 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Karaoke with Debbie, 6-12 Galveston Island Brewing Co. – Monday Night Guys, 5-8 On The Bayou – Karaoke, 8-12 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Tuesday, December 29th B Jiggers – Karaoke, 8-12 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Acoustic Tuesday, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Splash Bar – Karaoke with Debbie, 9-2 Wednesday, December 30th The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jiggers – Dueling Pianos, 8-12 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Karaoke with Debbie, 6-12 Drunken Monkey – Acoustic Open Mic, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Joe Sewell, 6-10 KRave Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Nonno Tony’s – Mickey Hobbs, 6-9 On The Bayou – Soulfiya, 9-1 Splash Bar – DJ Alex, 9-1 Stuttgarden – Open Mic with Jeremy Kilgore, 7-11 Thursday, December 31st B Jigger’s – The Line Up, 9-1 Crow`s Southwest Cantina – Open Mic Jam, 9-1 Elks Lodge – Silver Wings Band, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Joe Sewell, 6-10 KRave Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 Old Quarter – Open Mic, 9-1 Rum Shack – The Playboyz, 10-1 Silver Spot Saloon – Marina, 8-12 Stuttgarden – DJ Daddy-O, 8-12 West End Restaurant – Larry Emerson, 7-1 Yaga’s – DJ Nonstop, 10-1

To list your Live Music here, send your schedule by the 20th of each month to:

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(409)256-5166 11

I-45 to Houston Clo

Offatts Bayou

Heards La

Stewart R

57th

rt Road

Lake Madeline

61st

oad

Stewa

Scholes International Airport Dominique

81st

inal Term

Sydnor Bayou 99th

Hope Ro

Airport Rd

7 Mile R

81st

5 Galveston

Stewart

Road

Seawall Blvd. 61st Fishing Pier

http://m.galveston.com

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER 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

12 The Island Guide Magazine

2328 BROADWAY (BEHIND ASHTON VILLA)

info@galvestoncvb.com 409.797.5144

GalvestonIslandGuide.com

(409)256-5166

ard

Randall’s

To The W & SurfsideesBteEnd ach

Sea Isle Subdivision - 4 miles west of Jamaica Beach

ern

Specs Liquor

Island State Park

Every Friday in December - Karaoke December 5th, 19th, 26th - Larry Emerson Live in The Sandbar 7 - 11pm December 12th - Zac Tate, Live in The Sandbar 7-11pm New Years Eve Celebration in The Sandbar with champagne toast and party favors Music with Larry Emerson Live 7pm-1am

-B

53rd

300

Galveston College

61st

4 miles past Jamaica Beach

Crockett Park

Calvary Cemetery 79th

Stewar Road t

Saints Constan & Helen Orthodox Chu

Campeche Lake Sweetwater Lake

Bay Sho

Sydnor

Moody Gardens Golf Course

r e Dr.

69th

N 1/2

409.797.5144 Come get your Holiday Inspiration and look your best at Island Inspirations Hair by Kara!

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Island Inspirations

The Peli Krogers Club

Intracoastal Canal

Hwy Road rsity

adw

Unive

23rd ez

Bro

25th

alv

19th

21th

Galveston Island Visitors Center at Ashton Villa

29th

33rd

rch

37th

ran

sid

Chu

39th Av

bor

Ferry

urch

Har

14th

Downtown Galveston (see map on back)

ntine

. 168

Ferry Landing

Beachtown Community

Kempner Park

East Beach

Stewart Beach Park Av

21th

Mario’s Seawall Italian Restaurant

ican b

Benno’s On the Beach

Gaido’s

Voted Galveston’s Best Mexican Food & Margarita 2012 Mexican Food 2013 By Galveston Daily News

(409)740-3111

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7000 Seawall Blvd., Galveston www.thedawnbeachcondos.com Managed by Prestige Management Services Marketed by Prestige Properties Sales & Rentals, Galveston Island, Texas

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

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Open Sunday-Thursday 12-9 Friday & Saturday 12-10 409.744.4237

6026 Seawall @ 61st St.

GalvestonIslandGuide.com

(409)256-5166 13

I-45 to Housto n

Harborside Dr.

Galveston Cruise Terminals

“Harborside” Tall Ship Elissa Texas Seaport Museum Harbor Tours Pier 21 Theatre Jet Boat Tours

“The Strand” Strand St.

Galveston Railroad Museum

Saengerfest Park

Patrick’s Sports Bar

Catz Jewelry

Mechanic St.

Historic Arts and Entertainment District Market St.

PostOffice St.

International Fine Art Gallery

19th

25th

Church St.

Jack’s Pub

20th

GALVESTON POST OFFICE

& The Strannd Downtow Area

Galveston Island Visitors Center Salvage Warehouse at Ashton Villa

21st

22nd

Ball

23rd

GALVESTON CITY HALL

24th

Winnie

Broadway

East Beach Cupcakes Pies

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. 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.

Open Monday-Saturday 6am-2pm 413 24th St., Galveston - (409)763-9289

14 The Island Guide Magazine

GalvestonIslandGuide.com

(409)256-5166

Desserts Speciality and Wedding Cakes

We are a gourmet cupcake and dessert bakery. Everything is made fresh daily from only the finest ingredients.

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2108 Church St. #101B, Galveston, TX 77550 “coastalcupcakesandbakery”

Books

Grab A Glass of Wine and Sit In Your Comfy Chair By Gini Rainey

“The Twelfth of Never” by Cynthia Boone When I reviewed Ms. Boone’s book “Where Have You Been” back in January, I had a sense that she was on to something very good. I was right! Her latest book, “The Twelfth of Never” should put her up with some of the better romance novel writers around. Giving her readers a top-notch storyline with characters that are not only believable, but also likable, she has touched all the bases required for a home-run best seller. Putting a new spin on the age-old formula of rich boy (Harris) who meets poor girl (Cassie), she tells the poignant story of a couple of young kids who meet in 1954 Dallas, Texas. Each goes their separate way to college, him to Yale and her to SMU, without realizing that they love one another. Through their friendly correspondence with each other, Boone tells the passing of time until they both wind up back in Dallas after graduation and realize how much they love one another. Of course, love can never be easy when you’re young, and Boone has a lot of plot twists and turns scheduled for Harris and Cassie. So many, in fact, that just about the time you think you’ve got it all figured out, you turn the page and discover you don’t. This is definitely a book that I would recommend you read if you love stories that are loaded up with romance, intrigue, and lovable, as well as despicable characters. You might as well get comfortable when you start reading this one. I promise you won’t want to put it down until you get to the very end. Rating: 5 of 5 Copyright 2015 – Book Baby “The Book Thief” by Marcus Zusak Death touches us all, but Liesel Meminger, the heroine of this novel, manages to touch Death with her shining humanity and the words of her young life, penned in the basement of a poor home, where she survives a devastating bombing of her neighborhood in Nazi Germany. Death personified holds her luminous grief and happiness in his pocket in the form of a black book containing her young life’s autobiography, found by Him, forgotten by her, in the time of her greatest shock and horror. Her love of books and the words that make them alive starts with the most unlikely sort of origin: “The Grave Digger’s Handbook,” found in the snow after

her six-year-old brother’s death. At almost ten, Liesel cannot read; but a new foster father finds “The Book Thief’s” first volume and uses it to teach her in the darkest hours of night when her terrors awaken her. Books continue to come to Liesel, and Liesel helps herself to books - from the remains of a burning pile on the Fuhrer’s birthday; from the haunted and ghostly Mayor’s wife. Zusak’s prose style is marvelously creative and so completely captivating that word by word, moment by moment, the story is nearly impossible to stop reading. Each and every character becomes real, but most memorable may be the father, Hans, whose kindness and courage are inseparable. The voice of Death, the narrator, is different from any other voice that I have heard speaking of the horrors of WWII. In the midst of tragedy, compassion remains, even in the most unexpected places. I would highly recommend the book as a fictional counterpoint to Anne Frank’s diary for mature teens reading about WWII and the Holocaust, driving home the idea that brave hearts and strong consciences were found even in Nazi Germany. The character of Liesel jumps off the page with the same life and vivacity as Anne. While there can be no direct comparison between a real person and fictional character, both books convey the horrors of WWII through the eyes of the young. “The Book Thief” can also serve as a reminder as to how easily society can push us to overlook individual conscience for personal and financial comfort. The character of Liesel will live long in my memory as few characters have. This book is a real gem and until you sit and swim in its poetic language, its vivid characters, and visceral tragedy, you won’t understand the power of “The Book Thief.” Rating: 5 of 5 Copyright 2007 – Alfred A. Knopf “Mrs. Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” by Ransom Riggs On the New York Times Best Seller List for more than 52 consecutive weeks, this book follows the story of 16 year old Jacob. Jacob is very close with his grandfather, who has, from Jacob’s earliest memories, told wild stories of his childhood. He even has the pictures to prove it. Granted, the photos look cheap and doctored to Jacob’s 21st century eyes, but that doesn’t change the fact that the stories are fantastic. However, the stories stop being fantastic as Jacob nears adulthood; his grandfather claims that monsters are following him everywhere he goes, that they’re going to kill him. Jacob dismisses it sadly, believing his grandfather is slowly losing his mind. His belief is shaken when his grandpa is mysteriously murdered, torn apart in the woods behind his home. Jacob is the one who finds his grandfather. Just as the paramedics rush in, Jacob spots a horrific monster prowling the scene, which mysteriously disappears and the mysteries continue. To be honest, when I first started reading “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” I expected a haunting thriller, full of horror and danger. That is not what this book is. Instead, this book is fantasy/ adventure combined with a very unique style of photography, which made the book better than I ever thought it would be. I might compare Riggs’ writing

style to that of Lemony Snicket in his book “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” This was a worthy read for those who enjoy eerie, quirky tales. At first I had difficulty deciding which genre Peregrine belonged: Historical Fiction? Horror? Thriller? Fantasy? But trust me, it is a pleasant mix of all of these and more. It isn’t scary per se, but I think you will find yourself on the edge of your seat for much of the time you spend reading it. The author’s use of vintage photographs is nothing short of genius, and it would hardly have been the same story without them. My sincere hope was that there would be more to the story (it definitely leaves the reader wanting more, but satisfied at the same time). If you find yourself hungering for more, Riggs has followed up this book with two more along the same vein, “Hollow City: The Second Novel of Mrs. Peregrine’s Peculiar Children,” and his newly released “Library of Souls: The Third Novel of Mrs. Peregrine’s Peculiar Children.” Rating: 5 of 5 Copyright 2013 – Quirk Books

Book Signings

Galveston Bookshop is located at 317 23rd St., downtown Galveston, (409)750-8200, galvestonbookshop.com. Book signings are free to attend. Saturday, December 12th, 2-4pm “Galveston: 1900 - Indignities Book: The Arrangement” by N. E. Brown Galveston Bookshop will host a book signing with N. E. Brown and her fifth installment in the “Indignities” historical fiction series set in Galveston and Houston. The epic journey of Catherine Merit Matthews continues in N. E. Brown’s fifth book of her “Galveston: 1900, Indignities” series. Twenty-six year old Catherine Merit Matthews is beautiful, confident, newly remarried, and mother to four children. Although life appears to be perfect, old memories and scars from the past continue to haunt her. Her new husband, Trent Matthews, knows she is hiding shocking secrets from her past, and is greatly concerned now that she is pregnant with their first biological child. Coping with the everyday struggles of life in the early 1900’s is not easy, especially since Trent’s job as an oil scout causes him to travel often and he is gone weeks at a time. Catherine, the only doctor in the small town of Rosenberg, Texas, hires a French couple to assist in caring for her family. But all is not as it should be. Without warning, two trusted friends turn their backs on Catherine’s family, and even her husband cannot protect her from these unscrupulous people. Three months after their son is born, a tragedy surfaces when he is taken during the night while she and Trent are celebrating their first wedding anniversary in Galveston. As Trent joins forces with the Texas Rangers in the pursuit of their son, it cracks open a vast baby-selling scheme that will impact the lives of many people. Catherine’s faith is sorely tested. Will she find her baby? Alive? Saturday, December 19th, 11am-1pm “The Chili Cookbook: A History of the One-Pot Classic, with Cookoff Worthy Recipes from ThreeBean to Four-Alarm and Con

The Island Guide Magazine

Carne to Vegetarian” and “Texas Eats: The New Lone Star Heritage Cookbook” by Robb Walsh Galveston Bookshop will host a book signing with award winning cookbook author and Americana expert Robb Walsh. “The Chili Cookbook” is devoted to the family friendly, tailgate party classic - featuring more than 60 tried-and-true recipes, digging deep into the fascinating history of this quintessential American dish. Who knew the cooking technique traces its history to the ancient Aztecs, or that Hungarian goulash inspired the invention of chili powder? The cookbook features 60 different chilis, from easy slow-cooker suppers to stunning braised meat creations. There are beef, venison, pork, lamb, turkey, chicken, and shrimp chilis to choose from - there is even an entire chapter on vegetarian chili. For seven years, Robb Walsh drove the length and breadth of Texas looking for the best in barbecue, burgers, kolaches, and tacos while scouring museums, libraries, and public archives - unearthing vintage photos, culinary stories, and nearly-forgotten dishes. Then he headed home to Houston to test the recipes he’d collected in his own kitchen. The result is “Texas Eats: The New Lone Star Heritage Cookbook,” a colorful and deeply personal blend of history, anecdotes, and recipes from all over the Lone Star State. Saturday, December 19th, 2-4pm “A Dickens of a Miracle” by Diane L. Twilley Galveston Bookshop will host a book signing with author Diane L. Twilley and her fifth novel set in the Houston/Galveston area. Charismatic attorney and native Galvestonian, Jack Tierney, has mysteriously disappeared, leaving his pregnant wife, Gina, distraught. Did Jack leave on his own, or has he been in an accident, or worse, kidnapped? In a panic, Gina enlists the help of police detective Stephanie Smith, a family friend and the fiancée of the popular Houston Texans football player, Shawn McCormick. Questions torment the family: Who would kidnap Jack, and why? Jack’s older brother, Galveston police captain Richard Tierney, goes into overdrive to find him, but will it be in time? Diane Twilley is author of five novels including “Flagship Murders,” “Mardi Gras Marathon Murders,” “Storming Heaven,” and “Astrodome Murders.” “Angel Talk” by Cathy Catching 2014, Balboa Press (a division of Hay House), Bloomington, Indiana • Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon-5pm at Catz Jewelry, 2029 Strand, downtown Galveston, (409)740-1565 “Angel Talk” is a fascinating true story about one woman’s astonishing interactions with heavenly beings and her extraordinary recovery from an incurable and debilitating disorder. Learn how the author, in her personal quest for healing, awakened her sixth sense and discovered that she could actually hear her angels talking to her. Cathy Catching also does angel readings. For more info go to www.cathycatching.com or www.facebook.com/ccatching.

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(409)256-5166 15

Things To Do

A Victorian Holiday December 4th-6th:

A Historic Dickens OnBrushthe Strand off your bowlers and prepare your petti-

coats as Galveston Historical Foundation presents the 42nd annual Dickens on The Strand. Held December 4th, 5th, and 6th, the 2015 festival is a holiday tradition with great family programming, including newly created events specifically for youth. This year’s festival begins Friday, December 4th with free admission from 5-9pm and continues Saturday, December 5th, from 10am-9pm and Sunday, December 6th, from 12 noon to 6pm. Tickets purchased before December 4th are $13 for adults and $7 for youth ages 7-12. Tickets purchased at the gate are $15 for adults and $9 for youth. Discounted tickets for GHF members are available for $10 in advance or $12 at the gate. Tickets are available online at dickensonthestrand.org, by calling, (409)765-7834. Attendees in Victorian costume are admitted for $8. “Dickens on The Strand continues to be one of the nation’s great holiday festivals,” states GHF Executive Director, Dwayne Jones. “There is something about the entertainment, the costumes, and the feel of Dickens that starts the holiday season off right. You will not want to miss this year’s special focus on Dickens’ enduring children’s characters.” The annual holiday street festival, based on 19thcentury Victorian London, features parades, non-stop entertainment on six stages, strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers, and a host of other entertainers. Costumed vendors peddle their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with holiday food and drink, Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations, and gift items. Two descendants of Charles Dickens will once again grace the festival, as GHF welcomes Lucinda Dickens Hawksley, great-great-great-granddaughter of Dickens, and Jane Dickens Monk, great-great-granddaughter. Both women will be at numerous events throughout the weekend. “I always enjoy Dickens on the Strand, and this year we’ll be doing even more events,” says Lucinda Dickens Hawksley. “I’m happy that we’ll be placing greater emphasis on including children at the festival in 2015 and in encouraging them to write. I’m looking forward to seeing if my great great great grandfather is able to inspire any budding Texan writers of the future.” Jane Dickens Monk continues, “I’m thrilled to be part of Dickens on The Strand this year, with more emphasis on children which my great-great-grandfather would have approved of. I’m also looking forward to seeing old and new faces at the brilliant breakfast and to kick start the weekend at Fezziwig’s Friday night!”

Islander By Choice to Host Annual Santa’s Night Out:”

Dickens Children’s Writing Contest Could you be the next Dickens? This year’s festival will give you the chance to ride in a carriage with both of our Dickens descendants if your story is the winning selection! Lucinda Dickens Hawksley will personally select two stories, one from a 7-9 age range and one from a 10-12 range, for the winner to accompany them as their special guest during a Dickens parade. Stories are limited to 100 words and can be on one of three topics. Details and info on submitting can be found at www.dickensonthestrand.org. Oliver’s Alley Children’s Area Children by the thousands come each year for the parades, petting zoo, history encampments, and more. This year’s event will feature an expanded Oliver’s Alley children’s area, presented by the Galveston Children’s Museum, where specialty programs and events will be scheduled all weekend long. Lucinda Dickens Hawksley will also lead a special writing workshop at Oliver’s Alley for participating youth. Trafalgar Square Stage in Hendley Green Galveston Historical Foundation’s new downtown green space, Hendley Green, will offer attendees an amazing new location to take in the festival’s best entertainment, food, and fun. Located on the corner of 21st and Strand St., Hendley Green will feature special programming on its Trafalgar Square stage while also offering special food and drink vendors.

Expanded Offerings

Fezziwig’s Friday Night Mr. Fezziwig was everything Ebenezer wasn’t, and we pay tribute to his jovial personality at our new Fezziwig’s Beer Hall. Join us Friday evening, December 4th from 5-9pm for specialty acts, hearty brews, and new friends, all hosted by Dickens descendant Jane Monk. There will also be a specialty cocktail chosen from Cedric Dickens’ book, “Drinking With Dickens.” Admission is free for this lively start to the 42nd anniversary. Dinner With Dickens at the 1880 Garten Verein It’s a renewed take on a Dickens classic as the annual dinner returns to the breathtaking German dancing pavilion. Held for one night only on Friday, December 4th at 6:30pm, “Dinner with Dickens” will treat guests to an evening of specially crafted food, grand storytelling, and royal company as the festival’s Queen Victoria makes her annual entrance. Held at the breathtaking 1880 Garten Verein, this is a holiday dinner not to be missed. Tickets are $85 per person and reservations are required. New in 2015 Complimentary Book to Attendees Breakfast with Dickens Christmas will come early for youth attending The great-great-granddaughter of Charles Dickthis year’s festival with a special gift to those ticket ens, Jane Monk, isn’t just coming to this year’s event holders. Through a special grant by the Alice Tayto take in the sights and share in her heritage, she’s lor Gray Foundation, the first 3,000 youth that enter also there to cook up a traditional English breakthe festival grounds will receive a special print edition fast. Held on Saturday, December 5th at 8am, join of Charles Dickens’ 1843 masterpiece, “A Christmas Jane and a celebrity chef as they prepare a one-of-aCarol.” kind experience in one of Galveston’s most beloved

Benefiting Galveston Diaper Bank and Galveston’s Shriners Hospital for Children on December 12th

historic homes, the 1859 Ashton Villa. Tickets are $60 and reservations are required.

Festival Highlights

The festival weekend also hosts a multitude of spirited fun with 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, Civil War living history encampments, and daily parades through Galveston’s National Historic Landmark Strand District. In addition, special events are planned for all days of the event, including: Salute To Sunset On-Board the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA The Texas Seaport Museum transforms to a London wharf for this toast to the end of the day and beginning of the evening. The Tall Ship ELISSA welcomes you board Saturday, December 5th at 4:30pm for heavy appetizers, cocktails, cannon fire, and special guests leading up to Saturday night’s Pickwicks’s Lanternlight Parade. Tickets are $50 per person and reservations are required. Holiday Handbell Concerts The 1859 St. Joseph’s Church, the state’s first wooden built church and well-known for its exceptional acoustics, hosts three holiday handbell concerts on Friday, December 4th at 5:30pm, 7pm and 8:30pm. Tickets are $15 per person and reservations are required. Saint Arnold’s Walking Tours Learn about the history of The Strand and enjoy some of Saint Arnold Brewing Company’s signature ales during this new tour. Held twice, both days of Dickens on The Strand, you’ll visit three festival pubs as you walk through the National Historic Landmark district with your guide. Tickets are $35 per person and include three complimentary beers. Advance registrations are encouraged. Basement to Attic Tour of the 1892 Bishop’s Palace The Bishop’s Palace (a.k.a. Gresham House) is a contributing building in the East End Historic District, a National Historic Landmark. The house is listed in the National Register of Historic Places at the national level of significance in the area of architecture. The Basement to Attic tour of the 1892 Bishop’s Palace offers you a rare look to areas of the home normally off limits. The tour will be held Saturday, December 5th at 9am. Tickets are $40 per person and reservations are required. For more info or to purchase advance tickets and make reservations, please visit galvestonhistory.org or call (409)765-7834.

Looking for a way to get on Santa’s good side this year? Galveston’s Islander By Choice has a sure fire way to help with their 2015 Santas’ Night Out. The annual toy drive and pub crawl invites the public to join in their finest Santa suits, reindeer outfits, or elf attire, and take to the streets of Galveston for cold ales, warm toddies, and fine friendship while doing good for local charities. Participants to this year’s event are encouraged to bring diapers for the Galveston Diaper Bank or a new, unopened toy for Galveston’s Shriners Hospital for Children. This year’s event will begin at 7pm on Saturday, December 12th at Murphy’s Irish Pub, 213 22nd St. The event is free to the public, however guests are encouraged to wear Santa or holiday inspired attire. A group photo will be taken at 8pm and a list of participating stops will be available at www.santasnightout.com. “We’re amazed every year, not only by the incredible turnout, but the generosity in the participants,” says Islander By Choice co-owner, Will Wright. “Each year, hundreds of people come together to enjoy a night out as Christmas approaches. Having fun and doing good in the community seems to be a winning combination.” About Galveston Diaper Bank The Galveston Diaper Bank partners with local organizations involved with creating a healthier environment for low-income neighbors, friends, and families by providing diapers through their parenting classes, job training, and education programs. Since their founding in September 2013, they have provided over 55,000 diapers to parents participating in Incredible Years classes in partnership with Family Service Center of Galveston County and Galveston Sustainable Communities Alliance, and to families in crisis through St. Vincent’s House, Jesse Tree, and Galveston Urban Ministries. You can learn more online at www.galvestondiaperbank.org. About Galveston’s Shriners Hospital for Children Located in the heart of Galveston, Shriners Hospital for Children provides acute, reconstructive, and rehabilitative care for children with burns and other skin conditions. Their inpatient and outpatient units are designed to allow children to recover in a safe, fun and friendly environment where family comes first. Their world-class physicians and researchers are committed to continuously advanced burn care and treatment to children from all over the world. You can learn more at www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/locations/galveston.

Santa Sightings • Sunday Brunch With Santa At Hotel Galvez December 6th, 13th & 20th • Santa On The Strand - December 12th & 19th (FREE) • Santa’s Night Out Pub Crawl - December 12th • Breakfast With Santa At Rainforest Café December 19th & 20th • Breakfast With Santa At The San Luis Resort December 20th

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Hours: 11-5 Thurs - Tues, 12-4 Sun, Closed Wed 408 23rd St., Galveston, 409.795.8628 Facebook: vintage 16 The Island Guide Magazine

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Celebrate the Holidays at Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center Moody Gardens is gearing up for a wonderful holiday of fun for the entire family. Festival of Lights At Festival of Lights, you can witness more than 1 million twinkling lights and festive entertainment on the one mile long outdoor walking trail. Guests can also grab an inner tube and plunge down the Festival’s Texas-sized, 100-foot long Arctic Ice Slide. Festival of Lights runs through January 10th. Admission to the Festival of Lights is $10.95, including ice skating admission. Guests can bring their own skates or skate rental is available for $7 with the purchase of a Festival of Lights ticket. Tickets to the Aquarium Pyra® mid , Rainforest Pyramid®, MG 3D Theater, 4D Special FX Theater, SpongeBob SubPants Adventure, Discovery Museum, Colonel Paddlewheel Boat and Arctic Ice Slide are available for just $7 each with a Festival ticket. Arctic Ice Slide Passes are available for $7 for one slide, $20 for 10 slides and $25 for all day extended fun and excitement at one of the Festival’s coolest attractions. Ice Land Ice Sculptures with SpongeBob SquarePants Ice Land Ice Sculptures was created by a skilled team of professional ice carvers from Harbin, China. They took 2 million pounds of ice and transformed them into majestic marvels. Dress warm, it’s 9 degrees in the tent. Parka’s will be provided. SpongeBob will take you on an icy adventure with new surprises around every corner and even more ice than before. A first glimpse of the iconic destinations and new characters that will be featured throughout the new attraction this year was released today, offering a special look into SpongeBob’s Christmas Party adventure. This brand-new frosted wonderland will give guests an opportunity to experience Bikini Bottom’s landmarks like never before - kids and families can walk through a full-size Krusty Krab made entirely of ice; explore an all-ice Flying Dutchman pirate ship; dive into the eerie depths of Rock Bottom, and stroll on Conch Street, home to SpongeBob, Patrick, and Squidward. Guests will even be able to belly up to the bar of the Salty Spitoon watering hole from the beloved TV series. And last year’s guest-favorite 100foot ice slides will be back this year with an all-new sled race! Admission is $26.95 for adults and $21.95 for seniors and children (4-14). Special prices are available for groups of 20 or more. Ice Land Ice Sculptures runs through January 10th. Food Drive Fridays Food Drive Fridays will also offer the opportunity to enjoy the Festival and get a special discount to help those in need this holiday season. Guests can bring a non-perishable food item every Friday throughout the Festival and receive a two-for-one Festival admission. The food will be donated to the Galveston County and Houston Food Banks. “A Magical Christmas Dinner and Show.” Master Illusionist Curt Miller In December, enjoy “A Magical Christmas 2015 Dinner and Show.” Master Illusionist Curt Miller and his talented friends will put on a phenomenal production with holiday music, magic and fun. Doors open at 6:30pm for guests to enjoy a succulent holiday buffet dinner prepared by renowned Executive Chef Robbin Murphy. The 70-minute spectacular show starts at 8pm. Each ticket to A Magical Christmas 2015 includes one admission to the show, a holiday buffet dinner, admission to the Festival of Lights – the Gulf Coast’s largest holiday lighting event, complimentary parking and all taxes and gratuities. The show runs from December 17th-27th. Prices range from $59-$95 for adults, $44-$85 for children (3-12) and $15-$75 for infants. For tickets, go to the www.moodychristmasshow.com or call (409)683-4186. Ugly Sweater Sundays Guests are invited to wear their ugliest holiday

We are Galveston Island’s newest ReSale/Thrift Store

Selling gently used treasures, to benefit the welfare of our furry friends. sweaters and take their most creative photos at Moody Gardens for a weekly contest! The photo can be taken anywhere at Moody Gardens that offers public access in a paid or unpaid area. Guests can then post their photos through social media platforms Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #MGUglySweater on Sundays and the most creative photo will be selected and announced each Tuesday. The weekly winner receives a Penguin Encounter for 4 people. Photos submitted any day other than Sunday will not be accepted. The contest runs each through December 20th. Mommy Monday Moms are invited to join us on Mondays to visit Moody Gardens attractions. There will be a special Rainforest Presentation at 11am and an Otter Presentation at 2:30pm. Moody Gardens will also offer a free lunch to the kids 12 and under with a choice of Chicken Finger Combo Meal or a Hotdog Combo Meal through the Visitor Center Concession area from 11am-4pm. Participants will be required to print out a coupon to redeem their Combo Meal. Coupon can be found here at www.moodygardens.com/tickets. Children 3 and under receive free admission, older children and adults will pay full admission prices. This promotion is scheduled for Mondays, through December 21st. Midnight in the Gardens New Year’s Eve Gala Say farewell to 2015 and hello to 2016 at the “Midnight in the Gardens New Year’s Eve Gala.” On December 31st, from 7:30pm to 1am, put on your finest black-tie attire and celebrate the New Year. Guests will be treated to live music, an open bar, deluxe party favors, lavish buffet, Champagne toast and midnight balloon drop. Tickets are $470+tax per couple or $240+tax per single person. Hotel accommodations for gala guests start at $109+tax/night. For more information or tickets, call (800)5824673 or visit moodygardens.org.

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Give A Hug By Donating This Holiday Season

The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is asking its donors to Commit for Life. All it takes is three simple steps: 1) Know how your type matters; 2) Donate what matters today; and 3) Commit to your next donation. The Blood Center is the primary supplier of blood components to more than 170 hospitals and health care facilities in a 26-county Texas Gulf Coast region. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is an independent, nonprofit blood center that is not affiliated with the American Red Cross. Beginning this month, you can donate and give hugs for the holiday season by donating or attempting to donate blood in December at Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. This program will also enable you to write a note of well wishes to patients. “Commit for Life” members’ notes will be attached to huggable teddy bears and hand-delivered to patients spending the holidays in the hospital. Your words and lifesaving generosity will surely brighten someone’s holiday. Blood donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good general health. Individuals who are 16 years old, at least 122 pounds, in good general health and have their parents’ consent also may donate. The donation process is simple, taking only about one hour. You can visit any mobile drive or one of 16 Neighborhood Donor Centers across Houston, Brazos Valley or East Texas to take part in this program during the month of December. For more information and addresses go to www.giveblood.org.

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Holiday with the Cranes on Galveston Island

Celebrate the Sandhill Cranes as they Flock to the Island

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” The Galveston College Theatre Department presents the hilarious family comedy, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is the touching story of the unruly, uproarious Herdman children as they wreak havoc during the rehearsals for a local church’s Christmas pageant. Despite their grimy faces and tattered clothes, the Herdmans, “the worst kids in the whole history of the world,” and an entire church congregation discover the true meaning of Christmas. The play opens as plans for the church’s pageant run amuck when the director breaks her leg. Grace Bradley, who didn’t expect to have anything to do with the Christmas pageant, steps in as director. The Herdmans show up at the audition and demand all the leading roles. Chaos erupts, but Mrs. Bradley perseveres, and the church youth produce what everyone considers “the best Christmas pageant ever.” Show dates and times for “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” are Friday, December 11th at 2pm, and Saturday, December 12th at 2pm and 7pm. Doors open thirty minutes prior to curtain. Performances will be held in the Galveston College Seibel Wing. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. For additional information, call (409)944-1398.

Rosenberg Library announces Museum Book Club Winter selection

Rosenberg Library is pleased to announce that “Pets in America: A History” by Katherine C. Grier is the selection for its winter Museum Book Club Series. Both informative and entertaining, the book explores the complex relationships between Americans and their household pets. The first meeting will be from noon to 1pm, Wednesday, December 16th in the McCullough Room, second floor, 2310 Sealy Ave. A second session will be at the same time Thursday, February 18th. Light refreshments are provided at all sessions. About the Book More than half of U.S. households include pets, and many Americans consider these pets to be members of their families. Grier focuses her study on the time period between 1840 and 1940, the time when contemporary practices in pet keeping were established in America. Included are stories related to the ways people relate to their pets — as companions, children or status symbols. The book is filled with warm and humorous anecdotes from historic newspapers, letters, and other materials. At the time of its publication, the book accompanied a museum exhibit, “Pets in America,” which traveled between five U.S. cities from 2006 to 2008 after its official opening at the McKissick Museum in Columbia, South Carolina. About the Author Moody Gardens and Galveston Island Nature Katherine C. Grier is a professor of history as Ongoing Events Tourism Council, Birding 101 is a series of free well as the director of the museum studies program Every Sunday - Galveston’s Own Farmer’s Market classes designed to educate and excite people at the University of Delaware. She holds a B.A. from brings locally grown produce, prepared foods, about the tremendous variety of bird life routinely Princeton University and an M.A. from the Cooand edible farm products every Sunday morning, seen around Galveston Island. Classes meet at the perstown Graduate Program in Historical Museum 9am-1pm. The market offers a huge variety of Aquarium Pyramid lobby. You can attend at any Studies. She earned a Ph.D. at the University of vegetables and fruit every Sunday. Also, Heart of time in the series. Delaware and is a specialist in material culture studTexas Olive Oil, Kenz Henz pastured eggs, Law Held the third Saturday of each month (December ies. Her research is focused on the history of everyRanch Cattle Co., Proverbs Farm goat cheese, and 19th) - “Birding 201” classes allow participants, day life in America, especially household routines, Pure Beeing raw honey are offered plus lots more. led by an instructor, to visit areas on the island domestic interiors and food preparation. In addition There is live music plus hula hooping for the kids and spy some of the tremendous variety of birds to “Pets in America,” Grier is the author of “Culture and lots of fun games. Galveston’s Own Farmer’s here. Classes are held 9-11am. Participants should and Comfort: Parlor Making and Middle-Class IdenMarket is located at 2508 Postoffice St., downtown meet in the Aquarium Pyramid lobby. The cost for tity, 1850-1930.” Galveston.It is free to browse. the class is $5, and Moody Gardens will provide From the Permanent Collection Ongoing - Full Moon Labyrinth Walks - The public the transportation. To reserve a spot, please call Rosenberg Library’s historical collections include (409)683-4101 no later than the Wednesday prior a variety of paintings and photographs depicting is invited to participate in Full Moon labyrinth walks with each walk beginning approximately 1/2 to the Saturday class. domesticated animals. During the Museum Book Moody Gardens is located at 1 Hope Blvd., hours after sunset. This magnificent labyrinth is a Club program, library staff will share original items precision replica of the original Chartres design in Galveston, www.moodygardens.com. This is open to from the Special Collections including fine art featurall ages. For more info call (409)683-4101. France, adapted by Marty Kermeen. It is 39 feet ing dogs and cats, as well charming vintage photos in diameter, and the path is 12 1/2 inches wide, of Galvestonians with their beloved pets. December 12th, 19th (11am) Bishop’s Palace extending a total of 750 feet in length. The labyrinth Basement to Attic Tour, held monthly at About the Book Club is a powerful process tool, which has the capacity 11am-12:30pm, this exclusive Basement to Attic Rosenberg Library’s Museum Book Club offers to open people in a supportive way to the deeper tour of the 1892 Bishop’ s Palace offers you a participants the chance to experience art and litdimensions of human experience. It is truly a rare look at areas of the home that are normally erature in a more interactive way. Registration is marriage of the medical field and human spiritual off limits. Tickets are $30 and available at www. required for all Museum Book Club meetings. needs. Scheduled walks are: galvestonhistory.org, (409)497-2746. Please check in Established book clubs are encouraged to partici• Tuesday, December 22nd - Winter Solstice (7am) on the day of the event for admission at the Palace. pate. Groups of more than 10 people are asked • Friday, December 25th - Cold Moon (6pm) Tour up to 2 hours and participants must be to call the Reference Desk in advance to arrange All walks will meet at The Moody Methodist Laby- able tolasts negotiate stairs. Wear comfortable shoes and accommodations. rinth, 2803 53rd St., Galveston, 409)744-4526. please arrive 15 minutes before tour time starts. Visit www.rosenberg-library.org or call (409)763Bishop’s Palace is located at 1402 Broadway Avenue 8854 ext. 115 for additional information or to Birding Classes - Held the second Saturday J, Galveston. (December 12th) - Birding 101, presented by register.

As Sandhill Cranes begin to arrive on Galveston Island to roost and forage later this month, the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council opens registration for Holiday with the Cranes, December 11th-13th. Holiday with the Cranes is a new island experience that offers nature enthusiasts a unique opportunity to spend a weekend observing and celebrating the flocks of Sandhill Cranes that migrate through Galveston each winter. Events include indoor and outdoor nature activities and presentations, combined with the arts and ambiance of historical Galveston Island. The impressive three-to-four-foot tall Sandhill Cranes, known for their size and the bright red cap atop their heads, arrive in Galveston late October and depart late February through early March. Last December, almost 230 cranes were counted on the island. There are 15 species of cranes around the world and only two are found in North America, the Whooping Crane, which is endangered, and the most abundant, the Sandhill Crane. Holiday with the Cranes provides opportunities for Gulf Coast winter birding, educational and entertaining learning, outdoor adventure, cocktails and conversation, celebration of art, and volunteering. Events include: Friday, December 11th • “A Crane Affaire” is the opening celebration of Art on the Wing Juried Affaire, a new juried art exhibition of birding paintings, drawings, photography, 2D mixed media and sculptures at the Affaire d’Art Fine Art Gallery. The show’s “Best of Crane” winner will be announced and 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, and Honorable Mention winners will be recognized, all amidst Galveston’s historic downtown district holiday glow. Saturday, December 12th • “Coffee & Cranes with Keanna Leonard,” Education Director of the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary, includes a lively educational presentation, “The Insights into the Private Lives of Sandhill Cranes,” and a self-driving tour to crane hot spots to see Sandhills as they forage and play. Viewing areas will be outfitted with spotting scopes, and local experts will be on hand to assist and answer questions. • “Wild Winter Birds of the East End Lagoon” is an adventurous birding tour to a diverse habitat to see birds other than just cranes that make Galveston their home in the winter months. The caravan will drive the loop roads and beach

GC Theatre Department presents:

area around the East End Lagoon Nature Park and Preserve, East End Seawall Blvd., Boddecker Dr. and Apffel Park. Local avian experts will meet participants on site and guide this ride/easy walk adventure designed for birders of all skill levels. • “Sandhills at Sunset” is an evening of crane conversation, cocktails and canapes in a private home on the edge of the West Galveston Island Coastal Heritage Preserve, overlooking Galveston Bay. Join Keanna Leonard for an intimate presentation about the cultural and historical significance of cranes, plus a stunning sunset, a bird’s-eye view of the bay and West End wetlands and wildlife. This is limited to 20 people and includes complimentary admission to the “Dawn Patrol” event on Sunday, December 13th. Sunday, December 13th • “Dawn Patrol” is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see breathtaking views of cranes in flight as they awaken and leave their roosting grounds at sunrise. This experience, at an undisclosed location on the West End of Galveston Island, will be complete with a symphony of trumpeting crane calls and the drumbeat of hundreds of flapping wings overhead. • “Coffee & Cranes with Keanna Leonard” is offered both Saturday and Sunday mornings to accommodate busy schedules; the presentations are identical. Young birders in grades 6-12 receive a discounted ticket price on Sunday as part of the Nature Tourism Council’s Student Incentive Program. • “Every Crane Counts Sandhill Service Project” is a volunteer opportunity to help keep Sweetwater Preserve in prime condition. The 450-acre Galveston Bay Foundation preserve includes a diverse array of habitat that provides food and shelter for a variety of birds that live there year-round. Volunteers will help maintain native vegetation by removing invasive plant species, and will work on facility improvements. Visit www.galvestonnaturetourism.org/holidaywiththecranes.asp for additional details. Holiday with the Cranes is presented by the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council, a nonprofit volunteer organization that helps connect people with nature experiences and outdoor adventures in the Galveston area.

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Project S.I.T.:

Transforming Benches into Enlightening Art Pieces By Rob Lucey At 10.3 miles long, the pavement atop the Galveston Seawall is said to be the longest continuous sidewalk in the United States. It provides a great place to walk, jog, skate, cycle or pedal one of the ubiquitous surreys. With all that leg power being expended, planners included plenty of benches along the way for people to take a break while counting the waves rolling in or watch the people pass by. When the executive director of Artist Boat looked at the benches, however, she saw an opportunity to create an eye-catching public education project. Karla Klay founded the non-profit organization in 2003 to combine her passions for art (she earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from Southern Methodist University) and the coastal environment (she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University). Artist Boat began with two staff members, a $65,000 budget and a mission to promote awareness and preservation of the coastal marine environment by combining science and art programs with kayak adventures. It has grown to over a dozen staff members, an annual budget in excess of a half million dollars and a slate of programs serving schools and the public. The organization is also spearheading efforts to create a bayside coastal heritage preserve. So it was only natural that Klay saw a blank canvas where she might artistically spread her ecology message to more people while they enjoy the seaside. Artist Boat had already completed some tile mosaic projects with area schools, so Klay knew that tiles were a medium that would work well to adorn what were essentially 63 cement boxes. “They were just ugly benches,” recalled Amanda Rhinehart, education program director for Artist Boat. “Some were painted previously, but paint doesn’t hold up well in the sea salt environment.”

Klay pitched her beautification plans to city and county officials who granted approval to move forward with transforming the seats through Project S.I.T. (Seawall Interpretative Trail). In the first round, Artist Boat’s Eco-Art Residency Program at the island’s Satori School and KIPP Coastal Village taught students about ocean literacy and Gulf ecosystems. The students then handpainted ceramic tiles portraying those themes, and the tiles were then affixed to the first dozen benches. Following that success, Artist Boat raised funds through private sponsors and opened the project up to local professional artists for another dozen benches. Artist Boat provides a template replicating the surface of the bench, and the artists design an informative piece of art based on such themes as Sargassum seaweed, zooplankton, red tide, recreational and commercial fisheries, hurricanes, shipping, coastal shells, marine mammals, and local beach history. Designs selected by a jury of artists and marine experts are then painted onto the tiles. Once glazed and fired in the organization’s kiln, the finished tiles are affixed to benches by United Tile in Bacliff. Additional benches will be completed as funds are raised from sponsors. For information about participating, visit www.artistboat.org/project-s-i-t.html. There is also a possibility of funding through the City of Galveston’s Seawall Transit/pedestrian Access and Beautification Plan coordinated by The Goodman Corporation. The project includes additional benches for bus stops planned along the corridor.

Galveston State Park Moves Flawlessly Into Fall & Winter The Galveston State Park has numerous events going on. These

events are fun for the entire family. Most events are free, however you must pay $5 to come into the park. Galveston State Park is located on the west end of the island at 14901 FM 3005, Galveston, www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/ galveston-island. Events are: Held the first Saturday each month (December 5th, 9-10am) Become a Jr. Ranger! Join the fun at this short lesson and hike with Ranger Lisa. Do you know someone who likes to be outdoors? Do they like animals and plants? Perhaps you know someone who likes to play with others. Well, have we got the activity for you. This is great for families, young scouts, and youth of all ages to learn about the important job of a park ranger, and spend time discovering wildlife and hiking safety. You can begin the journey of earning a Jr. Ranger badge with Ranger Lisa on the first Saturday of the month, or try one of our free activity journals on your own. Every Saturday (10-11am) Beachcombing - Treasures await you at the water’s edge! Join Ranger Lisa for a great shell hunting workshop and collecting expedition. Winter is the best time for beachcombing, but dress for the weather and be prepared to get your feet wet. We’ll start in the warm comfort of the Nature Center where we can review the basics, hand out equipment, and use the restroom before we go to the beach. Every Saturday (3:30-4:30pm) Bay Tower Hike - Overlook Galveston Bay and explore the waters below. We’re casting nets and tasting edible plants of Galveston Bay on our way to an observation tower. Won’t you join us? Ranger Lisa starts this hike at the Nature Center,

East End’s 2015 Christmas Homes Tour Galveston’s East End Historical District Association will host its 25th Annual “A Victorian Christmas” Homes Tour on Friday, December 4th, from 5:30-9:30pm. The architecture of Galveston’s East End reflects some of the state’s most notable examples of residential Victorian architecture with a variety of styles and periods. This year’s tour will feature four East End homes decorated for the holiday season: The Isaac Heffron Home, 1509 Postoffice St. Built in 1890 by Issac Heffron, this house has the original woodwork, long-leaf pine flooring, and an elaborate concrete balustrade along the front sidewalk line. After yellow fever and diphtheria outbreaks, Heffron was contracted to lay sewer pipes and build the Galveston Water Works to ensure fresh water. The August J. Henck Cottage, 1412 Sealy St. Built in 1897 by real estate broker and builder Henck, this five-bay-wide cottage still has the original Victorian glass windows, with beveled cut glass. Henck aided in floating bonds for Galveston’s seawall after the 1900 storm. The Medard Menard Ganter House, 1209 Winnie Built by 1881, this double-dormered cottage was the home of Colonel Menard (Confederacy during the Civil War), from 1881 until his death in 1887. Shortly after 1900, Herbert Ganter, a local jeweler, purchased the house. His family owned it until 1973. The George Wilson Home, 701 12th St. Built in 1884, this two story home was owned by George Wilson, a pilot, whose office was in the Hendley building on The Strand. The home passed to the DiPuccio family about 1920, and remained in that family until 1945. Guests may start the tour at any of the homes, or at the EEHDA Cottage, 1501 Postoffice St., where refreshments and a restroom will be available. Three complementary East End sites will also be included on the tour.

These sites will feature a variety of holiday music: The Victor Gustafson Cottage Now the EEHDA Cottage, Gustafson was a Galveston Wharves cotton screwman, who rebuilt the cottage after the 1900 storm. It has an attached front porch, which tended to be preferred for north-facing houses. Darragh Park This park was built after a fire destroyed Darragh House on this site in the 1990s. The property was donated by Galveston Historical Foundation to the EEHDA, and a longtime association supporter, Dr. E. Burke Evans, donated the funds to build the wrought iron gazebo. The association maintains this park, along with Alderdice Park at 15th & Ball. First Presbyterian Church This Romanesque building was designed by prominent Galveston architect, Nicholas Clayton, and was constructed in 1872. Its sanctuary has been remodeled since Hurricane Ike, and features breathtaking stained glass windows, three of which were designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Homes Tour ticket holders will enjoy a variety of holiday music at the

church: • Fanfare! Lutheran Music Academy - 5:40-6:00pm • Moody United Methodist Church Bell Choir - 6:15-6:45pm • Transitional Learning Center Choir - 7:00-7:15pm • Holy Family Catholic School Choir - 7:20-7:40pm • Galveston College Choral Group - 7:45-8:05pm • Saxophone Quartet - 8:10-8:40pm • Belton High School Madrigal Ensemble and Harmony Ensemble - 8:45-9:15pm The cost of the tour is $15. Tickets are limited. Purchase your tickets in advance online at www.thegrand.com or in person at The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., (409)765-1894. Ticket proceeds directly benefit the East End Historical District Association. The EEHDA was formed in the 1970’s to preserve and maintain the heritage and livability of the East End Neighborhood. For additional information, contact Deanna Johnson at vice-president@ eastendhistoricaldistrict.org.

then we’ll drive towards the bay after a brief orientation and restroom park. You’re invited to join us for the 7th Annual 5K / 10 K / Walk Fun Run presented by the Friends of Galveston Island State Park break. Remember the ranger saying, “There’s no such thing as bad (FoGISP) and Fit TRI Run. Registration is at fogisp.wordpress.com. weather, only bad clothing choices,” so dress accordingly. Thursday, January 7th, 2016 (4:30-5:30pm) “Making a Park: History Every Saturday (1-2:30pm, December 5th, 12th, 19th) Island Style Crafts - Have fun. Make gifts. Lovin’ life. Join Ranger Lisa in making of Galveston’s State Park” - Galveston Island State Park (GISP) holiday crafts for family and friends while creating the fascinates historians and adventurers alike. Your Texas State Parks are best park souvenirs with the whole family. Our Nature rich in history, and Galveston is no exception. Come here tales about Center will be open and craft supplies will be available deadly hurricanes, fresh water aquifers, ghost towns, cowboys, smugto channel your creative energy into gifts, mementos, glers, warring tribes, and bathing beauties. Ranger Lisa invites you to join us at the Nature Center for a relaxing and educational presentaand keepsakes. You can make paper fortune cookies tion on the history of Galveston Island State Park, and connecting (great for New Years), holiday greeting cards, sand dollar ornaments, and watercolor paintings. All mate- restoration efforts to the secret history of this treasured location. rials and instructions provided. Everyone is welcome, Warm hot cocoa, cool evening hikes, and clean restrooms are available. Welcome Winter Texans! but youth will need to be accompanied by an adult. Come early and prepare for a whirlwind of crafty Every Saturday,( January 9th, 16th, 23rd, 2016, 1-2pm) Camera extravaganza, while we get you in the mood for this Phone Hike - Take a great pictures on the go with these tips and special time of year. tricks. A picture is worth a thousand words ... but not if it’s fuzzy, Every Friday, January 1st, 8th, 15th, unclear, or too dark. Join Ranger Lisa as we explore the tips for taking 22nd and 29th, 2016 (5:30-6:30pm) better camera phone pictures to capture those special moments. We’ll Heavenly Night Hike - The stars at begin at the Nature Center, and then venture onto the open prairie to practice with our phones. night are big and bright....Deep in the heart of Texas! Do you know Saturday, December 12th and January 9th (1-2pm) Geocaching 101 your stars?....Well, we can teach - Learn how to find hidden treasure within the park and around the you a few or show you some cool globe with this short, activity-based program about geocaching. This ways to learn them all. Join Ranger is a workshop for nature’s high-tech treasure hunt - “Geo” = Earth, Lisa on a cool evening night hike “cache” = something hidden, like treasure or food. Meet at the Nature and learn about the importance of Center, where we’ll use GPS units, learn about low-cost alternathe dark and our connection to the tives, and ways to get kids excited about the outdoors. All materials stars overhead. Dress warm and be provided for workshop. prepared to be outside. Hot cocoa January 20th (3pm) - Bay Walk - Join Master Naturalist available. We will start at the Nature Center to hand out materials and Wednesday, Root Choyce and meet at the end of the Bay side road at Lake Como use the restroom before we head into a secret dark spot in the park. and begin by talking about the grasses that live in the salt marsh. We Reconnect with the night and join us for a great evening adventure will then look at the fiddler crab holes and talk about the crabs. We into the unknown. will see lots of birds and try to identify them. Looking in the marsh, Saturday, January 2nd, 2016 (8:30-11am) 7th Annual 5 & 10K we will see what we discover there - marsh periwinkles and mussels, Fun Run/Walk - Work off the holiday sweets, and get sweaty while and then we will see what we can find around the edge of the bay enjoying the prairies, bay views, and trails of this award winning state hermit crabs, whelk shells, etc. The Island Guide Magazine GalvestonIslandGuide.com (409)256-5166 19

Events

Friday & Saturday Through December 12th - “The Boomerang Effect” will be on stage at Island ETC, just in time for the holiday season - for adults! This brilliant new comedy is an up tempo ultramodern comedy about relationships which focuses on the various loopholes and pitfalls of love that peeks into the sex lives of five different couples. Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 8pm. Island ETC is located at 2317 Mechanic, downtown Galveston. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased by calling (4090762-3556 or at www. Islandetc.org. Through January 3rd - Holiday Splash at Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Surfing Santa (Through December 23rd) - Enjoy a sprinkle of holiday cheer while making a splash at the world’s best indoor waterpark. See “Surfing Santa,” costumed holiday characters, crafts, holiday meal packages and more. Through January 4th - Ice Sculptures with SpongeBob SquarePants - A skilled team of professional ice carvers will take 6,000-300 pound ice blocks and transform them into majestic displays ranging from holiday-themed sculptures to undersea characters from SpongeBob SquarePants. Chilled and held at a temperature of 15 degrees, you can witness these works of art as Galveston makes its holiday transformation into a Winter Wonder Island. For details, visit www.moodygardens.org. Through January 4th - Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens - Moody Gardens lights up the season in Galveston with its annual Festival of Lights - the largest holiday lighting celebration on the Gulf Coast. This magical festival includes a mile long trail of sparkling lights and light displays synchronized to music, carolers, hot chocolate stations, ice skating, and other holiday activities wrapped around the breathtaking Moody Gardens pyramids. For details, visit www.moodygardens.org. Friday, December 4th - Victorian Homes Tour - Galveston’s East End Historical District Association (EEHDA) will host its 26th annual “A Victorian Christmas” Homes Tour 5:30-9:30pm. The East End Historical District was designated a National Historic Landmark and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The architecture of the East End reflects some of the city’s most notable examples of residential Victorian architecture with a variety of styles and periods. This year’s tour will feature four East End homes decorated for the holiday season, along with the First Presbyterian Church. The EEHDA Cottage will also be open for refreshments, and guests will enjoy a variety of holiday music at some of the locations. Ticket proceeds directly benefit the East End Historical District Association. Tickets are limited. The EEHDA was formed in the 1970’s to preserve and maintain the heritage and livability of the East End Neighborhood. For more information on the East End Historical District, visit www.eastendhistoricaldistrict.org. December 5th - The Victorian Pipe Organ Concert will be presented by Trinity Episcopal Church, starting at 7:30pm. A fixture of Galveston’s Christmas celebrations for more than twenty years, the Pipe Organ Extravaganza performances are an

annual tradition held on the Saturday evening of Dickens on the Strand. Opening the revelry is a special appearance by Houston choral group, The Sons of Orpheus, followed by the organ concert, and a Christmas Carol sing-along. Featuring internationally acclaimed concert organist Ronald Wyatt, his masterful performances are aweinspiring and even funny, as he weaves his witty commentary and anecdotal stories into the music. Admission is $10. Advance tickets are available at the church office located at 22nd & Winnie, downtown Galveston, the Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., and online at www. TheGrand.com. Tickets will also be available at the door on December 5th. For more information call (409)765-6317 or go to www.TrinityGalv.org. Sunday, December 6th, 13th and 20th - Sunday Brunch with Santa offers children the opportunity to personally speak with Kris Kringle and share their Christmas wishes as their families enjoy a grand dining experience at one of the best brunches in the State of Texas. The hotel’s annual holiday gingerbread display is in place for guests to view while listening to traditional holiday favorites being played on the lobby piano. Advance reservations are recommended. For reservations, please call (409)765-7721. Meet Santa at Hotel Galvez & Spa, 2024 Seawall Blvd., Galveston. Friday, December 11th Artist Boat presents: Float the Boat - Come celebrate the holidays with Artist Boat at Float the Boat, and join us in honoring Martha Terrill, and Mort & Brenda Voller! The will be live music by Alligator Handshake, silent and live auctions, a raffle drawing for a Viking Kayak, curated art auction of 9”x11” watercolor paintings, pork tenderloin dinner provided by Lighthouse Charity Team, beer courtesy of Del Papa Distributing Company, and Ocean masquerade costume contest. Ticket sales are available online at www.artistboat.org/float-theboat. Float the Boat tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door. For more info call (409)770-0722. Saturday, December 12th - Santa Train - Santa is coming to town aboard our Harborside Express train 10am-2pm. Bring your wish list and visit with Santa. Stroll through our Garden of Steam and enjoy the festive Holiday lights & decorations. 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. South East Texas’ most popular railroad museum, there is something here for everyone. Galveston Railroad is located at 123 25th St., downtown Galveston, (409)765-5700. Saturday, December 12th - “The Nutcracker” Afternoon Tea, an annual tradition at The Grand! This delightful event features tea-time fare of finger sandwiches, cookies, punch, and of course, tea, and will take place at 12:30pm. Get your photo with our Nutcracker dancers. The Nutcracker Afternoon Tea is the perfect complement to a performance of The Nutcracker. Make this your new family holiday tradition. Tickets to the Nutcracker Afternoon

Tea do not include seats to a performance of The Nutcracker. Performance tickets must be purchased separately. City Ballet of Houston’s “The Nutcracker” performance is offered December 12th at 2pm and 7:30pm and Sunday, December 13th at 2pm. The Grand 1894 Opera House is located at 2020 Postoffice St., downtown Galveston. Tickets are available by calling (409)765-1894, (800)821-1894, or visit The Grand’s website at www.thegrand.com. Saturday, December 12th (2pm and 7pm) and Sunday, December 13th (2:00pm) - The City Ballet of Houston presents “The Nutcracker” - An annual holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker” will delight audiences of all ages. It tells the story of a young girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince, a Sugar Plum Fairy and a fierce battle against a Mouse King. Following the afternoon performances, join us to experience the behind the scenes magic of “The Nutcracker.” You will have an opportunity to hear a brief presentation about the ballet and meet the dancers. This special presentation is included with your ticket to the Saturday or Sunday matinee performance. The Grand 1894 Opera House is located at 2020 Postoffice St., downtown Galveston. Tickets are available by calling (409)765-1894, (800)821-1894, or visit The Grand’s website at www.thegrand.com. Friday-Saturday, December 12th-13th - Holiday in the Park at Saengerfest Park - Bring out the whole family for a day filled with festive holiday tunes from local and area school choirs, bands and amazing church choirs during this free event. Spend some time shopping for those last minute gifts at your favorite Galveston Strand shops as well as festive vendors located on 23rd Street. Children will also be able to visit and take pictures with Santa in the Park. Saturday, December 12th - Carols by Candlelight Performance by Houston Children’s Chorus Galveston Historical Foundation and the Houston Children’s Choir invite the public to a free performance in the 1859 St. Joseph’s Church 6-7pm. The concert is free with advance RSVP. Seats are limited. The Houston Children’s Chorus was founded in 1989 by Stephen Roddy. The Chorus involves over 150 children in grades 2 through 8, by annual audition. In the first year of its existence the Chorus performed for over 15,000 people in events including the 1990 World Economic Summit and the UNICEF Gala with Audrey Hepburn and Michael Tilson Thomas. The annual audience for the Chorus numbers in the tens of thousands. Members of the Chorus represent all ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Students come from every school district of the Houston area, private schools and home schools. 1859 St. Joseph Church is located at 2202 Avenue K, Galveston, (409)765-7834. December 12th -13th - Holiday with the Cranes For a unique holiday experience, join the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council for “Holiday with the Cranes.” This annual birding event will be held Dec. 12-13 as outdoor enthusiasts await the arrival of these large, majestic birds of ancient origin. Events include indoor and outdoor nature activities and presentations combined with the arts and ambiance of historical Galveston Island. Event ticket prices range from $25 to $130. For more information, visit www.galvestonnaturetourism. Sunday, December 13th - Afternoon Tea at The Tremont will feature assorted mini salads, tea sandwiches, pastries and sweets and will be served from 3-5pm. Advance reservations are required. Sunday

Afternoon Tea is $40 per person for standard tea service and $50 per person for the option of champagne, mimosas or wine. A limited number of seats are available. For reservations, please call (409)7630300. Tremont House is located downtown at 2300 Mechanic St. December 17th – Sunday, December 27th - “A Magical Christmas 2015” with Curt Miller - The Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center is excited to announce the return of “A Magical Christmas 2015 Dinner and Show starring 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. Enjoy many of your favorite Christmas songs wonderfully performed by amazing singers and dancers. Over the past three years at the Moody Gardens Hotel, Curt Miller’s Christmas show has been seen by over 20,000 people, receiving rave reviews and standing ovations. This year Curt has enhanced the show with spectacular new illusions complimented with a new score of heartwarming holiday music and imaginative choreography. “A Magical Christmas 2015” runs December 17th-27th. Doors open at 6:30pm for guests to enjoy a sumptuous holiday buffet dinner. The 70-minute spectacular show starts at 8pm. Each ticket to “A Magical Christmas 2015” includes one admission to the show, a holiday buffet dinner, admission to the Festival of Lights – the Gulf Coast’s largest holiday lighting event, complimentary parking, all taxes and gratuities. For details, visit MoodyChristmasShow.com or call (409)683-4186.

December 20th - Santa Hustle Galveston 5K & Half Marathon - Santa Claus is comin’, and is running to your town. See Galveston unlike ever before as thousands of Santas race along the streets and the oceanfront path. Jingle all the way through the course with candy and cookies, festive music, creative Christmas images, and so much more. It is all designed to get you in the perfect holiday mood and is bound to be a Christmas tradition that you do with your family and friends year after year. To make your jingle tingle, new for Santa Hustle this year includes a dri-fit half-zip along with the Santa hat and beard. So, if you like dressing like Santa Claus, enjoy dancing to some holiday music, devouring candy, and joining in on an epic after party, then grab your favorite friends and family, get in the holiday spirit, and make your way to the Santa Hustle 5K & Half Marathon. Register at www. santahustle.com/galveston. The Official 2015 Santa Hustle Galveston Charity is Galveston County Food Bank.

Cathy Catching Cathy Catching AngelIntuitive Intuitive & Author Angel & Author of Talk” of“Angel “Angel Talk”

Angel Talk

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20 The Island Guide Magazine

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The Arts Exploring Hidden History Museums By Rob Lucey

To learn about Galveston’s colorful history, you can tour mansions, take guided walks or rides through the historic districts, explore the seaport and railroad museums, and read the many books that shine a light on parts of the island’s past. Or you can savor some time in the free museums hidden on the island. Two museums hidden in plain sight can be found within the walls of two of the island’s historic landmark structures: the Rosenberg Library at 2310 Sealy St. and the Hotel Galvez at 2024 Seawall Blvd. More than Just Books The library holds its own place in Texas history as the oldest continuously operating public library in the state. After opening its doors in 1904, it absorbed the collections of the former Galveston Public Library. The Greek revival structure was funded by a $600,000 bequest from Henry Rosenberg, a Swiss immigrant who raised from a clerk’s job to become financier, president of the Galveston City Railroad Company, philanthropist and public servant. A heroic bronze statue of him sits outside the building. Soon after the building opened, citizen organizations and individuals began donating art and other historic items to adorn its walls. The collection grew to thousands of artifacts, and the library began the practice of showcasing significant items in display cases along the main corridor. Those displays evolved into what is now the Rosenberg Library Museum, open 9am-6pm., Monday-Saturday. It is housed primarily on the fourth floor, although the practice continues of hanging art throughout the library and rotating items through display cases in the second floor main corridor. While ascending the grand stairway, visitors pass several impressive paintings en route to the museum level. The Lykes Gallery (a gift to the city from the family of James McKay Lykes) occupies part of what was originally a large lecture hall. Now it is home to the permanent exhibit “Galveston: Treasure isle of the Gulf.” A stained glass window depicts the first ship owned by the Lykes Lines shipping company, and the ship’s bell and helm are part of the furnishings of the gallery. Exhibits include Native American artifacts from the island’s indigenous Karankawas and items representing the many state’s “firsts” that occurred on the island, including the first telegraph, first telephone and first hospital. Nautical enthusiasts will be impressed by the pieces from the Texas Navy and Battle of Galveston display describing the 1862 Civil War naval skirmish in Galveston Harbor. Other exhibits trace the island’s role as a port of entry for imports and immigrants, the state’s cotton industry that enriched the city’s shipping merchants, early commercial enterprises, natural disasters and

the golden era of entertainment, gambling and tourism in the early 1900s. On the opposite end of the former lecture hall is the Hutchings Gallery, funded by the family of Sealy Hutchings. It displays historic items from Galveston families that have been donated to museum, including portraits of several of the city’s founders. The current display, “Galveston Before the Civil War,” includes early depictions of the city and artifacts from the city’s early days. Just up a few steps, you enter the Harris Gallery, which is in an adjoining portion of the library’s Moody Wing added in the 1970s. Thematic collections from the museum’s thousands of paintings, illustrations and photos rotate through the space, named for John Woods Harris III, who served nearly four decades as a trustee on the library board. As board president, he spearheaded efforts to raise funds for construction of the library extension in the 70s. Currently on display is “Voices from the Past: An Exhibit Celebrating African American History in Galveston.” The final rotating display area is the Hallway Gallery leading out of the Lykes Gallery. It’s cases currently display “Arts of the American Southwest: The Pabst Collection.” The Native American jewelry, weavings, pottery, baskets and other items were collected by Galvestonians William and Viola Pabst while traveling through New Mexico and Arizona in the 1930s. The library acquired the collection in 1986. Hotel History While you climb up stairs to get to the library’s museum, at the Hotel Galvez you slip down the flight of stairs just beyond the check-in desk. There you’ll find a couple of hallways lined with poster-sized historic photos and display cases packed with memorabilia telling the story of the island’s beach front entertainment district. The Hall of History display opened in 2011 to mark the 100th anniversary of the hotel’s opening. Residents donated oneof-a-kind items for the exhibit, which was assembled by the Galveston County Museum. Sepia tone photos show past incarnations of the Pleasure Pier and bath houses that drew crowds to the island. In another, old cars line the Seawall as thousands gather for the early Bathing Girl Revues (which evolved into the Miss Universe Pageant). Others show the construction of the Galvez as the flood grade of the island was raised behind the Seawall. Additional exhibits introduce some of the entertainers, presidents and other famous visitors to the Galvez. Many came to visit nearby speakeasy gambling houses during the Prohibition era when the island billed itself as the Free State of Galveston. A photo of Sam Maceo, owner of several such establishments, shows him in the Galvez penthouse where he lived. There are also descriptions of the World War II era when the hotel was repurposed as barracks for soldiers stationed on the island. The free mini-museum is open for anybody to visit. Learning about the colorful past provides great context for visitors to better appreciate the beach amenities of today.

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Exhibits & Events

show. Thirty artists submitted over 50 paintings to the contest, in which all of the artists created their Affaire d’Art Fine Art Gallery work outdoors on Galveston Island. Artists chose (2227 Postoffice St., and 2317 Strand St., downtown a variety of subjects from beach to marsh, historic Galveston, (409)789-0079, www.affairedart.com) homes to the Island’s iconic landmarks, and scenes seldom seen. Get a jump on your holiday shopping Affaire d’Art will be featuring “Figures” by Julius with new work by owner/creator of Silkendipity, Danziger, Nikki Thompson and Rona Lesser, and fiber artist Heather Schiappa. She is dedicated to guest artist Sergio Santos. creating her wearable art pieces by hand, one brush Dr. Danziger (artwork pictured) was born and stroke at a time. These pieces are easily dressed up raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. As a pracor down to compliment any outfit. Also available is ticing physician and diagnostic radiologist, he art by Bud Clayton, oil paintings by always observed the human form in the evaluation contemporary Bazaman, pop art by Brendan Martinez, and exclusion of diseases. In the last 5 years, he has Svetlana landscapes and mixed media by Michael Basham, turned his attention to drawing and painting the human form in an artistic way, using mixed media and acrylic/mixed media by George Douglas Lee. including collage on Galveston Arts Center watercolor paper. (2127 Strand St., downtown Galveston, (409)763Danziger’s emphasis 2403, www.galvestonartscenter.org) is on joy and happiThrough January 3rd, all three galleries will feature ness, and that’s why new exhibitions curated by Galveston Arts Center’s he attempts to be renowned curator Clint Willour by Francesca colorful and develop Fuchs, Janet Hassinger, and Arielle Masson. a free interpretation The main gallery features paintings by Francesca of the live model, Fuchs called “Selected Paintings 2004-2015.” attempting to stay This Houston artist creates evocative paintings away from a real that elevate the emotional content of her subject likeness to the model matter. In a large installation that uses an entire posing. His work has wall, Fuchs pays homage to paintings, drawings been accepted into and photos that hung on the walls of her childmany juried shows. hood home, seemingly filtered through her memory Houston based Rona Lesser is an artist and in loosely rendered brush strokes and soft color educator. She has been painting for more than 20 In other paintings she uses scale to bring years, covering a wide variety of subjects in an ever- palette. monumental sense of importance to domestic evolving style which is always colorful and vibrant. asubjects such as household furnishings and nursing She has had work in juried shows in Chicago, Los infants. Representing her latest body of work, at Angeles and New York. From 2000-2003 Lesser the entrance to the gallery, is a part of her series on served as a Visiting Artist for the Texas Institute Christmas trees. Fuchs is represented by for Arts in Education. She has been a teacher with residential Texas Gallery in Houston. For more info go to City Art Works (formerly Creative Alternatives) www.francescafuchs.com. and Congregation Emanu El for over 20 years. Her The Brown Foundation gallery upstairs features art training includes classes at the Art League of Houston and the Glassell School, Houston Civic Art “Janet Hassinger: Planet Ocean,” a survey of Association and the Watercolor Society of Houston. watercolor paintings inspired by a concern for the health of oceans, by this Galveston artist that is She is an active member of many arts organizaknown for her masterful transparent veils of color tions and has served on the national board of the in her painting. “Painting and drawing is my natural Women’s Caucus for Art. Lesser states, “I want to form of meditation. Painting, like diving, involves capture the beauty of the world around me and share my interpretation with my viewer. My figure working out of the linguistic mind and into a personal sensory world,” she states. Snorkeling and work is done directly from models. My landdiving at her island home in Honduras has nurtured scape work comes from observation and my own photographs. I work in several different mediums a long time fascination with the sea which began depending on the subject. I hope the viewer enjoys in the tidepools on the north shore of her native my art as much as I enjoy creating it.” Boston. Hassinger maintains her studio in Galveston and is currently represented by DarkeGallery.com. ArtWalk ArtWalk will be held throughout town, ranging in “Exhibit Connect Workshop: “Watercolor Worktime from 4-10pm. Mostly held in the heart of the shop with Janet Hassinger” will take place Saturday, downtown historic district and now other parts of December 12th, 2-4pm. Hassinger will demonstrate the Island, ArtWalk is a free event that takes place in a variety of watercolor techniques for students existing commercial galleries, non-profit art spaces, to learn to apply to a basic wetlands landscape. Demonstrations for using and controlling watercolor and what are called “other walls,” restaurants and retail stores. For a brochure listing all participants, will include the basic veiled wash, flushing pigment to water, methods of lifting, saving whites, and stop by the Galveston Arts Center at 2127 Strand St., or go online at www.galvestonartscenter.org. All developing textures. Students will be able to follow events are free and there are several Preview Parties in a similar manner, the steps to create a simple, and on Friday evenings at the galleries. Various artworks beautiful landscape image. Class cost is $30. will be for sale. 2016 ArtWalk dates are January And, in the 1878 Gallery, Houston artist Arielle 9th, March 5th, April 16th, June 4th, July 16th, and Masson is featured in “Akasha: The Fifth Element,” August 27th. an exhibit of geometric paintings in gouache on paper. Masson has used a single geometric matrix, The Artists’ Studios & Gallery called the “Vesica Piscis” or Vessel of the Fish, as a (1902 Ave. N, Galveston, (512)217-1994) point of departure in her paintings since 1993. The Gallery owner and artist Elizabeth George painted matrix could be described as the overlapping of two her latest work, “Sacred Heart Neighborhood,” from circles, creating an almond shape in between, the high atop a widow’s walk in the East End Historical Mandorla. This single module has been acting like District. Along with her new array of landscapes a seed generating the extensive variety of circleon display, Michael Frommer presents his fanciful based patterns that is seen in her work. Masson vision of life and Aubrey Garcia her beach life and was born in Mexico City and is a French, Mexican, coastal bird collection. The Artist’s Studio also offers and American citizen. She currently teaches at The cards, paper print, and giclee reproductions. Studio Glassell School of Art at the Museum of Fine Arts in space is also available, interested artists can contact Houston. the gallery directly. “Silhouettes by Cindi Harwood Rose” will take DesignWorks place Friday, December 4th, 3:30-7:30pm. Kick (2119 Postoffice St., downtown Galveston, off your Victorian-themed Dickens on the Strand weekend with world-famous Houston-based paper (409)766-7599) cutting artist Cindi Harwood Rose. She will be The exhibition on display currently is called creating hand“Celebrate Studio Crafts.” We have all craft media accounted for including ceramics, fiber, glass and cut silhouettes metals. live for you in the lobby of G. Lee Gallery Galveston Arts (2214 Postoffice St., downtown Galveston, Center’s new (409)370-7350, location. By www.gleegalappointment, you can have lery.net) your own, original silhouette made right before your On exhibit eyes. Cindi’s silhouettes capture each individual’s this month is likeness and personality in elegant black profile. the Brushes By the Beach® Beautiful, timeless, and uniquely personal, you can Plein Air group have your’s captured in duplicate, matted, framed, 22 The Island Guide Magazine GalvestonIslandGuide.com (409)256-5166

and ready to take home as special remembrance of your 2015 Dickens on the Strand weekend. To RSVP, go to www.silhouettesbycindi.com. Beginning in December, every second Friday from 5-6:30pm, GAC hosts a casual open-studio session in their spacious Studio Classroom called “Open Studio Nights.” An artist-mentor provides art making materials, drawing aids, and tips. Participants can enjoy the company and inspiration of fellow artists, as well as music and refreshments including wine. This is open to adults and accompanied teenagers. Galveston Art League (2117 Postoffice St., downtown Galveston, (409)6211008, www.galvestonartleague.com) The Galveston Art League is celebrating “the art of the doll,” December 3rd-27th. A special exhibit of works from members of the Texas Association of Original Doll Artists (TAODA). TAODA was started by a group of 10 doll artists who met at a doll making workshop in 1999. The membership has now grown to nearly 50. The members have shown their work in libraries, museums, and at other art leagues throughout the greater Houston area. They have also sent collections to art shows in Kansas City, Kansas, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, and exhibited at the Wisconsin Museum for Quilts and Fiber Arts in Cedarburg. To qualify as an artist member, a doll maker must create one-of-a-kind dolls and/or costumed sculptures that are totally the original design and work of the individual artist. Many of their shows have themes, such as “Sinners and Saints and Wisecracking Women.” Shows entitled “Masquerade” and “Bathing Beauties” were on display at J. Bangle’s Silk Stocking Gallery in Galveston in 2010 and 2011. The theme of the exhibit at the Art League is “Word Takes Form.” One of the special collections at TAODA is their Storybook Dolls. Each doll is based on a character from a favorite book. Members often lend a copy of the book that inspired each doll to be part of the exhibit. The Storybook Dolls travel from library to library along the Texas Gulf Coast, staying in each location for about a month. Seven collections have been retired, and characters in those still being shown include Little Miss Riding Hood, elves from Grimms’ Fairy Tales, and David Copperfield. Galveston Artist Residency (2521 Mechanic St., downtown Galveston, (409)974-4446, www.galvestonartistresidency.org) On exhibit through February 6th, 2016, “Shifting Baselines: Texas Gulf Coast” by Victoria Sambunaris in collaboration with Kristopher Benson. Victoria Sambunaris is a project-based photographer who organizes her life around annual road trips across the American West, equipped with a 5x7 wooden field camera, camping gear, and a few months supply of canned sardines and crackers. The large-scale photos of the contemporary American landscape tell a conflicted story in geographic, economic, and cultural terms. She integrates herself into the community in which she is working. While in Galveston, Sambunaris collaborated with Kristopher Benson of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association (NOAA) to develop the work on view in “Shifting Baselines: Texas Gulf Coast.” The show brings together their unique perspectives on the industry and culture of the Texas Gulf coast, specifically in the context of the Galveston port and other parts of the Texas Gulf coast from Port Arthur down to Brownsville. Benson offers a scientific/ empirical understanding of how locations are affected by people and industry. Sambunaris brings a visual/aesthetic interpretation of place to focus the viewer’s perspective on these locations. Together their collaboration brings attention to the important conservation and restoration work undertaken by NOAA and other natural resource managers. Also on exhibit through February 14th, 2016 is “Island Time: Galveston Artist Residency - The First Four Years” and features works by former residents and artists who have exhibited at the Galveston Artist Residency (GAR). The exhibition includes work by twenty-two artists and features

animation, installation, painting, sculpture, video, and performance, representing the breadth of work that has originated and been shown in Houston’s neighboring island city of Galveston. The exhibition is organized by guest curator Eric Schnell, director and co-founder of GAR. Artists in the exhibition are: Nick Barbee, Josh Bernstein, Jesse Bransford, Bill Davenport, Alex Irvine, Jonah Groeneboer, Eric Heist, John Hodany, Colin Hunt, Autumn Knight, Nsenga Knight, Joe Joe Orangias, Grace Ndiritu, Zahar Vaks, Bill Powhida, Jade Townsend, George Rush, Victoria Sambunaris, Davide Savorani, Dan Schmahl, Kelly Sears, and Hilary Wilder. Heard Gallery (2217 Postoffice St., downtown Galveston, (903)357-9073, www.theheardgallery.com ) “Discuss Fish” is another creation by gallery owner and artist Ray Heard, available in the small art section as an 8x10 canvas gallery wrap. This December at The Heard Gallery you will also find pieces ranging from small to extra-large, filling up the gallery and ready for your holiday purchases. Six new marble coasters have been added to their “Best of Galveston” series. “islandframed gallerie 515” (515 25th Street, downtown Galveston, (409)2560062, www.islandframed.com) Richard Kelver will be showing Watercolors and Oils on canvas all month. We also have unique handcrafted gifts for the holidays. Island Gallery & Studio by Ed Gearke (2328 Strand, downtown Galveston, (281)757-1656, edgearkeart.com) Island Gallery will continue through December with Texas Landscapes by Ed Gearke, Mike Ortega, and Catherine White Swan. Also on view will be the ceramic art of Karen Cruce. The gallery will be gathering works for the January 9th ArtWalk featuring Ed Gearke’s Planetary series, a continuation of the theme of past exhibits, Dark Matter, and Singularity which is an exhibit of one artist’s fascination with the cosmos. J Bangle’s Silk Stocking Gallery (25th & Avenue L, Galveston, (409)763-6161) On view through January 3rd, J. Bangle’s Silk Stocking Gallery currently features an exhibition entitled “Insula Vitea,” by Laura Montford Greiner. Also showing is handmade jewelry by “They.” Katrina Howarth Gallery (215 Tremont St., downtown Galveston, (713)5506431, www.thehowarthgallery.com) This lovely gallery features large landscapes simply created with a silkiness quality plus Katrina’s hugely popular boutique items, prints, totes, t-shirts, designer silk scarves (from paintings), and Katrina’s three books, “Pink Cocoa & Cappuccino,” “Blue Figs with Tea,” and “Ivory Slippers & Vanilla Truffles.” “Pink Cocoa & Cappuccino” is a series of portrait paintings. These portraits are sized 5x7 framed in gold leaf and can either be displayed on decorative tabletop easels or directly on the wall. “I have so very much enjoyed working on these this past year and now I am branching out to offer boutiques to display my work in their collections, for as it has turned out, they go so lovely in ladies dressing rooms, on jewelry and make up tables....mother’s have been buying them for their daughters, sisters, friends, and ‘just because’ - they are really quite pretty,” said Howarth. These make great gifts! MiArt (1327 Market St., downtown Galveston, (409)692-7833) PeckArts (2208 Postoffice St., Galveston, (409)621-1500, PeckArts.com) Joyful gifts of Art fill PeckArts this holiday season! 2015 brought more amazing talent to the gallery as Jennifer Peck sourced work from the gulf coast of Florida. With Galveston collectors in mind, she continues to expand the gallery’s festive coastal offerings. Sarah

Kiser, Nancy Tome, and Kevin Ritter all create wonderful island inspired works, including pelicans, mermaids, jellyfish, and seahorses. These painters, as well as the many local artists, offer extraordinary works of art under $100, perfect for holiday gifting. In addition to original paintings, collages, and sculpture, PeckArts offers limited edition prints, calendars, cards, pillows, and books, as well as jewelry. During December, Peck exhibits a collection of abstract pieces that are created for Galveston, using maps of the Island, cut outs, and text from her books and prints, restructuring them in lively compositions celebrating the abundance of coastal living. “Rock Stars” are new edition giclees, a set of Starfish, embellished with decorative papers and covered with an epoxy resin.

Grange, Texas is exhibiting for the first time. John’s work is rather photorealistic with paintings of classic automobiles and motorcycles. Daniel Elliott returns to the gallery with a series of new paintings that are vibrant, and powerful. There is a very dynamic energy in all of Daniel’s paintings. Shae will be exhibiting new sculptures, both in wood and bronze, along with some resin pieces. It is amazing that he can turn remnants of found tree limbs and trunks into such beautiful and powerful works of art.

(511 23rd St., downtown Galveston, (409)2560762, www.galveston.com/tremontgallery) With 35 artists, there is something at this gallery for every taste. From Mardi Gras bead pictures, to Summer Breezes blossoms with butterflies and bees, paintings and photography, bottles and purses, and the Alley Cats of Galveston. Also, Tremont offers calendars, notebooks, gorgeous pieces of coral, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics.

Tony Wynn Modern Art Gallery (1601 Tremont, 23rd @ N 1/2, (409)974-7079, www.TonyWynn.com) A modern art gallery located on 23rd St., featuring a nice collection of eclectic styles and art.

The Proletariat Gallery (2221 Market St., downtown Galveston, (409)356-9092) A little bit of this and a whole lot of that! Join us at The Proletariat on Wednesday, December 9th for Cheburashka night! If you haven’t seen this adorable cuddly little creature come by for a great evening. We will be projecting cartoons starting at 7pm, along with the most delicious cake you have ever had and drink specials. Let Cheburashka and Gena the Alligator warm your heart in their Galveston debut. Also, local artist Catherine Stroud is on exhibit. During the November ArtWalk Stroud did a live painting, with the idea to show you the creative process of how a painting comes from the artist herself. Catherine’s lyrical lines fluidly move like music dancing on a canvas. Her use of vivid expressionistic and non-local color can be compared to the fauvist movement that flourished in Paris during the early 1900 with artists like Matisse. Travel has been a huge inspiration for her personally and artistically; the study of people - their personalities, their secrets, their lives, have been a constant study. While her younger years in art focused on precision and realism, her current works focus on attaining a state of raw emotionalism.

The Marketplace at the Peanut Butter Warehouse (102 20th St., Galveston, (409)632-7165) On view thru January 3rd, The Marketplace at the Peanut Butter Warehouse features artwork by artist Rick Schmid, along with “Nature Photography” by Joe & Danica.

Water’s Edge Studio and Gallery (1302 21st St., (409)762-1925, www.galvestonwatersedge.com) This December Gayle Reynolds will bring to fruition many ideas she has been pondering for quite some time, such as watery scenes and depictions Urban Resort of horses, and she is planning some larger works (411 25th St., downtown Galveston, (409)443-5410) to contrast her smaller works from this fall. Pat Urban Resort features an exhibit by artist Regina Lee Moberley Moore’s collection of bronze and clay Parkinson entitled “Surface Transitions,” on view sculptures of the feminine form, as well as the everthrough December 31st. present pottery by Madeleine Baker, steel sculptures of Jack Farrell, and the necklaces of Chase Jennings. Vacation on Canvas (2113 Postoffice St., downtown Galveston,

Tremont Gallery Galveston.com

Tyler Studio (1201 Postoffice St., downtown Galveston, (409)7718371, www.tylerstudio.org) Randall Cogburn is the featured artist for November. Come see his exquisite works now on display. An open model session is offered every third Saturday. Call for details and time.

(409)974-4066, vacationoncanvas.com) Robert Peterson’s newest collection of original paintings that will be on display for the entire month of December. Peterson masterfully captures our Island’s environment with his brilliant use of vivid colors and precise detail which emanates a relaxing comfort that has become his trademark. Along with his original paintings, he also offers reproductions of his artwork in canvas giclées, cards, paper prints, and one-of-a-kind ceramic tiles.

René Wiley Gallery (2128 Postoffice St., downtown Galveston, (409)750-9077, www.renewileyart.com) René Wiley’s recent show “City and Sea” debuted beautiful new oil paintings of the Island, while Rachel Wiley-Janota exhibits a variety of new evening landscapes that feature Galveston’s seascapes, estuaries, and harbor views. Popular tree sculptor James Phillips also presents new works carved from local, reclaimed trees. With a total of nine gallery artists, René Wiley Gallery carries a multi-faceted variety of works in all sizes and for any budget that include paintings in several mediums, sculptures, mosaics, prints, and wooden and glass bowls. Strand-Gallery (2518 Strand St., downtown Galveston, (409)256-0762) Watch for the opening in December of the newest gallery in town, hosted by Joey Quiroga, offering his photography and art exclusively. He has taken his signature pieces to a new level, showing interesting works you will love. Directly overlooking the Strand, in the new Transportation Center, the Gallery will be open daily. There will be invited artists’ work each month, and different offerings on a limited, one-of-a-kind basis. Third Coast Gallery (2413 Mechanic St., downtown Galveston, (409)974-4661, www.thirdcoastgalleries.com) The paintings of John Schaeffer, Daniel Elliott, Jack Morris, and the sculpture of Shae Skidmore and Nic Noblique will be featured this month. John Schaeffer of La The Island Guide Magazine

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