Island Guide January 2015 edition by The Island Guide

January 8, 2014 • Issue 1, Volume 4

Salsa’s Restaurant: Little Island, Big Business

Mardi Gras Madness:

February 6-17 The Island Comes Alive

Alicia Boles:

A Loud Love of Canvas and Paint

The Grand Opera House: A History Full of Surprises

In Galveston Home of the Water Wall Serving food, beer, wine and a full service liquor bar Take out available Dog Friendly Patio 2110 Strand St., Downtown Galveston

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(409) 497-4972 Open Daily 11:00am-1:00am Food served till 1:30am

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1919 Strand Street Galveston Island 77550 (409)974-4100 (409)632-7280 • Poorboys • Gumbo • Fresh Oysters • Daily Specials Located in Galveston’s Historic Downtown District

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January 8, 2014 • Issue 1, Volume 4

Contents 5-6 Dining » “Salsa’s Mexican Restaurant: Little Island, Big Business” by Kimber Fountain » “Patio Grill: A Mom and Pop Kind of Place” by Kimber Fountain » “Pho 18: Pho Authentic Vietnamese” by Kimber Fountain » “Galveston Restaurant Week: Get Ready to Celebrate Delicious” by Gini Rainey 7-9 Music » The Grand 1894 Opera House: January Promises Lots of Dancing and Greatest Hits » “The Noise Poets: ‘Don’t Mess With the Sound’” by Kimber Fountain » The Music Guide for Live Music Across the Island 10 Movies by Dustin Chase » Reviews for “Selma,” “A Most Violent Year” and “Cake” » Dustin’s “Best” and “Worst” for 2014

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How to be a Part of “Island Guide”

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Copy Editors Dana Khan, Gini Rainey Editorial Stephen Boothe, Terry Card, Dustin Chase, Kimber Fountain, George Douglas Lee, Gini Rainey, Cindy Walker Photography Christa Schreckengost Distribution Terry Card, Kimber Fountain, Louie Jerger, Alex Smith © 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)

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12-14 The Island Guide Fun Maps 15 Books » “Baby, It’s Cold Outside, So Snuggle Up With A Good Book” by Gini Rainey » Galveston Bookshop Welcomes Book Signings Throughout the Month 16-19 Things to Do » “Mardi Gras 2015: February 6th-17th The Island Comes Alive” by Kimber Fountain » “The Home & Garden Show: Catch Spring Fever” 6th Annual Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest, “The Vagina Monologues” Returns to Island ETC, Galveston Symphony Orchestra, Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest, “Gunboat Diplomacy: Edwin Moore And The Texas Navy” Lecture, SHP Causeway FunD Run/Walk, Art Classes at Shar Art and Tons More 20-22 The Fine Arts » “Robert Dampier Illuminating the Shadows” by Kimber Fountain » Alicia Boles: A Loud Love of Canvas and Paint » There’s Lots of On-Going Exhibits at Local Galleries 23 Tours » “The Grand 1894 Opera House: A History Full of Surprises” by Terry Card » From Sea to History: There’s Tours for Everyone

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“The Island Guide” is published once a month on the first Friday of the month. Deadlines for editorial and advertisements is the 20th of each month. We are distributed at over 380 locations on Galveston Island and the West End. We will list at no charge most events open to the public. All necessary information should be included such as date, time, ticket cost, description of event, phone number for the public, website address, photos the more the better. “The Island Guide” will make every effort to include as much as possible. Please include who to contact. Send to: theislandguide@gmail.com “The Island Guide” Fun Maps are published in every issue. Businesses are added on a space available basis and are not guaranteed placement.

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Island Guide is published the first Friday of every month. On Stands.....................................................Deadline February 6th..................................................January 20th March 6th.....................................................February 20th April 3rd...........................................................March 20th May 1st...............................................................April 20th June 5th............................................................... May 20th July 1st................................................................June 20th

Dining

Little Island, Big Business By Kimber Fountain The size and scope of Salsa’s Mexican Restaurant often prompts speculation, leading many locals and visitors alike to assume that the restaurant falls under the umbrella of a corporate chain. Due to the professional decorum of their staff and the sparkling clean, expansive dining room, this assumption is as understandable as it is inaccurate, but it does serve as quite the compliment to three local residents who daily push the boundaries and definitions of ‘small’ business. Add to that mix awardwinning margaritas and salsa and food that is prepared daily from scratch, and Salsa’s also takes the prize for the best of both worlds. Frank Diaz and brothers Jorge and Jose Oyervides were long-time friends and co-workers when they decided that it was time to branch out on their own. “I had been working for Exxon for ten years, and I was ready for a change,” says Frank. “So I went to the guys, and we decided to go for it.” The trio opened Salsa’s in 1998, in the space that currently houses Olympia Grill on the Seawall. “We had next to nothing,” Frank admits of those early days, “but we decided to really cater to the locals and build our clientele. To us, the tourists are just a bonus.” So they offered their fare with very little mark-up, and Frank remembers that it took about eight months, “but then we became the new hotspot on the Island, so we were obviously doing something right,” he laughs, and they have continued to build and increase that momentum. That momentum carried them through to 2002 when they moved to their current location at 45th and Seawall Boulevard, where the larger building provided space for their ever-growing list of regulars and also afforded them the opportunity to offer private dining rooms for large parties. This month Salsa’s celebrates their 17th anniversary, which will bring with it an updated food menu and an all-new drink menu. Frank explains that in the beginning, “We built the original menu from our own experience and developed recipes as we went along.” He adds, “And we still do. We are always continuing to improve and change, and to add new items.” The autonomy of a small business allows them flexibility and room for growth, as they are able to keep a close watch on the movement of their menu items and what their guests like, or what perhaps might not be selling. They adjust accordingly, but quality is always their priority. Current General Manager Billy Saenz, who came to Salsa’s with decades of experience in the industry, affirms that is what impresses him the most. “Everything is fresh, everything down to our salsas and sauces are prepared in-house,” a detail that only locally-owned businesses can provide. On the dining room floor, however, their servers, bartenders, hosts, and dining room exude a professional efficiency that is typically found only in larger chain restaurants. Chosen as one of the best Mexican Restaurants in Texas by “Texas Monthly,” each table is presented with not one, but two different types of homemade salsa for guests to enjoy while they choose from an expansive menu of traditional Mexican dishes, Tex-Mex offerings, and of course many seafood varieties with a southwestern flare. Described by Frank as being of the ‘Northern Mexico’ style, authentic fare includes an array of enchiladas, burritos, tacos, tostadas, fajitas, and combination platters, along with scrumptious seafood in the Mexican style, such as their popular Red Snapper Del Mar or the Nuevo Leon Camarones, spicy grilled shrimp served in a skillet on a bed of fresh vegetables and topped with Poblano sauce, Monterey Jack Cheese, bacon bits, and chives.

Over at their full-service bar, Salsa’s bartenders shake up outstanding margaritas that have been recognized on several occasions by the “Galveston Daily News” as the best on the Island. At the end of January 2015, they will debut the newest version of their signature drink menu, which will feature, in addition to their famous margaritas, a Roca Patron Flight, a line-up of Silver, Resporado, and Anejo tequila samples, as well as tasty concoctions like a Cucumber & Jalapeno Margarita, a Prickly Pear Rita, Mexichata Coffee, and a Skinny Margarita. Happy Hour at Salsa’s is an extended affair which runs from 11am – 7pm Monday through Friday, and in the dining room at lunchtime guests are offered the option of choosing from a separate lunch menu. During dinner hours on Sundays and Wednesdays, Salsa’s brings in live entertainment in the form of an authentic Mariachi band that regales diners with the added ambiance of their lively performances from 6-9pm. For special occasions, Salsa’s also offers off-site catering and two private party rooms that together can accommodate up to 120 people. Together, with a staff of seventy-plus that increases to over 100 during the summer months, and their colorful, clean, and spacious dining room, Frank, Jorge, and Jose have spent close to two decades consistently and continually innovating their concept to keep it on the forefront of Island dining, and there is no end in sight. Perhaps their magic can be summed up by the mantra inscribed on the sign that hangs above the doors to the kitchen, “Panza Llena, Corazon Contento.” No matter what the occasion, whether it be a quick lunch, after-work drinks, or a spectacular celebration, all guest of Salsa’s can be assured that they will leave with not only a full belly, but a happy heart. Salsa’s Mexican Restaurant

4604 Seawall Boulevard, (409)621-2630 www.salsasgalveston.com, www.facebook.com/salsasrestaurant Open Sunday and Monday, 11am – 9:30pm; Tuesday – Thursday, 11am – 10pm; Friday and Saturday, 11am – 10:30pm

Patio Grill:

and Mari is from Mexico,” and the collective result is a menu that is a little bit of both of them with something for everyone. The value, variety, and quality of Patio Grill keep By Kimber Fountain people coming back again and again. Everything is prepared “It is the only thing we have fresh daily, even down to the ever done,” says Ryan Quiroga tortilla chips. The burgers are with confidence when asked seasoned with Ryan’s own why he and his wife Maricela blend he created at home and decided to open a restaurant. Mari remembers, “We were “Our families have had restautalking about buying chips and rants, and we have worked in I said no! I learned from my restaurants since we were fifteen mother how to make chips… and sixteen years old.” Marso we make those, too.” In icela, known by her regulars addition to several burger varias Mari, adds that the couple eties such as the outstandeven met working in a restauingly popular Mushroom Swiss rant. That was over a decade Burger, they serve up other Ameriago and much of the time since was can comfort foods, like ¼ pound spent living in the South Houston all-beef frank hot dogs; appetizer and Clear Lake areas, but “[Ryan] favorites such as crisp Onion Rings always told me, if we open a restauand Chili Cheese Fries; and fresh rant, it has to be in Galveston,” says salads. South of the Border specialMari. “Up [in Houston], I’m just ties include savory Beef or Chicken some twenty-something guy trying Tacos, Burritos, and Quesadillas, to make a go of it,” Ryan explains, and January 2015 marks the debut but in Galveston, he is the scion of of their new Breakfast Menu which an Island family that traces back five will be served from 6am to 10am. generations. So, if one day you are looking for a Patio Grill opened two years ago thick and juicy burger and the next and Ryan and Mari attest that the day you are just craving nachos, local community and residents are keep in mind that both days are good days for Patio the heartbeat of their establishment. “She knows everybody’s name,” Ryan says affectionately of Mari, Grill. “and she knows what they want to drink. We want Patio Grill that homey, hole-in-the-wall, mom and pop feel.” 5316 Broadway, (409)974-4854 Indeed, the couples’ warm and friendly personaliwww.patio-grill.com, www.facebook.com/ ties are echoed not only in their modestly endearing PatioGrillGalveston.Tx setup, but in the origin of their menu. “This is the Open Monday-Saturday, Breakfast 6am-10am, food I grew up with,” says Ryan, “part Hispanic and Lunch 10:30am-4pm, Closed Sundays part American. This is who I am, so I figured I may Carry out available, delivery to select businesses as well do what I know. Plus, I’m from Galveston and municipal buildings, call for details. The Island Guide Magazine GalvestonIslandGuide.com (409)256-5166 5

A Mom and Pop Kind of Place

Pho 18:

Pho Authentic Vietnamese By Kimber Fountain The charming duo of Hao and Rose have delighted Galveston with their popular Vietnamese delicacies for over eight years, winning many Island hearts with their massive, authentic bowls of steaming Pho. Veterans of the industry, restaurants are also a family affair to Hao and Rose. “My family owned restaurants back home,” Hao says, “My brother in California owns several restaurants, also my niece. We use a lot of family recipes here.” And Pho 18 is actually only one of several restaurants the pair have owned and operated over the past twenty years. They began with establishments in Sugarland and on Scott Street in downtown Houston, and the popularity of Galveston’s Pho 18 withstood even the hardship brought by Hurricane Ike, the aftermath of which was seen and featured by a Vietnamese television station. The family recipes that abound on their menu keep with the traditional versatility of Asian cuisine, giving guests a variety of options. The trademark Pho, a Rice Noodle Soup, can take on many personalities, like the simple and approachable Chicken Noodle, or a complex and robust version chock full of Marble Brisket, Beef Medallions, Soft Tendon, and Beef Meatballs. Pho 18’s menu expands well beyond the Pho, adding Fried Rice, Rice Plates, and Vermicelli Noodles to your list of options. Delicate but vibrant Spring Rolls are stuffed in five different ways, and are accompanied on the appetizer menu by Vietnamese Egg Rolls and Summer Rolls.

Pho 18 also boasts one of the largest and most delicious Vegetarian and Vegan menus, with meatless versions of each of their appetizers and entrees. Authentic Vietnamese beverages like Fresh Coconut Juice and Salted Lemonade Soda also grace their menu, or to warm up on a winter’s day try their rich coffee sweetened with condensed milk or a cup of their Vietnamese tea. Hoa and Rose are frequented daily by every facet of the Galveston community, from students and young professionals, to doctors and former mayors, and their popularity is gaining state and nationwide attention.

Restaurants Brick House Tavern & Tap Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. eatcetera Farley Girls Cafe Fish Tales Fisherman’s Wharf By Gini Rainey Galvez Bar & Grill The fourth annual Galveston & Company Grotto The Gumbo Diner Restaurant Week will begin Saturday, JanuThe Jetty ary 10th and run through January 24th. This event will bring Galveston Island’s vibrant food Joe’s Crab Shack scene to life for two full weeks of delicious din- Landry’s Seafood House ing and will showcase the freshest ingredients, Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar most flavorful dishes and tastiest culinary gems M&M Restaurant & Bar that G-Town has to offer. In addition to being a great gastronomic event, it also serves as a fundraiser ben- Nick’s Kitchen & Beach Bar Nonno Tony’s World Kitchen efitting the Galveston County Food Bank. Number 13 Home of the finest Gulf Coast seafood and some of Texas’ most delectable restaurants, Galveston Island will proudly welcome visitors to Galveston Restaurant Week, where patrons will be able to choose Olympia Grill at Pier 21 from Galveston’s most delightful and delicious eateries for prix-fixe lunch and/or dinner menus - in attrac- Olympia Grill on Seawall On the Bayou tive price points of $10, $15, $20, $25, $30, $35, and $40, depending on the restaurant. Palm Court Taking part in Galveston Restaurant Week is incredibly easy. There are no passes to buy, no coupons Pelican Club to carry, and no cards to punch. Just make a quick call to the restaurant of your choice to make reservations and then simply dine out during the period of January 10th-24th. Reservations are strongly recom- Porch Cafe mended to make sure you’re able to sample your favorite flavors. The public is invited to experience cui- Rainforest Cafe Riondo’s Ristorante sine that will amplify their palate and highlight the fun of dining on Galveston Island. Quite simply, this Rudy & Paco new culinary tradition promises to “celebrate delicious” like no other event of the year. Saltgrass Steak House By participating in this event, you will not only have a great dining experience, but you will also be helping to solve the problem of hunger in Galveston County. Solving the problem involves more than just Saltwater Grill getting more food to the needy. It’s a matter of getting more food to the organizations that serve the needy. Shearn’s ShyKatz Deli & Bakery Through your participation in this event, you will be helping out the Galveston County Food Bank, an Sky Bar Steak & Sushi interfaith community-based organization that was established solely to receive surplus food from restauStuttgarden Tavern rants, grocery stores, institutions that prepare meals, corporations that manufacture food products, food Tortuga Mexican Kitchen brokers and shippers. Additionally, by participating in Galveston Restaurant Week’s “Point, Click & Win” contest, you could Trattoria La Vigna Tremont Cafe win a Cruise Giveaway for two, compliments of GalvestonCruises.com. You also have the opportunity The Waterman to help choose Galveston’s Restaurant of the Year by visiting your favorite restaurant, obtaining its own Willie G’s Seafood & Steaks unique keyword and texting it to 33733. For more information about the Galveston Island Restaurant Yaga’s Cafe & Bar Week and the contests associated with it, visit www.galvestonrestaurantweek.com.

Get Ready to Celebrate Delicious!

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

Join us for a Board Meeting of a Lunch time!

Espresso bar and full menu! Open 11am-10pm and 11am-Midnig Sun-Thurs ht Fri & Sat

Stop by and have a game on us! Games Make Great Gifts! Swing By and Check out our Huge Selection of Games For Sale Check our website for upcoming events and tournaments - www.boardgameisland.com 6 The Island Guide Magazine

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In addition to receiving the Top Rated Business Award for 2014 from Trip Advisor®, Pho 18 has been featured three times on the pages of “Texas Monthly.” But more important to them than the plaques on the wall are the people who regularly make Pho 18 a priority destination. “We have people from Houston who come to visit Galveston and they make sure that they come here,” says Rose proudly. “We love that.” Pho 18

704 Holiday Drive, (409)762-8849 Open Monday-Saturday, 11am-9pm, closed Sundays Address 3502 Seawall Blvd. 2501 Seawall Blvd. 408 25th St. 801 Postoffice St. 2502 Seawall Blvd. 2200 Harborside Dr. 2024 Seawall Blvd. 5222 Seawall Blvd. 3602 Seawall Blvd. 5002 Seawall Blvd. 3502 Seawall Blvd. 5310 Seawall Blvd. 2107 Postoffice St. 2401 Church St. 3828 Seawall Blvd. 2100 Harborside Dr. 7809 Broadway 100 21st St. 4908 Seawall Blvd. 6028 Heards Lane 5400 Seawall Blvd. 3828 Avenue T 1625 East Beach Dr. 5310 Seawall Blvd. 2328 Strand St. 2029 Postoffice St. 1502 Seawall Blvd. 2017 Postoffice St. 7 Hope Blvd. 1528 Avenue L 2105 Postoffice St. 2110 Strand St. 6010 Seawall Blvd. 412 20th St. 2300 Mechanic St. 14302 Stewart Rd. 2100 Harborside Dr. 2314 Strand St.

Phone Keyword (409)763-5649 BH (409)766-4952 BUBBA (409)762-0803 EAT (409)497-4454 FARLEY (409)762-8545 TALES (409)765-5708 WHARF (409)765-7721 GALVEZ 409)740-8605 GROTTO (409)762-3232 DINER (409)740-5300 JETTY (409)766-1515 JOE (409)744-1010 LANDRY (409)744-8626 GUMBO (409)766-7170 MM (409)762-9625 NICK (409)621-5100 TONY (409)572-2650 13 (409)765-0021 OLYMPIA2 (409)766-1222 OLYMPIA1 (409)497-4584 BAYOU (409)744-5000 PALM (409)761-5503 PELICAN (409)762-0808 PORCH (409)744-6000 RAIN (409)621-9595 RIONDO (409)762-3696 PACO (409)762-4261 SALTGRASS (409)762-3474 SWG (409)741-8484 SHEARN (409)770-0500 SHY (409)621-4759 SKYBAR (409)497-4972 STUTT (409)741-5000 TORTUGA (409)497-4927 PASTA (409)763-0300 TREMONTCAFE (409)632-0233 WATERMAN (409)762-3030 WILLIE (409)762-6676 YAGA

located 3 Blocks off the Strand! Open 11AM-6PM

Wednesday–MONdaY

528 23rd Street 409-497-2999

Kuhn Rikon * Nordicware * Swiss Diamond * Kyocera * Shun * Le Creuset * Wilton Armetale * Lodge

www.thekitchenchick.com www.facebook.com/kitchenchick

Music The Grand 1894 Opera House:

January Promises Lots of Dancing and Greatest Hits There’s a lot of great productions going on this month at The Grand. Check out the following shows.

Come Experience the New Pelican Club! Setting a New American Table

Flashdance - The Musical

The Grand 1894 Opera House will be presenting two performances of Broadway’s electrifying dance-musical, “Flashdance–The Musical” on Friday, January 9th at 8pm and Saturday, January 10th, at 3pm. With electrifying dance at its core, “Flashdance - The Musical” is the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and an exotic dancer by night with dreams of one day becoming a professional ballet dancer. When romance with her steel mill boss threatens to complicate her ambitions, Alex learns the meaning of love and its power to fuel the pursuit of her dream. The stage adaptation of the 1983 hit film that defined a generation features a score that includes the biggest hit songs from the movie, including the Academy Award-winning title song “Flashdance - What a Feeling,” “Maniac,” “Gloria,” “Manhunt,” and “I Love Rock & Roll.” These performances are sponsored in part by Landry’s, The Hilton Galveston Island Resort, Holiday Inn Resort, The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center, and “The Houston Chronicle”/Houston Chronicle.com. Tickets are from $22

Open to the Public - Reservations Only Hours of Operation: 5:00pm-9:00pm Wednesday through Saturday Bar Menu available Happy Hour 4:00pm-5:00pm Wednesday-Saturday

Located at 3819 Ave T, Galveston, (409)761-5503

Steve Tyrell

The Grand will be presenting a return engagement by Grammy Award-winning vocalist Steve Tyrell, Sunday, January 11th, for one performance at 4pm. Steve Tyrell is one of the music business’s renaissance men, having achieved great success as a vocal artist, producer, songwriter, music supervisor, and performer. His passion for reinventing and re-popularizing classic pop standards has brought him legions of fans worldwide. His 5 American Standards albums have achieved top 5 status on Billboard’s Jazz charts and his song, “How Do You Talk To An Angel,” written and produced for Aaron Spelling’s Fox TV series “The Heights,” earned Tyrell one of his two Emmy nominations. Tyrell’s studio collaborations include such diverse and legendary artists as Aaron Neville, Bonnie Raitt, Bette Midler, Rod Stewart, Dolly Parton, Chris Botti, and Stevie Wonder. As music supervisor and producer for film and TV, he has worked with Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Charles Shyer. Footage of Steve’s 2011 performance at The Grand was featured recently as part of local PBS Channel 8’s membership drive. Tickets are from $20.

Loesser, “Guys and Dolls” opened on Broadway in 1951 and ran for 1,200 performances. The show garnered five Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Choreography, and Best Director of a Musical. “Guys and Dolls” has enjoyed several Broadway and London revivals, as well as a 1955 film adaptation starring Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra and Vivian Blaine. This classic Broadway musical delights audiences with a colorful array of high-stakes gamblers, a bevy of dance-hall “dolls,” and the conscientious members of the “Save-a-Soul” Mission, all of whom find they have more in common than the sidewalks they share in 1940s New York. The enduring popularity of the show stems from its memorable characters, stylish dance numbers, and 14 unforgettable Frank Loesser songs, including “Luck Be a Lady,” “If I Were a Bell,” “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” and “A Bushel and a Peck.” This performance is sponsored in part by “The Galveston County Daily News,” Mitchell Historic Properties and The Galveston Restaurant Association. Tickets are from $22. Upcoming productions at The Grand include: The Oak Ridge Boys Friday, February 20th, (8pm) On Saturday, January 24th at 7:30pm, and Saturday, February 21st (8pm) “Jekyll & Hyde” Sunday, January 25th at 3pm, The Grand will Friday, February 27th (8pm) Hal Holbrook in present the legendary country group The Oak “Mark Twain Tonight” Ridge Boys. One of country music’s longest-runSunday, March 1st (5pm) Arlo Guthrie “Alice’s ning groups, The Oak Ridge Boys have one of the Restaurant, 50th Anniversary” most distinctive and recognizable sounds in the Saturday, March 7th (8pm) Montana Repertory music industry. Their four-part harmonies and Theatre presents “The Great Gatsby” upbeat songs have resulted in dozens of CounSaturday, March 14th (8pm) Neil Berg’s 102 Years of try hits, earning them Grammy, Dove, CMA, and Broadway ACM awards and garnering for them hosts of other Sunday, March 22nd (4pm) “The Rob Landes Trio: industry and fan accolades. Beatles, Bacharach and Beyond” The legacy of “The Oaks” extends back to the An Evening with Sunday, April 12th (7pm) end of World War II. The current group – which Garrison Keillor consists of lead singer Duane Allen, bass singer Sunday, May 3rd (4pm) Chris Botti Richard Sterban, tenor Joe Bonsall and baritone Friday, June 19th (8pm) and Saturday, June 20th, William Lee Golden – recently celebrated more Million Dollar Quartet (3pm and 8pm) than 40 years performing together. In that time, For tickets and more information about all they have produced more than 30 top 10 hit songs, of these events, call The Grand’s box office at 12 gold records, three platinum records, one dou- (409)765-1894, (800)821-1894, or visit web site at ble-platinum album, and a double-platinum single, www.thegrand.com. with combined sales totalling 41 million records. They continue to maintain a vigorous touring schedule and released a live album in April 2014, “Boys Night Out.” Tickets are from $35. “Guys and Dolls”

The Grand 1894 Opera House will be hosting two performances of the legendary Broadway musical “Guys and Dolls,” Saturday, January 31st at 3pm and 8pm. Based on Damon Runyan’s colorful characters with music and lyrics by Frank

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The Noise Poets:

“Don’t Mess With the Sound” By Kimber Fountain

located at 202 20th st. on the corner of strand st. and 20th

daily happy hour & drink specials sports bar - football and cold beer! 409.443.5533

Never has there been a band more aptly named than The Noise Poets, and rarely does an album more deftly capture the true sound of a band than their recently released album, “Don’t Mess With the Sound.” Frontman George Lee, Bassist Tony Sasssi, and Percussionist Nick Veremis have already made a name for themselves on the Island with their thrilling live performances and their heightened, edgy interpretation of the 70s sound that defined modern Rock ‘n Roll, and the essence of both oozes out of every pore of this latest album. In fact, the label of ‘album’ does not quite do “Don’t Mess With the Sound” justice, as it is more accurately described as a raucously bawdy musical theatre production, complete with sound effects, dramatic readings, and all the pathos and indiscretion of a Rated R movie. “We really wanted to catch our live performance on the album,” says George, and if you have never seen The Noise Poets in action, suffice it to say that is a tall order. Their show is no amateur display, with musicians banished to the corner of a bar, or awkward, on-stage discussions about what song they are going to play next. The Noise Poets are master musicians who are front, center, in, around, and sometimes even on top of their audiences, with carefully planned sets and a captivating presence. Transposing the continuity of their live playlists onto the album was the easy part, but “Don’t Mess With the Sound” takes it a step further. The songs are woven together with the subtle underpinnings of a master storyteller. “It is like a film,” George says. “We purposely structured it that way.” He continues, “I poured everything I know into this… this is my ‘Sergeant Pepper’.” The similar interludes of sound effects and dramatic readings further elicit the flow of the melodic story, told with a variety of songs and sounds that showcase the entirety of the band members’ collective experience, which numbers in decades. To capture the sound of their live performance, George and the band recorded the entire album in one marathon session at the Houston studio of

Gig Guide Wednesday, January 7th

2- Steppin Saloon – Country Karaoke, 8-12 B. Jiggers – Video DJ, 8-12 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 6-9 Bull’s – Damn Union, 9-2 Crow’s Southwest Cantina - Open Mic Acoustic, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Old Quarter – Open Mic, 9-1

Thursday, January 8th

2- Steppin Saloon – Country DJ, 8-12 The Bar – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jigger’s – The Line Up, 9-1 Crow`s Southwest Cantina – Open Mic Jam, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Old Quarter – Open Mic, 9-1

Friday, January 9th

2- Steppin Saloon – Live Music, 9-1 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jigger’s – P.F. & The Flyers, 9-1 Club 21 – DJ, 9-1 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Live Music, 9-1 Elk’s Lodge – Soulshine, 7-11 Hotel Galvez – Joel Sewell, 5-10 Old Quarter – Adam Carroll & Wrecks Bell, 9-1 The Poop Deck – Zak Perry, 9-1 Riondo’s – Joyce Fields, 6-9 Rum Shack – Level One, 9-1 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Tremont House– Island Jazz Project, 6-10 Tortuga – Karaoke, 4-8 West End Restaurant – Karaoke, 7-11 Yaga’s – The Line Up, 10-1

Saturday, January 10th 8 The Island Guide Magazine

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2- Steppin Saloon – Live Music, 9-1 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jiggers – Mambo Kings, 9-1

Texas Music Marketing. “Most of what you hear on the album is first-take stuff, there are no over-dubs,” George affirms, and the overall timbre of the production is raw and genuine, embellished with that sentimental tinny touch reminiscent of a Galveston dive, complete with live introductions of the band members, just like their performances. “Most of the songs are just the three of us, although there were a couple of numbers that needed an epic sound,” which they accomplished by using additional instruments. Their songs range from the local anthem, “Keep Rockin’ at the Edge of Town,” a tribute to Bobbie’s House of Spirits, to the sultry, indiscriminate “Auto Erotica,” to the dark “Bittersweet Drive,” which George describes as “the ultimate revenge song.” The songs even make their way across generations. Capturing the best of true Chicago Blues, George wrote, “That’s the Way It Is” back in 1973, but in keeping with the times, “Don’t Clog My News Feed” is a hilarious parody and a pointed commentary on the modern dramas of Facebook. At times the album rocks, other times it just rolls; it explores the heights of ecstasy, and the bowels of despair; it makes you want to get up and dance, and it makes you want to lay down and cry; and along the rollercoaster ride of emotion is a veritable scavenger hunt of literary allusions and throwback cameos. Most notably, “Don’t Mess With the Sound” is nostalgic without being sentimental, simultaneously classic and modern. Driving and well-crafted beats surround melodies of relevant lyrics and engage the listener with all of the devices of a live rock n’ roll concert, except of course the smoke and pyrotechnics. For those, you will have to see them live. But one thing is for certain, on this album, the Noise Poets definitely didn’t mess with the sound. For more information about the Noise Poets, go to www.noisepoetsband.com, www.facebook.com/ NoisePoets. Order “Don’t Mess With the Sound” online or pick up a signed copy at G. Lee Gallery, 2215 Postoffice St., downtown Galveston. See The Noise Poets Live at:

• January 10th, Stuttgarten Tavern on The Strand, 7-11pm • January 18th, Bobbie’s House of Spirits, 3-11pm Official CD Release Party • January 24th, Stuttgarten Tavern on The Strand, 7-11pm Club 21 – DJ, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Joe Sewell, 5-10 Old Quarter – Ruthie Foster, 9-1 Pleasure Pier – Louis Adams Band, 4-8 Rum Shack – Kaos, 9-1 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Stuttgarden Tavern – Noise Poets, 7-11 Tremont House– Island Jazz Project, 6-10 Yaga’s – The Line Up, 10-1

Sunday, January 11th

2- Steppin Saloon – Tejano DJ, 8-12 B Jiggers – Karaoke, 8-12 Bobbie’s House of Spirits – Open Mic, 9-1 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Open Mic, 12-4 The Grand – Steve Tyrell, 4pm Hemingway’s – Robert Kuhn, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Joyce Fields 11-2pm Nonno Tony’s – Danny Kristensen, 4-7 Rosie’s – Tom Katz, 4-8 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1

Monday, January 12th

B Jiggers – Video DJ, 8-12 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Karaoke, 8-12 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1

Tuesday, January 13th

The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jiggers – Karaoke, 8-12 Crow’s Southwest Cantina - Troubadours Open Jam, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1

Wednesday, January 14th

2- Steppin Saloon – Country Karaoke, 8-12 B. Jiggers – Video DJ, 8-12 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 6-9 Crow’s Southwest Cantina - Open Mic Acoustic, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9

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Nonno Tony’s – Mickey Hobbs, 5-8 Old Quarter – Open Mic, 9-1

Thursday, January 15th

2- Steppin Saloon – Country DJ, 8-12 The Bar – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jigger’s – The Line Up, 9-1 Crow`s Southwest Cantina – Open Mic Jam, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9

Friday, January 16th

The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jigger’s – The Line Up, 9-1 Club 21 – DJ, 9-1 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Live Music, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Joel Sewell, 5-10 Old Quarter – Clarence Bucaro, 9-1 The Poop Deck – Zak Perry, 9-1 Riondo’s – Joyce Fields, 6-9 Rum Shack – HuDu Kingz, 9-1 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Tremont House– Island Jazz Project, 6-10 Tortuga – Karaoke, 4-8 West End Restaurant – Karaoke, 7-11 Yaga’s – Bare Necessity, 10-1

Saturday, January 17th

2- Steppin Saloon – Live Music, 9-1 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jiggers – Louis Adams, 9-1 Club 21 – DJ, 9-1 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – The Relics, 9-1, Hilton Resort – Kirk Ford & Jim Ramirez Duo, 7-10 Hotel Galvez – Joe Sewell, 5-10 Old Quarter – Lisa Morales Band, 9-1 Pleasure Pier – Velvet Punch,5-9 The Poop Deck – Soulshine, 9-1 Rum Shack – Alter Ego, 9-1 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Tremont House– Island Jazz Project, 6-10

Jam, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1

Wednesday, January 21st

Thursday, January 22nd

Monday, February 2nd

Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Country Karaoke, 8-12 B Jiggers – Karaoke, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1

B. Jiggers – Video DJ, 8-12 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Karaoke, 8-12 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1

Wednesday, January 28th

Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Country Karaoke, 8-12 B Jiggers – Karaoke, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1

Thursday, January 29th

2- Steppin Saloon – Live Music, 9-1 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jiggers –The Fuse, 9-1 Club 21 – DJ, 9-1 Crow’s – Coastal Fury, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Joe Sewell, 5-10 Old Quarter – Hank Schyma & Jo Bird, 9-1 The Poop Deck – Zak Perry, 9-1 Riondo’s – Joyce Fields, 6-9 Rum Shack – The Goods, 9-1 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Tortuga - Karaoke, 4-8 Tremont House – Island Jazz Project, 6-10 West End Restaurant – Karaoke, 7-11 Yaga’s – The Line Up, 10-1

Saturday, January 24th

Sunday, January 25th

The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jiggers – Karaoke, 8-12 Crow’s Southwest Cantina - Troubadours Open

Tuesday, January 27th

Friday, January 23rd

Monday, January 19th

Tuesday, January 20th

The Grand – The Oak Ridge Boys, 3pm Hemingway’s – Robert Kuhn, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Joyce Fields, 11-2pm Rosie’s – Tom Katz, 4-8 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1

2- Steppin Saloon – Country DJ, 8-12 B Jigger’s – The Line Up, 9-1 Crow`s Southwest Cantina – Open Mic Jam, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Old Quarter – Open Mic, 9-1

2- Steppin Saloon – Tejano DJ, 8-12 B Jiggers – Karaoke, 8-12 Bobbie’s House of Spirits – CD Release Party for Noise Poets, 3-11 Bull’s – Open Mic, 7-11 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Live Music, 12-4 Hemingway’s – Robert Kuhn, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Joyce Fields 11-2pm Rosie’s – Tom Katz, 4-8 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1 2- Steppin Saloon – Country Karaoke, 8-12 B Jiggers – Video DJ, 8-12 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Karaoke, 8-12 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1

B. Jiggers – Video DJ, 8-12 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Karaoke, 8-12 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1

2- Steppin Saloon – Country Karaoke, 8-12 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 Crow’s Southwest Cantina - Open Mic Acoustic, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Old Quarter - Open Mic, 9-1

2- Steppin Saloon – Live Music, 9-1 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 6-9 B. Jiggers – Fidelity Maxx, 9-1 Club 21 – DJ, 9-1 The Grand – Oak Ridge Boys, 7pm Hotel Galvez – Joe Sewell, 5-10 The Old Quarter – Shake Russell, 9-1 Pleasure Pier – the Staylyns, 4-8 Rum Shack – The Playboyz, 9-1 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Stuttgarden Tavern – Noise Poets, 7-11 Tremont House – Island Jazz Project, 6-10 Yaga’s – Clayton Gardner, 10-1

Sunday, January 18th

Monday, January 26th

2- Steppin Saloon – Tejano DJ, 8-12 B. Jigger’s – Karaoke, 8-12 Bobbie’s House of Spirits – Open Mic, 9-1 Bull’s – Open Mic, 7-11 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Live Music, 4-8 The Grand – The Oak Ridge Boys, 3pm Hemingway’s – Robert Kuhn, 8-12 Hotel Galvez – Joyce Fields, 11-2pm Rosie’s – Tom Katz, 4-8 Splash Bar – Karaoke, 9-1

2- Steppin Saloon – Country DJ, 8-12 B Jigger’s – The Line Up, 9-1 Crow`s Southwest Cantina – Open Mic Jam, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Old Quarter – Open Mic, 9-1

Friday, January 30th

2- Steppin Saloon – Live Music, 9-1 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 7-11 B. Jiggers –Rapture, 9-1 Club 21 – DJ, 9-1 Crow’s – Live Music, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Joe Sewell, 5-10 The Poop Deck – Zak Perry, 9-1 Riondo’s – Joyce Fields, 6-9 Rum Shack – Flicker System, 9-1 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Stuttgarden – DJ, 7-11 Tortuga - Karaoke, 4-8 Tremont House – Island Jazz Project, 6-10 West End Restaurant – Karaoke, 7-11 Yaga’s – The Line Up, 10-1

Saturday, January 31st

2- Steppin Saloon – Live Music, 9-1 The Bar at the San Luis – Angelo Tolentino, 6-9 B. Jiggers – 11th Hour, 9-1 Club 21 – DJ, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Joe Sewell, 5-10 Pleasure Pier – A Sure Thing, 4-8 The Poop Deck – Soulshine, 9-1 Rum Shack – Level One, 9-1 Shearn’s Lounge – Steve Newsom, 7-11 Stuttgarden – DJ, 7-11 Tremont House – Island Jazz Project, 6-10 Yaga’s – Drugstore Gypsies, 10-1

Sunday, February 1st

2- Steppin Saloon – Tejano DJ, 8-12 B. Jigger’s – Karaoke, 8-12 Bobbie’s House of Spirits – Open Mic, 9-1 Bull’s – Open Mic, 7-11 Crow’s Southwest Cantina – Live Music, 4-8

The Island Guide Magazine

Tuesday, February 3rd

Wednesday, February 4th

Thursday, February 5th

2- Steppin Saloon – Country DJ, 8-12 B Jigger’s – The Line Up, 9-1 Crow`s Southwest Cantina – Open Mic Jam, 9-1 Hotel Galvez – Bryan Guevin, 6-9 Old Quarter – Open Mic, 9-1

Friday-Sunday, February 6th-8th

“Mardi Gras! Galveston” Music Line-Up

See page 17 for schedule and line up for concerts and Live DJ shows on two stages. For additional information on these Festival events or to purchase tickets, go online to www.mardigrasgalveston.com.

Island Guide Magazine is currently seeking a

Music Editor

If you have a love for writing, telling a story and love music please send a note to:

TheIslandGuide@gmail.com

Eagerness trumps experience every time. Therefore, experience is not necessarily needed. If you want to gain experience and get samples for your portfolio, e-mail us. This is a freelance position.

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Movies Movie Reviews By

Dustin Chase

www.texasartfilm.com Dustin is a Member of the “Houston Film Critics Society” Film Critic/Assistant Editor for “Texas Art & Film” (texasartfilm.com) Film Critic for “The Daily News” (Galveston) Entertainment Reporter for “Galveston.com” Film Critic for “Island Guide,” (Galveston) & “EGuide Magazine” (Tyler) and Online Air Entertainment News Commentator at “News 92FM’s Livin’ Large”

“Selma” Starring: David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Oprah

Winfrey, Tom Wilkinson Opening January 9th Director Ava DuVernay (“Middle of Nowhere”) will very likely make history in 2015 as the first African American female to be nominated for best director in the Academy Awards history. DuVernay will only be the 5th woman ever nominated in that category. It’s probably an insignificant trivia fact for some, but it’s one more example of the continuation of Martin Luther King’s fight for equality. First time screenwriter Paul Webb’s original screenplay for ”Selma” doesn’t use the textbook bullet points one might assume a film about Dr. King might encompass. This film, like its title suggests, isn’t about Dr. King specifically, but the events that took place in Selma, Alabama, that involved an entire nation from President Johnson to your great grandmother. The outside world applauded what Martin Luther King (Oyelowo) was trying to do in the southern states of America. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. “Motivated by dignity” sounded over the microphones to a welcome crowd. In one of his many meetings with President Lyndon B. Johnson (Wilkinson), King urged the most powerful leader in the world to enforce equal rights. The colored people of the southern states, including Selma, were being denied the right to vote (even though the law says they can), and when Johnson said it’s going to have to wait, King declared, “Selma is it.” It took whites and blacks being killed and splashed on the front page of the newspaper and on the nightly news to get Johnson angry enough to realize what needed to happen. While King himself brought embarrassment to his own household, he never lost site of the larger issue.

English actor Oyelowo was the main topic of conversation during a roundtable interview I did following the film “Red Tails.” The actor has just burst onto the scene, and his cast mates Cuba Gooding Jr. and Terrence Howard, seemed to understand this was the beginning of a major career with the way they told stories about his craft on the set. Oyelowo has since then become one of the most in demand actors of his generation, delivering a head turning (and much overlooked) performance last year in “The Butler” and another small, terrific turn this year in “A Most Violent Year.” He professes God told him to play MLK, and his uncanny resemblance to the historical figure allows the actor to dissolve into the role. In good company, Oyelowo is joined by veteran Oscar nominated Brit actor Tom Wilkinson (“In the Bedroom”) who was also quite brilliant earlier this year in “Belle.” Wilkinson’s Johnson is adversarial in nearly every scene that is sprinkled throughout the film. DuVernay doesn’t spend too much time with the President, but just enough to give us the sense of the arc and importance of King guiding Johnson to the correct point of action. The script also carefully addresses King’s affairs in a powerful scene where Coretta Scott King (played wonderfully by Carmen Ejogo) demands the truth. Like JC Chandor’s “Margin Call” or “A Most Violent Year,” we witness two sides fighting a battle that isn’t necessarily in combat. “Selma” focuses on the careful and calculated tactics of King and his organization to do things in the right way for the right reasons. Final Thought – DuVernay is poised to make history, while Oyelowo and Wilkinson deliver memorable performances. Grade B+

“A Most Violent Year” Starring: Oscar Isaac, Jessica Chastain, David

Oyelowo, Albert Brooks Opening January 9th JC Chandor’s biggest problem with his third feature is that the title doesn’t match the subject. The film and the trailer toy with the premise that 1980’s New York City was one of the most violent years in modern history. However, the film has a much more specific premise: a look inside the competition between oil distribution companies and the oddity of one particular business man who refused, at all costs, to participate in gangster type corruption. This is the strongest and most complete work of Chandor’s relatively short career. He is a director with a particular vision, adamant to challenge himself. He wowed the crowd with “Margin Call” and left everyone scratching their heads with “All is Lost.” Abel Morales (Isaac) is slowly losing control of his company Standard Oil, one of the newest and certainly the most ambitious of the competing

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oil delivery companies in New York during 1981. Drivers are repeatedly being attacked and brutalized and the delivery trucks stolen and emptied. Abel warns his competitors to “stop!” whether behind the crimes or simply purchasing his stolen oil off the black market. Faced with a million dollar deal that hinges on his company looking respectable to the lender, the New York DA’s office has indicted Standard Oil on serious charges. If that wasn’t bad enough, his drivers begin carrying weapons to protect themselves and his family is being intimidated. Once again, two-time Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain (“Interstellar,” “Zero Dark Thirty”) gives a compelling, fascinating and unforgettable performance that will first leave you wowed by her range and stamina, but also wanting more in the second half. Chastain has very quickly emerged as a force in cinema. She doesn’t just play a part in the film, nor does she just simply melt into the characters; she works with the directors to flesh out these women. She personally contacted Armani to have clothes from their 1981 collection on hand for her character to wear, as she decided Anna Morales would have worn nothing else. Each scene featuring Chastain interacting with her husband or district attorney Lawrence (Oyelowo) has an expression saying loud and clear: “I will continue to allow you to think you are in control.” It’s a clever character and a brilliant performance, making the choice of voting for this character or her “Interstellar” performance very difficult. Equally impressive is Isaac, who was snubbed last year for his fantastic work on “Inside Llewyn Davis.” He tops that award worthy performance with another that will also be snubbed. Excellent hair and makeup age the 34-year-old Guatemalan actor well beyond his years. Chandor’s original script (another likely nomination for the film) really gets at the heart of one guy trying to do decent ordinary business among so much corruption and how, even from within, he is being pulled toward the dark-side. It’s as thrilling in many places with chases and violent temperaments as it is compelling to see the inner-workings and manipulations behind a very different company than what we saw in “Margin Call.” The score and the art direction, also key to this film, work really well. It never falters for a second and every scene only adds something new to the comprehensive picture Chandor is painting. Final Thought – Chandor channels Scorsese in his most solid work to date. Chastain and Isaac are Oscar worthy. Grade B+

“Cake” Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Adriana Barraza,

Anna Kendrick, Sam Worthington Opening January 23rd The only reason “Cake” is even in the Oscar conversation is the fact that for only the second time in her career, Jennifer Aniston has stepped back towards the dark indie genre like she did back in 2002 with “The Good Girl.” “Cake” is a messy film, both with the characters we are watching and the way the film is assembled. Aniston gives a provoked performance; it’s based nearly entirely on her ability to showcase the character’s chronic physical and mental pain. This character doesn’t have a lot of depth and the film allows these people to exist on screen without ever really moving towards a point of reference or a solid manifestation. The only real positive element to presenting a story like this is the fact that we have no idea where it will

end up. Highly medicated on Percocet and oxycodone, Claire (Aniston) attends a doctor recommended support group; one of the members, Nina (Kendrick), has just committed suicide. After a snarky comment about the death during role playing, it’s suggested that Claire not attend anymore. Most of her days are spent lying flat due to the damage she has suffered to her back and the pins in her legs. Scars cover her face and the memory of what she has lost, including her husband (Chris Messina) who she refuses to see, are drowned out by booze and more pills. Unable to get the image of Nina jumping off the interstate out of her mind, she visits widower Roy (Worthington), who is barely able to keep himself and his little boy pushing forward. When dealing with awards season, one of the first things I look for in a performance film is what scene could be a potential clip for the actor in consideration. Aniston has quite a few, and a lot more screen time than Hilary Swank (“The Homesman”) and she is more interesting to watch than Marion Cotillard (“Two Days One Night”). “Cake” as a film, however, feels like a cheap, straight to DVD movie that is only garnering awards attention because voters are desperate to find alternative females to nominate. With a SAG and Golden Globe nomination, “Cake” could lead Aniston to an Oscar nomination, but it would be the weakest of the five nominees. The scenes Aniston shares with Oscar nominee Barraza (“Babel”) are among the best in the film. Their interesting relationship carries more weight than the pill popping hallucinations Claire is having with Nina’s ghost. The three scenes with Oscar nominee Huffman (“Transamerica”) have almost nothing to do with the thin plot that can be summed up as ‘a suicide in a support group gives another woman a reason to live.’ The script by Patrick Tobin feels uninspired and jumps around so much it feels like they just wrote a handful of characters to add more famous faces in the film. Final Thought – For the second time, Aniston steps out of the easy stuff and into something showcasing her range. Grade C+

Dustin’s “Best” & “Worst” of 2014

“Best” Movies

“Worst” Movies

1. 2. 3. 4.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

“Begin Again” “Interstellar” “Whiplash” “1000 Times Goodnight” 5. “Snowpiercer” 6. “Calvary” 7. “The Skeleton Twins” 8. “Boyhood” 9. “Labor Day” 10. “The Fault of Our Stars”

“The Identical” “Lucy” “I, Frankenstein” “The Bag Man” “Dumb & Dumber To” 6. “300: Rise of an Empire” 7. “The Expendables 3” 8. “Mood Indigo” 9. “3 Days to Kill” 10. “Left Behind”

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I-45 to Houston Clo

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Store - 409-497-4148 Restaurant - 409-497-4152 Bait Shop - 409-632-0338

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VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER 2328 BROADWAY (BEHIND ASHTON VILLA)

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Intracoastal Canal

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Downtown Galveston (see map on back)

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

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

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Books

Baby, It’s Cold Outside, So Snuggle Up! By Gini Rainey “The Orphan Train” By Christina Baker Kline

This is one of those books I didn’t want to end. Rich in themes centered on families and parenting, “Orphan Train” is a short and very readable novel. Kline narrates the story of a practice meant to be kind that was often cruel. Due to the waves of immigration, epidemics of illnesses and the difficulty of living in poverty, many children were left as orphans. Many families had multiple children who were set adrift when their parents died or disappeared. Organizations sprang up to help with the problem and the orphan trains were created. Large numbers of children from the big Eastern cities were shipped to the Midwest where couples looking for children could adopt them. The book has two orphaned women as heroines, 17 year old Molly and 91 year old Vivian. Molly’s father, a Native American, was killed when she was a young child and her mother, who could not cope, retreated to a life of drug abuse. Molly has been placed in a foster home with people who do not respect her intelligence or belief system. Vivian came to New York City from Ireland with her parents as a child. After most of her family was killed in a tenement fire, Vivian was placed on an orphan train going west with the hope of finding an adoptive family. Her first two placements in the state of Minnesota were disastrous, but she eventually found a stable home that helped launch her life as a productive adult. Now, fate has once again intervened in the lives of both women as, at age 91, Vivian meets Molly, who has to complete a community service assignment. Molly begins to assist Vivian in cleaning out her attic, slowly sorting through the mementos that represent the pieces of Vivian’s life she has kept hidden for all these years. As they discover the unexpected correlation in their life experiences, Molly and Vivian develop a true affection for each other. As the story moves back and forth in time between the late 1920’s and present day Maine, author Christina Baker Kline’s novel explores the subjects of love, adversity, resilience, providence, the workings of the child welfare system, deep and hidden secrets, and how the choices we make can resonate through generations. As you discover more and more about these characters and their lives, you may certainly question some of their behavior and the decisions they made. While you may not agree with, nor understand their actions, they remain endearing folks who stick to your heart like glue so that find yourself accepting their flaws and wishing them well. This is a very well-written historical fiction. It moves between 1920 and present day revealing more of the characters backgrounds with each chapter. It is very easy to fall in love with this book and the characters. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes more modern historical fiction as well as those who like stories about overcoming the odds. Rating: 5 of 5 Copyright 2013 – William Morrow

“Where Have You Been?” By Cynthia Boone

for the most part, avoid the typically cliché solutions. Although initially “Three Moons…” might appear to be chic-lit One of the great things about on the surface, it most definitely changes its appearance by virtue of reviewing books is that sooner or its smartly written, warm and endearing story line. While perhaps later you begin to have people cona novel written to appeal to an older reader, the truths and lessons tact you to review their books. I love learned by the three women of Sedona are applicable to the lives of this part of the job, because when old and young alike. I receive these books, I’m always Hartzler’s incredible story-telling skills and imaginative details that eager to dig in and start reading. I surround even the simplest moments help to bring a nearly visual love a good read and was hoping experience to the reader. Her dry sense of humor fills the pages with a that “Where Have You Been?” would warm wit, further bringing the story line even more realistically to life. prove to be one, and I was left with This book is a wonderful adult coming of age story about three very mixed feelings about this book. very complex and interesting women whose challenges bind them The storyline focuses on Carly together in ways that few young people have the experience to underand Beau, a couple of star-crossed stand. From sharing their own personal tragedies they are all able to lovers that have one heck of a time grow and blossom in ways they never expected. trying to get together. Because of time and distance, their budFor those who choose to read this book, don’t expect a book ding romance, which began in high school, didn’t stand much of about Sedona. It’s definitely not a travelogue. The beautiful town of a chance of survival. It took me a while to get into the heart of this Sedona is simply the setting for most of what takes place in the story book because I almost needed a magic slate to try to keep up with the and it could just as easily have been any other town about 2,000 characters and the different plots that Ms. Boone was presenting. The miles west of Ohio. It is what it is - a very touching, yet very fun story short chapters (some only a page and a half long) made for a choppy about the challenges that many of us will face as we mature in life. read and I found myself wondering what terrible misfortune would Rating: 5 of 5 happen to them with the next turn of the page. Copyright 2009 – Rock House Publishing I was left with the feeling that Ms. Boone tried much too hard to give the histories for all of the characters in order to tie the story line into a neat package. This resulted in my suffering from “plot whipGalveston Bookshop Signings lash” due to all the territory she attempted to cover. Although that in Galveston Bookshop is located at 317 23rd St., downtown itself isn’t necessarily a bad thing, the constant introduction of subplots left me with a feeling that the development of her main charac- Galveston, (409)750-8200, galvestonbookshop.com. Saturday, January 17th, 3-5pm ters was lacking. In my opinion, her writing is very good and the story lines are “Murder at the Driskill” by Kathleen Kaska intriguing, but by jumping around as much as she did, parts of the This book signing will host author Kathleen Kaska and her mysbook suffered from too little fleshing out. I’m wondering if perhaps tery novel “Murder at the Driskill,” the fourth and newest addition to she might have done her characters (and plots) a favor by presenther Syndey Lockhart series featuring famous Texas hotels including ing them in a multiple book format, thus allowing for more in depth the locally popular “Murder at the Galvez.” It is 1953 in Austin where details to have been devoted to some of the key issues. Sydney and her detective boyfriend Ralph Dixon have just opened That being said, I do have to admit that I had trouble putting their own private investigation agency. They quickly land a high prodown “Where Have You Been?” once I got into the thick of the plot. file case to investigate one Leland Tatum, a businessman about to Cynthia’s characters are very likable and what’s not to like about a launch a campaign for Texas governor. The focus of the case changes book that is set on a ranch in central Texas? If you would like to read drastically when Tatum is shot to death in his room at the Driskill a fast-paced, intriguing book filled with angst, drama and misforHotel where he was about to announce his campaign. The Texas tunes, then “Where Have You Been?” is the one for you. gumshoes suddenly find themselves in the middle of the murder Rating: 3 of 5 investigation along with an unwanted amateur sleuth, the daughter of Copyright 2014 – BookBaby one of the suspects who is out to clear her father’s name. 2014, LL Publications, Bedford, Texas “Three Moons Over Sedona” By Sherry Hatzler Saturday, January 24th, 2-4pm Sherry Hatzler, a gifted mainstream “Nothing to Lose” by Jim Sanderson women’s fiction novelist, brings us this “Nothing To Lose” is set in Beaumont and other more remote tale of a middle-aged woman whose husbackwaters of East Texas, an area that the main character, a private band dies under embarrassing circumeye named Roger Jackson, calls the three P’s: pines, petroleum, and stances and leaves her to question her Pentecostals. Jackson is retained to collect surveillance photos of a own life. One day she gets in the car and local social worker suspected of consummating someone else’s marjust drives, all the way to a new town riage. The husband turns out to be right, but the social worker winds called Sedona. It’s here that she starts up shot dead and the damning photos are discovered at the crime her life over, basically from scratch, with scene. Jackson is reluctantly pulled into an investigation of the murthe help of two younger very different der by several interested parties, some of whom are not coming clean women that she learns to call her friends. about their real motivations. “Nothing to Lose” flavors the familiar In this very touching heartfelt story, gumshoe detective yarn with a potent East Texas seasoning that area the reader learns that all three women readers will recognize unmistakably as their own. Jim Sanderson is an are holding on too tightly to past hurts award winning author with a Ph.D. in fiction writing from Oklahoma thus making it difficult to move towards State University. He was born in San Antonio and is currently Profeslove in their future. This book is the story sor of English at Lamar University in Beaumont. Much of his work is of how the three get to know each other set in Texas, particularly West Texas and the border. and themselves and let go of the hurts together. Hatzler has created very realistic flawed characters and relationships and the resolutions, 2014, TCU Press, Fort Worth, Texas

Events

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Things To Do

Mardi Gras Madness:

February 6th-17th The Island Comes Alive By Kimber Fountain Every year the Mardi Gras celebrations on Galveston Island get bigger and better, and 2015 is no exception. For six days in February, Mardi Gras madness will take over the Island from the Seawall to the Strand, with two stages, 12 bands, 13 DJs, 17 balcony parties, and 20 parades, as well as family-friendly events, commemorative ceremonies, and even a 5K Fun Run. The festivities begin on February 6th, just a few short weeks away, but that still gives you plenty of time to forget about your New Year’s Resolutions and plan to have the time of your life.

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based in Austin that boasts a funky, contemporary, horn-driven sound a la authentic New Orleans, will kick off the musical festivities with a performance on Friday, February 6th from 5:15–6:15pm. On Saturday, February 7th, catch the Mambo General Admission Jazz Kings from 12 noon–1pm, followed by headYour GA ticket gets you direct access to the liners Delta Rae, and closing out the night is The “Mardi Gras! Galveston” Entertainment District Line Up, on stage from 10–11pm. for either Friday or Saturday on the weekends of The second weekend, Olivia Lane will grace February 6th-7th and 13th-14th. General admisthe Budweiser Stage on Friday, February 13th from sion gains you up-close access to the parades, bead 6:45–7:45pm, followed later by the band Sprung catching, shopping, and live entertainment on from 11:15pm–12:15am. two stages. Purchase tickets today online by visitSaturday, February 14th promises an entire day ing www.mardigrasgalveston.com, for $10. Weekend of live music, with Handsome as Sin from 12 noon– passes with special online-only rates are available 1pm, an encore performance by The Line Up from as well. On-line discounted tickets are on sale for a 2-3pm, and O.G.R.E. from 4–5pm. limited time. After the sun goes down, Fred Andrews and Weekend passes are the way to go at Mardi the Honeybrowns will take the stage from 8:30– Gras. The pass for February 6th-8th will save you 9:30pm, then comes a repeat performance by $16 and get you in for 10 parades, including Mystic Sprung from 10:30–11:30pm, and finally closKrewe of Aquarius and Krewe of Gambinus in the ing out the official festival is Almost Endless Sumentertainment district. mer from 11:15pm–12:15am. Access to all concerts The pass for February 13th-15th will also save on the Budweiser Stage is included in the General you $16 and includes 11 parades along with non- Admission Ticket. stop entertainment on 2 stages that will feature Jagermeister Stage country music star Danielle Bradberry on the 13th. Jagermeister Stage, located at 21st and Strand, Remember, the all-access balcony party tickets are is the official sight of Electric Mardi Gras, a specalso available, but there are limited quantities. tacular, crowd-pleaser of a show that compliments Delta Rae your beer and beads with laser lights and beatThe head- thumping DJs. Electric Mardi Gras runs non-stop liners of Mardi from 5pm–1am during all four nights of the offiGras 2015, cial festival, with Southbeat Music warming up the Delta Rae is turntables each evening from 5–8pm. an American On Friday, February 6th, they are followed by folk rock band DJ Nonstopp, DJ Bizonee, and the winner of the out of North Jagermeister DJ Contest; then on Saturday the 7th, Carolina who watch DJ Quest, DJ Villa, DJ Pistol B, and DJ Nonlanded on the stopp light up the night. For the second weekend of Mardi Gras, DJs national music scene back in 2010 and released their debut album Skritchin and Randall Martin are added to the slate in June of 2012. Comprised of six members, three on Friday the 13th, along with closing act DJ B & of whom are siblings, the group was on the lineup Chase who will perform a live mixing show. On Saturday, February 14th, dance away the of Lollapalooza 2014; and their debut album “Chasing Twisters” includes their breakout hit “If I Loved final hours of Mardi Gras to the beats of DJ Ebonix, DJ T. Gray, and DJ Kyle Berg. Access to all Electric You,” featuring Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham. They will perform on Saturday, Feb- Mardi Gras performances is included in the General Admission ticket. ruary 7th, from 5:30pm–7pm, but if you want to see them before anyone else, purchase exclusive “Mardi Gras! Galveston” tickets to the “Up Close and Personal–Delta Rae Headquarters Balcony Party VIP Balcony Party” at the Trolley Station building Be the first to see the spectacularly lit floats as (2021 Strand), where the band will make a special the first parade enters the Entertainment District. appearance prior to their show. Tickets are $65 and This party launches the revelry on Friday, February include General Admission and all-day access to the 6th from 5pm–1am at the Trolley Station building, balcony from 12pm–1am. 2021 Strand. Tickets are $35 and include admission to the Entertainment District, music, and a full Budweiser Stage cash bar. For tickets visit mardigrasgalveston.com. The Main Stage of “Mardi Gras! Galveston,” Budweiser Stage is located in the heart of the celMardi Gras Headquarters Balcony ebration, at the corner of 23rd and Strand in Party & Grand Viewing Party Saengerfest Park. February 6th, 7th, 13th, and 14th, experience the true magic of Galveston’s Mardi Gras with a VIP The Boss Street Band, an 8-piece brass band

view of all the parades from the balcony of the Dargan & Tobyn building, located at 23rd and Strand above Gracie’s. The official party of Mardi Gras runs from 5pm–1am all four nights, and includes general admission, music, and a full cash bar. Saturday the 14th brings the heightened Grand Viewing Party extravaganza, the best place to enjoy the final hours of Mardi Gras. Tickets are $45 for Fridays and $75 for Saturdays, visit www.mardigrasgalveston.com to purchase.

Party Gras Procession, George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Ceremony & Parade

photographer, raffles, silent auctions, and bead throwing. Tickets are $30 for individuals or $300 for a table of 10. The following weekend, at 9am on Saturday the 14th, Rosaire will hit the streets with their parade, the “Battle of the Bands,” that includes bands from all over the Houston area. Other entries in the parade include motorcycle groups, Krewe royalty, drill teams, dancers, ROTC, boats, and floats winding from Kempner Park over to Jack Johnson Park. For more information contact Cheryl Lynch at cslynch@utmb.edu or (409)392-4962. Electric Mardi Gras Balcony Party

Hailed as the most energetic and intense balcony party of all, on Saturday February 7th the At 5pm on Friday, February 6th, a Jockusch Building at 21st and Strand will host a Dixieland jazz band and members of the one-night-only VIP view above Electric Mardi Gras. Mystic Krewe of Aquarius will escort the This balcony is also a prime location to watch the Lidstone Family in a walking procession For kids of all ages, the Jr. Jester Jaunt begins at two largest parades of the season. Tickets are $65 that promises to be a delight for the entire family. 21st and Strand, then participants can walk, run, or and include admittance into the Entertainment DisThe Lidstone Family are this year’s honored recipi- stroll their way through this non-competitive, non- trict and entry onto the balcony starting at 12pm. ents of the George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award, timed event, great for a day of fun with the family. Enjoy music and a full cash bar all day, and balcony rotation will be enforced. For tickets visit online at which will be presented in a heartwarming cer100% of the entry fee will go to support the Sunemony outside the Tremont House after the proshine Kids and Shriners Hospitals for Children. To www.mardigrasgalveston.com. cession at 5:30pm, followed by a cocktail recepregister visit www.mardigrasgalveston.com. Krewe of Gambrinus Parade tion and the George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Parade. Mystic Krewe of Aquarius This parade is more like a party, hosted by King Given in honor of the 2015 award recipients, this is In preparation for the Mardi Gras celebration, Gambrinus on Saturday the 7th, for 300,000 of his the first official parade of the season and features the the Mystic Krewe of Aquarius will hold their annual friends with 650,000 throws. Searchlights illumiBall High School Marching Band as well as festive “Pardi Gras” and Mardi Gras Pageant at the Fisher- nate the procession as it begins at 57th and Seawall floats. The parade begins at 7pm from the Tremont man’s Wharf Ballroom on Saturday, January 31st at 6pm and continues into the Entertainment DisHouse and makes its way through the Strand Hisfrom 7:30pm–12 midnight. Tickets are $50 a per- trict. Attendees of the Gambrinus Parade will enjoy toric District. son, and festivities include live dance music, a buf- 12 lighted floats, marching bands, and many other The Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade & fet, and the crowning of the 2015 King and Queen. entries. This year is exceedingly special, as the King Balcony Party Hosting their annual Kick-off parade at 12pm and Her Majesty celebrate their Silver Anniversary. One of the highlights of the Mardi Gras Seaon Saturday February 7th, the Mystic Krewe of Family Gras son, Galveston’s Funky Uptown Brigade is a curAquarius will launch the first official Mardi Gras On Sunday, February 8th, Mardi Gras turns rent record-holder in the Guinness Book of World weekend off in style, all the while celebrating their kid-friendly with “Family Gras!” This all-day celRecords, and on 30th Anniversary. This annual street pageant feaebration includes live performances on the BudFebruary 6th at tures enormous floats and fifteen marching bands. weiser Stage by local favorite Kevin Anthony from 8pm they hope 175 costumed Krewe members will be throw11:45am–12:45pm, and the Bilge Pumps from to break that ing special anniversary beads and cups during this 2:30–3:30pm, as well as vendors and other enterrecord again, curthree-hour parade that begins on the Seawall and tainment. And of course Mardi Gras revelry of any rently set at 2,314 ends in the Strand Historic District. size or age must have a parade, and Family Gras Funky BrigadThe Aquarius “Barn Bash” 2015 will take place has two. At 1pm the Sunshine Kids Parade features ers. The parade is colorful floats and marching bands. Later at 3pm, later that same evening at the Aquarius float den free to enter and the Shriners Parade allows patients, friends, and located at 31st and Ursuline. Hailed “the biggest gives families, party of them all,” the Barn Bash welcomes over 750 families of Shriners Hospital for Children to march friends, corpoguests who will enjoy the famous bead toss at 9pm, alongside a festive float, the Ball High Marching rate groups, and dance music by Funksion, a Mexican buffet, and a Band, and Shriners clowns and mini-cars. Family organizations a bead booth. Tickets are $20, must be 21 or over to Gras begins at 11am and is free to the public. chance to dance in the streets, or see the view from attend. The Mardi Gras Kids Parade is hosted by the above at the Funky Brigade’s Balcony Party from Firefighters of Local 571 and dedicated to the famiTickets can be purchased at www.mardigras5pm–1am. Also, returning this year is the 2nd lies and children of Galveston. Costumed kids and galveston.com. Inquiries and questions may be Annual Official Umbrella Decorating Contest of floats march down the Seawall from 27th Street to directed to johnnylidstone@yahoo.com. “Mardi Gras! Galveston.” You are invited to sub45th Street on Sunday, February 15th at 2pm. Zaniest Golf Cart & Art Car Parade mit your original, decorated umbrella which will Why stop with umbrellas when cars and carts Mardi Gras King’s Court Balcony Party be voted on by the public via Facebook, and the Round out the second weekend of Mardi Gras are so fun to decorate too? Starting at 1pm on Sattop ten umbrellas will be showcased at the offiurday the 6th, this parade is another great chance like royalty. Party like kings and queens as you toss cial “Mardi Gras! Galveston” Poster & Umbrella for friends, groups, and families to get together and beads to people below and enjoy a stunning view Unveiling. The winner will lead the Brigade Proget creative and participate in the Zaniest display of of all the different parades as they make their way cessional. To join the parade, download the official Mardi Gras yet. Registration through the Entertainment Umbrella Contest form, or vote for your favorite, District. The King’s Court fee includes free entry into visit the Brigade on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ the Entertainment District Balcony Party is located in MardiGrasGalvestonFunkyUptownUmbrellaBrigade. for all participants. To regthe Trolley Station, 2021 Krewe da’ Yaga’s Parade Strand, on Friday February ister visit www.mardigrasKrewe da’ Yaga’s closes out the first Friday night galveston.com. 13th from 5pm–1am and of Mardi Gras starting at 10pm with a parade that Saturday February 14th Krewe D’iHeart is full of Island vibes, and Yaga’s Café family from from 12pm-1am. Tickets Media/Clear Channel are $40 for Friday and $60 the past, present, and future as they all take to the Rocks the Block for Saturday, and include streets to show their Galveston pride. Boards and Set your dial to the entrance into the festival, flip-flops required. Want to ride? Email sflores@ most rockin’ parade and music, and a cash bar. To yagaspresents.com. party hosted by Clear purchase tickets visit www. Channel, 94.5 The Buzz, Stars on the Brazos mardigrasgalveston.com. Krewe Balcony Party and Sunny 99.1. This Stars on the Brazos Krewe will host their balparade starts at 4pm and Danny Weber Memorial Fire Truck cruises down the Strand with a procession of clas- Parade cony party the first weekend of Mardi Gras At the At 7pm on Friday, February 13th, Mardi Gras sic cars and jammin’ tunes. Before, during, and after Roof Garden located at 2214 Strand. The $125 ticket price includes admission to the party on both the parade, enjoy the Krewe D’iHeart Clear Chan- will pay tribute with this parade given in honor of nel Balcony Party at the Trumpets building at 23rd Danny Weber, Sr. Mr. Webber was a lifelong resiFriday and Saturday, February 6th and 7th, and and Strand from 12pm–1am. Tickets are $75 and dent of the Island who served for 30 years in the includes three fantastic meals, a wide selection of include General Admission, access to the balcony all Galveston Fire Department, working his way up draft beer, a DJ, a dance floor, and access to a 125 foot balcony. This year’s theme is “Disco!” For ticket day, as well as music and a full cash bar. Tickets are the ranks to eventually become Fire Chief. After limited and can be purchased by visiting www.mar- retirement, he continued to serve the Galveston information contact dhowarthtx@att.net, or visit community by serving three terms as the District digrasgalveston.com. www.sobkrewe.com. 5 Representative to the City Council. This parade Krewe d’Esprit Jolly Jester Jaunt 5K is dedicated to Danny because of his love for the Rosaire Fun Run/Jr. Jester Jaunt 1K The rich history of this community, the Fire Department, and Mardi Gras. Get active this Mardi Krewe dates back over thirty Krewe Babalu Gras by galloping through One of the most active Krewes during Mardi years, and this year they will the Historic Strand Disbegin their festivities with a Gras, Babalu begins their preparation with an Epiphany Party on January 10th at 6pm, where trict, stick pony optional. celebration at Moody GarThe first 500 gallopers will dens Ballroom entitled “All they will launch the season with the crowning of be given jester hats and a That Jazz” on February 7th. their King and Queen. The party is $10 and will be jester-themed run shirt to Inspired by the Roaring 20s, held at the home of Gladden and Michelle Walters with an open bar and food. Then on January 31st, wear during this whimsical guests are encouraged to from 8pm–12 midnight, the Krewe Babalu Mardi event. Beginning at 11am on wear costumes of semi-tothe 7th, the Jolly Jester Jaunt formal attire. The Royal Pag- Gras Ball will be held within the elegant confines of starts your Saturday off right eant begins at 8:30pm, and the Tremont House. Tickets for the ball are $125 with the perfect opportunity to enjoy a leisurely during the ball, guests will be served light refresh- and open to the public with advanced reservations. During the official celebration, Krewe Babalu crawl through downtown Galveston, to be followed ments and have access to a cash bar. Music will be of course by a day of celebratory libations. provided by Le’Jit, and the party includes an on-site will host another of their annual events, the Den The Island Guide Magazine

Party, held this year at Buckshot Saloon. Admission is $20 and includes free beer and food. Krewe Babalu’s Balcony Parties will take place on the second floor of 2228 Strand, on Friday the 13th from 5pm1am ($80) and on Saturday the 14th from 12pm– 1am ($110). This Krewe also claims to have the most beads per square foot with their All Krewe Parade, and you can see it for yourself on February 13th at 8pm. This is Krewe Babalu’s 10th Annual Parade, which circles the Entertainment District and is the perfect place to load up on beads. For questions or to reserve your spot at any of these events, call Gladden Walters at (281)703-3331. Krewe of WHO?

“Hijinks on the 7 Seas” is the theme of this year’s “WHO? Mardi Gras Ball,” to be held on February 13th at the Galveston Island Hilton Resort (5400 Seawall) from 7:30pm-12 midnight. Come ready to dance and party the night away, with music provided by the Grateful Geezers and dinner by the Hilton Hotel. A professional photographer and cash bar will also be set up. The Krewe of WHO?’s All Krewe Processional will make the rounds on February 14th from 1-2pm. There is no cost to march in the parade, but you must be in the staging area at 2502 Mechanic Street by 12:30pm. For more information about the Krewe of WHO? Visit www.kreweofwho.com or contact Carla Kalmick at (281)265-7232.

Krewe Maximillian Parade

Closing out the second Friday of the Festival is the Krewe Maximillian Parade, which always proves Cont. page 18

Friday, February 6th

5pm 5:15pm 8pm 10pm

DJ Southbeat Music Concert: Boss Street Band DJ Nonstopp DJ Bizonee

Saturday, February 7th

11am 12pm 5pm 5:30pm 9pm 10pm 10pm 11pm

Jagermeister DJ Contest Winner Concert: Mambo Jazz Kings DJ Southbeat Music Concert: Delta Rae DJ Qwest Concert: The Line Up DJ Villa DJ Pistol b

Sunday, February 8th

11am DJ NonStopp 11:45am Concert: Kevin Anthony 2:30pm Concert: Bilge Pumps

Friday, February 13th

5pm 7pm 8pm 8pm 10pm 11pm 11:15pm

DJ Southbeat Music Concert: Danielle Bradbery Concert: Olivia Lane DJ Skritchin DJ Randall Martin DJ NonStopp Concert: Sprung

Saturday, February 14th

11am 12pm 2pm 4pm 5pm 8pm 8:30pm

DJ B & Chase (live show) Concert: Handsome as Sin Concert: The Line Up Concert: O.G.R.E. DJ Southbeat Music DJ NonStopp Concert: Fred Andrews & Honeybrowne 9:30pm DJ Ebonix 10pm DJ T. Gray 10:30pm Concert: Sprung 11:30pm DJ Kyle Berg

Sunday, February 15th 12pm

Concert: Almost Endless Summer

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will transform the Tremont House’s Davidson Ballroom into a beer Mecca, with a wide variety of brews to sample. More than 100 craft and imported brews from around the world will be available for sampling including Rogue, Flying Dog, Hoegaarden and many more. Due “Houston Chronicle” to the growing craft beer scene in Texas, local favorites Saint Arnold, Neauxs Krewe Parade Cornel, Rahr & Sons and Southern Star brewing companies will also Fortunately for party-goers, participate in the event. this Krewe throws a lot more than newspapers. Hot off the New to the event this year is the Home Brew Competition. Home presses, the Neauxs Krewe will brewers are invited to submit their beer(s) to be judged by a group start on the Strand on Saturday of expert BrewMasters. Entry for home brewers is free and limited to the 14th at 2:30pm and make its one beer per category. For complete competition details visit online at way around the Entertainment www.yagaspresents.com/chiliquest. District. “Houston Chronicle” is The recent partnership between Yaga’s Entertainment and Del the 6th largest newspaper in the Papa Distributing Company is expected to establish the upcoming United States and a proud sponChili Quest & Beer Fest as the premiere beer festival of Southeast An Annual Event Takes on More Fun for the sor of “Mardi Gras! Galveston.” Texas. While the exact offerings are still being finalized, the ultimate Knights of Momus beer fan is promised rare finds and a few surprises, including Saint Family at the 2015 Chili Quest & Beer Fest Grand Night Parade Arnold Pumpkinator and hard-to-find Rahr & Son’s “To Thee” BourYaga’ s Chili Quest & Beer Fest will return to Galveston’ s Historic The Grand Finale of Mardi bon Barrel Aged Winter Warmer. Attendees may even come across a Strand District on Saturday, January 21st, featuring more than 100 Gras, the Knights of Momus few ales brewed specially for the event. varieties of craft and imported beer selections and over 80 chili cookParade is the largest and most stately of all, with mesmerizing floats, Last year’s event drew over 6,000 chili and beer lovers, and this off teams. marching bands, and dignitaries. Proceeded and introduced by the year is expected to be even larger. The 3rd annual Chili Quest officially opens to the public at 11am Laissez Les Bon Temp Rouler Parade at 4:30pm, this parade begins at For more information on the event, tickets, and schedules please 6:30pm on the Seawall at 23rd Street, turns right on 25th, and con- when the cooking teams begin serving their chili concoctions on the visit www.yagaspresents.com/chiliquest. To learn more about the lineup tinues on into the Entertainment District. Don’t miss the (almost) last Strand. Other events include a washer tournament, Milagro Margar- of brews check out www.pintjockeys.wordpress.com. and best chance to revel in the outrageous beauty and fun of Galves- ita-making contest, jalapeno-eating contest, 5k Fun Run and merAdvanced ticket prices are VIP Early Bird Beer Tasting is $35 ton’s beloved Mardi Gras celebration. chant walk-about. An awards ceremony will conclude the event with (limit 100); Chili/Beer Tasting Combo is $32; Beer Tasting is $25; the announcement of the “Best Chili on Galveston Island.” The Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade Chili Tasting is $8.50. Pets like parties too, and there is no pet party quite like the Barkus Beer Fest will begin at 12 noon, featuring the Pint Jockeys, a The day of the event, tickets can be purchased at the door for the and Meoux Parade. Pets and their people stroll down the Seawall from group of Del Papa Distributing Company craft beer enthusiasts who Beer Tastings for $32 and for the Chili Tasting for $10. 28th to 45th in an array of fantastic colors and costumes. All sizes, shapes, and species are welcome, and costumes are optional. RegisHop Aboard the Soul Train for the Galveston tration begins at 11am and the pre-parade costume contest starts at 11:30am, with the winners making up the royal court. Parade begins Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Awards Gala at 1pm. Chamber to Recognize Johnny Smecca and the Smecca Family Fat Tuesday as Galvestonians of the Year and Kick Off a Year-long Celebration of As the saying goes, all good things must end, but in Galveston, at least they go out in style. The Krewe of Aquarius Fat Tuesday Parade Juneteenth’s 150th Anniversary The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce invites the comis the final display of mirth and merriment, and a coming together of Island ETC is munity to join them for their all of the festival’s most dedicated participants. Each year this grand pleased to announce the 169th annual meeting and parade winds down the last hours of Mardi Gras, and Aquarius is return of Eve Ensler’s award winning play, “The Vagina Monologues” joined by the Krewes of Gambrinus, Babalu, Thalasar, Baccus, and Z, awards gala on Friday, January for four special performances. “We are very excited to also announce who all help in the revelry. The parade begins at 6:30pm in the Strand 16th, in The Tremont House the return of many of our original cast members and the addition of Historic District, and features marching bands, dance teams, and doz- Hotel’s Davidson Ballroom. some of Ensler’s more current monologues to this funny, thought-proThe event’ s theme is Soul ens of lighted floats. voking, and empowering production.” For additional information on any of these events or to purchase Train and will feature a special “The Vagina Monologues” will be presented for four performances tribute to the 150th annivertickets, go online to www.mardigrasgalveston.com. on Fridays and Saturdays, January 16th, 17th, 23rd, and 24th. All sary of Juneteenth. Guests are four performances will begin at 8pm. All performances will be at encouraged to dress in groovy Island ETC (East-End Theatre Company), 2317 Mechanic Street in attire and arrive ready to downtown Galveston. dance the night away. Each season, Island ETC tries to make a difference for another “Our annual meeting is local nonprofit organization. Earlier this season a diaper drive was the perfect place to recognize held during a performance of “The Dixie Swim Club” where one the business community, outcould make a donation of diapers to the Galveston Diaper Bank in standing volunteers and kick exchange for a ticket. “We are extremely proud to announce that a off a year-long celebration portion of our net proceeds from all four performances of ‘The Vagina honoring the history of Juneteenth and its impact on our community,” said Gina Spagnola, President of the Galveston Regional Cham- Monologues’ will go directly to the Resource and Crisis Center of Galveston County, Inc. Island ETC is honored to be able to provide ber of Commerce. some assistance to this remarkable organization,” stated Kim Mytelka. The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce announced in “The Vagina Monologues” by Eve Ensler is a poignant and hilariOctober that they had changed their name. Known since 1845 as the Galveston Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber’s Board of Directors ous tour of the ‘last frontier,’ the ultimate forbidden zone. “The Vagina Monologues is a celebration of female sexuality in all its complexvoted to add regional to the name to better represent the organizaity and mystery. Based on interviews of more than 200 women, “The tion’s efforts and reach. Vagina Monologues” is a testimonial of women’s experiences on their “The Galveston Chamber has been serving businesses and peoIt’s time to begin planning your spring garden and there‘s no bet- ple beyond the borders of Galveston Island for many years. Our new journey through sexual discovery. These women share their most intiter place to begin than at the 27th Annual Galveston Home and Gar- name reflects the work we’ve been doing to improve not only Galves- mate desires and fears in a backdrop of heartbreak, humor, and someden Show, March 14th – 15th, to be held at the Galveston Island times violence. The power of “The Vagina Monologues has affected ton Island but also our region,” said Albert Shannon, Chair of the Convention Center at the San Luis Hotel adn Conference Center, audiences throughout the world since its inception in 1996. Chamber’s Board and President of Frost Bank. 5600 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston. Bringing these interviews to life are a group of multi-talented and The Chamber’s new logo will be unveiled at their annual meeting Make plans to attend the ‘Best Little Home and Garden Show in and awards gala as well as their 2015 Membership Directory, Reloca- beautiful women from throughout the county including Kristin BingTexas’ that will feature more than 100 vendors offering quality prod- tion and Island Guide. In addition to naming a Small Business of the ley, Terri Burchfield, Amy Grant, Mary Jo Naschke, Jan Pozzi, Ruth ucts, services, and merchandise for amateur to professional home Finkelstein-Suhler, Joan Finn White, Barbara Winburn, Lisa Marie Year and Large Business of the Year, to be selected by a vote of the improvement enthusiasts. Learn from Master Gardeners at one of the Chamber’s membership, the event will also honor the following busi- Daugherty, Robin Lusby Schaefer, and Kim Mytelka. mini seminars scheduled throughout each day. Presenting topics of For more information about “The Vagina Monologues,” Island nesses and individuals: interest are Loretta Olsen, “The Fabulous Fragrant Frangipani” (plu- • Galvestonian(s) of the Year: Johnny Smecca and the Smecca Family ETC or group ticket sales, please contact the theatre at (409)762meria); Brenda Beust Smith, “The Lazy Gardener;” Baxter Williams, 3556. Tickets may be purchased online at www.islandetc.org. • Christie Mitchell Beachcomber Award: Schlitterbahn Waterpark “Growing Spectacular Roses on the Gulf Coast;” Gene Speller, “GrowGalveston Island ing Peppers;” Jim Jahnke, “Rain Water Harvesting;” Priscilla Files, • Global Impact Award: Galveston National Laboratory “Recovering a Community by Planting Trees;” Gary Parks, “The Life • Regional Impact Award: BP America and Times of a Honey Bee;” Trelle Dandridge and Heather Leeson, • Regional Champion: Senator Larry Taylor 2014-2015 Concert Season “Mutts with Manners;” and Michael and Nicole Graham, “The Garden • Economic Development Award: Port of Galveston All Performances held at The 1984 Grand Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., Hen.” Each presentation includes a question and answer session. • Volunteers of the Year: Elizabeth Rogers (City of Galveston) and downtown Galveston. There is always something new at the Galveston Home and GarHowie Bentley (Classic Auto Group Galveston) den Show. Designed to bring business and community together for • Committee of the Year: C-Crewe’s My Galveston Committee February 15th, 4pm a positive experience, its visitors will find everything from windows, • Ambassador of the Year: Jessie Ann Bradshaw (Cadence Insurance) Todd Frazier- “We Hold These Truths,” Haydn- Symphony No. 69 swimming pools, shutters, paint, plants, plants, and more plants • Vic Pierson C-Crewe Award: Kathy Thomas (Community (Laudon) in C Major, Mozart- Horn Concerto No. 3, featuring along with special show discounts on a number of products and serStrategies) French Horn soloist John Stuckey, Franck- Symphony in D vices. A highlight of the show is the Galveston Island Humane Soci- • Unsung Hero Award: Jeri Kinnear ety’s Pet Adoption Center where a loving pet is waiting for an invita- • Hall of Fame Inductees: Armin Cantini, Carolyn Clyburn, Roland March 15th, 4pm tion from a loving family. Don’t miss the Texas Independence Day Bassett and Lee Otis “Otie” Zapp, Jr. Nielson- Helios Overture, Rachmaninov- Piano Concerto No. 2, Cake Showdown sponsored by The Kitchen Chick. • Juneteenth Spirit Awards in honor of Juneteenth’s 150th annifeaturing pianist Sahun “Sam” Hong, Tchaikovsky- Romeo and An opportunity for a sneak peek is offered at “Can You Dig It,” versary: Leon O’Neal (Leon’s World’s Finest In & Out Barbeque), Juliet Overture (1880) a Preview Cocktail Party, Artist Showcase and Silent Auction, Friday, Annie Mae Charles, Doug McLeod, Representative Al Edwards and April 26th, 4pm March 13th, 6-9pm. The individual ticket price of $50, will benefit Old Central Cultural Center A Night at the Italian Opera, featuring the Galveston and the Galveston Island Humane Society and includes a cocktail buffet The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce will also recogCollege of the Mainland Chorale preview of the Home and Garden Show along with a ticket to return nize their current Trustee Circle members at the event including: BP to the show over the weekend. North America, Classic Auto Group Galveston, Frost Bank, Galveston Galveston Symphony Orchestra Admission to the 27th Annual Galveston Home & Garden Show County Daily News, Marathon Petroleum, Mitchell Historic Properwww.galvestonsymphony.org is $8 per person, 5 -14 years is $4, 4 and under is free. Parking is free. ties, Moody National Bank, Landry’s, Inc. and UTMB Health. Reservations: (409)765-1894 For more information go to www.galvestonhomeandgardenshow.com or For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, Single Tickets: $30 Adults, $20 Students call (409)762-3930. visit www.GalvestonChamber.com or call (409)763-5326. 18 The Island Guide Magazine GalvestonIslandGuide.com (409)256-5166 to be one of the wildest tickets in town. The parade begins downtown on the Strand at 9:30pm.

The Vagina Monologues Returns to Island ETC

Catch Spring Fever

Galveston Symphony Orchestra:

SHP Causeway FunD Run/Walk

Events

Ongoing - Looking for something fun to do? How about kayaking in Galveston? For as little as $10 you can kayak the bay and other areas of Galveston. By Gini Rainey Artist Boat is establishing a Coastal Heritage Preserve on Galveston Island and is looking for It’s time to start thinking about people who want to explore by kayak. Their grant sponsoring and registering for the to acquire the land at the new Coastal Heritage third annual “SHP Causeway FunD Preserve provides financial resources to launch Run/Walk” that is scheduled for Saturthree years of educational programming from this day, March 7th. The UTMB Health and special place. Public trips are available for $10 per the School of Health Professions will person. For a schedule and to register for a public host the event which is the primary trip, visit the Coastal Heritage Preserve page on fundraiser benefiting SHP student Physical Therapists will help to solve medical care their website. For more information, contact Artist scholarships and represents a powerful investment Boat at (409)770-0722 or artistboat.org. in the future of health care for our region and state. distribution, access and cost problems. The goal for this year’s run/walk is to raise a net Daily - Artist Boat conducts daily tours of all The UTMB SHP is dedicated to educating different kinds, skill levels and ages. They offer a health professions students to meet the health care of $80,000 - $100,000 with all proceeds going to student scholarships. If you would like to become a variety of kayaking adventures including East End needs of a growing state by preparing competent Lagoon, Christmas Bay, Coastal Heritage Preserve professionals to assume and direct support roles in sponsor, contact shpevents@UTMB.EDU. If you would like to register, go to www.cause- (just $10 per person), Drum Bay, Quickstart Your the provision of health services. These Respiratory Kayak, East End Sunset Lagoon, Galveston State wayrun.com. Discounts and freebies are available Therapists, Clinical Laboratory Scientists, NutriPark Reserve Tour, Armand Bayou, and Deer tionists, Physician Assistants, and Occupational and for early registrations. Island. Visit artistboat.org to see details and pricing. Daily - Pier 21 Theater presents “The Pirate Island of Jean Lafitte” - Pirate or patriot? Smuggler or businessman? Merciless murderer and thief, or hero in time of war? These are the contradictions of the legendary Jean Lafitte. This shows daily every Galveston Historical Foundation’s African American Heritage Committee and Old Central Cultural half hour, from 11:30am-5:30pm, at the Pier 21 Center, Inc. will honor winners of their annual essay contest at 3pm, Sunday, January 18th at Old CenHarborside Dr. and 21st St. Admission is tral Community Center, 2627 Avenue M. The event is free and open to the public with a complimentary Theater, $6 for adults, $5 for students, ages 6 to 18 and free lunch catered by Clary’s, provided to attendees. for children under 6. Students wishing to enter are asked to write an original, 350 word essay on “My Vision of What Would be Dr. Martin Luther King’s Thoughts on the Global Issues Today.” Submissions are due by Mon- Daily - Tall Ship Elissa - The Elissa is the queen of day, January 12th at 3pm and must be typed, double spaced and contain a cover sheet with name, grade the harbor, standing at 100 feet tall and 200 feet (grades 9 through 12 only), school, home address and telephone number. The contest is open to Galves- long. She is a three-masted, iron-hulled barque ton city students only and submissions can be e-mailed to education@galvestonhistory.org or mailed to the built in 1877, and is one of the oldest, fully functioning sailing vessels in the world. For more info, Old Central Cultural Center at P.O. Box 2111, Galveston, Texas 77553. www.galvestonhistory.org, (409)763-1877. First Place will receive $300, Second Place $200, Third Place $100 and Four Honorable Mentions will receive $50. Winners will read their essay at the award ceremony. Every Sunday - Galveston’s Own Farmer’s Market When the MLK essay contest was first conceived in 2000, the students’ assignment was to write a let- brings locally grown produce, prepared foods, ter to Coretta Scott King, Dr. King’s widow. For the five years prior to her death, the students wrote these and edible farm products to residents of Galveston letters and the committee organizers mailed them to Mrs. King. The year before her death, King sent this and the surrounding areas every Sunday morning, response to organizers Maggie and Ennis Williams: “Please tell your students to continue to read and 9am-1pm. They strive to foster a greater sense study about my husband, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his life, and read books that he wrote. I hope of community, all while supporting farmers and they will grow to be like him and someday help those who need help. He gave his life loving and serving producers, and connecting individuals with their others.” local food economy. Galveston’s Own Farmer’s For more information, please contact (409)765-3410. Market is located at 2508 Postoffice St., Galveston. Fourth Monday of every month - Special Needs Support Group is hosted by the International Autism Ministry, 11am - 1pm. The International Austism Ministry will host a Special Needs Support Galveston Historical Foundation’s Texas Seaport Museum will present a series of lectures in their new Group on the 4th Monday of each month, at the Rosenberg Library (McCullough Room, 2nd floor), Maritime Education Center, located at Pier 22 and Harborside Dr. The second of three lectures will be held on Sunday, January 18th from 2–3pm. After the presentation there will be a Q & A with the lecturer 2310 Sealy St., downtown. Children may watch a movie or play video games while professionals, and book signing. Space is limited and reservations are $15 for non-members, $12 for members and a caregivers and parents meet for a discussion of local series package is available for $40 for non-members and $31 for members. Tickets are available at resources, best practices, legislative issues, and job www.galvestonhistory.org or by calling (409)750-9108 ext. 1312. training. For additional info contact (512)876-9418 Gunboat Diplomacy: Edwin W. Moore and the Texas Navy or info@internationalautismministry.com. As the Republic of Texas scrambled to build a second Texas Navy following a blockade by Mexican war ships in 1837, they sought out a strong and capable naval commander. Edwin W. Moore, a U.S. Navy First Wednesday of every month - Wednesday, January 7th - The Surfrider Foundation Chapter veteran with an eagerness for battle and reputation as an outstanding officer was placed in command. However, after Commodore Moore thwarts a seaborne re-invasion of Texas at the Battle of Campeche in Meeting will be held 7-9pm at MOD Coffee Shop. 1843 by defeating a larger Mexican fleet with his two remaining ships, he was arrested on his arrival back The Galveston Chapter Surfrider Foundation meets the first Wednesday of every month to discuss local in Galveston and subsequently court martialed. This is the story of how a lack of money and a need for national defense turned into bitter political battle over the navy and the triumph and tragedies of this tiny initiatives in ocean and beach activism. Check out www.galvestonsurfrider.com for more information. but powerful fleet which once ruled the Gulf of Mexico. James P. Bevill is serving as Guest Curator for an exhibit on The Texas Navy which opened at the Every Saturday - Shar Art Supply is now offering Texas Seaport Museum in December 2014. He is the author of “The Paper Republic: The Struggle for Children’s Art Classes - Classes are held from Money, Credit and Independence in the Republic of Texas,” a non-fiction work about the social and eco- 10:30am -12 noon every Saturday and are open to nomic history of Texas from the colonial period through the annexation by the United States in 1846. children who wish to learns technique and compoHis book was named as the 2010 winner of the Summerfield G. Roberts literary award by the “Sons sition. Classes are priced at $15 per session with of the Republic of Texas” and also as the Best Specialized book on U.S. Paper Money by the “Numismatic supplies. You can also save by purchasing a 6 week Literary Guild at the ANA World’s Fair on Money” in Boston. block for $60 with a $20 dollar supply fee. Shar

Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest Ceremony To Be Held at Old Central Cultural Center

Texas Seaport Museum Hosts “Gunboat Diplomacy: Edwin Moore And The Texas Navy” Lecture

The Island Guide Magazine

Art has a wonderful atmosphere for your children to learn with their great staff and teachers. Bring the kids out for class while you enjoy shopping downtown or stay and take in the class with your child. Chrissy Walker will be instructing the children’s classes. She is a graduate from University of Houston and is working towards her masters in Art Therapy. For more info call (409)392-6272. Shar Art is located at 2527 Market St., downtown. Saturday, January 10th - Ocean Star Discover Family Day will be held 10am-3pm. The theme this month is “Islands of Life.” Learn how platforms in the Gulf of Mexico provide habitats and protection for many different types of marine animals. Try your luck at “fishing” around their mock platform for facts about these artificial habitats. This is held monthly at Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum, 1900 Harborside Dr., downtown Galveston. Children 18 and under are free with paying chaperone. For more info call (409)7667827. Groups are always welcome. Saturday, January 10th - Geocaching 101 will be held 1-2pm. Learn how to find hidden treasure within the park and around the globe with this short, activity based program about geocaching. The one hour program consists of games, activities, and a short hike. This is held at Galveston Island State Park Nature Center, 14901 FM 3005, on the west end of the island. There is a park admittance fee of $5 but the class is free to anyone under 13. Wednesday, January 14th - Basics of Beer Brewing will be held at Galveston Brewing Co. at 4-5:30pm. This 1.5 hour interactive presentation will showcase the basics of beer brewing with a tasting session. Cost is $5 per person and will be held at the Galveston Island Brewing Co., 8423 Stewart Rd., Galveston. For more info call (409)740-7000. Fridays-Saturdays, January 16th-17th, 23rd-24th - “The Vagina Monologues” will be presented at 8pm. This show is a testimonial of women’s experiences on their journey through sexual discovery. These women share their most intimate desires and fears in a backdrop of humor. ETC does not recommend this production for children. This will be held at ETC Theatre, 2317 Mechanic, downtown Galveston. Tickets are available online at www. islandetc.org or by calling (409)762-3556. Saturday, January 17th - Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest will be held 1-6pm in downtown Galveston. This years festival consists of the ever so popular chili and beer tasting along with live music, a 5K Fun Run/Walk, a washer pitching tournament, a jackpot margarita contest, jalapeno eating contest, vendors and a historical strand merchant walkabout. As if that doesn’t fulfill all of your festival needs, returning this year is the expanded Beer Festival. This is held at the corner of 23rd Street and Strand St. downtown Galveston. For more info or tickets go to www.yagaspresents.com. January 17th - Basement to Attic Tour will be held 11am-1pm. This unique tour of the 1892 Bishop’s Palace offers you a rare look at areas of the home that are normally off limits. Tickets are $30. This is held at the Bishop’s Palace, 1402 Broadway, Galveston. For RSVP call (409)762-2475. Wednesday, January 21st - Beer & Sargassum 101 - This 1.5 hour presentation will showcase the natural history and beneficial aspects of our annual influx of sargassum. Galveston Island Brewery will work with incorporating sargassum into future beer recipes in the upcoming months and these will be showcased. This will be held 4-5:30pm and costs to attend is $5 per person. Galveston Island Brewing Co. is located at 8423 Stewart Rd., (409)740-7000.

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The Arts

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Alicia Boles:

A Loud Love of Canvas and Paint

Robert Dampier:

Although photography may be her first love, artist Alicia Boles creates works of art in several different mediums. Oils, acrylics, and mixed media ranging from abstracts to nudes, her artwork keeps her excited about what the next great adventure will be. Growing up, Boles never had intentions of becoming a profesBy Kimber Fountain sional artist. However, her need to create and express her point of view would eventually take over. From airline pilot to artist, and most The relationship between darkness and light is one recently, gallery owner, Boles says “It may have taken a while to get that has confounded the human race for the entirety of here, but I am where I belong.” its existence. Some even go so far as to say that it is a Boles spent her childhood in Dickinson, Texas and her teenage battle, the mysterious forces of night railing against the years in Louisiana. She travelled often and always had a camera in powerful alacrity of day, as if the dark has a strength hand. Through a camera lens she had a very specific view that would equal to that of light. But ultimately the only battle allow her to capture a fleeting moment or an emotion she was dealis the one of our perception, for how else does one ing with at a particular point in time. Ordinary and everyday items at rid their surroundings of darkness, except by turning the right angle and with the right light became unique creations. An on the light? How else is the inky mist of night time image could be captured through her perspective and she could share squelched but by the rising of the sun? Furthermore, that perspective with others. Buildings and architecture came to life our physical eyes could not even interpret light if not through the lens and her passion for photography grew stronger. Yet, for the shadows that it cast, and is not joy made even Boles had other ideas for her career. Not realizing that a career as an I want people to sweeter by a brush with sadness? artist was possible, Boles pursued aviation and business in college and get out of a piece For the answers to those questions, look no further than to the would eventually earn a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation. As she put art whatever they see work of local Galveston artist Robert Dampier, which at first glance on hold, Boles began for themselves.” carries with it a touch of the morose, but upon further inspection a busy career as a Currently Robert’ s reveals a resounding triumph, akin to those rays of sunlight that pilot, first instructing work is on perboldly eek their way through the cracks of an old stone wall. Roband then as a pilot manent display at Hendley Market on the Strand, and the charming ert crafts his assemblages and shadowboxes from predominantly for American Eagle quirkiness of the store sets the perfect backdrop. “So many people tell used and abandoned pieces that he collects on his walks around the Airlines. As a pilot, artists that ‘you have to get into a gallery,’ but so often I have found Island, and the result is an inspired and intriguing collection that she loved the time in that many galleries don’t represent the artists completely.” Such is not induces emotion as easily as it provokes thought. the air, locked in the the case with Hendley Market, where his unique style is free to be “As a kid, I was always tinkering with stuff,” remembers Robcockpit and viewitself among the other oddities and rarities showcased by the store. ert, “I would make my own toys, or take them apart to see how they ing the wide open Robert has also recently expanded his artistic platform to include worked.” As a young artist in college, “I never resonated with new but someprints of some of his most popular works, as well as a personal revival skies, stuff,” he explains, and his mentor Joseph Cornell encouraged his thing was missing. of a classic children’s toy, the stereo viewer. “[My wife] and I have preferences. “He taught me to be okay with using trash,” he remiTo pass time during always collected old stereo viewers, so we found a company that nisces fondly. “[It] is an endless resource… and it takes nature, time, her long commutes makes custom pieces.” Robert’s version includes a black stereo viewer, she picked up her and exposure to the elements to create the look.” This fascination with deconstruction and reconstruction was further heightened when complete with seven of his assemblage pieces on a viewer reel, in a camera once again. numbered and signed collector’s box. he lived in downtown Houston in the late 1990s. Robert was comShe soon found Robert is planning to release another, three-dimensional verpelled by his time spent amid the industrial ambiance of Commerce herself commuting Street, and there became interested in metalworking and metal sculp- sion of the stereo viewer in 2015, and he is also fast at work planning to New York sevanother art show for the summer. He began hosting shows in 2004, ture. He wandered around the abandoned warehouses and railroad eral times a month with the desire to give newer and lesser-known artists and opportutracks surrounding his home, picking up random pieces of scrap with her job and livnity to display their work, but this year the show brings in an added metal and items long-since discarded and forgotten, not knowing at ing out of suitcases. dimension with modern sideshow performers on the bill, as well. “It She spent more and the time what exactly he would do with them. is going to be a Freak Show/Art Extravaganza,” Robert describes, and more time counting the days until she arrived home to focus all of her In 2001 Robert moved to Galveston, a decision which sparked will include the work of Austin artist Blockhead Benny, who both his iconic style and further inspired his foray into this unique art time on art. By this time Boles had set up a studio in her garage and performs and recreates vintage Freak Show Banners as works of art. form. Always captivated by history and ancient history, the fabric of had begun painting in addition to photography. On the few days she Collectively, Robert Dampier’s work can be seen as his ultimate the Island’s colorful past provided an additional impetus to his courawould spend at home, she would focus as much attention as possible geous art, as did the miles of alleyways, railroad tracks and beaches, assemblage, his own, larger-than-life, allegorical nesting doll. A gath- on creating art. all brimming with endless resources. As for his process, Robert attest ering of prints, shadowbox scenes, sculptures, shows, and stereo After several years in the airline industry, and with much encourthat “If I try to pre-plan it, it doesn’t work, I’m never happy with it.” viewers that wield layers within layers of deep-seated and soul-stiragement from friends and family, Boles made the decision to pursue ring meaning that command attention. Situated within a plethora of art full time. She bought her first Nikon and spent countless hours So he typically starts with a centerpiece, and then the pieces grow organically from there. His only requirement is in keeping new mate- colorful beach scenes and images of graceful pelicans, Robert single- taking and editing photos. She began printing and selling her artwork. rials to a minimum. “I am always on the scout for things to use. I take handedly adds another dimension to the Galveston art scene that is In the summer of 2012, she participated in her first outdoor market, entirely his own. His works, both individually and collectively, cast the alleyways and sometimes people even bring me pieces that they First Saturday Arts Market in the Heights, where you can still find her have found. Sometimes it is friends and sometimes people I have not light upon darkness, and encourage the viewer to find beauty where most months. This is where Boles found the inspiration to keep chalit may not otherwise have been found. even met before will know of my work and bring me things.” lenging herself as an artist and to keep exploring unique ways to disFor more information check out www.robertdampier.com, The themes and messages of his works, however, are left up to play her photography to engage the viewer. the beholder. Robert continues, “I let others find the message, I usu- www.facebook.com/robertdampierartist, or Robert@robertdampier.com. She began by experimenting with photos placed behind burned See his permanent display at Hendley Market, located at 2010 ally give the pieces general titles that aren’t too explicit. It is imporcanvases. Next she came up with a way to encase her photos on tiles. Strand St., downtown Galveston. tant to me that the viewer takes something personal from the piece, She began using programs to enhance her photos. Her intention is to

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keep the photographs as true to their original form as possible by only removing colors that she feels aren’t necessary to capture the essence of the photo and to enhance the colors that she feels are important. Her photos are often very vivid and contain an abundance of contrasting colors. This is the reason she began printing her images on aluminum. The aluminum makes the colors pop and brings the image away from the surface. Her most recent work in photography is a collection of cityscapes, architecture, alleyways, power lines and transformers representing Galveston and Houston. So what is her process? According to Boles, the process often starts with an image in her mind of what she would like to convey through the photograph. By the time Boles ends up at a location to photograph an image, it only takes her a couple of shots to get the image she is looking for. Although her photography gives the impression of spontaneity, it is most always carefully planned. From outdoor markets came juried competitions and gallery shows. It seemed that the next logical step would be gallery representation. She began showing at Affaire d’Art Fine Art Gallery in Galveston in September of 2013. Shortly thereafter, she began working at the gallery part time. She loved being surrounded by the abundance of art and seeing people’s reactions. It inspired her to continue working and developing her skills as a painter. Painting had always been a hobby, but as she grew as an artist so did her love of canvas and paint. She found that although usually quiet and reserved, she was loud on a canvas. Mostly abstract, her paintings are full of color and a wide range of emotions. Her works are often representational of her feelings at the time the paintings are created. Currently, Boles is working on a series of abstract female nudes depicting calm, chaos and the beauty found within each emotion. These most recent artworks by Boles reflect the most recent changes to the artist’s life. In April of 2014 she was presented with a unique opportunity to purchase the gallery she so dearly loved. Boles, and her partner Nikki Thompson, took ownership of Affaire d’Art Fine Art Gallery on May 1st of 2014. Says Boles, “Owning a gallery was on our 5 year plan. It just so happened that the opportunity came about 4 months into our 5 year plan. It was an easy decision to make, that came with an enormous amount of work and responsibility. We love being a part of the art community and owning the gallery has been the most rewarding and most fulfilling job that I have ever had.” You will find Alicia and her art at Affaire d’Art Fine Art Gallery in Galveston at the corner of 23rd and Postoffice St., downtown. Gallery hours are 12 noon - 6pm Wednesday - Sunday and by appointment by calling (409)789-0079. Look for new and exciting things such as preview parties, art classes, and fundraising events beginning in January. You can find all info as well as current works of art on their website at www.affairedart.com.

Events

Affaire d’Art 2227 Postoffice St., (409)7890079, www. affairedart. com - Sunday, January 11th from 3-6pm, A Vision Board Workshop with artist Rachel Whatley Stokes will take place. A vision board is a tool used to help you uncover and achieve your dreams and goals. In this fun, creative workshop you will learn how to ‘open the door to your dreams and make your very own vision board.’ “Over the next couple of weeks start cutting out pictures from magazines. Don’t think about the picture. If it catches your eye then pull it out. You will have plenty of time in class to look through magazines too. We will also provide some magazines but you are welcome to bring some to share.” Cost is $25 per person. Wine and supplies will be provided. Feel free to bring along your favorite beverage. Artwalk Preview - Join us Friday night before ArtWalk, January 16th, to see a special preview and additional artwork by our featured and guest

artists. Beat Saturday night’s crowd, meet the artists and enjoy complimentary wine and light bites. January’s featured artists are Nancy Gardner House, Diane Fifer, Adriana Whitney and guest artist Linda Hardy. Drawing Classes will begin on Sunday, January 18th from 11am-12:30pm with artist Diane Fifer, owner of ArtDwellers. The class will run for five weeks on every third Sunday of the month. Cost is $22 per class, for a total of $110. Supplies are included and all levels of ability are welcome. Your teacher Diane Fifer of Friendswood, has been teaching art classes in a full and part time capacity for over 15 years. Classes will be held at the gallery located at 2227 Postoffice St. downtown Galveston. RSVP are necessary. Call (409)789-0079 or e-mail affairedart@yahoo.com to reserve your spot. Space is limited. January 31st and Sunday, February 1st Sidewalk Sale will take place from 12-6pm. Artists will be setting up displays outside under the awnings and selling their great works of art. Come meet some of our artists and enjoy a glass of wine. ArtWalk will be held throughout town, ranging in time from 4-10pm. Mostly held in the heart of the downtown historic district and now other parts of the Island, ArtWalk is a free event that takes place in existing commercial galleries, non-profit art spaces, and what are called “other walls,” restaurants and retail stores. For a brochure listing all participants, stop by the Galveston Arts Center at 2501 Market St., or go online at www.galvestonartscenter.org. All events are free. Various artworks will be for sale. 2015 ArtWalk dates are January 17th, February 28th, April 18th, May 30th, July 11th, August 22nd, October 10th and November 28th. The Artists’ Studios - 1902 Ave. N, Galveston, (512)217-1994 - This is a large studio designed for space rentals for artists to paint, draw, or sculpt in an active creative atmosphere. Are you an artist and don’t have a space to work? Then this is the place for you. This space is designed for you to rent and use to create your art. The Artists’ Studio has spaces available for rent on a daily, month-by-month, 6-month and 1-year basis. All utilities are paid and rental includes locker space. There are spaces available for classes as well. Amenities include free wi-fi, free coffee or tea, keyless digital entry, industrial sinks, bathrooms, and small fridge for cold drinks. Call for availability. The hours this studio space is available for you to work is wide open. DesignWorks - 2119 Postoffice St., (409)766-7599 - DesignWorks features an exhibition entitled “Earth, Sea & Sky: New Paintings by Tim Schneider.” Ed Gearke Island Gallery & Studio - 2328 Strand, 2nd Floor, (409)526-2209 - Ed Gearke Island Gallery & Studio is currently featuring an exhibition entitled “Singularity: New Works in Pastel.” G. Lee Gallery - 2214 Postoffice St., (409)370-7350 - G. Lee Gallery is pleased to announce that resident artist, George Douglas Lee is January’s featured artist. Lee earned a BFA in fine arts and graphic design from Sam Houston State University. His work includes landscapes, portraits, surrealism and nonobjective pieces, accomplished in a variety of styles and media. Over the years, Lee has shown extensively in Galveston and the greater Houston area. He was recently inducted into the Texas Playwriting Hall of Fame and is also a produced screenwriter and lead singer with the Noise Poets www.noisepoetsband.com. Brushes By the Beach® Plein Air group show continues thru January. Thirty Texas artists submitted over 50 paintings to the contest, in which all of the artists created their work outdoors in Galveston Island. Artists chose a variety of subjects from beach to marsh, historic homes, to the Island’s iconic landmarks and famous eateries. Photography by Mary Lou Darst and Peter Bowman; non-representational art by Brendan Martinez and Bud Clayton; oils by Svetlana Bazaman; and, landscapes and mixed media by Michael Basham are also on display. Galveston Arts Center - 2501 Market St., (409)763-2403 - Galveston Arts Center, in Cont. page 22

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cooperation with Fresco Books (frescobooks.com) and Ken General of Duende Art Project, is pleased to present “Texas Abstract.” The January 2015 exhibition showcases abstract artworks originating from the recent release of the book “Texas Abstract: Modern + Contemporary,” written and curated by art scholars Michael Paglia and Jim Edwards. The exhibition of over 20 of the most significant contemporary Texas abstract artists will be open starting Saturday, January 10th to Sunday, February 22nd. There will be a public reception during Galveston ArtWalk on Saturday, January 17th, 6-9pm, with an artist panel talk at 6:30pm. The hardcover book, which features over 200 lavish color images documenting Texas’ unique role (past and present) in the world of abstract art, will be available at Galveston Arts Center during the exhibit. The appearance of abstraction in Texas in the 1930s, the development of its various currents into the 1960s, and its continued relevance in present day contemporary art, is the expansive topic of “Texas Abstract: Modern + Contemporary.” This effort represents an unprecedented attempt to reconcile historic mid-20th century abstraction in Texas with the vibrant contemporary abstract scene flourishing now in the early 21st century. Through scores of examples, the book documents the fact that Texas has played an unexpected role in both the history of abstraction, and in its present place in the contemporary art world. The first section of the book focuses on the appearance of abstract painting in Texas, and is divided between four stylistic phases: Cubist-related Abstraction, Abstract Surrealism, Abstraction and Abstract Expressionism. One key revelation of this initial section is that, in the case of Abstract Surrealism, the work of artists active in the late 1930s to the early 1950s in Texas, and Houston in particular, was as advanced stylistically as any abstract painting being done in America at that time. The importance of these historic artists has only recently been recognized as a result of the increasing scholarly interest in the subject, both in Texas and beyond. The second section of the book examines the contemporary work of nearly three-dozen of the state’s most significant contemporary abstractionists. Though the historic discussion is focused on painting, the contemporary section covers artists working not only in painting, but also in sculpture, installation and a number of other mediums. Unlike the historic Texas artists, who participated in fairly isolated scenes in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Houston, and a number of smaller Texas cities or towns, today’s abstract artists are more fully integrated into the context of international contemporary art. These artists are exhibiting in Texas and around the country or even the world, as only a few of their historic predecessors did in the art history of the Lone Star State. South-African Beading Community Project Coming to Galveston January 9th – 11th Galveston Arts Center, in partnership with Art League Houston (ALH), will host a free event for the public to participate in “360 Degrees Vanishing,” a major site-specific installation by Houston-based artist and designer Selven O’Keef Jarmon. The project incorporates South African beadwork on a massive scale and is executed by South African artisans and volunteers. The public is invited to learn and participate in the ongoing fabrication of four large-scale beaded tapestries of over 450,000 beads. Once complete, the tapestries will be mounted on the exterior walls of the Art League Houston (ALH) building for thousands to view. This artistic and cultural learning opportunity will take place at Moody Mansion’s exhibit garage, 2618 Broadway Street in downtown Galveston, over a three-day period from Friday, January 9th to Sunday, January 11th from 10am and 4pm each day. Community members may come in for any length of time to work on the tapestry and learn about the culture of beading within South Africa from a group of highly skilled artisans from the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts Council, a South African beading co-op, that has been working with and ALH on this project over the past 6 months. To date, over 400 participants have helped string over 300,000 beads of this tapestry. This volunteer network has included Houston-area schools and academies, universities, museums and non-profits. The network will expand to the island through Galveston Arts Center at Moody Mansion. The completed installation, which is scheduled to open at ALH in February 2015, will focus viewers’ attention on the natural dynamic that exists in collective labor processes. “360 Degrees Vanishing” is a metaphor for common day-to-day business transactions and people interacting toward common goals. The project examines the natural progression of people weaving in and out of each other’s lives, reflective of a textile maker weaving fabric or an artisan beading a basket. The exhibition aims to address vanishing ideas of cultures and inherent privileges in everyday life that are taken for granted. 22 The Island Guide Magazine GalvestonIslandGuide.com

Galveston Art League - 2117 Postoffice St., (409)621-1008, www. galvestonartleague.com The Galveston Art League, a non-profit corporation, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2014 and is starting its run towards its 200th anniversary in 2015. For over 100 years, the League has been promoting art, art education, and art literacy among Galvestonians, as well as providing space for artists—from the Sunday painter to the professional—to show their work to a large audience at a reasonable cost. The Art League’s featured artist for January is photographer Steve Ross Fisher. Fisher is a native of the Houston-Galveston area and is on the physical therapy faculty of the University of Texas Medical Branch. He is selftaught in his approach to photography and his minimalist black and white images reflect the spare, uncomplicated beauty of our coastal landscape. His work has been recognized in a number of area juried shows and is held as part of UTMB’s permanent collection. Fisher’s work is on display from Thursday, January 1st, through Sunday, January 25th. Galveston Artist Residency - 2521 Mechanic St., (409)974-4446, www.galvestonartistresidency.org - The GAR Gallery is pleased to present “Biosphere2 by Eric Heist” and in the GAR Project Space: “Cajole The Nice Nice” by Anna Elise Johnson. “Biosphere2,” is an exhibition of recent works by Eric Heist and continues Heist’s interest in the economic and psychological dynamics of communal idealism in the face of individual interests. As in previous exhibitions by the artist, an array of media are directed toward a thematically-organized, research-based approach to an historic event. Eric Heist is an artist who works in multiple media exploring the effects of power upon individuals and the contradictions that exist between group and individual interests. Past installations have addressed military, religious, corporate, and economic systems through video, sculptural objects, and works on paper. Installations are thematically organized and individual works represent different perspectives on a singular topic that acquire meaning through a cumulative effect. Recent exhibitions include Foundations, a solo exhibition at Schroeder Romero/ Shredder, NY, UStrust, a solo exhibition at Schroeder Romero, Candy Factory, a collaborative project with Genesis P-Orridge, at Team gallery, New York and Centre of Attention, London. His work has been included in exhibitions at Participant, Inc., Max Protetch, Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, White Columns, Roebling Hall, NY, and the Brooklyn Museum of Art, among others. He is a founder and current director of Momenta Art, a not for profit gallery in Brooklyn, NY. He has taught at New York University, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, and The Cooper Union, New York. His work has been reviewed by Holland Cotter of the New York Times, William Powhida in The Brooklyn Rail, and Christian Viveros-Fauné in Art in America. Opening in the GAR Project Space, we’re excited to present “Cajole The Nice Nice,” a collection of new works by Anna Elise Johnson. The title for this exhibition comes from a line in the Dada Manifesto by Tristan Tzara that asks if art is only meant to “cajole the nice nice bourgeois.” The exhibition includes a sculptural acrylic collage and a series of two-dimensional collages on hardboard. All manipulate a historical photograph that presents an archetypal scene of political negotiation. In the photo, two suited leaders sit in armchairs with a rug beneath them and a fireplace, fire stokers, table, cup and papers between them. The translators and staff have been purposely omitted from the shot in order to stage a dialogue and posit a personal relationship between two world leaders. The original photograph depicts the negotiations between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev at the 1985 Geneva summit. This selected, singular photograph is meant to monumentalize this event. The collages also represent the scene from multiple vantage points through the incorporation of additional photographs (from the Ronald Reagan Library Archive) taken before and after the carefully chosen and widely disseminated iconic photograph, expanding upon the single memorialized moment. These exhibits will be on display through January 31st. Heard Gallery - 2217 Postoffice St., (903)357-9073 - The Perro Abstracto (abstract dog) in the window of this gallery is a sample of what you can have created for you at The Heard Gallery in an original oil painting. From a photo of your pet, boat, car, or even yourself, Ray Heard can create an original oil painting like no other. It will be a fantastic conversation piece and centerpiece of attraction for years to come. Over the last few years, patrons of the gallery have seen the variety of painting styles offered by owner Ray Heard. Choose from realism or abstract when you order an original. J. Bangle’s Silk Stocking Gallery - 25th and Ave. L, (409)763-6161 - The heart of the gallery is the art collection by renowned local and national artists; most notably, Galveston’s own Pam Heidt. Katrina Howarth Gallery - 215 Tremont St., (713)550-6431 or www.thehowarthgallery. com - On display this month are new fine art original oil paintings by artist and gallery owner Katrina Howarth of beautiful European landscapes and colorful still life compositions of florals and tabletops. (409)256-5166

MiArt - 1327 Market St., (409)692-7833 - MiArt is Michèle Grindberg’s charming little gallery located in the heart of Galveston’s East End in an 1883 Victorian house. MiArt showcases “happy art,” original paintings by Michèle Grindberg and Regina Lee Parkinson as well as the colorful clay pieces by Mary Ann Hasty. Also featured is locally handcrafted Sterling jewelry with such genuine gems as amethyst to rubies. René Wiley Gallery - 2128 Postoffice St., (409)750-9077, www. renewileyart.com - Come see the newest works by local artists René Wiley, Rachel Wiley-Janota, and James Phillips during the next ArtWalk opening for the exhibition “Barrier Island,” Saturday, January 17th from 6-10pm. Recently, Wiley has colorfully captured the historic charm of our island’s houses, pathways, and churches from a bird’s eye view. The René Wiley Gallery offers a wide variety of small, medium and large works for any budget, including fine art prints and wooden bowls. Gift certificates and easy shipping are also offered for our customers’ convenience. PeckArts - 2208 Postoffice St., (409)621-1500 or PeckArts.com -In January we will be featuring Jennifer Peck’s recent works from her studio in Florida, “Recycled Abstractions.” These pieces are inspired by collecting the scraps of paper from “the cutting room floor” and assembled to create vibrant layered abstractions. Other artists on exhibit are Homer Allen, Robin Renee Hix, Ross De La Garza, Gabriel Prusmack, Russell Mai, Joe Hobbs, Catherine Stroud, Justin Howell, Eva Currie, Ted Armulowicz, Anne Camp, Annie Lockhart, Brent Freed, and Mary Farragher. Every Saturday - Shar Art Supply is now offering Children’s Art Classes - Classes are held from 10:30am -12 noon every Saturday and are open to children who wish to learns technique and composition. Classes are priced at $15 per session with supplies. You can also save by purchasing a 6 week block for $60 with a $20 dollar supply fee. Shar Art has a wonderful atmosphere for your children to learn with their great staff and teachers. Bring the kids out for class while you enjoy shopping downtown or stay and take in the class with your child. Chrissy Walker will be instructing the children’s classes. She is a graduate from University of Houston and is working towards her masters in Art Therapy. For more info contact (409)392-6272. Shar Art is located at 2527 Market St., downtown Galveston. Third Coast Gallery - 2413 Mechanic St., (409)974-4661 - This month, Third Coast Gallery presents an exhibition of the oils by gallery owner Jack Morris along with watercolors by award winning watercolor artist Liduine Beckman. One of the original paintings featured in the exhibition is “Misplaced Fortune” which is Jack’s entry in the current Hunting Art Prize Competition for 2015. Also on display are a variety of sculptures by M.V. Poffenberger and Laura Armstrong as well as works by Panamanian artists Yun and Alan Fuentes. Also featured are jewelry items by fine artisan Janalee Jessen. Giclee prints of many of Jack’s original paintings are also available in limited editions on canvas, or open edition on fine art paper. Tremont Gallery and Pawsh Boutique - 511 23rd St., downtown Galveston, (409)256-0762 - A variety of unique, one-of-a-kind art is always on display in this ecelctic gallery. Vacation on Canvas - 2113 Postoffice St., downtown Galveston, (409)974-4066 - Robert Peterson and his family would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and invite all to come visit Vacation on Canvas Gallery to see his newest collection of original paintings on display for the January 17th ArtWalk. Robert has masterfully captured our island environment in brilliant vivid colors and precise detail with all the relaxing comfort that has become his trademark. Along with his original paintings, Robert offers reproductions of his artwork in canvas giclees, cards, paper prints and one-of-a-kind ceramic tiles. Water’s Edge Studio and Gallery - 1302 21st St., (409)762-1925 Gayle Reynold’s plan for 2015 is to skip participating in every other ArtWalk in order to have a larger, better show, and perhaps a less hectic life. Currently she is painting shrimp boats and white pelicans again, and looking about for other horses to photograph as resources for paintings. She is skipping the January ArtWalk however you can see the works on display at any time at the gallery. The West Bay Fishing Dory that Rex Reynolds is building in the boat room will near completion in time for the February ArtWalk. Sculptures by Pat Moberley Moore, who works in oil-based clay or artist’s wax, and takes her work to a foundry to be cast in bronze are on display. Jack Farrell, who is also a sculptor, welds bits of car parts into his figurative sculptures. Pottery is by Madeleine Baker, and has interesting glazes on them, and sometimes drawings are added. Primitive necklaces by Chase Jennings sport arrowheads which are centered in animal claws and teeth, and bison beads or turquoise.

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Tours The Grand 1894 Opera House: A History Full of Surprises By Terry Card The Grand 1894 Opera House is Galveston. And Galveston is the Grand 1894 Opera House. Both are eclectic in their natures, perhaps to the point of even being eccentric. They have shared opulence and disaster - grand times and despair - and come together in full circle to be what they are today - cultural icons of Texas in art, music, dance and theater. Long before the Grand 1894 Opera House was established, Galveston had a history, both before and after the Civil War, of theater presentations. However, one man, Henry Greenwall, single-handedly changed the haphazard presentation of shows in Galveston. After the yellow fever epidemic, he purchased and remodeled the Tremont Opera House located at Market and Tremont St. The remodeled theater opened on November 21st, 1867 with a troupe of players from New York City. The first fifteen years were very difficult financially for Henry and his Tremont Opera House, but eventually interest perked amongst Galvestonians created by a wide variety of presentations especially in the 1879 – 1880 season during which opera, comic opera, troubadours, Buffalo Bill, various plays and minstrels were presented. By 1882 profits were much improved and over the next few seasons, he could afford to bring first class headliners to Galveston, including Edwin Booth, Fay Templeton, Lily Langtree and Sarah Bernhardt. One of the last plays at Greenwall’s Tremont Opera House before it was shut down was “Charley’s Aunt.” In 1894 Mr. Greenwall raised $100,000 from fifteen prominent businessmen for construction of The Grand 1894 Opera House. It was located at the site of the first brick building on Postoffice Street in Galveston, known prior to the Civil War as the ‘Old Ice House’. The building, built in the 1850s, in addition to the Old Ice House on the first floor, housed receptions in Morian Hall on its third floor, and a school for boys on the second floor. After the Civil War, it became the Varieties Theater. In order to build The Grand, the building had to be demolished and adjacent lots purchased. Finally on January 3rd, 1895, The 1894 Grand Opera House, a Frank Cox designed neo-Romanesque style building, was opened. It boasted a carved stone archway and marble tile in the lobby, parquet flooring, oak seats, boxes, yellow-pine wainscoting, gas and electric lighting, heat, air ventilators, a 75 foot wide by 68 foot high by 68 foot deep stage and a drop curtain featuring the Greek lyric poet Sappho and her companions. The building also included a hotel and retail stores. Opening night was a resplendent event attended by Galveston’s elite, in full dress, and featured Marie Wainwright in the play “Daughters of Eve.” Marie was the daughter of Commander Wainwright, Captain of the Harriet Lane, who died heroically in hand to hand fighting, before losing his ship, during the Battle of Galveston. The Grand flourished until the Great Storm of 1900 which devastated Galveston, killing over 6000 people, and permanently scarring the city. With many of the buildings destroyed or badly damaged, including The Grand, many businesses moved away to safer locales. The Strand became a warehouse district, deteriorating badly with each passing year. The Grand had to be rebuilt and refurbished, but unlike many others, was able to be re-opened in 1901. With the change in Galveston brought about by the storm, there was an equal change in The Grand and by 1903, in addition to live theater, vaudeville and minstrel shows, movies began to be shown. This continued apace especially when it was acquired by Attillo Martini in 1924, who renamed The Grand 1894 Opera House, The Martini Theater. It remained as a 1200 seat movie house and retained The Martini Theater name until 1937 when the

new Martini Theater was built. Once again, The Grand 1894 Opera House received a new name – The State Theater. It served Galveston as a movie theater until its closure in 1971, falling into a state of ruin and disfigured by the long tenure of movies. By this time the downtown area of Galveston had also reached a low point. Many buildings were boarded up, few Galvestonians ventured into the area during the day and only thieves and scallywags were to be found there at night. It was just after this that George and Cynthia Mitchell bought the 1871 Thomas Jefferson League Building, converting it into shops, offices and a fashionable gourmet restaurant called the Wentletrap. This was the first of the seventeen 19th Century commercial buildings they eventually owned in The Strand District. Their goal was to contribute not only to The Strand itself, but also to re-energize Galveston’s fragile economy as a whole. With painstaking care and research of the buildings’ historical architecture, they slowly restored each of the buildings. Their perseverance and success encouraged others to participate in the revitalization of The Strand, now a National Historic Landmark district. In 1974 the disbanded State Theater was purchased by the Galveston County Cultural Arts Council and a 12 year long $8 million restoration of The Grand 1894 Opera House, as it was once again renamed, returned the building to the magnificence of its original design. There were many benefactors from the community including generous support from the Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund, The Moody Foundation, and George and Cynthia Mitchell. On the heels of the restoration, The Grand soon began hosting famous names once again, including Gregory Peck, Hal Holbrook, and Harry Belafonte. The Grand is one of the few remaining theaters of its era in Texas and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1993, the 73rd Texas Legislature proclaimed The Grand “The Official Opera House of Texas.” Since 1974, the theater has been operated by the not-for-profit 1894 Inc. The grandeur, beauty and intimacy of the theater lends itself to thoroughly enjoying the acts that grace its stage. Its professional seasons host about 28 productions with over 70 shows. Matching great names of the past, The Grand in modern times has hosted such names as Johnny Mathis, Glen Campbell, Willie Nelson, The Pointer Sisters, Smokey Robinson, The Beach Boys, The Temptations, The Manhattan Transfer, The Four Tops, William Shatner, and Vicki Lawrence. Favorite plays and musicals showcased include “A Christmas Carol,” “The Nutcracker Sweet,” “Flashdance,” “Guys & Dolls,” “The Great Gatsby,” “Sister Act,” “Blues Brothers,” and “Buddy Holly.” Along with the general restoration program in the downtown area by the Mitchells, soon followed by others, The Grand led Galveston from its own and the City’s general demise back to the grandeur they both had enjoyed. The Strand and Postoffice St. are vibrant energizers of the city with dozens of boutiques, restaurants, pubs, art galleries, outdoor concerts, and places to stroll. The Grand 1894 Opera House, relishing in its architectural beauty, wonderful viewing structure and marvelous acoustics, is able to draw the top entertainers and entertainment of our times. And as it was at its

grand opening, is once again ‘the place to be’ in our equally reinvigorated and vibrant city. Both have bounded out of disaster and decay, restored to the opulent architecture of their long ago beginnings – coming full circle side by side, once again. The Grand 1894 Opera House is located at 2020 Postoffice St., downtown Galveston. For tickets and more information call The Grand’s box office at (409)765-1894, (800)821-1894, or visit web site at www.thegrand.com.

Events

Galveston Historic Tour Presents the Battle of Galveston Tour - On January 1, 1863, Confederate General John B. Magruder recaptured Galveston from Union forces. Explore Galveston’s Civil War history on this driving tour aboard our electric shuttle. The tour includes details and sites of the battle along with Civil War period sites. The tour departs every Friday and Saturday in January at 4pm from Ashton Villa, 2328 Broadway, Galveston. The cost is $15 per person, reservations are required and can be made by calling (409)789-9911. Baywatch Dolphin Tours - Owned and operated by Galveston local Captain Michael Caldwell, Baywatch Dolphin Tours is a fun, friendly and informative romp through the waters of Galveston Harbor. The Dolphin Tour lasts just under an hour and the boat leaves every hour on the hour, daily, from 10am to 5pm. Adults are $10, children are $5, and infants and pets ride free. For more info, www.baywatchdolphintours.com, (832)859-4557. Galveston Party Boats - Galveston Party Boats is Galveston’s premier fishing-charter company that pioneered the use of the catamaran fishing vessel in Galveston waters. Aboard these vessels, sport fishermen will enjoy the use of the latest in technology and equipment for securing some of the Gulf’s most prized catches. For more info, www.galvestonpartyboatsinc.com, (409)763-5423. Ghost Tours of Galveston - Join a haunted ghost tour like no other. Galveston’s oldest and longest-running ghost tour is owned and operated by Dash Beardsley, the known authority on Galveston and its hauntings. Visit the website for schedules, meeting places and to book your tours online at ghosttoursofgalvestonisland.com. Harbor Tours - Tours take place daily at 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm and 4pm. See Galveston Harbor up close aboard “Seagull II,” Texas Seaport Museum’s 50-foot twin-engine motor vessel. Tours depart from Harborside Dr. For more info, call (409)765-8687. Historic Sightseeing Shuttle Tours - Join as this eco-friendly shuttle bus guides you through the gorgeous buildings, churches, and tree sculptures on the Island. These usually last a little over one hour. You are able to purchase tickets online at www.galvestonmerchants.com and at the time of the tour. There is free parking at the Visitor’s Center in the back of Ashton Villa, 328 Broadway St., Galveston, (409)7658687. Tickets are adults $15, students and seniors $12.

Welcome to Surfside, Texas! Stahlman Park Reception & Conference Center 2211 Bluewater Highway This facility is ideal for events such as family reunions, wedding receptions, class reunions as well as company meetings.

Voted Best Gulf Coast Beach Town by Readers of Gulfscapes Magazine!

Boat Ramp

Surfside has completed the joint project between the Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Village of Surfside, a Boat Ramp on Thunder Drive that leads directly into the Freeport Channel. This Boat Ramp park has restrooms and fish cleaning stations and is the fastest boat ramp access to the Gulf on the Texas Coast. How to find us:

Village of Surfside Beach

1304 Monument Drive - Surfside Beach, TX 77541 979-233-1531 - www.surfsidetx.org The Island Guide Magazine

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