Month: March 2021

New book release: ‘Infinite’ by Brian Freeman

‘Infinite’ is Brian Freeman’s new psychological suspense novel. Photo: amazon

Brian Freeman is an Amazon Charts and The New York Times bestselling author of psychological thrillers, including the Frost Easton and Jonathan Stride series. His books have been sold in forty-six countries and translated into twenty-two languages. His stand-alone thriller, “Spilled Blood,” was named Best Hardcover Novel in the International Thriller Writers Awards, and his novel “The Burying Place” was a finalist for the same honor. “The Night Bird,” the first book in the Frost Easton series, was one of the top twenty Kindle bestsellers of 2017. Brian is widely acclaimed for his vivid “you are there” settings, from San Francisco to the Midwest, and for his complex, engaging characters and twist-filled plots. He was selected as the author to continue Robert Ludlum’s Jason Bourne series, and his first Bourne novel, “The Bourne Evolution” was named one of the Best Mysteries and Thrillers of 2020 by Kirkus Reviews. His new novel just released this month, “Infinite” is an explosive psychological thriller that pushes the limits of reality as we know it. (amazon, 2021)

In “Infinite,” one rainy night, the unthinkable happens: Dylan Moran’s car plunges off the road into a raging river, his beautiful wife drowning as he struggles to shore. In the aftermath, through his grief, Dylan experiences sudden, strange visions: wherever he goes, he is haunted by glimpses of himself. Dylan initially chalks it up to trauma, but that changes when he runs into a psychiatrist who claims he is her patient. She says he has been undergoing a unique hypnotherapy treatment built on the idea that with every choice, he creates an infinite number of parallel universes. Now those parallel universes are unlocked―and Dylan’s doppelgänger has staked a claim to his world. Can Dylan use these alternate realities to get a second chance at the life that was stolen from him? Or will he lose himself…to himself?

San Antonio Museum of Art offers Master Classes this April

The Latin American Popular Art collection is one of the San Antonio Museum of Art’s extensive collection. Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art, used with permission.

The San Antonio Museum of Art is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and museum curators are hosting a virtual Master Class series to celebrate the museum’s extensive collection. Each Monday in April, art enthusiasts will hear from the curators about their favorite pieces from the museum’s 40-year history of collecting art from around the world. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2021)

Master class dates are April 5, 12, 19, and 26. Tickets for the series are $200 and registration for the event is available online.

The San Antonio Museum of Art enriches lives through exceptional experiences with art. Its mission is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret significant works of art, representing a broad range of history and world cultures to strengthen our shared understanding of humanity.

New book: ‘The Missing’ by Olin Lester

‘The Missing’ is Olin Lester’s haunting debut novel. Photo: amazon

Olin Lester served as a US Army Ranger with 1st Ranger Battalion and for the last twenty years, as a police offer in his local community of Charlotte, North Carolina. Over the decades, he has dealt with the evils of this world and writing has become a way for him to cope with them. He uses these experiences and combines them with his imagination to create unique works of fiction. In his debut novel “The Missing: a Mecklenburg Story,” the town of Mecklenburg has soured; people are missing and evil is running amuck. (amazon, 2021)

In “The Missing,” while investigating an incident 7000 feet deep inside the Duke copper mine, Tom Porter stumbles across a doorway that transports him into a parallel world of hell. He wakes up hairless, bloody, and naked in a wasteland controlled by an insidious faction of people, led by Chief Sanders, Trashman, and The Preacher. Follow Walter Pauls, Tom Porter, Charlotte Kane—her dog, Bran—and others as they discover supernatural forces eating the soul of this town, while they fight to survive. This is a haunting tale of spilled blood in a town that God has forsaken. Why are people missing, and why do so many bad things happen in Mecklenburg? Inspired by Stephen King’s novel “Under the Dome,” “The Missing” will make you think twice about visiting small towns. Read an excerpt here. 

Upcoming new book release: ‘The Other Emily’ by Dean Koontz

Dean Koontz’ new suspense novel ‘The Other Emily’ will be out March 23, 2021. Photo: amazon

International bestselling author Dean Koontz was only a senior in college when he won an Atlantic Monthly fiction competition. He has never stopped writing since. Koontz is the author of fourteen number one The New York Times bestsellers, including “One Door Away from Heaven,” “From the Corner of His Eye,” “Midnight,” “Cold Fire,” “The Bad Place,” “Hideaway,” “Dragon Tears,” and “Intensity.” His books have been published in thirty-eight languages and have sold over five hundred million copies worldwide. In his new book “The Other Emily,” he takes readers on a twisting journey of lost love, impossible second chances, and terrifying promises. It will be released on Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (amazon, 2021)

In “The Other Emily,” a decade ago, Emily Carlino vanished after her car broke down on a California highway. She was presumed to be one of serial killer Ronny Lee Jessup’s victims and her remains were never found. Writer David Thorne still has not recovered from losing the love of his life, or from the guilt of not being there to save her. Since then, he has sought closure any way he can. He even visits regularly with Jessup in prison, desperate for answers about Emily’s final hours so he may finally lay her body to rest. Then David meets Maddison Sutton, beguiling, playful, and keenly aware of all David has lost. But what really takes his breath away is that everything about Maddison, down to her kisses, is just like Emily. As the fantastic becomes credible, David’s obsession grows, Maddison’s mysterious past deepens―and terror escalates. Is she Emily? Or an irresistible dead ringer? Either way, the ultimate question is the same: What game is she playing? Whatever the risk in finding out, David’s willing to take it for this precious second chance. It has been ten years since he has felt this inspired, this hopeful, this much in love and he is afraid.

2021-03-23T13:14:00

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

Dean Koontz’ ‘The Other Emily’ release

Esther Rose releases final single from upcoming album How Many Times

Esther Rose releases ‘Songs Remain,’ the final single from How Many Times. Photo: google

Esther Rose’s homespun brand of country music has drawn comparisons to legends like Hank Williams, modern trailblazers like Rilo Kiley, and a host of other luminaries in between, but she has her own thing going on. Rose’s innate ability to reflect on her own feelings, to not cast blame, and to keep a smile while doing so brings a spark to her music that sets it apart from her contemporaries and influences alike. On March 26, Rose will release How Many Times, her third full-length album and second with Father/Daughter Records. (IV-PR, 2021)

American Songwriter highlighted Rose’s fourth single, “Songs Remain,” calling it, “Tender and moving,” and noting that, “Rose reveals her vulnerability…through fragile, hesitant lyrics.” Previously, NPR Music included the single, “Keeps Me Running” in their weekly New Music Friday playlist and Forbes praised Rose’s ability to relate to fans. Fans can hear “Songs Remain,” as well as all of the previously released singles, and pre-save or pre-order How Many Times with this link. To Rose, How Many Times, written over the course of two years—including three moves, the end of a relationship, and countless tour dates—is an album symbolizing an awakening.

With the integrity of Dean Johnson, Faustina Masigat, and Kiki Cavazos serving as primary influences, Rose expands her alt-country sound into a blossoming world of folk pop, rustic americana, and tender harmonies. “They’re the holy trinity of songwriter magic,” she says, “and when I listen to them I feel like I can explore my own heartache.” Creative touches add detail throughout the album. Rose uses a 1962 Gibson ES-120T, her first semi-hollow body electric guitar, to play unplugged for a distinct tone. On “Mountaintop,” she includes a blustery voice memo recorded at the summit of Mount Philo, an homage to the field recording in a Bright Eyes song she holds dear. From “Coyote Creek” to “Without You,” Rose’s compelling voice is ferried masterfully by the musicians that join her: Matt Bell on lap steel, Max Bien Kahn on electric guitar, Dan Cutler on upright bass, Cameron Snyder on drums, and Lyle Werner on fiddle. A collection of complete takes recorded live to tape with rich instrumentation, soul-tugging hooks, and resonating vocal melodies, How Many Times carries you into the room in which it was made. There to help realize this was co-producer Ross Farbe of synthpop band Video Age, who Rose also credits for bringing a stereo pop glow to these new songs.

Overall, it is Rose’s way of handling life that singles her out in a crowd of other singers and songwriters. Her positive attitude is uplifting while never seeming too earnest and her heavier moments never crash the party. Her trials of moving through and reflecting on both adversity and beauty are present across the record, and her voice delivers an honest and open window into her heart with graceful dexterity. While comparisons to the musical greats are flattering, Rose is on her own path, marching to not just the beat of a different drum, but to a big brass band in her very own parade.

2021-03-26T13:43:00

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

Esther Rose’s How Many Times album release

The Accidentals’ new EP Time Out (Session 1) out May 7

The Accidentals new EP features songwriting collaborations. Photo: google

Female-fronted, multi-instrumentalist power trio, The Accidentals, (Sav Buist, Katie Larson, and Michael Dause) kicked off 2018 with the release of their debut album, Odyssey, with Sony Masterworks. They followed the album release with two-hundred days of touring nationally, seventeen festivals, sync placement with Turner Classic Movies and FOX sports, and a RAM Trucks BANDvan #tourtough commercial. In 2019, The Accidentals released a self-titled live album and toured the UK; all while scoring an indie film, teaching workshops across the country, playing with symphonies, and recording new music. Amid quarantines, protests, marches, political division, and unprecedented uncertainty, Buist, Larson, and Dause continually do what they do best; create. (IV-PR, 2021)

In the beginning of March 2020, the band was on their way to South By Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas, after a whirlwind 23-show tour. They were told to turn around in Arkansas and head home. It was no longer safe to keep touring. On May 7, the fruits of their lockdown labor will be available on Time Out (Session 1). A five-song EP of all-new co-written material, Time Out features songwriting collaborations between The Accidentals and renown songwriters including Kim Richey, Dar Williams, Maia Sharp, Tom Paxton, and Mary Gauthier & Jaimee Harris.

“When the road came to a hard stop and everything went quiet, we realized the extent of what we had lost. It was devastating. We drove back to Nashville, packed some things and quarantined together in Northern Michigan. Our industry shut down completely. For the first time in eight years we didn’t have anywhere to be. We found ourselves reaching out to each other in that process of navigating the isolation. We ended up collaborating with these incredible writers because for the first time in eight years we all had time. These songs might not have happened otherwise. We wanted to somehow capture the idea that even after all of this unbelievable heartbreak, some beauty can still come from it. Time Out is a healing anthem for us, and we hope it is for you too.” – Sav Buist

Under The Radar took time to chat with The Accidentals in conjunction with premiering the music video for “Wildfire,” noting that, “…rather than simply falling into nostalgia, the band looks to the future, hoping for the promise of new life and offering a simple hand of comfort.” Fans can watch the video at this link and listen to “Wildfire” right here.

Time Out (Session 1) Track listing and Co-writers:
Might As Well Be Gold (Maia Sharp)
Night Train (Dar Williams)
Wildfire (Kim Richey)
Anyway (Tom Paxton)
All Shall Be Well (Mary Gauthier & Jaimee Harris)

“Some of the most compelling writers of our time… they display equal interest in the focused musical forms of indie rock and pop and the expansive potential of orchestral arrangements, jam band open-endedness, and impressionistic singer-songwriter expression.” – NPR

2021-05-07T14:26:00

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

The Accidentals’ Time Out (Session 1) release

St. Patrick’s Day DIY cocktail recipes from Twang

San Patricio with Desert Door Sotol and Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

St. Patrick’s Day is next week and what better way to celebrate than with some tasty cocktails inspired by the Emerald Isle. Below are two festive cocktail recipes from Twang, the San Antonio, Texas-based producer of salts and seasonings. Twang is a family-owned and operated company based in San Antonio with product lines that include Twang-A-Rita, Beer Salt and more; these are salts and seasonings designed to easily add flavor to drinks and elevate your at-home alcoholic beverages to cocktail bar status. Twang’s products are available throughout the country in 46 states, in grocery stores, convenience stores, online and through Amazon. (Twang, 2021)

San Patricio with Desert Door Sotol and Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime

Ingredients:
Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime
2 oz. Desert Door Texas Sotol
.5 oz. Agave nectar
1 oz. Lime juice
1 oz. Pineapple juice
Ice
Pineapple wedge for garnish

Instructions
Rim glass with Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime. In a shaker with ice, combine Desert Door Texas Sotol, agave nectar, lime juice, and pineapple juice. Shake and strain over ice, garnish with pineapple wedge.

Lucky Grapefruit Sour with Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love

Ingredients:
Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love
1 kiwi
Ice
½ oz. simple syrup
1 oz. lime juice
2 oz. Irish whiskey
Jarritos Grapefruit Soda; make sure it is cold

Instructions
Rim Collins glass with Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love. Cut kiwi in half and use a spoon to scoop out the fruit and put it into a shaker filled with ice, along with the lime juice. Pour into glass over ice. Top with Jarritos Grapefruit soda. Stir and garnish with a kiwi slice.

 

Lucky Grapefruit Sour with Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance mobilizes restaurants to feed South Texans

La Panaderia was one of 17 local restaurants that helped feed South Texans after devastating winter storms. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.

After an unprecedented winter storm devastated San Antonio in mid-February, the South Texas food and beverage community quickly organized to provide relief. To help, the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance (SAFWA) collaborated with World Central Kitchen, Good Match, and Hopscotch to provide more than 8,600 free meals to neighbors in need. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)

The relief efforts were focused on vulnerable residents living in San Antonio’s District 5, many of whom experienced power outages for 1-4 days. Working with Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales, the Alliance arranged meal delivery to 21 community sites.

“The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance stepped up when District 5 needed help the most,” said Gonzales. “When so many of our neighbors were stranded with no food, water, or electricity, we relied on the Alliance to feed our most vulnerable. Their network of selfless community members became a lifeline. Their energy was our fuel, and their quick response was our inspiration.”

Although the Alliance’s work typically focuses on its culinary grant and educational programs, it realized the city would need all hands on deck. The nonprofit utilized its network in San Antonio’s culinary community to ensure hundreds of free meals could be prepared per day. The hospitality industry is still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, but San Antonio’s food and beverage professionals were eager to join the efforts.

Meal deliveries were made possible by dozens of community volunteers, including representatives from the San Antonio Housing Authority and the San Antonio Fire Department. The initiative even drew the support of some high-profile helpers like U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro, Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, and actor and activist Eva Longoria.

In total, 17 local restaurants, food trucks, and caterers distributed free meals February 20-23. Participants included:

• Botika
• Chelsea Catering/ Tony G’s Soul Food
• Full Belly Café + Bar
• The Good Kind
• Grupo La Gloria
• Guerrilla Gourmet
• Hello Paradise
• J’Dubs Burgers & Grub
• La Panadería
• Little Em’s Oyster Bar
• Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar
• Naco Mexican
• Pedrotti’s Ranch
• Pharm Table
• Southerleigh Hospitality Group
• Teka Molino
• Toro Kitchen + Bar

The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance was established in 2020, following a near-decade of success with the Austin Food & Wine Alliance. Even though the organization expanded in San Antonio just last year and will focus on culinary grants, educational programs, and events, the nonprofit jumped in quickly to support the city during its time of need.

“When a crisis hits, folks who want to help go with what they know. Our expertise is in bringing people together. We have an enormous amount of gratitude for the folks who were able to help. Despite the many challenges they were facing with their own businesses and in their own lives, so many people in the hospitality industry enthusiastically lent a helping hand. It has been an incredibly inspiring thing to see.” – Mariam Parker, SAFWA executive director

Mexican rock and pop-punk band Los Supuestos releases debut single

Mexican rock and pop-punk trio Los Supuestos releases debut single “No Me Digas Adios.” Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Mexican rock and pop-punk trio Los Supuestos present their debut single, “No Me Digas Adiós.” Now available on all digital platforms, the fast-paced and energetic song reflects upon the difficulty of ending a relationship and is accompanied by a colorful animated video by the illustrator Manuel Fermont featuring aliens, milkshakes, skateboards, and a re-kindled romance. Tight guitar lines and drum rhythms sustain the drive from start to end. (Vesper Public Relations, 2021)

Los Supuestos was born during the COVID-19 pandemic and includes members of the Mexican punk band SEIS PISTOS. With no venues to perform live, Kenio, Yorsh, and el Shinobi found refuge by rehearsing and recording, giving birth to Los Supuestos. The new band is driven by two universal powers: rock ‘n’ roll and love. These two pillars serve as both emotional and artistic sustenance for the members as they continue developing their sound.

Music, animation & virtual reality are equally important for Los Supuestos. The band’s goal is to immerse listeners and viewers in a cartoon-like world with a wild and fun soundtrack.

Latin American Cinematica of Los Angeles presents virtual screenings of Feral

Latin American Cinematica of Los Angeles is hosting the screening of Feral, a Mexican horror documentary. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Latin American Cinematica of Los Angeles will host a virtual presentation of the Mexican horror documentary Feral on March 26, 27, 28, 2021 – Friday through Sunday. Due to the current COVID pandemic, the Latin American Cinematic of Los Angeles is having a socially distanced screening of Cine Nepantla for the first time. The streaming will be available online for $5.00 starting Friday March 26 until Sunday the 28 and will be followed by a discussion in English And Spanish with director Andrew Kaiser and Guido Segal, Screenwriter and film critic. (Vesper Public Relations, 2021)

The concept of Nepantla refers to the experience of living in-between two or more cultures. Nepantla is the Nahuatl word used to describe the “in-between-ness” Mexicas (Aztecs) felt under Spanish colonization. Building from this concept, Cine Nepantla aims to create a space in which meaningful dialogue among audiences of different socio-economic backgrounds, races, ethnicities, ages, abilities, genders, sexualities, nationalities, and religions can take place and effect change.

About Feral:
This tragedy took place in the late 1980s. Somewhere in the Oaxacan mountains lay the burn-out remains of a shelter that housed a psychoanalyst priest who was obsessed with rehabilitating savage children to place them back into society. Through videotape diaries, the audience is treated to a portrait of a man whose singular pursuit of this goal had him excommunicated from the church he holds dear, separated from society, and plagued by a self-doubt which chipped away at his humanity. A more sinister picture begins to emerge as interviews with individuals from the nearby village and his close family appear. It is a dark secret that may hold the key to the disappearance of the priest and the destruction of the shelter. A small cast of remarkable actors helps keep the atmosphere tense, tight, and frightening in the build-up to a haunting and unforgettable climax. A brilliant, intriguing debut that marks Kaiser as a talent to watch.

Director: Andrés Kaiser
Year: 2018
Duration: 98 Minutes

The Latin American Cinematica of Los Angeles (LACLA) is a leading institute of cinema exhibition with the year-round programming of Chicanx, Latinx, and Latin American films. Founded in 1997 by a group of Los Angeles-based Latinx cultural activists and cinema enthusiasts in response to the lack of local, as well as national, exhibition of spaces for Latinx and Latin American cinemas. Each component of LACLA is passionately committed to the cultivation of cultural expression and exchange among students, educators, filmmakers, and community members of diverse backgrounds through the art of cinema.