Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art, used with permission.
This year, the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) will once again participate in Blue Star Museums — a national collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and museums across the U.S. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, SAMA will offer active duty military personnel, including the National Guard and Reserves and their families, free general admission into the Museum. This summer, visitors to SAMA can explore new and current exhibitions on view, including Movie Metal (on view through June 20, 2021) and America’s Impressionism: Echoes of a Revolution (on view starting June 11, 2021) as well as SAMA’s collection of works. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2021)
The San Antonio Museum of Art serves as a forum to explore and connect with art that spans the world’s geographies, artistic periods, genres, and cultures. Its collection contains nearly 30,000 works representing 5,000 years of history. Housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of San Antonio’s River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art is committed to promoting the rich cultural heritage and life of the city. The Museum hosts hundreds of events and public programs each year, including concerts, performances, tours, lectures, symposia, and interactive experiences. As an active civic leader, the Museum is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the city and the region, and to supporting its creative community.
The newly restored 4K edition of Mackintosh and T.J. starring the legendary Roy Rogers in his final film appearance is now available on Blu-ray, DVD, and video on demand. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
On Tuesday, May 18th, Verdugo Entertainment launched the newly restored 4K version of the 1975 classic Mackintosh and T.J. on Blu-ray and DVD. The modern day American western stars the legendary “King of the Cowboys” Roy Rogers in his final feature film appearance. Distributed by Verdugo Entertainment and MVD Entertainment Group, the film is also streaming now on Amazon Prime, Vudu, You Tube and Google Play. (MVD Entertainment Group, 2021)
Mackintosh and T.J. is described as “a moving photo album of ranch life in Texas in the mid-1970s.” Screenwriter Paul Savage, most known for his TV work in Wagon Train, Big Valley, and Gunsmoke, penned the film specifically with Roy Rogers in mind. The film is one of the few in which Roy Rogers did not play himself, portraying instead the title character of Mackintosh, a veteran ranch hand.
In the film, wandering through rural Texas ranch country, Mackintosh becomes a father figure for the young and homeless T.J. (Clay O’Brien) and helps him to stay on track. They land jobs on Jim Webster’s ranch, where Mackintosh proves his skills as a horse tamer. When a murder takes place, Mackintosh is framed which leads to dramatic events.
The film was restored to 4K from the original 35MM camera negative, including audio cleanup and went through a color correction process to match the original film. Colorist Sean Lawrence comments, “Our color correction approach was to try and be as true to the original intention and not impose modern color correction aesthetics. Were the filmmakers alive to see it, we would want them to feel that this matched their original vision.” Mackintosh and TJ’s original score is by Waylon Jennings and the soundtrack features songs by Jennings and country music icon Willie Nelson.
The film was recently spotlighted in the What is a Western? Interview Series: Ranching, Rodeo and Roy Rogers produced by The Autry Museum and featuring a lively discussion with rodeo world champion Larry Mahan (who also has a role in the movie), and film historians C. Courtney Joyner and Stuart Rosebrook. The panelists discuss the realistic portrayal of 20th century rodeo and ranching life in movies, particularly in Roy Rogers’ final film, and explore the significance of the Western genre and the ways in which the movies shape our understanding of the American West.
Bonus Materials • Audio Commentary with Clay O’Brien, Andrew Robinson and moderator C. Courtney Joyner • Lone Pine Cast Reunion with Clay O’Brien, Andrew Robinson and Larry Mahan • Interview with Billy Green Bush • Original On-Set Footage • Theatrical Trailer
Verdugo Entertainment is a leading independent entertainment distribution company dedicated to rediscovering, restoring and distributing cult classic and retro films. Located in Burbank, California, the company provides complete film-distribution services and the highest level of technical quality in restoration so that each film is presented in its intended brilliance – bringing today’s fans closer than ever to the original experience. Verdugo films are made widely available through streaming services, VOD, OTT, Broadcast, on VHS collectors sets, on DVD and Blu-ray, and can be seen at outdoor screenings, cinemas, and festivals across the U.S. and Canada.
The Beach-Bound Book Bash is set for Saturday, June 12, 2021. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
The Beach-Bound Book Bash, the annual literary tea and author reading, is back. The event will happen virtually on Saturday June 12, from 3p.m. to 4:30p.m. PT / 6p.m. to 7:30p.m. ET. Presented by Books That Make You and Black Château Enterprises, The Beach-Bound Book Bash is an opportunity for booklovers to discover their next favorite author and new reads for the summer. The event features live book readings presented virtually to booklovers around the world, as well as prizes, networking, and lots of bookish fun. (Black Château, 2021)
The Beach Bound Book Bash 2021 is hosted by LaFern Cusack, host of The Experience on 710-AM ESPN Radio Los Angeles, and by Desireé Duffy, founder of Black Château Enterprises, The BookFest®, and Books That Make You.
Attendees can enter the huge Beach-Bound Book Bash Giveaway featuring a whole sack of books and summer goodies including a Kate Spade Tote, a Gathre vegan leather mat, a beach towel, floppy hat, and sunglasses—valued at $300. Winner announced at the end of the event.
To take part in the Beach-Bound Book Bash, get updates, and connect with other passionate readers, join the Beach-Bound Book Bash Facebook Group. The Beach-Bound Book Bash 2021 will be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube. Use hashtags #BBBB ad #BBBB2021.
The line-up of readers include:
T.L. Bequette, a criminal defense attorney in Oakland, California, turned writer. “Good Lookin’” is his debut novel and weaves his expertise from the courtroom into the pages of a thrilling mystery.
George Galdorisi, a career naval aviator and a multiple award-winning and The New York Times bestselling author. He wrote fifteen books, including the acclaimed Rick Holden thriller series.
Leah Guy, aka the Modern Sage, a new thought leader and expert in emotional healing and personal development. She has written three books, the latest being ”Overcoming Toxic Emotions, A Practical Guide to Building Better Relationships with Yourself and Others.”
Gerald Everett Jones, multiple award-winning author of literary fiction and mystery novels. Compared to literary giants such as Roth and Vonnegut, he releases his latest book, “Harry Harambee’s Kenyan Sundowner,” on June 29, 2021.
Seven Joseph, an attorney, negotiator, speaker, and award-winning author of “The Last Surviving Dinosaur: The TyrantoCrankaTsuris” and “The Crankatsuris Method: A Grownup Guide to Effective Crankiness.”
Debbie Monteggia, an interior designer turned writer on mission to inspire other people through her poems. “Tears of Change” is her debut poetry book.
Gabrielle Alexa Noel, a bisexual creator, columnist, software developer, and author of “How To Live With The Internet And Not Let It Run Your Life.” Her content is sex-positive and positively highlights marginalized communities.
Scott Ryan, an author, publisher, and television historian who captures the truth of what really happened. His latest book, “Moonlighting: An Oral History” is the never-before-told inside story behind the making of the pioneering TV series.
Edgar Scott, an economist-turned computer scientist and author of the near-future dystopian science fiction, ”418: I Am a Teapot.”
Flo Selfman, an in-demand copyeditor-proofreader for award-winning books, a contributing author to Media Magnetism and Office for One. She is currently working on a memoir.
Laila Tarraf, a senior human resource executive and the author of “Strong Like Water: How I Found the Courage to Lead with Love in Business and in Life,” a book that offers insights and inspiration for finding a natural balance and leading as a whole person.
Laura Tohe, a poet, writer, librettist, scholar of Indigenous American Literature, and Navajo Nation Poet Laureate. Her work was published in multiple languages and includes ”Code Talker Stories,” an oral history book with the remaining Navajo Code Talkers.
Sara Winokur, a geneticist and researcher turned author. Her award-winning mystery novel, “Double Blind: The Icelandic Manuscript Murders,” dives deep into the culture, history, and gorgeous landscapes of the Land of Fire and Ice.
Black Château is an award-winning marketing and public relations agency located in Southern California. It specializes in promoting authors, books, small press, personality brands, and creative individuals from around the world with a full-spectrum of services. The company’s motto is: We believe in storytellers. Black Château’s sister company, Books That Make You, is a multi-media brand that promotes books through its website, radio show/podcast, and magazine features.
Peeler Farms presents ‘Music Fare’ featuring Robert Ellis and Gordy Quist. Photo: google
On Saturday, June 5, Peeler Farms will present “Music Fare,” an outdoor, limited capacity live performance by singer-songwriter Robert Ellis and Band of Heathens’ Gordy Quist at Peeler Farms in Floresville, TX. Tickets are now on sale online for $100 each, which includes the live performance and a meal prepared by Peeler Farms. This performance marks the first of a three-performance series of live shows that will be presented by and at Peeler Farms this summer. (Peeler Farms, 2021)
The performance will take place at Peeler Farms, located at 3007 FM539, Floresville, TX 78114 on Saturday, June 5. Gates will open at 6p.m. and performances will begin around 7p.m. A catered meal by Peeler Farms is included in the cost of the ticket and will feature Peeler Farms Wagyu Brisket Flautas, Peeler Farms Wagyu Steak Tacos with homemade corn tortillas, chimichurri with queso fresco, Mexican potato salad, and Orobianco Water Buffalo Gelato for dessert. Alcohol will not be available for purchase onsite, but guests 21 years of age or older are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages and coolers, if desired.
The 26th annual Texas Book Festival in October will consist of virtual events and in-person activities. Photo: Texas Book Festival, used with permission.
Texas Book Festival is excited to announce that the 26th annual Texas Book Festival will take place October 25 through October 31 as a hybrid event. Starting Monday, October 25, virtual sessions will lead up to the Festival Weekend on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol and along Congress Avenue in downtown Austin. The Festival will include a diverse lineup of established, emerging, and debut literary talent of all ages. (Texas Book Festival, 2021)
The 2020 all Virtual Festival featured more than 175 authors, illustrators, poets, journalists, artists, and thought leaders including Matthew McConaughey, Dean Koontz, and Erin Brockovich. The annual First Edition Literary Gala was held virtually and raised more than $600,000 to fund all the nonprofit organization’s literary and literacy programs.
In 2021, book enthusiasts can look forward to the return of everything they love about the Texas Book Festival, including a terrific author lineup, timely and thoughtful panel topics, food trucks, a Saturday evening Lit Crawl, and more.
The 2021 Texas Teen Book Festival will also take place during the hybrid Festival, featuring conversations with acclaimed Young Adult authors. The annual First Edition Literary Gala will take place Friday, October 29 as an in-person celebration featuring some of literature’s brightest stars and storytellers, with indoor and outdoor seating options. Guests can attend sessions in the outdoor tents and are welcome to visit the in-person and virtual Exhibitor Marketplace, which features book publishers big and small, university presses, booksellers, independent authors, and a wide variety of items for the literary shopper.
With a vision to inspire Texans of all ages, the Texas Book Festival connects authors and readers through experiences that celebrate the culture of literacy, ideas, and imagination. Founded in 1995 by former First Lady Laura Bush, Mary Margaret Farabee, and a group of volunteers, the nonprofit Texas Book Festival promotes the joys of reading and writing through its annual Festival Weekend, the Texas Teen Book Festival, the Reading Rock Stars Title I elementary school program, the Real Reads Title I middle and high school program, grants to Texas libraries, and year-round literary programming. This year’s hybrid Texas Book Festival will take place from October 25 through October 31, with virtual events October 25 – 28 and the Festival Weekend taking place on the grounds of the Texas Capitol October 30 – 31, featuring renowned authors, panels, book signings, and children’s activities. Thanks to generous donors, sponsors, and volunteers, the Festival remains free and open to the public.
“Festival-goers have shared with us how eager they are to see us return downtown, safety permitting. And now, encouraged by growing vaccination numbers and only after many conversations with authors, publishers, attendees, partners, other event organizations, and the City of Austin, we’re eager as well. We’ll never abandon what we learned about virtual, though—readers told us they enjoyed that too. Stepping into the hybrid space provides everyone the opportunity to participate in a big, vibrant, diverse Festival program, virtually or in-person.” – Literary Director Matthew Patin.
There is an open call for restaurants who wish to participate in the upcoming Culinaria Restaurant Weeks in August. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.
The biggest celebration of dining is back this August 14-28 with San Antonio Restaurant Weeks. The organization behind Culinaria, a bi-annual event, is issuing a call for restaurants to participate. “It’s a challenge for us to connect with every individual restaurant in San Antonio, so, we want to make sure that the opportunity is open to all,” says Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, President and CEO of Culinaria. (Culinaria, 2021)
For participation, restaurants agree to offer patrons a three or four course fixed price menu that is $20 for lunch and/or dinner for $35 or $45. Restaurants must offer both dine-in and take-out and can sign-up online to participate. Culinaria benefits from a donation back from each of the menus purchased and uses funds to support its mission of promoting San Antonio as a culinary destination while also supporting the hospitality industry and community.
“The fun of Restaurant Weeks is that it gives our audience a chance to visit old favorites or discover a new find that they have been wanting to try and just haven’t make it yet. In turn, it’s giving restaurants a boost in dining in what is typically a slower time for them during the end of the summer season.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge
Culinaria is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting San Antonio as a premier wine and food destination while fostering community growth and enrichment. Culinaria is a registered 501 c (3) tax-exempt organization. A volunteer board of directors who represent the community and guide the organization in its mission to champion the wine and food industries governs Culinaria.
The San Antonio Museum of Art receives grant towards the exhibition Roman Landscapes: Visions of Nature and Myth from Rome and Pompeii. Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art, used with permission.
The San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) is honored to have been selected to receive a grant through the National Endowment for the Arts’ Grants for Arts Projects program. The Museum has been awarded a grant of $35,000 toward the exhibition Roman Landscapes: Visions of Nature and Myth from Rome and Pompeii, which will be on view in Spring 2023. SAMA’s project is among the more than 1,100 projects across America totaling nearly $27 million that were selected during this second round of Grants for Arts Projects fiscal year 2021 funding. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2021)
The San Antonio Museum of Art will be the only venue for this groundbreaking exhibition, which will be the first in the U.S. to explore the rich body of landscape imagery in ancient Roman art. The exhibition will feature landscape scenes in a variety of media, including wall paintings, sculptures, mosaics, and cameo glass and silver vessels, many from Rome, Pompeii and other archaeological sites in Italy. These works depict a fascinating yet imaginary vision of a countryside replete with seaside villas and rural shrines, where gods and mythological heroes mingle with travelers, herdsmen, and worshippers. The NEA grant will support the installation of Roman Landscapes at SAMA and development of a bilingual self-guided tour that will draw connections between works in the exhibition and landscapes from other cultures in SAMA’s collection.
“As the country and the arts sector begin to imagine returning to a post-pandemic world, the National Endowment for the Arts is proud to announce funding that will help arts organizations such as the San Antonio Museum of Art re-engage fully with partners and audiences.” – NEA Acting Chairman Ann Eilers.
The San Antonio Museum of Art serves as a forum to explore and connect with art that spans the world’s geographies, artistic periods, genres, and cultures. Its collection contains nearly 30,000 works representing 5,000 years of history. Housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of San Antonio’s River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art is committed to promoting the rich cultural heritage and life of the city. The Museum hosts hundreds of events and public programs each year, including concerts, performances, tours, lectures, symposia, and interactive experiences. As an active civic leader, the Museum is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the city and the region, and to supporting its creative community.
Upcoming events include a virtual wine event and a Memorial Day sale. Photo: Twin Liquors, used with permission.
On Wednesday June 2, Twin Liquors will be hosting a virtual wine event with international man of winemaking, Nick Goldschmidt, as he guides viewers through a tasting of his wines from New Zealand, to Argentina, to California. Born in New Zealand, Nick Goldschmidt has been making wine in both hemispheres for nearly forty years; first corporately, and now for his own Goldschmidt Vineyards brands, since 1998. Nick is hands-on from vine to bottle, and has a deep passion for single-vineyard Cabernet. You will often find him in the vineyard pruning vines or in the cellars crushing and racking his top wines. To register for the free event, please visit the link here. (Twin Liquors, 2021)
Additionally, beginning next week on May 24, Twin Liquors will be offering its annual Memorial Day sales which features specials on spirits and wine. The special promo will run through May 31. For more information on specific sale items, visit Twin Liquors online.
Be sure to also check out Twin Liquors newly launched Spring into Summer Entertaining Guide designed to provide advice on hosting this spring season. Whether “Entertaining at Home” means having a few friends over for dinner or inviting your closest friends to a backyard get-together, Twin Liquors has you covered with everything you need. Featuring new spring cocktail combo packs with recipes, wine pairings, and tips for hosting this spring, the entertaining guide has something for everyone.
May 24 – May 31: Memorial Day Sale June 2: Around the World with Nick Goldschmidt, Virtual Wine Event (6p.m. CT)
Customers are able to shop through the website or the Twin Liquors app, available to download on iOS and Android app stores. Twin Liquors will continue to offer online ordering for in-store pickup and/or delivery in all stores.
Born and raised in downtown Austin, Texas, Twin Liquors began as one small store and has developed into a successful “home-grown” Texas family-owned company. Twin Liquors has a unique and well-respected reputation throughout the United States for having impeccable team members, outstanding customer service, conveniently located stores, extensive selections of fine wines and premium spirits from around the world, and substantial community involvement. Twin Liquors currently operates 100+ neighborhood stores from Austin to San Antonio, the Hill Country to Houston and the DFW area with their Sigel’s branded stores.
Prospector Blues is the first track from Jamestown Revival’s upcoming Fireside With Louis L’Amour EP which will be out May 28, 2021. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
In 2020, Jamestown Revival released A Field Guide To Loneliness, an intimate collection of songs that finds Clay and Chance reflecting on recent times whereby human contact was limited more than ever. A Field Guide To Loneliness follows Jamestown Revival’s 2019 critically acclaimed release, San Isabel. Recorded in a remote cabin in the majestic and calming landscape of central Colorado, the band embraced a minimalist approach in the recording of San Isabel. Finding inspiration in ‘60s and early ‘70s folk and pop, the original songs on San Isabel show reverence for early John Denver and Bob Dylan, as well as Simon & Garfunkel and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. (IV-PR, 2021)
The frontier stories of American novelist Louis L’Amour have been an influence on Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance of Jamestown Revival since the band’s formation. At the age of 23, both Clay and Chance read L’Amour’s memoir, “The Education Of A Wandering Man,” and since then, fans have not had to dig very deep to find their hat tips to the late great legend. On May 28, Jamestown Revival’s newest project, an EP titled Fireside With Louis L’Amour, will forever immortalize the guys’ love for L’Amour’s storytelling in a six-song roundup of tunes directly inspired by his short stories. When it was all said and done, Jamestown Revival was successful in their effort to distill a half-dozen tales from “The Collected Short Stories of Louis L’Amour, Volume 1: Frontier Stories” from 30-page adventures down to three and a half minute songs; each directly inspired by individual stories from the collection—Jamestown Revival’s tune “Bound for El Paso” comes from L’Amour’s “The Gift of Cochise,” “Fool Me Once” was inspired by “The Man from Bitter Sands,” and so on. This past Friday, the band released “Prospector’s Blues,” their thumping, resonator-driven album-closer inspired by L’Amour’s tale of cautious-turned-reckless mining in “Trap of Gold.” Fans can listen to “Prospector’s Blues” here and pre-order or pre-save Fireside With Louis L’Amour ahead of its May 28 release with this link.
“They say that L’Amour was the master of the short story and we would humbly agree. In 30 pages he manages to draw you in, make you invest in the characters, and oftentimes hit you with a twist that you truly didn’t expect,” say Clay and Chance. “The songs on Fireside With Louis L’Amour are our attempt to put a musical spin on some of Louis’ short stories found on ‘The Collected Short Stories of Louis L’Amour, Volume 1: Frontier Stories.’ To have the family of L’Amour on board was just icing on the cake for Jamestown Revival. “On top of that, it’s been an absolute honor to have the blessing of Louis’ son, Beau, and the L’Amour estate. We hope these songs inspire you to pick up ‘The Collected Short Stories of Louis L’Amour’ and read the true inspiration behind the music,” they say, before adding “We also feel it’s worthwhile to mention these songs should be best enjoyed sitting next to a fire with a nip of whiskey in the glass.”
Fireside With Louis L’Amour Track Listing: 1. Bound for El Paso 2. Fool Me Once 3. The Ballad of Four Prisoners 4. The Killing Type 5. Beyond the Ridge 6. Prospector’s Blues
The Better Times is Asleep at the Wheel’s new EP. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Founded in 1970, Asleep at the Wheel has been part of the American roots music landscape for more than 50 years. Although the band got its start on a farm in Paw Paw, West Virginia, Asleep at the Wheel became a cornerstone of the Austin, Texas, scene upon its arrival in 1973. Inspired by Western swing and honky-tonk country, the band has received 10 GRAMMY® Awards, was cited by the Country Music Association as the 1976 Touring Band of the Year, and was given the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Americana Music Association. They have released 31 albums and charted more than 20 singles on the country charts. (IV-PR, 2021)
Fifty years ago—before Americana or outlaw or cosmic country ever had a name—Ray Benson and his band Asleep at the Wheel were carrying the torch of some of America’s favorite music into the future with fiery live shows, droves of followers, and a mainstream swing sound all their own. Fast forward five decades to find Benson and crew still bearing that torch, albeit with quite a few more fans and albums under their belt. To begin the celebration of its 50th anniversary, Asleep at the Wheel is releasing new music ahead of a quick trip through Texas and Missouri this June—a preview of sorts for what is to come from their momentous anniversary year. On May 28, the band will release a three-song EP dubbed The Better Times, produced by Benson for Bismeaux Records. Benson takes the lead vocal on the title track, a hopeful original written while riding out the pandemic. Asleep at the Wheel vocalist and fiddler Katie Shore sings “All I’m Asking,” a rousing request to get back together, written by Band of Heathens’ Ed Jurdi, and Gordi Quist. Meanwhile, Benson and Shore harmonize on “Columbus Stockade Blues,” a traditional tune arranged in the spirit of Willie Nelson and Shirley Collie’s 1960s version.
Once The Better Times is out in the world, Asleep at the Wheel will be hitting the road to celebrate—not just the EP, but the fact that they are able to tour again—with a run of shows that will take them from Texas’ legendary Gruene Hall on May 29, up through Texas to Columbia and St. Louis, Missouri, and back down to College Station to end the run on June 20.
Asleep at the Wheel fans are highly encouraged to stay tuned as the band gets further along into their 50th anniversary year—2021 has more exciting announcements in store.
Catch Asleep at the Wheel On Tour: May 29 – Gruene Hall – Gruene, Texas June 3 – Birdsong Amphitheater – Stephenville, Texas June 5 – Starlight Ranch Event Center – Amarillo, Texas June 6 – Cactus Theater – Lubbock, Texas June 10 – Rose Music Hall – Columbia, Missouri June 11 – The Sheldon – St. Louis, Missouri June 19 – Buck’s Backyard – Buda, Texas June 20 – Rudder Auditorium – College Station, Texas
SA Examiner 