Pabst Blue Ribbon’s First Friday event will feature art, music by Steven Lee Moya, and more. Photo: Pabst Blue Ribbon, used with permission.
Pabst Blue Ribbon will host a First Friday event at its Southtown gallery in San Antonio this coming Friday, May 7 from 4p.m. to 10p.m. The free event will feature music by local DJ Steven Lee Moya, refreshments and more. DJ set by Moya will be from 7p.m. to 10p.m. Guests can hang out, enjoy the music and view art from Pabst Blue Ribbon’s annual can design competition, which highlights the work of emerging artists across America.
Pabst Blue Ribbon Studios 1112 S St. Mary’s St. San Antonio, TX 78210
Since 1844, Pabst has been American-owned and operated, and is North America’s largest privately held brewing company. Pabst’s portfolio includes iconic brands with deep ties to American heritage, such as its flagship Pabst Blue Ribbon and others such as Lone Star, Rainier and Old Style. Their people and their brands are committed to embracing change and making a positive impact on the communities we serve.
Hopscotch welcomes the month of May with a variety of new programming including live music, yoga, Mother’s Day specials, and more. Photo: Hopscotch, used with permission.
Hopscotch, the new immersive art gallery in downtown San Antonio, is excited to announce a variety of programming, specials, and more for the month of May. (Hopscotch, 2021)
Hopscotch is an immersive and experiential brand that brings together artists in collaborative environments to create distinctive shared experiences. Co-founded by entrepreneurs Nicole Jensen and Hunter Inman, Hopscotch provides distinct experiences through the curation of local-centric, immersive, and experiential art. Hopscotch creates platforms for local, national and international artists to experiment with a wide spectrum of mediums and technology. Hopscotch’s aim is to elicit a sense of joy and wonder in the curated spaces, where guests may explore beyond their day to day reality. Hopscotch strongly believes in cultivating lasting relationships and a synergy with artists and their local communities.
Hopscotch’s May 2021 offerings include:
Expanded Hours – Starting May 7, 2021. Just in time for the summer months, Hopscotch will begin staying open longer for visitors to enjoy. The new hours are as follows: • Friday: 11a.m. – Midnight • Saturday: 11a.m. – Midnight • Sunday: 11a.m. – 7p.m. Guests can purchase their tickets online.
New Seasonal Cocktails Along with their expanded hours, visitors to Hopscotch can find new cocktails for the season, like the crowd favorite Sangrita Swirl which combines the new Secret Sangria and Hopscotch’s frozen Rabbit Hole Rita, perfect for spring and summer days on the patio.
Backwoods BBQ & Tacos + ChipKabobs Residency at Hopscotch every weekend in May Backwoods BBQ & Tacos, a food truck and DJ booth combined, will be stationed at Hopscotch every Friday through Sunday on the patio. The truck will offer items like brisket grilled cheese sandwiches, chopped BBQ sandwiches, mini tacos, and quesadillas. ChipKabobs will also be available every Friday and Saturday from noon to 5p.m.
Hopscotch Live featuring Sunday Salsa – Select Sundays from 2p.m. – 5p.m. Guests can now visit Hopscotch to hear various live music acts each weekend such as the musical stylings of Jose Amador. Visitors to Hopscotch are encouraged to stop by the gallery to listen to Latin Jazz and Salsa favorites on the Hopscotch patio while sipping on a cocktail and enjoying food from the Backwoods BBQ & Tacos food truck. There is no cover charge to attend. Jose will be performing at Hopscotch on the following dates: • Sunday, May 2, 2021 • Sunday, May 16, 2021 • Sunday, May 30, 2021 • Sunday, June 13, 2021 • Sunday, June 27, 2021
Parents Rock! – Sundays in May and June 2021 In celebration of Mother’s Day (May 9) and Father’s Day (June 20), Hopscotch is recognizing parents for all their hard work. Moms and Dads can use the code PARENTSROCK at checkout to receive 20% off their ticket order for the gallery every Sunday in May and June. Moms and Dads can also enjoy live music from Brass Tacs, complimentary Pop Rocks candy, and drink specials on May 9 and June 20. The 20% off tickets offer is valid on Sundays in May and June of 2021 only.
#OnlyinSA Mural Launch Weekend – Friday, May 14 – Sunday, May 16, 2021 In connection with Centro San Antonio,Wide Awake Creative, and the San Antonio Parks Foundation, Hopscotch will be celebrating the launch of a new mural in Travis Park on Friday, May 14. Hopscotch will offer drink specials, music, and more during the launch weekend, which will be free to the public (please note: the launch at Travis Park and in the Hopscotch lounge and patio is free but guests must still pay for tickets to experience Hopscotch).
Third Eye Awakening – Every 4th Saturday in May – August at 9:30a.m. Guests are invited to unroll their mat in a consciously curated yoga and art experience designed to awaken the mind and body while inspiring the soul with the immersive masterpieces at the gallery. Inspired by the mural Conscious by local artist Los Otros, the yoga class led by Mobile Om will interweave breath, mindful movement, and meditation into a holistic experience aimed to unlock guests’ connections to their third eye consciousness, the home of their intuition and imagination. After a blissful savasana, guests can awaken their taste buds with a refreshing Rabbit Hole Rita to sip while they enjoy exclusive access to browse the Hopscotch gallery. Mobile Om Yoga will set up at Hopscotch every fourth Saturday over the summer. The yoga sessions begin at 9:30a.m. and space is limited. Guests are required to bring their own mats. Dates for Third Eye Awakening include: • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Saturday, June 26, 2021 • Saturday, July 24, 2021 • Saturday, August 28, 2021
Tickets for Third Eye Awakening are $45 and can be purchased online.
Love, Tito’s – Charity Event benefiting San Antonio Pets Alive – Friday, May 28, 2021 Hopscotch is Partnering with Tito’s Vodka to announce a monthly partnership that will benefit local nonprofit organizations. Their inaugural event, Bark on the Park will benefit San Antonio Pets Alive. The event will feature live music, give back opportunities, swag, and cocktails from Tito’s including Hair of the Dog (a Bloody Mary) and Tito’s Greyhound, a grapefruit and vodka concoction. Guests are invited to kick off Memorial Day weekend with their pups on Hopscotch’s patio at the Bark on the Park event and learn more about volunteer and adoption opportunities.
Surf dog Ricochet survived COVID and continued saving lives by training a service dog puppy for a combat marine veteran. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Ricochet is a certified therapy dog, first-ever surf therapy dog, champion surf dog and celebrity star of the IMAX film, Superpower Dogs. She provides human-animal intervention for veterans and active-duty service members recovering from combat PTSD, moral injury, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. She has won scores of awards for her substantial work in human-animal intervention and healing. She also provides canine-assisted surf therapy and adaptive surfing to kids with autism and other special needs, differently abled individuals, wounded warriors and veterans with PTSD. (Surf Dog Ricochet, 2021)
Surf Dog Ricochet’s paw·té·gé, a seven-month-old black lab puppy named Balboa has been training with Ricochet as a service dog for Staff Sergeant Persons B. Griffith IV Ret (Griff), a Marine combat veteran with PTSD. Griff is Ricochet’s costar in the IMAX film, Superpower Dogs now showing at theaters that have finally re-opened, and is on Hulu as well. Ricochet worked with Griff as a therapy dog which ultimately led to their co-star status in the film. Ricochet and Griff originally met during a canine therapy clinic at Balboa Hospital, now called the Naval Medical Center San Diego. The puppy, Balboa was named after the place that brought Ricochet and Griff together.
Due to the stay-at-home orders and social distancing brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, Ricochet’s therapy dog work with the military, as well as her canine-assisted surf therapy and adaptive surfing were suspended in March of 2020. After two months, Judy Fridono, Ricochet’s guardian noticed that she appeared aloof and depressed. “Ricochet’s entire life had been remarkably busy providing in-person support to others. But when Covid arrived, everything came to a complete stop. Because Ricochet had too much time on her paws, coupled with her need for human interaction, I was afraid she would not survive the pandemic. She’s 13 ½ years old now and I worried she would feel her life no longer had meaning and would check out,” said Fridono.
That is when Fridono, a service dog trainer had the idea of enlisting Ricochet’s help in the training of a PTSD service dog puppy for Griff. Training is time intensive and they certainly had an over-abundance of time. So, Ricochet became a mentor to the puppy, and the puppy became a paw·té·gé to Ricochet.
Griff served our country, kept us safe, sacrificed family, and so much more but he returned home fighting PTSD. Military recruits go through rigorous training to learn how to fight a war, but nobody teaches them how to come home after experiencing horrific battlefield atrocities. Every 65 minutes a veteran takes their life by suicide. That is one of the reasons Ricochet is helping Griff continue his healing journey with a service dog. She is committed to helping him in his recovery through healing. The things Griff experienced and saw in Afghanistan are too horrific to utter out loud but Balboa will know when Griff is anxious, having a panic attack, or a night terror. Balboa will know how to calm Griff and help him navigate further through recovery. Balboa will know because Ricochet will teach him.
Recognizing Griff’s service to our country, Ricochet is providing Balboa at no cost to him with the help of her supporters. The cost of raising and training a puppy to be a service dog for a veteran is not cheap. In fact, it can run upwards of $25,000. This includes training, placing, providing support, vet bills, wellness checks, food, treats, bones, supplies, grooming, vaccinations, license, monthly preventatives, wellness checks, team training, and other miscellaneous expenses. But just as importantly, Ricochet’s legacy will live on through Griff and Balboa… and that is priceless.
The dynamic “norteño alternativo” ensemble from Chihuahua, Mexico presents their new single. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Legión Alterna, a norteño group originally from Chihuahua, México, continues their successful musical journey after their debut during the COVID pandemic. The quartet has introduced a new and singular music style, giving honor to their name – “Legión” means group and “Alterna” means alternative. Each of the group members has strong musical backgrounds, which have converted Legión Alterna into one of the most unique ensembles of today. (Vesper Public Relations, 2021)
Each member draws influences from different genres, including classic rock, funk, reggae, and progressive Regional Mexican. These diverse elements add to the group’s alternative approach to the Regional Mexican genre. Moreover, the members have also been part of other musical groups and have experience in recording studios. Legión Alterna performs a variety of styles, but unlike other artists in Regional Mexican music, they do not perform songs with lyrics that mention drug trafficking and organized crime.
Legión Alterna’s goal is to present songs with socially conscious lyrics that the public can identify with. Their upcoming single, “Te Va A Doler” (“You Will Feel Hurt”), is a ballad with pop-rock influences, and their full-length album will be launched this fall with 10 original songs bringing classic norteño and alternative rock influences together.
After observing the musical preferences of younger generations, Edwin Reyes (Bajo Quinto and Vocals), Richi Ibarvo (Accordion and Vocals), Gio Ramírez (Bass), and Martin Parra (Drums) decided to create a new norteño project featuring a diversity of other musical influences, resulting in the formation of Legión Alterna. Each member carries norteño music in their veins but also loves other genres, giving the group an alternative touch.
Their most recent single “Pasajes De La Vida” (Stages of Life), is a socially conscious corrido about a man who grew up impoverished but succeeded in life via hard work. Another one of their singles “Dos Caminos” (“Two Paths”) invites listeners to reflect upon the story of a young man and his bad decisions, which ultimately change his life. The lyrics also truly give justice to the song title, conveying how we all face the reality of having to choose between good and bad paths.
Legión Alterna is an original, alternative norteño group whose focus is to produce and perform socially relevant songs with impeccable execution.
‘From Ashes to Song’ by Hilary Hauck. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Hilary Hauck is a writer and translator whose work has appeared in the Mindful Writers Retreat Series anthologies, the Ekphrastic Review, Balloons Lit. Journal, and the Telepoem Booth. She moved to Italy from her native UK as a young adult, where she mastered the language, learned how to cook food she can no longer eat, and won a karate championship. After meeting her husband, Hilary came to the US and drew inspiration from Pennsylvania coal history, which soon became the setting for her debut novel, “From Ashes to Song.” Inspired by true events, “From Ashes to Song” is a story of unconventional love, hope, and the extraordinary gifts brought to America by ordinary people in the great wave of immigration.
“From Ashes to Song” begins in the family vineyard in Piedmont, Italy in 1911. Pietro’s idyllic life revolves around music and vineyards. He plays the clarinet and he is practicing his first composition that he wants to play at the end of harvest celebration. His grandfather, who he calls Nonno, has taught him everything he knows about music and Pietro is nervous about playing it for him first. His perfect life starts to unravel when news of a deadly disease spreading through the countryside reaches their vineyard. The family has no choice but to burn it and brokenhearted, Pietro’s grandfather passes away. Now that he has lost the two most important things in his life, Pietro leaves for America to start a new life. Faced with the grueling life of a miner in Pennsylvania, Pietro puts music on the backburner but when he meets Assunta, a friend’s wife, she becomes his musical muse. Admiring her from a distance, he begins writing music again but the harsh realities of everyday life threaten to end his musical aspirations for good. The story ends in 1952 as the years have taken their toll on Pietro but not before he experiences music’s amazing power to heal the soul. He develops miner’s lung, which affects his ability to play his clarinet: “whistling and wheezing filled his ears, drowning out the music.” He passes away peacefully surrounded by family, which by this point includes Assunta as his wife.
“From Ashes to Song” is a beautifully written novel that perfectly captures the hardships of turn of the century immigrant life in Pennsylvania. Using charming and lyrical prose which includes music metaphors: “From the vantage point of the courtyard, the hills rolled like the rise and fall of a tempo…,” the reader is immersed in Pietro and Assunta’s daily struggles to create a better life. The story is written in third person point of view and alternates between Pietro and Assunta; two separate stories until they collide in Pennsylvania. Helped along by exquisite poetic language, the story flows effortlessly through the pages until its heartbreaking yet happily ever after ending. The in-depth character development creates characters that are relatable and by the end, it is hard not to get emotionally invested in their turbulent lives. Throughout the years, Pietro is distant and patient with Assunta but after going through so much loss in their lives, when he finally plays his clarinet for Assunta, their relationship begins to heal: “Doubts and sorrow erased like a message drawn in the sand on an incoming tide.” Since it is inspired by true events, this story of heart break, survival, and triumph of the human experience might resonate with anyone with Italian ancestors. “From Ashes to Song” by Hilary Hauck is a captivating novel that combines the beauty of the Italian countryside and the determination of immigrants to build a better life in a foreign land. It is recommended for fans of historical fiction who appreciate the importance that music can play in someone’s life.
“He just played, eyes closed, his heart aching yet healing at the same time. Him, his clarinet, love. If his music had ever had the power to heal, now was the time to wield it for this woman he loved, who tolerated him by her side.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
I confess, I do not have a sweet tooth, but every once in a while I like to indulge. This past weekend, I wanted to try the pastries from Sweet Craft Vegan because I believe in supporting small local businesses, especially if they are a vegan business. There are not that many here in the Rio Grande Valley, so of course I was diving in.
I was running out of time because it was almost closing time but I made it there with only a half hour to spare. That was after having to consult a map because I was not sure I was in the right place. With no visible business sign, I had to walk around to be able to find it because, after all, I was on a culinary mission. And there it was, right after an insurance company. My efforts were about to be rewarded with some sweet, sweet pastries; I was craving the gansitos.
Unfortunately, everything was sold-out except for some Mexican wedding cookies. Who can say no to those savory, but messy powdered sugar delights? They come in see-through eco-cups – eight of them for $6. I grabbed two of those cups and struck up a conversation with Amanda Nolan, the owner. Her online business has been around for a while, but the brick and mortar Sweet Craft Vegan has been at that location only for about a month and they are working on putting up a business sign. The fact that she sells out of inventory almost every day is a good sign. Brownsville can sure use more businesses like these that cater to a public demand for more vegan food. Trust me when I tell you that those Mexican wedding cookies are so good, I will be back for more, and I am hoping Amanda perfects that empanada recipe so we can try those soon. It was worth the drive. For now, it is recommended that you call ahead with your order. Try it, you will not be disappointed.
Here is a sample of what Sweet Craft Vegan has to offer: * Donuts: biscoff, Oreo, blackberry hibiscus, gansito filled * Conchas: vanilla tie dye, cookies n cream, chocolate, mazapán, strawberry, choco strawberry swirl * Slutty brownies * Hot cocoa rolls * Vegansitos * Mexican wedding cookies
Sweet Craft Vegan 1280 W Ruben M. Torres Sr. Blvd, Suite C Brownsville, TX 78520 956-443-0443
Michael Lewis’ new book ‘The Premonition’ will be released on May 4, 2021. Photo: amazon
Michael Lewis is the best-selling author of “The Undoing Project,” “Liar’s Poker,” “Flash Boys,” “Moneyball,” “The Blind Side,” “Home Game,” and “The Big Short,” among other works. He is a columnist for Bloomberg View and a contributing writer to Audible. His articles have also appeared in Vanity Fair, The New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, Gourmet, Slate, Sports Illustrated, Foreign Affairs, and Poetry Magazine. In his new book “The Premonition: A Pandemic Story” he writes about how for those who could read between the lines, the censored news out of China was terrifying; but the president insisted there was nothing to worry about. It will be released Tuesday, May 4, 2021. (amazon, 2021)
Fortunately, there are those among us who study pandemics and are willing to look unflinchingly at worst-case scenarios. Michael Lewis’ taut and brilliant nonfiction thriller pits a band of medical visionaries against the wall of ignorance that was the official response of the Trump administration to the outbreak of COVID-19.
The characters you will meet in these pages are as fascinating as they are unexpected. A thirteen-year-old girl’s science project on transmission of an airborne pathogen develops into a very grown-up model of disease control. A local public-health officer uses her worm’s-eye view to see what the CDC misses, and reveals great truths about American society. A secret team of dissenting doctors, nicknamed the Wolverines, has everything necessary to fight the pandemic: brilliant backgrounds, world-class labs, prior experience with the pandemic scares of bird flu and swine flu…everything, that is, except official permission to implement their work.
Michael Lewis is not shy about calling these people heroes for their refusal to follow directives that they know to be based on misinformation and bad science. Even the internet, as crucial as it is to their exchange of ideas, poses a risk to them. They never know for sure who else might be listening in.
Spoil mom this Mother’s Day with a Texas Hill Country Brunch at The JL Bar, Ranch, Resort & Spa. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner on Sunday, May 9, and what better way to celebrate mom than with a Texas Hill Country brunch at the stunning, 13,000-acre JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in Sonora Texas. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)
Families can treat mom to a blissful brunch on The Ranch on Sunday, May 9, with two exclusive seatings between 10a.m. to 2p.m. (locals and day visitors can book, too!). For $39.95 and $12.95 for children, guests and locals will be treated to a special menu of signatures dishes from their expert culinary team. There will be two reservations from 10a.m. to 11:30a.m. and 12:30p.m. to 2p.m. with limited seating for both.
For those staying for the weekend, there’s an activity for every type of mom. From a full equestrian program featuring horseback riding and a horse psychology experience to off-road ATV adventures, a Putting/Chipping Green, spa treatments, wine tasting, and clay and skeet shooting, families can make new memories at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa
The horse psychology experience is led by the working ranch and resort’s equine experts Jon Joseph and Sydney Béïque. Guests can learn about horse psychology, the basics of horse behavior, and how to be comfortable around horses; for example, guests will learn that a round pen makes it easier to train horses as well as techniques for optimal upkeep and engagement. This experience provides a deeper appreciation for the majestic animals as well as a fun, engaging way to immerse yourself in Texas Hill Country ranch culture. Guests and locals can partake in this special one-hour course for as low as $50 and gain a deeper understanding and comfort level when interacting with horses.
The horse psychology experience is one of the many services guests can enjoy at The JL Bar, Ranch, Resort & Spa. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
‘Voyage to the Deep’ opens Saturday May 8, 2021. Photo: The DoSeum, used with permission.
The DoSeum is thrilled to celebrate the upcoming summer season with a new interactive adventure brought to San Antonio from the Australian National Maritime Museum. ‘Voyage To The Deep’ will submerge families in a maritime journey full of fun and engaging activities. On Saturday, May 8, families are invited to join in on the fun and celebrate both the opening of the new exhibit as well as participate in The DoSeum’s Big Day of Play – a wonderful program featuring art, reading, and science activities. Children are encouraged to come in ocean inspired costumes. (The DoSeum, 2021)
The exhibition will be on view May 8 through September 25, 2021. Tickets and more information about the exhibit are available online.The DoSeum’s Big Day of Play activities are included with general admission and programs will run from 10a.m. to 4:30p.m.
The exhibit is based on French author Jules Verne’s 1870 classic “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” and brings to life the deep-sea adventures of Captain Nemo, his fantastical Nautilus submarine, and the mythical world he inhabited. The exhibition’s main attraction is the giant Nautilus where kids can climb aboard and discover the inner workings of a deep-sea submersible. Kids can take control at the helm, peer through the periscopes, crank the propeller, test out the bunks, and explore Captain Nemo’s Cabinet of Curiosities full of wonderful marine specimens. There is even a giant squid to slide down, a bubbly pipe organ to play nautical sounds, and a galley full of strange foods to discover.
Kids engage with fun role play by slipping on a deep-sea dive suit and venturing through the world below the waves including the octopus’ garden with its giant clamshell and then wander through the maze of seaweed in the kelp forest. They can also explore the lost world of Atlantis.
‘Voyage to the Deep’ will keep kids engaged as they learn about marine habitats and creatures as well as technology and engineering used to create submarines and other vessels which bring humans closer to the underwater world. Kids will discover how to operate a submarine and will imagine themselves in an underwater adventure into the deep-sea. The exhibition brings a range of interactive experiences including full-body interactions, mechanical and electro-mechanical exhibits, interactive projections and touchscreens.
The DoSeum continues to honor commitment to its guests and staff to maintain the safest conditions for a safe and healthy visit. COVID-19 policies regarding capacity and masks remain in place.
The DoSeum is one of the leading children’s museums in the nation; a place where minds are always at play. The DoSeum offers innovative exhibits and experiences to get children excited about concepts in science, math, art, and literacy and encourages them to take their excitement into the world. Through joyful learning and discovery, The DoSeum Experience grows curious minds, connects families, and transforms communities.
“As San Antonio thoughtfully and carefully opens back up and readies itself for an unforgettable summer, The DoSeum is delighted to bring families a bit of reprieve and much joy with this great interactive and educational exhibit. We are proud to offer “Voyage to the Deep” to our community and I’m confident this exhibit will be widely enjoyed by families with children of all ages. As always, we offer families and staff our continued commitment to their health and safety in a safe environment.” – DoSeum Vice President of Exhibits, Meredith Doby
SA Examiner 