Paul Thorn’s new album ‘Never Too Late To Call’

Paul Thorn grooves on new album out August 6 via Thirty Tigers. “Here We Go” is the first single out. Photo: google

Paul Thorn has created an innovative and impressive career, pleasing crowds with his muscular brand of roots music—bluesy, rocking and thoroughly Southern American, yet also speaking universal truths. Among those who value originality, inspiration, eccentricity and character—as well as talent that hovers somewhere on the outskirts of genius, the story of Paul Thorn is already familiar. Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, raised among the same spirits (and some of the actual people) who nurtured the young Elvis generations before, Paul Thorn has rambled down back roads and jumped out of airplanes, worked for years in a furniture factory, battled four-time world champion boxer Roberto Duran on national television, performed on stages with Bonnie Raitt, Mark Knopfler, Sting, and John Prine among many others, and made some of the most emotionally restless yet fully accessible music of our time. He has appeared on major television shows, received numerous National Public Radio features and charted multiple times on the Billboard Top 100 and Americana Radio Charts. (Paul Thorn, 2021)

Fans were recently treated to the first taste of music from Never Too Late To Call, “Here We Go.” Fans can hear “Here We Go” and pre-order or pre-save Never Too Late To Call ahead of its August 6 release right here.

Never Too Late To Call opens with a song called “Two Tears Of Joy,” a slow-burn ode to life that finds Thorn naming all that he is thankful for without once coming across as cheesy or overly earnest. “It sounds a little corny to say this but I’m a 56-year-old man who has had a really blessed life,” says Thorn about the inspiration behind the tune. “I’m really grateful and thankful for everything I have and for the people I’ve met. ‘Two Tears of Joy’ is another way of simply saying I’m grateful.” A few tracks later, Thorn and his wife Heather singing a duet called “Breaking Up For Good Again.” “If you’re in any kind of long-time relationship you’ll know there will be bumps in the road and sometimes you won’t get along,” says Thorn. The song is beautifully fingerpicked and sung to perfection by the husband and wife duo who have been together long enough to know the song’s ideas well. “We’ve lived this song and had our moments,” they say. Towards the end of Never Too Late To Call listeners are treated to a pair of groovy numbers in “You Mess Around & Get A Buzz” and “Holy Hottie Toddy.” The former a cautionary tale and the latter a call to love everybody inclusively; both feel comfortable—in classic Thorn fashion—but represent the full spectrum of what this new, thoughtfully mature album has to offer.

On Never Too Late To Call, we find a mellower Paul Thorn. The wit and the – at times – humorous commentary on life’s existential questions are in evidence, but here there is a peace about his life’s journey. Or, to put it in his words, “I’ve been such a lucky boy. I’m crying two tears of joy.”

Never Too Late To Call track list:
Two Tears Of Joy
It’s Never Too Late To Call
Sapalo
Breaking Up For Good Again
What I Could Do
Here We Go
Apple Pie Moonshine
Sapphire Dream
You Mess Around & Get A Buzz
Goodbye Is The Last Word
Holy Hottie Toddy

Paul Thorn: It’s Never Too Late To Call
2021-08-06T12:58:00

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Release of Never Too Late To Call

‘On Your Feet!’ opens Friday at the Woodlawn Theatre

‘On Your Feet!’ will run from June 25 – July 18 at the Woodlawn Theatre. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre

Opening this Friday June 25 is the Woodlawn Theatre’s performance of ‘On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan.’ This production will run until Sunday July 18, 2021. Tickets to the musical production that was on hold for over a year are now selling fast. Do not miss this opportunity to return to live theater with a show that will have you dancing in the aisles. Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. There will be no show on July 4. There will be a special 7p.m. performance on Thursday, July 15. Due to COVID-19 seating restrictions, all tickets are general admission and must be purchased in advance, online only. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. The Woodlawn Theatre Box Office is currently not conducting in-person or phone purchases. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2021)

‘On Your Feet!’ is the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, two people who believed in their talent, their music and each other, and became an international sensation. Universally crowd-pleasing and uplifting, ‘On Your Feet!’ is a celebration of greatest hits that will have audiences dancing in the aisles. Featuring the songs “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “1-2-3,” “Live For Loving You,” “Conga,” and many more, ‘On Your Feet’ is a portrait of a legendary artist that reveals fierce determination and visionary creativity matched with the exhilarating energy of the Miami Sound Machine. Sponsored by KONO 101.1.

Director: Christopher Rodriguez
Choreographer: Carla Sankey
Music Director: Jaime Ramirez
Assistant Choreographer: Jimmi Nelson-Reid

Cast:
Gloria Estefan: Jillian Sainz
Emilio Estefan: Miguel Ochoa
Gloria Fajardo: Melissa Gonzalez
Consuelo: Rita Duggan
Jose Fajardo/Ensemble: Michael Rodriguez
Rebecca Fajardo/Ensemble: Madeline Gutierrez
Young Gloria: Ella Sofia Gonzalez
Young Emilio/Nayib: Gavino Garcia/Ricardo Martinez

Special Community Nights:
ASL Appreciation Night – Friday July 9
Pride Appreciation Night – Saturday July 3

During the run of ‘On Your Feet!’, Woodlawn Theatre is partnering with Girls Inc. SA and will be collecting in-kind donations on their behalf. Donation list includes crayons, pencil colors, washable markers (thick/thin), blunt scissors, construction paper, paint brushes, acrylic paint, glue sticks, white glue, watercolor paper, watercolor paints, glitter, pom poms, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and construction paper.

Everyone over the age of two should wear a mask and practice social distancing while at the theater, including skipping a seat in between parties. Full COVID-19 policies available HERE.

New retail concept Rancho Diaz to open at Pearl this August

Local favorite gift shop Feliz Modern announces new retail concept. Photo: Laura Alexandra, used with permission.

Pearl is excited to announce the addition of a new retail concept opening in August 2021, Rancho Diaz. Created by Feliz Modern owners, Ginger and Mario Diaz, Rancho Diaz is a high-end eclectic edit of vintage and modern pieces that nod to a desert modern aesthetic for foodies and home decor enthusiasts. The shop will feature a rotating curation of products and designs that will appeal to locals and tourists alike. (Rancho Diaz, 2021)

The Diaz’ latest endeavor combines their design backgrounds with their love for all things Mexico and Texas, with a definite nod to the flavor of their beloved hometown. Rancho Diaz will encompass 1,600 square feet of retail space and will feature small batch vintage finds mixed with newer replicas, including home decor, kitchenware, textiles, table linens, personal handmade accessories, gifts, plants, local art, and more. Rancho Diaz will be a one-stop shop for decor, special kitchen products, at-home entertaining, and dinner parties.

Patrons can expect a shop that feels like home, featuring warm woods and with one foot planted in San Antonio and the other in markets around Mexico and the world. The shop will also feature guest pop-ups that will rotate and highlight different makers and foodie-inspired finds throughout the year.

Owners Ginger and Mario Diaz started Feliz Modern in 2017 as a brick and mortar shop in San Antonio. Feliz Modern quickly became a local favorite for bringing local art to a wider audience, opening Feliz Modern POP at Pearl in 2019. The couple’s new concept, Rancho Diaz, will be located in the Pearl at 303 Pearl Pkwy, Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78215, in the space formerly occupied by Leighelena. An exact opening date will be announced soon. For more information, visit Rancho Diaz online and follow along on social media

“Rancho Diaz is based on what Mario and I have in our 1930’s home, and what we dream about putting into a desert modern home someday… The style is West without being Western, with a heavy dose of our favorite handmade pieces from Mexico and around the world. Mario is a huge foodie and home chef, and we are excited about adding that aspect to this shop since it’s located in such a food-centric place like the Pearl.” – Rancho Diaz Co-Owner Ginger Diaz.

Pearl, located north of downtown San Antonio, provides a unique experience as a top culinary and cultural destination. The mixed-use space features retail, dining, picturesque green spaces, paseos riverside amphitheater, and the third campus of The Culinary Institute of America. As a former brewery operating from 1883 to 2001, Pearl reflects a vivid past while embracing the future with environmentally sustainable buildings mixed with historic architecture.