Month: November 2021

Good Dog Boarding & Walks opening in Pearl neighborhood next week

The new dog walking, boarding, and daycare facility will open in the Pearl neighborhood next week. Photo: Good Dog, used with permission.

Good Dog, a new 1,850 square foot dog walking, boarding, and daycare facility in the Pearl neighborhood, will open for service Wednesday, December 8 just in time for the holidays. The facility is owned and operated by Steven and Kaylee Bell, who have moved back home to South Texas after running a successful doggy daycare in Dallas. Good Dog is intentionally designed to be a safe and fun environment for smaller dogs, weighing 35 lbs. or less or measuring under 15” in height at the shoulder, but will provide walks for dogs of all sizes. (Good Dog, 2021)

“We’re really looking forward to being a part of the Pearl neighborhood and being able to serve the dogs and dog owners here. We have a wonderful space where every decision was made to create a great experience for smaller dogs – we hope the community loves it!” – Co-Owner Steven Bell.

Good Dog’s daycare and walk services are based on a monthly membership, while boarding services are offered to guests at a nightly rate. Additional enrichment play and one-on-one time with dogs is available as an add-on as well. Though the boarding and daycare services apply to smaller dogs only due to space limitations, thirty minute and one hour walks are available for dogs of all sizes and take place throughout the Pearl neighborhood and museum reach of the San Antonio River Walk. For a full list of services provided and membership options click here.

“Good Dog is an excellent addition to Pearl’s neighborhood. Pearl has always been dog-friendly, and we are excited to welcome a great team of professionals to better meet the needs of our community and their dogs.” – Pearl’s Chief Operating Officer Mesha Millsap.

The facility includes two indoor play spaces and two outdoor play spaces in addition to its individual indoor kennels. Good Dog is located at 132 W Grayson, Ste. 150, San Antonio, TX 78212 and its lobby will be open to guests Mondays-Fridays from 7:30a.m. to 6:30p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9a.m. to 5p.m.

Photo: Good Dog, used with permission.

Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, which operated from 1883 to 1999. Located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River, it is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable—both built in 1894—and numerous plazas. Today, Pearl is home to dozens of unique culinary concepts, one-of-a-kind retail, weekend markets, residential communities, innovative office tenants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America, and the award-winning Hotel Emma. Pearl is a vibrant district where community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer.

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David Konrad releases US version of popular children’s books series Project Adventure

All four books in the series are now available as a digital box set and holiday gift. Photo: David Konrad

David Konrad is an adventurous dad who shares his love of storytelling with middle grade children around the world. While traveling internationally and raising his young family, he found inspiration to write his books and fulfill his mission: making a difference in the lives of children. The Project Adventure Children’s Book Series is action-packed, fun-filled and driven by characters who will be cherished by young readers seeking their next favorite mystery. (David Konrad, 2021)

International author David Konrad releases the US version of his popular children’s books series, Project Adventure, this December 14, as a digital box set. Perfect for individual reading, or for caregivers and teachers to read a chapter or two at a time to create more suspense and engage young readers, Konrad’s box set will inspire children to find pleasure in reading, and delight them as a holiday gift.

Preteens Ethan and Matt are best friends and founders of the Project Adventure kid-detective agency. They are always looking for adventures, solving a good mystery, and making new friends. Together, they embark on exhilarating journeys that strengthen their friendship, courage, and social skills.

The digital box set contains the first four mysteries in the Project Adventure children’s books series:

“Heart of the Island”– Ethan and Matt head into their first great adventure to find a lost diamond, called The Heart of the Island. They must overcome their fears, escape the bullies chasing them, and face spooky bat-filled caves as they take on the quest to find the treasure.

“Rumble at the Zoo” – Ethan and Matt receive a call for help from Lisa, their first client of their newly set up detective agency Project Adventure. Recently, the animals at the Skywalk Zoo have been taking turns behaving weirdly and aggressively, scaring visitors away. Will they find out why the animals behave so strangely? Can the boys find out who is behind all this? And can they protect the animals and stay safe? Could Lisa become more than just a first client, and join the boys on their adventures?

“The Courtside Mystery” – Ethan and Matt are looking forward to spending time at basketball camp, just playing. But as they arrive, they find out about a weird incident at a basketball game at their camp the week before. The police think it is just an accident, but when Ethan becomes the victim of one of these accidents, they are left with no choice but to investigate. They need Lisa, the third member of their detective agency Project Adventure to help with background checks that might lead to solving the mystery.

“The Scrapyard Shakedown” – Ethan, Matt, and Lisa face freezing winter weather and sinister villains as they trace the shadowy figures lurking around the local scrapyard at the edge of town. The stakes are high, involving the rescue of their new friend Kalea’s dad.

The digital box set is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.
Price: $4.99
Publish Date: December 14, 2021

Project Adventure series of books for children. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
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Loney Hutchins releases new album of gems from Nashville’s lauded past

Loney Hutchins’ new album Buried Loot, Demos from the House of Cash and Outlaw Era, ’73 – ’78 will be out December 10. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

A native of Appalachia, Loney Hutchins grew up across the holler from Clinch Mountain with one foot in Virginia and the other in Tennessee. His songwriting and flat-picked guitar style are indicative of his upbringing, grounded by the hard life of poverty he was born into, while inspired by the region’s natural beauty and the earliest sounds of Country Music. Hutchins left Tennessee for college through the GI Bill but returned for music in 1972 and soon finagled a job at the House of Cash. He inspired the character, “Loney” in Cash’s ’76 bicentennial rumination “Sold Out of Flagpoles.” (Loney Hutchins, 2021)

Around 1972, in a chance encounter with June Carter Cash, now-legendary Nashville song-man Loney Hutchins’ future was forever changed. After hearing his demo reel, June’s husband Johnny signed Hutchins to their House of Cash publishing company and the rest is history. Hutchins’ time at House of Cash coincided with the rise and pinnacle of America’s outlaw country movement, and on December 10, from the archives of Loney Hutchins, fans will be treated to a treasure trove of long-forgotten tunes of the era on a brand new release on Appalachia Record Co. titled Buried Loot, Demos from the House of Cash and Outlaw Era, ‘73- ‘78. Buried Loot is full of never-before-heard recordings, presented for the first time from 80+ hours of tape tucked away through the years by Hutchins. Much of the material is fully produced demos made for Johnny Cash when Hutchins managed the House of Cash publishing catalog, performed by in-demand session players of the time. Wide Open Country premiered “Pinball King,” writing “Hutchins flaunts his way with words.” Fans can hear “Pinball King” today at this link and pre-order or pre-save Buried Loot ahead of its December 10 release right here. 

The songs compiled on Buried Loot are unmistakably influenced by the era in which they were recorded. There is the never-before-heard “Stoney Creek,” written by the woman often credited as coining the “outlaw” label, the late Hazel Smith, and Hutchins’ own material ranges from Byrds-ish country rock, Everly-esque ballads, to Appalachian folk and down and out honky-tonkers. Meanwhile, there are Cash-penned songs performed here as demos before they would officially be recorded and released—tongue in cheek numbers far from the Music Row norm like, “Committed To Parkview,” as well as a Helen Carter-penned tune never recorded, “You Gotta Live It Brother (If You Wanna Serve the Lord).”

Buried Loot Demos from the House of Cash and Outlaw Era, ‘73- ‘78 Track list:
Pinball King
Who’s Gonna Be My Fire?
Paradise
Fools Gold
Stoney Creek
One More Habit
Wouldn’t Say It If It Wasn’t So
Daughter Of A Railroad Man
I Do Declare
Nashville Suite
Every Day’s A Monday
We Got It All
Four More Reasons
Whippoorwill
Whisky Lady
Taxi Please
Five Years In Hell
Committed To Parkview
Ya Gotta Live It
Hillbilly Ghetto
Reedy Creek
I’ll Always Have The Good Lord Watching Over Me
Sheets Of Green Clover
My Tennessee Hills

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Yonder Mountain String Band re-release Town by Town

Yonder Mountain String Band re-releases pivotal second album Town By Town for twentieth anniversary. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

September 27, 2021 marked the 20th Anniversary of award¬-winning Colorado bluegrass luminaries Yonder Mountain String Band’s incredibly popular and influential second studio album, Town by Town. To celebrate, YMSB has just announced a 20th-anniversary re-release of this modern classic on 180g double vinyl. Originally released on the band’s own independent label, Frog Pad Records, Town by Town features founding members Adam Aijala, Ben Kaufmann, Dave Johnston, and Jeff Austin, along with album producer and bluegrass legend Tim O’Brien who lends his talent on fiddle and bouzouki. “Wow, 20 years have gone by since I dove in with Yonder for a new recording,” says O’Brien. “It’s a good thing to look back and see what we did and what happened since.” The 20th Anniversary release of Town by Town is available on their online store. (Yonder Mountain String Band, 2021)

Over time, the songs of Town by Town have grown into classics in their own rights and are certainly considered fan favorites at YMSB’s legendary live shows. Additionally, Town by Town paved the way for the next generation of jam-grass talent who regularly pay tribute to the Nederland, Colorado-formed band—and specifically this album—in their live shows. Six-string shredder Billy Strings slides “Sorrow Is A Highway” into his live shows and Greensky Bluegrass cover “Peace of Mind” in their sets. Up and comers The Kitchen Dwellers cover “New Horizons” and fellow jam-circuit veteran Keller Williams put the same song on his first bluegrass album with Larry and Jenny Keel. YMSB’s reach expanded beyond the bluegrass community when rapper Bubba Sparxxx sampled “To See you Comin’ Round the Bend” for the track “Comin’ Round” from his 2003 album Deliverance.

Looking back twenty years later, it is apparent the impact Town by Town had—and continues to have—on YMSB’s fans and contemporaries. “They were excited and determined and open-minded. I pushed them some, they pushed me some and we both learned a lot,” remembers producer Tim O’Brien. “At that time Yonder was exploding on the scene, gathering new fans like a wet snowball rolling down a black diamond slope. I doubt they knew they were carving out their own legacy. I was honored to be there with them.” Check here for a full tour listing.

Town by Town 20th Anniversary Vinyl Track list:
Rambler’s Anthem
Easy As Pie
Idaho
Loved You Enough
Sorrow Is A Highway
Must’ve Had Your Reasons
Wildewood Drive
New Horizons
Check Out Time
To See You Comin’ Round The Bend
Red Tail Lights
A Father’s Arms
Hog Potato
Peace Of Mind

New book release: ‘Fear No Evil’ by James Patterson

‘Fear No Evil’ by James Patterson is novel #27 in the Alex Cross series. Photo: amazon

James Patterson is one of the best-known and biggest-selling writers of all time. His books have sold in excess of 375 million copies worldwide. He is the author of some of the most popular series of the past two decades – the Alex Cross, Women’s Murder Club, Detective Michael Bennett, and Private novels – and he has written many other number one bestsellers including romance novels and stand-alone thrillers. James is passionate about encouraging children to read. Inspired by his own son who was a reluctant reader, he also writes a range of books for young readers including the Middle School, I Funny, Treasure Hunters, Dog Diaries, and Max Einstein series. James has donated millions in grants to independent bookshops. His new book “Fear No Evil: An Alex Cross Thriller” is the newest novel and #27 in the Alex Cross series. (amazon, 2021)

“Fear No Evil” – Alex Cross enters the final battle with the all-knowing genius who has stalked him and his family for years. Dr. Alex Cross and Detective John Sampson venture into the rugged Montana wilderness—where they will be the prey. They are not on the job, but on a personal mission. Until they are attacked by two rival teams of assassins, controlled by the same mastermind who has stalked Alex and his family for years. Darkness falls. The river churns into rapids. Shots ring out through the forest. No backup. No way out. Fear no evil. 

Book review: ‘Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Old?’ by Richard J. Leider and David A. Shapiro

‘Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Old?’ by Richard J. Leider and David A. Shapiro. Photo: FSB Associates

Richard J. Leider is the founder of Inventure—The Purpose Company, whose mission is to help people unlock the power of purpose. Widely viewed as a pioneer of the global purpose movement, Leider has written or co-written eleven books, including three bestsellers, which have sold over one million copies. David A. Shapiro is a philosopher, educator, and writer whose work consistently explores matters of meaning, purpose, and equity in the lives of young people and adults. He is a tenured philosophy professor at Cascadia College, a community college in the Seattle area. Their new book, “Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Old?: The Path of Purposeful Aging” invites readers to navigate a purposeful path from adulthood to elderhood with choice, curiosity, and courage.

It is inevitable. Everyone is getting old, but not everyone grows whole while they are aging. A life well-lived contains purpose and fulfillment and while the authors do not profess to know everything, they are continuously learning and are sharing what they have learned along the way. In the Preface, they explain that this book is about “growing” old and their focus is on how to go about doing this. The topic came about when these two friends, who have known each other for years and have backgrounds in psychology and philosophy, started a conversation at a rained-out baseball game. Using inspiring stories, real-life practices, and thought provoking questions, they offer advice on how to live a purposeful life which leads to aging well. “Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Old?” is divided into nine chapters that addresses a question most people have had at one point or another. These chapters are One: Old, Who, Me? Two: If We All End Up Dying, What’s the Purpose of Living? Three: Aren’t I Somebody? Four: Am I Living the Good Life My Whole Life? Five: How Do I Stop Living a Default Life? Six: Am I Having a Late-Life Crisis? Seven: Will I Earn a Passing Grade in Life? Eight: How Can I Grow Whole as I Grow Old? Nine: How Will My Music Play On? It ends with an Afterword: Staying on the Path that encourages readers, once they finish the book, to re-read and study the chapters that had the most impact to them.

Everyone’s life is unique and we each have a different definition of what a purposeful life means. Richard J. Leider and David A. Shapiro share their views on “growing” old with the hopes of inspiring others to look within and find their own fulfillment to become an authentic person. It is an easy book to read and the chapters are divided so as to encourage readers to concentrate on whatever topic draws their attention. The language is down to earth and the tone is non-judgmental and supportive. Highlights include chapter Nine, which emphasizes the importance of having a reason to get out of bed because otherwise “we may as well just pull the covers over our head and stay there” and chapter Five that shares that the secret to ending default living is by “choosing to be your own person, on purpose, not by default.” All this advice may seem like common sense to most, but in the midst of life’s hectic pace, sometimes we need reminders along the way. This is what “Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Old?” accomplishes perfectly. It may not be for everyone, but for readers who are genuinely searching for a deeper meaning to life and appreciate advice from others who have been there, this is a highly recommended must-read book.

“We invite you to explore this path of purposeful aging, keeping in mind that for each of us, the path will be unique. Each of us is an experiment of one.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Gift guide and cocktail mixes from Twang

Twang has gift ideas and cocktail mix recipes perfect for the holiday season. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Twang is a manufacturer of premium flavored salts, seasonings, cocktail mixes and more based in Texas. This year, Twang is sharing several festive holiday cocktail recipes and gift giving suggestions to make holiday preparations easy. (Twang, 2021)

The company’s line of products make perfect gifts and stocking stuffers for foodies and cocktail enthusiasts alike and can be shipped nationwide. See below for holiday-themed cocktails from Twang that can be made at home and a list of Twang’s products and where they can be purchased, including some Amazon Prime options for quick shipping.

Cocktail recipes:

Pomegranate Moscow Mule Recipe

  • Ingredients:
    • 1.5 oz. premium vodka
    • .5 ounce fresh lime juice
    • 3 ounces of pomegranate juice
    • Crushed ice
    • Ginger beer
    • Copper mug
    • Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime 
    • One fresh lime
    • One mint sprig
  • Preparation:
    • Rim a copper mug with Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime
    • Add crushed ice to the mug
    • Combine 1.5 oz of premium vodka, .5 oz. of fresh lime juice, and 3 oz. of pomegranate juice and add to the mug
    • Top off with ginger beer
    • Garnish with lime and mint sprig

Sugar and Spice Recipe

**recipe courtesy of Owner/Bartender Aaron Peña of Amor Eterno in San Antonio, TX

  • Ingredients:
    • Twang-A-Rita Sunrise Spice
    • 3/4 oz cranberry juice
    • 3/4 cinnamon simple syrup
    • .25 oz allspice liqueur
    • 2oz bourbon
    • Garnish with dried cranberries in the cocktail

Twang Cranberry Mimosa Recipe

  • Ingredients:
    • Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime 
    • Simple syrup
    • 1 part Deep Eddy Cranberry Vodka
    • 2 parts cranberry juice
    • 1 part brut champagne
    • ½ cup fresh cranberries
  • Preparation:
    • Place Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime on a small plate. Rim glasses with simple syrup then press rims into the Twang-A-Rita.
    • Pour Deep Eddy Cranberry in a champagne flute, then pour cranberry juice and top with champagne.
    • Serve immediately. Garnish with cranberries. Enjoy wildly!

Gift ideas:

Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix – Twang’s michelada mix formula is 85% juice-based and uses all natural ingredients including a seven-vegetable blend, organic Worcestershire sauce, ancho chilies, real lime juice, and no preservatives or corn syrup. The mix comes in three flavors: Classic, Spicy and Pickle. The Spicy Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix includes notes of serrano peppers and extra hot sauce to give it an additional kick, while the Pickle Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix is made with real dill and cucumber to give it an authentic pickle flavor. 

  • Where to buy: 
  • Twang’s Price: 
  • mixes (available in all flavors): $7.00
  • Classic Michelada Mix: $13.00

Beer Salt – Inspired by the Mexican trend of salting the rim of beer bottles, cans, or glasses, the Twang family helped bring the trend to the US in the 1980s. Now anyone can add a little kick or extra flavoring to their favorite brew. Twang offers beer salt in Lemon Lime, Michelada, Pickle and Lime flavors. 

  • Where to buy: 
  • Twang’s Price: 
    • Beer Salt Variety Pack (6ct): $12.00
    • Pickle Beer Salt (6ct): $13.00
    • Lime Beer Salt (6ct): $13.00
    • Lemon-Lime Beer Salt (6ct): $13.00 
    • Michelada Beer Salt (6ct): $13.00

Twang-a-Rita – Twang-A-Rita is a line of premium cocktail rimmer blends for cocktail enthusiasts who desire a uniquely flavored, resealable and authentic product. The product is available in the following flavors: Classic, Citrusplash, Sunrise Spice, Nectarberry, Unwind Lime, Paloma Love and Safari Spice.

  • Where to buy:
  • Twang’s Price: 
    • Individual packs (all flavors): $4.00
    • Twang-a-Rita Classic tub: $4.00
    • Twang-a-Rita Fruit Pack (3ct): $10.00
    • Twang-a-Rita Cocktail Pack (3ct): $10.00

Twangerz  – Twangerz are bold, flavorful, granular blends that can be eaten by themselves as a treat or topped on an assortment of fun food and snacks. The seasoning is available in Lemon Lime, Chile Lime, Mango Chile, Pickle Punch, Hot Pickle, Sriracha, Clamato Chili-Lime, and Lime flavors.

  • Where to buy: 
  • Twang’s Price:
    • Twangerz (3ct) (Lime, Chile Lime, Mango Chile, Hot Pickle, Pickle, Lemon-Lime, Sriracha): $7.00
    • Clamato Chili-Lime Salt (3ct): $6.00
    • Twangerz Variety Pack (5ct): $10.00

Whataburger’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals

Whataburger’s Snowman and Santa inflatables. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

It is that time of the year again – Black Friday and Cyber Monday are here, and everyone is searching for the best gifts and even better deals. Luckily, Whataburger has them covered with new holiday items and the Whataweek of Deals. (Whataburger, 2021)

Whataburger is bringing big holiday cheer this year with the new Whataburger inflatables including a Snowman and Santa – both ready to adorn a front yard. Plus, break out the newest Whataburger holiday sweater with a design featuring Santa in his sleigh gliding over a Whataburger winter landscape. Need to bundle up even more? Fans can elevate their holiday look with matching socks and his and her beanies to complete the outfit.

Whataburger’s Whataweek of Deals include:

Wednesday November 24: 20% off all apparel
Friday November 26: 20% off stocking stuffer category purchase
Monday November 29: coupon for a free Whataburger, redeemable in restaurant, is included with every order of the Burger and Fries Brxlz Set.

The magic of Whataburger started on August 8, 1950, in a tiny burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. An entrepreneur named Harmon Dobson set out to build a burger so delicious that customers would take that first bite and say, “What a burger!” Today, Whataburger is known for delicious burgers, big flavor, and the brand’s pride in taking care of its guests, communities and employees, known as Family Members. Orange Spirit Week celebrates its founding and the foundation for success that Dobson created. Today, Whataburger is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 850 locations across its 14-state footprint, and sales of more than $2.8 billion annually. Whataburger has 50,000 Family Members (employees) and more than sixty million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it.

Texas Food & Wine Alliance holiday auction

Texas Food & Wine Alliance rings in holidays with blowout Taste of Texas fundraiser. Photo: Texas Food & Wine Alliance

Romantic Texas getaways, once-in-a-lifetime epicurean experiences, and gourmet gift baskets are up for grabs Monday, November 22 through Tuesday, December 14 when the Texas Food & Wine Alliance (TFWA) hosts the Taste of Texas Auction. The distinctive fundraiser, now in its second year, will support the organization’s statewide culinary grant and educational programs. (Texas Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)

What better way to support local food systems than bidding on irresistible packages tailored for wine lovers, cocktail fans, and foodies? The curated lots cover a wide variety of options suitable for holiday gifting, sharing with friends, or surprising a significant other. 

Bidding began at 12 noon, November 22 and ends at midnight, December 14. A “buy now” option is available to give supporters the immediate option to purchase. New items will be added throughout the auction as lots sell out.

Highlights of the Taste of Texas Auction include:

  • A swinging golf adventure at Horseshoe Bay Resort featuring a one-night stay, a round of golf for two, and a $100 resort credit.
  • A Franklin Barbecue party for ten featuring a branded Franklin Yeti cooler stuffed with a whole smoked brisket, five sausage links, and one bottle of Texas barbecue sauce.
  • A romantic Hill Country getaway at Fredericksburg’s Hoffman Haus luxury bed and breakfast with a $100 gift card to La Bergerie and a $150 gift card to Otto’s German Bistro.
  • A three-hour sunset cruise from Float On Boat Rentals stocked with two cases of Lone Star Rio Jade Mexican-style lager and a Yeti Roadie cooler.
  • A sweetheart Commodore Perry Estate experience featuring a one-night stay at the private retreat, complimentary Champagne, dinner for two at Lutie’s, and an intimate breakfast.
  • A VIP tasting for six at Southold Wine & Cellars with winemaker Reagan Meador.
  • A dinner for ten at San Antonio’s acclaimed Mixtli with wine pairings.

The Taste of Texas auction is boosted by the support of ABC Bank, whose contribution allowed the Alliance to aid Texas restaurants and bars. In addition, the auction was supported by BookPeople, Ken and Gina Burchenal, Casero, C.L Butaud Wines, Commodore Perry Estate, Drink. Well, Jessica Dupuy, Float On Boat Rentals, Fonda San Miguel, Franklin Barbecue, Kendra Scott, Lone Star Beer, Mixtli, Monger’s Market + Kitchen, Qi, Side Street Hospitality, Skurnik Wines, Spillers Honey Bees, Southold Cellars, Cathy Strange, Tom Sunstrom and Virginia Greenway, Texas Fine Wine, TLC, Two Hives Honey, Wicked Foods, William Chris Vineyards, and Your Hearts Desire.

The Texas Food & Wine Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the Texas culinary community through grants, educational programming, and events. Guided by an all-volunteer board of directors and committees made up of culinary-and-community-minded professionals, the Alliance’s commitment is to promote Texas food, wine, spirits, and craft brews and to increase appreciation of Texas’ culinary impact. The Texas Food & Wine Alliance serves as the umbrella organization overseeing the Austin Food & Wine Alliance, the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, the Dallas Food & Wine Alliance, and the Houston Food & Wine Alliance.

Photo: Texas Food & Wine Alliance, used with permission.

Del McCoury Band dives deep into working-man songbook with upcoming new album

Del McCoury Band’s new album Almost Proud will be out February 18, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Even among the pantheon of music’s finest artists, Del McCoury stands alone. From the nascent sound of bluegrass that charmed hardscrabble hillbilly honkytonks, rural schoolhouse stages, and the crowning glory of the Grand Ole Opry to the present-day culture-buzz of viral videos and digital streams, Del is the living link. From headlining sold-out concerts to music festivals of all genres, not to mention one carrying his namesake, there is Del. Where audience members number in the tens of thousands and admirers as diverse as country-rock icon Steve Earle and jam band royalty Phish count as two among them, there is Del. (Del McCoury Band, 2021)

The easy humility of Del McCoury, after more than 6 decades of awards and honors, is remarkable. He sees himself as a working man who chose music as his vocation. So, it is no wonder that the collection of songs that comprise his upcoming album Almost Proud (McCoury Music) reflects a blue-collar mindset—four songs about love lost, one love song that sounds like many others he has cut as a tribute to his wife of 57 years, Jean, two cheatin’ songs, 2 drinkin’ songs, one extolling the virtues of hard work, and one about a working-class hero standing up to big coal in the West Virginia of the early nineteen hundreds. On February 18, McCoury’s latest venture into the recording studio will go live, but right now, Del and the boys of the Del McCoury Band have shared a sneak peek of Almost Proud with the tune “Running Wild,” a song that he started over 15 years ago and decided to finish when his son and band member Ronnie McCoury played him a portion of a demo that had been recorded and forgotten about. Clocking in at barely over two minutes, “Running Wild” is a classic bluegrass burner featuring McCoury’s unmistakable voice enveloped by the singing and picking of his sons Ronnie (mandolin) and Rob (banjo), as well as long time band members Alan Bartram (bass) and Jason Carter (fiddle). Fans can check out “Running Wild” today at this link and pre-order or pre-save Almost Proud ahead of its February 18 release date right here.

Almost Proud is packed with songs from a wide variety of writers—well known and obscure—and includes a few performances from old friends. There are new songs like the aforementioned “Running Wild” and “Almost Proud,” a song written by his good friends Eric Gibson and Mike Barber that was cut just hours after it was written. McCoury tapped into his long friendship with Vince Gill to find the right high country vocal for “Honky Tonk Nights” and chose a little-known song from a recent Kris Kristofferson album called “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” to tell a story of married couples who have become perfect strangers. With “Once Again,” McCoury collaborated again with Josh Shilling, who joined him on piano.

Almost Proud Track list:
Almost Proud
Love Don’t Live Here Anymore
Rainbow of My Dream
My Little Darlin’
Running Wild
Brown Paper Bag
Honky Tonk Nights
Once Again
Sid Hatfield’s
The Misery You’ve Earned
Workin’ Man’s Wage
Other Shore

2022-02-18T13:34:00

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