Month: July 2022

KDMG, Inc acquires filmmaker Tony Ahedo’s feature film ‘Icon’

KDMG, Inc. will release “Icon”  across all TVOD/Digital and Blu-Ray/DVD platforms throughout North America on August 1, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

KDMG, Inc. (Kaczmarek Digital Media Group, Inc.) has acquired the Pretty Sweet Films’ production of filmmaker Tony Ahedo’s touching feature film debut “Icon.” This moving coming of age drama charts the perilous journey to adulthood for our charismatic leads Sam (Parker Padgett) and Ana (Devon Hales). KDMG, Inc. will release “Icon” across all TVOD/Digital and Blu-Ray/DVD platforms throughout North America on August 1, 2022. (Kaczmarek Digital Media Group, Inc., 2022)

Young love’s the topic of so many films, but rarely is it handled with earnest, authentic grace, as we see in “Icon.” Anchored in the touching performances of Padgett and Hales, audiences will find themselves moved much like fellow beloved indie film “The Spectacular Now.” When a surprise pregnancy forces Sam to face many brutal realities of adulthood and responsibility, things spiral rapidly out of control as he simultaneously tries to fight to find his own truth: why his absent father hasn’t been in his life since he was one and is only a fading memory.

Inspired by a true story, “Icon” stars Parker Padgett and Devon Hales along with Julia Denton, Tony Demil, Bryce Anthony Heller, and the feature film debut of Ronald Sansone.

“I am excited for audiences everywhere to see the film and prompt important conversations. My intent is to show the male perspective to a pregnancy in such a way that illuminates the idealization of patriarchy and toxic masculine views of the past and how we move beyond it.” Tony Ahedo.

Adapted from an award-winning short that won the presidents’ award at Ringling College of Art & Design, “Icon” was filmed in Ahedo’s hometown of Saint Petersburg, Florida, just prior to the pandemic. The story pulls elements from his childhood growing up in the mid 90s through the early 2000s in Florida.

“It’s not often we see a good coming-of-age film that breaks down the fundamentals of teen adolescence in a relatable way. I felt this story had an audience and needed to be seen. On behalf of myself and the KDMG team, I am thrilled to be part of Icon’s journey.” – Kyle Kaczmarek, KDMG, Inc.’s CEO

Kaczmarek Digital Media Group, Inc. (KDMG, Inc.) was founded in 2012 to provide a non-traditional, outside the box, hands-on digital approach to entertainment content providers. Deeply passionate about our work, KDMG counsels individuals and companies in all areas of the entertainment industry, including producers, directors, distributors, technology companies, digital retail platforms, sales agents, and cable, telecommunications and satellite companies toward achieving their highest potential.

Pretty Sweet Films is a full-service narrative production company founded by award-winning filmmaker Tony Ahedo based in Los Angeles. Since its inception in 2019, the company has created and collaborated on a wide variety of projects across the country. From romantic coming of age films to raunchy dark comedies to chilling horror thrillers, PSF is prepared to make any story a compelling piece for the eyes and mind. With more than a decade of production experience, PSF is here to make films pretty sweet.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Tapping the Source: an online science and spirituality summit

Tapping the Source is an online event taking place this Saturday July 16, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Join Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha on Saturday July 16, 2022, from 12p.m. -5p.m. ET for a cutting-edge summit led by a panel of world-class scientific leaders and spiritual teachers, including Dr. Rulin Xiu, Ervin Laszlo, and special guest Deepak Chopra. This is a rare opportunity to learn directly from some of the greatest minds (and souls) on the planet who will help you unlock your potential and exceed your limitations. These four distinguished scientists, doctors, and leaders are coming together for the first time to share their distinct wisdom and show you how to create change in your own life. Stay tuned for a special free showing of the film Tapping the Source at end of the event. (Tapping the Source, 2022)

All proceeds will be donated to charitable organizations. Visit Tapping the Source to reserve your spot. Ticket includes full access to the Live Summit, free Tao Quantum Healing session, exclusive gifts from the speakers, and access to the replays for thirty days.

Tapping the Source is a live online event taking place on Saturday July 16, 2022. Viewers will get to experience a panel of world class speakers in real time. For everyone who registers, a full recording of the summit will be made available for up to 30 days following the event. You can watch the parts you missed or re-watch the talks that were most inspiring.

Immersive Van Gogh Exhibition extends residency in San Antonio

The exhibit, which was originally set to end on September 5, is now on display in San Antonio until September 25, 2022. Photo: TxTroublemaker Photography, used with permission.

 

Lighthouse Immersive is excited to announce that Immersive Van Gogh San Antonio is extending its stay in San Antonio until September 25, giving visitors an additional three weeks to see the works of Vincent Van Gogh projected in an immersive lightshow. The venue has been carefully outfitted by a creative team that designed the show to meet the venue’s specifications, creating floor-to-ceiling imagery reflecting the famous artist’s works. Lighthouse Immersive’s Global Creative Director David Korins (best known for his work on the musicals Hamilton and Dear Even Hansen) has also decorated the venue with interactive elements to provide audiences with a richer understanding of Van Gogh. (Lighthouse Immersive, 2022)

Tickets are now available for purchase for the extended dates starting at $39.99 ($24.99 for children 16 or younger), with timed and flexible ticket options available.

Sunday – Thursday: 10a.m. to 8p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 10a.m. to 9p.m.
Tickets to reserve a time slot can be purchased in advance online.

Immersive Van Gogh San Antonio
221 Burleson
San Antonio, TX 78202

Lighthouse Immersive brings together two of Toronto’s preeminent production companies, Starvox Entertainment and Show One Productions to bring the world premiere of Immersive Van Gogh, Immersive Frida Kahlo, and Immersive Klimt: Revolution to over a dozen North American cities. Starvox Entertainment is Canada’s fastest growing live entertainment company responsible for bringing hit shows like The Art of Banksy to Toronto and Show One Productions is a full-service production company presenting concerts with high-profile classical musicians, opera stars, and orchestras. Working directly with the Italian masters of immersive digital art and other leading global creators, Lighthouse Immersive has custom-designed all exhibits to distinctly envelop the various architectural settings they inhabit.

In the last year, the Canadian company has announced or opened new galleries in 21 U.S. cities including Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York City and Orlando. To date, Lighthouse Immersive has sold over 4.8 million tickets to Immersive Van Gogh across North America, with Artnet recently commenting on the wave of immersive galleries, calling it “one of the largest coordinated art phenomena of all time.”

 

New restaurant concept, Carriqui, coming to the Pearl

Carriqui will showcase South Texas foodways—from the Rio Grande Valley to the Texas coast and north to San Antonio. Image courtesy of Don B. McDonald Architect, used with permission.

Potluck Hospitality is excited to announce a new restaurant coming to a historic and landmark San Antonio space. Carriqui (pronounced KHER-ih-key) will open at Pearl in what was formerly the building that housed Boehler’s Liberty Saloon and Liberty Bar. The new 380-seat, 11,000 square foot restaurant will open to the public in September 2022. Carriqui is located at 239 E Grayson St., San Antonio, TX 78215. (Potluck Hospitality, 2022)

Carriqui is named after the green jay of South Texas, the only place in the US where you can find this colorful and gregarious bird. The flightpath of the carriqui is the inspiration for the menu, which will showcase South Texas foodways—from the Rio Grande Valley to the Texas coast and north to San Antonio. The menu will feature fresh seafood from the Gulf, Rio Grande-inspired botana platters, pit-cooked barbacoa and brisket, a masa program, and a robust cocktail and beverage program.

“We are thrilled to announce Carriqui, which has been in the making for years. As stewards of the storied structure, we are excited for the building’s next chapter. We have assembled a great team to showcase the foodways of South Texas and welcome all of San Antonio to gather, relax and celebrate here.” – Potluck Hospitality CEO Elizabeth Fauerso

A team of food and beverage industry veterans make up the leadership at Carriqui. Executive Chef Jaime Gonzalez, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena and former Executive Chef at Supper at Hotel Emma in San Antonio will lead the kitchen. Nash Zink will serve as Chef de Cuisine and Cassie McCloud will head up the bar program at Carriqui. Michael McClellan will serve as General Manager and Dominique Campa will serve as Assistant General Manager.

“It is an honor to work on this project. I am deeply passionate about the culinary program at Carriqui, which pays tribute to the flavors and foods that are central to our region. The food and experience will be warm and familiar–like you are spending time in the home of a close friend who also happens to be a great cook.” – Executive Chef Jaime Gonzalez.

Don B. McDonald Architects and Troy Jessee Construction, both of San Antonio, conceptualized and executed the interior design. Architect Don McDonald and Designer Kristen Weber led the charge on creating new spaces that would compliment the historic structure and pay homage to the building’s past lives. The restoration of the historic building (it was moved twice) lasted years and involved the expertise of dozens of artisans, building specialists, and tradespeople. 

In the early days of Pearl, Boehler’s Liberty Saloon served as the watering hole and social center for the brewery’s workers. In 1933 when prohibition ended, Pearl Brewery’s first truck delivered to this special location. Then from 1985 until 2008, the building was home to San Antonio’s heralded Liberty Bar, which moved to the King William neighborhood in 2016.

Carriqui aims to honor its past and usher in the next chapter with the very best offerings of food and atmosphere with every intention of creating a space for joyful gathering. Carriqui was created by and for San Antonians, and the experience of being at Carriqui will resonate deeply for locals with its sense of history and home, and for visitors, it will offer a glimpse into what makes San Antonio special.

Carriqui will be open to the public seven days a week and will offer lunch and dinner service. The restaurant features three different main dining spaces: The Carriqui House, The Rock House, and Courtyard & Back Porch. Private dining options for large groups and parties will also be available. The official opening date for Carriqui will be announced soon.

Master Musicians Festival announces this year’s honorees

Nate Michaels (Featured Artist), Larry Roberts (Lifetime Achievement), and Meredith Frye (Featured Photographer) will be honored at this year’s Master Musicians Festival. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In advance of Master Musicians Festival, Somerset, Kentucky’s two-day musical and cultural homecoming taking place on July 15-16, organizers are proud to announce three important awards celebrating a dedication to art and community: Featured Artist, Lifetime Achievement, and Featured Photographer. (Master Musicians Festival, 2022)

This year’s Featured Artist is Nate Michaels, a freelance artist based in Louisville, Kentucky. He was raised on art and rock and roll, spending his younger years gigging in rock bands and traveling the Midwest. As his collection of art began to grow, his music tours turned into a journey of visual art. Now you can find Nate traveling all over the country on his “Have Art Will Travel” Tour. Nate brings life to the eyes of his portraits with an exuberant use of watercolor and India ink, while his more recent ventures have brought him to the endless valleys and crests of acrylic and the gentle slick kiss of oils. Most of his art speaks for itself as you can see the time and effort within each mark, stroke or medium. His history in music and love for the stage has bled through into some of his earlier pieces, as you can find many legends in rock. The art piece created by Michaels portrays what not only festival goers will experience this year, but what the artists will experience as well. Seen from an artist’s viewpoint looking out into the crowd, Michaels captures the gorgeous backdrop of Somerset and highlights the magic set by Master Musicians Festival that while closely captured on canvas, can only be experienced in person.

The 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is Larry Roberts, who was born in Somerset in 1947 and raised to value hard work, pride in community, and service to others. Larry built a successful career as an electrician in many different roles including commercial wiring, lineman, and electrical inspector. Equipped with his electrical expertise and inspired by his love of music and pride in community, Larry served the Master Musicians Festival with passion for years. Present for the inception of the festival, he worked with a crew of volunteers to set up the initial electrical service at Somersport Park, then temporary service at Pulaski County Park, and later on, he worked to install the underground electrical wiring at today’s home for the festival on Somerset Community College’s campus.

This year’s Featured Photographer is Meredith Frye. A self-described wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, military spouse and momma, light lover, and passionate human being, she remembers receiving her first camera at age 8. Her approach to photography has always been to “bring light” into the lives of her subjects, to “find out what we have in common and to bring the light in each other to the surface.” She credits photography for “opening up a space where I can create and visually see the beauty in people and their surroundings.” A longtime friend and supporter of the festival, “Meredith is an incredibly talented photographer and a huge fan of Grace Potter,” says Julie Harris. “At our announcement party, we were so excited to see her reaction when we announced Grace was the headliner, and it was as priceless as we expected. We selected Meredith because of her talent, her love of community, and her love of Grace and music. We can’t wait to see what she produces at this year’s festival.” 

This year, over the weekend of July 15-16 in Somerset, Kentucky. Master Musicians Festival, presented by the City of Somerset, will welcome GRAMMY-nominated roots-rock mainstay Grace Potter, the eclectic influences of super-trio The Wood Brothers, a long-time favorite of music fans and fellow musicians-alike, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, and the easy-going swagger of Rayland Baxter to the Horse Soldier Bourbon main stage. This same stage has seen the likes of the aforementioned Doc Watson, Guy Clark, and Willie Nelson, plus many more—the festival’s last few years alone saw Steve Earle, The Counting Crows, and the late, great John Prine take the stage. Additionally, acts like Boy Named Banjo, John R. Miller, and Leah Blevins will give Master Musicians Festival a taste of what the well-equipped future of this music holds. 

The full lineup of July 15-16’s Master Musicians Festival includes Grace Potter, The Wood Brothers, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Rayland Baxter, Boy Named Banjo, John R. Miller, Bendigo Fletcher, Leah Blevins, SG Goodman, Justin Wells, Cole Chaney, Tee Dee Young, Multi Ultra, Short & Company, Eric Bolander, The Minks, The Jessie Lees, Ciggy Tuna, Don Rogers, If Birds Could Fly, Daniel Stroud and the Sleeping Dogs, Dark Moon Hollow, Tommy Cate’s Kids Jam, and Sydney Adams. 

Passing the torch along to the next generation is a cornerstone of the Master Musicians Festival ideology, so it only makes sense that the festival is exciting for fans of all ages. Kids 12 and under receive free admission with a ticket-holding adult and there are plenty of activities for youngsters to enjoy. MMF partners with Somerset ART Studio to offer a free kids camp throughout the weekend. Kids can participate in instrument making, water balloon fights, bubbles, making glow jewelry, and participating in a special music set curated just for them. This year, local Master Musician and harmonica player Tommy Cate will host the kids’ jam at 3:50p.m. Saturday in the Somersession Tent.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Songwriter Peter Mulvey and SistaStrings announce new album

Singer-songwriter Peter Mulvey and rising stars SistaStrings have joined hands for a new studio album Love Is The Only Thing, due out on August 12, 2022. Photo: google

Singer-songwriter-guitarist Peter Mulvey and fellow Milwaukeeans, the in-demand dynamic duo SistaStrings have joined hands once again for a brand new studio album, Love Is The Only Thing, due out August 12 on Righteous Babe Records. A self-proclaimed anti-fascist record, Love Is The Only Thing keeps kindness and compassion in the foreground, following a similar musical path to Mulvey and SistaStrings’ Live at the Café Carpe, which was released in late 2020 and, like the new album, includes drummer Nathan Kilen rounding out the ensemble. Fans can pre-order or pre-save Love Is The Only Thing right now at this link and get refamiliarized with Mulvey and SistaStrings’ brilliant sound by checking out Live at the Café Carpe right here. (Peter Mulvey/SistaStrings, 2022)

SistaStrings—cellist-vocalist Monique Ross and violinist-vocalist Chauntee Ross—bring all the beautiful versatility of their cello and violin music—along with sibling-strong vocal harmonies—to Love Is The Only Thing. Classically trained string players who grew up singing in church, Monique and Chauntee were destined to defy conventions of genre and race alike, blending R&B, gospel, and classical sounds. Mulvey met the Rosses in 2016, and all three felt an instant kinship.

The bright light of family illuminates this record and all that went into making it. Its existence hinges on the way we take care of each other, from its fan-supported funding to the sanctuary of Café Carpe to the blood sisterhood of the Rosses to Mulvey’s newfound fatherhood. Making Love Is The Only Thing at such a tumultuous time in history reinforced Mulvey’s and SistaStrings’ role as activists just as much as musicians. “Finding refuge and rejuvenation in these songs with this group of musicians was healing and personally some sort of mission statement for why we even make music in the first place,” Chauntee remembers. Love Is The Only Thing explores loss, tension, and the love that sees us through it.

Love Is The Only Thing track list:
Shenandoah
Soft Animal
O My Dear (the Demagogue)
Old Men Drinking Seagram’s
You and (Everybody Else)
Early Summer of ‘21
Five Hundred Days
On the Eve of the Inaugural
Pray for Rain
February Too
Song for Michael Brown
Love Is the Only Thing

Catch Peter Mulvey on tour:
July 28 – Portsmouth, NH – Portsmouth Music Hall w/ Mark Erelli
July 29 – Brownfield, ME – Stone Mountain Arts Center w/ Mark Erelli
July 30 – Concord, NH – Capitol Center for the Arts w/ Mark Erelli
August 18 – Sandwich, NH – John Davidson’s Club Sandwich

Catch SistaStrings on tour:
August 5 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum*
August 6 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island*
August 11 – Salt Lake City, UT – Vivent Arena*
August 18 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion#
August 19 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center For the Arts#
August 20 – Philadelphia, PA – Mann Center For The Performing Arts#
August 24 – London, UK – Omeara^
September 9-10 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks#
September 25 – Bridgeport, CT – Sound on Sound 2022*
October22 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden*

*performing w/ Brandi Carlile
^performing w/ Allison Russell
#performing w/ Allison Russell and Brandi Carlile

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New album release: Sunny Sweeney’s Married Alone

Sunny Sweeney, with the help of Paul Cauthen, paints a beautiful picture of a hard reminder in “A Song Can’t Fix Everything” from upcoming album Married Alone, out September 23 via Thirty Tigers. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Sunny Sweeney is a country and Americana artist from Texas, currently based in Nashville, TN. Her latest album is Married Alone, a raw, vulnerable exploration of loss, grief, and healing, recorded in Dallas, TX, and co-produced by fellow country artist Paul Cauthen and The Texas Gentlemen’s Beau Bedford. Sweeney debuted in 2006 with the acclaimed Heartbreaker’s Hall of Fame, which announced her as an important new voice in country and Americana songwriting. Sweeney continued to expand upon the traditional-leaning, forward-thinking sound of her earlier work with 2014’s Provoked and 2017’s Trophy, both of which earned Sweeney rave reviews across the country and roots communities. (Sunny Sweeney, 2022)

“A Song Can’t Fix Everything” is the first single from Sweeney’s upcoming album Married Alone—out on September 23 via Thirty Tigers. Produced by Cauthen and the Texas Gentlemen’s multi-hyphenate Beau Bedford, Married Alone is Sweeney’s finest work yet, bringing together confessional songwriting, image-rich narratives, and no shortage of sonic surprises for a loosely conceptual album about loss and healing. The album was recorded at Dallas’ Modern Electric Sound Recorders and mixed by the whole team with the help of Jeff Saenz—beloved Dallas-based producer and owner of Modern Electric—upon his unbelievable return to work after being electrocuted in a freak accident. Fans can listen to “A Song Can’t Fix Everything” now at this link and pre-order or pre-save Married Alone ahead of its release right here.

In addition to the release of Married Alone, Sweeney has a song featured in the upcoming film VENGEANCE, the directorial debut from writer and star B.J. Novak (The Office).

The full potential of the album really revealed itself, though, when a friend sent Sweeney a demo of what would become its title track, “Married Alone.” Though she was not a co-writer on the track, Sweeney felt her own story reflected in its lyrics. The song, which features a particularly emotional guest vocal from living country legend Vince Gill, charts the painful moments sometimes experienced in marriages that have run their course. A few months after securing the song and mining her own vault for a track list, Sweeney traveled to Dallas, TX, to record—alongside Cauthen and Bedford—what would become Married Alone.

Married Alone track listing:
Tie Me Up (Sunny Sweeney/Buddy Owens/Galen Griffin)
Easy As Hello (Sunny Sweeney/Lori McKenna/Heather Morgan)
Married Alone ft. Vince Gill (Hannah Blaylock/Josh Morningstar/Autumn McEntire)
Someday You’ll Call My Name (Sunny Sweeney/Brennen Leigh)
How’d I End Up Lonely Again (Sunny Sweeney/Channing Wilson/Josh Morningstar)
A Song Can’t Fix Everything ft. Paul Cauthen (Sunny Sweeney/Lori McKenna)
Want You To Miss Me (Sunny Sweeney/Caitlyn Smith)
Wasting One On You (Sunny Sweeney/Buddy Owens/Monty Holmes)
Fool Like Me (Waylon Payne/Kendell Marvel)
All I Don’t Need (Sunny Sweeney/Lori McKenna)
Leaving Is My Middle Name (Sunny Sweeney/ Buddy Owens/Galen Griffin/Scotch Taylor)
Still Here (Sunny Sweeney/Lori McKenna)

Catch Sunny Sweeney on tour:
7/15 – Springfield, MO – Southbound Bar & Grill
7/16 – Kahoka, MO – Clark County Fair
7/17 -Yorkville, IL – The Law Office Pub & Music Hall
7/20 – Berwyn, IL – Fitzgerald’s Night Club
7/21 – Milwaukee, WI – Shank Hall
7/22 – Minneapolis, MN – The Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge
7/24 – Omaha, NE – Reverb Lounge
7/27 – Manitou Springs, CO – Lulu’s Downstairs
7/29 – Cheyenne, WY – The Outlaw Saloon
7/30 – Sheridan, WY – WYO Theater
7/31 – White Sulphur Springs, MT – Red Ants Pants Music Festival
8/2 – Rochester, NY – Abilene Bar & Lounge
8/5 – King Ferry, NY – Treleaven Wines

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The Moon’s Daughters kicks off full moon series

The Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk’s signature rooftop lounge, The Moon’s Daughters is unveiling a new ‘Cosmic Night’ series this Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

The Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk’s signature rooftop lounge The Moon’s Daughters is unveiling a new “Cosmic Night” series that will take place whenever a full moon lands each month. On July 13, hotel guests and the public alike can watch July’s full Buck Moon in all its glory, which will be the biggest and brightest supermoon of the year. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2022)

Inspired by the Greek goddess of the moon, The Moon’s Daughters lives up to its name offering a full celestial experience with the Cosmic series, equipped with a telescope to see the moon glitter along with tarot insight curated by Astrologer & Card Reader Kate Wind. On July 13, guests will find a Cosmic Coaster under their cocktail inspired by the Buck Moon. The Cosmic Coaster adds a flair of entertainment where guests will have the chance to scan a QR code, receive a prompt to think of questions, followed by unique insights, and will conclude with a positive affirmation. The Cosmic Coaster is a perfect ice breaker for a group or first date while The Moon’s Daughters is the best way to experience the full moon overlooking San Antonio’s sparkling skyline.

The July 13 celebration of the full Buck Supermoon, named after the season that bucks grow their antlers, will be the biggest and brightest supermoon of 2022. Fitting for The Moon’s Daughters, the popular rooftop restaurant and bar will be illuminated by the moon, shining its brightest at 9:05p.m. from the top of Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk.

‘Hadestown’ coming to San Antonio’s Majestic Theatre

‘Hadestown’ will play at the Majestic Theatre in September and tickets go on sale this Friday July 15, 2022. ‘Hadestown’ North American tour – Photo by T Charles Erickson, used with permission.

‘Hadestown,’ the winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards® including Best New Musical and the 2020 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album, will come to San Antonio as part of the 2022-2023 North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio Season. The show will play at the Majestic Theatre September 13-18, 2022. Tickets go on sale on Friday July 15, 2022 at 10a.m. through the Majestic Theatre, Broadway In San Antonio, or in person at the Majestic Theatre box office. Ticket prices start at $40. (Majestic Theatre, 2022)

‘Hadestown’ is the most honored show of the 2018-2019 Broadway season. In addition to the show’s eight Tony Awards®, it has been honored with four Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Outstanding New Broadway Musical, and the Drama League Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical. “It tells a version of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Eurydice, a young girl looking for something to eat, goes to work in a hellish industrial underworld to escape climate-change induced poverty before her poor singer-songwriter lover Orpheus comes to rescue her and together show others the way to escape.” (Wikipedia, 2022)

The North American touring production of ‘Hadestown’ stars Morgan Siobhan Green as Eurydice, Chibueze Ihuoma as Orpheus, Tony Award® winner Levi Kreis as Hermes, Kimberly Marable as Persephone, and Olivier Award® nominee Kevyn Morrow as Hades. Belén Moyano, Bex Odorisio, and Shea Renne play The Fates. The Workers Chorus features Jordan Bollwerk, Lindsey Hailes, Courtney Lauster, Eddie Noel Rodríguez, and Jamari Johnson Williams. The swings for the touring production include Tyla Collier, Ian Coulter Buford, Alex Lugo, J. Antonio Rodriguez, and Cecilia Trippiedi.

The acclaimed new musical is by celebrated singer-songwriter and Tony Award® winner Anaïs Mitchell and developed with innovative director and Tony Award® winner Rachel Chavkin. ‘Hadestown’ marks the first time in over a decade that a woman has been the solo author of a musical: writing the music, lyrics, and book, and is the fourth time in Broadway history a woman has accomplished this creative feat.

The show originated as Mitchell’s indie theater project that toured Vermont which she then turned into an acclaimed album. With Chavkin, her artistic collaborator, ‘Hadestown’ has been transformed into a genre-defying new musical that blends modern American folk music with New Orleans inspired jazz to reimagine a sweeping ancient tale. Following two intertwining love stories — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — ‘Hadestown’ invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Mitchell’s beguiling melodies and Chavkin’s poetic imagination pit industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love. Performed by a vibrant ensemble of actors, dancers, and singers, ‘Hadestown’ delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience.

Movie adaptation: ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ by Delia Owens

The movie adaptation of Delia Owens’ bestselling novel will hit theaters on July 15, 2022. Photo: amazon

Delia Owens is the coauthor of three internationally bestselling nonfiction books about her life as a wildlife scientist in Africa—”Cry of the Kalahari,” “The Eye of the Elephant,” and “Secrets of the Savanna.” She has won the John Burroughs Award for Nature Writing and has been published in Nature, the African Journal of Ecology, and International Wildlife, among many other publications. “Where the Crawdads Sing,” the #1 New York Times bestseller, is her first novel and has been adapted into a movie that will be released in theaters on July 15, 2022. It is at once an ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. (amazon, 2022)

“Where the Crawdads Sing” – For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life—until the unthinkable happens.