Month: March 2023

New music release: Happy Birthday 2U – Pink Man Shout and Pios Phantom

Happy Birthday 2U is the new song by Pink Man Shout and Pios Phantom. Photo: Balarama, used with permission.

Balarama is a musical searcher. The German born lyricist has explored both the physical world and a seemingly endless sea of musical genres, emerging with tracks that are hypnotic, uplifting, and full of revelations. Having spent years honing his craft, he is now emerging with some of the most meaningful tracks of his career. This week he released a new song, a collaboration between Pink Man Shout (electronic dance music) and Pios Phantom (indie rock pop punk) titled Happy Birthday 2U. It is available for streaming on Spotify. (Balarama, 2023)

The heartbreaking Happy Birthday 2U brilliantly blends rock and EDM.  Written in the wake of a personal tragedy, the song is a meaningful meditation on loss and survival, yet its massive hooks and hypnotic beats keep things uplifting and cathartic. The artists have come together to create a work of beauty, likely to appeal to anyone who has experienced difficult times. Perfect for any electronic, rock based playlists

The many experiences that have made Balarama’s story so unique are also the key elements of his lyricism. He carries on the traditions of love and peace that were born at Woodstock. He has written a divine rock opera inspired by the heavenly mantra entrusted to him by his guru. The story begins in 1969 and takes listeners on a celestial journey from his village in the past to the era of love he has created in the present. If you look closely at the artwork, you may even find hints as to where you can find the artist if you choose to follow this heavenly path.

He is a yoga master, a modern day philosopher, and a pilgrim. Along the way on his extensive travels, he has encountered several kindred spirits, many of which have become trusted collaborators. Together, they have made genuinely beautiful music.

On his latest tracks, Balarama has been experimenting with innovative electronic sounds. The songs take inspiration from vintage pop, rock, and soul, while using modern recording techniques to brilliantly capture the energy of the performers. These songs come from humble origins, but they are beginning to capture the imagination of listeners around the world.

Above all, the artist’s goal is to bring people together through music. His home in Siegbach, Germany is a holy place where people can come to find the essence of their divine spirit. To find peace and harmony in a world where those qualities are increasingly rare and he may very well succeed. With a steady stream of new releases expected this year and beyond, he is poised to make an indelible impact on the international music world.

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Red Bull brings world’s biggest Spanish freestyle rap competition to Fiesta San Antonio

The world’s largest Spanish freestyle rap competition takes over Paper Tiger with Red Bull Batalla Exhibición on April 20. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Red Bull Batalla – the world’s largest Spanish-language freestyle rap competition series – announces details for a special music concert and pop-up experience scheduled to take place during the opening night ceremonies of Fiesta San Antonio 2023 on Thursday, April 20. (Painting Pictures, 2023)

Leading up to the 2023 Batalla Regional Qualifier in Houston this summer, as well as the U.S. National Finals scheduled to take place later this year in November, this Red Bull Batalla Exhibición event will kick off from 10p.m. to 2a.m. at Paper Tiger (2410 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212) on the St. Mary’s Strip. Doors open at 9p.m.

The Thursday event is free to attend for music fans of all ages, although limited space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans are encouraged to RSVP to reserve their spot in advance.

Thursday night’s showcase will feature eight of the most dynamic Spanish-language lyricists that the USA has to offer, each of whom has held a championship title and was personally invited to participate in this special bracket-style tournament.

Participants representing Texas and beyond will travel to San Antonio to flex their lyrical skills and compete for the crown as they battle bar-for-bar. The initial list of participating MCs for the San Antonio Exhibición is listed below (in A-Z order):

Cuban (Texas)
Jordi (Texas)
Oner (Florida)
Reverse (Florida)
Yartzi (Puerto Rico)
Plus additional surprise guest MCs from Mexico and one to-be-announced competitor based on results from the TX Cup Championship in early April.

Omar Cadena, better known as Fluffy The Host will be hosting this San Antonio competition. DJ Lobo of the Texas-based Spanish-speaking rap battle league, Urban Rapstars, will serve as the official DJ for this event, with DJ Vinny set to perform as an opener.

Once the freestyle rap battling concludes, Texas’ very own Latin DJ collective and perpetual party-starters Peligrosa will close out the event with a special collaborative performance.

Throughout the evening event, patrons will be treated to several tasty cocktail concoctions curated by Red Bull, as well as free haircuts and beard trims courtesy of some of San Antonio’s premier barbers and hair stylists. Local barbers offering complimentary, cost-free cuts onsite as part of this barber shop pop-up experience include Sergio Barron, Adrian Barron, Faded Culture, Kurly Kutz, Koo Kutz Barber Shop, and more. This experience will be available first come, first serve starting at 9p.m. and running through the duration of the show while supplies last.

Following this event, there will be two more opportunities for aspiring MCs to compete in a series of regional cups and qualifier events across the country leading up to the USA National Final this fall and ultimately the 2023 World Final. Throughout these exciting proceedings, aspiring MCs will compete in one-on-one knockout battles to show off their best rhymes, wordplay, stage presence, and more as they battle amongst the best and most prestigious Spanish-speaking freestylers across the globe.

Since 2005, Red Bull Batalla has provided a platform for the best hip-hop improvisers in the Spanish-speaking world to connect, develop, and compete. Last December the historic Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City hosted the 2022 International Final where Mexico’s national champion Aczino took the title, making history as the competition’s first-ever triple World Champion.

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New album release: People Talk – Lauren Morrow

Lauren Morrow’s long awaited full length solo debut album People Talk will be release March 31, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In the short few years since Lauren Morrow branched out from her more-than-a-decade-long role as the frontwoman of The Whiskey Gentry, her solo career has taken her above and beyond what was ever imagined—from being listed “Best of” in the pages of Rolling Stone and Garden & Gun to performing on television sets nationwide on PBS. Surprisingly, Morrow has done it all without ever putting out a full-length album. That is, until now; her new album will be released March 31, 2023. People Talk is a collection of ten songs that Morrow says, “truly reflect who I am as a person and the sounds I’ve been waiting to explore for my entire career.” Produced by Parker Cason and mixed by Vance Powell and Jacquire King, People Talk finds Morrow exploring her beyond-country influences like 90s Alternative, Britpop, and 80s New Wave bands with moody, brutally honest lyrical content and rock n roll attitudes; all with Morrow’s signature soprano and vulnerable vibrato and a host of atypically-Americana vibes and tones. The end result is a patiently cultivated and refined sound, a pure expression of everything Morrow is made of—not just what we have seen so far. (IVPR, 2023)

Recently Morrow shared the first single from People Talk, “Only Nice When I’m High,” and its accompanying music video which features Morrow and her on-screen pal, a living, breathing, three-foot-tall joint. Fans can watch the “Only Nice When I’m High” video, stream the single, and pre-order or pre-save ahead of People Talk’s March 31 release on Big Kitty Records—Morrow’s own record label, along with her husband and business/creative partner, Jason Morrow.

People Talk track list:
1. I’m Sorry
2. Only Nice When I’m High
3. People Talk
4. It’s You
5. Looking For Trouble
6. Nobody But Me
7. Hustle
8. Family Tree
9. Leona
10. Birthday

Catch Lauren Morrow on tour:
March 31 – Nashville, TN – The Basement (Get Happier Fridays)
April 18 – Uppsala, Sweden – Katalin
April 19 – Mariefred, Sweden – Gripsholms Vardshus
April 20 – Tranas, Sweden – Plan B
April 21 – Falkenberg, Sweden – Tryckhallen
April 22 – Kristianstad, Sweden – Kulturkvarteret
April 23 – Hyltebruk, Sweden – Forum
April 25 – Hultsfred, Sweden – Hotel Hulingen
April 26 – Oslo, Norway – Krosset
April 27 – Trodheim, Norway – Moskus
April 28 – Ringbu, Norway – Amemoen Gard
April 29 – Ljusdal, Sweden – Roda Kvam
April 30 – Stockholm, Sweden – Twang
May 3 – Norrtajle, Sweden – Imperial
May 4 – Ostersund, Sweden – Captain Cook
May 5 – Pitea, Sweden – Studio Acusticum
May 6 – Sundsvall, Sweden – Q-Bar

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Night of Artists showcases the best of today’s western art

The Briscoe Western Art Museum’s annual exhibition and sale proves once again the strength of the genre. Opening weekend events take place March 24 – 25. Photo: Google

If you imagine Western art as dusty, historic relics of the past, you need to set your sights for San Antonio and the Biscoe Western Art Museum’s  2023 Night of Artists Exhibition and Sale, March 24-25. With the opportunity to view and purchase nearly 300 new works of painting, sculpture, and mixed media by 80 of the country’s leading contemporary Western artists, Night of Artists draws artists, collectors and art enthusiasts to the banks of the San Antonio River Walk for two days of unforgettable festivities kicking off one of the premier Western art exhibitions and sales in the world. Beyond the opening celebration, Night of Artists is a public exhibition and sale that spans six weeks at the Briscoe, March 26 – May 7, and is included with general admission to the museum. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2023)

The wide range of artwork reflect the vastness of the great American West. From scenic landscapes and inspired Native Americans, classic cowboys, and dazzling vaqueros, to stunning wildlife and detailed portraiture, Night of Artists features something for every art enthusiast. Some of the featured artists include Billy Schenck, Don Oelze, Z.S. Liang, C. Michael Dudash, George Hallmark, Kim Wiggins, Bonnie Marris, Michael Ome Untiedt, Teresa Elliot, and Jan Mapes.

Notable new artists participating this year include Jeremy Lipking, Eric Bowman, Glenn Dean, Dustin Van Wechel, Bob Guelich, Kevin Red Star and Tony Pro.

The Briscoe’s signature event and a must for any collector, Night of Artists, serves as the primary fundraiser for the museum, benefiting the Briscoe’s full array of exhibitions and programs throughout the year. The event’s two-day opening weekend kicks off with the annual Briscoe Bison Society Collectors Summit, where artists, collectors and gallery owners gather to share their insights during panel discussions and conversations exploring the Western art market and trends. Intended for everyone from the novice to the seasoned art collector, the panels feature nationally recognized Western artists, experts and gallery owners. The two-part summit takes place March 24 and March 25 at The Westin Riverwalk.

The Exhibition Preview, Dinner and Live Auction taking place in the Briscoe’s Jack Guenther Pavilion on the banks of the San Antonio River Walk unfolds on March 24 with an evening of cocktails in the Night of Artists exhibition, an elegant, seated dinner, and a spirited live auction. Conducted by Troy Black, the live auction features 35 separate works.

The Night of Artists Awards Luncheon takes place March 25, honoring the artists in this year’s exhibition and recognizing the annual award winners.

Night of Artists’ signature event, the Exhibition Opening, Art Sale and Reception, takes place March 25. This memorable evening includes the “Luck of the Draw” Art Sale, where works of art are available for purchase at a fixed price established by the artist. Attendees receive a ballot book and place an intent to purchase slip in the box next to a work of art they would like to purchase. When time expires, two slips are randomly drawn, allowing the first drawee the opportunity to purchase the piece or pass it along to the second drawee. All the excitement happens to the tune of live music under the stars in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden.

Tickets for all Night of Artists events are available online or by calling 210.299.4499. The Night of Artists public exhibition will be on display during regular museum hours March 26 – May 7 and is included in museum admission. Unsold works during opening weekend will be available for purchase both in-person and online.

New children’s book author releases books in four themed series

Kelly Anne Manuel offers a book for each day of the month with messages about permission and encouragement. The books are designed to help children see the world in entertaining and inspiring ways. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Kelly Anne Manuel is a children’s book author who released an astonishing 31 books – one for each day of the month – to give kids an array of positive messages. An eternal optimist who has been called “the good kind of contagious,” Manuel has a unique voice that children respond to because of her own actively vibrant inner child. Her books are available in four series: The Essentials Series, The Rainbow’s End Series, The Classics, and My Name Is Series. In addition to being a self-described “uncommon author,” since she did not set out to write children’s books but happily took the path life intended for her, she is also a mother and an artist. Kelly Anne Manuel grew up on New York’s Long Island and earned a BA Degree in Telecommunications with a major in Marketing and minor in Spanish from Indiana University. (Black Château, 2023)

There is a different book for each day of the month and the books are categorized in four series, each with a theme for young readers. The books are published by Balboa Press, a division of Hay House, Inc. and are available from Amazon and other retailers. “The Catcher Dream” and “My Name Is Light” are coming soon.

The Essentials Series – Positive self-talk books that kids can pick up anytime. Daily affirmations filled with positivity that encourage independence so children can face their fears and explore their world with the help of animals and the natural world.

The Rainbow’s End Series – Destination stories that aid in imaginary and play discourse. The gap between reality and pretend is bridged. Each book begins with “The other day I went to visit a friend…” and transports readers to a different place where anything is possible.

The Classics – Timeless books where all generations can find meaning. These many-layered stories have broad themes but focus on specific events and reality-based resilience topics. These books help kids navigate difficult situations.

My Name Is Series – Self and identity themed books that help children explore the duality of their internal and external nature. The importance of self-esteem and clear communication of the self are explored. These books give the child the opportunity to say: “This is who I am.”

“I want the world to know that these books are important for children everywhere to have access to. The books are an extension of my mission and purpose on the planet to support children of all ages and stages as they navigate through unprecedented times.” – Kelly Anne Manuel

New book release: ‘Arranged Mating: Otherworlders Series’ by Chris Rogers

‘Arranged Mating: Otherworlders Series’ is Chris Rogers’ new paranormal romance book. Photo: Amazon

Chris Rogers has been in education for over 17 in public education and post-secondary education. She is the first in her family to go to college; earning a Masters in Science Degree in Science Education and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership. Her love for science inspired her to go into education. Reading and writing is a passion. She loves getting lost in a good book or relaxing by writing. As a new writer, Chris Rogers wants to bring her love for paranormal romance to readers giving them a world to get lost in when they open the book. In her new book “Arranged Mating: Otherworlders Series,” will Isla’s magical whip and her budding romance with her future werewolf mate be enough to help her save the worlds from bloodthirsty monsters? (Chris Rogers, 2023)

“Arranged Mating: Otherworlders Series” – Disciplined, strong, and skilled with her magical whip, Isla Bane was raised far away from prying human eyes, among the male wolves of her pack. But the future she has always imagined as the Alpha of her pack becomes nothing more than fantasy when her grandfather interrupts her morning coffee to tell her she is to be mated to the infamous womanizer Axel Griffith – the heir to the wealthy Shadow Pack. As she joins the Shadow Pack in preparation for the mating ceremony, her feelings for Axel grow unexpectedly fast, as does the threat from the insane and bloodthirsty Crazed Otherworlders. Faced with this deadly and suddenly organized enemy, Isla and Axel need to trust each other with their world-altering secrets and overcome their stubborn attitudes if they want to save their packs and the world order Isla was Chosen to protect – even if no one else can be trusted.

Follow the author: Instagram, Twitter 

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New album release: Road to Rendition – New Rules Duo

Road to Rendition is the new album by New Rules Duo. Photo: New Rules Duo, used with permission.

New Rules Duo is a multi award-winning international duo made up of Celia Stavri (vocals) and Dominik Dybka (guitar and vocals). Celia Stavri is a singer/singer songwriter born in the UK and now living in Paphos, Cyprus. She is a well known award winning singer and the runner up out of thousands of singers applying for a Greek singing contest called ‘Rising Star,’ which was televised in Greece. She is also the lead singer for the award winning band Party Crasher where she also performs together with Dominik. Dominik is not only a guitarist/singer, but also the owner of the recording studio Overtone Records and the director of the music school Art2see Academy in Paphos. As an accomplished sound engineer and music producer, he takes passion and talent to the next level. Road to Rendition is their new album. (New Rules Duo, 2023)

Road to Rendition is a 12 track cover album featuring cover songs of popular hits including Part Time Lover, Wicked Game, and Zombie. It is available for streaming on SoundCloud, Spotify, and YouTube. Follow New Rules Duo on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

“We have been working extremely hard on this album. Each instrument, sound and voice has been recorded by us and is our ‘rendition’ of some of our favourite songs that we perform. It’s taken blood, sweat and tears but we are so proud of the finished product. We really hope that you all love it as much as we do!”

https://youtu.be/zWiPpTbeZHQ

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New book release: ‘Top 20 Safety Rules’ by Divan Publisher

Part of the Kids Should Know series, this book teaches kids basic safety rules such how to safely cross a street and the importance of wearing a helmet when bike riding. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“Top 20 Safety Rules: The Ultimate Guide for Kids & Children” is an informative guide for parents and caregivers who want to teach children the essential safety rules to keep them safe from harm. The book provides simple, easy-to-understand safety rules that cover a wide range of potential hazards that children may encounter in their daily lives. The book’s focus is on teaching kids basic safety rules, such as crossing the street, wearing helmets while riding a bike, and not talking to strangers. (Divan Publisher, 2023)

The book begins with an introduction that highlights the importance of safety and explains why it is essential to teach children safety rules. The author emphasizes that the goal of the book is to provide parents and caregivers with the tools they need to keep children safe and protect them from harm.

The safety rules presented in the book are divided into several categories, each covering a different aspect of safety. For example, the first chapter focuses on safety rules for crossing the street, such as looking both ways before crossing, using crosswalks, and walking facing traffic. The chapter provides clear explanations of each rule and offers tips for parents and caregivers to reinforce these safety habits with their children.

The second chapter focuses on safety rules for riding bikes, scooters, and skateboards. The author emphasizes the importance of wearing helmets and other safety gear, obeying traffic rules, and being aware of one’s surroundings. The chapter includes helpful illustrations to demonstrate safe riding practices and provide visual aids to reinforce the safety rules.

The book also includes a chapter on fire safety, which covers essential safety rules such as creating a fire escape plan, staying low to the ground during a fire, and not playing with matches or lighters. The chapter provides valuable information for parents and caregivers to teach their children about fire safety and prepare them for emergencies.

Another chapter in the book covers safety rules for playing outdoors, such as avoiding areas with high traffic, staying away from bodies of water without adult supervision, and not climbing on fences or trees. The chapter provides practical advice for parents and caregivers to ensure that children play safely outdoors.

The book also covers safety rules for interacting with strangers, such as not accepting gifts or rides from strangers, not giving personal information to strangers, and seeking help from a trusted adult if approached by a stranger. The chapter provides clear explanations of each safety rule and offers tips for parents and caregivers to reinforce these safety habits with their children.

Overall, “Top 20 Safety Rules” is an informative and practical guide that provides parents and caregivers with the tools they need to teach children essential safety rules. The book is well-organized, easy to read, and contains valuable information, stories and illustrations that parents and caregivers can use to keep their children safe from harm. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this book is an essential resource for teaching children basic safety rules and helping them stay safe in their daily lives.

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New album release: I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying – Whitehorse

Whitehorse’s new album is available now. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Award-winning Canadian duo Whitehorse—Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet—just released their eighth LP, I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying, leaving no emotional, personal, fantastical, or political stone unturned. The new album finds the pair venturing deeper into classic country music touchstones than ever before; a move that is both a homecoming and an evolution of their sound. A twist on the ever-present “pandemic album,” Whitehorse distilled and transcended the gloom and uncertainty of the time with a collection about heartbreak and loyalty; shaking things up and hunkering down. The resulting twelve-song collection is playful yet profound; masterfully simple and timeless—and is out on Six Shooter Records, surprising and charming critics and fans alike. (Whitehorse, 2023)

Stream or purchase I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying, where you can listen to fan favorites like “Division 5,” “If The Loneliness Don’t Kill Me,” and new tracks like “Bet The Farm,” which is a chapel-ready ode to loving love.

I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying track list:
If The Loneliness Don’t Kill Me
I Might Get Over This (But I Won’t Stop Loving You)
The Road
Division 5
Manitoba Bound
Bet The Farm
Leave Me as You Found Me
6 Feet Away
I Miss The City
Sanity, TN
Lock It Down
Scared of Each Other

Catch Whitehorse on tour:
May 18 – Sarnia, ON – Imperial Theatre
May 19 – Highgate, ON – Mary Webb Centre
May 24 – Meaford, ON – Meaford Hall Arts and Cultural Centre
May 25 – London, ON – Aeolian Hall Performing Arts Centre
May 26 – Guelph, ON – Royal City Evangelical Missionary Church
May 28 – Peterborough, ON – Market Hall Performing Arts Centre
May 31 – Ridgeway, ON – The Sanctuary Centre for the Arts
June 1 – Paris, ON – DT Concerts Series
June 2 – Kingston, ON – BLU Martini
June 3 – Ottawa, ON – National Arts Centre
June 4 – Parry Sound, ON – Charles W. Stockey Centre

Whitehorse is the prolific partnership of Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet. Uninhibited by expectation, boldly adventurous, and categorically talented, Whitehorse’s signature sound is always guitar-heavy, harmony-plentiful, and lyrically deft. With an expansive run of records that freely and thrillingly dip in psychedelic country, pop noir, squalling blues rock, and celestial folk, Whitehorse has pushed their musical identity into new realms and sounds for over a decade and has received five consecutive JUNO Award nominations in many different genre categories.

New book release: ‘Liquid Shades of Blue’ by James Polkinghorn

‘Liquid Shades of Blue’ will be released May 16, 2023. Photo: Amazon

James Polkinghorn is a lawyer and partner in a national law firm specializing in labor and employment law. He has extensive trial and litigation experience accumulated in multiple jurisdictions throughout the country. A Pittsburgh native, Polkinghorn moved with his family to Florida in high school, where he has since stayed. He has a degree in political science as well as a law degree from the University of Florida. In “Liquid Shades of Blue,” his debut novel, Jack Girard searches for the truth behind his family’s tragedies – first his brother, now his mother. It will be released May 16 and is available for pre-order from Amazon. (James Polkinghorn, 2023)

“Liquid Shades of Blue” – When hungover ex-lawyer and Key West bar owner Jack Girard groggily wakes up one morning, he is greeted by a beautiful woman lying next to him and a shrill, ringing telephone. Seeing the call is from his father, Claude “The Duke” Girard, Jack answers. Within seconds, he learns that his mother is dead in an apparent suicide, and Jack hits the road, heading back to his childhood home in Miami to face his tyrannical father. His mother’s death brings up haunting memories from Jack’s past—memories of his brother Bobby’s suicide when they were in college together. Being back in Miami only continues to dredge up his family traumas, but things grow more complicated when The Duke suggests that his estranged wife’s alleged suicide may have been a murder.

As Jack begins to uncover the truth about his mother’s death, including the secret she had revealed to only two people—the same secret Bobby had taken with him to his grave—he finds himself in imminent danger. Can Jack reveal the true story before it is too late? He has to act quickly, or he fears he may be the victim of the next Girard family tragedy.

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