Month: August 2023

New album release: Nothing But Green Willow

Martin Simpson and Thomm Jutz’s generation collaborates for their upcoming album Nothing But Willow: The Songs of Mary Sands and Jane Gentry, out September 29, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Martin Simpson is an English folk musician and guitarist, known for his innovative and eclectic approach to traditional music. In the mid-1980s, Simpson moved to the United States, where he came to the attention of a wide range of American artists with whom he then collaborated. Amongst the albums released during his US tenure, Cool & Unusual, won the Indie Award for best instrumental album in 1998. In addition to his work as a musician, Simpson has also been involved in music education, teaching at universities, and leading workshops and masterclasses around the world. (IV-PR, 2023)

Raised in the Black Forest of Germany, Thomm Jutz has become an American roots music treasure. His virtuosity, eloquence, and clarity of expression have made him a linchpin of Nashville’s creative community, and in 2020 his To Live in Two Worlds, Volume 1 was nominated for the Best Bluegrass Album Grammy, making him the first immigrant to receive a nomination in that category. He has written numerous Bluegrass number ones, and his songs have been recorded by John Prine, Nanci Griffith, The SteelDrivers, Balsam Range, and more. Jutz has a Master’s degree in Appalachian Studies from East Tennessee State University and wrote his thesis on Grammy-winner Norman Blake.

When Thomm Jutz got together with his latest trans-Atlantic collaborator, Martin Simpson, the pair bonded over their long-running obsession with Cecil Sharp’s 1916 and 1918 collection, “English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachians;” particularly those tunes from singers Mary Sands and Jane Gentry. The longevity of the original songs drew the pair in but the latest single from their upcoming album Nothing But Green Willow: The Songs Of Mary Sands and Jane Gentry, pulls from generations of different versions of “The Wagoner’s Lad.”

Folk Alley gave fans an exclusive first listen to the single, writing, “Jutz’s and Simpson’s gem-like version shines in all its facets.” Fans can pre-save Simpson and Jutz’s version of “The Wagoner’s Lad,” check out the previously released album track “Come All You Fair and Tender Ladies” featuring Cara Dillon, and pre-order or pre-save Nothing But Green Willow ahead of its September 29 release via Topic Records.

Simpson and Jutz both clearly see the crucial need for each new generation to reinvent these folk songs. “I strongly believe that innovation requires preservation,” says Jutz. “How can we claim to play traditional music or write ‘Folk music’ without knowing the roots of it?” Fortunately for all involved, the pair found a host of others in agreeance and brought together a mix of roots artists from both sides of the pond—Sierra Hull, Angeline Morrison, Odessa Settles, Tim O’Brien, Tammy Rogers, Seth Lakeman, and more—to create an homage to the bridge from Appalachia to England and back, just as the songs of Sands and Gentry originally did.

Nothing But Green Willow track list:
“Fair Annie” feat. Emily Portman
“Geordie” feat. Sierra Hull & Justin Moses
“Pretty Saro” feat. Odessa Settles
“Edward” feat. Seth Lakeman
“Edwin in the Lowlands Low” feat. Tim O’Brien
“Jacob’s Ladder” feat. Dale Ann Bradley & Tim Stafford
“Come All You Fair and Tender Ladies” feat. Cara Dillon
“The Wagoner’s Lad” feat. Martin Simpson
“Married and Single Life” feat. Tammy Rogers
“The Gypsy Laddie” feat. Thomm Jutz
“The Suffolk Miracle” feat. Angeline Morrison
“I Whipped My Horse” feat. Fay Hield
“Awake! Awake!” feat. Thomm Jutz

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Children’s Ballet of San Antonio hosts open auditions for The Children’s Nutcracker

Christmas comes early for young performers with The Children’s Nutcracker open auditions. Photo: Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.

The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) will hold open auditions for The Children’s Nutcracker at the Dance Center of San Antonio on Saturday, August 26, from 10:30a.m. – 6p.m. All performers, ages 3-19 are invited to register online for an audition time. The Children’s Nutcracker is looking for ballet, tap, folklorico, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dancers, along with gymnasts, actors, and vocalists. Performers with special needs are encouraged to attend a more relaxed audition on Friday, August 25, from 5:30p.m. – 6p.m. All performers will be cast in roles that showcase and highlight their individual talents and strengths and allow them to shine brighter than the Christmas star. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2023)

The Children’s Nutcracker is a classic, beloved holiday tradition that features all the enchantment, joy, and wonder synonymous with this timeless tale. From fighting mice to fairies, soldiers to snow queens, the show takes audiences on an adventure where holiday dreams do come true. Taking place at the Lila Cockrell Theatre on December 8 and 9, this world-class production pulls out all the stops for a holiday extravaganza the whole family will enjoy. From a pre-show holiday market to spectacular digital and physical scenery, captivating special effects, and interactive elements, The Children’s Nutcracker is the perfect way for families to kick off the holidays and capture the magic of the season.

The Children’s Nutcracker 2023 offers young performers the chance to train with the best of the best, from Master Ballet Teachers to internationally acclaimed choreographers. This year, performers will be able to work with Nutcracker experts Aliaksandra Krukava and Nurlan Kinerbayev from the world-renowned Vaganova method of Russian Ballet. This is the same prestigious method that has turned out such household names as Mikhail Baryshnikov, Rudolf Nureyev, and Anna Pavlova, to name a few.

The dynamic Russian duo will be on hand this year to help with staging, exposing both the performers and the audience to the most authentic experience. Performers will also have the unique opportunity to work with Vanessa Bessler, former Prima Ballerina and founder of CBSA. Through recognition, awards, and scholarships from the most prestigious ballet competitions and schools in the world for many of its dancers, CBSA has elevated San Antonio to the world stage, making it a strong player in the performing arts world.

Awards and accolades aside, CBSA is the only professional-level dance company in Texas to offer lead roles to dancers as young as eight years old. Designed to bridge the gap between young students and professional dancers, it is a gateway for young artists interested in pursuing a professional dance career, pointing their toes in the right direction.

Dance Center of San Antonio
126 W. Rector, Suite 120
San Antonio, TX 78216

Auditions:
Friday August 25, 5:30p.m. – 6p.m. for special needs performers
Saturday August 26, 10:30a.m. – 6p.m. for general auditions
All students must register to secure audition time.

The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is an authentic, professional-level ballet company that produces professionally staged productions showcasing San Antonio’s most talented children. Dancers are selected by invitation or audition. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) seeks to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds.

New book release: ‘Holly’ by Stephen King

‘Holly,’ Stephen King’s new novel, will be release September 5, 2023. Photo: Amazon

My all time favorite author is Stephen King. I have read almost all his books and his are the only ones I have in my library, aside from Dean Koontz, of course. Naturally, I have to write about his new release coming up next month: “Holly.” Holly is one of the characters from the Bill Hodges series and this novel is a continuation of her story. This Constant Reader will always recommend Stephen King’s books.

Stephen King is the author of more than sixty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. His recent work includes “Holly,” “Fairy Tale,” “If It Bleeds,” Sleeping Beauties,” (cowritten with his son Owen King), and the Bill Hodges trilogy: “End of Watch,” “Finders Keepers,” and “Mr. Mercedes” (an Edgar Award winner for Best Novel and a television series streaming on Peacock). He is the recipient of the 2020 Audio Publishers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2018 PEN America Literary Service Award, the 2014 National Medal of Arts, and the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. In his new book “Holly,” Holly Gibney, one of Stephen King’s most compelling and ingeniously resourceful characters, returns in this thrilling novel to solve the gruesome truth behind multiple disappearances in a midwestern town. It will be September 5, 2023. (Amazon, 2023)

“Holly” – this new release marks the triumphant return of beloved King character Holly Gibney. Readers have witnessed Holly’s gradual transformation from a shy (but also brave and ethical) recluse in Mr. Mercedes to Bill Hodges’s partner in “Finders Keepers” to a full-fledged, smart, and occasionally tough private detective in “The Outsider.” In King’s new novel, Holly is on her own, and up against a pair of unimaginably depraved and brilliantly disguised adversaries.

When Penny Dahl calls the Finders Keepers detective agency hoping for help locating her missing daughter, Holly is reluctant to accept the case. Her partner, Pete, has Covid. Her very complicated mother has just died, and Holly is meant to be on leave. But something in Penny Dahl’s desperate voice makes it impossible for Holly to turn her down.

Mere blocks from where Bonnie Dahl disappeared live Professors Rodney and Emily Harris. They are the picture of bourgeois respectability: married octogenarians, devoted to each other, and semi-retired lifelong academics. But they are harboring an unholy secret in the basement of their well-kept, book-lined home, one that may be related to Bonnie’s disappearance. And it will prove nearly impossible to discover what they are up to: they are savvy, they are patient, and they are ruthless. Holly must summon all her formidable talents to outthink and outmaneuver the shockingly twisted professors in this chilling new masterwork from Stephen King.

“I could never let Holly Gibney go. She was supposed to be a walk-on character in ‘Mr. Mercedes’ and she just kind of stole the book and stole my heart. Holly is all her.” —STEPHEN KING

 

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New book release: ‘Beyond the Covered Veil’ by Wesley B. Herndon

‘Beyond the Covered Veil’ is the new collection of short stories by Wesley B. Herndon. Photo: Wesley B. Herndon, used with permission.

If you are anything like me, you are not always in the mood to read a big book. Sometimes it is the quick reads that are more meaningful. Today’s new book release might be what you are looking for: “Beyond the Covered Veil” by Wesley B. Herndon – a collection of short stories. The writing style is visionary and poetic: “He knew this way of living would leave him forever lost, smoldering in the cold grip of a cavernous grave” and is sure to appease the artistic side of readers. Sounds interesting? Pick up a copy and see for yourself. It is available on Barnes & Noble and Amazon. 

Wesley B Herndon is a theoretician, an ingenious creator who studies documentary pieces and is a human file cabinet of 80s pop culture. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with his iguana Tubbs and a large collection of retro video games. His new book “Beyond the Covered Veil” is a collection of short stories that challenge the mind and soul. (Wesley B. Herndon, 2023)

“Beyond the Covered Veil” – As a child, you have a vast imagination to create anything out of nothing, but most lose that ability when they get older. I have kept the imaginative side of me alive and have honed it down to fine art. This is a collection of short stories that come to life in your mind. Follow a group of bandits who are pushed to their limits in order to overcome a fierce opponent. Descend into an empty desert where one awakens to a world that defies human logic. Then you turn the page and you are hit with words of insightful wisdom that exceed the thoughts of the common mindset. This book is for people who have gone through the darkest moments in life and survived them. Anyone who likes to be told real truths will also be entertained at the same time. You will be able to see it as you read it–“It’s what the world’s been missing.”

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Book review: ‘Paris On My Mind’ by Eugene Crowley, Jr.

‘Paris On My Mind: Thoughts of Paris, James Baldwin, and Harlem’ by Eugene Crowley, Jr.

Eugene Crowley, Jr. was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, has a master’s degree in General Psychology, and spent 32 years teaching the wisdom from mythology to his high school students in Chicago. He has traveled throughout the United States, Europe, and South America. He wrote his book, “Upside Down World: The Loss of the Sacred Cosmos,” to give his readers the meaning of life in discovering their own sacred cosmos. He would like to see a “New Enlightenment” with the use of the wisdom from the past holistic cultures who began civilizations. He encourages our culture to return to its Eastern roots by having its spiritual awakening in opening the mind and heart. After participating in the conference “A Language To Dwell In: James Baldwin, Paris, and International Visions” at the American University in Paris in May 2016, he wrote “Paris On My Mind: Thoughts of Paris, James Baldwin, and Harlem.” It reveals Baldwin’s views on racism, his observations, solutions, and consequences. (Amazon, 2023)

“Paris On My Mind” gives the truths of the past for readers to become victors instead of victims over social conflicts. The author expresses his thoughts on James Baldwin, his life and writings, and explains that his wisdom echoes ancient philosophers and encourages his readers not to fall victim to America’s social problems. He believes that knowing the truth would set one free. Baldwin provided the truths of the past and gives his readers their purpose in life. He depended on religion and the wisdom of the past in confronting social ills. The book is divided into 12 chapters including The First Time I Saw Paris, Examining Our Civilizations, and James Baldwin in a Post-Racial America. The first two chapters give the author’s early connection with Paris since his hometown, St. Joseph, Missouri, had a French founder, Joseph Robidoux. He also explains why he became enamored with Paris, including that since the city was the innovator of urban streetlights, could this mean that it was, metaphorically, “responsible for giving light to the entire world?” The rest of the book explores the American way of thinking in terms of racial and societal issues, highlights of Harlem today and in the 1920s, then circles back to his thoughts on Paris on the last time he visited the city.

Racism on a global stage can be a touchy subject but now more than ever, it needs to be addressed. Aside from taking a closer look at James Baldwin’s life, how he defined racism and his coping strategies, Eugene Crowley, Jr. stresses the importance of awakening the spiritual, not religious, part of our lives, similar to how past civilizations placed greater importance to the soul, which is divine in nature. In doing so, everyone, including blacks, whites, young, and old can use this wisdom to conquer their adversaries because when we re-discover our spiritual identity, we can live “more genuine, authentic, and peaceful lives.” This insightful and eye opening book is full of history, soul searching, and useful advice, written using language that everyone can understand and put into use in their lives. Highlights include Chapter 3: The American Madness where the author writes that racial conflict is not the ‘Negro problem,’ but rather ‘The American Madness’ and Chapter 5: Dwelling in Languages where he writes that due to the harsh language that he used sometimes, James Baldwin had his critics, but mostly because people “find it difficult to hear of their irrational behaviors.” In other words, people, regardless of race, tend to lash out when confronted with their questionable behaviors. One final piece of practical advice he gives, about life in general, is “The best solution for boredom is to become active. Life was not meant to be lived in one space.” Overall, “Paris On My Mind” is a an excellent examination of the life and works of James Baldwin and a gentle reminder that to live a more peaceful life, we should strive for a more spiritual existence. It is recommended for fans of biographies, personal growth, and spirituality who appreciate practical life advice.

“When we remember our spiritual identity, we place racism and bigotry in their proper place as immature behaviors from people who have not awaken their spirit.”

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Bib & Tucker Double Char Bourbon now available

Bib & Tucker Double Char Bourbon is now available nationwide. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Just in time for Bourbon Heritage Month coming up in September, Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon is proud to announce the release of Bib & Tucker Double Char Bourbon. It is available nationally, in-store, and online. (Bib & Tucker, 2023)

Inspired by the turn of the century in America, when food was cooked on the open flame, this new bourbon from Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon is aged twice to create savory smoky notes and an exceptionally smooth finish. Bib & Tucker Double Char is first aged for six years in the rolling hills of Tennessee in new white American oak, followed by a minimum of five months in a second heavily charred and smoked new barrel. This unique fire-forged double char aging method creates the rich and deep flavor of Bib & Tucker Double Char.

Bib & Tucker Double Char Tasting Notes:

  • Nose: A touch of smoke with immediate notes of toasted oak and dulce de leche, background notes of cinnamon and clove
  • Palate: Vanilla and sugar maple surrounded with white smoke, hints of sweet corn and toasted cinnamon
  • Finish: Medium to long finish with oak, white smoke and vanilla
  • Color: Deep rich mahogany with copper undertones

The lineup of Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon includes:

  • The Classic Six: 6-Year-Old Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey – SRP: $54.99; 92 proof/46% ABV
  • Double Char: 6-Year-Old Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey – SRP: $54.99; 88 proof/44% ABV
  • 10-Year-Old Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey – SRP: $89.99; 92 proof/46% ABV

Bib & Tucker crafts award-winning small batch bourbons that are aged to perfection for a minimum of 6 years. The name, bottle and small batch approach were inspired by the turn of the century in America, a time of unprecedented progress and adventure when all bourbon was small batch. Aged in the rolling hills of Tennessee, Bib & Tucker does not cut corners and uses no additives, artificial flavors or artificial colors. In a time when other brands are taking their age statements away, Bib & Tucker proudly puts the age statement on the front of every bottle. Bib & Tucker 6-Year-Old was awarded 93 Points from Whisky Advocate, ranking #14 out of the Top 20 Whiskies in 2021. The bourbons are best enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in whiskey-forward cocktails.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Book of the week: ‘Best’s Practices: Encouraging Confidence and Relationship-Building’ by Bianca Clark

“Best’s Practices: Encouraging Confidence and Relationship-Building” by Bianca Clark. Photo: Bianca Clark, used with permission.

With the start of a new school year, parents and guardians might be looking for resources to help their teen with self esteem and personal development issues. “Best’s Practices: Encouraging Confidence and Relationship-Building” by Bianca Clark is aimed at teenagers and parents alike and is an excellent tool to help them gain confidence and work on their life skills by using advice and real life scenarios. Read on for more information.

Bianca Clark is a Pennsylvania native and currently resides in Connecticut. She received her Bachelor of Science in Marketing and her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Cabrini University in Radnor, Pennsylvania. Bianca is an aerospace professional with a passion for writing and creating fun, diverse methods for skill learning and advancement. Her book “Best’s Practices: Encouraging Confidence and Relationship-Building” is a must read motivational and mentorship book for pre-teens who want to develop their life skills. It is available on Amazon. (Bianca Clark, 2023)

“Best’s Practices: Encouraging Confidence and Relationship-Building” – London, her older sister, Cierra or CeCe, and Malachi or Cai, their teenage brother, listened to their parents’ wise words and realized that the only way to improve, avoid common mistakes, and grow as a person would be to invest in themselves.

This fun and educational personal growth book for teens is here to help teenagers and their parents gain an in-depth understanding of how to encourage confidence and promote personal development through the real-life scenarios and adventures of London and her family.

Written for aspiring teens and parents alike, this book is a conversation starter that provides all the essentials tools and resources you need to learn:

– How to improve your conversation and communication skills
– How to think outside the box and build your confidence
– How to handle being outside of your comfort zone

Following the different situations that London, CeCe, and Cai find themselves in, you will be able to understand the psyche of a teenager with fears, aspirations, and inexperience and start conversations that will help:

– Understand how to keep yourself motivated
– Learn how to build a professional network and practice for a job interview
– Discover how to prepare yourself for a difficult situation
– Identify your professional strengths and weaknesses
– Embrace yourself and learn daily affirmations that will boost your confidence

Instead of a self-development book that lists facts, this easy-to-read and entertaining book will help get the message across without boring your daughter, son, niece, nephew, or grandkids.

Don’t Hesitate! Grab Your Copy NOW!

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Photo: Bianca Clark, used with permission.

Upcoming new album release: Blue Hour – Eddy Lee Ryder

Eddy Lee Ryder’s new EP, Blue Hour, will be released September 15, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Last time I wrote about this artist, it was with the news that her song Smoke and Mirrors was used in the hardcore slasher horror movie Terrifier 2. In today’s music news, Eddy Lee Ryder recently announced that her new EP, Blue Hour will be released on September 15, 2023. The announcement comes on the heels of her latest single, Holy S**t I Think I Love You, which the soulful rock belter calls her favorite song she has ever written. (Eddy Lee Ryder, 2023)

Singer, songwriter, and free spirit Eddy Lee Ryder creates haunting songs that tell dramatic stories through a slightly warped lens. Eddy’s unconventional, theatrical approach to songwriting explodes and sparkles with ‘70s good-time rock riffs, spiced with complex poetry. Proclaimed “demented pop,” her music is propelled by her charismatic voice and lyrics inspired by an intense bizarre world. Lonesome as she is wild, Ryder paints languid, sadly beautiful portraits of love and life on the margins with the moody and satirical depth of Father John Misty and the country-influenced textures of Roy Orbison or Glen Cambel but with a captivating voice all on her own.

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Grape Punch at William Chris Vineyards

The yearly Grape Punch is taking place this August 26, 2023. Photo: William Chris Vineyards, used with permission.

If you have ever wanted to learn about the wine making business and personally crush some grapes, your wait is over. Here is an exciting event coming up at William Chris Vineyards in Hye, Tx. 

Summertime is coming to a close and at William Chris Vineyards, they are ending the summer with a punch, Grape Punch that is. William Chris Vineyards is excited to share that their annual Grape Punch event will take place on Saturday, August 26, starting at 3p.m. (William Chris Vineyards, 2023) 

For a $25 ticket, guests can immerse themselves in the world of winemaking, learn how to pick the finest grapes, how to crush them with care, and how the grapes become the best Texas wines. Every ticket includes a glass of wine and a Grape Punch t-shirt.

The event is held yearly at William Chris Vineyards, recently voted the number 60 vineyard in the world by World’s Best Vineyards and is open to all wine lovers, no experience necessary. For additional information or to purchase tickets please visit them online.

New book release: ‘Nurturing Your Feminine Energy: And The Rise of Divine Femininity’ by Reemus Bailey

‘Nurturing Your Feminine Energy’ is book 2 in the Femininity Book series by Reemus Bailey. Photo: Amazon

Reemus Bailey is a UK based relationship expert who works with individuals in practice one-on-one and has written several books, including “The Principles of Manhood” and “Healing the Divine Feminine.” His new book “Nurturing Your Feminine Energy: And The Rise Of Divine Femininity” is book 2 in the Femininity Book series and a guide to help readers in their spiritual journey while embracing their feminine energy. (Amazon, 2023)

“Nurturing Your Feminine Energy: And The Rise of Divine Femininity”– learn what femininity looks like when it is being expressed in an empowered way with the goal of increasing your knowledge about the traits and qualities that embody an empowered feminine woman and how to cultivate them within yourself. You will discover the importance of self development so that you can become the best version of yourself, giving yourself reason to be abundantly proud of the type of person you are becoming.

You will also learn how to listen to your inner voice so that you connect to your internal powers and how to encourage the rise of the divine feminine by empowering others.

This book helps you to develop the feminine state within yourself through the understanding of:
– Embodying the qualities of the empowered feminine woman
– The importance of nurturing yourself and others
– Embracing beauty
– Expressing creativity
– Cultivating healthy sisterhood connections
– Connecting to Mother Earth and the power of nature
– Trusting your intuition and listening to your inner voice
– The specific things that you can do to make you feel feminine

Through practical guidance, “Nurturing Your Feminine Energy” will help you become the most confident, fulfilled, and empowered version of yourself. If you are ready to embrace your feminine energy and tap into your inner wisdom, this book is a must-read.