Month: May 2024

Forthcoming British horror movie release: The Moor

Chilling British horror movie is set for release this summer in the UK. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In today’s movie news: after debuting in film festivals, The Moor will be released in the UK this summer. It has received critical acclaim and hopefully it will have a wider release coming soon. Check out the trailer below, it looks haunting and dark. My kind of movie. 

Bulldog Film Distribution is delighted to confirm that the acclaimed British horror, The Moor will be heading to UK Cinemas from June 14 and on UK Digital HD from July 1, 2024. (Strike Media, Ltd, 2024)

The Moor stars Sophia La Porta, David Edward-Robertson, Elizabeth Dormer-Phillips as well as the late British acting legend, Bernard Hill.

Synopsis
Claire was just a child when her best friend was abducted and murdered. Twenty-five years later, the killer has served his time and is due to be released. Claire is approached by Bill, the dead boy’s father, who has a plan to keep the killer behind bars. With the help of psychic Eleanor, he takes them deep into the haunted moor which he believes is his son’s final resting place. They find more than just the ghosts of dead children out there – something else, something dark and evil, stirs beneath their feet.

Run Time: 119 Mins

Chris Cronin’s feature-length directorial debut was widely praised following its World Premiere at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest, screening in the prestigious ‘First Blood’ strand. In Total Film’s FrightFest Awards 2023, the film was nominated for Best Director, Best Film and Won Best Scare.

“My aim with this story was to create an original horror film set in my home county of Yorkshire. Instead of delving into the fictional murders themselves, I focused on the aftermath and how something so terrible affects lives and relationships. What happens when so much grief and guilt are left unresolved? As a genre filmmaker I wanted to explore those important questions through tension and suspense. Genre lets us take a look at very human and painful situations and make them larger than life, forcing us to re-examine them. Thankfully, most of us don’t know what it’s like to experience a tragedy as great as Bill and Claire’s, but through the medium of horror we can elevate how awful it would be, making the audience really feel it.” – Director Chris Cronin

Pride month events in San Antonio

Stable Hall is hosting “Drag Me To The Hall” for Pride month. Photo: Oscar Moreno, used with permission.

Pride month, celebrated annually in June, honors the LGBTQ+ community’s resilience, struggles, and achievements. It commemorates the Stonewall riots of June 1969, a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history, sparking the modern gay rights movement. Throughout the month, diverse events, parades, and activities promote visibility, acceptance, and equality. It’s a reminder of the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights worldwide and the importance of fostering a society where everyone can live openly and authentically. The following are some of the events taking place in town to support and celebrate San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ community. (Stable Hall, Bakery Lorraine, Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, 2024)

Stable Hall

Drag Me To The Hall
Saturday, June 1
Time: 9p.m. (doors open at 8p.m.)

“Drag Me To The Hall” at Stable Hall is a festive community celebration concluding the Museum Reach portion of the San Antonio Riverwalk Pride River Parade on June 1st, 2024. “Drag Me To The Hall” welcomes guests to an evening filled with performances and music by national drag performing artist, Trinity K. Bonet who gained recognition for her appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6.

“Drag Me To The Hall” celebrates San Antonio’s PRIDE month highlighting an array of exceptional talent, honoring the vibrant spirit of the LGBTQ+ community through music, entertainment, and mindfully inclusive celebration. Tickets start at $49 and can be purchased online through the Tixr website.

Bakery Lorraine

Saturday, June 1 to Sunday, June 30

In celebration of Pride month, Bakery Lorraine is offering a rainbow-colored cookie with proceeds benefiting San Antonio-based LGBTQIA+ organization, Thrive Youth Center. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to the organization whose mission is to help homeless LGBTQ+ youth in San Antonio. The cookies will be available throughout the month of June starting on June 1 and will be sold in packs of three cookies for $6.95. Cookies can be purchased at all Bakery Lorraine locations in San Antonio.

Pride Cookie. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa

Saturday, June 1 to Sunday, June 30

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa offers a special cocktail called Y’all Means All for Pride month this June. The cocktail will be available at Anaqua Garden Bar the entire month of June and proceeds from all sales will benefit Pride Center San Antonio. The cocktail is made with Tito’s Coconut Cordial, Guava, Lime, Topo Chico, and Sour Patch Kids.

Y’all Mean All drink at Anaqua. Photo: Anaqua Garden Bar, used with permission

New single release: Kick It – flor

flor doesn’t care much what you think of them on their new single ‘Kick It.’ Courtesy single artwork, used with permission.

First Hood River, Oregon’s, now the world’s alt-pop darlings, flor, released their newest single this month –  “Kick It.” A fuzzed out, knobs dialed all the way up type of track, “Kick It” tells judgmental onlookers to shove it and be on their way. A more confident, provocative take from flor, the band continues showing their vast songwriting range as they explore the joy of their newfound creative independence. (Big Hassle Media, 2024)

flor finds light in the promise of a new day. The Hood River, OR trio—Zach Grace (vocals, guitar), Dylan Bauld (bass), and Kyle Hill (drums)—excavate unshakable melodies from jubilant synths, buoyant beats, and lush guitars as they relay a coming-of-age story all their own.

The story began as high school kids playing in a garage. The band quietly generated hundreds of millions of streams in the wake of their 2016 debut come out. you’re hiding. In 2019, ley lines only accelerated their momentum buoyed by tracks including “white noise,” “slow motion,” and “dancing around.” Critical acclaim followed from NYLON, Billboard, Paste, and Ones To Watch who hailed the album as “an exhilarating balancing act.”

They concluded a successful headline tour at the top of 2020 only to face the harsh reality of the Global Pandemic with the rest of us. Once it became safe enough to do so, the musicians congregated back in Los Angeles at Dylan’s studio for a series of writing sessions. This time around, they built the bulk of the songs face-to-face together inspired by favorite records from the likes of MGMT, Phoenix, The Killers, and M83. The result was their 2022 third full-length album, Future Shine which won over the praise of Rolling Stone, AltPress, and many others.

After taking some time to evaluate who they want to be creatively, flor is now back and more refreshed than they’ve ever been. The end of last year saw the release of “Same Color as the Sun” as the band joined The Maine for a massive North American tour.

Last month, flor starred in The Noise’s first episode of their new video series titled Something Loud. Filmed in Los Angeles – with the help from Betawave Media – flor performed their singles “Every Night,” “Warm Blood Pt 2,” “No More Time,” and “Gotta Do Something” to showcase what “loud” means to them.

Regularly releasing new singles to keep their fanbase fed, the last few months have seen flor unveil “Same Color as the Sun,” “Warm Blood Pt 2” and “Nosedive.” “Same Color as the Sun” quickly gained traction at Triple A radio and continues to chart higher week after week. “Warm Blood Pt 2” also arrived with an official video. With the song’s precursor dating back to their 2016 debut album come out. you’re hiding, part two wasn’t initially created as a follow up. But as the band began writing with the intent of creating something as rapturous as the original, things started to fall in place.

The end of 2023 also saw flor join their friends in The Maine for a massive North American tour, selling out almost every single date. Over the coming months, flor will continue to ride their current wave of inspiration with more new music on the way.

Dog Man: The Musical coming to the Majestic Theatre in January

Dog Man: The Musical 2023 Off-Broadway Cast. L-R: L.R. Davidson, Crystal Sha’nae, Brian Owen, DeShawn Bowens, Jamie LaVerdiere, Dan Rosales. Photo: Jeremy Daniel, used with permission.

The Majestic Theatre will present TheaterWorksUSA’s NY Times Critic’s Pick, Dog Man: The Musical based on the popular book series by Dav Pilkey. Dog Man: The Musical will be presented on January 25 and 26, 2025 at The Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, TX. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online (Majestic Theatre, 2024)

Based on the worldwide bestselling Dog Man book series by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming production following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of beloved characters from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants. Recommended for ages 5+.

“Dog Man: The Musical surpasses my highest expectations. It is the ‘Perfect Mash-up’ of memorable music, humor, and love.” – Dog Man creator Dav Pilkey

Dog Man: The Musical has a book and lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila, and music by Brad Alexander, with original direction and choreography by Jen Wineman, scenic design by Timothy R. Mackabee, costume design by Heidi Leigh Hanson, lighting design by David Lander, and sound design by Emma Wilk.

TheaterWorksUSA has led the Theater for Young and Family Audiences movement in New York City and across North America for over half a century. At TWUSA, we believe that access to art—and theater, in particular—is vital for our youth. Since 1967, the 501(c)3 not-for-profit has captured the imaginations of 100 million new and veteran theatergoers with an award-winning repertoire of over 140 original plays and musicals.

The Historic Majestic Theatre is located at 224 E. Houston Street in the heart of downtown San Antonio, Texas. Built in 1929 by John Eberson for Interstate Theaters, the Majestic was intended to be the most modern building in South Texas and was the first in the state to be totally air-conditioned.

The Majestic remains one of the finest examples of atmospheric theaters ever built, receiving National Historic Landmark status in 1993. The Majestic Theatre is home to the Broadway in San Antonio series, along with a variety of live entertainment experiences. For more information visit the Majestic Theatre.

Forthcoming new book release: ‘Finding My Rainbow’ by Josh Coleman

‘Finding My Rainbow’ will be released June 12, 2024. Photo: Amazon

An exciting milestone in the world of literature and LGBTQ+ advocacy comes with the announcement that “Finding My Rainbow: A Journey of Courage, Acceptance, and Pride,” the highly anticipated children’s book by Josh Coleman, is now available for pre-order. (Iron City Communications, 2024)

Josh Coleman is a distinguished advocate for social justice and LGBTQ+ rights, serving as the Deputy Director of the Division of Social Justice and Racial Equity in Birmingham’s Mayor’s Office. His pioneering role as the city’s first LGBTQ+ Liaison and leadership in Central Alabama Pride highlight his commitment to inclusivity. His academic pursuits in political science and public administration further underscore his dedication to public service and community engagement. His new book, “Finding My Rainbow: A Journey of Courage, Acceptance, and Pride” is a story of finding oneself, fighting for acceptance, and the power of love. It will be released on June 12, 2024. (Iron City Communications, 2024)

In “Finding My Rainbow,” readers are invited into the world of Josh, a young boy from Alabama, navigating the challenges of growing up gay in a community not fully prepared for his truth. This story of self-discovery, bravery, and the quest for acceptance is poised to become a beacon of hope and understanding for children and adults alike.

It’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the beauty of being true to oneself. This book is not just for those who identify with Josh’s journey but for anyone who believes in the transformative power of love and acceptance. Join Josh on his colorful journey, and be inspired to find and spread your own light.

Through Josh’s eyes, readers are invited into a deeply personal narrative that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the power of unconditional love. “Finding My Rainbow” is not just Josh’s story-it’s a call to action for understanding, empathy, and support for LGBTQ+ youth navigating their own paths to acceptance. This book aims to inspire readers of all ages with its message of hope, reminding us that we all deserve to live our truth and find our rainbow. Suitable for readers aged 8 to 13, this story touches hearts and minds, encouraging a more inclusive and accepting world. (Amazon, 2024)

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RV resort Camp Landa now open in New Braunfels

Created by Schlitterbahn’s founding family, the new boutique RV resort brings a high-end and personalized approach to camping. Photo: CoPilot Creative, used with permission.  

With Memorial Day marking the unofficial start to summer, if you’re looking for vacation ideas, here’s a new RV resort that just opened in New Braunfels.

The family who founded the iconic Schlitterbahn waterpark recently announced that Camp Landa, a new boutique RV resort in the heart of New Braunfels, has opened to the public. With a prime location in historic downtown New Braunfels – and conveniently situated by the edge of the Comal River – travelers can now experience high-end camping in the Texas Hill Country in its entirety. RV sites and cabins are now available for reservations online. Follow Camp Landa on Instagram for special announcements, such as summer programming.(Camp Landa, 2024)

Camp Landa was previously the site for manufacturing water attractions for Schlitterbahn dating back to the early 1980s. The land has since been reconstructed to ensure an authentic yet upscale camping getaway for the entire family, with amenities like a heated pool, Wi-Fi, a camp store, on-site laundry, a fire pit with s’mores available for purchase, pickleball courts, basketball, and cornhole boards. Food and beverage options at the swim-up bar include cocktails like Camp Landa Agua Fresca and Blackberry Jalapeño Margarita and a café that features a menu with selections such as Rueben Egg Rolls and The Hurta Loaded Bavarian Pretzel which is topped with sauerkraut and Rust Meat Market old world bratwurst. Grilling ingredients can be ordered through Camp Landa’s personal text app, as well, for campers who want to barbecue at their leisure.

There is also a rotating programming schedule and organized activities for kids, along with a jump pad, a crafting station, and a playground. Families can choose between multiple level sites with a total of 110 to choose from – plus unique offerings, such as picnic tables and grills – all of which provide fast and easy hook-up for their RV. For travelers without an RV, there are five cozy cabins that sleep eight guests and come with a fully stocked kitchen, an outdoor dining area and a personal grill. Located less than a mile from Landa Falls – the longest float on the Comal – there’s a dedicated shuttle to and from the resort to the river. A text concierge is also available to provide insider tips for exploring New Braunfels.

“Our family is ecstatic to welcome the community and roadtrippers to our destination RV resort in picturesque New Braunfels. I promise you, Camp Landa is luxury camping made simple. We’ve thought of it all so that guests and families can just show up and enjoy an elevated camping experience curated by our team of experts.” – founder Stuart Blythin

Husband and wife duo Stuart and Tasha Blythin created Camp Landa after time spent traveling across the country with their four kids during the pandemic via their own RV, where they developed a shared enthusiasm for exploration. They connected with the fellowship found at campgrounds and RV parks across the American West.

The locals – and their children, who also work at the resort – intend for Camp Landa to become a must-visit destination RV resort for travelers from around the country. The Blythins are guided by a genuine love for hospitality, and the family has more than 50 years of experience in hosting and entertaining generations of Texas families.

Inspired by Tasha Blythin’s family history as a sixth-generation Texan and her ties to Schlitterbahn – where she and Stuart met in 2004 before her family sold the waterpark in 2019 – the essence of Camp Landa draws upon the original Camp Landa which Tasha’s grandparents purchased in 1966 and eventually developed into Schlitterbahn, along with its New Braunfels’ German heritage. It evokes “Fernweh,” the longing feeling in our hearts to pack a bag and discover a place, known or unknown. Original aspects of Schlitterbahn have been saved and are reflected at Camp Landa, including a smoke stack from one of the main buildings, which was sourced from the original slide manufacturing plant for the waterpark.

Camp Landa is located at 723 N. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130. Hours of operation for the café and other staffed amenities are 8a.m. to 6p.m. daily and 8a.m. to p.m. during the summer months.

Gift giving made easy: East Washington St Gifts

East Washington St Gifts has personalized t-shirts, among other gifts. Photo: East Washington St Gifts

Gift giving is an age-old tradition that transcends cultures and eras, symbolizing sentiments of love, gratitude, and celebration. Whether grand or modest, gifts symbolize thoughtfulness and care, strengthening bonds between giver and recipient. They express appreciation and are excellent ways to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and holidays. In a world often bustling with the mundane, gift giving stands as a timeless reminder of the beauty found in both giving and receiving gestures of kindness.

Although a gift is always welcome at a special occasion, I tend to live day to day and prefer not to wait on a specific date to give someone a gift. Everyday we are alive is a special occasion, so if you’re looking for a gift to brighten someone’s day, to commemorate a special occasion, or even as a treat for yourself, consider East Washington St Gifts by Allen Kimble. (Allen Kimble, 2024)

These gift ideas include customized scented candles, personalized t-shirts (astrology shirts, astrology flower with personalized name and birthdate – perfect for a birthday), and even t-shirts for animal lovers and those who love fishing and the outdoors. So why not surprise your loved one with a comfortable and fashionable addition to their wardrobe?

This being graduation season, the personalized funny scented graduation candles are perfect for the graduate in your life. You can customize it with the occupation, name, and scent.

Occupations:

  • Pharmacist
  • Veterinarian
  • Psychologist
  • Dietician
  • And others

Scents:

  • Coconut Cream + Cardamon
  • Apple Harvest
  • White Sage + Lavender
  • Cinnamon Vanilla
  • Unscented
  • And more

Gifts from East Washington St Gifts are an excellent gift idea for any occasion. Customized gifts are more personal and thoughtful than just picking out some mass-produced generic gift. So don’t wait, check out the wide selection of gifts and start shopping!

Photo: East Washington St Gifts

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Forthcoming new thriller release: Boneyard

Curtis Jackson , Brian Van Holt, and Nora Zehetner in Boneyard. Photo: Lionsgate, used with permission.

Crime thrillers are one of my favorites types of movies because they immerse viewers in a world of mystery, suspense, and intrigue. The twists and turns keep audiences on the edge of their seats and every character adds depth to the narrative. Settings range from gritty urban landscapes to serene countryside, each enhancing the story’s atmosphere. These movies offer a thrilling escape into the darker aspects of human nature, while the adrenaline rush is a major plus.

In today’s movie news: If you’re ready to experience the next big crime thriller, which involves a serial killer, check this one out.

Boneyard stars Brian Van Holt, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Nora Zehetner, Michael Sirow, and Mel Gibson. This chilling thriller based on a true crime story will be released on Video On Demand nationwide (US/ Canada) on July 2 and in US theaters July 5. (EG-PR, 2024)

Synopsis:
When the skeletal remains of eleven women and girls are discovered in the New Mexico desert, an extensive investigation is launched. Inspired by true crime stories, this chilling crime-thriller follows Police Chief Carter (Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson), Detective Ortega (Brian Van Holt), and Agent Petrovick (Mel Gibson) in a multi-agency effort to identify and apprehend the killer. As each of their agendas and methods clash, a tangled web of intrigue casts suspicion in all directions.

Genre: Action/Thriller
Rating: (Not Yet Rated) 
Running time: 96 mins
Release Date: EST/Video On Demand (7/2/24); Theatrical (7/5/24)
Written by: Vincent E. Mcdaniel, Asif Akbar, Hank Byrd, Koji Steven Sakai
Produced by: Colin Bates 

Boutique fitness studio Urban Lagree opens in San Antonio

Katie Hayes and Abigayle Rosser, Lagree Fitness Trainers and Co-Owners of Urban Lagree. Photo: Urban Lagree, used with permission.

Boutique fitness studio Urban Lagree is excited to announce it will be opening its first San Antonio location next month. The studio focuses on workouts that promote core stability, cardio endurance, and high-intensity strength training. Urban Lagree will open in central San Antonio at 3910 McCullough Avenue in Olmos Park on Monday, June 10, 2024. (Urban Lagree, 2024)

To celebrate its San Antonio opening, Urban Lagree will host a free Open House event at the studio on Saturday, June 15 from 11a.m. to 1p.m. where guests can stop by and learn more about the Lagree Fitness method. The event will feature health and wellness vendors, giveaways, music by a local DJ, and more.

Urban Lagree offers the popular Lagree Fitness method, a high intensity, low impact workout focused on muscular endurance using a specialized machine called the Megaformer. The Lagree method was started in 1998 by Sebastien Lagree and is a workout that continues to grow globally. It is a celebrity workout that has been adopted by Jennifer Aniston, Kim Kardashian, and many more. Urban Lagree will be the first studio in San Antonio to offer Lagree classes instructed on the latest Megaformer – the Mega Pro – a streamlined version of its predecessor now including tilting platforms.

“We are thrilled to bring Urban Lagree to San Antonio. Nothing can beat the Lagree method when it comes to toning and shaping your body. We look forward to sharing this strength training workout with this new community.” – Lagree Fitness Trainers and Co-Owners Katie Hayes and Abigayle Rosser

Lagree Fitness is the only workout that effectively combines Strength, Endurance, Cardio, Core, Body Stability, and Flexibility in every class. The resistance training targets the slow twitch muscles of the legs, arms, obliques, and core to provide a full body workout. Every move is performed slowly and against constant tension which activates metabolism, and burns fat and calories.

Urban Lagree is a workout meant for everyone. The studio focuses on building a fitness community by delivering consistent workouts that are accessible to all. Whether clients are recovering from injury, taking their fitness goal to the next level, or simply needing a change, Urban Lagree is designed to help. The studio offers a workout that will tone and shape the body by focusing on improving overall strength, endurance, and core stability.

Urban Lagree’s San Antonio location will feature a mural by local artist Joseph Ramey as well as all-new Mega Pro machines that are designed with increased ergonomic capabilities that ensure the client experiences a more targeted workout.

To celebrate its San Antonio launch, Urban Lagree will be offering a limited quantity of Founding Membership that includes unlimited classes for $165 a month as well as a limited 10-Pack class for $175 – there will also be other membership options and drop in rates ($30 per class). Pre-sale for the San Antonio location is now available and clients can view all membership options and rates here.  

For the first month following Urban Lagree’s opening, the studio will solely offer its signature 45-minute Full Body workout. In the following months, Urban Lagree will also begin offering classes for the advanced fitness enthusiast, the beginner, private classes, and studio buyouts that can accommodate parties of up to 12. A full list of classes with specifics on the workouts is available here. 

Urban Lagree is owned and led by Lagree fitness trainers Abigayle Rosser and Katie Hayes. The pair also own two Urban Lagree fitness studios in Austin and will soon open a third location in South Austin. Rosser and Hayes are dedicated to creating a fitness community that promotes both physical and mental well-being. Urban Lagree San Antonio will offer classes seven days a week. 

New single release: Relief – Gus Baldwin & The Sketch

Gus Baldwin shares new single and launches Western US tour. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Austin Power Punk artist Gus Baldwin is a 25-year-old singer/songwriter/ex-hippie/part-time punk hailing from Austin, TX. After a stint holding down drums for Dallas surf punk legends Sealion in high school, Baldwin went on to form the Psych Pop combo Acid Carousel, which he led for 6 years and 20 something releases before departing the band on Halloween night 2021. He shares the official video for his new single Relief via Austin Town Hall. (US/THEM group, 2024)

Since leaving Carousel, Gus has made a name for himself as a solo artist in Austin, constantly performing as a singer/songwriter, one man garage band, or with his band The Sketch. Quickly releasing a string of titles on his own GetWithIt! Records imprint, including the EPs “THRILLER II,” “Live Bugs,” as well as a slew of singles, Gus established himself firmly as the godson of Texas rock ‘n’ roll. Splitting his time as a frequent collaborator with The Black Angels, Baldwin also works with the likes of Christian Bland & The Revelators as well as The UFO Club with Night Beats frontman, Danny Lee Blackwell.

Gus Baldwin & The Sketch kicked off their Western U.S. tour this month, which includes a performance at Punk Rock Bowling in Las Vegas. 

GUS BALDWIN & THE SKETCH LIVE 2024:
5/22 Marfa, TX
5/23 El Paso, TX
5/25 Las Vegas, NV
5/26 Long Beach, NV
5/27 San Francisco, CA
5/29 San Diego, CA
5/31 Los Angeles, CA
6/01 Tucson, AZ
6/02 Phoenix, AZ

Cover art for single Relief. Courtesy photos, used with permission.