Month: July 2024

How Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden Redefines Valley’s Musical Landscape

Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden is Valley’s forthcoming new album. Photo: Becca Hamel, used with permission.

JUNO Award nominated band Valley returns this year with their most intimate and personal record yet. Water The Flowers, Pray For A Garden is an exploration of grief and resilience from one of today’s most exciting alternative-pop bands. (Big Hassle, 2024)

Since forming in 2016, Valley has accrued over 1 billion streams globally, having appeared on viral charts in the US, Philippines, Korea, Japan, and more. Along with their three JUNO Award nominations, the band has also garnered praise from Consequence, Wonderland, American Songwriter, and CBC. Helping prompt much of their global recognition was “Like 1999,” a gold certified hit that went viral on TikTok.

Valley has also become known for their high-energy live shows, which have been brought to renowned festivals like Life Is Beautiful, Governors Ball, Slow Life, and Wunderstruck as well as their debut US TV performance as part of Stephen Colbert’s #LiveAtHome session.

The three-piece alternative-pop band, comprised of Rob Laska (lead vocals, guitar), Alex Dimauro (bass), and Karah James (vocals, drums), recently released “Bass Player’s Brother.” This infectious, drum-driven track features dreamy synths and grooves, all the while telling the story of a toxic, ever-repeating relationship. The song drops on the heels of the singles “When You Know Someone” and the album’s title track “Water The Flowers, Pray For A Garden,” with the full album set to arrive on August 30 through Capitol Records/Universal Music Canada. 

“‘Bass Player’s Brother’ is a song about cyclical love and obsession. In life we often find ourselves in realities that don’t suit our truth, yet we continue to drag ourselves back to the feeling of staying for love’s sake. It’s cyclical in nature yet rooted in heartache and hurt. It’s the back-and-forth outcome of these habits that cause us to stay when we know we should leave. This is the only song on the album where we didn’t reference real names. Sometimes we like to play characters in songs even though we’re always thinking about someone in our lives. We wanted to paint a picture of a classic Americana heartbreak love story.”- Valley

Water the Flowers, Pray For A Garden is a brave exploration of the full spectrum of emotions with an invitation to also surrender control and trust the process. Recorded over the span of a month in the Smoky Mountains and produced by COIN’s Chase Lawrence, Valley captures a specific moment in time. Through embracing the transformative power of death and rebirth, the band finds themselves reinvented and the most inspired they have felt thus far in their careers.

In addition to the summer festival appearances and Canadian shows with friends The Beaches, Dizzy and Arkells, Valley have announced their Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden North American headlining tour spanning coast to coast in the US and Canada. The tour includes shows at iconic venues and some of the biggest rooms they’ve played to date, including Brooklyn Steel in New York, The Wiltern in Los Angeles, History in Toronto and more.

WATER THE FLOWERS, PRAY FOR A GARDEN US TOUR DATES
September 28 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer*
September 29 – Boston, MA – House of Blues*
October 1 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club*
October 2 -Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel*
October 4 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel*
October 5 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre*
October 6 – Nashville, TN – Cannery Hall*
October 8 – Chicago, IL – The Vic Theatre*
October 9 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue*
October 11 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theatre*
October 12 – Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre*
October 13 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Union Event Centre*
October 15 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren*
October 16 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory North Park*
October 18 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern*
October 19 – Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre*
October 21 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall*
October 22- Seattle, WA – The Showbox*

*support from Mickey Darling and Charli Adams

Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden Tracklist: (Courtesy photo)

1. Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden
2. A Little More
3. Growing (Apart)
4. When You Know Someone
5. Let It Rain
6. Crawlspace
7. Mosquito
8. Bop Ba
9. I Didn’t Even Ask For This
10. Bass Player’s Brother
11. Life Goes On Without Me
12. Cocoon

Elevating Leadership: A Review of ‘Power’ by Sarah Morgans and Bill Thorness

‘POWER: How J.D. Power III Became the Auto Industry’s Adviser, Confessor, and Eyewitness to History” Photo: Amazon

Sarah Morgans has documented the history and culture of some of the country’s most celebrated corporations, organizations, and individuals. In addition to writing milestone anniversary books for Ariel Corporation, Brady Corporation, and Modjeski and Masters, she has co-authored the biography of J.D. Power and Associates founder J.D. “Dave” Power III.

Bill Thorness is a Seattle-based writer and editor who has authored three books, contributed to many others, and writes regularly for the media. He reported for more than a decade in the business press before becoming a freelance writer.

Their book “POWER: How J.D. Power III Became the Auto Industry’s Adviser, Confessor, and Eyewitness to History” is a compelling study of an intelligent, polite, market-research genius who unblinkingly spoke truth to power, and ended up making customer satisfaction a watchword not just in automotive but in all manufacturing and service industries.

“POWER” – No other individual has had as broad an impact on the auto industry during the past fifty years as Dave Power. He founded J.D. Power and Associates in 1968, a year when revolutionary cultural and political changes abounded. His persistence in getting auto executives to listen to customer concerns was key to the across-the-board rise in car quality, and the influence of his J.D. Power and Associates rankings has permanently raised the bar on customer satisfaction.

The book is divided into:

Section 1: Independence
Chapter 1: The Outsider’s Perspective
Chapter 2: End Run to the Decision Maker
Chapter 3: Forging Relationships

Section 2: Impact
Chapter 4: The Gold Standard of Quality
Chapter 5: Revolutionizing Retail
Chapter 6: Marketplace Insights

Section 3: Integrity
Chapter 7: Managing the Brand
Chapter 8: Tough Calls
Chapter 9: Controlled Controversy

“POWER” is a compelling exploration of the man behind one of the most influential names in the auto industry. It explores J.D. Power III’s impact on automotive marketing and consumer feedback. The authors present a detailed and engaging portrait of Power, recording his rise from a relatively modest background to becoming a pivotal figure whose insights and surveys reshaped the industry.

The narrative is informative and entertaining, combining biographical elements with industry analysis to illustrate how Power’s approach to customer satisfaction changed the game for automakers. Through detailed research and insightful interviews, the authors uncover the nuances of Power’s methodologies and his pivotal role in driving a customer-centric culture in the automotive world.

“POWER” is a valuable read for anyone interested in business innovation, consumer behavior, or automotive history. Sarah Morgans and Bill Thorness balance technical details with personal stories, making the book accessible to both industry professionals and general readers. Overall, it not only chronicles J.D. Power III’s professional journey but also offers a broader commentary on both consumer feedback and business strategy.

“Dave Powers not only wanted to remain independent in his efforts to help automobile manufacturers improve by listening to the voice of the customer, he also wanted to have as big an impact as possible on consumers and clients.”

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Bucket List Destination: WorldSprings Dallas

WorldSprings Dallas, the first mineral springs wellness destination, is now open. Photo: WorldSprings, used with permission.

WorldSprings is now officially open at Grandscape in The Colony. Debuting as the first outdoor mineral springs immersive experience in Texas and the largest of its kind in the United States, WorldSprings has 46 outdoor soaking pools, eight saunas, a 12-room first-class spa facility, a premier food and beverage program, and more. Located only 20 minutes outside of Dallas, WorldSprings is the second water retreat from investment firm Off Road Capital, preceded by its sister site, Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. As the largest location to date under Off Road Capital’s portfolio, WorldSprings spans 9 acres, cementing its status as a landmark destination for travelers and residents alike. (WorldSprings, 2024)

“After years of dedicated planning and preparation, we are overjoyed to open our doors and contribute to the wellness and community improvement of the vibrant DFW area. Our vision is to create a welcoming space where everyone can focus on their wellness and come together to build a stronger sense of community spirit.” – Amelia Wohrle, General Manager

Thoughtfully designed by architectural and engineering solutions firm HFA-AE, WorldSprings is an all-encompassing social and recreational wellness destination that features mineral soaking pools inspired by the world’s most famous hot springs – such as Jordan’s Dead Sea, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, and Mexico’s Grutas Tolantongo, all once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list destinations. The pools are meticulously formulated with minerals and ranging from hot to cold temperatures in order to bring the restorative soaking benefits all to one place. 

Visitors are greeted in the check-in area where they can browse a highly curated retail section and begin their experience. The Spa and Wellness Center brings world-class body treatments, facials and athletic recovery to guests, making WorldSprings a truly singular destination for the wellness-minded. Once checked in, guests make their way to the locker room, which serves as home base during their WorldSprings experience. The neighboring The Springs Kitchen & Bar welcomes guests to dine in. WorldSprings has a total of 46 pools ranging in temperature from 45-degree cold plunge pools to 104-degree bodies of water to ensure a completely personalized wellness journey. VIP cabanas are available for rent.

Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of water experiences, including:

  • The freshwater Globe Pool, created for all ages
  • The Dead Sea pool, a saline-enriched pool for 18+ adults only
  • Four minerally dense destination areas are formulated to replicate the soaking experience of the Americas, Europe, Asia and South Pacific regions of the world. These pools are for 18+ adults only. 

“This venture represents not only a new chapter for our company but also a testament to our commitment to offering exceptional hospitality centered around making our guests feel better. We look forward to sharing the magic of WorldSprings with the local community.” – Chris Barrett, WorldSprings CEO

WorldSprings Dallas
3240 Plano Parkway
The Colony, Texas 75056

Iron Mountain Hot Springs is located on the bank of the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs. Soaking options include 16 thermal water pools filled with 100 percent pure mineral water, a new mineral pool, and a freshwater family pool with a whirlpool spa. WorldSprings is the property’s latest expansion for adults 21 years and older, adding 10 new mineral experience pools, a cold plunge pool, two large freshwater pools and a new cafe. 

Intrigue and Justice: ‘Righteous Assassin’ is a Suspenseful Thriller

‘Righteous Assassin’ by Kevin G. Chapman. Photo: Amazon

Kevin G. Chapman is a writer and corporate labor and employment lawyer who works for a major US media company. He frequently speaks at Continuing Legal Education seminars, has taught legal writing to law students, and is the past chairperson of the Labor & Employment division of the global Association of Corporate Counsel. He is the author of the award-winning Mike Stoneman thriller series and other novels, short stories, and screenplays. His book “Righteous Assassin,” a Mike Stoneman thriller, is a thrilling page-turner with twists you’ll never see coming. (Amazon, 2024)

“Righteous Assassin” – The story begins with four unsolved murders in four months, each on the last Saturday of the month. A mob boss is eaten alive by tigers at the Bronx Zoo, a sweatshop owner is mutilated and left to bleed out, a pharmaceutical baron is tortured and frozen to death, and a fashion designer is poisoned in her Upper East Side apartment.

NYPD homicide detectives Mike Stoneman and Jason Dickson must stop the elusive killer before he completes his decathlon of death. Each murder adds a piece to the killer’s puzzle, but even unravelling the clues and finding the killer’s pattern may not be enough to catch him.

The task force includes an FBI profiler, and Mike gets an assist from Medical Examiner Michelle McNeill, who seems to be on his mind a lot lately. She’s an asset to the investigation, but is this any time to be starting a romance? Each month is a race against the calendar. Only one thing is certain – on the last Saturday of the month, there will be blood.

This crime thriller is a pulse-pounding novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Detective Mike Stoneman finds himself in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a cunning serial killer who’s targeting the city’s elite. The killer’s meticulously planned murders, each with a disturbing biblical twist, add a chilling layer of complexity to the case.

Chapman’s writing is sharp and engaging, drawing readers deep into the gritty world of crime investigation. The plot is intricate and filled with unexpected turns, making it difficult to predict the killer’s next move. While the character development could be deeper, Stoneman emerges as a compelling protagonist, driven by a relentless pursuit of justice.

The narrative is tight and immersive, skillfully weaving together suspense and character-driven drama. Narrating the killer’s intentions in the first person makes his actions seem more disturbing “I shall now sleep the untroubled sleep of the righteous.” The pacing is relentless, ensuring readers are on edge with each twist and turn. Sam is a deeply flawed protagonist, struggling with internal demons as much as external threats, which makes his journey both compelling and relatable. Even though the murder scenes are gruesome, they are not overly graphic.

Overall, “Righteous Assassin” is a gripping dive into the world of vigilante justice and moral ambiguity. The author’s portrayal of moral dilemmas and the consequences of vigilantism is thought-provoking, making this more than just a thriller. It challenges readers to reflect on justice, ethics, and the cost of taking the law into one’s own hands. A fast paced, thrilling, and intense read, it is reminiscent of the movie Se7en and is recommended for fans of crime thrillers that revolve around serial killers similar to Thomas Harris’ “Silence of the Lambs.”

“I am confident that the description of the mystery man will yield no accurate details, since I carefully crafted a backstory to go along with my false identity. I have nothing to fear.”

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Discussion: I am new to this author and can’t wait to read more of his Mike Stoneman novels. Have you read any of them? Which one would you recommend? Are you a fan of the author? Have you read “Righteous Assassin”? If so, what are your thoughts?

What Makes ‘Crash Course’ by Ricardo Jiménez a Must-Read for 2024

‘Crash Course: A Founder’s Journey to Saving Your Startup and Sanity’ by Ricardo Jiménez. Photo: Amazon

Ricardo Jiménez is a Puerto Rico- and Barcelona-based writer, entrepreneur and active angel investor. Since 2014, he has performed direct investments in over 30 tech projects, including the Ethereum token launch. Jiménez, who was born in Spain, holds an MBA from Duke and is fluent in Spanish, English and conversational Indonesian. In his new book “Crash Course: A Founder’s Journey to Saving Your Startup and Sanity” he recounts his personal startup failure so that other entrepreneurs and business founders may learn from his mistakes as they chase their own business dreams. (Meryl Moss Media, 2024)

“Crash Course” – For every Miracle Mop, Bombas sock or Squatty Potty, there’s a Plushky. What’s a Plushky? It’s a stuffed, colorful plushie shaped like a country. For six years, from 2010 to 2016, then Austin-based entrepreneur Ricardo Jiménez engaged in a relentless pursuit to find the market, customers, distributors, investors, partners and sellers that would make his line of Plushkies the next big thing.

Given these cuddly plush stuffed toys can’t be found on shelves of any major retailers or on any online marketplace, we already know the ending of this story. Jiménez failed in his efforts to get others to see his vision that these toys would bring the children of the world together. But not every entrepreneur can be a Joy Mangano, Dave Heath or Bobby and Judy Edwards. In fact, nine times out of ten, entrepreneurs fail.

But is it truly the ending of his story or his Plushkies? Jiménez shares what it’s like to pour your heart, your passion and your financial resources into a dream and vision that few others see and, most excruciatingly, fail at it.

“There are enough stories about entrepreneurs who lived their American dreams, but what about those of us who put ourselves on the line, worked endless hours, did everything we could to give our companies life, and still faltered and lost our money without ever creating a true profitable enterprise? That’s not a story people usually want to hear, but I am convinced it’s important—maybe even more important than endlessly studying Cinderella-like success stories” – Ricardo Jiménez.

Have we been given a how-to on what it’s like to fail at a startup? In “Crash Course,” Jiménez asks: Can failure inform a different narrative of accomplishment, as opposed to success by mainstream measures? 

In his book, he offers advice on how to:

  • Learn the most valuable information first. What do your customers want? What are they willing to pay? How are they going to use the product?
  • Know your motives before you leap. Are you doing this for yourself or others? What is the number one driver of your decision to start a business?
  • Trust yourself. Follow your heart and do not fear the outcome, he says. You are bigger than your company or your enterprise. Life comes first, business second.
  • Learn when to let go. He shares the spiritual journey he took that led him to understand that sometimes the best thing to do is to let go.

Jiménez takes a clinical and honest approach of why his international toy company did not succeed, and he does not shy away from how his missteps, misguided decisions and mismanaged. He did not experience the classic happy ending of success; he lives in the real world. Accordingly, his book is for would-be entrepreneurs who want a clear-eyed vision of where they are headed and what they need to survive the journey. For those already on the entrepreneurial path, Jiménez shares the clarity, inspiration and self-understanding needed to decide whether to step off or continue the journey.

“Crash Course seamlessly merges spiritual wisdom and
business savvy, providing a lesson-packed road map
to prosperity with purpose.”

— Daven Michaels
New York Times Bestselling Author & CEO

“A game-changer for entrepreneurs, it redefines success
as a holistic journey in which the heart leads
and financial achievement is trusted to follow.”

— Grace Ramírez
Chef, Author, Entrepreneur and Global TV Personality

 

It Ends With Us: The New Adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s Bestseller

The movie adaptation of ‘It Ends With Us’ will be released on August 9, 2024. Photo: Amazon

In movie news today: If you’re a fan of the worldwide bestseller “It Ends With Us,” the long awaited movie adaptation hits theaters next month.

Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty four novels and novellas. Hoover’s novels fall into the New Adult and Young Adult contemporary romance categories, as well as psychological thriller. In 2015, her novel “Confess” won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance. That was followed up in 2016 with her latest title, “It Ends With Us,” also winning the Choice Award for Best Romance; it has been adapted into a feature movie and will be released on August 9, 2024. It stars Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and Brandon Sklenar. (Amazon/Colleen Hoover, 2024)

“It Ends With Us” – Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town where she grew up—she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. When she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life seems too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily. And the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head. But Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan—her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.

Celebrate your love for “It Ends with Us” with the all new official journal.

For the millions of Colleen Hoover fans, this officially licensed journal gives you a space to write and reflect on your favorite quotes, characters, and scenes of the novel and its soon-to-be-released movie adaptation.

This  journal is the perfect place to keep all your thoughts and feelings as you watch the movie. Featuring art inspired by the movie, this journal includes 192 pages of high-quality ruled paper, printed end sheets, an elastic closure, a ribbon placeholder, and plenty of space to record your musings.

Perfect for fans of the novel—and its soon-to-release movie adaption—this journal is sure to be a treasured keepsake.

Exploring Solitude: A Deep Dive into ‘The Alone Time’

‘The Alone Time’ is Elle Marr’s latest psychological thriller. Photo: Amazon

“The Alone Time” – When Fiona and Violet Seng were just children, their family’s Cessna crash-landed in the Washington wilderness during a family vacation. It claimed the lives of their parents and for twelve weeks, the girls fended for themselves before being rescued. (Amazon, 2024)

Twenty-five years later, they’re still trying to move on from the trauma. Fiona uses their experience to create controversial works of art. Violet has battled addiction and failed relationships to finally progress toward normalcy as a writer. The estranged sisters never speak about what they call their Alone Time in the wild. They wouldn’t dare—until they become the subject of a documentary that renews public fascination with the “girl survivors” and questions their version of the events.

Now a strange woman claims to know the truth surrounding the crash and Fiona and Violet must work together to face the horrifying truth of what happened out there and what they learned about their parents and themselves before any other secrets emerge from the woods. Seeking the truth, Fiona and Violet go back to the scene of the crash to face the painful truth once and for all.

Review:
Elle Marr’s “The Alone Time” explores the psychological complexities of isolation and fear, crafting a gripping narrative that keeps readers on edge from start to finish. The narration switches between the points of view of Fiona, Henry, Janet, and Violet to give readers deep insight into the character’s mindset; though the non-linear narrative gets confusing at times. At best, it reminds us of how unreliable our childhood memories tend to be. 

Marr’s skillful prose weaves a chilling atmosphere, drawing readers into Fiona and Violet’s increasingly fragile mental state as they confront both external threats and their own inner demons. The narrative is rich with suspense, as layers of mystery unfold with each page turned, leaving a trail of unanswered questions that compel the reader to keep reading. The language is rich and descriptive: “Branches extend toward us as if welcoming us into their lush grave..”

The character development is nuanced and makes the characters relatable, particularly Violet’s journey from vulnerability to strength as she fights to reclaim her sense of security. With themes of survival, family, and resilience, the author paints a vivid portrait of women pushed to their limits and beyond. The numerous plot-twists make this a first rate thriller.

Overall, “The Alone Time” is a masterful thriller that combines atmospheric tension with profound emotional depth, making it a compelling read for fans of psychological suspense. Marr proves herself a formidable storyteller with this gripping tale of fear and redemption in the wilderness. It is recommended for readers who enjoy suspense thrillers with complex characters.

“After a certain level of trauma is reached, the only choice we have is to either feel the pain in all its depth and depravity or choose numbness-ice to assuage the heat.”

*The author received a copy of this book through Amazon First Reads. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Spurs and Western Art: A Guide to the National Day of the Cowboy Celebration

Celebrate the legacy of the West at the Briscoe Western Art Museum this Saturday July 27, 2024. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

It’s time to celebrate the legacy of the West – the cowgirls, the cowboys, and vaqueros at the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s National Day of the Cowboy celebration Saturday, July 27, 10a.m. – 4p.m. at the museum’s campus on the banks of the River Walk. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2024)

This free community event includes free admission to the museum and its exhibitions, as well as indoor and outdoor activities. This year’s event tips its hat to the role cowgirls play in the West while showcasing cowboy life, skills, art, and more. Cowboys and girls of all ages can enjoy live music, games, crafts, a chuck wagon with tasty cowboy treats straight from the trail, artist demonstrations, and hands-on fun. Pre-register in advance to enjoy the free Western fun.

One of the Briscoe’s most treasured annual events, National Day of the Cowboy highlights and preserves America’s cowboy culture and pioneer heritage. The day began in 2005 to celebrate and preserve the heritage of the American cowboy, cowgirl, and vaquero in the United States. The state of Texas declared it a day of honor in 2015 and the Briscoe annually hosts a free community day marking the occasion, throwing open the doors of the museum to honor the cowgirl, cowboy, and vaquero in us all.

The museum’s National Day of the Cowboy Celebration includes:

  • Free event and museum admission and activities for the whole family, including the museum’s 14 galleries and the McNutt Sculpture Garden.
  • Cowpoke games and crafts, where you can create your own cowboy hat and spurs, play horseshoes, make your own stick pony and try your hand at barrel racing. All arts and crafts are free and supplies are provided.
  • Cowboy music with The Barditch Hippies, playing live in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden, where the fantastic bronze sculptures and lush, shady greenery are the perfect backdrop for cowboy fun.
  • Authentic chuck wagon cooking with free samples of peach cobbler, along with food truck grub and tasty barbeque available from Cake ‘n Que to satisfy any hungry cowpokes.
  • Demonstrations of how to craft the essential tools of the cowboy trade by members of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association.
  • Lassos and fun with local rodeo cowboys and the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo and watch roper Cowboy Doug dazzle and delight with roping demonstrations.
  • Western art brought to life through live demonstrations:
    • Watch acclaimed, award-winning cowgirl artist Mary Ross Buchholz demonstrate illustration techniques using charcoal to create realistic imagery, sharing how to artfully capture Western scenes.
    • Enjoy a live sculpting demonstration by Jason Scull, one of the Cowboy Artists of America working to authentically preserve the culture of Western life through fine art.
    • See Texas cowboy artist Mike Capron showcase how he authentically portrays ranching and cowboy scenes.
  • Special appearances by Miss Rodeo Texas 2024, Ashlyn Williams, San Antonio River Walk Princess Annette Flores and Marina the Turtle, visiting to remind everyone “stuff the boat” to support this year’s Communities In Schools supply drive. Bring school supplies to National Day of the Cowboy and help Marina stuff the boat to benefit local children.
  • A display of escaramuza attire – what the talented women who participate in charreadas wear as they perform – and a local rider answering questions about what it’s like to be an escaramuza.
  • Storyteller Antoinette Lakey bringing the story of Mary Fields, the first African American woman stagecoach driver, to life. For many years, Fields traveled the West with her pet eagle, never losing a single horse or package. Hear her story as Lakey reads from “Fearless Mary: Mary Fields, American Stagecoach Driver.” A community leader, researcher, and dramatist, Antoinette Lakey currently serves as Artistic Director for Teatro Anansi, an organization with a mission to connect, celebrate and commemorate African American theatre, performing arts and history within the greater San Antonio community.
  • Cowboy poetry with poet Don Mathis, sharing his original poetry about the National Day of the Cowboy.
  • A look back at what it was like to be a trail rider and a black cowboy with a storyteller dressed in period attire, sharing about life in the West in 1875.
  • Nature’s beauty and resilience on display during the museum’s summer exhibition, Survival of the Fittest: Envisioning Wildlife and Wilderness with the Big Four, Masterworks from the Rijksmuseum Twenthe and the National Museum of Wildlife Art. The exhibition’s title references Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, which had a revolutionary impact on how people from Western cultures envisioned our relationship with the other animals on Earth. A special mini-drawing lab also offers step-by-step instructions to draw animals and landscapes.

Briscoe Western Art Museum: Preserving and presenting the art, history and culture of the American West through engaging exhibitions, educational programs and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is located on the San Antonio River Walk at 210 W. Market Street in the beautifully restored 1930s former San Antonio Public Library building. Named in honor of the late Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. and his wife, Janey Slaughter Briscoe, the museum includes the three-story Jack Guenther Pavilion, used for event rentals and programs, and the outdoor McNutt Sculpture Garden.

Sweet Surprises: A Review of ‘The Bospel of Peppermint’

‘The Bospel of Peppermint’ is the holy book for the Bobist Collective of Peppermint Worshippers. Photo: The Bobist Collective of Peppermint Worshippers.

“The Bobspel of Peppermint” by The Bobist Collective of Peppermint Worshippers is a whimsical journey into a world where peppermint isn’t just a flavor, but a divine essence. It invites readers into a realm where peppermint becomes a sacred symbol, revered by a mysterious group known as the Bobists.

Note: “This book contains content some may consider disturbing, including murder, violence, gore, bigotry, alcohol, language, references to sexual things, and mentions of heterosexuality. Despite no graphic sexual content, this book is very much intended for older audiences. Ultimately, it is up to the reader to decide if it is right for them.”

The print copy has high-quality printing of full-page color artwork. It’s for people who like the ebook enough to want a physical copy of their own. You can purchase it here, but if you just want to read it, you can request a free PDF on their website.

The narrative unfolds with poetic descriptions and mystical rituals, drawing readers into a universe where the ordinary is elevated to the spiritual. “Nora’s simple slip dress had transformed into a sparkling blue one with flowing, off the shoulder sleeves with navy peppermint striped trim.” Through vivid imagery and complex storytelling, the author paints a portrait of a community bound by their shared devotion to peppermint, exploring themes of belief, ritual, and the power of the senses.

Table of contents:
1. The Book of the Mintauloids
2. The Book of the Stars
3. The Book of Magic
4. The Book of the Mintidote
5. The Book of Performance
6. Bobist Glossary
7. Bobist Art Gallery

The prose is rich with sensory detail, evoking the aroma and taste of peppermint in every chapter. Readers are treated to a variety of cultural practices, social commentaries, and philosophical musings, all centered around this humble herb-turned-idol. The author’s ability to blend spiritual insights with a playful, almost tongue-in-cheek reverence for peppermint is one of its highlights. The other is the bright and colorful illustrations that make the characters come alive. The Bobist Glossary contains an explanation of all the terms used throughout the book.

Overall, “The Bobspel of Peppermint” is a delightful read for anyone who enjoys fantasy mixed with spirituality and a touch of whimsy. It challenges readers to reconsider the ordinary and find magic in unexpected places, making it a unique addition to the genre of speculative fiction. Enjoy the trip!

“When a creative soul writes a story, or paints a picture, or creates anything, really, a new universe is made.”

*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.

A Journey Through Blues and Beyond: Devon Allman’s Latest ‘Miami Moon’

Devon Allman’s new album Miami Moon will be released August 16, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Fresh off setting a world record (50 shows in 50 states in 49 days) and a pair of wildly successful national and international tours with The Allman Betts Family Revival and 2024’s Allman Betts Band tour, Devon Allman is thrilled to announce Miami Moon, his first solo LP in 8 years dropping August 16 via his own, Create Records. “White Horse” is the first single from the new album. (Big Hassle, 2024)

For the album, Allman put together one of the finest studio bands in recent history featuring George Porter Jr. (The Meters) on bass, Ivan Neville (Keith Richards, Dumpstaphunk,) on keyboards, Adam Deitch (Lettuce,) on drums, Karl Denson (The Rolling Stones) on saxophone and Jackson Stokes on guitar. Fans can pre-save Miami Moon here.

Miami Moon was recorded on 2” analog tape at the historic Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida (the studio where Layla and Eat a Peach were born) and was produced by Grammy-winning producer Tom Hambridge (Buddy Guy, Chris “Kingfish” Ingram).

With Miami Moon, Allman has created what Tom Hambridge calls a masterpiece. The album sounds like the past and the future colliding under neon pink Miami skies…funky, fresh, and soulful. Allman will be touring worldwide all year in support of the new album with his high energy 6 piece band, the Devon Allman Project.

Miami Moon track listing:

White Horse

Incredible

You

Miami Moon

Sahara

Climb Aboard

Body Electric

Take Time to Taste It

You Gotta Make it Through the World

Catch Devon Allman on tour:
July 25 @ Hawaii Theatre | Honolulu, HI
July 28 @ Fuji Rock Festival | Minamiuonuma, Japan
^w/ JD Simo

Devon Allman Project
August 3 @ Mammoth Festival of Beers & Bluesapalooza | Mammoth Lakes, CA
August 9 @ Bayfront Blues Festival | Duluth, MN
August 17 @ Chenango Blues Festival | Norwich, NY

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Miami Moon release date