Month: January 2025

Elephant & Piggie Take the Stage: Magik Theatre’s Play Brings Mo Willems’ Characters to Life

Celebrate your best friendships with Magik Theatre’s hilarious Mo Willem’s musical Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a play!’ Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

San Antonio, TX – Invite your friends to a different kind of play date with Magik Theatre’s Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!’ running February 1 – March 23. Gerald the Elephant and Piggie the Pig are “bestus” friends in this rollicking musical based on Mo Willems’ beloved, award-winning “Elephant and Piggie” books. (Magik Theatre, 2025)

When the duo gets invited to a party hosted by The Squirrelles—a trio of fun-loving, singing squirrels—it seems like the makings of a perfect day. But Gerald is worried this big opportunity might create big problems for their friendship. Piggie does not share her elephant pal’s concern, in fact, she’s even happier and more excited than usual. In order for both the friends to have a good time, they must work (and sing and dance) together to overcome obstacles and help each other on a day when anything is possible.

“Gerald and Piggie couldn’t be more different—one is cautious and thoughtful, while the other is playful and impulsive,” says director Jenny Lavery. “But their bond shows us that differences don’t divide us, instead they can bring us closer together.” Lavery directs Ethan Hart (Gerald) and Sami Serrano (Piggie), as well as Amy Bouquet, Lexie Williams, and Hannah Rodriguez as the Squirrelles. Sarah Bailey serves as musical director and Tanesha Payne is the production’s choreographer for the vibrant musical numbers.

Audiences ages 3 and up will get a kick out of this funny, heartwarming story of two friends navigating life’s unexpected occasions. Throughout the musical’s run, Magik Theatre is providing plenty of ways to have a day out just as exciting and special as the one Piggie and Gerald embark on. From an opening night party in Hemisfair Park with cookies and cocoa and kids crafts, to add-on experiences like a post-show backstage tour with the cast and pop-up ice cream socials on the weekends, there are plenty of ways to enhance the family fun.

Aspiring young actors can even learn what it takes to perform on the stage with this season’s new Magik Monday, a series of workshops inspired by the current performance and designed to spark creativity and build confidence. February’s Elephant and Piggie workshop will introduce students to acting through exciting games and exercises, with the chance to rehearse short scenes as well.

With the recent opening of a dedicated quiet room, Magik continues its commitment to making theatre accessible to everyone. The quiet room, which officially opened in late 2024, includes cozy, specialized furniture, calming decor, a TV broadcasting the current performance in real time, and sensory toys to allow overwhelmed or overstimulated audience members to easily take a break from the show without missing out on the rest of the theatre experience. The new space adds to other efforts Magik has made to become a Kulture City certified Sensory Inclusive Venue, as well as its ongoing special performances to accommodate those with special needs and financial constraints.

For family fun, lots of laughs, and catchy tunes, Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!’ is truly a perfect way to have your own perfect day. Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!’ is based on the Mo Willems books of the same name, published by Hyperion Books, with book and lyrics by Willems and music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

SPECIAL EVENTS & ADD-ON EXPERIENCES

Opening Night Party in the Park | Saturday, February 1, 4:30p.m., show at 6:30p.m.
Celebrate the first performance of Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!’ with a free, pre-show party at Hemisfair Park just outside Magik Theatre. Guests can enjoy hot chocolate and cookies as they groove to a kid-friendly, parent-approved pop music playlist, get their faces painted, and make their own Elephant and Piggie puppets to take home. While the party is free and open to the public, the subsequent performance is ticketed.

Backstage Experience Add-On | Available after performances*
(*Excluding other special events such as the opening night Party in the Park)
If you or your little theatre buddy wish the performance didn’t have to end, Magik has a brand-new way to prolong the, well, magic. For a small additional fee, audience members can now stick around after the show to get a 15-minute guided tour of the set, props, and costumes, plus meet the cast and pose for an onstage photo with them. Cost: $15 per person.

Ice Cream Social Add-On | Available before weekend performances
But wait, there is more! Sweeten the experience with Magik’s new Ice Cream Social pre-show perk. Guests can chow on their choice of vanilla, chocolate or strawberry ice cream, complete with toppings then capture the moment in photos with the adorably loveable Elephant & Piggie! Cost: $15 per person.

Magik Monday: Act It Out with Elephant and Piggie | Monday, February 24, at 6p.m.
Designed to spark creativity and build confidence, this class introduces young performers in grades 1-5 to the basics of acting in a playful and supportive environment. Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!’ provides the inspiration for exciting acting games, improvisation, and simple scene acting. Cost: $35 per person.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES

Pay What You Wish Performance | Saturday, February 8, at 2p.m.
As part of Magik Theatre’s mission to make theatre accessible to everyone, the organization holds one donation-based performance. Tickets are only available at the door on February 8.

Sensory Friendly Performance | Saturday, February 15, at 10a.m.
Audience members on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities can take in a special performance of Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!’ designed just for them. Kids and adults are free to be themselves in this relaxed, judgment-free theatre experience that is a perfect introduction to attending a performance.

ASL Interpreted Performance | Saturday, February 22, at 2p.m.
Patrons who communicate with ASL can attend this performance featuring Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary American Sign Language interpreter.

Educator Appreciation Day | Sunday, March 2 at 3p.m.
Educators and school faculty are eligible for one free ticket to this performance with proof of I.D. Additional tickets are available to purchase for these performances at a discount of 20% off the regular ticket prices.

Military and First Responders Appreciation Day | Saturday, March 22 at 2p.m.
Service members with a valid military ID can purchase discounted $18 tickets to this performance.

2024-2025 TICKET OPTIONS

Magik Theatre offers multiple ways for patrons to experience the best children’s theatre in San Antonio. Magik is a cherished arts institution that has been providing families with professional, accessible, literature-based theatre and education since 1994. Located in Hemisfair Park, families can catch the show, enjoy a day of play exploring Yanaguana Garden, grab a meal at one of the many restaurants on site and make Magikal memories. Season subscriptions, Flex Passes, and single ticket sales are available now.

SEASON SUBSCRIPTION PRICING
• Two Show Subscription $41 per person

FLEX PASS PRICING
● Ten Flex Passes $190

SINGLE TICKETS
● $25 for adults
● $20 for children (ages 2-17), Military, Seniors, Educators & Students
● Children under 2 years old are free.

Purchase season subscriptions, flex passes, and single tickets online, via phone (210) 227-2751, and in person at Magik Theatre’s Box Office (420 S Alamo, 78205). Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 am – 5 pm.

If a child under 2 uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general admission ticket. Group rates are available for parties of ten or more people. For questions and further inquiries, contact the Magik Theatre.

MAGIK THEATRE

A professional theatre for young audiences established in 1994, Magik Theatre’s mission is to create theatrical experiences that ignite imagination, spark curiosity, inspire empathy, and foster a lifetime love of learning in young people.

Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

Last Leg of the Human Table: Cloakroom’s Masterpiece of Introspection and Atmosphere

Cloakroom, L-R Doyle Martin (Lyrics, Guitar), Tim Remis (Drums), Bobby Markos (Bass), announces new album on Closed Casket and shares ‘Bad Larry’ video and single. Photo: Vin Romero, used with permission.

For Cloakroom, an American shoegaze band from Northwest Indiana, the world of modernity is in polycrisis and America has lost its soul. Narrative fetishism is all too usual of a literary mechanism for Cloakroom. If you listen closely you can hear the concern; not just for the teetering social structure but for what it means to be human and the high cost of the human experience. (another side, 2025)

The Indiana three return next month with their next studio album, Last Leg of the Human Table – the follow up to 2022’s post-apocalyptic space western Dissolution Wave, and label debut for Closed Casket Activities. Each song showcases Cloakroom’s genre-bending capabilities and seemingly vast array of influences; whether it be the sampling of the post-disco Detroit group Was (Not Was) or the lifted NASA recording of the humming of Saturn’s rings. Recorded in December of 2023 at Electrical Audio in Chicago and Rec Room Recording in Des Plaines, Illinois, engineer Zac Montez (Whirr, Turnover) aided in smoothing out the rough and turning up the quiet.

Last Leg of the Human Table sees its release on February 28 via Closed Casket. Fans can pre-order/pre-save here.

Pop, shoegaze, doom, post-punk, folk only scratch the surface on Cloakroom’s shortest yet most essential release to date. Its title Last Leg of the Human Table may sound sardonic in its nature, but this group has always found some wonder in the scurrying chaos of modern life. In 37 minutes, the album imbues a sense of responsibility to the listener as if one leg were to falter, the whole table will fall. 

Cloakroom shares the lead single and video “Bad Larry.” Lyricist and guitarist Doyle Martin explains, “It was written about a fabled character out of folklore like ‘Diamond Joe’ composed by Baldwin ‘Butch’ Hawes.. if that’s who even wrote that song first. Bad Larry roams free and wants for nothing; living a life of experience and lives by his own rules and dying on his own terms; a life to vilify or envy.” 

After wrapping an extensive North American tour with Full of Hell last month, Cloakroom has announced a special Chicago album release show happening April 12 at Empty Bottle. More dates and news to come.

Last Leg of the Human Table tracklist:
01 – The Pilot
02 – Ester Wind
03 – On Joy and Unbelieving
04 – Unbelonging
05 – The Lights Are On
06 – Bad Larry
07 – The Story of the Egg
08 – On Joy and Undeserving
09 – Cloverlooper
10 – Turbine Song

1740740335

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

Last Leg of the Human Table release date

Meet Baxter: The DoSeum’s Newest Mascot Steals the Show at the State of The DoSeum Breakfast

San Antonio actor Celestina Harris and The DoSeum CEO Dan Menelly debut Baxter. Photo: The DoSeum, used with permission.  

SAN ANTONIO –  For ten years, The DoSeum has invited San Antonio’s children to learn, explore, and create, shaping a generation of curious thinkers. San Antonio’s premier children’s museum kicked off its 10th anniversary year with its annual State of The DoSeum breakfast event on Tuesday January 28, 2025. This milestone celebration not only marks a decade of experiential learning but also showcases the museum’s impact and continued commitment to children and caregivers in the Alamo City. (The DoSeum, 2025)

During the annual State of The DoSeum breakfast, San Antonio actor Celestina Harris and The DoSeum CEO Dan Menelly unveiled The DoSeum’s new mascot: Baxter. 

Meet Baxter The Robot

Wired for friendship and powered by pure joy, Baxter is The DoSeum’s beloved mascot. When he isn’t buzzing through exhibits, he’s lighting up the rooms with his infectious energy, and encouraging every visitor to embrace their curiosity. With a sweet smile, circuits of charm, and a heart full of cheer, Baxter’s mission is clear: to keep minds at play and remind everyone that learning can be joyful at any age.

Whether he’s offering a high-five, sharing a new discovery, or leading a fun-filled adventure, Baxter is always ready to spread happiness and spark new ideas. His battery is always full, and his circuits are always buzzing with excitement for the next adventure. No challenge is too big, no question too small—Baxter is here to brighten your day and make every visit to The DoSeum an unforgettable one.  

The DoSeum’s Impact on San Antonio

Since opening its doors in 2015, The DoSeum has become a cornerstone of San Antonio’s educational and cultural landscape. With 68,000 square feet of interactive space featuring more than 250 exhibits, the museum has consistently provided enriching experiences in STEM, arts, and literacy for children aged 0 to 11. 

The DoSeum has established itself as more than just a children’s museum. It serves as a valuable resource for San Antonio’s educational ecosystem, with long-standing research partnerships with area colleges and universities.

Since its opening, The DoSeum has demonstrated a commitment to dynamic, evolving experiences for its visitors. The DoSeum fortifies its membership through continual renewal of exhibition themes and educational events. The museum has renovated four permanent exhibit galleries and made updates to many individual exhibits, ensuring fresh experiences for repeat visitors. In addition to its permanent offerings, The DoSeum has hosted over 30 special exhibitions since 2015 over the past decade providing a unique environment for early learners to discover big ideas and foundational concepts through interactive and creative play.

The people powering The DoSeum’s Success

At the heart of The DoSeum’s success is its exceptional team of 80 staff members, including an Education team with unparalleled expertise in the museum industry. Featuring former classroom teachers and professionals with advanced degrees in Education and STEM-related fields, this talented group conducts innovative, TEKS-aligned programs, leads engaging holiday and summer camps, and provides inspired professional development for area educators. The DoSeum’s educational offerings, meticulously crafted and rooted in proven frameworks, incorporate elements of risky play to foster growth and development. This collective experience forms the foundation for San Antonio’s most innovative program portfolio, ensuring that every visit to The DoSeum is not just educational, but also engaging and fun for children of all ages.

Cruising into the Next Decade

The DoSeum is poised for an exciting future, having solidified a new strategic plan for the next 10 years. With support from a generous grant from The Meadows Foundation, the museum has invested in research and robust evaluation to strengthen its educational program design and outcomes. This research will inform The DoSeum’s focus on growth for sustainable placemaking, fully integrated experience design, exemplary informal STEM education, and engaging learners of all profiles. 

The museum plans to introduce new, innovative themes to its camps, weekly workshops, and other programs. Among these additions is a focus on ceramics, providing children with hands-on experiences in this tactile art form. These new programs reflect The DoSeum’s commitment to continually evolving its curriculum to engage young learners in diverse and exciting ways. By blending retrospection with innovation, The DoSeum aims to build on its successful foundation while adapting to the changing interests and needs of San Antonio’s youth.

The DoSeum’s commitment to growth and innovation is evidenced in its plans for 2025 exhibits. On March 1, The DoSeum will unveil “Uniquely Us: Understanding Race and Building Unity,” its second internally developed traveling exhibition. This project, in development since 2020, has benefited from extensive community input and national support. Following this, “Emotions at Play,” a hands-on exhibition, based on Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out”, will focus on social-emotional learning and is set to open on May 24. The museum’s celebration continues into fall and winter with a special birthday edition of the Artist-in-Residence exhibition. 

Finally, the community is invited to Save the Date for June 6th for The DoSeum Birthday Bash where admission will be free all day to the community. 

The DoSeum is San Antonio’s museum for children and a cornerstone of interactive learning since 1995, offering 68,000 square feet of exhibits and 55,000 square feet of outdoor space. The Doseum offers hands-on experiences that empower families to explore, create and discover together. It offers interactive exhibits spanning science, math, art and literacy, designed to spark curiosity and ignite imaginations. Committed to fostering hands-on learning and discovery, The DoSeum serves as a premier educational resource for educators, caregivers, and children in the San Antonio community.

The Spiritual Path to Personal Growth: ‘Transforming the Legacy’ by Cyndi Dale

‘Transforming the Legacy’ by Cyndi Dale. Photo: Amazon

Books on New Age and spiritual healing offer readers a path to self-discovery, emotional well-being, and inner peace. By exploring themes like energy healing, meditation, mindfulness, and the power of positive thinking, they offer tools to help individuals navigate life’s challenges. Their appeal lies in their promise of personal transformation, empowerment, and deeper connection to the universe. In a world of increasing stress and uncertainty, these books provide a sense of comfort and hope, inviting readers to explore alternative ways of thinking and being. They encourage growth, balance, and healing, appealing to those seeking spiritual and emotional fulfillment.

“Transforming the Legacy: The Subtle Body Approach to Honor and Heal Your Inherited Lineage” by Cyndi Dale presents a unique and powerful subtle body approach to heal issues caused by ancestral lineage and inherited patterns. It will be released on February 11 and is available for pre-order. (Sounds True, 2024)

Cyndi Dale is an internationally renowned author, speaker, and intuitive healer. She offers private sessions and workshops through her company, which she has led worldwide. She has written several groundbreaking books on the chakras and subtle energy anatomy, including The Subtle Body series, “Energy Healing for Stress, Trauma & Chronic Illness,” and “Advanced Chakra Healing.” Her work has been published in twenty languages.

“Transforming the Legacy” – Many people feel stuck in the past from time to time, but what if your past is impacting your present in significant ways? In reality, the past has created your present. Your inherited traits—those acquired through biological means and your soul—determine much of who you are. Some of those patterns and programs might be supportive of your true self. But others? Not so much! The good news is that you can change your inheritance through an easy-to-access mechanism: the subtle body.

Cyndi Dale presents a unique and powerful approach for transforming soul-based and lineage-ancestry issues through the main structures of energetic anatomy—your chakras, meridians/nadis, and auric fields. Using accessible practices, you’ll learn to address your genealogical and soul history through these structures, shifting from stuck-ness to the freedom of “becoming your own best ancestor”—the self who can sort through history and establish future pathways of love and good health.

Here you’ll explore:

• How your personal and ancestral legacy can impede or help you
• Reasons the cacophony of inherited traits and attitudes makes it difficult to be your true self in everyday life
• Science and psychological research showing that you can assess and even change your inheritance
• Various roles the subtle body’s structures play in working through legacy issues
• Ways you can immediately empower yourself to alter complicated inheritances
• Tools for meeting—and even conversing with—your own ancestors
• Journeys into your own past, concurrent, and possible future lives

Sometimes, to move forward, we must first move back. Discover the underlying energy that’s inherent in you. Get grounded in your lineage, connect to your experiences across time, and access and heal your history. It’s time to alter what has been in order to stand entirely in the present, reconnect with your true self, and create your best path forward.

1739270902

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

‘Transforming the Legacy’ release date

First Word on Horror: A Deep Look into the Minds of Today’s Finest Horror Writers

Etch Pictures announces Philip Gelatt’s First Word on Horror. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

New York – ETCH has announced the upcoming release of their documentary series First Word on Horror, which will be available exclusively via Substack on February 7, 2025. This will be the first project from the independent animation and production company run by the award-winning trio of Philip Gelatt, Will Battersby, and Morgan Galen King. (EG PR, 2025)

First Word on Horror is a fifteen-part documentary series that profiles five of the finest horror writers working today. 

Across multiple episodes, each author discusses their life, their inspirations, their philosophies, and their writing techniques while reading one of their short stories. As fact and fiction blend, secrets are revealed and the delicate alchemy that turns human experience into creative expression begins to emerge. 

The series is a love letter to writers of all ilk, to the primacy of the human experience, and to the simple act of reading a damned good story. 

The authors profiled are New York Times bestsellers, multi-award winners, and cult favorites. In this first season, they are Stephen Graham Jones, Paul Tremblay, Elizabeth Hand, Laird Barron, and Mariana Enriquez. 

Through the authors’ lives the series takes viewers from a harrowing Iditarod dogsled race in Alaska to the lurking terror of growing up under the Argentinian dictatorship; from the unbridled energy of the early DC punk scene to an ill-fated hunting expedition on the Blackfeet reservation in Montana. 

First Word on Horror is directed by Emmy and WGA winning writer and filmmaker Philip Gelatt, whose credits include: The Spine Of Night, Europa Report, They Remain, The Bleeding House, and Love Death + Robots. The project is produced by Will Battersby (The Spine Of Night, They Remain, Trumbo) and other key crew include Director of Photography Sean Kirby, Composer Peter Scartabello, Editor April Merl, and Sound Designer Ben Cheah.

ETCH Director Philip Gelatt commented on the upcoming series: “Before I loved film or video games or comics, I loved books and writers. In particular, Horror writers were seminal to how I viewed the world. I was raised on King and Rice, on Barker and Lovecraft. As with so many other people, their work made me. 

First Word on Horror is about getting lost in writing and we wanted to bring it directly to fans via Substack. Substack is such an exciting driver of culture and commentary. We want this series to live in and be a part of that conversation. 

The series is purposefully human-forward, designed to remind us of the humanity at the core of creativity. Especially now, in the current moment of technological advancement and uncertainty, with the future so unknown, it’s important to remember that it’s human beings who give us our dreams and our nightmares; that it’s as human to hope as it is to fear; and that it’s human to want to find someone there in the dark with you.” 

Etch is an independent animation and production company run by the award-winning trio of Philip Gelatt, Will Battersby, and Morgan Galen King. Specializing in the provocative, intelligent and innovative, as well as fantastical and horrific, Etch seeks to put the dark magic back into moving images. 

Etch has expertise in animation, documentary and feature production and a core philosophy of maintaining ownership and creative control through novel approaches to production and distribution. 

Courtesy photos, used with permission.

Stephen Graham Jones
Paul Tremblay
Elizabeth Hand
Laird Barron
Mariana Enriquez

Get Ready for School Discovery Day at The DoSeum: What to Expect

San Antonio’s largest charter-choice school fair brings together representatives from more than 40 campuses and organizations for one extraordinary day of family fun. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

SAN ANTONIO, TX — San Antonio Charter Moms is pleased to host the upcoming School Discovery Day at The DoSeum on Saturday January 25, 2025, held in conjunction with National School Choice Week (January 26–February 1) and the flagship event in San Antonio Charter Moms’ annual, free School Discovery Days series. (San Antonio Charter Moms, 2025)

The weeklong, national celebration highlights the diverse educational options available via schools of choice and the many benefits they may provide. Considered the leading local school search authority, San Antonio Charter Moms (SACM) provides easy access to extensive, unbiased school resources such as online discussion groups, articles, live videos, enrollment guides, podcasts, and a school finder app. Perhaps the most anticipated and impactful of all, their in-person School Discovery Days bring dozens of local schools of choice together in kid-friendly locations throughout the city so families can easily learn more about their educational options. Guests attending 2025’s flagship event will not only be able to meet with over 40 schools and organizations but will also have exclusive access to The DoSeum’s 68,000 square feet of wow-worthy, interactive galleries designed to cultivate curiosity, ignite learning, and discover the power of play. 

The entire DoSeum will be reserved for School Discovery Day attendees from 9a.m. until noon. Upon checking in, each family will receive a free tote bag (while supplies last) with goodies and information and have the opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt. SACM team members will be on hand to answer questions about the event and general school search topics. Representatives from participating schools will be present throughout the DoSeum to meet interested parents and prospective students, provide enrollment information, and answer questions. School models at the event will include public charter schools, in-district charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, preschools, and homeschooling. Families will also be able to investigate many learning models represented by various participating schools, including child-centered learning, classical education, STEM, dual language, college and career readiness, culturally responsive schools, functional needs schools, and credit recovery schools. AIM Educate, a San Antonio-based company providing special education therapies and evaluations, will be onsite help families understand the private evaluation process and diagnostic options. Futuro San Antonio will connect with families to help them become strong education advocates. 

Of course, at a setting like the DoSeum, play goes hand-in-hand with education, and there will be plenty of fun to be had for School Discovery Day attendees of all ages. Guests who participate in the scavenger hunt and interact with schools can enter a raffle to win a prize. In addition to up to three hours of exploring the DoSeum, other entertainment options include live sets by the young DJs from The AM Project, a mobile petting zoo from Once in a Wild, and demonstrations by FIRST in Texas robotics teams. 

Attending families MUST pre-register for this free, limited-capacity event by signing up every attendee over the age of one, unregistered guests will not be admitted. This popular event typically sees high demand, so prompt pre-registration is advised — once 1,000 guests have signed up, registration will be closed. Guests should plan to arrive on the early side, as SACM will stop admitting guests at 11:30a.m. and all School Discovery Day Attendees must leave the DoSeum by 12p.m. The raffle drawing will be held at 11:40a.m.

The DoSeum
2800 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209

And stay tuned for this upcoming event:

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT HEMISFAIR

When: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 11a.m. – 2p.m.
Where: Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, 434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205
What: Families visiting School Discovery Day at Hemisfair can meet with more than 20 top schools as they enjoy the fantastic amenities of Yanaguana Garden, including a splash pad, sand play area, table games, swings, climbing structures, picnic area, restaurants, and more. Guests are encouraged to register online.

San Antonio Charter Moms (SACM) began as a blog in 2012 when Founder Inga Cotton was inspired to help San Antonio families more easily learn about high-quality school options. The blog has evolved into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that shares fair information about all types of schools, be they charter, private, or public.

Skeleten Unleashes His Boldest Sound Yet with ‘Let It Grow’—A Glimpse into Mentalized

Skeleten shares ‘Let It Grow’ single from new album Mentalized, out on February 7, 2025. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Eora/Sydney-based artist Skeleten (aka Russell Fitzgibbon) unveils his final single “Let It Grow” from his forthcoming second album, Mentalized, out February 7 via 2MR / Astral People Recordings. (another side, 2025)

Amidst a record absorbed in the ways we’re disconnected from ourselves every day – “mentalized for better or worse” – “Let It Grow” immerses in a dissociative surrender. Over a sensual synth line, Skeleten breathes life into the inexplicable weight of intimate connection. It’s a submission to that feeling of an “it” that cannot be denied. The song hangs heavy in the air, unmoving like the heat of an overpacked club, and the only way out is up.

“‘Let It Grow’ was so natural it just kinda started existing without me even realising it. Which I guess is the whole vibe of the song. Surrender and acceptance??”- Skeleten

“Let It Grow” completes a lineup of adored singles “Deep Scene”, “Love Enemy”, “Viagra,” and “Bodys Chorus” alongside respective remixes by Axel Boman and Spray, in laying the foundations for Mentalized. The releases have earned tastemaker nods from Pitchfork, Stereogum, Paste, Brooklyn Vegan, KEXP, KCRW, BBC 6Music, FBi Radio, Apple Music’s ‘Best of 2024’ playlists, and more.

This month Skeleten will complete a 3-month residency at Sydney’s Pleasure Club, spotlighting local talent across the city’s different scenes, alongside Skeleten and his full live band. Having already united acts like Hugh B and the Modern Pop Ensemble, Dylan Atlantis, Scruffs. and Killian, stay tuned via Skeleten’s socials for the final surprise announcement. Skeleten will also perform at Golden Plains Festival in March, alongside esteemed artists PJ Harvey, Fontaines D.C, Kneecap and more.

Mentalized tracklist:
1 – These People
2 – Love Enemy
3 – Bodys Chorus
4 – Crack In The Shell
5 – Deep Scene
6 – Raw
7 – Let It Grow
8 – Viagra
9 – Ravers Dream
10 – Mindreader

Skeleten Live Dates:
Mar 8 – 10, 2025: Golden Plains Festival, Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, VIC

1738920786

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

Mentalized release date

Jazz, Art, and Community: Hotel Contessa Supports San Antonio’s Vibrant Hospitality Scene

Hotel Contessa to Host Jazz Night & ‘Love is in the Air’ Art Fair January 25-26. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – Hotel Contessa is thrilled to announce a weekend dedicated to art, music, education, and preserving the heart of hospitality along the San Antonio River Walk. The property’s first ever Jazz Night will kick off on Saturday, January 25, followed by the “Love is in the Air” solo exhibition and an art fair taking place on Sunday, January 26. (Hotel Contessa, 2025)

Saturday, January 25 – Jazz Night 

This evening, the hotel invites San Antonio music lovers to enjoy jazz from musicians like the Fermata Jazz Trio. Food and cocktails will be available for purchase at Ambler Texas Kitchen, including an exclusive drink menu, where $1 of each drink sale from the featured drinks support River Walk Royalty. Hotel guests will receive a password at check-in for a complimentary “Bees Knee” cocktail. Bartenders and staff will embrace the theme, dressing as flappers and gangsters for the occasion.

Saturday’s event will be the inaugural Jazz Night among a series of Jazz Nights at Hotel Contessa, which will take place the last Saturday of each month from 5p.m. to 9p.m. Reservations are preferred and can be made by calling Ambler at 210- 298-8040.

Sunday, January 26 – “Love is in the Air” Solo Art Exhibition and Art Fair

Following an evening of Jazz, Hotel Contessa will feature the work of over a dozen artists – including a variety of paintings, prints, jewelry, home décor, and more – along with a solo art exhibition from Mary Carmen Sessions and live music from Kyle Broll. Sessions is a Mexican-American artist who has called San Antonio home for over 20 years. Passionate about pushing the boundaries of traditional art, Sessions constantly experiments with different mediums, techniques and materials to create one-of-a-kind pieces infused with her rich Mexican culture. 

From 11:30a.m. to 3p.m., the show will take place at the bottom level of the hotel, which overlooks the San Antonio River Walk, in the Atrium and Cypress Room. The event is free to the public and proceeds from the event will be donated to Fireman Sam’s candidacy for River Walk King. 

“Aside from these fabulous events, what makes this weekend special at Hotel Contessa is our commitment to giving back to the community. We’ve made sure that Fireman Sam and River Walk Royalty are the beneficiaries. Proceeds from a portion of drinks sold at Jazz Night and sales from the Sunday Art Fair exhibit will be donated to these integral city figures.” – Director of Sales Miguel David

The River Walk Royalty initiative raises funds for scholarships for local students who aspire to work in hospitality, the core industry of San Antonio. Fireman Sam is a San Antonio native and local dad. As a child, he dreamt of becoming a chef. Growing up with a single mother who was raising three children while battling multiple sclerosis made that dream challenging to pursue. Lacking the financial resources for culinary school, he set his ambition aside and became a firefighter, helping the citizens of San Antonio. Sam takes pride in serving San Antonio and its citizens. As a member of River Walk Royalty, he aims to raise substantial funds to provide scholarships helping students achieve their dreams. He hopes to be a mentor to the next generation of San Antonio hospitality talent.

The hotel plans to continue Jazz Night as a new series and host various jazz musicians and artists the last weekend of every month. The destination has seen success with its complimentary mariachi events. This is part of Hotel Contessa’s ongoing initiative to provide San Antonians a place to gather and celebrate the city’s rich culture together along the lively banks of the San Antonio River Walk. Hotel Contessa will continue to announce 2025 programming that supports its mission to celebrate its core three pillars: art, music and education.

An intimate, all-suite retreat set directly on San Antonio’s beloved River Walk, Hotel Contessa delights arriving guests with stylish suites that take their design cues from the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Discover stylish suites and unwind at our spa, complemented by Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails serving up agave cocktails and authentic Texas fare.

Hotel Contessa
306 W. Market St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

‘When I Hear Spirituals’: A Heartfelt Journey Through Music and History in Children’s Literature

New from Cheryl Willis Hudson and London Ladd – “When I Hear Spirituals.” Photo: Amazon

Illustrated children’s books play a crucial role in early literacy development by combining visual and textual elements to engage young readers. The vibrant images capture attention, making stories more accessible and easier to understand, while the text introduces new vocabulary and concepts. These books stimulate imagination, foster emotional growth, and help children connect with the world around them. The visual storytelling also supports comprehension and retention. Illustrated books offer a pleasant aesthetic experience that can make reading enjoyable, encouraging a lifelong love for books. Their appeal lies in their ability to entertain while nurturing cognitive and emotional development.

Out this month is the illustrated children’s book “When I Hear Spirituals” by Cheryl Willis Hudson and illustrated by London Ladd. (Holiday House Publishing, 2025)

Cheryl Willis Hudson is an author, editor, publisher, and respected member of the children’s book community. She is cofounder of Just Us Books, publisher and packager of books that celebrate African American children, as well as co-author of “Bright Eyes, Brown Skin,” a groundbreaking picture book. Cheryl enjoys singing spirituals a cappella and creating handmade story quilts. She lives in New Jersey with her husband Wade Hudson.

London Ladd is a graduate of Syracuse University with a BFA and MFA in illustration. His critically acclaimed artwork has been featured in picture books, newspapers, magazines, and community-based murals. “When I Hear Spirituals” is his first book for Holiday House. London lives in Syracuse, New York.

“When I Hear Spirituals” – A girl connects with heritage, history, and a higher power through the lyrics of twelve beloved spirituals and four seminal events in African American history.

A beautiful keepsake to be shared by multiple generations.

When I hear spirituals
Sometimes
A big, full feeling
Grows in my chest . . .

Her heart pounds, she gets a lump in her throat, and tears flow down her cheeks. She wants to clap her hands and stomp her feet. There is healing, tenderness, strength, pride, and above all, hope.

The author of the classic picture book “Bright Eyes, Brown Skin,” Cheryl Willis Hudson, has woven together lyrics of twelve timeless, Black spirituals with a moving exploration of how music holds memories, emotions, and empowerment.

Songs include “Go down, Moses,” “Nobody Knows the Troubles I See,” “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child,” “Rock-a-My Soul,” “Get on Board, Little Children,” and more.

Evocative illustrations by award-winning artist London Ladd depict important people and places in Black history and culture: Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr., the Great Migration, and the Enslaved People’s Uprising of 1811.

Journey through Black history and music in this layered picture book.

Reading age: 6-9 years
Grade level: 1-4
Pages: 40

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

“No matter the level of reader familiarity with spirituals, this title brims with lyricism and soul-lifting strength through its emotional illustrations and compelling text.”—School Library Journal, Starred Review

“A deeply resonant work that speaks to these songs’ historical—and present—meaning.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“Willis Hudson movingly exalts the power of African American spirituals in a lyrics showcase that pairs existing verses with feelings they can evoke.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“Cut paper, tissue paper, and acrylic paint give the art layered depth, much like the spirituals themselves, and the various changes in perspective and composition echo the emotion behind the songs;”—The Bulletin, Starred Review

“A personal tribute to a beloved American art form.”—Booklist, Starred Review

‘Dead Before They Wake’: A Thrilling Ride into the Dark Unknown

Dead Before They Wake will be available to rent or own in the UK from 27th January. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Topical thrillers take current events, real-world issues, or contemporary themes to create fast-paced, suspenseful narratives. Their appeal lies in their relevance, making them feel immediate and relatable. By incorporating elements such as political intrigue, technological threats, or social tensions, these stories tap into the anxieties and curiosities of today’s world. Viewers are often drawn to the sense of urgency and the high stakes, feeling a personal connection to the situations depicted. Topical thrillers offer not just entertainment, but also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and risks facing society, heightening emotional engagement and anticipation.

London – Shepka Productions have announced the UK release of the brutal, topical thriller, Dead Before They Wake. The feature will be available to rent or own on Digital Platforms in the UK from January 27th and is available to download in the US now. (Strike Media, 2025)

Based on true events, the film follows nightclub bouncer Alex who is hired by a retired lawyer to track down a missing teenage girl, suspected of being snared by a trafficking ring, and to bring her home no matter what it takes.

Dead Before They Wake stars Nathan Shepka (Lock & Load, The Baby in the Basket), Grace Cordell (Cara), Manjot Sumal (The Last Bus, hit BBC sitcom Scot Squad), Kareem Nasif (The Job). Also starring Dr Who legend Sylvester McCoy (The Hobbit trilogy, The Munsters), and Patrick Bergin (Sleeping With the Enemy, Patriot Games).

“We wanted to base the film on real events and researched how UK sex trafficking gangs operate to give the film a grounded sense of reality. It is important to highlight what goes on every day and can often by ignored by the mainstream. We don’t feel any studio would have taken on the story in this way, it is likely to be a divisive and controversial portrayal. Ultimately there still has to be a pay-off for the audience; the film culminates in a brutal revenge-driven showdown.” – Producer Nathan Shepka

Dead Before They Wake is directed by Andy Crane and Nathan Shepka. The film features an original score by Academy Award winning composer Joseph Renzetti and is produced by Nathan Shepka.

Dead Before They Wake had its US release on 7th January: Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video.

It will be available to own or rent on digital download in the UK from 27th January.

Dead Before They Wake. Courtesy photo, used with permission.