Month: May 2026

John Mailander’s Forecast Announces New EP ‘Little Wheel // Hope Looming’

John Mailander’s Forecast has unveiled its spellbinding adaptation of Buffy Sainte-Marie’s ‘Little Wheel Spin and Spin.’ Photo: Steph Heath with Smiling Eyes Media, used with permission.

New Music: John Mailander’s Forecast Announces New EP Little Wheel // Hope Looming

NASHVILLE — Acclaimed multi-instrumentalist John Mailander and his visionary collective, Forecast, have announced the independent release of their new 3-track EP, Little Wheel // Hope Looming, arriving May 8, 2026. (Dreamspider Publicity, 2026)

Following their 2025 full-length album Let The World In, this latest offering marks a poignant exploration of historical cycles, post-rock textures, and adventurous improvisation.

The Tracklist: A Study in Light and Dark

The EP clocks in at 13 minutes and 18 seconds, weaving together a potent mix of vocal urgency and instrumental atmosphere:

  1. “Little Wheel Spin And Spin” (Buffy Sainte-Marie cover)
  2. “Hope, Looming” (Original instrumental)
  3. “(turnstile)” (Ambient sample piece)

Breaking the Cycle: “Little Wheel Spin And Spin”

The EP opens with a timely rendition of Buffy Sainte-Marie’s 1966 classic, featuring guest Kristina Train on lead vocals. Recorded just days before the U.S. entered the conflict with Iran, the track serves as a chilling commentary on the “war machine.”

“It’s chilling to me how relevant these lyrics are today,” says Mailander. “I think our version, and Kristina’s delivery… is felt with a renewed urgency, anger, and resistance… We turned it into a jam vehicle for group improvisation.”

The B-Side: “Hope, Looming”

Inspired by post-rock giants like Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Sigur Ros, this instrumental piece explores the “grey areas” of emotion. It serves as a tonal counterweight to the opening track, a slow-building crescendo meant to signal a glimmer of hope on the horizon.

The Coda: “(turnstile)”

The project is tied together by an unsettling yet hopeful ambient piece, featuring a manipulated sample of a train station turnstile layered over synth improvisations.

Hope Looming EP Artwork

Meet The Forecast

Recorded live at Southern Ground Studio by Dan Davis, the ensemble features some of the finest players in the Nashville scene:

MusicianInstrument(s)
John MailanderFiddle, Piano, Electronics
Ethan JodziewiczUpright & Electric Bass
Chris LippincottPedal Steel Guitar, Wurlitzer
Dean MillerTenor Saxophone
Mark RaudabaughDrums, Percussion
Jake StargelAcoustic guitar

About John Mailander

Beyond leading Forecast, Mailander is a prolific collaborator and a current member of Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers.

A Berklee College of Music alumnus, his fiddle and multi-instrumental work have graced recordings by a “who’s who” of modern music, including:

  • Billy Strings (The Grammy-winning Home)
  • Noah Kahan
  • Dermot Kennedy
  • Lin-Manuel Miranda
  • Lucy Dacus

Moving to Nashville in 2015, Mailander formed Forecast to step outside the bounds of bluegrass and explore themes inspired by film scores and jazz-fusion greats like the Pat Metheny Group.

Little Wheel // Hope Looming is available on all major streaming platforms May 8, 2026.

Photo: Michael Weintrob, used with permission.

Otto’s Ice House Announces May Lineup for Riverfront Concert Series

Otto’s Ice House announces the full lineup for their Local Wednesdays music series. Photo: Otto’s Ice House, used with permission.

Related Post: Live Music & Local Vibes: Otto’s Ice House Launches ‘Local Wednesdays’ in San Antonio

River Rhythms: Local Wednesdays at Otto’s Ice House

Pack your bags (or just your appetite)—Otto’s Ice House has officially unveiled the full lineup for Local Wednesdays. This free, all-ages live music series is the perfect excuse to spend your midweek evenings on the scenic banks of the San Antonio River. (Otto’s Ice House, 2026)

The series is already in full swing, featuring a diverse range of local talent every Wednesday this month.

🎤 The Lineup

Mark your calendars for these upcoming performances:

🍔 More Than Just Music

Otto’s is more than just a venue; it’s a community hub designed for trading tallboys and making memories. While you soak in the tunes, you can dive into their signature menu.

Must-try items include:

  • Cantina Queso (The ultimate crowd-pleaser)
  • Hill Country Deluxe Smashburger
  • Otto’s Last Shot

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing or a spot to grab an ice-cold drink with friends, the riverside atmosphere at Otto’s provides the perfect backdrop.

📍 Plan Your Visit

Where: Otto’s Ice House
111 Newell Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78212

When: Every Wednesday in May
Cost: Free!

The Joe Panther Band will be performing at Otto’s Ice House on May 27. Photo: Otto’s Ice House

Redefining Leadership: ‘Virx-Leonatus Culture: The Codex’

Keenan L. McBride’s new book on how how art, culture, and empathy build powerful leaders. Photo: Amazon

Book Spotlight: Virx-Leonatus Culture: The Codex

By Keenan L. McBride

Synopsis

The Virx-Leonatus (VX) Culture Codex is more than a book; it’s a guide for the individual seeking mastery of presence, intellect, and character. While many manuals focus strictly on career or influence, The Codex argues that true power lies in the architecture of one’s culture. (Amazon, 2026)

Within these pages, McBride outlines the foundational pillars of VX culture:

  • Disciplined Confidence: Power without the need for noise.
  • Elevated Courtesy: Transforming simple manners into magnetic charisma.
  • Strategic Empathy: Using emotional intelligence as a core strength.
  • The Aesthetic Catalyst: Leveraging art, history, and beauty to deepen wisdom and broaden perspective.

The Lion’s Philosophy

Inspired by the lion, Virx-Leonatus teaches that true strength is quiet, sovereign, and patient. The lion doesn’t roar to prove dominance; its presence alone commands respect. This philosophy serves as a blueprint for modern leadership: ambition balanced by humanity, and influence rooted in genuine regard for others.

“This is the Virx-Leonatus standard. A lifestyle. A discipline. A legacy in the making.”

For the rising leader or the cultured professional, this codex offers a manual for gaining trust without force and loyalty without demand. It’s a necessary tool for anyone ready to lead with both mind and heart.

About the Author

Keenan L. McBride is the Owner and Founder of Success Strategy Training and Development, LLC and the creator of the Virx-Leonatus Culture lifestyle brand. With over 30 years of experience across various industries, Keenan has dedicated his career to building and delivering customized curricula for leaders at all levels. (Virx-Leonatus Culture, 2026)

Professional Credentials & Highlights:

  • Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM) via Training Industry Inc.
  • Certified Virtual Facilitator (CVF) via Inifac.
  • Professional Image Consultant Certification via IAPO.
  • Author of the “Lennox Lee Teaches Me” children’s book series.
  • Creator of “The Leader’s Image in Action,” a popular LinkedIn newsletter focused on leadership development.

Keenan’s extensive background, from manufacturing leadership to working with the State Technical College System, allows him to blend practical business strategy with the refined principles of the Virx-Leonatus lifestyle.

Ready to elevate your presence? Virx-Leonatus Culture: The Codex is available now for those seeking to turn quiet strength into irresistible authority.

Where to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo 2026 in San Antonio: Top Events & Specials

Celebrate with Cinco in the Sun at Tenfold Rooftop at Kimpton Santo San Antonio. Photo: Kimpton Santo, used with permission.

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo: History, Heritage, and San Antonio Hotspots

Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s 1862 victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, it has grown into a major celebration of Mexican-American culture and heritage in the United States.

From parades and mariachi music to traditional foods like mole and tacos, the day highlights cultural pride and community unity. If you’re looking to celebrate in the San Antonio area, local businesses are rolling out the red carpet with exclusive specials. (Kimpton Santo San Antonio, Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, The Gunter Hotel, The Jerk Shack, Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar, Muck & Fuss/2026)

Kimpton Santo San Antonio

Event: Cinco in the Sun at Tenfold Rooftop. Enjoy a special Aguasol Tequila cocktail menu through Tuesday, May 5.

  • Featured Cocktails:
    • Jardin de Sol: Reposado infused with jasmine tea, peach, and citrus.
    • La Besita: Blanco with strawberry, basil, grapefruit, and habanero.
    • Jalisco Sun: Reposado infused with pico, Ancho Reyes, honey, and Tajín.
  • Location: 431 S Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205
  • Reservations: Available via OpenTable.

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa

This botanical oasis offers three unique ways to celebrate:

The Gunter Hotel

Event: Cocktails, Chicharrónes, and Live Music Step into a timeless atmosphere for a classic celebration.

  • Keystone Club: Enjoy specialty tequila cocktails and receive complimentary chicharrónes with every purchase (11 a.m. – 11 p.m.).
  • Live Performance: Catch Trio Ardiente, an all-female mariachi ensemble, performing alternative takes on classics in the lobby from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Location: 205 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Local Neighborhood Favorites

The Jerk Shack

Add a Caribbean twist to your holiday with the Jerk Chicken and Pork Tacos Special.

  • The Deal: 3 tacos for $10 (dine-in only).
  • Time: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Location: 10234 TX-151 Suite 103, San Antonio, TX 78251

Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar

The Southtown staple is hosting “Cinco Hour” all day long.

  • The Deal: $8 house margaritas and discounted appetizers (guacamole, queso, and salsa).
  • Location: 722 S. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Muck & Fuss (New Braunfels)

If you’re slightly north of the city, head to downtown New Braunfels for a beer and margarita bash.

  • Drink Specials: $4.95 House Muck-a-Ritas and $19.95 mix-and-match Mexican beer buckets.
  • Taco Tuesday: $11.95 taco entrée plates and $4.95 Draft Beer Blizzards.
  • Location: 295 E. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX 78130

Pro Tip: Since many of these events fall on a Tuesday, reservations are highly recommended where available. Celebrate responsibly and enjoy the rich flavors of San Antonio!

Exploring Supernatural Horror Cinema: New Movie ‘Hokum’

Adam Scott stars in Hokum, now in theaters. Photo: NEON

The Unseen Terror: Why Supernatural Horror Still Haunts Us

Supernatural horror films tap into fears that transcend the physical world. Unlike realistic horror, which relies on tangible threats like serial killers or survival scenarios, supernatural horror explores the unknown. It leans into ghosts, demons, curses, and otherworldly forces that defy both logic and human control.

This genre appeals to a deep-seated psychological unease: the unsettling idea that forces beyond our understanding are lurking just out of sight, watching and waiting.

The Evolution of the Eerie

Over the decades, the appeal of supernatural horror has evolved alongside our cultural anxieties:

  • Early Era: Films often reflected religious fears or moral consequences, portraying evil as a direct result of sin or a terrifying glimpse into the afterlife.
  • Modern Era: As society became more secular, the focus shifted toward internal struggles. Today, supernatural threats often serve as metaphors for trauma, grief, and the fragility of the human mind.

These movies stand the test of time because they confront us with the limits of human understanding. They invite viewers to imagine a world where the rules of physics and logic no longer apply, making the fear feel existential and lingering long after the credits roll.

New Movie Spotlight: Hokum

If you’re looking to test your nerves with the latest in supernatural cinema, Hokum is now playing in theaters.

Synopsis

Written by Damian McCarthy, the film follows novelist Ohm Bauman (Adam Scott) as he retreats to a remote inn to scatter his parents’ ashes. His stay takes a dark turn as he becomes consumed by local legends of a witch haunting the honeymoon suite. Before long, disturbing visions and a shocking disappearance force Bauman to confront the darkest corners of his own past. (IMDb, 2026)

Film Details

CategoryInformation
Director/WriterDamian McCarthy
StarringAdam Scott, Peter Coonan, David Wilmot
GenreSupernatural Horror
RatingR
Runtime1h 47min

Bottom Line: Hokum promises to be a gripping addition to the genre, blending isolation with the psychological weight of the past. Catch it on the big screen… if you dare.

Photo: IMDb