Local restaurateur Tatanka Guerrero expands Dreamers & Doers Hospitality Group featuring first concept in San Antonio’s St. Paul Square. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – El Tigre is thrilled to open the doors of its new coffee shop and café to the general public at a brand new location within St. Paul Square, San Antonio’s historic downtown district that’s evolving into a world-class entertainment and cultural arts destination. (El Tigre, 2025)
Located at 123 Heiman Street, near the intersection of Heiman Street and Hoefgen Avenue, this new brick-and-mortar location at St. Paul Square follows in the footsteps of the beloved flagship coffee shop located in East Austin that opened in 2019.
Business hours at El Tigre at St. Paul Square are 7a.m. to 3p.m. CT daily, where patrons can look forward to a curated menu of specialty drinks from lattes to espressos to cappuccinos to drip coffee, matchas, cold brews, teas, mushroom cacao, and more.
For the food menu, patrons can enjoy breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, and pastries in the morning with salads, bowls, and sandwich options available for lunch. Fans should stay tuned as this new location will soon roll out an updated menu in the coming weeks.
At the new El Tigre, the team will continue to work with all-natural and organic producers from around the world who specialize in sustainable and ethical farming practices – notably from Brazil and Honduras – while planting roots in the Alamo City to continue their mission of serving Texans through high-quality coffee and warm hospitality.
Courtesy photo, used with permission.
“We welcome all of San Antonio to visit El Tigre, and experience what makes our café so special. It’s not just about the quality coffee we serve, but the community we look to build – one that is inspired by creativity and unity.” – El Tigre’s owner and Dreamers & Doers Hospitality’s founder Tatanka Guerrero
El Tigre at St. Paul Square will continue to be led by local resident and acclaimed restaurateur Tatanka Guerrero through his independently-owned Dreamers and Doers Hospitality Group, where his team will look to work with local producers to uplift the local San Antonio community while tapping international organic producers who share their same commitment to quality, community, and sustainability.
As a proud Chilean-turned-Texan, Guerrero first gained national prominence following his first restaurant Al Campo in Marfa which was preceded by other successful projects in Miami and Los Angeles. Most recently, Guerrero opened the intimate Oaxacan-and-Japanese design-inspired cocktail bar Trona in Austin’s growing Eastside neighborhood, where it quickly grew to prominence as one of the city’s most sought-after and well-designed bars.
Within Dreamers & Doers, other notable Texas concepts include the aforementioned coffee shop El Tigre; wine shop and bar Cork & Screw; tattoo shop Slowpoke Marfa; alfresco food court Camp East; and food truck court Arbor Food Park.
Originally founded in 1778, St. Paul Square is a historic multi-acre district found near downtown San Antonio, Texas, located just one hundred yards north of the Alamodome and a short walk from the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
The District’s name is derived from Old St. Paul Methodist Episcopal Church constructed in the late 1800s. With a rich background rooted in San Antonio’s history, St. Paul Square is developing today into a vibrant entertainment and cultural arts district that showcases the beautiful history and diversity of the Alamo City.
It is home to a wide variety of businesses including locally-owned restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and coffee shops as well as performance venues, hotels, retail, offices, and more.
Alex Cuba releases his new single right before his new US tour. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Los Angeles, CA. – ®Grammy Award-winning artist, Alex Cuba releases brand new music in time for Valentine’s Day and coinciding with the launch of a tour of the United States. The Cuban/Canadian singer-songwriter announces the release of the first single for his upcoming 2025 album. (Vesper Public Relations, 2025)
“El Día Más Triste” is about transforming hurt into understanding. Feelings of love are joyous, wondrous events in our lives, spontaneous and beautiful. Its shadow side, those moments of betrayal, hurt and emptiness are no less important in how they create growth and urgency in our lives. “El Día Más Triste” shows the depth of sorrow, the pain of a ruptured relationship, and the process of rumination and inner conflict surrounding the confusion. “Es Amor” (it’s love) Alex remarks in the chorus at the conclusion of his self-reflection. An equally poignant part of our Valentine’s Day celebration is that side of love, that when it is missing, leaves a hole in our hearts.
The video was filmed in Miami with Cuban director Yeandro Tamayo. Warm intimacy invites the viewer into his healing journey through sad moments.
Alex Cuba’s U.S. Tour — No More Empty Words —At the heart of his ability to charm anything that breathes is Alex’s mastery of a deeper, more important language. The dude speaks joy. And it doesn’t’ matter if it’s Tito Puente joy or Stevie Wonder joy; it’s contagious. It shines through songs he’s co-written with Nelly Furtado and Jason Mraz. It’s the north star of his compositions.
Wherever his songs start their journey–in the land of lust, deep affection, or even melancholy–they know where they’re headed. Their path leads to a deep, shimmering gladness that everyone wishes was their native tongue. It’s this undeniable exuberance, expressed with masterful musicianship that has catapulted Alex to the highest levels of global critical acclaim. It’s what led this fiercely independent artist to 2 Juno awards, 4 Latin Grammys, and a 2022 Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album.
Just like his songs elicit “la-la-las” from audiences without a translator, they woo critics without a middleman. The magic he makes with melody and rhythm can’t be held back. Because in the end, whether in times of trouble or celebration, people everywhere want to go where Alex’s songs are going, to an unconditional sense of home, belonging, and bliss.
U.S. TOUR DATES February 11/12 – Seattle, WA, Jazz Alley February 14 – Corvallis, OR February 15 – Portland, OR, Old Church February 18 – Beverly Hills, CA, Vibrato February 20 – Oakland, CA, Yoshi’s March 21 – Mamaroneck, NY, Emelin Theatre March 22 – Queens, NY, Kupferberg Centre for the Arts March 23 – Baltimore, MD, Creative Alliance March 26 – Orlando, FL, Judson’s Live March 28 – Gainesville, FL, University of Florida March 29 – Fort Myers, FL, Alliance for the Arts March 30 – Memphis, TN, Buckman Center for the Arts April 2 – Decatur, GA, Eddies Attic April 3 – Birmingham, AL, Alys Stephens Center April 4 – La Grange, GA, Purelife Studios April 5 – Cary, NC, Cary Arts Center
Though raised in Artemisa, an hour outside of Havana, Alex Cuba’s artistry is as far-flung as the place he has settled and lived for over fifteen years: Smithers, BC, 14 hours north of Vancouver. His music at once incorporates his roots and is a unique amalgam of styles, having collaborated with artists ranging from Jason Mraz to Ron Sexsmith and Nelly Furtado; and bringing together melodies, pop-soul hooks, and rock chords in songs that may seem to bear little resemblance to traditional Cuban form.
A forward-thinking, indie-minded artist, Alex has amassed a steadily growing following among critics and fans. He has over 20 awards and nominations to his name, including four Latin Grammys, two Juno Awards, and, in 2022, his first Grammy Award from a total of four career Grammy nominations.
Alex carries his Cuba within, incorporating subtle jazz influences gained from his early years as a bass player in Cuba. His tasteful, sophisticated chords and lyrics express his poetry in an undeniably Cuban way. His growing body of work defines a unique musical place in the Latin diaspora.
Media Accolades: “…Best performance – Alex Cuba.” – National Post “Staying true to his Spanish language Folk-Funk-Rock hybrid has paid off.” – Billboard “Wicked guitar, undeniably soulful vocals. His package is simple and he wears it well” – popmatters.com “He’s like Marvin Gaye singing soul to a new generation” – Boston Globe “A master at conveying emotions through songs.” – Vancouver Sun “(Alex) Cuba is a groundbreaking figure, which may say something about the process of giving roots music a cosmopolitan polish” – Nashville Scene “Sublime is, a consummately crafted and beautiful offering” – Sounds and Colours
Bakery Lorraine has several delectable sweet treats for your sweetie this Valentine’s Day. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.
Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14th, is a time to honor love and affection. While traditionally associated with romantic love, it’s a day for expressing care to family, friends, and even pets. Couples often exchange flowers, chocolates, or gifts, while others enjoy dinner dates or special outings. Many people send heartfelt cards, whether hand-made or store-bought, to express their feelings. In some cultures, the day extends beyond romance, with acts of kindness and appreciation for loved ones. Others may opt for a quiet evening, watching movies or creating personalized gifts, making it a day filled with love in all its forms. If you’re in the San Antonio area, here are some exciting ways to celebrate the big day with your loved one.
Bakery Lorraine
For foodies looking forward to delectable Valentine’s sweets, Bakery Lorraine has pastries exclusive to the Valentine’s Day holiday available in-store at all locations. (Bakery Lorraine, 2025)
Additionally, guests who purchase macaron boxes only on Friday, February 14 will receive a pink or white rose. 6 count Macaron Boxes will receive a singular choice of rose with purchase and 12 count Macaron Boxes will receive two roses while supplies last. Pastries and roses are available at all Bakery Locations.
Kimpton Santo
Experience a curated culinary experience and luxury accommodations for Valentine’s Day at Kimpton Santo. Guests can choose between the options below at Kimpton to celebrate the holiday. (Kimpton Santo, 2025)
An overnight Valentine’s Day stay in one of Kimpton’s Historic Luxury Suites with original 1850s architectural features. Reservations for the historic suites can be made online.
Tenfold Rooftop Bar is hosting three nights of customizable cocktails and the most charming views of the San Antonio skyline in the city. From Thursday February 13 until Saturday, February 15, guests can bring their gals, pals, significant others, and everyone in between to be able to print out customizable images on select cocktails. Reservations can be made online.
Dean’s Steak & Seafood is offering guests a Santo Valentin package that can be added from Thursday February 13 until Saturday, February 15. The package includes a half bottle of bubbles for two upon arrival at the restaurant and a box of truffles as a parting gift. Reservations can be made online.
InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk
Celebrate love with several offerings perfect for every kind of date night. Guests can choose how they’d like to spend their special day with one or more of what InterContinental San Antonio has to offer. (InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk, 2025)
The Date Night on the River Room Package: Guests can upgrade their luxury accommodations with pick-up from the exclusive boat stop on Pecan St., where guests can enjoy an enchanting riverboat cruise on the luminous San Antonio Riverwalk. Guests can also enjoy decadent French macarons, specialty chocolate bonbons, pate de fruit, and champagne that will be provided in-room.
Love & Chocolate with Chef Gonzo: For one-night-only (February 14, 2025), Netflix’s Bake Squad Chef Chocolatier Gonzo Jimenez will present a six-course tasting menu inspired by chocolate and cacao in collaboration with InterContinental San Antonio’s Executive Chef Andres Farias. Perfect for Galentine’s, date night, or just satisfying a sweet tooth, the rich prix-fixe menu will be available at InterContinental San Antonio’s in-house American Brasserie, Cavalier, for $150 per person, with reservations available here.
At InterContinental’s immersive Deco Bar, guests can enjoy the “Roses for My Lover” cocktail. Visitors who seek out the adorned cocktail can expect a balance of sweet and tart flavors that make the heart (and your loved one) happy.
Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa
Indulge in an unforgettable Valentine’s Day celebration at Corinne San Antonio. Love is in the air and Corinne is offering guests two dining options for the holiday. (Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, 2025)
$90 3-Course Dining Experience: Reservations and walk-ins are welcome for the 3-course dinner experience at Corinne from Thursday, February 13 until Saturday, February 15. Reservations can be made online.
$150 VIP Exclusive Chef’s Table Menu: Join Corinne on Friday, February 14 for an exclusive ticketed 6-course dinner in Corinne’s private dining room. Seating is limited and reservations can be made online.
Chef Jason Dady Restaurants
Guests can enjoy special coursed dinners at Range, Jardin, Tre Trattoria, and Roca & Martillo for Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 14. Each restaurant will offer a glass of sparkling wine to start, accompanied by delicious dishes that are perfect for celebrating the special someone in your life. (Chef Jason Dady Restaurants, 2025)
Range – a five-course dinner for $100 per person inspired by Tuscan Italian flavors. 125 E. Houston St. San Antonio, TX 78205 Prix Fixe Dinner: 4p.m. to 10p.m.
Tre Trattoria – the coursed dinner is $100 per person and will feature signature dishes. 200 W. Jones Ave. San Antonio, TX 78215 Prix Fixe Dinner: 4 to 10 p.m.
Jardín – Valentine’s Day’s exclusive Mediterranean-inspired meal at $85 per person. 555 Funston Place San Antonio, TX 78209 Prix Fixe Dinner: 4 to 8 p.m.
Roca & Martillo – will offer a four-course Valentine’s Day dinner for $99 per person. 1 Spurs Way San Antonio, TX 78256 Prix Fixe Dinner: 4 to 11 p.m.
Wine pairings are available for each dinner at $40 per person. There are also aperitifs available for purchase on each menu. Each meal’s price does not include tax or gratuity.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving
The perfect romantic adventures start with the Valentine’s Day – Up In the Air package. Guests are encouraged to make a reservation for an unconventional Valentine’s Day celebration with their loved one. (iFLY Indoor Skydiving, 2025)
The Valentine’s Day – Up In The Air Package features 20% off of four flights, ideal to share between two people and all photos and videos from the experience that will make standout Instagram content. This promotion is available to buy and fly from now through February 17 and can be booked online.
Hotel Contessa
Hotel Contessa will offer romantic specials at their on-site full-service spa and River Walk restaurant Ambler Texas Kitchen. (Hotel Contessa, 2025)
Throughout the month of February, both hotel guests and the public can reserve the 50-minute It Takes Two couples massage at The Spa at Hotel Contessa for $300 per couple (normally $360 per couple). The It Takes Two couples massage can be booked HERE.
For couples looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic dinner, Ambler Texas Kitchen’s Executive Chef Mike Collins will offer a three-course prix fixe menu on Friday, February 14, and Saturday, February 15. For $75 per person, guests will receive a starter, main course and dessert. For an additional $10 per glass, couples can enjoy a celebratory prosecco toast. Walk-ins are accepted, but reservations are encouraged and can be made via OpenTable.
And for those looking to extend their stay at Hotel Contessa can take advantage of special discounts for Texas residents, educators and military personnel. More information on Hotel Contessa’s stay packages can be found HERE.
Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk
Couples can escape into romance and luxury with the Lust and Leisure Package. Available February 1–28, 2025, this curated experience offers indulgence and pampering in the heart of downtown San Antonio. Rising 20 stories above the Riverwalk, the hotel blends modern sophistication with elevated amenities like a rooftop restaurant, serene spa, and panoramic views, making it the ideal retreat for Valentine’s Day or a romantic getaway. This offer is valid for stays from February 1–28, 2025, so couples can plan their romance-filled escape anytime during the month of February. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2025)
Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa
Couples can relax with a Love Birds couples massage. The 90-minute Love Birds couple massage begins with a crushed rose petal and organic sugar foot soak, heartwarming hot stone shoulder massage, then relax side-by-side in a couples massage with Hiatus’s house-blended love potion of rose, jasmine, vetiver and cocoa butter. Take flight with EarlyBird Full Spectrum CBD Gummies and a glass of bubbles to float through the rest of your day. Bookings can be made here for $399 per couple or $298 for those who are H-Circle members ($433 value). (Hiatus Day Spa • Med, 2025)
The story is set in Plainview, New Jersey, where Hunter Key is a member of the Pests, an underground criminal organization. They are just one of the gangs that control the city and their corruption runs deep. Hunter is an Informant and recently, he has sat in at the Inner Circle’s meeting and is hoping to someday be the leader. He sees them as family, and family means everything. Before that can happen, he is given a big job: kidnap Locklyn Elwell, the only child of the wealthy Elwell Enterprises, for ransom.
Locklyn Elwell doesn’t want to inherit the family business, but for now has to go along with what her distant parents dictate, even if it means taking a slap or two to the face. She has mad computer skills, which she uses to bypass the security cameras on the estate and has tried to run away several times. Her constant entourage of security guards include Dayton, who is more of a father figure than her own father. She has been homeschooled her whole life, but now her parents are sending her to Plainview Academy. At first she doesn’t have any friends, but eventually she gains the friendship and acceptance of a small group of outcasts.
Hunter tries to get close to Locklyn at school and waits for the perfect time to get her away but the more time they spend together, the less he wants to complete the job. Not to mention that his reality is shattered when he finds out what the Pests do when no one is looking and that there’s more to Locklyn than meets the eye.
This is Part 1 of The Whole Times series of books, four in total and a captivating and promising start to the series. The story revolves around a group of diverse characters navigating complex emotions and situations, with a particular focus on love, loss, and self-discovery. The writing is emotive, drawing readers into the world of the characters and making them feel every moment of the journey. “The blackness in his wandering eyes match the blackness of the night surrounding us.”
The characters of Hunter and Locklyn are relatable and multi-dimensional, struggling with inner conflicts that feel authentic and modern. The relationships in the book—whether romantic, familial, or friendships—are examined at length, highlighting the tenderness and the intensity of human connection.
The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of reflection and tension that keep the action moving. It is written in the 1st person point of view, including Hunter, Locklyn, Zachni, Dayton, and others, so we see the world through their eyes and hints at unreliable narrators. While the first part in the series leaves readers wanting more, it sets the stage for an exciting continuation of the story.
Overall, “The Whole Time: Part 1″ explores the themes of family, love, identity, and coming of age. Fans of contemporary romance, mystery, suspense, and character-driven narratives will find it a compelling read.
“I feel small under the weight of his stare. Weak. Like a tiny animal being hunted. His eyes study me as if calculating my every move.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Listen to Your Sister’ by Neena Viel. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Neena Viel is a horror writer who lives in a cabin in the Washingtonian woods with her husband and the best dog on the planet. Her passion for philanthropy (almost) rivals her love for ghost stories. For fans of Jordan Peele’s films, Stranger Things, and The Other Black Girl, “Listen To Your Sister”is a laugh-out-loud, deeply terrifying, and big-hearted speculative horror novel from electrifying debut talent Neena Viel. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)
“Listen To Your Sister” – Twenty-five year old Calla Williams is struggling since becoming guardian to her brother, Jamie. Calla is overwhelmed and tired of being the one who makes sacrifices to keep the family together. Jamie, full of good-natured sixteen-year-old recklessness, is usually off fighting for what matters to him or getting into mischief, often at the same time. Dre, their brother, promised he would help raise Jamie–but now the ink is dry on the paperwork and in classic middle-child fashion, he’s off doing his own thing. And through it all, The Nightmare never stops haunting Calla: recurring images of her brothers dying that she is powerless to stop.
When Jamie’s actions at a protest spiral out of control, the siblings must go on the run. Taking refuge in a remote cabin that looks like it belongs on a slasher movie poster rather than an AirBNB, the siblings now face a new threat where their lives–and reality–hang in the balance. Their sister always warned them about her nightmares. They really should have listened.
“A knockout debut.” -Ashley Winstead
“Incredibly original and seriously scary.” – Nick Medina
“A brilliant fever-dream of a novel that effortlessly dances between horror, literary, and family saga—sure to appeal to fans of Grady Hendrix, Tananarive Due, Mona Awad, and Stephen King.” – Maria Dong
Set up as a journal/memoir, it begins on Sunday November 3, 2002 where Zett establishes that authors don’t write books, that instead, they write manuscripts that publishers turn into books that hopefully sell copies. This sets the tone upfront as he combines his personal story of becoming a published author with reflections on topics such as human sexuality, the intricacies of the human soul, the challenges facing the book industry, and the ongoing debate about marijuana legalization.
His philosophical musings center around the three sides of our humanity: the body, mind, and soul, and how if we go through life with an open mind, we can establish a deeper connection with others. By sharing his personal struggles, such as the challenges of owning a small business with his wife, dealing with his father’s health problems, and balancing work and family, he connects with readers on a deeper level.
I appreciate his candidness and his ability to approach complex and often controversial subjects with a sense of depth and understanding. He doesn’t shy away from his own vulnerabilities, offering an authentic and sometimes raw portrayal of his experiences. This book challenges readers to reconsider societal norms and rethink their own perspectives on issues like sex and the soul. Especially insightful is his ‘live and let live’ view of life, but he also emphasizes personal accountability: “If you don’t hold onto your personal reins, who does?”
One of the most fascinating aspects is his commentary on the book industry, giving readers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to become a published author in today’s rapidly changing world. His unique insights make the book a valuable resource for aspiring writers and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of the literary world.
By using a stream-of-consciousness narrative style that he calls Extreme Creative Nonfiction, and presented in a memoir/journaling format, he relates to readers in an informal and personal way. It’s almost as if he’s speaking to them directly, albeit with a few curse words here and there. Be advised that his discussions on sex can get honest but descriptive.
The language is vivid and humorous: “Sometimes, I go off like the popcorn kernels in a microwavable bag of Explode-O-Pop Popping Corn…” Since the narrative switches back and forth between his personal story and his professional struggles to make it as an author, it can be hard to follow at times, but it fits with the journal-like presentation.
Overall, “Connecting the Web of Humanity” is an engaging, thought-provoking work that will resonate with readers interested in exploring life’s biggest questions. It is recommended for fans of philosophy and social sciences who also appreciate learning about the reality of getting published.
“Everybody is their own individual. Everything is what it is. And we are what we are. People are people.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
The Baby in the Basket is the chilling new gothic horror movie starring Amber Doig-Thorne. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Gothic horror movies captivate audiences with their eerie atmosphere, dark settings, and psychological tension. Set in crumbling mansions, foggy landscapes, or ancient castles, these films evoke a sense of dread and mystery. Themes of isolation, madness, and the supernatural are often explored, blending the fear of the unknown with the human psyche’s darkest corners. The use of vivid imagery, such as shadowy figures and mysterious creatures, intensifies the feeling of vulnerability. Audiences are drawn to gothic horror for its ability to transport them into a world where fear lingers in every corner, offering a thrilling escape into the macabre.
Shepka Productions, in partnership with Flickering Myth, are delighted to announce the release of new chilling, gothic horror The Baby in the Basket. The feature will be available on Digital in the UK and USA, and on DVD (UK only) from February 17th. (Strike Media, 2025)
The Baby in the Basket features a stellar cast of horror favorites including Amber Doig-Thorne (Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey), Michaela Longden (How to Kill Monsters), Elle O’Hara (Cara), Lisa Riesner (No Dogs Allowed) and Nathan Shepka (Dead Before They Wake). Also starring veteran British talent Annabelle Lanyon (Legend), with Maryam d’Abo (The Living Daylights) and Paul Barber (The Full Monty).
It’s 1944 and World War Two rages on. The sisters of St. Augustine’s, a convent on a remote Scottish island, are preparing for an incoming storm. One night a cloaked figure leaves a baby in a basket and disappears, never to be seen again.
The nuns take in the boy, and agree to look after him until the storm passes when they will take the child to the mainland for permanent care. However, after a night under their watch, unsettling things begin to happen with the newest addition to the convent. Sister Agnes (Amber Doig-Thorne) suspects the child is the spawn of Satan, causing her to be locked away for fear that she’s been driven mad by the isolation.
But increasingly strange occurrences lead the sisters to question their faith and everything they believe, they wonder has Sister Agnes fallen victim to the desolation of the remote island setting or was there really weight in her suspicions?
The Baby in the Basket is directed by Nathan Shepka and Andy Crane from a script written by Tom Jolliffe (Cinderella’s Revenge, Renegades). The film is produced by Shepka Productions, Flickering Myth, and Hidden Ridge Productions, in association with Jolliffe Productions and Nerdly UK.
The Baby in the Basket will be available to own or rent on digital download in the UK and US and to own on DVD (for the UK only) from 17th February.
Pre-order your UK copy of the DVD on Amazon or HMV.
The Baby in the Basket still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Sizhu Li’s site-specific exhibition at HoCo Arts Council. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
San Antonio, TX – Contemporary at Blue Star is happy to announce our next exhibition, a site-specific installation of Sizhu Li’s Moonment. Moonment is an ongoing installation project inspired by a Chinese ancient poem “海上生明月，天涯共此时” by Tang poet Zhang Jiu Lin. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2025)
Sizhu Li’s Moonment at the Contemporary Opening First Friday, February 7, 2025 6p.m. – 9p.m Free admission
This work describes a surreal and poetic night-sea view that resonates with people of different locations. Aluminum sheets and programmed fans create a live moving percussive environment of waves. These constructions become a contemporary landscape where space is a physical material as much as a piece of metal or wood etc.
Li’s works are animated, poetic, and tell a story. Materials, though often unrefined, are treated as fleshy, melancholic, nostalgic characters. Their movements are direct, satisfying, repeated, comforting, and mesmerizing. Together, they immerse viewers in an echo of simplicity within the chaos of modern life—evoking live phenomena like moonlight on the flowing water or wind on young leaves. Li is influenced by Minimalism, Futurism, and Chinese painting, poetry, and philosophy. In ancient times, people lived simpler lives, but still had rich intellectual and spiritual experiences. Li believes that we have something to learn from a spirit of wonder that feeds the human soul and brings communities together.
Before the opening:
Taco Talk with Sizhu Li
Friday, February 7, 2025 10:30a.m. – 11:30a.m. Free with registration
The Contemporary welcomes visitors for breakfast tacos and a gallery walk through with exhibiting artist Sizhu Li.
Sizhu Li is a Chinese-born kinetic installation artist based in New York and New Jersey. She holds a BFA from Central Academy of Fine Arts and an MFA from Maryland Institute College of Art with the Toby Devan Lewis Fellowship.
Also at Contemporary Blue Star
San Antonio, TX – Contemporary at Blue Star seeks applications from artists living and working in Bexar County for three-month residencies in Berlin, Germany. In 2013, the Contemporary began sending San Antonio artists to Berlin and we are excited to embark on the 11th cycle of the program. Deadline to Apply: Monday, February 10, 2025 at 12p.m. (Noon) CST. Learn more and register here.
In partnership with Künstlerhaus Bethanien, the Contemporary awards four artists annually the opportunity to live and conduct their studio practice in one of the world’s most significant art centers, Berlin, Germany.
The four selected artists will be awarded one of four residency slots at Künstlerhaus Bethanien as a grantee of Contemporary at Blue Star and a $2,000 stipend to aid with travel to the residency and living costs. The Contemporary covers costs of all program fees associated with residency: studio and living space, inclusion in the internationally distributed BE magazine, curatorial visits, workshop access, etc. With support from the City of San Antonio’s Global Engagement Office, resident artists will also travel to Darmstadt, Germany (a sister city of San Antonio) to meet with fellow artists and cultural leaders and visit cultural institutions. An additional stipend is provided for this trip. Each selected artist will participate in a public program following the completion of the residency.
Contemporary at Blue Star established the Berlin Residency Program to connect Bexar County artists with the international art community and enrich their artistic practice through their experiences in Berlin. Contemporary’s 2024-25 Berlin Resident Artist Jason Willome reflected on his creative evolution: “Being in Berlin has forced me out of my comfort zone – encountering new materials leads to shifts in the work, as you get to know the material and how it behaves.”
The selection process is highly competitive, with a panel of jurors evaluating a pool of talented Bexar County artists. Interested artists can learn more and apply at the Contemporary’s website. Selected artists will be announced on March 7, 2025 at 6p.m., during the Contemporary’s exhibition opening and the Contemporary Art Month Kick-Off.
Artist Eligibility
Artists must currently reside in Bexar County and conduct a significant portion of their artistic practice/outreach in San Antonio. Artist must have established residency for 12 months prior to application period.
Artists must have at least five years of relevant work experience and/or specialized arts training, such as a degree or certificate, or intensive period developing their skill and knowledge base.
Artists should demonstrate a clear investment of time and resources into their artistic practice and/or derive a portion of individual earned income from their artistic practice or areas related to the field.
Artists must have a professional portfolio that includes publicly displayed and possibly published works.
The four residency cycles are July 15–October 8; October 15–January 8; January 15–April 8; April 15–July 8. Applicants must be able to attend during ANY of these time periods. Artists should not apply if their schedule does not allow them the flexibility to attend during any of these time periods and/or for the duration of the residency. Cycles are assigned after residents are selected and through group dialogue.
Students are not eligible to apply.
Artist collaborative teams/collectives not eligible to apply.
Literary artists are not eligible to apply.
Curators, arts writers, and critics are not eligible to apply
Workshop space at Künstlerhaus Bethanien. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
‘Change of Heart’ is the exciting new medical thriller by Cristina LePort. Photo: Amazon
After Amy Winter, a promising young medical student is found dead, Detective Kirk Miner is called to the scene and quickly uncovers a chilling conspiracy involving organ donations and high-stakes crime. As the investigation unfolds, Miner realizes the case is far more complex and dangerous than it initially seemed.
FBI Agent Jack Mulville and Special Agent Charlotte Bloom join forces with Miner to find Amy’s killer. Together, they unravel a web of corruption, revealing that her death is connected to a ruthless organ trafficking ring. Her death triggers an investigation that pulls Miner, Mulville, and Bloom into a labyrinth of deceit and desperation. As they dig deeper, they discover that Amy’s heart is not just a donor’s gift but a coveted prize in a deadly game controlled by criminals willing to kill to keep their secrets hidden, revealing the lengths to which people will go to secure life-saving transplants. Amidst the danger, they face moral dilemmas and personal risks, pushing them to their limits as they strive to protect innocent lives and dismantle a powerful criminal network.
Review:
“Change of Heart” by Cristina LePort is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that unearths the dark world of organ trafficking, exploring the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding life-saving transplants. The story follows Det. Kirk Miner, FBI Agent Jack Mulville, and Special Agent Charlotte Bloom, as they investigate this unusual case and bring their own unique skills and motivations to the pursuit of justice. As they uncover a network of illegal organ trade, they are forced to navigate dangerous alliances and face tough choices about what is right and what is necessary for survival.
The narrative is full of suspense, where the stakes grow higher with every twist. With relatable characters that are well-developed, their personal stakes—whether it’s a search for redemption, vengeance, or justice—add emotional depth to the story. Special Agent Charlotte Bloom is naive but determined to make it as an FBI agent, even if it puts her life in danger. By exploring the lengths to which people will go for a lifesaving transplant, it is thought-provoking and disturbing. The plot twist at the end took me by surprise but it explains so much.
Right from the beginning, I was hooked by the descriptive language used to describe the damage done to Amy’s head by the bullet: “The bullet carrying Amy Winter’s name whooshed through her hair at a speed of fifteen hundred feet per second, burned a jagged hole into her smooth 24-year-old flesh, burst through the thin layer of her temporal muscle, and shattered the temporal bone.” The author’s medical knowledge gives it an authentic voice.
Overall, “Change of Heart” is a compelling and intense medical thriller that will resonate with anyone interested in the intersection of crime, morality, and the human condition. It explores the themes of power and corruption, family, and identity while tackling complex issues like the value of human life and the gray ethical areas in medical practices, making readers question the price of survival. I recommend it for fans of medical dramas and suspenseful thrillers by authors such as Robin Cook, Patricia Cornwell, and Michael Palmer.
“A jagged, irregular line, like a drawing by a shaking hand. Her heart wouldn’t beat or squeeze any longer. Her heart muscle would just wiggle – flaccid, without power. She was going to die.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Joel Timmons takes bad dreams and turns them into rock and roll with new single End of the Empire from his forthcoming new album Psychedelic Surf Country. Photo: Joel Timmons
Charleston, SC – Joel Timmons is a dynamic songwriter, musician, and journeyman. Growing up on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, Timmons developed a deep connection to both music and the ocean, influences that permeate his artistic work. His early years were marked by a passion for surfing and a love for music, cultivated in part by his mother, a photographer and park ranger at Fort Moultrie, a vibrant local arts scene, and a close community of aspiring young musicians. The lead vocalist and guitarist for Sol Driven Train, founded by Timmons and his friends during college in 2000, Timmons also plays guitar with Maya de Vitry and makes music with his life-partner and wife, Shelby Means, under the name Sally & George. Psychedelic Surf Country, out February 7, marks the long-time collaborator’s first solo-work. (IV PR, 2025)
Within the patchwork of Joel Timmons’ debut solo album, Psychedelic Surf Country, lies a kaleidoscopic view of the career sideman and band leader’s striking self-awareness. Both in lyricism and musicality, Timmons has adopted an easy-going and reflective view of the world, creating unencumbered and accessible songs from even the most left-field subjects like lighting old Christmas trees ablaze, the highway patrol K9 who paid his band a visit between tour stops, and the tight jeans and Stetson hats that took over his former neighborhood. But it’s in the heavier subject matter, like his latest single, End of the Empire, where Timmons’ upbeat musical attitude shines.
“My wife, Shelby Means, started writing this song on a small boat in the Virgin Islands while surfers rode waves across a nearby reef,” remembers Timmons. It sounds picturesque, but the initial idea brought about an undercurrent of influence from a wildly different place. “My recurring dreams of doom and nightmares of being hunted by an unknown predator—as well as a sense of apocalyptic loss—figured into the co-write.” Ethereal and dreamy from the onset, End of the Empire floats between images of inescapable crashing waves and desperate hiding, looking for escape, but it might take listeners a couple of passes to recognize these as the song itself feels uplifting and borderline anthemic; a testament to Timmons’ positive spin. With the help of Psychedelic Surf Country producer Maya de Vitry, End of the Empire turns into a huge wash of harmonies and a wall of rhythm section. “The recording ended up being a rocker,” says Timmons, “and the guitar is howling.”
Psychedelic Surf Country tracklist: Just A Man Turbo The Bullfighter Guitars, Guns, and Pickup Trucks Edge of the Empire Cottage by the Sea Say It To My Face The Swimming Song East Nashville Cowboy Here We Are Tryin’
Catch Joel Timmons on Tour: 2/8 – Charleston Pour House – Charleston SC 2/12 – Analog at Hutton Hotel – Nashville TN 2/15 – House Concert – Charleston SC ^ 2/28-3/2 – Green Parrot Bar – Key West, FL * 3/15 – Charleston Pour House – Charleston SC * 3/19 – Tractor Tavern – Seattle, WA + 3/20 – Showdown – Portland, OR (co-bill w/ Love, Dean) + 3/22 – The Talent Club – Ashland, OR + 3/26 – The ’58 @ Eastside Bowl – Nashville, TN 4/24 – Parlor Room – Northampton, MA + 5/4 – Sundays on the River – Asheville, NC + 5/23-5/25 – Rooster Walk Festival – Martinsville VA * 5/30 – Party At the Point – Mt Pleasant SC *
SA Examiner 