Author: Sandra Cruz

Blogger, book reviewer, artist, poet, avid reader and nature/animal lover.

DWF New York 2026 Spotlights GLENDORA, a Feature Documentary Rooted in Community and Resilience

The documentary GLENDORA premieres at Dances With Films NY 2026, offering a powerful, community-made portrait of a Mississippi Delta town. Photo: EG PR, used with permission.

Dances With Films (DWF): NY 2026

World Premiere of GLENDORA

Dances With Films (DWF) is an annual independent film festival based in Los Angeles and New York. Founded by Leslee Scallon and Michael Trent, the festival is dedicated to showcasing true independent cinema, requiring that all films in competition have no known directors, writers, or producers attached. (Dances With Films, 2025)

DWF programs feature-length films, shorts, documentaries, and animations that highlight bold, original voices.

The 2026 New York edition of Dances With Films will take place January 15–18 at Regal Union Square in Manhattan. The feature documentary GLENDORA will have its world premiere at the festival. (EG PR, 2025)

GLENDORA

Feature Documentary | World Premiere
Runtime: 74 minutes

A film by:
Isabelle Armand & Glendora Collaborative

Official DWF: NY 2026 Screening

Friday, January 16 at 4:45 p.m.
Location: Regal Union Square
850 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

About the Film

In the heart of the Mississippi Delta, the village of Glendora may seem quiet and remote. Beneath its stillness, however, lies a vibrant, tightly knit African-American community whose strength, resilience, and creativity thrive despite chronic scarcity.

GLENDORA is the result of five years of close collaboration between filmmaker and townspeople, offering an intimate portrait of life where economic fragility meets profound cultural wealth. Told through the voices of multiple generations, the film weaves personal testimonies with daily rituals, birthdays, graduations, weddings, and funerals, capturing the rhythm of a town that continually rises above its circumstances.

As the Mississippi landscape shifts, so do the stories, revealing both the universality of human experience and the distinct textures of rural Southern life. More than a portrait of place, GLENDORA reflects a larger American history shaped by racial injustice, economic neglect, and structural inequality, while underscoring the community’s determination to remain connected and shape its future.

Made with and by the people who live there, GLENDORA amplifies voices too often unheard, offering a powerful story of culture, resilience, creativity, and collective memory from a town long overlooked, but not easily forgotten.

About the Filmmaker

Isabelle Armand

(Filmmaker, Cinematographer, Writer)

Isabelle Armand is a New York–based documentary photographer and filmmaker whose work interweaves photography, film, and oral testimony to explore the complex layers of people whose histories, lives, and potential have long been undervalued.

Her acclaimed book Levon and Kennedy: Mississippi Innocence Project (powerHouse Books, 2018), which documents the wrongful convictions of two men, has received wide recognition. Her work is held in the collections of the Brooklyn Museum, Akron Art Museum, and Portland Museum of Art, and has been featured in The New York Times, Art in America, The Economist, The Daily Beast, and more.

GLENDORA is her first feature documentary. She is currently editing a photo book of the same title.

USA | Feature Documentary | 74 Minutes | Not Rated | 2025

Hands-On Amelia Earhart Exhibition Brings STEM Learning to South Texas Families

Adventures in the Sky: Amelia’s Journey is now a permanent exhibition at The Children’s Museum of Brownsville. Photo: Children’s Museum of Brownsville, used with permission.

Adventures in the Sky: Amelia’s Journey Takes Flight in Brownsville

SAN ANTONIO — Two of Texas’s leading children’s museums, The DoSeum in San Antonio and Children’s Museum of Brownsville (CMB), are proud to announce their collaborative presentation of Adventures in the Sky: Amelia’s Journey, a high-energy, family-centered exhibition inspired by the legacy of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart and her historic ties to Brownsville, Texas. (The DoSeum/Children’s Museum of Brownsville, 2025)

The exhibition officially opened to the public at the Children’s Museum of Brownsville during a grand opening celebration on Saturday, November 22, and is now a permanent exhibition at CMB.

A Story of Flight, Courage, and South Texas Possibility

Adventures in the Sky: Amelia’s Journey invites children to step into the story of flight through hands-on exploration, playful engineering challenges, and immersive environments that connect history to the future of STEM.

Inspired by Amelia Earhart’s fearless spirit, and a remarkable chapter of her aviation legacy linked to Brownsville, it encourages young learners to ask bold questions:

  • How do planes fly?
  • What makes someone a trailblazer?
  • What dreams are possible when science meets courage?

Through interactive components designed for early learners through upper elementary ages, families explore physics, aerodynamics, problem-solving, and perseverance, all anchored in a story that belongs to this region.

The Power of Two Museums, One Shared Mission

The DoSeum and the Children’s Museum of Brownsville came together with a simple belief: children thrive when communities invest in curiosity.

As exhibition collaborators, the two institutions pooled creative development, educational design support, and operational expertise to ensure a seamless, high-quality experience for South Texas families. This partnership strengthens a regional pipeline of learning, making it easier for children to encounter consistent, STEM-rich experiences whether they visit museums in San Antonio, Brownsville, or anywhere in between.

“When children see their local history reflected in exciting, hands-on experiences, it changes the way they imagine their future. This collaboration is about building bridges between cities, between institutions, and most importantly between kids and opportunity.”
— Meredith Doby, Chief Creative Officer, The DoSeum

“Amelia’s Journey is a love letter to South Texas, the dreamers, the builders, and the next generation of innovators. We’re grateful to have the support of The DoSeum, for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with us to bring this exhibit to life for our community.”
— Felipe Peña III, Executive Director, Children’s Museum of Brownsville

This partnership reflects a growing movement among cultural and educational institutions to share resources, expertise, and imagination, ensuring children across the region, regardless of ZIP code, can access world-class learning experiences.

A Regional Investment in Families

Along with the recent Boca Chica to Mars exhibition, the launch of Adventures in the Sky: Amelia’s Journey is part of a broader expansion of STEM learning opportunities at CMB, including major new exhibition investments exceeding $1 million.

For families in Deep South Texas, this means more chances to learn together in spaces that are safe, joyful, culturally connected, and designed specifically for children. It also means local students can experience interactive science learning that research shows supports long-term academic confidence and interest in STEM careers.

Visit the Exhibition

Children’s Museum of Brownsville
501 E. Ringgold St.
Brownsville, TX

Families, school groups, and community partners are invited to visit and explore.

About the Children’s Museum of Brownsville

The Children’s Museum of Brownsville (CMB) creates innovative, playful learning environments for children ages birth to 11, serving children and families since 2005. Through exhibits, programs, and community collaborations, CMB nurtures imagination, cultural curiosity, and early STEM engagement for families across the Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas.

About The DoSeum

The DoSeum is San Antonio’s museum for children and a cornerstone of interactive learning. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, with roots dating back to 1995 when it first opened as the San Antonio Children’s Museum, The DoSeum has grown into one of the nation’s top children’s museums. Featuring interactive exhibits spanning science, math, art, and literacy, The DoSeum is committed to sparking curiosity and igniting imaginations for children, caregivers, and educators across the San Antonio community.

Jason Derulo Brings Holiday Magic With New Christmas Single ‘Miracle’

Jason Derulo’s new holiday song “Miracle” blends pop-R&B warmth, gratitude, and seasonal magic. Photo: Miller PR, used with permission.

Jason Derulo Releases New Holiday Song “Miracle”: A Feel-Good Christmas Anthem

Los Angeles, CA — Multi-Platinum global superstar Jason Derulo has surprised fans with a festive new release just in time for the holidays. His new Christmas single, “Miracle,” released via Create Music Group, is now available on all major streaming platforms. (Miller PR, 2025)

The holiday track blends classic Christmas warmth with Derulo’s signature pop-R&B sound, delivering an uplifting anthem that celebrates gratitude, love, and togetherness.

Jason Derulo’s “Miracle” Captures the Meaning of Christmas

“Miracle” is a feel-good Christmas song that highlights Jason Derulo’s unmistakable vocals while embracing the emotional heart of the holiday season. Through its reflective lyrics, the song explores how life’s simplest moments, family connections, unexpected kindness, and everyday love, are often the real miracles.

Rather than focusing on grand gestures, Derulo reminds listeners that the true magic of Christmas lives in quiet, ordinary joys that bring people together.

Photo: Miller PR

A Successful Year for Jason Derulo

The release of “Miracle” follows a standout year for the global hitmaker. Earlier this year, Jason Derulo released the pop anthem “Who Hurt You,” which quickly gained viral momentum, reaching 316 million streams in just eight weeks.

His previous single, “Snake,” featuring Nora Fatehi, has also made a major impact, accumulating over 124 million views online and reinforcing Derulo’s ability to create globally resonant hits.

Jason Derulo’s Social Media Influence

Jason Derulo remains one of the most influential musicians in the digital space. With nearly 250 million followers across social media platforms, including over 66 million followers on TikTok, he is currently the fourth most-followed male artist on TikTok.

His massive online presence continues to amplify his reach, making him one of the most visible and influential pop artists in today’s music landscape.

“The Last Dance World Tour” Kicks Off in 2026

On January 30, Jason Derulo will launch “The Last Dance World Tour,” featuring 25+ arena dates across the UK and Europe scheduled for early 2026. Additional tour dates are expected to be announced. Fans can view the complete tour schedule on his official website.

About Jason Derulo

With nearly 250 million followers worldwide, Jason Derulo is a true multi-platform powerhouse and one of the most successful pop and urban artists of his generation.

Originally known as the “kid from a Haitian family in Miami,” Derulo’s rise to global stardom has been built on consistency and creative evolution. He has sold over 250 million singles and generated tens of billions of streams, with a catalog that includes chart-topping hits like “Talk Dirty” (feat. 2 Chainz), “Wiggle,” “Swalla,” and “Savage Love.” “Savage Love” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts in 16 countries.

Known for genre-blending collaborations with artists such as BTS, Nicki Minaj, Luke Bryan, and Michael Bublé, Jason Derulo continues to shape global pop culture through both music and social media.

La Panadería Brings Authentic Mexican Pastries to Stone Oak

La Panadería to Celebrate Stone Oak Grand Opening on December 17. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

San Antonio’s food scene continues to grow, and Stone Oak residents now have a new reason to celebrate. One of the city’s most beloved bakeries, La Panadería, is officially opening its newest, and largest, location in North San Antonio. Known for its authentic Mexican pastries, fresh-baked bread, and all-day café menu, the James Beard–nominated bakery is bringing its signature flavors and community-driven atmosphere to the Stone Oak area just in time for the holidays. (La Panadería, 2025)

La Panadería Opens Its Largest Location Yet in Stone Oak

La Panadería, beloved for its authentic Mexican pastries, tortas, and all-day café fare, is officially expanding once again in San Antonio.

The bakery will celebrate the grand opening of its newest Stone Oak location on Wednesday, December 17, inviting the public to join in a festive ribbon-cutting event filled with music, special guests, and community celebration.

Grand Opening Celebration Details

📍 Location: Stone Oak
📍 Address: 1011 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio, TX 78232

🗓 Wednesday, December 17, 2025
⏰ 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Event Highlights:

  • DJ and live festivities
  • UTSA Cheerleaders
  • Ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m.
  • First look at the new space and La Panadería’s newest mascot

A Major Milestone for La Panadería

The Stone Oak opening marks La Panadería’s largest location to date, spanning an impressive 6,600 square feet and offering 100 dedicated parking spaces for guests.

This expansion represents:

  • 💼 100 new jobs created in San Antonio
  • 🏗 $3.5 million investment into the space
  • 📍 The fifth La Panadería location in the city

What’s on the Menu?

Guests can expect the same crowd-favorite offerings La Panadería is known for, including:

  • Authentic Mexican pastries
  • All-day breakfast and brunch
  • Lunch options
  • Customizable tortas and salads

To complement the food, the menu also features:

  • Coffee and fresh juices
  • Wine, cocktails, and beer

Regular Operating Hours

Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Meet Don Lino: La Panadería’s First-Ever Mascot

The Stone Oak opening also introduces Don Lino, La Panadería’s very first mascot.

Don Lino is a heartfelt tribute to the generations of bakers who inspired the Cáceres family’s craft. Named after a legendary baker from the brothers’ childhood stories in Mexico City, Don Lino represents the warmth, tradition, and artistry behind every loaf of bread.

With his signature mustache and dimpled smile, Don Lino embodies:

  • Early-morning dedication
  • The scent of fresh bread
  • The enduring spirit of La Panadería

The Don Lino story was written by Emiliano Cáceres Manzano, son of co-founder José Cáceres. Guests can meet Don Lino for the very first time during the Stone Oak grand opening.

Jose & David Caceres + Don Lino Photo: La Panadería

Holiday Seasonal Treats & Drinks

La Panadería is also celebrating the holiday season with two festive, limited-time offerings, available at all locations:

🎄 Seasonal Specials

Horchata Cold Foam Latte | $7.50
Smooth cold brew topped with house-made horchata cold foam, infused with vanilla and cinnamon, and finished with freshly grated nutmeg.

Abuelita Chocolate Tiramisu | $11.50
A cinnamon-kissed twist on the classic tiramisu, blending espresso and mascarpone with Kahlúa and rich Abuelita Chocolate.

🗓 Available now through New Year’s
📍 Limited in-store availability

Photos: La Panadería, used with permission.

Horchata Cold Foam Latte
Abuelita Chocolate Tiramisu

The Leadership Skill That Shapes Every Business Decision (And a Book That Explains It)

Begin at the End is the new book on decision making and problem solving by Jeremy Sable. Photo: Amazon

Best Leadership and Business Books for Smarter Decision-Making

Books on leadership and business offer timeless lessons for anyone seeking to grow professionally and personally. The best leadership books explore how effective leaders communicate vision, make thoughtful decisions, and build workplace cultures rooted in trust and accountability.

Strong business books go beyond theory. They bridge strategy and execution, showing how values-driven leadership can drive sustainable business success. Readers gain practical insight into navigating change, managing teams, and balancing strategy with empathy. More than manuals for profit, leadership and decision-making books encourage self-reflection, resilience, and ethical thinking, reminding us that strong businesses are built by leaders who understand people as deeply as they understand performance.

📘 Book Recommendation: A Must-Read Leadership and Decision-Making Book

Begin at the End: The Modern Day Guide to Decision-Making

By Jeremy Sable

Begin at the End is a modern leadership and decision-making book for people who feel stuck, overthink important choices, or want a clearer way to navigate careers, relationships, finances, and life’s inevitable tradeoffs. Rather than promising perfect answers, the book focuses on choosing a direction with confidence and moving forward without regret.

This book is especially valuable for business leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs seeking better decision-making frameworks in an increasingly complex world.

Decision Overload in the Modern Workplace

We are living in the middle of the greatest decision overload in human history and most people underestimate how much it impacts their performance, focus, and well-being.

Every day brings an avalanche of choices: endless information, constant notifications, shifting priorities, and pressure to move faster than the human brain was designed to operate. In today’s business environment, this overload leaves many professionals feeling scattered, burned out, or unsure whether their decisions are leading anywhere meaningful.

Begin at the End offers a practical solution for decision-making in high-pressure environments.

A Practical Framework for Better Business Decisions

Drawing from more than a decade of mission-critical consulting, Jeremy Sable explains why much of today’s decision-making advice is outdated. He introduces a modern system that helps leaders, professionals, and teams make smarter, faster, and more confident decisions.

Instead of reacting to available options, readers learn how to anchor every decision to a clearly defined outcome. This outcome-first approach improves clarity, focus, execution, and creativity, skills essential for leadership, business growth, and long-term success.

Key Takeaways from Begin at the End

In this leadership and decision-making book, readers will learn how to:

  • Apply Outcome-First Thinking to bring clarity to every decision
  • Use AI as a strategic decision-making tool, not a distraction
  • Generate better options under pressure and tight deadlines
  • Avoid false either/or thinking that limits leadership potential
  • Build feedback loops that turn decisions into long-term momentum
  • Reduce decision fatigue and make clarity a daily habit

This is not theoretical advice. It’s a real-world playbook for business leaders, professionals, and anyone responsible for making high-stakes decisions.

Why This Book Matters for Leaders and Professionals

If you’ve ever thought, “There has to be a better way to make decisions at work and in life,” this book delivers that solution. Begin at the End provides a practical clarity system that helps leaders align decisions with purpose, values, and long-term outcomes.

For anyone interested in leadership development, business strategy, or personal growth, this book is a valuable addition to your reading list.

About the Author: Jeremy Sable

Jeremy Sable helps people make better decisions when the stakes are real and the answers aren’t obvious. Raised in the suburbs of Atlanta, he studied engineering at Virginia Tech before beginning his career in government consulting in Washington, DC, an environment where leaders regularly make decisions with incomplete information and real consequences.

His work blends consulting and engineering frameworks with personal experience and real-world constraints. Jeremy believes most people aren’t bad at decision-making, they’re overwhelmed, overinformed, and rarely taught how to decide effectively.

Discover This High-Demand Wholesale Mug Opportunity Inspired by Vinny the Pug

‘The Life and Times of Vinny the Bug’ inspired a coffee mug collection. Photo: Allen Kimble Jr, used with permission.

Discover a Unique Business Opportunity: The Story Behind Pugona Rock Coffee Mugs

Entrepreneurship holds a powerful appeal for aspiring business owners because it represents possibility, independence, and the chance to create something meaningful from the ground up. For many, the draw lies in the freedom to shape their own path, choosing what to build, how to operate, and which values will guide their work. For those exploring small business opportunities, entrepreneurship opens doors to creativity and financial independence.

Unlike traditional employment, entrepreneurship invites innovation and encourages people to bring their unique ideas to life without waiting for permission. The promise of owning one’s future, transforming passion, skill, and determination into a business that reflects personal values, makes it one of the most compelling business ideas for retailers and future founders.

Meet the Entrepreneur: Allen Yhorst Kimble Jr.

Allen Yhorst Kimble Jr., a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up in the mid-1950s and later entered the United States Air Force. He served one year in Vietnam, eight years across Asia, and completed a total of 11 years of military service. During his time in Southeast Asia, he discovered photography, a hobby he continues to enjoy today and one that eventually influenced his creative work and inspirational entrepreneur story. (Allen Yhorst Kimble Jr., 2025)

In 2001, while living in Orlando, Florida, he adopted a small pug named Vinny. After relocating to Phoenix following the 9/11 attacks, Vinny quickly adapted to the Arizona desert, climbing boulders, exploring rugged landscapes, and inspiring Allen’s picture-story book, “The Life and Times of Vinny The Pug.” This lovable canine would later become the heart behind one of the most unique pet-themed gift brands online.

The Birth of a Business: Pugona Rock Coffee Mugs

A creative and successful entrepreneur, Allen operates a wholesale-only coffee mug web store specializing in dog-themed merchandise. Each design in the Pugona Rock Coffee Mug collection is inspired by the real-life adventures of Vinny the Pug, making them standout products for boutiques, gift shops, bloggers, and anyone seeking unique gift shop merchandise.

Allen doesn’t sell individual mugs. Instead, he partners with retailers interested in wholesale coffee mugs, offering an accessible and profitable reseller opportunity:

  • Minimum order: 12 mugs
  • Wholesale cost: $10 each
  • Typical retail price: $20 each

This margin makes the mug reselling business a strong option for online stores, pet boutiques, artisan markets, and those looking to expand their product sourcing for small businesses with high-demand, story-driven merchandise.

Courtesy photos, used with permission.

Interested in Becoming a Retail Partner?

If you or someone you know is a retail seller seeking bulk mug orders, wholesale mugs, or a fresh coffee mug business opportunity, you can enroll directly in Allen’s wholesale program. There is no cost or fee to join, and early participants receive valuable perks and support as they begin building their retail partnership with Pugona Rock Coffee Mugs.

Sponsored Post

Indie Comedy Wine Thief Now Streaming in the UK

Wine Thief is now available on digital and on demand in the UK. Photo: One Tree Entertainment, used with permission.

🍷 Wine Thief Now Streaming in the UK – A Must-Watch Comedy for Wine Lovers and Film Fans

Great news for UK viewers! After a strong digital release in the US and Canada, Wine Thief is now officially available to rent or buy in the UK. If you’re looking for a fresh, hilarious indie comedy to stream tonight, this offbeat film is the perfect pick. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)

About Wine Thief – A Wild Comedy Set in the World of Winemaking

Wine Thief is a bold, off-the-rails comedy that blends sibling rivalry, chaotic ambition, and disastrously funny decisions. With its mix of slapstick humor and winery-world satire, the film delivers a fun, lighthearted watch for fans of indie movies and wine-themed films.

Director: Lana Read
Cast: Robert Rusler, Vernon Wells, Houston Rhines

Plot Overview

The story follows Terry, a reckless freewheeler who convinces his successful winemaker brother, Tobin, to fund a ridiculous reality TV show to boost his winery’s fame. What unfolds is pure chaos, a disastrous production crew, hilarious vineyard misadventures, and even sabotage from a rival winery at the Golden World Wine Awards.

Tobin must protect his wine, his reputation, and his sanity as Terry’s schemes spiral out of control.

Where to Watch Wine Thief

You can now stream or rent Wine Thief on major digital platforms, including:

Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 1 hr 34 min

Wine Thief still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

December in San Antonio: Top Holiday Happenings You Won’t Want to Miss

Ring in the holidays in style at the Pearl. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

🎄 Holiday Happenings in San Antonio: Your Guide to Seasonal Events

San Antonio is buzzing with holiday cheer and this month brings a full lineup of festive markets, family-friendly celebrations, concerts, and community traditions. Whether you’re looking to snap a photo with Santa, hunt for local gifts, or savor holiday flavors, here’s everything happening around St. Paul Square and Pearl.

🎅 December 12: Santa at the Square & Holiday Market (St. Paul Square)

St. Paul Square is welcoming Santa to San Antonio for a special holiday pop-up market featuring all-local vendors. With the district fully decorated for the season, it’s the perfect chance to sip hot cocoa, shop small, and grab a festive family photo with St. Nick. (St Paul Square, 2025)

Event Details

  • What: Holiday Market + Santa photos (presented by Juntos San Antonio)
  • Where: Parking lot in front of 1902 — 1174 E. Commerce Street
  • When: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Admission: Free // All ages

🎶December 19: Beauty + Zen Haus Night Market + Elnuh at The Espee

Ring in the season with Beauty + Zen Haus’ Holiday Night Market, your destination for last-minute gifts, handcrafted goods, festive décor, and unique local finds. After browsing the market, stick around for indie-pop artist Elnuh, performing under the stars on The Espee’s outdoor plaza stage.

Event Details

  • Where: St. Paul Square Courtyard + The Espee — 1174 E. Commerce Street
  • When: Doors & music at 7 p.m.
  • Admission: Free // All ages

This Friday Night Live series is part of St. Paul Square’s vision to transform the historic district into one of San Antonio’s most vibrant hubs for entertainment, culture, food, and nightlife.

Photo: St Paul Square

🎁 Holiday Season at Pearl

The holiday spirit is in full swing at Pearl, with a packed calendar of family traditions, community events, and festive fun. (Pearl, 2025)

🌮 December 13: Pullman Market Tamale Festival (Debut!)

Pullman Market is launching its first-ever Tamale Festival, a new holiday tradition celebrating San Antonio’s beloved seasonal staple.

Event Details

  • When: Saturday, December 13 • 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Where: Pullman Market – Karnes Street
    221 Newell Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
  • Admission: Free (RSVP requested on Eventbrite)

Enjoy tamales from local vendors plus specialty creations from the Pullman Market culinary team. Guests can eat on-site or purchase tamale packs to take home for holiday gatherings.

Family Fun & Festivities:

  • Activities from The DoSeum
  • Live DJ set by DJ Caliente
  • A Best Tamale Competition
  • Local makers + holiday bites

Vendor Lineup:

  • Carnita’s Spot
  • Southerleigh
  • Culinary Institute of America
  • Mezquite
  • Margarita’s Tamales
  • Tamale Addiction
  • Chamoy City Limits
  • Chi Chi Birds Hot Chicken
Photo: Pullman Market

🎅 Free Photos with Santa

Complimentary Santa photos are available every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday through December 21.
Times and locations vary — check Pearl’s Events Calendar for the latest schedule.

🛍️ Holiday Night Markets

Discover artisan gifts, warm drinks, festive lights, and local makers.

  • Next Market: Wednesday, December 17

🎬 Festive Movie Mondays

Enjoy holiday classics every Monday in December (except December 29). Movies begin at sunset, arrive early and bring blankets!

Upcoming Screenings:

  • December 15: Elf
  • December 22: The Polar Express

🕍11th Annual Chanukah Celebration – December 16

Presented with YJSA (Young & Jewish San Antonio), this community celebration features live music, family activities, and a ceremonial menorah lighting.

The menorah will shine nightly December 16–24 near the Boiler House Shade Structure.

🎁 Hotel Emma Holiday Perks

Hotel Emma guests enjoy exclusive seasonal offerings including:

  • Custom Go Rio river cruises arranged through the concierge
  • Letters for Santa activities in the hotel library
  • Festive décor + rich hot chocolate

Sacred Bones Unveils Remastered Alan Vega Classics and Rare Archival Gems

The Vega Vault Project and Sacred Bones to reissue Alan Vega’s first two trailblazing solo albums. Photo: Peter Noble/Redferns

Alan Vega’s Legacy Continues: Sacred Bones Announces Remastered Reissues and Deluxe Editions

The Vega Vault Project and Sacred Bones Records are once again unearthing the extensive body of work left behind by Alan Vega, visionary visual artist, musician, and poet. Their latest announcement brings exciting news: the reissue of Vega’s landmark 1980 self-titled debut, along with its follow-up, Collision Drive. (another side, 2025)

Remastered From Original Tapes & Streaming for the First Time

Both albums have been newly remastered from the original tapes and are available on streaming platforms for the first time ever. Sacred Bones Records will re-release the albums with a commitment to preserving the raw intensity of Vega’s original recordings while making them newly accessible to listeners worldwide.

These carefully curated reissues will be accompanied by Alan Vega Deluxe Edition, a limited deluxe double LP packed with unheard demos, unseen photos, new artwork, and Vega’s original track sheets from his 1978 Suicide / The Clash tour notebook.

Release Date and Availability

Alan Vega, Collision Drive, and the Alan Vega Deluxe Edition all arrive on January 23, 2026. The deluxe edition, available as a limited double LP, is positioned as the definitive version of Vega’s solo debut. Pre-order/Pre-save here: Alan Vega, Alan Vega Deluxe Edition, Collision Drive.

A Look Back at Vega’s Solo Breakthrough

Released in 1980, Alan Vega arrived at the same time Suicide released their second album, Suicide: Alan Vega and Martin Rev. Eager to explore his personal sonic identity, Vega drew inspiration from rockabilly, early rock ’n’ roll, and his lifelong admiration for Elvis Presley. Filling the spaces between Suicide sessions, he began writing and performing his own material, developing a sound that pushed even further into the edges of experimentation.

The Grit and Fire of Collision Drive

Recorded in the same year and the same New York studio as his debut, 1981’s Collision Drive expanded Vega’s artistic reach. The album delivered a harder, grittier, and more layered energy. Vega’s lyrics tapped into universal themes inspired by street culture, science fiction, politics, comics, love, and cosmic mystery. The result: a record bursting with rebellion, feeling, and the evolving spark of Vega’s creative vision.

Unearthed Demos and New Visuals

The new reissues pair the remastered original albums with early, previously unheard demos discovered in the Vega Vault by Liz Lamere and Jared Artaud. The tapes were transferred by engineer Ted Young and mastered by Josh Bonati, offering rare insights into the making of Vega’s cult classics.

All three albums include newly designed artwork by Artaud and Michael Handis, making each release a collector’s piece and an essential addition for longtime fans.

More About Alan Vega and the Vega Vault Project

Born in Brooklyn in 1938, Alan Vega co-founded the groundbreaking avant-garde band Suicide with Martin Rev in 1970. Their influence has echoed across genres for decades. Vega’s solo career took off with the hit “Jukebox Babe,” leading to a contract with Elektra Records and the release of two albums, including the cult favorite Saturn Strip, produced by Ric Ocasek.

Rejecting commercial constraints, Vega returned to his experimental roots, generating a steady stream of solo releases over the following decades, from Deuce Avenue to Dujang Prang (released on Henry Rollins’ 2.13.61 imprint), culminating in his late-career masterpiece, It. Vega viewed these albums as sonic counterparts to his visual art, capturing both the world around him and timeless, universal themes. His work remains just as relevant today.

During this prolific era, Vega began collaborating with Liz Lamere, his wife and most significant creative partner. In 2019, Lamere and Jared Artaud unearthed the lost Vega album Mutator, released in 2021, followed by Insurrection in 2024. They co-produced and mixed both records and now lead the Vega Vault Project, dedicated to bringing rare and unreleased Vega material to the public.

A third full-length collection of previously unheard recordings, Ascension Dive, is currently in development.

Alan Vega Tracklist:

01 – Jukebox Babe
02 – Kung Foo Cowboy
03 – Fireball
04 – Love Cry
05 – Speedway
06 – Ice Drummer
07 – Bye Bye Bayou
08 – Lonely

Alan Vega Deluxe Edition Tracklist:
 
01 – Jukebox Babe
02 – Kung Foo Cowboy
03 – Fireball
04 – Love Cry
05 – Speedway
06 – Ice Drummer
07 – Bye Bye Bayou
08 – Lonely
09 – Ice Drummer (Demo)
10 – Fireball (Demo)
11 – Speedway (Demo)
12 – Love Cry (Demo)
13 – Kung Foo Cowboy (Demo)
14 – Lonely (Demo)
15 – Bye Bye Bayou (Demo)

Collision Drive Tracklist: 

01 – Magdalena 82
02 – Be Bop A Lula
03 – Outlaw
04 – Raver
05 – Ghost Rider
06 – I Believe
07 – Magdalena 83
08 – Rebel
09 – Viet Vet

Rising Stars Shine in the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio’s Nutcracker

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio has your ticket to a world of winter wonder. Photo: Infinite Photography SA.

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio Brings Holiday Magic Back to the Stage

San Antonio, TX — Cherished traditions make the holidays truly special, and this year, the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is once again lighting up the season with spectacular productions sure to captivate audiences of all ages. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2025)

A Beloved Holiday Classic Returns

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio’s enchanting production of The Children’s Nutcracker returns to the iconic Lila Cockrell Theatre December 12–14. Audiences can expect breathtaking choreography, lavish costumes, and stunning scenery brought to life by some of the most talented young dancers in Bexar County.

For families seeking a magical holiday tradition, this professional-level production is one you won’t want to miss.

A Decade of Excellence in Youth Performing Arts

For more than ten years, CBSA has been a leader in youth performing arts, pairing professional training with exceptional performance opportunities. Under the guidance of acclaimed Artistic Director Vanessa Bessler, Master Ballet Teachers, and top local choreographers, CBSA dancers have earned international awards and received scholarships to prestigious institutions such as:

  • John Cranko School (Stuttgart Ballet, Germany)
  • Royal Ballet School (London)
  • School of American Ballet (New York City)

Rising Stars Bring ‘The Children’s Nutcracker’ to Life

CBSA’s mission to elevate young artists, including pint-sized prima ballerinas, gifted young adult dancers, and inspiring performers with special needs, is on full display in this year’s production.

Honoring Tchaikovsky’s original score and the classic Nutcracker tradition, the 90-minute performance is perfectly crafted to keep younger audiences engaged from beginning to end.

This season’s featured dancers include Daniela Quiroga, Jaida Soleman, William Bessler, Joaquin Marsh, Inez Dunne, Louise Picha, and Gigi Natho, who will perform beloved roles such as Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Cavalier. Opulent costumes, magical sets, and exquisite choreography promise to delight both longtime fans and first-time viewers of this timeless tale.

Festive Fun Begins Before the Curtain Rises

Guests can get into the holiday spirit early with a charming pre-show holiday market featuring unique gifts and collectibles. Families can enjoy seasonal treats, take photos with Santa, meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and cast members, and enjoy joyful performances from the San Antonio Academy Wildcat’s Chorale and Mariachi Orgullo del Sur.

Event Details

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio Presents: The Children’s Nutcracker

Show Dates & Times

  • Fri, Dec 12 — 7:00 p.m.
  • Sat, Dec 13 — 2:00 p.m.
  • Sun, Dec 14 — 2:00 p.m.

Note: Holiday Market and Photos with Santa and the cast open one hour prior to showtime.

Location:
Lila Cockrell Theatre
200 E. Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

About the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio

The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) professional-level ballet company that showcases the city’s most talented young dancers. Performers are selected by audition or invitation, and receive extensive training and performance experience.

Mission:
To inspire excellence and prepare children for creative, productive lives through dance by offering world-class training and performance opportunities to talented youth from all backgrounds.