Close the Hatch, Insidiant, and more at Ruby Tuesday Live

Live show at Ruby Tuesday this Friday September 17, 2021. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Close the Hatch, Insidiant, NovaGrave and Waste of White will perform at Ruby Tuesday Live in Columbus, Ohio on Friday September 17, 2021. Presented by Epitome of Stupidity Podcast and Ebony Jeanette PR. (Epitome of Stupidity Podcast, 2021)

After nearly eighteen months of pandemic imposed shutdowns, the return of local concerts has come roaring back to life. On Friday September 17, 2021 Dayton, Ohio’s sludge metal doom-bringers Close the Hatch will descend upon Columbus, Ohio for an unforgettable performance at Ruby Tuesday Live.

Presented by Epitome of Stupidity Podcast and Ebony Jeanette PR, the evening will feature Close the Hatch alongside special guests Insidiant (rock/metal) NovaGrave (doom), and Waste of White (alt-metal). Tickets are $8. Doors open at 6p.m.

“This show has been in the works for well over a year and through a pandemic. Happy to finally get it on the books and play some loudness with everyone! There’ll be something for basically everyone, doom, sludge, rock metal the whole nine yards! The virus still blows but come enjoy some good tunes with us!” – Clint Stockham of Epitome of Stupidity Podcast.

Twin Liquors’ September virtual events

Twin Liquors will host September virtual events for tequila and bourbon lovers. Photo: Twin Liquors, used with permission.

Join Twin Liquors for two virtual tasting events this month. On September 16, in honor of Bourbon Heritage Month, Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris, in partnership with Twin Liquors, will host a fun and informative evening, complete with a brief history on the brand and a virtual tasting and Q&A. Must be 21+. Twin Liquors will also have a Heritage Bourbon Sale throughout the month of September to include discounted prices on delicious Bourbon, like Four Roses, Maker’s Mark, Angel’s Envy, Woodford Reserve, Brother’s Bond, and dozens more. (Twin Liquors, 2021)

Additionally, on September 23, Twin Liquors invites guests to join Tequila Herradura’s Global Brand Ambassador, Ruben Aceves & NFL Hall of Famer, #22 Emmitt Smith for a virtual Tequila experience. Guests 21+ will experience conversations around Tequila Herradura, The Casa Herradura story and the founding of Tequila. Smith and Aceves will also walk viewers through a virtual tasting of the Tequila Herradura Silver, Reposado, Añejo, and Ultra Cristalino Añejo.

• September 16: Woodford Reserve with Master Distiller, Chris Morris at 6p.m.
• September 23: Herradura Tequila Virtual Experience with Ruben & Emmitt Smith at 6p.m.

• To register for the Woodford Reserve with Master Distiller, Chris Morris follow the link here.
• To register for the Virtual Experience with Ruben & Emmitt Smith follow the link here.

Born and raised in downtown Austin, Texas, Twin Liquors began as one small store and has developed into a successful “home-grown” Texas family-owned company. Twin Liquors now has a unique and well reputation throughout the United States for having impeccable team members, outstanding customer service, conveniently located stores, extensive selections of fine wines and premium spirits from around the world, and substantial community involvement. Twin Liquors currently operates 100+ neighborhood stores from Austin to San Antonio, the Hill Country to Houston, and the DFW area with their Sigel’s branded stores.

Project Pollo celebrates first anniversary

Project Pollo will celebrate one year at Roadmap Brewing Co. with free Chikn Sandwiches, pints, games, giveaways, and more. Photo: Project Pollo, used with permission.

Project Pollo is celebrating their first anniversary at Roadmap Brewing Co. This is the original site where Project Pollo first started as a wildly popular plant-based food truck slinging delicious chikn’ based delights before spreading its wings and expanding with brick and mortars across the state. The fun happens Saturday, September 18 from 12p.m. to 3p.m. where patrons can enjoy FREE Chikn’ sandwiches made with house breaded crispy Chikn’ strips topped with house-made aioli and dill pickles. Since all roads lead to beer at Roadmap Brewing Co, the pet-friendly craft brewery will be offering $1 off pints of brew to wash down your meal while you enjoy tunes by DJ Danny, outdoor games like Flickin’ Chicken and awesome door prizes. (Project Pollo, 2021)

There will be plenty of specials at all locations statewide. September 18 is also National Cheeseburger Day, and all locations will be offering an anniversary special of two plant-based Double Cheez Burgers served on a brioche bun with birdy sauce, double Impossible meat patties, dill pickle, cheddar cheez, and a grilled onion for $9.18. From birdy to burger, there is something for everyone.

Based in San Antonio, Project Pollo has been named as one of the top 15 vegan fast-food chains in the US by VegNews. It is the brainchild of entrepreneur, Lucas Bradbury, who recently made the list of 28 Young Restaurant Leaders to Watch by QSR Magazine for the first-of-its-kind concept. For the past year, this plant-based fast-food chicken concept has been ruffling industry feathers with its unprecedented growth of 12 locations in just over 12 months. The rebellious recipe for success lies in challenging industry norms with a combination of plant-based affordability, convenience, sustainability, and deliciousness that attracts the adamant vegan and makes converts out of curious carnivores. More than just a restaurant, Project Pollo is a company that gives a cluck. With a motto of people over profits, the stores have given away more than 9,000 vegan sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs and saved as many as 239,782 chickens.

First Anniversary Celebration
Roadmap Brewing Co.
723 North Alamo Street
San Antonio, TX, 78215

First Anniversary Special available at all Project Pollo locations across the great state of Texas during store hours. 

Established in 2020 by vegan entrepreneur Lucas Bradbury, Project Pollo gives a cluck about the planet and the people who inhabit it. The first of its kind plant-based fast-food chicken concept, Project Pollo is built on bold flavors and bolder principles, including fair wages, sustainability, and people over profit. The scratch-made menu offers delicious vegan chicken sandwiches, wraps, and strips, as well as plenty of mouthwatering sides, including crispy Papas, smothered in cashew queso, and Mac N Cheese. Project Pollo is committed to changing the face of the fast-food industry by offering affordable, delicious, convenient access to quality, plant-based options that everyone from the veteran vegan to the curious carnivore will enjoy. With locations across Texas (some drive-thru), Project Pollo hopes to spread its wings to 100 stores by 2024.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Tickets for Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ go on sale today

Cody Garcia as Willy Wonka and company. Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.’ Photo by Jeremy Daniel, used with permission.

North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio is thrilled to announce that tickets to Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ will go on sale today, Friday, September 10, at 10a.m. Tickets start at $45.00 and will be available through all Ticketmaster outlets including the Majestic Box Office, through the Majestic Theatre and Broadway in San Antonio or by calling (866) 870.2717. Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ will play at Majestic Theatre, December 7 through December 12, 2021. Performance times are Tuesday – Thursday 7:30p.m., Friday and Saturday 8p.m. and Sunday 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. Majestic Box Office hours are noon to 5p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10a.m. to 5p.m., Friday. Saturday hours vary weekly, call (210) 226.3333 to verify. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling (210) 226-5967. (Broadway in San Antonio, 2021)

Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ tells the story of Willy Wonka, world famous inventor of the Everlasting Gobstopper, who has just made an astonishing announcement. His marvelous— and mysterious—factory is opening its gates…to a lucky few. That includes young Charlie Bucket, whose life definitely needs sweetening. He and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a mesmerizing, life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination. Get ready for Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, the great glass elevator, and more, more, more at this everlasting showstopper.

Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ features direction by Matt Lenz, based on the national tour’s original direction by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien. Original music by Grammy®, Emmy,® and Tony Award® winner Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Grammy® and Tony Award® winners Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, a book by Artistic Director of Edinburgh’s Royal Lyceum Theatre David Greig, based on original choreography by Tony Award® nominee and Emmy Award® winner Joshua Bergasse, and includes additional songs by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley from the 1971 Warner Bros. motion picture. It stars native San Antonian Cody Garcia as Willy Wonka.

Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ features original scenic and costume design by five-time Tony Award® nominee Mark Thompson, which has been recreated by Christine Peters; lighting design by four-time Tony Award® nominee Japhy Weideman, sound design by Andrew Keister, projection design by Jeff Sugg, puppet and illusion design by Obie and Drama Desk Award winner Basil Twist, orchestrations by three-time Tony Award® winner Doug Besterman and music supervision by Nicholas Skilbeck. The hit Broadway musical features songs from the original film, including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man,” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” alongside a toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score from the songwriters from Hairspray. Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ is produced by NETworks Presentations.

The San Antonio engagement of Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ is presented by arrangement with North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio and is a subscription offering of the 2021-2022 Series. Ticket buyers are reminded that Ticketmaster and the Majestic Box Office are the only official retail ticket outlets for all performances at the Majestic Theatre. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that the Majestic Theatre is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.

‘Celebration’ gala supporting San Antonio’s artistic institutions goes virtual

Proceeds from the September 19 gala will benefit the San Antonio Museum of Art, Ballet San Antonio, The Public Theater of San Antonio, San Antonio Chamber Choir, and YOSA. Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art, used with permission.

This September, the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA), Ballet San Antonio, The Public Theater of San Antonio, San Antonio Chamber Choir, and Youth Orchestras of San Antonio (YOSA) will join forces to produce “Celebration,” a collaborative arts showcase and fundraising spectacular. Due to the rising number of COVID cases, the art organizations made the difficult decision to move Celebration to a digital format. Celebration will be broadcast on September 19, 2021 at 10a.m. on News 4 WOAI and at 7:30a.m. on Fox 29 KABB. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2021)

“We are thrilled to come together with these extraordinary performing arts nonprofits to empower the arts in our community. We have much to celebrate after this past year. We hope people will join us in supporting the arts in San Antonio.” – Dr. Emily Sano, Co-Interim Director, Coates-Cowden-Brown Senior Advisor for Asian Art

The “Celebration” gala is chaired by Kristin and Dick Tips. Funds raised during the gala will support the missions of the San Antonio Museum of Art, Ballet San Antonio, The Public Theater of San Antonio, San Antonio Chamber Choir and YOSA.

The San Antonio Museum of Art serves as a forum to explore and connect with art that spans the world’s geographies, artistic periods, genres, and cultures. Its collection contains nearly 30,000 works representing 5,000 years of history. Housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of San Antonio’s River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art is committed to promoting the rich cultural heritage and life of the city. The Museum hosts hundreds of events and public programs each year, including concerts, performances, tours, lectures, symposia, and interactive experiences. As an active civic leader, the Museum is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the city and the region, and to supporting its creative community.

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Celebration gala

MerleFest taking place September 16 in Wilkesboro, North Carolina

MerleFest is only a week away and the festival organizers want to remind festivalgoers of a few important details. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

MerleFest, presented by Window World—Wilkesboro, North Carolina’s annual homecoming of musicians and music fans—is only one week away. As the festival nears, organizers want to remind festivalgoers of a few important details. Festival gates will open at 1:30p.m. local time on Thursday and 9:30a.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. (MerleFest, 2021)

All attendees and participants will be required to show one of the following two options along with festival admission passes to enter the festival:

1. Proof of full vaccination. You can present your vaccination card, a paper photocopy, or cell phone photo of your card as proof of your vaccination when you arrive at the festival. Photos/photocopies must show the full card and be legible.

-OR-

2. If you have not been vaccinated or do not have a vaccination card, you must show a printed or digital copy of a negative COVID-19 test performed on you within 72 hours of the time of entry.

Once you have shown a copy of your vaccination card or a copy of your negative COVID-19 test result, you will be issued a “Well wristband” identifying that you have met the safety criteria for entry into the festival. Please do not remove this wristband until the festival is over as this will be good for the entire time you are at the festival. If you lose or remove your well wristband then you will have to go through the process outlined again to receive another well wristband.

The festival strongly recommends that those needing a COVID-19 test get the test before arriving at the festival. Advance planning will save time and avoid waiting in lines. Additional information on all festival protocols can be found by visiting MerleFest. 

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Milk Carton Kids and We Banjo 3 will no longer be performing at MerleFest and will be replaced in the lineup by Shawn Colvin and Gangstagrass, respectively. Shawn Colvin, along with David Childers, will replace Milk Carton Kids as judges in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest.

Additionally, Andy May’s annual MerleFest Acoustic Kids Showcase will no longer be held for the health and safety of its young participants. Andy and Lauren May released a statement that reads, “We are very sorry to have to let you know that we have decided we must cancel all Acoustic Kids Showcases scheduled for fall, 2021. This was not an easy decision. However, in light of the uncertainty surrounding the current COVID outbreak; out of concern for everyone’s health and well-being (including our own); and following our doctor’s emphatic advice, we see no viable alternative.” Although very disappointed, they look forward to next year’s festival with the hope that things will be back to normal.

Don’t forget to download the MerleFest app to help plan your festival experience. The MerleFest app can point you towards a variety of on-site activities for all ages. In between musical sets, the Shoppes at MerleFest is a centrally located shopping village of commercial vendors, official MerleFest memorabilia, and services such as first aid, lost and found, and internet access. Tickets for this year’s festival are available online

MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel, and blues, and expanded to include Americana, classic rock, and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 13 stages during the course of the multi-day event. MerleFest is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs.

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MerleFest 2021

Dallas Cowboys viewing party at Hills & Dales Ice House on September 9

Glazer’s Beer and Beverage of Texas and Miller Lite TM will participate in a live broadcast of the BLITZ and viewing party for the first Dallas Cowboys game of the season. Photo: google

On Thursday, September 9, Glazer’s Beer and Beverage of Texas and Miller LiteTM will participate in a live broadcast of the BLITZ and viewing party for the first Dallas Cowboys game of the season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hills & Dales Ice House. Glazer’s Beer & Beverage is a proud distribution partner for Miller Lite, the only beer of the Dallas Cowboys. In addition to enjoying the game and a round of beers, Cowboys fans can partake in hourly drawings from 4p.m. to 7p.m. for a chance to win prizes including tickets to a future Cowboys game, a Miller Lite Cowboys OtterBox Cooler, a Drew Pearson Hall of Fame Standee and more. In addition, fans can enjoy photo opportunities with former Dallas Cowboys star Charles Hailey’s five Super Bowl trophies that will be on display. (Glazer’s Beer & Beverage, 2021)

Hills & Dales Ice House
15403 White Fawn Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78255

Glazer’s Beer & Beverage, LLC (GBB) is one of the nation’s most distinguished beverage distributors, serving over 10,000 retail accounts across Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. Since 1933, Glazer’s has been involved in the beer distribution business, eventually forming Glazer’s Beer & Beverage, LLC, which remains a family-owned and operated business. GBB is committed to building brands, outstanding customer service, delivering strong performance and an inspiring culture. GBB represents over 60 brewing partners and numerous nonalcoholic brands and energy drinks, selling over 30 million cases annually.

First impression: Sasi’s Thai Restaurant

Sasi’s Thai Restaurant serves authentic Thai food. Photo: google

It is hard to find any type of Thai restaurant in the Brownsville area, much less one that serves authentic Thai cuisine, so when I found out about Sasi’s Thai Restaurant, I was curious. Friday night we headed out on another culinary adventure and decided to give it a shot. It beats driving out of the area just to be disappointed because yes, we have had authentic Thai food and we are kind of spoiled that way. Sasi’s Thai cuisine brings the authentic Thai dishes to the Brownsville area with delicious blends of vegetables, noodles, and spices. Add in the best bubble tea in Brownsville. (Sasi’s Thai Restaurant, 2021)

Being that the restaurant is along the frontage road, it was not hard to find. It was early in the day so we practically had the place to ourselves. The dining area is big so there are plenty of seating options and our server was prompt in bringing us menus. She took our drink orders first because we needed a few minutes to look over the menu.

We must have been hungry because we ordered so much food and we ended up taking some of it home. Everything we ordered was fresh and so flavorful, it reminded me of why I love Thai food so much. You cannot find these types of flavors just anywhere. For anyone not familiar with Thai food, I have included descriptions of what we ordered.
Fried spring rolls – cabbage, carrots, and clear noodles wrapped in a spring roll skin, deep fried and served with Sasi’s very own sweet and sour sauce.
Fresh spring rolls – fresh vegetables and noodles wrapped in soft rice paper, served with Sasi’s peanut sauce.
Noodle soup – rice noodles with bean sprouts, carrots, onions, scallions, and cilantro (with tofu).
Panang Curry – lightly sweetened panang paste with coconut milk, bell peppers, baby corn, bamboo shoot, mushrooms, carrots, and onions. Served with a side of rice (with tofu).
Fried rice – stir fried rice with egg, onions, and carrots (with shrimp and beef).

If you happen to visit and are unsure of what to order, they do have a picture menu, which makes it so much easier. On some dishes, it is recommended that you specify the spice level (mild, medium, hot, Thai hot). Sasi’s Thai Restaurant is a small, family owned business so their hours of operation may vary daily. While we were there, we noticed that their curbside service is popular with guests. Lee, one of the owners, took the time to talk to us, patiently answered our questions and confirmed that most people opt for the curbside service. It certainly is worth considering. So next time you are in the mood for something different, give your taste buds a treat and remember, shop small, shop local. Support your neighborhood small business; they will thank you for it. 

$ – $$

Sasi’s Thai Restaurant
937 N. Expressway Suite 2
Brownsville, TX 78526
(956) 435-9073

Business hours:
Sunday – closed
Monday through Friday 11a.m. to 8p.m

Rating: 4 out of 5.

‘Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ opens next Friday at the Camille Playhouse

‘Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ opens September 10, 2021. Photo: google

Opening next Friday September 10 at the Camille Playhouse is ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.’ The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is a musical with a book by Texas author Larry L. King and Peter Masterson and music and lyrics by Carol Hall. It is based on a story by King that was inspired by the real-life Chicken Ranch in La Grange, Texas. It will run until Sunday September 19 with showtimes Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online for $25. All seats are general admission. The performance will run approximately 90 minutes without intermission and no concessions will be sold. (Camille Playhouse, 2021)

‘Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ – Based on a story by Texas local legend Larry L. King and inspired by the real-life Chicken Ranch in La Grange, Texas, this happy go lucky view of small town vice and statewide political side-stepping recounts the good times and the demise of one of the better pleasure palaces in all of Texas. Governors, senators, mayors, and even victorious college football teams frequent Miss Mona’s cozy bordello until that puritan nemesis Watchdog focuses his television cameras and his righteous indignation on the institution.

Cast includes:
Mona Stangley – Velma De Los Santos
Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd – Brian Warren
Angel – Tirzah Claus
Shy – Isabella Barrios
Melvin P. Thorpe – Francisco Partida
Jewel – Leslie Willard
Governor – David Salinas
Doatsey Mae – Sylvia Lester
Ginger – Melanie Claire

Please be advised that performers will NOT be wearing masks therefore all seating will begin on the fifth row back from the stage for everyone’s safety. Camille Playhouse will be following CDC recommendations and temperatures will be taken so please arrive early. Visitors must wear masks at all times. 

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Opening night of ‘Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’

San Antonio Food Bank needs volunteers for Hurricane Ida food relief effort

Volunteers needed this weekend at the San Antonio Food Bank. Photo: google

The San Antonio Food Bank received an urgent request on Thursday to send six truckloads of food to counties in Louisiana impacted by Hurricane Ida. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are needed on Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday to help prepare the relief effort. Volunteer work will take place at the Food Bank’s main facility just west of downtown. COVID safety protocols are in place (masking, social distancing). Those interested in volunteering can visit San Antonio Food Bank to sign up or get more information. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2021)

Eric Cooper, President & CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank commented on the urgent need for volunteers: “Our community is in its finest hour when it serves. I have no doubt that our love and compassion will shine in this call to action over Labor Day Weekend. Let’s make it a labor of love for our neighbors in Louisiana.”

The San Antonio Food Bank’s mission is to fight hunger in Southwest Texas through food distribution, programs, education, and advocacy.