Category: Entertainment News

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

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.

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.

The Strange Comfort of Christmas Horror Movies

The new Silent Night, Deadly Night will be released in theaters on December 12. Photo: IMDb

The Appeal of Horror–Christmas Mashups

When it comes to movies, horror–Christmas mashups have a special appeal because they blend two wildly contrasting moods: festive warmth and unsettling fear. The holidays are usually associated with joy, nostalgia, and togetherness, so adding a dark twist makes the familiar feel fresh and unpredictable.

This contrast heightens tension while keeping the tone playful, inviting viewers to enjoy scares without taking them too seriously. The genre also taps into the chaos and stress that can lurk beneath holiday cheer, offering a cathartic release. Ultimately, these mashups work because they’re fun, surprising, and delightfully subversive, turning tradition on its head in the most entertaining way.

Latest Release in the Genre: Silent Night, Deadly Night (2025)

Silent Night, Deadly Night is a 2025 slasher film written and directed by Mike P. Nelson. It is the second remake of the 1984 film of the same name, following Silent Night (2012), and marks the seventh installment in the Silent Night, Deadly Night series. (IMDb, 2025)

The film stars Rohan Campbell as Billy Chapman, alongside Ruby Modine, David Lawrence Brown, David Tomlinson, and Mark Acheson.

The movie premiered at Fantastic Fest on September 21, 2025, and is scheduled for U.S. release by Cineverse on December 12, 2025.

Plot Summary

When Billy witnesses his parents’ grisly murder at the hands of Santa, it ignites a lifelong mission to spread holiday fear. Every Christmas, he dons the red suit and embarks on a blood-soaked massacre to feed his twisted sense of justice.

Film Details

  • Release Date: December 12, 2025
  • Director: Mike P. Nelson
  • Running Time: 1h 36m
  • Genre: Horror
Photo: IMDb

Celebrate the Season Western-Style at the Briscoe’s Cowboy Christmas

Free family fun includes Cowboy Santa. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Saddle Up for Holiday Fun: Cowboy Christmas at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

San Antonio, TX – The Briscoe Western Art Museum is kicking off the season with its annual Cowboy Christmas, happening Sunday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families can enjoy hands-on crafts, Western-themed activities, and festive fun along the River Walk. And of course, Cowboy Santa will be greeting young cowboys, cowgirls, vaqueros and vaqueras from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.—ready for free photos and holiday wishes. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)

Guests are encouraged to register online in advance to help the museum prepare for crafts, supplies, and Santa visits. Full details on museum hours, parking, and admission are available online.

Free Admission on Locals Day

This year’s Cowboy Christmas lands on the Briscoe’s monthly Locals Day, meaning all Bexar County and San Antonio residents receive free general admission.
Children 12 and under and active duty military members always get in free, making the Briscoe a budget-friendly holiday outing for families. Visitors from outside the area can enjoy Cowboy Christmas at no additional cost beyond regular museum admission.

Free Admission for Furloughed Federal Employees

Extended through December 7

Through Sunday, Dec. 7, furloughed federal employees impacted by the shutdown can enjoy free general admission for themselves and one guest. Just present a valid federal government photo ID at the door. This complimentary admission includes full access to Cowboy Christmas and all current exhibitions. The museum’s goal is to offer federal employees and their families a place to relax and reconnect this holiday season.

Museums for All: Making Art Accessible

Through the Museums for All program, anyone receiving SNAP or WIC benefits receives free admission with a valid program/EBT card. The Briscoe participates in Museums for All to ensure that cost is never a barrier to enjoying art, culture, and Western heritage.

Step Into History: Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps

Cowboy Christmas attendees can also explore the Briscoe’s landmark exhibition, “Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps.”
This incredible collection traces how Texas has been imagined, mapped, and claimed for more than 500 years. Highlights include:

  • Rare maps from the famed Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection at the Museum of the Big Bend (Sul Ross State University, Alpine, TX)
  • Artworks and artifacts from the Briscoe’s own collection
  • Private loans that bring Texas history vividly to life

From early views of the Gulf Coast to Republic-era maps and modern highway charts, the exhibition offers something for history lovers of every age.

Special Event: Cartography Conversation – December 14

On Sunday, December 14, join Eliane and Jon Dotson of Old World Auctions for an engaging program inspired by Going to Texas. They’ll explore the stories behind centuries of maps, collectors, and the evolution of Texas on paper. The program is free with registration.

Holiday Crafts, Cowboy Santa & Western Gift Shopping

During Cowboy Christmas, families can enjoy festive drop-in holiday crafts inspired by Western traditions, creating keepsakes to take home. A Cowboy Christmas scavenger hunt will lead visitors through the museum and sculpture garden, inspiring exploration and new discoveries.

Everyone who completes the scavenger hunt receives a 10% discount at the Hendler Family Museum Store, where shoppers can find:

  • Western holiday décor
  • Jewelry
  • Books
  • Toys
  • Unique gifts you won’t see in regular retailers

More Ways to Visit the Briscoe for Free

The Briscoe offers several year-round programs that make visits affordable and accessible:

  • Locals Day: First Sunday of each month—free general admission for Bexar County and San Antonio residents.
  • Museums for All: Free admission with SNAP, WIC (and MAP where applicable) and an EBT card.
  • Bank of America Museums on Us: Free admission the first full weekend of each month for cardholders (Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, U.S. Trust).
  • Military & Kids: Children 12 and under are always free. Active duty members always free; families get half-price admission when visiting together. Retired and former service members receive discounted admission year-round.

Together, these programs make the Briscoe a perfect place for families looking to add a touch of Western adventure to their holiday season.

Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Briscoe Western Art Museum
210 W. Market St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

Begging Dog: Jeff Kleinman’s Gritty Tribute to Everyday Life

Begging Dog shares new single Common Place from forthcoming album. Photo: Photo By Kat Nijmeddin, used with permission.

Begging Dog: Jeff Kleinman’s Raw, Everyday Poetry Finds Its Voice

Begging Dog is the indie-punk project of Los Angeles–based artist and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Kleinman. Known for his work with Choir Boy, Kleinman created Begging Dog as an outlet for songs that embrace the mundane with a raw, homespun sound. The project leans into garage-punk grit and plain-language lyricism, capturing the poetry of everyday life. (another side, 2025)

A Demo That Sparked a Buzz

Kleinman’s debut, DEMO 1, spread quickly through underground circles. Word reached Dais Records, who soon signed Kleinman and announced a wider vinyl release of the original album.

Clocking in at just 26 minutes, DEMO 1 is packed with rolling bass and synth lines, charismatic riffs, and motorik drum beats. Sonically lean but emotionally weighty, the project showcases Kleinman’s distinctive storytelling and ear for melody.

Characters, Scenes, and Lived-In Observations

Lyrically, DEMO 1 drifts through a series of lived-in characters and scenes:

  • a pushy union rep
  • a mailman with a steady federal job
  • a compulsive gambler
  • a beloved neighborhood homeless man

Ex-lovers flicker in and out of several tracks, collaged into sharp, witty free verse. Kleinman cites Bruce Springsteen as an influence, not in genre, but in philosophy. He writes in “plain ink,” opting for direct simplicity over flowery prose.

Loneliness in Plain Sight

Much of DEMO 1 taps into a shared loneliness, universal and uniquely tied to life in Los Angeles. The title track anchors that feeling as Kleinman sings, “no one loves a begging dog.” Borrowed from a friend, the line encapsulates the project’s core: the world can make you feel like a begging dog searching for affection and security, yet there’s beauty in solitude, routine, and the quiet hum of everyday life.

From Solo Recordings to a Seven-Piece Band

Kleinman recorded DEMO 1 almost entirely on his own. But live, Begging Dog expands into a dynamic seven-piece band, giving the songs a new sense of scale and energy.

“No matter how good or not good you have it, you’re kind of like looking for something more,” Kleinman says. He stops short of assigning grand meaning to the work, maintaining a sense of humility that permeates the project. DEMO 1 thrives on this balance of candor, grit, and hook-driven songwriting.

Release Details

DEMO 1 was mixed and mastered by Matt Whitehurst. It’s currently streaming on all major platforms and will be released on vinyl via Dais Records on December 12. It is available for pre-order.

Kleinman’s latest single, “Common Place,” reflects on his five years living in Salt Lake City, another snapshot of everyday life reframed through Begging Dog’s honest, unvarnished lens.

DEMO 1 Tracklist:
01 – Begging Dog
02 – Cave In On Me
03 – Money Tree
04 – The Eel
05 – Laughing Boy
06 – Clamshell Tune
07 – Continuing Education
08 – Tell Me That You Love Me
09 – Common Place
10 – Here For A Good Time

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Demo 1 release date

Your Guide to December’s Backyard Stage Lineup at Otto’s

This December, enjoy live performances with crisp drinks and good eats in the heart of a true Texan ice house. Photo: Otto’s Ice House

Live Music All Month at Otto’s Ice House on the San Antonio River

Otto’s Ice House, your relaxed, riverside watering hole at the Pearl, is rolling out a fresh lineup of artists for December, and the vibes couldn’t be better. All shows are free, all-ages, and held on the backyard stage beneath the shady trees along the San Antonio River. (Otto’s Ice House, 2025)

Throughout the month, guests can enjoy soulful rock, authentic Americana, and talented folk troubadours who bring a genuine Texas energy to every song. Each artist carries a distinctly local spirit that pairs perfectly with the easygoing charm of this iconic ice house.

While you soak in the music, grab an ice-cold drink and savor Otto’s favorites like the Cantina Queso, Hill Country Deluxe Smashburger, Otto’s Last Shot, and more. It’s a welcoming spot to “come as you are,” trade tallboys, and enjoy community, all in one of San Antonio’s most scenic settings.

🎵 December Live Music Schedule

Nyles Robakiewicz

Thursdays — December 4, 11 & 18
Show begins at 6 p.m.

Paul Eldridge

Friday — December 5
Saturday — December 13
Show begins at 6 p.m.

Steven Marcus

Sunday — December 7
Show begins at 2 p.m.

Friday — December 19
Saturday — December 20
Shows begin at 6 p.m.

JJ Villarreal

Friday — December 12
Show begins at 6 p.m.

Sundays — December 21 & 28
Shows begin at 2 p.m.

Eros Garcia

Sunday — December 14
Show begins at 6 p.m.

📍 Otto’s Ice House
111 Newell Ave
San Antonio, TX 78212