Gospell is now playing at the Harlingen Community Theatre.
This year the Harlingen Community Theatre is celebrating its 50th Season and its current production is Godspell. Godspell, the beloved musical with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by John-Michael Tebelak, has charmed audiences since its debut in 1971 with its joyful energy, imaginative staging, and heartfelt message. Drawing inspiration from the Gospel of Matthew, the show reimagines biblical parables with a modern twist, blending pop-rock music, imaginative characters, and a vibrant, communal spirit. Its universal message of love, compassion, and forgiveness—values that transcend religion and remain deeply relevant today.
Locally, it opened on Thursday April 10 and features a talented cast that brings this classic musical to life. Over the years, Godspell has retained its appeal through its adaptability and emotional sincerity. Each production is encouraged to reflect the times, making it ever-fresh for new generations and this one is no exception. There are a couple of added scenes and dialogue to add relevance to modern times and the cast is encouraged to bring their own flavor to the scenes.
Stephen Rodriguez is a natural in the role of Jesus and David Laughlin’s portrayal of Judas is haunting and poignant. The show’s upbeat songs like ‘Day by Day’ and ‘Prepare Ye’ resonate across eras, reminding audiences of the enduring power of kindness and connection in an often divided world. Highlights include when Jesus defends the woman accused of adultery by challenging those accusing her that if any one them is without sin, to cast the first stone. He does this by playing a card game with them in which they are each given a card that has the word ‘SIN’ on it. Another is in Act Two, the emotional ‘Beautiful City’ by Jesus, which turns the tide of the show and sets the stage for the heartbreaking finale. The catchy musical numbers, humor, and humanity makes it a must-see production.
In today’s society—marked by social unrest, isolation, and a longing for meaning—Godspell serves as both a celebration and a call to action. Its themes of community, inclusion, and moral courage strike a powerful chord. Whether experienced as a nostalgic favorite or a first-time discovery, Godspell continues to inspire reflection and hope, proving that its message is not just timely, but timeless.
There are still two chances to catch this unforgettable production: Saturday and Sunday at 2:30p.m. General admission tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children and are available online and in person an hour before showtime.
Cast: Jesus – Stephen Rodriguez John the Baptist/Judas – David Laughlin
Vendors and Customers: Xochitl Carmona, Alyssa Christiansen, David Dillon, Beth Ensign, Kathy Eunice, Justin Evans, Vicky Fultz, Amy Gonzalez, Ariel S. Gonzalez, Jorge Gonzalez, Stephanie Jackson, Trinity Minson, Carmen Montalvo, Ian Montalvo, Damian Moseley
Gospell stage.
Harlingen Community Theatre 1209 Fair Park Blvd Harlingen, TX
Written and directed by Joy Hopwood, It’s Our Time will be available starting April 15, 2025. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Romantic comedies, or rom-coms, hold a timeless charm that continue to captivate audiences. Blending humor with heart, they offer a lighthearted escape into worlds where love triumphs and laughter heals. Viewers are drawn to the chemistry between characters, the witty dialogue, and the hopeful endings that promise happiness despite obstacles. Rom-coms often mirror real-life relationships, making them relatable while still idealized enough to be comforting. Their universal themes of connection, vulnerability, and second chances resonate across cultures. In an often chaotic world, romantic comedies provide a feel-good refuge—a reminder that love, with a little humor, can be beautifully uncomplicated.
For fans of romantic comedies, here’s a new one that will be available on digital and on demand starting April 15, 2025: It’s Our Time.
It’s Our Time: Filmmaker Emilia Kong is about to be evicted and her screenplay might just be her ticket to success. But when her ruthless script funding officer falls for her best friend, Emilia’s plan spirals into a hilarious mess of misunderstandings, friendship, and love. It will be available on digital and on demand on April 15, 2025. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)
Written & directed by Joy Hopwood Starring Peter Thurnwald (XO, Kitty), Tiana Hogben, Bianca Bradey
It’s Our Time movie still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Magik Theatre presents ¡Lotería: Game On! and Tomás and the Library Lady. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.
(San Antonio, TX) – Spring is in the air in San Antonio and at Magik Theatre, where children and their families are invited to celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage with two bilingual productions for Spanish and English language learners and speakers of all levels. (Magik Theatre, 2025)
Magik’s mainstage play ¡Lotería: Game On! closes out the beloved children’s theatre’s milestone 30th season from May 3 to June 1, 2025. Additionally, Magik is pleased to present Tomás and the Library Lady as its Spring 2025 touring production for regional schools, community organizations, and special events. Both plays move seamlessly between English and Spanish dialogue and feature traditions or historic figures dear to San Antonio’s Hispanic community, wrapped in Magik’s signature creative fun.
Launching on the last weekend of Fiesta, ¡Lotería: Game On! is a great way to party down with little ones, complete with an opening night celebration on May 3 in Hemisfair Park. Performances later in the season have plenty of fun in store, too, with Magik’s backstage experience add-on, allowing guests a glimpse behind the curtain during a cast meet-and-greet and guided tour as they savor a post-show paleta.
Written by Mabelle Reynoso for audiences ages 6+, ¡Lotería: Game On! brings the competitive fun of the classic Mexican card game to the stage in a whimsical, immersive experience. Blending fantasy, humor, and cultural traditions, the bilingual story follows Mexican-American siblings Sam and Kris as they work together to rescue their father from the mysterious realm of Lotería. When they brush off their dad’s attempts to spend quality time together, Sam and Kris have no idea he’s about to disappear through a pillow-fort portal to magical Lotería land. During their quest to bring their dad home, the pair encounter characters based on familiar Lotería cards like La Rana, El Gallo and La Mano, and must cooperate and think fast to outwit Lotería’s rules.
The set design by Lucian Hernandez draws viewers into Lotería’s mystery, while Yesi Tafur’s costumes reflect the cards’ iconic visual language. Lucero Garcia and Maryann Valerio play Sam and Kris respectively, while Gabriel Itzcoatl Luera takes on the role of Dad. They deftly navigate a script that intentionally weaves together both Spanish and English.
JOIN MAGIK ON THE ROAD WITH Tomás and the Library Lady
Tomás and the Library Ladyisbased on the inspiring true story of Crystal City-native Tomás Rivera as written by author and poet Pat Mora and adapted for the stage by José Cruz González. The bilingual play focuses on the special friendship between Tomás, the son of migrant farm workers, and the kind librarian who helps him unlock a love of reading. Together, they discover the transformative power of books, which eventually propels Tomás into a groundbreaking career in higher education. The real-life Tomás became the first Mexican-American chancellor of a University of California campus, and many of his family members are still in the South Texas area. His daughter, Ileana Rivera Liberatore, even taught Magik’s managing director Mel Zarb-Cousin in high school.
It’s no surprise, then, that Tomás and the Library Lady is already popular around town: the San Antonio Public Library and the NCAA’s literacy initiative Read to the Final FourⓇ have both booked several performances of the play, which is available to visit campuses and community centers from April 7 through July 20th then again in the fall, September 8 through October 12th in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each production offers TEKS-based digital resource guides and an after-show Q&A session between audience and cast, with optional workshops led by Magik Theatre Teaching Artists. More information about Magik on the Road is available online.
Both productions’ creative, heartwarming approaches to our region’s unique culture make them ideal for celebrating the end of the semester, San Antonio’s most vibrant season, and the promise of summer fun. Help Magik send off its legendary 30th season in style!
“These joyful, high-energy shows celebrate the power of storytelling, the resilience of family, and the traditions that shape our lives. Each play reminds us that family is not just about where we come from, but the stories and traditions that keep us connected.”— Anthony Runfola, Magik Theatre Artistic Director
SPECIAL EVENTS & ADD-ON EXPERIENCES
¡Lotería: Game On! Sneak Peek | Saturday, April 12, 10:30a.m.
Curious about the making of the play? Be the first to witness the behind-the-scenes magic of ¡Lotería: Game On! at the Sneak Peek where attendees can glimpse into the world of theatrical production and interact with Magik’s talented cast and crew during an intimate Q&A session. Light refreshments will be provided, making it the perfect morning outing for families, friends, and theater enthusiasts alike. The event is FREE and open to the public. Reservations can be made HERE.
Magik Story Time at Yanaguana Garden | Tuesday, April 29, 10a.m.
Magik Theatre joins Hemisfair’s weekly Story Time series with a reading of “Lotería” by Karla Arenas Velenti. Little ones can head to Yanaguana Garden on Tuesday, April 29 where Magikal friends bring everyone’s favorite Mexican card game to life from the page before it officially hits the stage.
Opening Night Party in the Park – Saturday, May 3, 1:30p.m., show at 3p.m.
Attend a puro San Antonio pachanga to kick off ¡Lotería: Game On!. In partnership with Hemisfair, the Fiesta fun continues in Hemisfair Park with street fair snacks, jugos and a Hemisfair-inspired special edition Lotería game and coloring craft. DJ Mayhem will spin live Latin beats to motivate little movers in a boogie book battle dance off to see who has the right stuff to win a copy of “Lotería” by Karla Arenas Valenti. The pre-show party is free and open to the public.
Backstage Experience Add-On (Available after every performance excluding other special events)
Enhance your visit to Magik Theatre with our Backstage Experience for only $20 per person. This exclusive add-on includes an onstage meet and greet with the cast, where you can snap photos and share special moments with your favorite characters. Plus, enjoy a 15-minute guided tour of the set, props, and rehearsal space led by a Magik Theatre performer offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the magik of theatre. And, enjoy a tasty paleta as San Antonio gets back to its warm temps.
Please note: We are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchair needs for this experience. All patrons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Magik Theatre Birthday Parties (NOW available after main stage performances)
And now, families can make their little one’s special day truly magikal with a hassle-free Magik Theatre birthday party right after one of the main stage shows. Magik Theatre birthday party packages include complimentary child tickets, discounted additional tickets, a private party space, and festive decorations. Kids will enjoy a show themed craft, digital invitations, and a birthday backdrop with props. Plus, the birthday child gets an exclusive backstage experience and a Magik Theatre gift. Up to ten additional party guests can join the backstage experience for an additional charge. Best of all, Magik handles setup and cleanup so parents can focus on making memories.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
Educator Appreciation Day – Saturday, May 10 at 2p.m. – Educators and school faculty are eligible for one free ticket to this performance with proof of I.D. Additional tickets are available to purchase for these performances at a discount of 20% off the regular ticket prices.
Sensory Friendly Performance – Saturday, May 17, at 10a.m. – Audience members on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities can take in a special performance of ¡Lotería: Game On! designed just for them. Kids and adults are free to be themselves in this relaxed, judgment-free theatre experience that is a perfect introduction to attending a performance.
ASL Interpreted Performance – Saturday, May 17, at 2p.m. – Patrons who communicate with ASL can attend this performance featuring Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary American Sign Language interpreter.
Pay What You Wish Performance – Sunday, May 18, at 3p.m. – As part of Magik Theatre’s mission to make theatre accessible to everyone, the organization holds one donation-based performance. Tickets are only available at the door on February 8.
Military and First Responders Appreciation Day – Saturday, May 31 at 2p.m. – Service members with a valid military ID can purchase discounted $18 tickets to this performance.
TICKET OPTIONS
Magik Theatre offers multiple ways for patrons to experience the best children’s theatre in San Antonio. Magik is a cherished arts institution that has been providing families with professional, accessible, literature-based theatre and education since 1994. Located in Hemisfair Park, families can catch the show, enjoy a day of play exploring Yanaguana Garden, grab a meal at one of the many restaurants on site and make Magikal memories. Flex Passes and single ticket sales are available now.
MAGIK THEATRE
A professional theatre for young audiences established in 1994, Magik Theatre’s mission is to create theatrical experiences that ignite imagination, spark curiosity, inspire empathy, and foster a lifetime love of learning in young people.
Downward’s new album Downward (LP2) is available now. Photo: Downward/Audiotree
The Oklahoma-based alternative rock band Downward recently unveiled a surprise LP, Downward (LP2). It’s available to stream and can be purchased through New Morality Zine.(Big Picture Media, 2025)
Formed in 2015 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Downward began as a collaborative project among friends aiming to blend their diverse musical tastes. The band is made up of Drew Richardson on Guitar/Vocals, Tollie Pugh on Drums, Hunter Senft on Guitar, and Severin Olsen on Bass.
Downward’s first self-titled debut LP came out in 2018, laying the foundation for their evolving sound—balancing ethereal melodies with crushing heaviness. They followed up in May 2020 with 2 Songs, a two-track 7″ that further explored the interplay between light and heavy sonic textures. Their 2022 EP, The Brass Tax, marked a significant step forward. Incorporating bold sonic experimentation, the EP saw the band incorporating near pop-like sensibilities while maintaining their signature weight and atmosphere. In 2023, Downward teamed up with Texas-based band Trauma Ray for the release of Split, further expanding their sound while moving beyond their slowcore influences.
In their sophomore self-titled album, Downward (LP2), the band has fully stepped beyond the confines of any singular scene, delivering a rock record that feels undeniably modern. Having refined their signature balance of airy melancholy and crushing weight, LP2 sees Downward embracing a newfound sense of expansiveness. While the influence of post-hardcore and alternative remains, this album is a bold statement of evolution—one that showcases a band no longer bound by expectations. It carries a sonic clarity that enhances its depth, making each moment resonate with intention.
Standouts on the album include the self-reflecting track “Perfect Food,” which blends abstract imagery with emotional vulnerability. The song speaks to a complex relationship where connection and distance intertwine, exploring the push and pull of desire and resistance.
“‘Perfect Food’ is one of the last couple of songs we wrote for the album, and in the grand scheme of the record, it might be the most ‘business as usual’ song for us. In the back of my head I knew we needed a song like this in the tracklist somewhere. We played through it a couple of times, and I just got hit with this “Oh yeah, I’m definitely in the right band” feeling. It really changed my mood and gave me a bit of confidence when we went in to record.”- Drew Richardson, Downward guitarist and vocalist
Kendal Osborne and the band recorded the new album, and they tapped into collaborators including Dave Collis and Sean Hallock from Slow Mass (IL). LP2 was mixed and mastered by Corey Coffman from Gleemer (CO). It carries a sonic clarity that enhances its depth, making each moment resonate with intention, boasting a total of ten tracks.
Downward (LP2) tracklist:
Request Made
Wind Up
Absolute Value
Line
Darkscreen
Ibex
Out of Luck
Perfect Food
The Waltz
Rival
Downward’s dedication to their craft has cultivated a devoted following, with multiple vinyl pressings selling out and thousands of listeners engaging with their music online. Their commitment to authenticity and quality continues to set them apart, solidifying their place as one of the most compelling forces in modern alternative music.
The gripping crime thriller The Interrogation of Anna Goode is coming to digital and on demand on April 8, 2025. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Crime thrillers captivate audiences with their intense narratives, suspenseful twists, and morally complex characters. These films often explore the darker sides of human nature, weaving intricate plots filled with deception, mystery, and high-stakes action. Viewers are drawn to the adrenaline rush of solving crimes alongside detectives or navigating the minds of criminals. The unpredictability and psychological depth keep audiences on edge, making each moment gripping. From classic noir to modern psychological thrillers, crime films provide an escape into a world of danger and intrigue, where justice is uncertain and the line between good and evil is often blurred.
The new crime thriller The Interrogation of Anna Goode is coming to digital and on demand on April 8, 2025.(One Tree Entertainment, 2025)
The Interrogation of Anna Goode – While questioning a murder suspect, FBI Agent John Savage inexplicably finds himself on the opposite side of the table. Now framed for the crime, he must go to extreme lengths to reveal the shocking truth.
Written & directed by DC Hamilton Starring Max Adler, Neil Hopkins, Brinna Kelly
The Interrogation of Anna Goode movie still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Argentinian band Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado will make its only Texas stop in Dallas. Photo: LPA Beer & Music Festival.
Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado, also known as EMAUPM or Él Mató, is an Argentinian indie rock band from La Plata established in 2003. The band has just announced their North American tour, and before they kick things off, they’ll be making a special stop in Dallas as part of Frontera 2025. This will be their only Texas performance.
This intimate 500-capacity show is free and open to the public, but RSVP is highly encouraged to guarantee entry: RSVP HERE. The performance will take place at Kessler Theater on Friday, April 11. Doors open at 7:30p.m., show begins at 8:30p.m. (Giant Noise/Southwest Review, 2025)
More information on Frontera 2025:
DALLAS – Dallas-based magazine Southwest Review, the third-longest-running literary quarterly in the United States, announces the lineup for the second annual Frontera. This year’s festivities will take place April 11–12, 2025, in Oak Cliff’s historic Bishop Arts District.
The lineup assembles artists from English-speaking North America and Spanish-speaking Latin America for a two-day celebration of literature, music, comics and film. Set to take place at The Wild Detectives, Kessler Theater and Texas Theatre, all Frontera events will be free and open to the public.
Frontera will kick off at The Wild Detectives with a conversation between American cartoonist Lynda Barry and fiction writer Mary Miller, followed by musical performances from The Paranoid Style, Karly Hartzman and Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado at Kessler Theater. RSVP highly encouraged HERE.
The second day will feature a screening of the Blood Simple (1984) by Joel and Ethan Coen, plus a conversation between award-winning author Megan Abbott and crime novelist William Boyle at the Texas Theatre. Additional readings at The Wild Detectives will feature Mateo García Elizondo, Brenda Lozano, Ashleigh Bryant Phillips, Joseph Grantham, Brenda Navarro, Federico Perelmuter, Julia Kornberg, Patricio Ferrari, Eli Cranor, and Kimberly King Parsons, offering audiences a chance to engage with some of the most compelling voices in contemporary literature.
Guests are invited to the festival’s final event at The Wild Detectives featuring a celebratory DJ set running from 7:30p.m. until close.
Because the Southwest is a place where borderlands converge, the region is dependent on the two-way flow of language and culture. Southwest Review has long championed Latin American literature in translation, working closely with independent publishers to introduce groundbreaking voices to new audiences. Thanks to the generous support of the Southern Methodist University Department of English, Frontera brings this editorial vision to life in an increasingly bilingual North Texas region.
Isabel Pless makes the mundane feel massive on debut album Workhorse. Photo: Patrick McCormack, used with permission.
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Isabel Pless is a self-proclaimed “word girl.” Born and raised in Vermont, Isabel began writing songs at age 12 following in the footsteps of musical inspirations such as Joni Mitchell, The Chicks, and Alanis Morissette. Her songs are personal, playful and smart — she often calls into question the contradictions and challenges of what it means to be a young woman. (Big Hassle, 2025)
In 2020, she started posting clips of her original songs on TikTok and has since amassed an audience of 117k followers. Isabel’s 2023 EP Bad Luck Letting You Go has accumulated over 1.4 million streams across streaming platforms and featured on Spotify playlists such as New Music Friday and All New Indie, and Apple playlists like Acoustic Chill and New in Singer-Songwriter.
Over the past year, she’s recorded an Audiotree session, toured with Donovan Woods and Henry Jamison, and played headline shows across the US and in London. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and an ability to write relatable yet hyper-specific songs, Isabel is redefining what it means to be a singer-songwriter in the age of social media.
Isabel Pless makes everyday life feel monumental with the release of her debut album Workhorse. The ten-song project spans mellow folk to headbanging pop, but her writing consistently honors each tone and notion. Isabel is your older sister reminding you of your self-worth, she is your best friend crying in your passenger seat about a breakup, and she is you wondering when things will finally start going your way.
Produced and co-written by Ariza, each song offers a new sound and a different perspective from the last: Workhorse’s charm stems from its range. There are no right or wrong emotions, and Isabel feels them all with humor to spare. And she invites you to feel them all alongside her.
“‘Workhorse’ is the debut album I’ve been dreaming about since I started writing songs in middle school and that makes me feel incredibly fulfilled,” shares Pless. “Creating these songs helped give me perspective on my life. I feel simultaneously nervous and hopeful that now this album will make its way into other people’s lives.”
Opening with the self-titled track “Isabel,” this song arose out of a moment of need. Pless’ lyrics dictate an inner monologue that rails at people-pleasing and gives grace to imperfection. Winding our way to another standout track like “The Bite,” there’s more of a dark, spell-like energy. This essence mirrors a shift in lyrical and compositional tone from Pless’s previous works, making the song a sonic tug of war between anger and anxiety.
By the time the listener reaches “Blonde,” Pless is her most witty and candid self. A raging, headbanging, pop-romp, Pless is backed by an entourage of electric guitars and a hefty choir of vocals, that allows the track to maintain its drama right up until the final acoustic down-chorus. Reaching the capstone of the album’s honesty with its closing, title track, she is in a self-inflicted battle with complacency. Leaving the body of work open ended, the final line “I’m worried this is the best version of me” feels hollow but not defeated.
The official video for ‘I Joined a Cult’ examines the pattern of falling into toxic friendships and relationships, a balance of confusion and remorse. In the video Pless has a sense of childlike wonder as she tries to recruit more people into her circle, constantly seeking out connection.
Workhorse tracklist “Isabel” “Nobody’s Funeral” “The Bite” “I Don’t Feel Pretty” “I’ll See Him in Hell” “Shirley Temples” “Blonde” “(Transition) Company” “I Joined a Cult” “Workhorse”
Sandra Hüller stars in the heist comedy Two to One. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Heist comedies blend the thrill of elaborate adventures with sharp humor, making them a favorite among movie lovers. These films captivate audiences with clever schemes and unexpected twists, all wrapped in a lighthearted tone. The balance between tension and comedy—watching a team of misfits outwit authorities or rival thieves keeps viewers engaged while delivering laughs. Classics like Ocean’s Eleven and The Italian Job showcase stylish execution, witty banter, and satisfying payoffs. The genre’s mix of high stakes and humor makes for endlessly entertaining, feel-good storytelling that invites audiences to root for the underdogs.
London, UK: Tull Stories is delighted to announce that Natja Brunckhorst’s Two To One (Zwei zu eins) will be hitting UK cinemas from May 2nd after its UK Premiere at Glasgow Film Festival. (Strike Media, 2025)
A light-hearted ensemble comedy about friendship, community, love, and capitalism, Natja Brunckhorst’s Two To One is set in the long, hot East German summer of 1990.
Maren, Robert and Volker have known and loved each other since childhood. In the final weeks before reunification and with Germany about to change forever, the trio stumble across a fortune in soon-to-be-worthless East German currency, left to rot in Government storage.
With just days to work out what to do with this unexpected windfall before it becomes useless, the three assemble the friends and neighbours living in their crumbling apartment block and together hatch an elaborate plan to exchange the cash for goods – outwitting the incoming Westerners and their capitalism before time runs out.
But can a community previously living under strict socialist values handle this sudden wealth…?
Two To One had its World Premiere opening Munich Film Festival, where Screen Daily said it was a “comedy with heart.” It features stand-out performances from Oscar nominee Sandra Hüller (Anatomy of a Fall, The Zone of Interest, Toni Erdmann), Max Riemelt (Berlin Syndrome, Sense8,) and Ronald Zehrfeld (Phoenix, Barbara).
Distributed By: Tull Stories Theatrical Release: May 2nd 2025 Short Synopsis: As German reunification looms in the summer of 1990 three close friends in Socialist East Germany hatch an elaborate plan to make a fortune when they find a bunker full of soon-to-be-worthless currency. With the help of their friends and neighbours they tackle progress and capitalism head-on. Directed By: Natja Brunckhorst Cast: Sandra Hüller, Max Riemelt, Ronald Zehrfeld, Ursula Werner, Peter Kurth, Martin Brambach and Kathrin Wehlisch Run Time: 116 minutes
Arm’s Length announces the release of their sophomore album There’s A Whole World Out There. Photo: Pure Noise Records
March 12, 2025 – Arm’s Length’s highly anticipated sophomore album There’s A Whole World Out There will be released on May 16 via Pure Noise Records and is available for pre-order here. The first single and music video for “Funny Face” is out now. (Big Picture Media, 2025)
The band has announced a special headline run of album release shows taking place in major cities like Chicago, Cleveland, Toronto, Philadelphia, and New York City. Tickets are available online. Shows will kick off on June 8 and support comes from Charmer and Wakelee.
The album release shows will follow the band’s spring headline tour taking place in May which feature support from Prince Daddy & The Hyena, Riley! and Bike Routes.
Arm’s Length Live Dates
Spring headliner with Prince Daddy & The Hyena, Riley! and Bike Routes
May 2 – Columbus, OH – King of Clubs May 3 – Indianapolis, IN – Deluxe at Old National Centre May 4 – Milwaukee, WI – Vivarium May 6 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater May 7 – Iowa City, IA – Gabe’s May 8 – Omaha, NE – Waiting Room May 10 – Austin, TX – Mohawk May 11 – San Antonio, TX – Stable Hall May 12 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall May 14 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn May 15 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm May 16 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle May 17 – Richmond, VA – The Broadberry May 18 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club May 21 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium May 22 – Asbury Park, NJ – The Stone Pony May 23 – Amityville, NY – Amityville Music Hall May 24 – Albany, NY – Empire Live May 25 – Buffalo, NY – Electric City
Album Release Show Dates w/Charmer and Wakelee
June 9 – Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge June 10 – Cleveland, OH – The Roxy June 11 – Toronto, ON – AXIS June 13 – Philadelphia, PA – Ukie Club June 14 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
Building on the emotional rawness and introspection of their debut, Never Before Seen, Never AgainFound, There’s A Whole World Out There finds the band pushing their boundaries, offering a deeper exploration of personal trauma, love, loss, and the resilience that emerges from navigating life’s darkest moments. Their debut album marked them as an indie band to watch, conjuring praise from writers at SPIN, Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, Exclaim!, and Loudwire, among others.
Produced once again by Anton DeLost, who worked with the band on their previous releases, There’s A Whole World Out There marks a significant evolution for Arm’s Length. While Steinberg wrote the bulk of the material solo, the full band—guitarist Jeremy White, bassist Ben Greenblatt, and drummer Jeff White—helped bring these songs to life in the studio, with additional contributions from Bonnie Brooksbank (strings) and Alex Scalzo-Brown (piano).
Steinberg’s personal struggles, which he openly addressed in his songwriting, are central to the album’s creation. He confesses that during the period leading up to the writing of this record, he was “the most mentally ill” he had ever been. Yet, it was precisely through confronting these intense experiences that the album came to life with such urgency and honesty. “The songs aren’t written for anyone else at all,” he says, emphasizing the raw, unfiltered emotion that drives the record’s sound and lyrics.
There’s A Whole World Out There tracklist:
The World
Fatal Flaw
Funny Face
The Weight
Palinopsia
The Wound
You Ominously End
Early Onset
Genetic Lottery
Attic
Halley
Morning Person
Arm’s Length pull no punches on There’s A Whole World Out There. From the moment “The World” starts proceedings, the album unfolds with the dual torment and exhilaration of what it means to be alive—but with the knowledge and understanding that everything is also always lost.
‘Lovers of Franz K’ is the new novel by Burhan Sönmez. Photo: Barnes & Noble.
Burhan Sönmez is the author of six novels, which have been published in more than thirty languages. He was born in Turkey and grew up speaking Turkish and Kurdish. He worked as a lawyer in Istanbul before going into political exile in Britain. Sönmez’s writing has appeared in such publications as The Guardian, Der Spiegel, Die Zeit, and La Repubblica. His previous novels include “Labyrinth” and “Stone and Shadow.” He was elected president of PEN International in 2021.
His new novel “Lovers of Franz K.: A Novel” is an inventive literary obituary for Kafka, perfect for both Kafka fans and lovers of historical literary page turners in the vein of Anne Berest’s “The Postcard” and Colm Toibin’s “The Magician.” Translated by Samî Hêzil, it will be released on April 1, 2025 and is available for pre-order. (Other Press, 2025)
About the Translator: Samî Hêzil is a writer and translator from northern Kurdistan. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature, and has been translating literary and scientific works from English into Kurdish since 2000. His short stories and scholarly articles in Kurdish have been published by a variety of literary publications. He teaches Kurdish literature at Kurdî-Der (The Kurdish Language Association) in Van, Turkey.
“Lovers of Franz K: A Novel” – This thriller of love and revenge brings the Cold War to life, from Paris and Istanbul to West Berlin and Tel Aviv.
Amid the student protests in 1960s Europe, Kafka’s best friend Max Brod becomes a target of their ire. Against the dying writer’s wishes, he had published texts that never should have been part of his legacy. After Brod is injured in an attempted assassination, assailant Ferdy Kaplan is captured and questioned by Commissioner Müller at the West Berlin police station.
As his interrogation progresses through dialogues in the police station, the courtroom, and prison, Kaplan’s background is revealed piece by piece. From the love story between him and his childhood friend Amalya, to their shared passion for Kafka, it leads them to join a radical group. But when a shocking discovery is made about the person who ultimately set Brod’s attempted murder in motion, Kaplan and Müller agree to work together to expose the truth.
In this gripping, thought-provoking tribute to Kafka, Burhan Sönmez vividly recreates a key period of history when the Berlin Wall divided Europe and women were fighting for freedom and against tradition, adopting Jean Seberg’s iconic short haircut from Breathless. More than a typical mystery, “Lovers of Franz K” is a brilliant exploration of the value of books, and the issues of anti-Semitism, immigration, and violence that recur in Kafka’s life and writings.
“PEN International president Sönmez (Stone and Shadow) wrestles with fraught questions of loyalty and legacy in this contemplative literary thriller…Sönmez’s sharp thematic layering and concise worldbuilding impress. This is a good bet for mystery readers seeking something off the beaten path.” —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
“A gripping tale of youthful single-mindedness and institutionalization…a glass-bottomed boat swirling through the Bosphorus of Kafka’s consciousness and works, glaring into the depths of him, his mercurial shadows and shifting states.” —Lemn Sissay, author of My Name Is Why
“Lovers of Franz K. is a gripping tale of idealism colliding with history and moral uncertainty. It portrays characters scarred by their past as they grapple with unanswerable questions and make startling decisions. Exploring passion, loyalty, and history, Sönmez’s novel will leave you questioning what it truly means to write, to love, and to honor the literary creator versus the creation.” —Ava Homa, author of Daughters of Smoke and Fire
SA Examiner 