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.

Lila Cockrell Theatre

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

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

Briscoe Western Art Museum

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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days

hours minutes seconds

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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

When the Interviewer Knows Everything: A Review of The Job (2025)

Film Review: The Job (2025)

Recovering from trauma, Todd interviews for a job and finds redemption instead of employment.

A Sci-Fi Psychological Drama About Trauma, AI, and the Human Condition

The 2025 short film The Job is a tightly woven sci-fi psychological drama that explores artificial intelligence, human trauma, and the messy search for personal redemption.

The story follows Todd, played with raw vulnerability by LeJon, who arrives at an empty office building already burdened by past trauma. The deserted setting only heightens the tension. When Todd reconnects a loose wire, he unknowingly awakens Athena 2.0, an omniscient AI acting as a human-interface interviewer. Dawna Lee Heising delivers Athena with a controlled, commanding presence that becomes the film’s backbone.

A Job Interview Turned Emotional Interrogation

The standard interview turns into an intense psychological confrontation. Athena forces Todd to face his deepest wounds and past mistakes, pushing the “job offer” aside as the real mission becomes emotional reckoning.

The contrast between Athena’s calm precision and Todd’s unraveling creates a gripping dynamic that propels the film forward. Rather than relying on action or twist-heavy storytelling, The Job embraces atmosphere, introspection, and character-driven tension.

A Powerful Sixteen Minutes

The Job presents redemption not as a reward but as a painful, necessary process of facing the truth. For a short runtime of approximately 16 minutes, it leaves a surprisingly lasting impact.

“I’m not some algorithm to be optimized.”

Genre

Sci-Fi, Drama

Cast

Dawna Lee Heising – Athena
LeJon – Todd

Director

Craig Railsback

Writers

Heather Joseph-Witham, Craig Railsback

*Thank you to Joe Williamson for the screener link for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

NE-YO, Sonu Nigam, and MC Jin Unite to Launch a Game-Changing Asian Music Label

Pacific Music Group aims to discover and develop top Pan-Asian talent for the global stage and serve as a gateway for international artists entering Asia. Photo: Pacific Music Group, used with permission.

Pacific Music Group Launches in Hong Kong, Uniting Global Icons to Shape the Future of Asian Music

Hong Kong — Three-time Grammy Award–winning superstar NE-YO, Indian music legend Sonu Nigam, and pioneering Chinese American rapper MC Jin have joined forces with veteran music executive Jonathan Serbin to launch Pacific Music Group, a visionary entertainment company headquartered in Hong Kong and positioned to transform the global music landscape. (Miller PR, 2025)

A New Force in Global Music

Pacific Music Group sets out with a bold mission: to build world-class music careers from the heart of Asia. The company will focus on discovering, mentoring, developing, and promoting the region’s next wave of influential artists, while also offering international talent a strategic gateway into Asia’s rapidly expanding music ecosystem.

Launching with a diverse slate of genre-spanning imprints, including pop, R&B, Hip-Hop, electronic, and regional Asian styles, Pacific Music Group aims to cultivate a dynamic roster of artists who transcend borders. The company’s reach spans the entire continent, from Japan to India and from China and Korea to Southeast Asia. Their commitment: deliver impactful releases, culturally resonant collaborations, and original music that speaks to global audiences.

Artist-Driven Leadership

“Launching Pacific Music Group isn’t just a business move, it’s a personal mission,” NE-YO shared. “As an individual of Chinese descent, I’m proud to use my resources to help discover and elevate the next generation of talented Pan-Asian superstars. I’ve toured across Asia several times and witnessed the evolution of the music scene, so I’m really excited to make history and bring the region’s rich culture to the forefront of the global stage.”

NE-YO, Sonu Nigam, and MC Jin will each contribute their extensive expertise in A&R, drawing on decades of experience as globally recognized performers and hitmakers. Jonathan Serbin, known for driving Warner Music’s expansion throughout Asia and launching its first dedicated K-Pop label, brings deep regional knowledge and a proven track record in artist development, strategic investment, and market growth.

Pacific Music Group’s debut artist lineup will be revealed in the coming months, with the first releases expected in Fall 2025. The company plans to maintain offices and talent hubs across Asia, creating a vibrant, cross-cultural ecosystem that supports creativity, collaboration, and long-term artist growth.

Redefining the Global Music Axis

The launch of Pacific Music Group reflects a significant shift within the global music industry. Eighty years ago, Atlantic Records symbolized a U.S.–U.K. music axis that defined the era. Today, that axis has shifted dramatically eastward. Asia is now home to three of the world’s largest music markets, Japan, China, and Korea, and several of the fastest-growing, including India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Pacific Music Group’s name signals this new reality. Asia has become the epicenter of musical innovation, creativity, and fan engagement. Just as Atlantic Records captured the cultural momentum of its time, Pacific Music Group aims to define a future where influence, artistry, and opportunity flow across the Pacific Ocean, from Pan-Asia to the world.

Leadership Profiles

Jonathan Serbin — Co-Founder, Executive Leadership

Jonathan Serbin brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the music and media industries across Asia and the U.S. He previously served as Co-President of Warner Music Asia, overseeing 11 markets and spearheading the company’s regional growth, including the launch of Warner’s first K-Pop imprint. Serbin also led Billboard’s expansion into China and Southeast Asia and has been instrumental in major strategic investments throughout the region. A former music attorney and media investment banker, he brings a rare combination of business acumen, artistic insight, and international partnership experience.

NE-YO — Global Superstar, Mentor & A&R Visionary

A three-time GRAMMY® Award–winning hitmaker, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur, NE-YO has shaped global music culture for nearly two decades. His debut single “So Sick” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned quadruple-platinum certification. Renowned for his songwriting as much as his performance, NE-YO continues to influence music across genres and generations.

MC Jin — Cultural Pioneer & Cross-Cultural Ambassador

MC Jin is a groundbreaking Chinese American rapper, actor, and cultural icon known for expanding Asian representation in global Hip-Hop and entertainment. Rising to fame as a champion on BET’s 106 & Park Freestyle Fridays, he became the first Asian American solo Hip-Hop artist to sign with a major U.S. label. Jin has released music in both English and Chinese, toured internationally, and appeared in numerous film and television projects across the U.S. and Asia.

Sonu Nigam — Iconic Voice of India

Sonu Nigam stands as one of India’s most celebrated and influential vocalists. For nearly two decades, he has written and performed hundreds of songs for many of India’s most beloved films. As a live performer, he has entranced audiences in more than 50 countries with his powerful voice, versatility, and magnetic stage presence. With millions of global streams, he remains one of India’s most enduring and beloved artists.

Ring In the Season with the Best Holiday Celebrations in San Antonio This Weekend

Hotel Contessa is lighting up the season with a front-row parade watch party and its first-ever tree lighting on the River Terrace. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

🎄 San Antonio Weekend Holiday Events Roundup

The holiday season is officially underway in San Antonio, and this weekend is packed with festive celebrations across the city. From tree lightings to river parades, here’s where to find the magic.

✨ Gunter Hotel Tree Lighting Ceremony

📅 Saturday, November 29 | ⏰ 2–3 p.m.
📍 205 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX 78205

Kick off the holidays at the historic Gunter Hotel, where a dazzling 16-foot Christmas tree will take center stage in the lobby. Enjoy a special performance by the talented Kingwood High School carolers from Houston, and warm up with complimentary sweet treats and hot cocoa. It’s the perfect blend of cheer, music, and community spirit in the heart of downtown. (Gunter Hotel, 2025)

🎉 Ácenar HotMex & CoolBar: River Parade Viewing

📅 Friday, November 28
📍 146 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Ácenar is elevating the River Walk tradition with front-row views of the 44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony. (Ácenar HotMex & CoolBar, 2025)

Seating options include:

Riverside Seating – $28/person
Up-close views with a dedicated server for cocktail orders.
Riverfront Patio Dining – $70 minimum per person
A more elevated experience complete with Ácenar’s contemporary Mexican cuisine and crafted cocktails.

Reservations are required and seating is limited. To book, call (210) 222-2362.

🌟 Hotel Contessa: Parade Watch Party & First Annual Tree Lighting

📅 Friday, November 28 | ⏰ 5–7 p.m.
📍 306 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Hotel Contessa is lighting up the season with a front-row parade watch party and its first-ever tree lighting on the River Terrace. (Hotel Contessa, 2025)

Guests can enjoy:

Mariachis
Holiday DJ
Student musical ensemble
Photos with Santa
Wine tastings & cocoa
Holiday treats
Crafting station
Local vendors

Ticket Options:

General Seating – $50
Front-Row Seating – $65
Marriage Island VIP – $85 (includes upgraded seating, complimentary beverage & valet)

Tree lighting begins at 6:30 p.m., with the parade passing by shortly after 7 p.m.

🍸 Hotel Contessa: Ford Holiday VIP Terrace Party

📅Friday, November 28 | ⏰5:30–9 p.m.
Guests 21+ can upgrade their night with exclusive terrace access overlooking the River Walk.
$75 per ticket includes:

Two handcrafted cocktails
Chef-inspired appetizers
Live holiday DJ
Luxury crafting station
Express massages from the Spa at Hotel Contessa
Raffle entry for a 2026 one-night stay

Note: Limited parade views from the terrace; 15% off parade seating with code VIP.

🍽️ Ambler: VIP Parade Dining Experience

📅Friday, November 28 | ⏰5–9:30 p.m.
Ambler’s private dining experience includes prime parade views, a three-course dinner, valet parking, and premium drinks.

Pricing:

Table of Four – $600
Individual Tickets – $175

Kids menu available.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy tree lighting or an unforgettable River Walk parade experience, San Antonio is sparkling with ways to celebrate. Bundle up, grab some cocoa, and enjoy the start of the season! 🎅✨

This Ordinary Thing is a Timely Film About Quiet Heroes

THIS ORDINARY THING

A Film by Nick Davis (You Had To Be There / TIFF 2025)
Executive Producer: Albert M. Tapper (Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy)

Cast (A–Z)

F. Murray Abraham, Jeannie Berlin, Eric Bogosian, Ellen Burstyn, Bill Camp, Carrie Coon, Hope Davis, Stephen Fry, Joanna Gleason, Marcia Gay Harden, Mamie Gummer, Harry Hadden-Paton, Jeremy Irons, Bill Irwin, Louisa Jacobson, Kasia Koleczek, Anna Krippa, Stephen Lang, John Leguizamo, Donal Logue, Kelly Macdonald, Helen Mirren, Bebe Neuwirth, Kelli O’Hara, David Hyde Pierce, Martha Plimpton, Lily Rabe, Rufus Sewell, J. Smith-Cameron, David Strathairn, Lily Tomlin.

Release Date

December 5 at Cinema Village (NYC), followed by a national theatrical rollout and VOD release.

A Haunting & Unforgettable Story

THIS ORDINARY THING recounts the extraordinary acts of non-Jewish individuals who helped save Jewish people across Europe during the Holocaust. Blending never-before-seen archival footage with testimonies from more than forty people, the film sheds light on the quiet bravery of individuals who, acting independently and at great personal risk, saved thousands of Jewish strangers from near-certain death. (EG-PR, 2025)

Narrated by an all-star cast, the documentary serves as a timely reminder of the “pockets of goodness” that can rise within a sea of evil: ordinary people choosing compassion over indifference, even when it meant risking everything.

Strikingly, none of the individuals in the film saw themselves as heroes. Their humility lends the project an urgent resonance, prompting viewers to confront a difficult question: What would I have done?

An Ensemble of the World’s Great Actors

The film features some of the most celebrated actors of our time, performing translated excerpts from original transcripts. The cast, including Helen Mirren, F. Murray Abraham, Carrie Coon, Jeremy Irons, Ellen Burstyn, and Stephen Fry, collectively boast:

5 Academy Awards (and 20+ nominations)
60+ Emmy nominations
25+ Tony nominations

Their performances lend gravitas and emotional depth to the powerful firsthand accounts.

Music by Adam Guettel

The score is composed by Tony Award–winner Adam Guettel, known for The Light in the Piazza, Floyd Collins, and numerous other stage and screen works. His music adds an evocative and haunting layer to the film’s emotional landscape.

About Filmmaker Nick Davis

Nick Davis is a filmmaker and writer whose work often explores the intersection of culture, history, and storytelling. His recent documentary, YOU HAD TO BE THERE, which chronicles the 1972 Toronto production of Godspell and its role in shaping the comedy revolution, premiered at TIFF 2025, where it won Second Runner-Up for the Audience Award. The film features Martin Short, Gilda Radner, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, and other icons of comedy.

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