Category: Entertainment News

CineSol Film Festival: Bringing Cutting-Edge Indie Films to Brownsville’s Silver Screen

CineSol Film Festival is taking place in Brownsville this weekend. Photo: CineSol Film Festival.

Film festivals are significant events in the cinematic world, offering a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work to a wider audience, gain recognition, and connect with industry professionals. For filmmakers, festivals provide opportunities for networking, distribution deals, and career advancement. They also allow for creative expression in an environment that celebrates diverse storytelling. For film enthusiasts, festivals offer the chance to experience unique, often experimental films that may not reach mainstream theaters. The appeal lies in the ability to discover new talent, engage in discussions, and immerse oneself in the rich cultural and artistic diversity that films represent.

This weekend is the 31st Annual CineSol Film Festival; it will be held at eBridge Center in Brownsville on December 6, 7, and 8.

CineSol Film Festival is a showcase festival, celebrating achievement in the art of filmmaking. It is dedicated to furthering the art, craft and business of screenwriters and filmmakers, and recognizing their artistic contributions. By enhancing public awareness of their artistic endeavors and by encouraging dynamic and long-lasting community alliances, it supports the work of aspiring and established filmmakers. (CineSol Film Festival, 2024)

CineSol made its historic debut in September 1993 in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. It provided the Texas Border Region with its first film festival ever, including cultural art events in the Mexican cities of Matamoros and Reynosa, Tamaulipas. CineSol has traveled throughout the region, bringing voice and vision through film and video directly to border communities.

They will be screening 43 independent films over two days. The independent films are from all over the world including 1 from France, Bulgaria, Canada, Indonesia, Poland, Indonesia, Sweden, the UK, and 7 from Spain. Sixteen films have Rio Grande Valley connections, such as filmed in the RGV or an actor is from the RGV. The complete schedule is available here.

Ticket information:

Every event is $6 except for Saturday and Sunday evening screenings, which are $10. Saturday passes are $25, Sunday passes are $20, and weekend passes are $40.

If you are coming from out of town to attend the film festival, their sponsor hotel Courtyard by Marriott Brownsville has discounted rooms for festival attendees. Call 956-350-6500 and ask for the annual CineSol rooms.

Special guest is Brownsville’s Bradley Freeman Jr. – Bradley is the official performer of The Pigeon with Mo Willems Workshop. He is a principal performer on the Emmy-Award-Winning program Sesame Street, where he plays Tamir, Wes, Timmy Twiddlebug, and many others. Additionally, he is a supporting performer with the Disney Muppets. His work has been featured on shows including Sesame Street, The Muppets Mayhem, Helpsters, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Michael Bublé’s Christmas in the City, The Today Show, Good Morning America, The View, Sesame Street: 50 Years of Sunny Days, Elmo’s Mindfulness Spectacular, Tamir on the Street, The Pigeon Explains, and more.

Festival highlights include:

Saturday December 7

1p.m. – 3p.m. Bradley Freeman Jr & Puppeteering. In his presentation, Bradley takes you on a journey from growing up as a Muppet fan in Brownsville, to becoming one of Sesame Street’s principal performers. Not only will there be a live demonstration of the art of television puppetry, there will be an interactive portion, where you may get to perform a character. In addition, there will be a Q&A and signing after the presentation. Room 142 Hidalgo.

3p.m. – 4:22p.m. The Forest Hills directed by Scott Goldberg. Rico descends in the Catskill Mountains after being haunted by nightmares. Starring Chiko Mendez, Edward Furlong, Dee Wallace, and Shelley Duvall. Theater.

Sunday December 8

2:30p.m. – 4:06p.m. Plastic People directed by Ben Addelman and Ziya Tong. Documentary. 90 minutes. Canada. Almost every bit of plastic ends up ground down into “microplastics.”  These microscopic particles drift in the air, float in the water and sit in the soil. And now, leading scientists are finding them in our bodies, our organs, our blood, and even the placentas of new mothers. What is the impact of these invisible invaders on our health? Plastic People – The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics. Room 135. Hidalgo.

The eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization
1304 E Adams St
Brownsville, TX 78520

A Journey of Inspiration: The Compelling Message of ‘Faith Ignited’

‘Faith Ignited’ is Robert Moment’s new devotional book. Photo: Amazon.

Robert Moment, an ICF Certified Leadership and Executive Coach and Peak Performance Expert, is passionate about helping people discover their God-given potential. With over 15 years of coaching experience and 20+ years in Fortune 500 leadership, Robert specializes in guiding individuals to overcome challenges through unwavering faith and resilience. His other books include “High Performing Teams” and “CEO Leadership Mastery,” and he is dedicated to helping others live out God’s purpose in their lives. His latest book “Faith Ignited: Unbreakable Spirit-Overcoming Life’s Hardships and Rising Stronger Through God’s Grace” is an inspirational Christian guide designed to help you embrace God’s strength, build unwavering faith, and find resilience even in the most difficult times. (Amazon, 2024)

“Faith Ignited” – Whether you’re navigating emotional pain, career setbacks, or personal struggles, this book offers biblical principles and actionable strategies to help you overcome and thrive. Through each chapter, you’ll deepen your relationship with God, explore His purpose for your life, and learn how to transform challenges into powerful stepping stones toward spiritual and personal growth. With devotionals for women and devotionals for men, this guide provides the inspiration you need to rise above adversity.

Discover how unwavering faith empowers you to face adversity head-on and emerge stronger.

  • Mental Toughness Through Scripture
  • Forgiveness and Healing from Hurt:
  • Turn Setbacks into Stepping Stones
  • Mastering Peak Performance
  • The Power of Prayer in Adversity

Review:
This guidebook is an inspiring exploration of resilience and personal transformation. Moment emphasizes the power of faith in overcoming adversity and offers practical advice to get through life’s ups and downs, making it accessible for a wide audience. His reflections on challenges—be they personal, professional, or spiritual—serve as a guiding light for those seeking motivation. He encourages readers to harness their inner strength and believe in their potential, fostering a sense of hope and empowerment. In the Introduction, he writes that this book “…is your roadmap to not just surviving life’s challenges but thriving in the midst of them.”

Chapters include:
Introduction – Igniting Faith in the Midst of Adversity
Chapter 1 – Faith Ignited
Chapter 2 – The Power of Mental Toughness
Chapter 3 – Resilience Through Pain and Hurt
Chapter 4 – Adversity as a Teacher
Chapter 5 – Bounce Back Strategies
Chapter 6 – Mastering Peak Performance
Chapter 7 – The Power of Prayer in Adversity
Chapter 8 – Mental Strategies for Well-being
Chapter 9 – The Unbreakable Spirit
Chapter 10 – Overcoming Career Setbacks
Chapter 11 – Unlocking Your Full Potential
Chapter 12 – Building Your Legacy
Conclusion – Faith Ignited

Each chapter begins with a relevant bible verse and ends with a list of Coaching Questions to help readers think about what they just read and apply it to their personal lives.

Highlights:

Chapter 2 – where he explains how “techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness can help calm the chaos within” and help us develop mental toughness. He also focuses on positive self talk as a way to create a healthier mindset by identifying negative thoughts and visualizing success.

Chapter 6 – the biggest take is on developing healthy habits such as morning rituals, balanced nutrition, and adequate rest. Small steps add up, and it takes time to develop a healthier lifestyle, so it’s best to be patient and consistent.

The writing style is straightforward yet engaging, making complex concepts easy to grasp. Moment’s emphasis on community and support further enriches the narrative, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. The language is compelling and relatable, drawing readers in from the beginning. As a quick and easy read, it can easily be read in one sitting and is an excellent reference for frequent use.

Overall, “Faith Ignited: Unbreakable Spirit – Overcoming Life’s Hardships and Rising Stronger Through God’s Grace” is a must-read for these challenging times. The authenticity of Moment’s voice and his firm optimism make this an outstanding devotional. It’s a call to action for anyone facing difficulties and a reminder that with faith and determination, we can ignite our own unbreakable spirit. It is highly recommended for readers looking for encouragement and inspiration from a Christian faith-based perspective.

“You were not created to stay broken. Within you lies an unbreakable spirit, a reservoir of strength and resilience that is waiting to be awakened.”

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Gus Baldwin & The Sketch Drops New Single Ahead of The Sketch Album Release

Slacker’s Prom is Gus Baldwin & The Sketch’s new single from forthcoming album. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Austin band Gus Baldwin & The Sketch shares a new single from their forthcoming debut album The Sketch via PunkNews. – Slacker’s Prom. Available on DSPs and Bandcamp. (US/THEM group, 2024)

Gus Baldwin is a singer/songwriter/ex-hippie/part-time punk hailing from Austin, TX. After a stint holding down drums for Dallas surf punk legends Sealion in high school, Baldwin went on to form the Psych Pop combo Acid Carousel, which he led for 6 years and 20 something releases before departing the band on Halloween night 2021.

Since leaving Acid Carousel, Gus has made a name for himself as a solo artist in Austin, constantly performing as a singer/songwriter, one man garage band, or with his band The Sketch. Quickly releasing a string of titles on his own GetWithIt! Records imprint, including the EPs THRILLER II, and Live Bugs, as well as a slew of singles, Gus established himself firmly as the godson of Texas rock ‘n roll. Splitting his time as a frequent collaborator with The Black Angels, Baldwin also works with the likes of Christian Bland & The Revelators as well as The UFO Club with Night Beats frontman, Danny Lee Blackwell.

The Sketch is the full length debut of Gus’ partnership with The Sketch. The album was recorded in one day at Studio 22 in Los Angeles by engineer Joey Oaxaca (White Reaper, Starcrawler).

The Sketch will be available on LP, cassette and digital on January 31, 2025. Pre-orders are available.

Gus Baldwin & The Sketch‘s tour of Western U.S. states continues this month. Current dates below are below. Midwest & Eastern shows to follow in early 2025.

GUS BALDWIN & THE SKETCH LIVE 2024:
12/04 Reno, NV – Lo Bar Social
12/07 San Francisco, CA – Kilowatt
12/09 Palmdale, CA – Transplants Brewing
12/10 Las Vegas, NV – The Griffin
12/11 Visalia, CA – Cellar Door 101
12/12 Long Beach, CA – Alex’s Bar
12/13 San Diego, CA – The Tower Bar
12/14 Los Angeles, CA – The Redwood Bar
12/20 Austin, TX – Hotel Vegas

Artist: Gus Baldwin & The Sketch
Album: The Sketch
Label: Permanent Teeth Records
Release Date: January 31, 2025

01. Part I

02. Part II

03. Part III

04. Itch

05. Steady on It

06. Luxury Television

07. Slacker’s Prom

08. (She’s Gone) Arigato

09. Beautiful Delilah

10. What the Freaks Say

11. Sympathy for Sunday

Just goes to show you can still be catchy as hell while playing really fucking loud… I’m not entirely sure there’s a single that can capture the live energy the drips from the stage when Gus Baldwin & The Sketch are up there, but this brand new single is pretty damn close.” — Austin Town Hall

“Kick ass to bombastic levels.” — Cosmic Clash

“Noisy, fuzzy punk with a distinct pop sensibility… Full of energy and anger while also managing to be a lot of fun.”— New Noise Magazine

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Therese Bohman’s ‘Andromeda: A Novel’ – A Story of Power and a Changing World

‘Andromeda: A Novel’ is the new novel by critically acclaimed Swedish author Therese Bohman. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Therese Bohman grew up outside of Norrköping and now lives in Stockholm. Her debut novel“Drowned” received critical acclaim both in Sweden and internationally and was selected as an Oprah Winfrey Summer Read. Her second novel “The Other Woman” was short- listed for the Nordic Council Prize and Swedish Radio’s Fiction Prize, while her third novel “Eventide” was short-listed for Sweden’s most prestigious literary award, the August Prize. Bohman is an arts journalist who regularly contributes to one of Sweden’s largest newspapers, Expressen, and to the magazine Tidningen Vi. (Other Press, 2024)

The latest novel from critically acclaimed Swedish author Therese Bohman, “Andromeda: A Novel,” is a sharp and insightful tale of power and a changing world.

“Andromeda” – In this ambitious novel, a young woman working her way up at a storied Stockholm publisher develops an ambiguous, shifting relationship with her boss. A shrewd study about the tension between tradition and modernity, and expectations and reality, “Andromeda” offers a fresh perspective from a fierce voice and will be released on January 14, 2025. It is available for pre-order.

The publishing house is anchored like a ship along Stockholm’s main street, a large, bright building with an impressive rooftop terrace. The facade is a grid of wood and granite; flags with a cursive R sway in the wind. R as in Rydéns. A young woman starts as an intern at this venerated institution, and over many years gains more and more responsibility for its authors and books. All under the supervision of Gunnar, publishing director of the most prestigious imprint behind the finest literature, Andromeda. Over time their work relationship transforms into something neither of them can truly define. Perhaps built on mutual trust? Or is it something else?

Perfect for fans of the complex relationship dynamics and the explorations of female agency in Coco Mellors’s “Cleopatra and Frankenstein” and Julia May Jonas’s “Vladimir,” “Andromeda” is sure to linger in the minds of longtime lovers of Bohman’s work and new readers alike. It is translated by Marlaine Delargy.

Marlaine Delargy has translated novels by John Ajvide Lindqvist, Kristina Ohlsson, and Helene Tursten, as well as “The Unit” by Ninni Holmqvist and Therese Bohman’s “Drowned.” She lives in England.

“Elegant and captivating, Andromeda plumbs the depths of the tantalizingly ambiguous relationship between college-aged Sofie and her middle-aged boss, Gunnar. Both characters (understandably) deride the overused phrase ‘balance of power,’ and yet the novel does indeed offer a fresh and provocative subversion of that familiar narrative—it was thrilling to watch their electric, profound connection unfold. As their worldviews intertwine, the novel delves into the ways literature shapes our lives, our desires and disappointments. I inhaled this book and will be thinking about it for a while.”
—Caitlin Barasch, author of A Novel Obsession

“Andromeda is the best kind of company—a book I kept longing to return to, full of ideas and emotion.”
—Julia May Jonas, author of Vladimir

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Home-less for the Holidays: A Hilarious Film About Finding Family and Hope

The holiday comedy Home-less for the Holidays stars WWE star Al Snow. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Holiday movies have a unique charm that resonates with audiences, offering a sense of nostalgia, warmth, and joy. These films often center around themes of family, love, and togetherness, evoking feelings of comfort and happiness. Many holiday movies, whether set during Christmas, New Year’s, or other celebrations, feature heartwarming stories with uplifting messages. The familiar traditions, festive settings, and iconic characters create a magical atmosphere that draws people in. Whether romantic comedies, animated classics, or timeless dramas, holiday movies provide a perfect escape, making them a beloved tradition that brings people closer during the holiday season.

Just in time for the holiday season is the digital release of Home-less for the Holidays from Breaking Glass Pictures. If you’re looking for a movie to watch this weekend, it’s available to rent/buy on Amazon Prime Video and streaming on The Roku Channel.

Home-less for the Holidays – On Christmas Eve, a group of resourceful vagabonds plot their way into a magnificent mansion, outwitting the staff into believing that they are the owner’s long-lost relatives. Will they pull off their elaborate scheme, or find themselves back on the streets just in time for Christmas? Home-less for the Holidays is a heartwarming and hilarious tale of deception, discovery, and the true meaning of family during the holiday season. (Silk Road Entertainment, 2024)

Director:
Whit Whitman

Cast:
Al Snow (Kentucky Joe)
John Wells (Edmond Griffiths)
Douglas Vermeeren (Geoffrey Winterfeild)
Darren Lee Cupp (Winston Winterfeild)

Run time: 88 min.
Rating: PG – 13

Blood Incantation’s Absolute Elsewhere: A Mind-Bending Exploration of Death Metal’s Boundaries

Blood Incantation is: L-R Paul Riedl (Guitars, Vocals), Morris Kolontyrsky (Guitars), Jeff Barrett (Fretless Bass), Isaac Faulk (Drums). Photo: Julian Weigand, used with permission

Death metal is a subgenre of extreme metal characterized by its aggressive, fast-paced sound, often featuring growled or screamed vocals, heavy guitar riffs, and complex drumming. Its appeal lies in its raw energy and cathartic nature, offering a way for listeners to release pent-up emotions. Fans are drawn to the technical skill required to play the intricate rhythms and fast tempos, as well as the intensity of the performances. The dark themes, often exploring death, decay, and existential questions, provide a sense of escapism for some, while the sheer heaviness of the music creates an adrenaline-fueled experience.

If you’re a fan of the genre, there’s a new album out by Blood Incantation worth noting.

Blood Incantation is an American death metal band from Denver, Colorado formed in 2011. Their new album Absolute Elsewhere is the sound of a star being born. (another side, 2024)

“The Stargate” Side One: A violent storm invokes the familiar before a grand cosmic key turn for a hint of sweeping scope to come with spiritual acknowledgement and accompaniment by Tangerine Dream’s Thorsten Quaeschning on synths on the song’s second tablet. Musically as violent as it is mediative, with subtle spoken passages flitting between Nicklas Malmqvist’s (Hällas) busy synthesizer keys and Mellotron strings invoking both the modern and ancient, and it is all given sharp focus by Arthur Rizk’s powerfully dynamic and enveloping mix. Blood Incantation depart Extreme Metal’s traditionally antiquated waystation, warping their way towards “Genre of One” stature, as “The Stargate” intones the disembodiment of consciousness itself, careening through the stargate towards Samsara-like reincarnation, punctuated by the occasional growl from Sijjin/ex-Necros Christos main man, Malte Gericke.

“The Message” Side Two: A step through doorways of unearthly beauty, playfulness, quirk and horror. As if David Gilmour jams beside Chick Corea and Trey Azagthoth melting together through psychedelic hyperspace, eliciting mystical vibes and a tangible metaphysical transcendence. Dalos briefly reengages with this track in his native language, alongside star-riding Malmqvist, whose iconic synth/keys work throughout the album adds to the unearthly atmospherics that with Absolute Elsewhere defines a new musical epoch for Blood Incantation, as much as 21st century Metal itself. 

In total the piece hovers at nearly 45 minutes, their longest full length recording yet, the album’s two movements are as confounding as they are engaging, exponentially expanding upon the formulas laid down by their scene-shattering debut Starspawn (2016) and landmark follow up Hidden History of the Human Race (2019).

For inspiration, the group looked to the mid-70s progressive rock collective, Absolute Elsewhere as the album’s namesake. For the uninitiated, Absolute Elsewhere’s obscure 1976 album, In Search of Ancient Gods, was constructed as a musical accompaniment to the works of Chariots of the Gods author, Erich Von Daniken, and his theories of non-terrestrial humanoid prompts towards mankind’s evolution. The subject matter of which should serve as no surprise to anyone familiar with Blood Incantation’s cosmically philosophical leanings. But make no mistake, the four musicians working under the Blood Incantation banner for the past decade – guitarist and vocalist Paul Riedl, drummer Isaac Faulk, guitarist Morris Kolontyrsky and bassist Jeff Barrett – have successfully left the microgravity of genre behind and are re-writing the Rosetta Stone of extreme music with a new language entirely. 

Absolute Elsewhere is available from Century Media. Its physical version features a 73 minute feature film All Gates Open: In Search Of Absolute Elsewhere which tells the story of their time in Berlin during the summer of 2023, while recording at the legendary Hansa Studios. It is available on Blu-Ray with the album’s deluxe media book package and includes the documentary’s original soundtrack, All Gates Open (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) which includes 60 minutes of exclusive new music distinct from the new album.

This special edition will also include Blood Incantation’s 2023 maxi-single, “Luminescent Bridge” for the first time ever on CD, and of course, Absolute Elsewhere in both standard and Dolby Atmos / 5.1 mixes, alongside exclusive liner notes, exclusive interviews, behind the scenes photos and a forward by Ross Dolan of Immolation. Underscoring the classic Progressive Rock vibe, the album is adorned with contemporary visionary paintings by the iconic and reclusive 70s Sci-Fi artist Steve R. Dodd.

Blood Incantation sets out on an extensive North American tour crossing both coasts and more with support from Midwife. All tickets are on sale now here. A full list of dates is available online.

Blood Incantation Absolute Elsetour Dates:

Nov 27: Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall ~
Nov 29: Montreal, QC – Fairmount ~
Nov 30: Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace ~
Dec 01: Detroit, MI – Magic Stick ~
Dec 03: Chicago, IL – Metro ~
Dec 04: Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line ~
Dec 05: Omaha, NE – Bourbon Theater ~

~ w/ Midwife

Early Praise For Absolute Elsewhere:

“the metal album of the year” NPR 

“an amazing, proggy, thrilling death metal epic” The Needle Drop

“This album is the work of a band who have proven themselves capable of anything. It belongs on the shelf alongside Pestilence’s ‘Testimony Of The Ancients and Spheres’, The Orb’s ‘UFOrb’ and Pink Floyd’s ‘Wish You Were Here’. It’s a goddamn masterpiece.”  The Wire

“the ultimate Blood Incantation album” Brooklyn Vegan

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

‘The Secrets of Still Waters Chasm’: A Thrilling Tale of Secrets and Suspense

‘The Secrets of Still Waters Chasm’ is the latest in the Ohnita Harbor Mystery Series by Patricia Crisafulli. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Mystery novels are known for their blend of suspense, intrigue, and problem-solving. These stories often present a puzzle or crime, inviting readers to unravel clues alongside the protagonist. The thrill of discovering hidden secrets, combined with plot twists and red herrings, keeps them engaged and eager to turn the page. These novels appeal to our curiosity, encouraging us to solve the mystery before the characters do. The genre also offers a sense of justice, as solutions bring order to chaos. Whether set in cozy towns or dark urban landscapes, mystery books provide a satisfying escape into the unknown.

Today I’d like to shine the spotlight on a novel that, according to a Goodreads review, “blends Da Vinci Code and Murder She Wrote” and is a quick and fun read – “The Secrets of Still Waters Chasm” by Patricia Crisafulli.

Patricia Crisafulli is an award-winning New York Times best-selling author. Her debut novel, “The Secrets of Ohnita Harbor,” the first in the Ohnita Harbor Mystery Series, was published in September 2022 by Woodhall Press. She received a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree from Northwestern University, where she received the Distinguished Thesis Award in Creative Writing. She is the author of New York Times best-seller “House of Dimon: How J.P. Morgan’s Jamie Dimon Rose to the Top of the Financial World,” and the coauthor of “Rwanda, Inc: How a Devastated Nation Became an Economic Model for the Developing World,” an Editor’s Choice book on Amazon. In her latest book, “The Secrets of Still Waters Chasm,” a hike through the pristine wild of Still Waters Chasm becomes a path of mystery and deadly danger for Gabriela Domenici and her boyfriend, Daniel Red Deer. It is book 2 in the Ohnita Harbor Mystery Series. (Barnes & Noble/Advanced Brand Communications, 2024)

“The Secrets of Still Waters Chasm”– On a beautiful September afternoon, Gabriela and Daniel take a side trail to an inexplicable construction site in the middle of the woods where every tree has been cut down and a huge truck bearing strange looking equipment is parked in the middle. As they continue their hike to the lake, they find a man convulsing with his last breaths, not far from the lifeless body of a woman. After going for help, they return to the scene—only to find the two people and their canoe and gear are gone. It seems impossible that two bodies could revive and leave on their own, but there is no other explanation.

When she conducts a library outreach program in the rural Town of Livery, near Still Waters Chasm, Gabriela discovers a community that is both curious and suspicious. There, she meets Lucinda Nanz, an herbalist whose encyclopedic knowledge of plants for help and harm is both fascinating and troubling, and Wendy Haughton, a young woman who desperately wants to sell an old drawing of unknown origin so she can escape her abusive husband. Despite the state police’s warnings to stay out of the investigation, and Daniel’s urging to not get involved, Gabriela cannot stay away from Livery and Still Waters Chasm—which puts her on a collision course with yet another murder and people who will stop at nothing to prevent her from getting too close to the truth that could destroy chasm.

The Velveteen Rabbit: A Heartwarming Story You Won’t Want to Miss at the Magik Theatre

Experience real love and connection with the return of Magik Theatre’s popular holiday season production of The Velveteen Rabbit. Photo: Bobby Foxx Photography, used with permission.

San Antonio, TX – Magik Theatre is delighted to reprise The Velveteen Rabbit, a timeless classic that captures the joy and warmth of the holidays. Recommended for audiences ages 5 and up, Magik’s adaptation of Margery Williams’ beloved children’s story follows the journey of a shy velveteen toy rabbit who longs to become real. Through his adventures with the Child, the Velveteen Rabbit learns about the transformative power of love and friendship. Running from November 23 through December 29, this heartwarming production is the perfect way to enjoy an enchanting holiday season, and Magik has plenty of related special events to make the experience all the more festive. (Magik Theatre, 2024)

Set in the cozy world of the Child, who receives the Velveteen Rabbit on Christmas morning, this touching tale follows the Child and their magical toys as they grapple with what it means to become ‘real.’ The Velveteen Rabbit, played by Ethan Hart, feels sad and forgotten as the Child (Maryann Valerio) marvels at fancier, more modern toys, but finds hope and friendship in the kind, wise Rocking Horse, played by Grace Lynn.

When a chance occurrence brings the Velveteen Rabbit back into the loving arms of the Child, the Velveteen Rabbit is delighted to become the Child’s favorite bedtime stuffy. But when the Child becomes ill, the Velveteen Rabbit must be separated from them, and this is where the Rabbit’s transformation begins.

To further the uplifting message and inspiring tale, Magik is pleased to present two special events: an opening day Party in the Park complete with live music, treats, and themed crafts, and its second annual Holiday Hop with pre-show holiday activities, photo opportunities, seasonal carols, and a gift drive. Little bookworms willing to scoot off Hemisfair campus, can catch a special story time at the Nowhere Bookshop for an engaging reading with the cast. All events offer magical ways to celebrate “the most wonderful time of the year!”

SPECIAL EVENTS AND PERFORMANCES
Opening Party in the Park | Saturday, November 23, 4:30p.m., show at 6p.m.
Start the merrymaking early with a FREE, family-friendly pre-show soiree on opening night. Kids can make their own rabbit with a special craft activity, and party goers can nibble on custom rabbit shaped cookies as they dance to the tunes of a live DJ. Those who stick around after Magik’s treasured holiday production of The Velveteen Rabbit can enjoy a cupcake to cap off a truly enchanting evening.

Story Time with the Cast of The Velveteen Rabbit | Tuesday, November 26, 4:30p.m.
Little literature lovers can meet the cast of Magik’s The Velveteen Rabbit at this special story time reading of the classic tale. The event takes place at best-selling author Jenny Lawson’s Nowhere Bookshop, located at 5154 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209.

Magik’s Annual Holiday Hop!| Saturday, December 14, 12:30p.m., show at 2p.m.
Join Magik for a heartwarming celebration that captures the true essence of the holiday season – Magik’s Second Annual Holiday Hop! Family-friendly, festive activities include writing letters to Santa, fun crafts, photo opportunities, carolers, and more. Embrace the spirit of giving by donating new toys, stuffed animals, books, or girls’ makeup to the toy drive benefiting local children’s cancer foundation Hope Hits Harder. After the activities, continue making holiday memories by enjoying a performance of The Velveteen Rabbit and meeting the cast. Capacity is limited so hop on these tickets now by visiting Magik Theatre online.

Special Performances:
Sensory-Friendly Performance | Saturday, November 30 at 10a.m.
Audience members on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities can take in a special performance of The Velveteen Rabbit 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.

Pay What You Wish Performance | Sunday, December 1 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 December 1st.

ASL Interpreted Performance | Saturday, December 7 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.

Educator Appreciation Day | Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 3p.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.

Military & First Responders Appreciation Day | Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 2p.m. (pre-show music at 1:30p.m.)
Service members with a valid military ID can purchase discounted $18 tickets and enjoy a special performance by the Honey Bs, an Andrews Sisters-style singing trio.

Purchase season subscriptions, flex passes, and single tickets online, via phone (210) 227-2751, and in person at Magik Theatre’s Box Office (420 S Alamo, 78205). Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9a.m. – 5p.m. and Saturdays, 12p.m. – 4p.m. If a child under 2 uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general admission ticket. Group rates are available for parties of ten or more people. For questions and further inquiries, contact Magik Theatre.

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.

Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

Decade of the Dead: A Blood-Soaked Retrospective on the Ultimate Zombie Horror

Decade of the Dead is available now on Digital and On Demand. Courtesy photo,used with permission.

Zombie horror movies captivate audiences with their unique blend of fear, survival, and societal commentary. The mindless, relentless nature of zombies taps into primal fears of death and the loss of individuality. These films often explore themes of isolation, survival instincts, and human nature under extreme pressure. As characters face an apocalyptic world, viewers are drawn to the tension between personal survival and moral choices. The unpredictable chaos of a zombie outbreak mirrors our anxieties about societal collapse, making these films both thrilling and thought-provoking. Ultimately, they offer an adrenaline rush while exploring the darker sides of humanity.

Dark Star Pictures is thrilled to announce the release of Decade of the Dead, a gripping and action-packed zombie horror film, now on Digital and On Demand. This chilling new chapter in the zombie apocalypse genre is a standalone follow-up to the 2012 cult hit Dead Season, which will be re-released in conjunction with Decade of the Dead.

 It is available on YouTube, Google Play, Fandango, and Apple TV. (Gold Dust PR, 2024)

Set against the eerie backdrop of a tropical island overrun by the undead, a group of survivors, ten years after a zombie outbreak, seeks refuge with an isolated community—only to uncover a sinister zombie-worshiping cult determined to dominate the post-apocalyptic wasteland.

Decade of the Dead stars Sean Patrick Thomas (Cruel Intentions, Save The Last Dance), Jenna Leigh Green (“Sabrina the Teenage Witch”),  Shane Johnson (“Power”), Branscombe Richmond (The Scorpion King, Mortal Kombat), Dean Geyer (Zoey 102, “Glee”).

Decade of the Dead – Ten years into the zombie apocalypse, Rachel, Tweeter, and Ben, live in a world without hope. While scavenging the Caribbean, they happen upon The Sworn, a zombie-worshiping cult of the worst remnants of humanity. The Sworn not only worship the dead but consume the living and enslave those they fail to convert. Rachel is captured and reunited with her long-lost sister, the high priestess of The Sworn, who leads the cult with Grinner, a blood-thirsty, fanatical brute, but the reunion is short-lived as they battle to make it off the island alive.

Filmed entirely on the island of O‘ahu with a talented local production crew, Decade of the Dead was co-directed by Adam Deyoe (Psycho Sleepover, Dead Season) and O‘ahu-based filmmaker Fairai Richmond. Flynn Forest Productions’ producer Loren Semmens, partnered with Bryan Spicer (Magnum P.I., Hawaii Five-0) and Sight & Sound Productions to execute the ambitious production.

Decade of the Dead offers an imaginative twist on beloved genre classics like The Walking Dead and Lost. The film creatively utilizes iconic O‘ahu locations, to craft a gripping and uniquely Hawaiian take on the zombie genre. The film made its world premiere at the 2023 Hawai‘i International Film Festival, where it was celebrated for its innovative approach to the zombie genre and its authentic representation of Hawai‘i’s filmmaking talent. 

Step Into a Winter Wonderland: Classic Christmas San Antonio Opens This Week

Classic Christmas San Antonio: All-New Experience at Toyota Field this Holiday Season. Photo: Enchant Christmas, used with permission.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – Step into a world of real holiday magic at Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas San Antonio from November 22 – December 29, 2024. This season, cherished holiday traditions come to life in San Antonio at the Toyota Field amid a spectacle of dazzling lights. Crafted by the creators of the renowned World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze, Enchant Christmas, this immersive holiday celebration promises to create unforgettable moments of togetherness and joy at this beloved time of year. This nostalgic celebration is packed with dazzling lights, festive activities, and unforgettable memories. Tickets start at $21 and are available online. (Classic Christmas San Antonio, 2024)

On November 24, Classic Christmas will make 2,500 kids tickets available at no charge. In the spirit of the holidays, Classic Christmas hopes to spread some joy and have as many families as possible to experience the dazzling lights. Guests can claim up to two free kid tickets per order, but each order must include at least one paid adult ticket.

Details for reserving available free tickets can be found online.

Holiday revelers can look forward to an array of joyful activities and cherished experiences, ensuring a season full of happiness and wonder, including:

  • Larger-Than-Life Light Displays – Delight in 55,000 square feet of dazzling light sculptures, featuring exciting custom and interactive Coca-Cola-inspired displays.
  • Market Square – Taste seasonal delights and shop for holiday gifts from a local assortment of vendors showcasing their wares.
  • Ice Skating – Skate amidst the lights with those you love – this is a unique ice skating experience.
  • Snow Slide – Hop on an inner tube and glide down the thrilling Classic Christmas Snow Slide.
  • Live Entertainment – Guests will get into the spirit with nightly caroling throughout the venue and more local, seasonal artist features.
  • Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus – Santa and Mrs. Claus will take photos in his workshop – your holiday photo dream come true!

THEME NIGHT CALENDAR: 

Adding to the excitement, Classic Christmas will host unique theme nights, each offering a distinct way to celebrate the holiday season:

  • NOVEMBER 24 – Kids Light Up The Night: 2,500 young guests to experience the sparkle of Classic Christmas San Antonio with complimentary tickets while supplies last.
  • DECEMBER 1 – Paws & Claus: Bring your furry friends for a pet-friendly evening where they can meet Santa and join in on the festive fun. Dog ticket add-ons will be limited—get your tickets now!
  • DECEMBER 6 – Country Christmas (presented by San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo): Dust off your cowboy boots for a night of country music, line dancing, and holiday cheer with a Southern twist.
  • DECEMBER 7 – Spurs & San Antonio FC at Classic Christmas: Join the Spurs and San Antonio FC at Classic Christmas! Wear your favorite Spurs or SAFC gear, meet & greet with players and the Spurs Hype Squad, and take photos with the Spurs NBA Championship trophies. 
  • DECEMBER 8 – Military Appreciation Night: A night dedicated to honoring the brave men and women of our military, with special activities and tributes throughout the evening. 
  • DECEMBER 13 – Fiesta Navideña: Celebrate the rich culture and traditions of Latin heritage with vibrant music, dance, and holiday festivities. This unique celebration features local talent, vendors, and organizations. 
  • DECEMBER 15 – Ugly Holiday Sweater Night: Bring your family and friends for a matching opportunity that could steal the show and win the grand prize! Guests will be honored with the best—or rather, ugliest—sweater prizes, and one grand prize winner will take the crown on our holiday stage. 

Note: Closed November 28 (Thanksgiving Day)

Toyota Field
5106 David Edwards Drive
San Antonio, TX 78233

Classic Christmas San Antonio. Photo: Enchant Christmas, used with permission.