Layers of Emotion in ‘The Bella Vista’: Emma Ruth Rundle’s Poetic Journey

Emma Ruth Rundle announces her debut poetry book “The Bella Vista.” Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Poetry books offer a powerful blend of emotion, imagination, and expression in concise, rhythmic forms. They invite readers into intimate worlds where language dances and meanings are layered, offering both intellectual stimulation and emotional resonance. The beauty of poetry lies in its ability to distill complex experiences into few words, allowing for deep reflection and personal interpretation. Whether through vivid imagery, striking metaphors, or simple truths, poetry books captivate readers by fostering a sense of connection to universal themes, emotions, and the human condition, making them timeless treasures.

There’s a new poetry book coming out February 11, 2025 by Emma Ruth Rundle – “The Bella Vista.”

“rip up this book, my love / i wrote it for you” So opens Emma Ruth Rundle’s book of poetry, entitled “The Bella Vista.” The multidisciplinary visual artist and musician has now released six solo albums over the past decade to commercial and critical acclaim. The release of “The Bella Vista” will mark her literary debut. (another side, 2024)

With “The Bella Vista,” Emma Ruth Rundle turns to language as the best and perhaps only tool suitable to express, in her words, “the tenderness and brutality of romantic love.” The collection of poetry is a concept, an addiction memoir, a family tree, and a love letter all at once—to music, mistakes, and humanity; to cross-country drives and other artists and the long road to finding oneself.

“Written on the road over the course of a year, ‘The Bella Vista’ is equal parts travel-log, love story and journal of dark existential reflection. It is what I have spent the last two years of my creative life working on and I am both relieved and excited to finally be sharing it.”- Emma Ruth Rundle

“The Bella Vista” will be published by Unnamed Press and available at bookstores and online on February 11, 2025 – pre-order here. To coincide with the book, Rundle will release a limited edition audio album consisting of minimalistic, contemplative piano sketches à la Harold Budd of whom the book was named in honor of, and was highly influential to “The Bella Vista.” Copies will be limited to 300 and available in a signed first edition hardcover + exclusive vinyl bundle here.

Early praise for “The Bella Vista”

“Emma Ruth Rundle’s debut collection of poems, The Bella Vista, is a gorgeous, fierce, and devastating account of romantic love. Rundle has found a new form for her prodigious lyrical gifts; here is a lucid and haunting collection that moves with a kind of dream logic to ‘summon the unseen.’” – Deborah Landau, author or Skeletons and Soft Targets

“Emma Ruth Rundle’s The Bella Vista is more than a poetry collection—it’s a memoir charted by stars, an autobiographical scrapbook and lyrical compass that helps us navigate our everyday lives through its wisdom, beauty, and fingerprint specificity.” – Brandon Stosuy, author of Sad Happens and the Make Time for Creativity series

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Aladdin 3477: A Futuristic Twist on the Classic Tale of Magic and Adventure

Aladdin 3477: The Jinn of Wisdom is the debut feature of renowned pop culture artist Matt Busch. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Science fiction and adventure fantasy movies transport audiences to imaginative worlds filled with futuristic technology, epic battles, and extraordinary creatures. These genres allow viewers to escape the confines of reality and explore limitless possibilities, where anything from time travel to magical realms can exist. The sense of wonder and excitement in discovering new, uncharted worlds appeals to our natural curiosity. Themes of heroism, personal growth, and the triumph of good over evil resonate deeply, providing both thrilling entertainment and profound emotional connections. Through visually stunning effects and immersive storytelling, these films ignite our imagination and inspire awe.

There’s a new movie coming out on video on demand in January that combines adventure with futuristic elements: Aladdin 3477: The Jinn of Wisdom.

Los Angeles, CA – Following a long career as a pop culture artist, Matt Busch is stepping behind the camera for the debut of his first film in his own franchise: Aladdin 3477: The Jinn of Wisdom. Busch brings over three decades as an artist for Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Lord of the Rings, and more to the table as he takes the Arabian Nights tale into the far future and across the world. On January 3, 2025, audiences across North America will be able to rent or own Aladdin 3477: The Jinn of Wisdom on Cable VOD and Digital HD, including Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home from Buffalo 8. (Justin Cook PR, 2024)

Aladdin 3477: The Jinn of Wisdom. The epic sci-fi adventure stars Erik Steele, Christi Perovski, Aaron Golematis, Lin Zy, Jon Rick, Tony Miello, Brian Dalling, Jerry Hayes, Irfan Sheikh, Robert Shannon, and Sydney Solomon.

“Having grown up a product of the Lucas/Spielberg golden era, I’ve always been obsessed with telling fantastical stories. The theater experience of epic adventure, sprinkled with magic on the big screen was a direct link to my creative childhood brain. I knew if my sci-fi trilogy of films were ever going to happen, I would have to step back and create them independently, my magnum opus as a true artist. Through the grueling amount of work, 12-year-old me was beaming the entire time, creating the kind of films I used to camp out in line for.” –  Matt Busch

Aladdin 3477: The Jinn of Wisdom – In a futuristic Hong Kong, Aladdin, a street-smart orphan with dreams of ascending to the elite class, fixates on Princess Kamala of India. His life takes an unexpected turn when he’s lured into a treacherous quest to Cambodia in search of a fabled lamp. Along for the unpredictable ride is Oomi, a homeless girl whose presence inadvertently thwarts Aladdin’s every scheme.

Their journey introduces them to a captivating sage who claims to be the Jinn of Wisdom. Together, they venture into the vibrant landscapes of Thailand, where Aladdin confronts his haunting past. As they navigate narrow escapes and magical encounters, Aladdin is faced with a pivotal choice: pursue his selfish desires or embrace the unwavering loyalty of Oomi, whose devotion transcends all bounds.

Aladdin 3477- I: The Jinn of Wisdom: 118 minutes
Sci-Fi / Fantasy/ Adventure
English, Hindi, Cantonese & Thai w/ English subtitles
Producer: Kaleidoscope Koi Entertainment

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

John Mailander’s ‘Let The World In’: The Soul-Stirring New Album

John Mailander’s Forecast to independently release ‘Let The World In’ on January 24, 2025. Photo: Emily Walis, used with permission.

Nashville Tenn. —  John Mailander’s Forecast is excited to independently release Let The World In on January 24, 2025, on CD, vinyl, and digitally. Forecast is a Nashville-based collective of visionary musicians led by acclaimed performer, producer, composer, educator, and recording artist John Mailander, known for his voice on the fiddle and other stringed instruments. (Dreamspider Publicity, 2024)

Forecast is John Mailander on fiddle, keys, and electronics; Ethan Jodziewicz on upright and fretless electric bass; Chris Lippincott on steel guitars, keys, and electronics; Mark Raudabaugh on drums and percussion, Jake Stargel on acoustic guitar, and David Williford on tenor saxophone and bass clarinet.

Produced by Mailander, Let The World In was recorded by Brook Sutton at The Studio Nashville, assisted by Will Tyson and Maeve Graham. It was mixed by Daniel Rice and mastered by Wayne Pooley. With nine tracks, four of which are shorter free improvs, all but “Road” are original instrumentals. 

The songs show a crossover from the jazz side of things and more into the jam band world, especially with the first single—a Nick Drake song, “Road,” which is available to stream and buy now.

“‘Road’ has been a bit of a mantra to me over the past couple of years. I haven’t always considered myself much of a singer, but it felt important for me to sing this one myself on the album. Lyrically, I feel like it ties into the themes of the album as a whole, and it’s a great vehicle for jamming as a band. This track captures a lot of the vibe of what we do live.” – John Mailander

The song was described as “majestic and expansive” by JamBase, who debuted the Grouch Bucket-animated video that accompanied it. In their feature, they went into deeper detail with John about “Road” and the entire album. 

Let The World In is the spiritual third in a trilogy of “Forecast” records and the second “true” album as a band since 2021’s Look Closer, which was recorded during the pandemic. Originally assembled for the live debut of John’s 2019 album Forecast, the group adopted the name for a series of residency shows in Nashville at Dee’s Lounge. John Mailander’s Forecast has since developed a dedicated following through their adventurous improvisations, singular collaborations, and genre-bending, exuberant musical explorations.

The album opens with 18 seconds of the band candidly gathering to warm up, culminating in the count-off to “Let The World In.” The title track is a Forecast sound collage in which Mailander explores on fiddle and Wurlitzer, and the ambiance is enhanced further with the addition of the “Let The World In Sound Freedom Expressionists” (Hannah Delynn, Maya De Vitry, Gibb Droll, Ella Korth, Lindsay Lou, and Royal Masat).

Other compositions include the bluesy, whimsical, and mysterious “Gardener,” the string-layered “Chapters,” and the peaceful Metheny/Hornsby-inspired “Heartland,” which showcases Stargel’s imaginative guitar solo along with a Jodziewicz arco bass feature and Mailander’s piano playing. 

“(improvisations 1)” and “(2)” are short pieces that were spontaneously composed by Forecast during the end of their daily recording sessions. “(reprise),” bookends the album with a reinterpretation of the title track’s cinematic main melody, with Mailander again on piano. Let The World In is meant to be played as a whole listening experience. Play this album loud.

Along with “conducting” the Forecast, Mailander is a member of Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers. His playing can be heard on albums by Billy Strings (including the Grammy-winning album Home), Noah Kahan, Joy Williams, Lucy Dacus, Molly Tuttle, Joe K. Walsh, Chatham County Line, and many more. John is currently on tour with Sam Grisman Project.

Let The World In Track Listing:

(open) (0:18)

Let The World In (6:52)

Gardener (4:40)

(improvisation 1) (1:15)

Chapters (2:55)

Heartland (6:22)

(improvisation 2) (1:44)

Road (9:25)

(reprise) (1:47)

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Unlocking the Mysteries of the Brain: What ‘Out of Your Mind’ Reveals About the Human Brain

‘Out of Your Mind: The Biggest Mysteries of the Human Brain’ will be released in January. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The search to understand how the brain works has been a long-standing scientific endeavor, exploring the complexities of cognition, emotions, memory, and consciousness. Neuroscience and psychology have made significant strides, yet much remains unknown about the brain’s intricate processes. Books such as “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat” by Oliver Sacks delve into neurological disorders, offering insight into brain function. In “How to Change Your Mind,” Michael Pollan explores neuroplasticity and the impact of psychedelics. Meanwhile, Daniel Kahneman’s “Thinking, Fast and Slow” illuminates decision-making and cognitive biases, offering a deeper understanding of human thought processes.

If you’ve always wanted to learn more about the inner workings of the brain but found the subject too complicated, there’s a new book coming out next month that aims to make it more accessible to all readers.

“Out of Your Mind: The Biggest Mysteries of the Human Brain” by Jorge Cham and Dwayne Godwin goes on sale January 28th, 2025. It’s an introductory journey into your own mind—if your inner voice had a Ph. D. in brain science, cracked jokes, and drew cartoons. (Penguin Random House, 2024)

Why do you love? Why do you lie? What makes you happy? Every single thought you have comes from one place: your brain. But what makes it tick? How much of it have we decoded, and how much of it remains an impenetrable mystery?

Join best-selling author and online cartoonist Jorge Cham and neuroscientist Dwayne Godwin on a deep dive into the fascinating world of the human brain, in which they will explore questions such as: What is consciousness? Where is you in the brain? And do we have free will? All while illuminating everything we know (and DON’T know) about one of the most complex objects in the known universe.

Think of it as conversation-ammunition for your next cocktail party, or a quick fascinating read while you’re in the bathroom (don’t worry, the chapters aren’t that long). Centered around questions we all ask ourselves at some point but don’t usually have answers to, “Out of Your Mind” is an illustrated book about the brain that isn’t too brainy. Playful, accessible, and deeply insightful, it’s the one brain book that’s truly accessible and suitable for all brains.

Some of the questions that are addressed include:

  • Where is the mind?
  • Why do we love?
  • Why do we hate?
  • Will an AI take my job?
  • What are the limits of memory?
  • What is addiction?
  • What is consciousness?
  • What makes us happy?
  • Do we have free will?
  • What happens when we die?
  • What makes us human?

JORGE CHAM is the Daytime Emmy-nominated and best-selling cartoonist creator of the popular online comic strip “Piled Higher and Deeper” (known as PHD Comics – phdcomics.com). He is the co-creator, Executive Producer and Creative Director of “Elinor Wonders Why,” one of the highest-rated animated shows on PBS Kids, and the co-author of two popular science books: the best-selling and award-winning “We Have No Idea: A Guide to the Unknown Universe and Frequently Asked Questions about the Universe,”as well as the children’s book “Oliver’s Great Big Universe.” Jorge is also the co-host and co-creator of “Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe” a popular podcast and radio show. He obtained his Ph.D. in robotics from Stanford University and was an Instructor and Research Associate at Caltech from 2003-2005. He is originally from Panama.

DWAYNE GODWIN is a neuroscientist, an educator, and an academic leader who is a professor in the Department of Translational Neuroscience and served as graduate dean at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. His research centers on the cellular basis of abnormal brain rhythms, including active projects on calcium channel function, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury. His goal is to use emerging insights about the brain to develop treatments and potential cures for neurological diseases. His science outreach includes Mind in Pictures, cocreated with Jorge Cham for Scientific American Mind, as well as blogs for the Society for Neuroscience and the Museum of the Moving Image.

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The Silent Fight for Survival: Homelessness and Family in ‘SCRAP’

Vivian Kerr, Anthony Rapp, Lana Parrilla and Beth Dover star in the heartfelt drama SCRAP. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Dramatic movies explore complex emotions, relationships, and life’s toughest challenges. They often present characters facing personal or external conflicts, allowing viewers to connect deeply with their struggles. The emotional depth and character-driven storytelling create a sense of empathy, as audiences see parts of themselves reflected in the characters’ journeys. These films often provoke introspection, offering insight into human nature and societal issues. Whether highlighting personal growth, loss, or triumph, dramatic movies resonate because they evoke raw emotions, making them relatable and powerful. Their ability to stir emotions keeps audiences engaged long after the credits roll.

London, UK: Rue Dangeau is delighted to announce that Vivian Kerr’s SCRAP will be available on Digital Download from 13th December. (Strike Media, 2024)

Initially created and released as a short in 2018, SCRAP is Vivian Kerr’s feature length directorial debut, a film which she also wrote, and stars in the lead role. SCRAP also includes Anthony Rapp (Star Trek: Discovery), Lana Parrilla (Once Upon a Time), and Beth Dover (Outpost).

SCRAP – Beth (Vivian Kerr) has recently been laid off and struggles to maintain the appearance of a successful middle-class lifestyle as she bounces around Los Angeles. Hoping to land a new job and change her situation before her estranged older brother Ben (Anthony Rapp) finds out, Beth must confront her own pride in order to reconnect with him and provide for her young daughter, Birdy. Meanwhile, Ben and Stacy (Lana Parrilla) consider a third round of IVF and Stacy, a successful attorney, must re-evaluate her own conflicted relationship with motherhood.

Digital Release Date: 13th December
Digital Platforms: iTunes, Google, Amazon, and Vudu
Director & Writer: Vivian Kerr
Producers: Vivian Kerr, Marion Kerr, Suresh Cedrick Pereira, Rachel Stander
Cast: Vivian Kerr, Anthony Rapp, Lana Parrilla, and Beth Dover
Genre: Drama
Run Time: 105 mins

Ballet, Beauty, and Holiday Cheer: The Children’s Nutcracker at the Lila Cockrell Theatre

Transport your family to a magical winter wonderland with The Children’s Nutcracker. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

San Antonio, TX —The Children’s Nutcracker is a truly enchanting, family-friendly adaptation of the classic Christmastime ballet. Presented on December 13 and 14 by the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, the region’s foremost institution for youth dance instruction, this dynamic production infuses the timeless elegance of The Nutcracker ballet with CBSA’s mission to create professional-grade performance opportunities for pint sized prima ballerinas, supremely talented young adult dancers and inspiring special needs performers. Ticket information is available through Ticketmaster.

The 10th anniversary winter wonderland production takes place at the magnificent Lila Cockrell Theater, located amidst the famous San Antonio Riverwalk’s famed holiday light display. The 90-minute runtime ensures young audiences stay enthralled and inspired, while pre-show opportunities to visit Santa, shop at an onsite holiday market, and indulge in mouthwatering treats from the Kingdom of Sweets create the perfect atmosphere to kick off the holiday season.

Eagerly anticipated auditions draw hundreds of regional applicants hoping to secure a spot on San Antonio’s top stages and dance alongside world-renowned guest artists. This year, international ballet masters and principal artists Aliaksandra Krukava and Nurlan Kinerbayev, both experts in ballet’s acclaimed Vaganova method made famous by the likes of Anna Pavlova, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Rudolf Nureyev, return to lend their expertise to the choreography and staging of The Children’s Nutcracker, as well as dance the principal roles for the December 13 performance. These acclaimed dancers have performed leading roles in classical ballets for numerous companies throughout Europe and the United States, including the Russian National Ballet. Their presence on a San Antonio stage is truly a unique opportunity, made possible by CBSA.

The production is sure to satisfy audiences familiar with the 19th century tale of young Clara and her magical Nutcracker Prince, and dazzle those experiencing the cherished tradition for the first time. All the grandeur of Tchaikovsky’s original ballet score and the classic elements of The Nutcracker legacy are retained in The Children’s Nutcracker, while the energetic pace is designed to entrance younger audiences from start to finish.

Adding to the holiday cheer is the knowledge that proceeds from The Children’s Nutcracker support CBSA’s civic altruism. To date, the company and the affiliated Dance Center of San Antonio has provided life-changing educational and performance opportunities to nearly 2,500 young dancers from South and Central Texas, performed for more than 35,000 Title I schoolchildren and 2,000 underserved community members affiliated with Bexar County youth and family service organizations, and awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to special needs, boys’ dance, and financial needs-based students.

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio presents The Children’s Nutcracker

Friday December 13, 7p.m. and Saturday December 14, 2p.m.

Note: Holiday Market and Photos with Santa and cast opens one hour prior to showtime.

The Lila Cockrell Theatre
200 E. Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

Unwrap the Perfect Holiday Drink: Bols Ready-to-Enjoy Cocktails for Effortless Celebrations

Cheers to every holiday moment with Bols Ready-to-Enjoy Cocktails. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The holiday season is a time to gather with friends and family, creating cherished memories filled with laughter and joy. Whether cozying up around a crackling fire or sharing festive meals, the warmth of togetherness is unmatched. Cocktails add a special touch, with creative concoctions that brighten the mood—perhaps a spiced mulled wine, a classic eggnog, or a vibrant cranberry mojito. These drinks serve as more than refreshments; they spark conversations and bring everyone closer. As glasses clink and stories are shared, the magic of the holidays truly comes alive, making the season unforgettable.

This season, whether it’s a cozy night in, a lively gathering, or the countdown to midnight, Bols Ready-to-Enjoy Cocktails make it effortless to elevate every occasion with bar-quality flavors, backed by nearly 450 years of cocktail expertise. (Bols, 2024)

Here’s how each of Bols RTE cocktails can seamlessly fit into your favorite holiday moments: 

  • Christmas Eve Wind-Down: Espresso Martini – End Christmas Eve on a high note with this rich, smooth treat as a sophisticated after-dinner indulgence with family and friends. Served chilled with coffee beans, it adds a refined, comforting vibe to the evening.
  • Holiday Brunch Cheers: Margarita Azul – This vibrant blue margarita adds zest and cheer to holiday brunches on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day, bringing brightness to the morning to start the day with joy.
  • Elegant Gatherings: Red Light Negroni – Ideal for holiday soirées or office parties, this Negroni offers smooth, malty flavors with a botanical twist, perfect for mingling in style. Served with a twist of orange zest for that extra touch.
  • Fireside Nights: Very Old Fashioned – Nothing warms a winter night quite like the cozy, cedarwood notes of the Very Old Fashioned. It’s the ideal fireside sipper for intimate family gatherings or a quiet night by the fireplace, letting you unwind and embrace the season’s peaceful moments.
  • New Year’s Eve Toasts: Pornstar Martini – Add a pop of festive flair to New Year’s Eve with the vibrant, sweet libation. Its orange hue and lively flavors of vanilla and candied orange peel make it perfect for toasting at midnight, bringing lively energy to any celebration as the countdown begins.

Each cocktail is available in both 200ml tubes (perfect for one generous pour or two cocktails) and 375ml bottles (providing three-to-four servings), making them a thoughtful gift for hosts or an easy addition to your own celebrations.

Ally Venable’s ‘Do You Cry’ Delivers Raw Emotion and Soulful Power

Ally Venable shares her new song ‘Do You Cry,’ a heartfelt exploration of lost love. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Texas blues-rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist Ally Venable is back with a poignant new single, “Do You Cry,” a soul-stirring ballad that dives deep into the emotional complexities of heartbreak and lost love. The song, which marks a raw departure into the more vulnerable corners of Venable’s musical identity, is available now on all streaming platforms. (Big Hassle, 2024)

“The song explores the raw, vulnerable experience of heartbreak and the complex emotions that come with it. I wrote ‘Do You Cry’ about the bittersweet reality of lost love. I hope this song can connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.” – Ally Venable

Known for her electrifying live performances, signature glitter dresses, and black knee-high boots, Ally Venable is a force in the blues-rock world. Guitar Player Magazine describes her as an artist who “pulls off a stunner of gritty and/or sultry blues rock tunes embellished with lots of tasty guitar solos.” With a musical journey rooted in the blues and nurtured through early influences like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ally has steadily built a reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic guitarists and songwriters of her generation.

Born in Kilgore, Texas, Ally Venable began singing at age four and picked up the guitar at age 12. By 13, she was leading her own band, already drawing from her deep love for the blues. Her early albums, No Glass Shoes (2016) and Puppet Show (2018), earned her local acclaim and charted radio play. However, it was her 2019 release, Texas Honey, which pushed her to international recognition, debuting at #2 on the Billboard Blues chart and establishing Ally as one of the brightest stars in the genre.

Her 2021 album Heart of Fire, which also charted on the Blues Billboard charts, featured collaborations with music legends like Kenny Wayne Shepherd and highlighted Ally’s ability to write about love, pain, and overcoming adversity.“On this album, I really wanted to create a tone of overcoming your struggles and persevering through them,” she shared.

Ally’s most recent release, Real Gone (2023), produced by Grammy-winning Tom Hambridge, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Charts and included collaborations with blues icons Buddy Guy and Joe Bonamassa. This spring, she was named #2 on Guitar World’s list of “Top 15 Young Guns Making the Gibson Les Paul Cool Again” and received the Road Warrior Award at the Independent Blues Music Awards.

In addition to her solo tours, Ally’s band has supported legends like Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Colin James, and she has performed alongside fellow guitar icons on the Experience Hendrix tour and at ACL Live in Austin, Texas.

Looking ahead, Ally Venable will be part of the highly anticipated Experience Hendrix Tour in 2025, where she will share the stage with musical heavyweights like Samantha Fish, Devon Allman, Eric Johnson, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, and many more.

With her new single “Do You Cry,“ Ally Venable proves once again that her artistry continues to evolve, offering her audience a more intimate and introspective side of her music. Fans old and new will find comfort in the vulnerability and soulfulness of this beautifully crafted song.

PechaKucha San Antonio: A Vibrant Celebration of Art, Culture, and Creativity

The last PechaKucha of 2024 will take place at the historic Scottish Rite. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – PechaKucha San Antonio – the global arts and culture series that hosts speakers who share their passions in a unique format – is excited to announce its Volume 45 as the final event in the 2024 series. The event is scheduled for Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in downtown San Antonio (308 Ave E, San Antonio, TX 78205). The night begins with a welcome reception at 6:30p.m., followed by presentations starting at 7:30 p.m. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2024)

The historic Scottish Rite building was completed in 1924 and serves as the headquarters and meeting place for the Scottish Rite Masonry in San Antonio and for the South Texas region, as well as frequently used for performing arts and other cultural events.

Volume 45 will feature a talented group of local speakers. The seven presenters include:

• Brenda L. Burmeister, Artist and Educator
• Chris Hernandez, Record Hoarder
• Curtis Hunt III, Stone Mason
• Attie Jonker, Master Craftsman
• Andrea “Andi” Rodriguez, Cultural Placemaker
• Emily Royall, Public Interest Technology Expert
• Roberto Treviño, Executive Director

The evening’s emcee will be poet and author Jenny Browne – she has served as the Poet Laureate of both the City of San Antonio and State of Texas, and is a Professor of English and Creative Writing at Trinity University. The welcome reception will feature live music by musicians from the San Antonio Philharmonic. The San Antonio Philharmonic musicians are not only professionals, they are friends and neighbors, working to cultivate the vibrant arts culture that represents the community we all love.

The welcome reception will also include complimentary bites by San Antonio chefs and restaurants including in-kind sponsors Tandem, Naco Mexican Grayson, Beacon Hill Deli, and Olla Express. Additionally the event will feature cocktails available for purchase curated by local bar Amor Eterno.

Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased online.

A note on venue accessibility: The historic Scottish Rite has stairs leading up to the event space; for an accessibility option from the street level, there will be a livestream watch room available on the ground floor ballroom.

Pronounced “PEH-chuh KOO-chuh,” PechaKucha is a 20 image x 20 second arts and cultures series. We host speakers who share their passions in a unique format: Each presenter gets exactly 20 images, and each slide advances automatically every 20 seconds (for a total time of 6:40).

San Antonio’s first quarterly PechaKucha Night was held in February 2011 and now attracts hundreds of attendees to venues throughout San Antonio. It showcases a broad range of individuals, including architects, artists, makers, academics, community leaders and more. PechaKucha (Japanese for “chit chat”) is an event format developed by Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture to encourage creative professionals to share projects and ideas that they are passionate about. Since it began in 2003, PechaKucha has expanded to more than 1200 cities around the world.

Previous PechaKucha event. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

December Shows at Stable Hall: Your Ultimate Guide to This Month’s Live Performances

William Beckmann will be performing as part of the 2024 Las Posadas Tour. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – San Antonio’s music venue, Stable Hall is excited to share its concert lineup for December. In a reimagined draft horse stable from 1894, Stable Hall is inspired by the legendary Texas dance halls and Pearl’s unerring commitment to historic preservation and San Antonio culture. Infused with the rich music ethos of Texas, Stable Hall welcomes a wide range of artists and music lovers from around the world to experience this one-of-a-kind venue. Its muraled and curtained jewel-box stage presents shows of all sizes – from 100 to 1,000 in seating and standing formats. (Stable Hall, 2024)

Stable Hall features include six full-service bars, house and band merchandise in the house store, hand-made culinary delights for purchase, along with mezzanine, floor, and VIP Hayloft ticket options available. Stable Hall is also a special event venue whose event department specializes in producing social, corporate, and philanthropic affairs. Stable Hall also offers a unique membership program, Hall Pass, for music lovers who want to take their music experience and access to the next level. For the full calendar and to purchase tickets, please visit Stable Hall’s website.

The entire December schedule can be found below:

‘Fort Sam’s Own’ 323D Army Band Holiday Concert | Wednesday, December 11, 2024
The high-energy rock ‘Fort Sam’s Own’ 323d Army Band offers makes for an unforgettable evening of holiday spirit and pure rock energy. Serving the greater San Antonio area by bringing the highest standards of music to local communities, military families, and the general public, this “35 to Nowhere” ensemble will create lasting memories for all guests. Get tickets HERE.

Hayes Carll & The Band of Heathens | Thursday, December 12, 2024
These alt-country giants have teamed up for a rockin’ holiday show. Far from coming out of nowhere, Hayes & The Heathens is a union born out of years of mutual respect. Their respective award-winning careers have run parallel and crisscrossed many times, most recently back in October of 2023, when Carll and The Heathens shared a freewheeling family jam in Luckenbach, Texas. Get tickets HERE.

Dawes: Oh Brother Tour with Winnetka Bowling League | Friday, December 13, 2024
A brother-band duo meets a Californian indie quartet, blending Band-like rootsiness with lush vocal harmonies reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, and Nash. They’re a band that can move seamlessly between folk-rock, piano ballads, and sprawling jams while maintaining both an immediately recognizable sound and freedom from expectations. Get tickets HERE.

William Beckmann’s 2024 Las Posadas Tour with Special Guest Harper O’Neill | Saturday, December 14, 2024
This special evening will feature a mix of Christmas classics, Spanish songs, storytelling, and Beckmann originals for an intimate, festive atmosphere. Now in its third year, the Las Posadas tour is a cherished annual event. VIP packages are available, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation, supporting children’s charities across Texas. Get tickets HERE.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band: Creole Christmas | Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Bringing the spirit of New Orleans to San Antonio, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band will perform iconic classic Christmas hits live at Stable Hall. Preservation Hall presents intimate, acoustic concerts featuring bands from a current collective of 60 masters of traditional NOLA jazz. These musicians have learned the traditional style from the greats who played before them and are now working to pass it on themselves! Get tickets HERE.

Kin Faux | Friday, December 20, 2024
Known for their blazing fiddle, tight harmonies, and dynamic stage presence, Kin Faux delivers a high-energy show that fans won’t forget. Based in San Antonio, the band has become a standout in the Texas music scene, blending traditional country sounds with Southern rock and Red Dirt influences. Drawing inspiration from legends like Charlie Daniels, Alabama, and Restless Heart, their music resonates with heartfelt storytelling and Americana authenticity. Get tickets HERE.

The Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show | Saturday, December 21, 2024
The Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show mixes holiday standards with selections from their Grammy-winning holiday classic albums, Go Tell It On The Mountain, and the spirited Talkin’ Christmas. The Blind Boys of Alabama will have everyone in the audience singing and clapping along to spread the joy of the season! Get tickets HERE.

Shinyribs with Garret T. Capps & NASA Country | Friday, December 27, 2024
Shinyribs, the unstoppable Texas supergroup, will be joined by local favorite Garrett T. Capps & NASA Country. Known for their genre-blending sound and explosive live performances, Shinyribs will bring a mix of Texas Blues, New Orleans funk, and roots rock, creating a musical experience like no other. Get tickets HERE.

The Grammy Award-Winning Rebirth Brass Band with Nik Parr & The Selfless Lovers | Monday, December 30, 2024
Known for their explosive performances, this legendary group will bring the vibrant sounds of New Orleans to San Antonio with a high-energy mix of brass, funk, jazz, and soul. Founded by brothers Phil and Keith Frazier, Rebirth Brass Band has been a staple of the New Orleans music scene for nearly four decades, blending traditional brass band style with elements of jazz, funk, and R&B. Get tickets HERE.

Stable Hall
307 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215