Category: Entertainment News

The Velveteen Rabbit returns to the Magik Theatre

Cherished children’s story The Velveteen Rabbit returns for some holiday ‘magik.’ Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

Back by popular demand this holiday season is the delightful and heartwarming retelling of the classic children’s story, The Velveteen Rabbit. Magik Theatre presents this timeless tale from November 18 through December 24, 2023 with plenty of special events to welcome families into the cozy, magical world of a little one and their beloved Christmas gift. (Magik Theatre, 2023)

Written by Margery Williams and adapted by Michelle Hoppe-Long, a young child awakens on Christmas morning to discover a stuffed velveteen rabbit under the tree. As the Child’s new favorite toy, the shy rabbit’s appearance becomes worn and shabby from play, and a wonderful change begins to happen. Through his adventures with the Child, the Velveteen Rabbit learns about love and friendship, and the true meaning of being real. Don’t miss this inspiring, uplifting fable that so perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday season.

According to Artistic Director Anthony Runfola, the biggest change to Magik’s production of their beloved holiday tradition is a brand-new cast. “This alone brings a whole new energy and sensibility to The Velveteen Rabbit that will sweep audiences off their feet,” says Runfola. Notably, this year Clarissa Cortez takes on the role of “the Child,” originally written in the book as “the Boy.” Mason Anthony Ortiz plays the beloved, titular stuffed animal, while Amy Bouquet and Grace Featherston join the cast in several roles, from Mother and Nana to rabbits to toys come to life.

Special Events and Performances:

STORY TIME with Ms. Kim and Magik Theatre at Hemisfair | Tuesday, November 14, 10a.m.
Magik Theatre and Hemisfair announce a new installation of Hemisfair’s weekly Story Time. The series takes place in Yanaguana Garden each Tuesday before the theatre’s opening weekends with beloved educator Ms. Kim reading from each production’s themed book, in this case “The Velveteen Rabbit.” To make little wishes come true, Hemisfair will give away 20 free copies of the book to its first 20 Story Time guests.

Opening Night PARTY IN THE PARK | Saturday, November 18, 4:30p.m., show at 6p.m.
Leap into The Velveteen Rabbit with a free, family-friendly fiesta at Hemisfair before opening night. Guests can transform themselves by creating bunny ear headbands and cute rabbit face paint by Sparrow Face Painting. Saxophonist Noah Peterson provides entertainment while sugar fiends young and not-so-young decorate bunny cupcakes provided by Asukar founder and pastry chef Adesuwa Elaiho.

Introducing Magik Theatre’s First Annual HOLIDAY HOP! |Saturday, December 9, 12:30p.m., show at 2p.m.
Get into the giving spirit during Magik Theatre’s first annual Holiday Hop, which will collect donations of new, warm socks for those in need. Each ticket includes access to festive pre-show activities like photos with Santa (the first photo is free, additional copies available for purchase) and cookies and cocoa. After taking in the 2p.m. show, holiday hoppers are invited to a special ‘meet and greet’ with The Velveteen Rabbit cast after the performance. Savor the season by writing letters to Santa, creating keepsake ornaments, and giving the gift of toasty toes. Early bird tickets are $40 for adults and $30 for children. General admission is $50 for adults and $40 for kids. Capacity is limited so hop on these tickets now.

Sensory-Friendly Performance | Saturday, December 2, 10a.m.
Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming environment for people who are on the autism spectrum or who have other sensory sensitivities. By modifying elements of the production to accommodate individuals with sensory needs, Magik Theatre creates a welcoming space where families and friends of those with autism or other disabilities can enjoy an authentic performance experience together.

Pay What You Wish Performance | Sunday, December 3, 3p.m.
Magik’s way of giving back to the community and providing an opportunity for families to experience live theatre with a donation of any amount.

American Sign Language Interpreted Performance | Saturday, December 16, 2 p.m.
Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary sign language interpreter, will be available during this performance for patrons that require ASL as their primary form of communication.

2023-2024 TICKET OPTIONS
SEASON SUBSCRIPTION PRICING
Three Show Subscription $54 per person (Savings of 28% off single ticket prices)

FLEX PASS PRICING
Ten (10) Flex Passes $175
Twenty (20) Flex Passes $330

SINGLE TICKETS
$25 for adults
$20 for children (ages 2-17), Military, Seniors, Educators & Students

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.. 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.

New horror comedy movie release: Project Z

Project Z is now available for streaming on Vudu and Apple TV. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In today’s movie news, for true zombie fans, it is always a good day to watch zombie movies. From distributor Dark Star Pictures comes the Norwegian (with English subtitles) comedy horror movie Project Z. It is now available to rent or buy on Vudu and Apple TV. It stars Eili Harboe, Regina Tucker, Vebjorn Enger, Jonis Jesf, Iben Akerlie, and Arthur Berning and is directed by Henrik Martin Dahlsbakken. (The Write Way, 2023)

Project Z – A group of film students bring along three out of work actors to an old motel in the Norwegian mountains to make zombie films. When a mysterious asteroid crashes nearby strange things begin to happen, blurring the line between fiction and reality. Suddenly their fiction is turned into reality, as the undead have seemingly began attacking the crew and they must fight for their lives – or is it a part of their story?

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Upcoming new album release: Bring The Kids – Hamell on Trial

Bring The Kids will be released November 27 and is the anti-folk satirist’s most accessible album ever. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Hamell on Trial is the musical alias of folk punk hero Ed Hamell. A one-man explosion, he is loud-as-war one minute, stepping off the microphone to whisper to an enthralled audience the next. Hamell’s unique and dynamic performance style is informed by politics, passion, intelligence, and an irreverent sense of humor. Armed with a battered 1937 Gibson acoustic guitar that he amplifies mightily and strums like a machine gun, a politically astute mind that cannot stop moving, and a mouth that can be profane one minute and profound the next, Hamell sets his sights on the new America. He shoots straight with his audience, whether unraveling topical issues or sharing confessional tales from his own past. Hamell has shared countless stages with fellow anti-establishment icons such as Ani DiFranco, Kimya Dawson, Aesop Rock and The Pogues, as well as winning the coveted Herald Angel Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. (US/THEM Group, 2023)

Hamell’s 2023 full-length record, Bring The Kids, marks the seventeenth release in a discography overflowing with four star reviews and critical acclaim, ranging from major label releases (Mercury / Polygram) to top independents such as New West and Righteous Babe Records. Bring The Kids will mark Hamell’s third record on Texas indie Saustex Records, helmed by Hickoids’ lead singer Jeff Smith. Bring The Kids will be available on LP, CD and digital on November 27, 2023 via Saustex Records. Pre-orders are available HERE.

On the new record, Hamell teams up with NY-based producer Matt Labozza to meld his punk rock hooks into the most beat-driven and expansive production approach in the history of his catalogue. “This is definitely the most musically adventurous record so far,” Hamell explains. “I recorded my last two albums on my phone. I think some of my fans have been wondering what the songs would sound like if I were to open them up to every musical idea and tool that swirls around them in my brain. Here’s your answer.”

Hamell on Trial is the modern day voice of dissent and social commentary, fighting a one-man war armed with irrepressible energy and a seeker’s soul. His show is a 75-minute journey into true and authentic connection driven by the willingness to fight for the disenfranchised and celebrate the free thinkers of the world. Don’t we need that now more than ever?

Bring The Kids track list:

01: Hail My Rage (ft. Christine Oilman)
02: Tell You Why (ft. Ruth Theodore)
03: Pray
04: Drunk Dial Me
05: Robbery
06. Jelly
07: The Way She Says
08: To Get Thru
09: NKGG
10: Um, Actually No
11: Pepper Spray
12: Hippy Shake
13: Tucker Carlson
14: Trail Mix
15: Johnny Rydell
16: Jelly (Single edit)

“Bald, bold and super bad.” — Rolling Stone

“He has a real attachment to truth that makes him continually vital.” — Henry Rollins

“Bill Hicks, Hunter S. Thompson, and Joe Strummer all rolled into one” — Philadelphia Weekly

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Action thriller King of Killers now available on Blu-ray and DVD

Action thriller King of Killers. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In today’s movie news, if you like action thrillers, King of Killers is now available on Blu-ray™ and DVD. Written and directed by Kevin Grevioux, the cast includes Alain Moussi (Nobody), Marie Avgeropoulos (“The 100,” 50/50), Georges St-Pierre (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), Stephen Dorff (Blade, Old Henry), Frank Grillo (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), and Kevin Grevioux (Underworld). (EG-PR, 2023)

Based on a graphic novel by writer-director Kevin Grevioux, King of Killers follows former Agency hit man Marcus Garan (Alain Moussi) as he attempts to unravel the mystery behind a tragic incident. When offered a $10 million contract to eliminate the world’s greatest assassin, Marcus travels to Tokyo to meet the client (Frank Grillo), but discovers other professional killers have been invited as well. Now Marcus and the others must confront this deadly, mythical assassin or die trying.

Blu-ray/DVD Specs:

Number of Discs: 2
Screen Format: 16×9 (2.39:1) Presentation
Language/Subtitles: English, Spanish Subtitles, French Subtitles, English SDH
Audio: 5.1 Dolby Audio, 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio™, DESC. AUDIO (AD-DVS)
Rating: R for strong/bloody violence
Run Time: 92 minutes
CC: No
Color: Color
Copyright: © 2023 Dovetale Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Shake Shack teams up with Trolls on holiday shakes menu

Shake Shack teams up with DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls Band Together to launch Trolls-themed trio of holiday shakes. Photo: Shake Shack, used with permission.

To celebrate the release of DreamWorks Animation’s new feature film Trolls Band Together on November 17, Shake Shack is teaming up with this new chapter in the blockbuster musical Trolls franchise to offer a limited-time shakes menu for fans across the U.S. The trio of shakes is inspired by the leading characters in the film – Poppy, Branch and new character Viva – as well as traditional holiday flavors that we know and love. The new menu items are accompanied by Trolls-themed holiday packaging including a takeout bag, cup and tray liner, and are now available at Shake Shack locations nationwide (stadiums and airports not included). (Shake Shack, 2023)

The trio of Trolls-themed shakes include:

  • Poppy’s Sugar Cookie Shake: Hand-spun sugar cookie frozen custard, mixed with cookie dough pop candy, topped with whipped cream and cotton candy. Starts at $7.49
  • Branch’s Chocolate Peppermint Shake: Hand-spun vanilla and chocolate frozen custard, mixed with mint fudge, topped with whipped cream and mint candy crunch. Starts at $7.29
  • Viva’s Cinnamon Roll Shake: Hand-spun cinnamon roll frozen custard, swirled with gold frosting, topped with whipped cream and gold confetti. Starts at $7.29

“We’re excited to partner with Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation to bring the world of Trolls from the big screen to life in our Shacks,” said Jay Livingston, Chief Marketing Officer at Shake Shack. “It was so much fun taking inspiration from these colorful, beloved characters to create a trio of shakes and can’t wait for our guests to get a taste of Trolls magic this holiday season, sparkles included.”

Shack fans in Los Angeles will also be able to enjoy a Trolls-themed experience at the West Hollywood Shack at 8520 Santa Monica Blvd., complete with larger-than-life Trolls characters on the Shack’s roof, giveaways and an interactive musical experience with music from the new feature film.

This partnership is building on the success of Shake Shack’s collaboration with Nintendo and Illumination for The Super Mario Bros. Movie which was released in 2023. Brand partnerships is an area where Shake Shack is increasing its marketing focus in the years to come, especially as it expands its footprint across the U.S. and around the world.

Shake Shack serves elevated versions of American classics using only the best ingredients. It is known for its delicious made-to-order Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken, hand-spun milkshakes, house-made lemonades, beer, wine, and more. With its high-quality food at a great value, warm hospitality, and a commitment to crafting uplifting experiences, Shake Shack quickly became a cult-brand with widespread appeal. Shake Shack’s purpose is to Stand For Something Good®, from its premium ingredients and employee development, to its inspiring designs and deep community investment. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the Company has expanded to over 470 locations system-wide, including over 305 in 32 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, and over 165 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Mexico City, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Seoul and more.

Skip the line with the Shack App, a mobile ordering app that lets you save time by ordering ahead. Guests can select their location, pick their food, choose a pickup time and their meal will be cooked-to-order and timed to arrival. Available on iOS and Android.

New album release: Back to the Valley – Low Water Bridge Band

Low Water Bridge Band announces sophomore LP Back to the Valley. Photo: Low Water Bridge Band.

Forged by firelight picking, Low Water Bridge Band’s romping, stomping, country-grass Americana is not for the faint of heart. Since coming together in 2020, they have gone from barnstorming the Shenandoah Valley to festival stages along the East Coast and now, to the delight of their rapidly growing fanbase, the band has announced the follow up to their latest LP, Midnight in Virginia. On November 17, Low Water Bridge Band—Logan Moore (guitar, vocals), Alex Kerns (bass, vocals), Riley Kerns (drums, background vocals), James Montgomery (lead guitar), Justin Carver (pedal steel, banjo),and Rudy Bzdyk (fiddle, trumpet, keyboards)—will release Back to the Valley, an all new, ten song LP. (IV-PR, 2023)

Low Water Bridge Band shared Back to the Valley’s opening track, “Siren Of The Shenandoah,” a shapeshifting ode to the great river that created the valley from with the band was created. “This song came to light after a full moon, overnight canoe trip down the Shenandoah River,” says Moore, the song’s writer and lead singer. “I kept hearing a lonely fox following us along the riverbanks shouting her terrifying scream. I imagined it was the sound of the mythological siren crying out to lure me into the mighty Shenandoah River.” Moore’s imagination went from there, fleshing out the lick-laden song that deftly switches back and forth between a full-time train beat and a funkier, half-time groove. Encompassing everything that Low Water Bridge Band fans are already hip to—clever songwriting, complimentary musicianship, and the ability to creatively freeze a place and time in song—“Sirens Of The Shenandoah” is the perfect lead off track for this next chapter in the burgeoning band’s career.

Back to the Valley was produced by band members Riley Kerns and Logan Moore and recorded and mixed by Kerns at BerryTone Sound Recorders in Berryville, Virginia. Micah Howard contributed vocals on “She Don’t Answer;” “Dear Lord” and “Small Town Affair” feature background vocalists Laura Steinmetz and Jessica Mitchell; and Jake Smith plays baritone saxophone on “Hope It’s You.”

Fans can hear “Siren Of The Shenandoah” now and stay up to date on Back to the Valley ahead of its November 17.

Back to the Valley track list:
Siren Of The Shenandoah
Whiskey Dark
Slow Down
600 Reasons
Hope It’s You
Clarke County Clay
Place On A Hill
Dear Lord
Small Town Affair
She Don’t Answer

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Three ideas for a memorable day out with friends

Ferris wheel during the daytime. Photo: Laura Cros/Unsplash

Everyone wants a day out every once in a while. Most of the time, they’ll do this with their friends, and they wouldn’t want to do the same things over and over again. Why would you want to keep going to the movies when you could try an escape activity for groups and bring all your friends? There’s something to be said about organizing fun days out, but you want it to be a fun one for everyone so make a point of talking to the group and getting opinions from everyone! With some great ideas for a day out, you shouldn’t have much to worry about.

You’ll end up having an amazing time, and your friends should enjoy themselves, too. It could even let all of you bond, which is always worth the effort. If you’re planning a night out soon, it’s worth diving into a few great options.

Ideas For A Day Out: 3 Great Options

1. Wine Tasting

Wine tasting is one of the more unique ideas for a day out, and it can be much more fun than you would’ve thought. A wine tasting tour only takes a few hours, and you could end up having a nice time. It’ll even be a great way to spend some time out of the house.

Some of these tours even take place outdoors, so you can take in a bit of nature while you’re at it. No matter what, you could end up having an amazing time, and it might even be something you’ll want to do again and again.

2. Go To The Theater

You would’ve thought about going to the cinema with your friends, and it can always be a decent option. Sometimes, it’s worth going with something a little different, though. The actual theater can be a much better option. You might end up having a much better time when you visit it.

There’ll be plenty of plays and other events to consider going for, all of which could be interesting. Some of them could even be relatively interactive, and you could have a back-and-forth with the performers. These pantomimes can often be quite enjoyable, and they’ll be more fun than you’d think.

3. Go To An Amusement Park

Not all ideas for a day out have to be adult oriented. Instead, it can sometimes be worth focusing on your inner-child. You could end up having much more fun because of it. Going to an amusement park is one of the best ways you can do this. You’ll end up having an amazing time.

With the various rides and activities you can try, there’s no reason why you and your friends shouldn’t have fun. If there’s an amusement park near you, then it’s well worth spending a few hours there with your friends.

Ideas For A Day Out: Wrapping Up

With the right ideas for a day out, you shouldn’t have a problem having a great time with your friends. You wouldn’t have to worry about boredom, and you’ll end up getting closer to them. It could even be worth trying a few ideas.

You’ll end up making it a regular event while making sure you don’t get bored when you’re out and about. You’ve no reason not to consider a few great options. With a little bit of effort, you’ll end up having an amazing time.

Collaborative Post

Dark thriller THE G to have World Premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival

THE G is a film by Karl R. Hearne. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In movie news today, THE G, from writer/director Karl R. Hearne and 3Buck Productions, starring Dale Dickey, has been officially selected for the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. In competition, it will celebrate its World Premiere on November 11. It is the story of a mysterious older woman who seeks revenge on the corrupt legal guardian who destroyed her life. levelFILM has acquired all rights for Canadian distribution with a release date scheduled for 2024. (October Coast, 2023)

Director Karl R. Hearne was raised in Ireland and Québec where he studied at McGill before earning a graduate diploma from the University of Nanjing, China. His films have premiered at TIFF, SXSW and New Directors/NewFilms. His arthouse ghost story ‘TOUCHED’ was nominated for Best First Feature at the 2019 Canadian Screen Awards. ‘THE G’ is his second feature.

Ann Hunter (aka “The G”, played by Dale Dickey) and her husband retired to an unnamed American suburb 10 years ago to be near his family. But one day out of the blue they are snatched from their home by a corrupt legal guardian who believes they have hidden wealth. Their home and assets are legally stripped from them and they are put in a prison-like “eldercare facility,” victims of an exploding old age industry. Trapped in a corrupt and terrifying system, THE G begins to show her true mettle as she and her loyal granddaughter fight to get them out and get revenge on the people who did this.

A “winter-noir” based on real events/inspired by the filmmaker’s own family experience, THE G is an original portrait of a fierce older woman in the kind of role that a woman is rarely cast in. A highly atmospheric blend of suspense, dark humor, and moving human relationships that confronts age-related issues head on, THE G is driven by one astonishing main character, rivetingly portrayed by Dale Dickey, “One of Hollywood’s Great Scene-Stealers” (Vanity Fair, Fall 2022).

THE G also stars Romane Denis, Roc Lafortune, Bruce Ramsay, and Jonathan Koensgen. The film is line-produced by José Lacelle, edited by Arthur Tarnowski with music by Philippe Brault and sound design by Pierre-Jules Audet.

Writer/director Karl R. Hearne says, “This film is a “winter-noir” based on real-world elder scams, and inspired by my own grandmother’s story and character. It’s about a woman who- regardless of her age or situation- refuses to accept that her life is over. In a world where the elderly are frequently marginalized, neglected or abused, I think of this film as a revenge story against old age itself… old age being a condition that my grandmother once said she “would not tolerate.”

“At levelFILM, we strive to partner with talented creators and share their stories like this one to ensure they find their Canadian (and beyond!) audiences,” said Olivier Gauthier-Mercier, VP of Distribution at levelFILM. “THE G speaks to an unfortunately all-too-common human experience through incredible performances driven with heart.”

Theater review: ‘Carrie the Musical’ at the Camille Playhouse

‘Carrie the Musical’ is now playing the Camille Playhouse.

This year, the Camille Playhouse is celebrating their 60th anniversary and is currently performing ‘Carrie the Musical.’ If you are looking for an indoor activity this Halloween weekend, consider checking it out on its closing weekend. Upcoming showtimes are Friday 10/27 at 8p.m. and Sunday 10/29 at 2p.m. There will not be a performance on Saturday 10/28. Tickets are $25 for general admission and are available at the box office one hour before the performance, which I recommend to avoid additional fees, or online. I am sure most of us are familiar with the story of Carrie, either the book or the movie, or both. It has become a Halloween staple, but suffice it to say, it does contain adult themes, so it might not be suitable for younger audiences.

‘Carrie the musical’ is adapted from Stephen King’s 1974 horror novel “Carrie” and focuses on an awkward teenage girl with telekinetic powers whose lonely life is dominated by an oppressive religious fanatic mother. She is a teenage outcast who only longs to fit in. At school, she is bullied by the popular crowd and is virtually invisible to everyone else. What none of them know is that Carrie just discovered that she has a special power and if pushed too far, she is not afraid to use it. So when she is humiliated by her classmates at the high school prom, she gets vengeance by unleashing chaos on everyone and everything in her path. Cast includes Renata Treviño, Stephanie Zamora, Abigail Crum, Sebastian Peña, Natalia Garza, Raul Lozano, and Lydia Castillo.

It might be a few years since the world was introduced to Carrie White but her story still resonates with people who see her either as a victim of bullying or a young woman who takes out her rage on those unfortunate enough to be around her. The show begins with Sue Snell (Abigail Crum), a traumatized witness who is recounting the incidents leading up to the tragic night of the prom. The different school mates are introduced, including Tommy Ross (Sebastian Peña) and Chris Hargensen (Natalie Garza) who despite their differences, they just long to fit in “In.” When Carrie (Renata Treviño) experiences her first period in the shower after gym class, it starts off a series of events that lead to the tragedy on prom night when she uses her telekinetic powers and goes on a killing rampage. The cast consists of so much young talent and they handle the show’s tough themes with the grace of a highly experienced cast but Stephanie Zamora’s portrayal of Margaret White, Carrie’s mom, stands out. She manages to humanize her despite her shortcomings and her vocal abilities are first rate. With a minimized setting, which consists of moveable panels that change with the scenes and dark, gloomy lighting, the focus is on Carrie’s sad reality.

Show highlights include Act II, the catchy ‘A Night We’ll Never Forget’ when everyone is excited and getting ready for prom night and the final number ‘Epilogue’ whose poignant message of ‘what does it cost to be kind’ should be a wake up call to how we treat others. The iconic prom scene is well done and the blood curling screams in the dark at the end of ‘The Destruction’ is an excellent touch and will haunt you afterwards. With a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, it has lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and music by Michael Gore and runs for 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission. ‘Carrie the Musical’ is a must see this Halloween season and aside from the spooky aspect, it reminds us of the need to be kind above all.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Camille Playhouse
1 Dean Porter Park Dr
Brownsville, Tx
(956) 542-8900

Upcoming new album release: The Golden Crystal Kingdom – Vincent Neil Emerson

The Golden Crystal Kingdom will be out November 10, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

From humble beginnings booking his own barbecue joint shows to touring with label mate Colter Wall and fellow Texan Charley Crocket, Vincent Neil Emerson built a career the old fashioned way, bar gig by bar gig, singular music fan by singular music fan. Vincent Neil Emerson is no stranger to work ethic. His life’s journey has been tumultuous, hard-nosed, and the stuff of songs. It all brings the young Choctaw-Apache man’s journey to the announcement of his new Shooter Jennings-produced record, The Golden Crystal Kingdom—out on November 10 via Emerson’s longtime label home La Honda Records and new partner, RCA Records. The Golden Crystal Kingdom is the follow-up to his first two LPs, Fried Chicken & Evil Woman and Vincent Neil Emerson, which established him as a refreshing voice in the Texas songwriter landscape. (IV-PR, 2023)

The Golden Crystal Kingdom shares more of the man behind the artist than any of his previous records, his songwriting and heritage on proud display throughout the new album. Emerson expands his sound, tapping into the storied influence of electrified folk legends like Leon Russell and Link Wray. As with his early work, the diamond-sharp storytelling remains Emerson’s focus under the big and explicit aesthetic of rock and roll.

Emerson continues the La Honda Records x RCA Records partnership with his first single, “Little Wolf’s Invincible Yellow Medicine Paint,” a full-throttle meeting of Western comic book influences inside a Neil Young guitar tuning. “The story was, basically, that a medicine man was tasked with motivating warriors to go into battle—they were going up against a bunch of white men with guns, and they knew they were going to die if they went into battle—and he came up with this special paint, this yellow medicine paint, and said, ‘If you wear this into battle, you’ll be invincible. No arrow can pierce you. No bullet can pierce you,’” Emerson remembers. “It’s an old-West-themed song, it’s not a modern-day story for sure,” says the man who proudly embraces his Choctaw-Apache heritage. “These are indigenous stories, whether or not that old West comic was true.”

To accompany “Little Wolf’s Invincible Yellow Medicine Paint,” Emerson enlisted the help of Native American bareback horse race champion, Sharmaine Weed, to star in a music video. An ethereal glimpse into the dedication and training required to become a champion, the music video, directed by on-the-rise visionary Mike Vanata, was filmed in Wyoming near the Wind River reservation. “Little Wolf’s Invincible Yellow Medicine Paint” can be streamed or purchased and fans can pre-order or pre-save The Golden Crystal Kingdom ahead of its November release.

The Golden Crystal Kingdom track listing:
Time of the Rambler
The Golden Crystal Kingdom
Time of the Cottonwood Trees
I’ll Meet You in Montana
Hang Your Head Down Low
Cod’ine
Blackland Prairies
On the Banks of the Old Guadalupe
The Man From Uvalde
Voices (On the Spanish Isle)
Clover on the Hillside
Little Wolf’s Invincible Yellow Medicine Paint

Catch Vincent Neil Emerson On Tour:
October 27, 2023 – Globe Hall – Denver, CO
October 28, 2023 – Globe Hall – Denver, CO
November 1, 2023 – Saturn – Birmingham, AL
November 2, 2023 – Exit/In – Nashville, TN
November 3, 2023 – Growlers – Memphis, TN
November 4, 2023 – Songbirds – Chattanooga, TN
November 7, 2023 – The Grey Eagle – Asheville, NC
November 9, 2023 – Songbyrd – Washington, DC
November 10, 2023 – Elkton Music Hall – Elkton, MD
November 11, 2023 – Mercury Lounge – New York, NY
November 15, 2023 – World Cafe Live – Philadelphia, PA
November 16, 2023 – The Southern Café and Music Hall – Charlottesville, VA
November 17, 2023 – Motorco Music Hall – Durham, NC
November 18, 2023 – New Brookland Tavern – Columbia, SC
November 19, 2023 – Charleston Music Hall – Charleston, SC
November 21, 2023 – Eddie’s Attic – Decatur, GA
December 9, 2023 – Antone’s Nightclub – Austin, TX