Category: Entertainment News

‘Modern Natives’: Reimagining Coast Salish Myths for the 21st Century

‘Modern Natives’ blends myth, fiction, and illustrations. Photo: Amazon

Book Spotlight: ‘Modern Natives‘

An Illustrated Collection of Reimagined Coast Salish Myths by Andrea Grant

For the Coast Salish peoples of the Pacific Northwest, stories are more than entertainment, they are truth. Rooted in deep cultural tradition, Modern Natives brings to life the ancient belief that the world is surrounded by supernatural beings who shape, challenge, and guide us. Unlike typical mythology books, these stories are not treated as fiction; they are sacred teachings and oral records offering insight into the laws of nature and the spiritual connections between all living things.

Where Ancient Spirits Meet Urban Reality

In this collection, storytellers are the knowledge-keepers. Andrea Grant honors this tradition by reimagining supernatural beings and ancestral figures in contemporary settings, from the crowded sidewalks of New York City to quiet suburban apartments.

These luminous stories move between past and present, dreamtime and urban reality. It is a world where:

  • Water serpents haunt your sleep.
  • A trickster god orders whiskey in a Tacoma bar.
  • Wolves appear beneath the flickering streetlights of Manhattan.

Story Highlights

Modern Natives explores themes of identity, transformation, and mythic inheritance through several standout narratives:

  • The Water Dream: Noah is haunted by a sea serpent stalking her dreams. As her family life fractures, the boundary between myth and reality dissolves, forcing her to dive into the very waters she dreads.
  • Coyote Dances With Destiny: The immortal Trickster, haunted by loss, encounters the mysterious “Destiny” in a smoky blues bar. As they dance between temptation and fate, Coyote must decide if his memories are a curse or his only proof of existence.
  • The Isle of Women: When a young girl goes missing, two sisters follow their elders to a secret island to reclaim ancient power. This story powerfully merges the tragedy of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement with a mythic tale of vengeance and survival.

A Visually Driven Experience

The book is a multidimensional feast for the senses, blending short fiction and poetry with illustrations from:

  • Qwalsius–Shaun Peterson: Acclaimed Coast Salish artist.
  • Bowera Studio: Contributing high-impact visual storytelling.

With Grant’s professional background spanning Condé Nast editing, graphic novels, and short films, she brings a cinematic perspective to the genre that translates beautifully from the page to the mind’s eye.

“This book invites readers to step into a world where animals speak, ancestors walk among us, and the unseen is just as real as the seen.”

About the Author: Andrea Grant

Andrea Grant is a Canadian-born writer and multimedia artist of mixed-blood Coast Salish Native ancestry. Her work is renowned for its unique melding of mythological stories, poetry, photography, and live performance.

An alumnus of Kwantlen University College, Grant has been recognized with several prestigious First Nations Storyteller grants from the Canada Council for the Arts, the B.C. Arts Council, and the First Peoples’ Cultural Council.

‘Tell No One’ by Harlan Coben: Book Review and Plot Summary

‘Tell No One’ is the thrilling psychological thriller by Harlan Coben. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Tell No One by Harlan Coben

For Dr. David Beck, the loss was shattering. Every day for the past eight years, he has relived the horror of what happened: the gleaming lake, the pale moonlight, the piercing screams, and the last night he saw his wife alive.

Everyone tells him it’s time to move on and forget the past. But for David Beck, there can be no closure. A message has appeared on his computer—a phrase only he and his dead wife could know. Suddenly, Beck is taunted with the impossible: somewhere, somehow, his wife is alive… and he’s been warned to tell no one.

The Movie Adaptation

Note: Tell No One was adapted into a critically acclaimed French film (Ne le dis à personne) in 2006, directed by Guillaume Canet. It is widely considered one of the best book-to-film thriller adaptations.

Review

Harlan Coben is a master of the “suburban noir,” and Tell No One is arguably the best example of this. The novel follows Dr. David Beck, a man still shattered eight years after the brutal night his wife, Elizabeth, was murdered at a secluded lake. Every year he returns to that place, haunted by the memories that changed his life forever.

The pacing is relentless. From the moment he receives the first cryptic email, Beck is pulled into a dangerous web of secrets, lies, and buried truths. The story transforms into a high-stakes scavenger hunt through the dark underbelly of New York and the secrets of the wealthy.

It’s not just the “how” or the “who,” but the raw, emotional “why.” Beck is a deeply sympathetic protagonist, a man fueled by a flickering candle of hope that defies all logic. Coben builds tension through short, fast-paced chapters and unexpected twists that keep readers constantly guessing.

Highlights

  • The Hook: A dead spouse sending emails is the ultimate “one more chapter” device.
  • The Atmosphere: Coben perfectly balances the sterile safety of Beck’s medical world with the creeping dread of being watched.
  • The Twist: Just when you think you’ve mapped out the conspiracy, Coben pulls the rug out with surgical precision.

Final Verdict

Tell No One is a gripping psychological thriller that blends emotional depth with relentless suspense. It’s a story about devotion, hope, and the lengths someone will go to uncover the truth. If you enjoy stories where the protagonist is isolated by a secret they dare not share, this is a must-read. It’s a lean, mean, and surprisingly moving exploration of how far we’d go for a second chance.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

“A staircase. There had to be a staircase down here somewhere. I felt my way forward, moving in a sort of spastic dance, leading with my left leg as though it were a white cane. My foot crunched over some broken glass. I kept moving.”

CPH:DOX 2026: World Premiere of Faroese Documentary ‘Birita’

Búi Dam and Birita Mohr in BIRITA. Photo: Franklin Symphor Henriksen, Outlier Project

CPH:DOX 2026: The World Premiere of ‘Birita’

The Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival (CPH: DOX) is back. As one of the world’s most prestigious documentary festivals, it transforms Copenhagen into a hub of cinematic storytelling and international dialogue.

This year’s festival runs from March 11 – 22, featuring a massive program of screenings and events across the city. Among the most anticipated titles is the deeply moving feature documentary BIRITA, which makes its World Premiere in Competition this March. (CPH: DOX, 2026)

🎬 Featured Film: Birita

A family’s love, a mother’s legacy, and the stage that calls them back.

Birita (89 mins) follows a family of theater-makers in the Faroe Islands attempting an impossible feat: staging Shakespeare’s King Lear with the family matriarch—celebrated actress Birita Mohr—in the lead role. The challenge? Birita is currently living with Alzheimer’s. (EG-PR, 2026)

Directed by her son, Búi Dam, the film explores a controversial but beautiful premise: the belief that even when language fades, the artist’s soul remains. As the production unfolds, Birita’s joyful presence brings an unexpected lightness to a heavy process, impacting everyone involved in this remarkable drama.

“A stirring exploration of art, memory, and the enduring bond of a family of creators.”

🗓️ Official Screening Schedule

If you are in Copenhagen this March, don’t miss the chance to see this World Premiere on the big screen:

DateTimeLocation
Sunday, March 1516:15Dagmar 2 (Jernbanegade 2)
Tuesday, March 1714:15Dagmar 5 (Jernbanegade 2)
Wednesday, March 1819:30Emmauskirken (Peter Bangs Vej 3C)

👥 Meet the Team

Búi Dam (Director)

Búi Dam is a multi-talented artist whose career spans theater, music, and film. Born into a family of artists in the Faroe Islands, he studied in Denmark, London, and Iceland. After a hand injury ended his career as a jazz guitarist, he transitioned to the stage and screen.

  • Accolades: Winner of the M. A. Jacobsen Award (2022) and Best Actor at the Winter Film Awards (2021).
  • Fun Fact: BIRITA marks his debut as a feature film director.

Birita Mohr (The Lead)

A titan of Faroese theater for over three decades, Birita Mohr has graced the stage in legendary productions like Antigone, The Crucible, and The Cherry Orchard. In 2023, she received the Cultural Honorary Award from the Faroese government for her lifelong contributions to the arts.

Quick Film Facts

  • Runtime: 89 minutes
  • Origin: Faroe Islands
  • Language: Faroese and English (with English Subtitles)
  • Production: Produced by Jón Hammer, Mark Steele, and Durita Sumberg

Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes: New Single Recorded at the Legendary Hyde Street Studios

Rock supergroup finds unity in an age of division – Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes. Photo: John Vigran, used with permission.

New Single: Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes Unleash “Animal Magic”

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Blending the grit of the blues, the warmth of Americana, and the heart of Memphis soul, West Coast supergroup Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes has officially released their latest single, “Animal Magic.” (Miller PR, 2026)

Recorded at the legendary Hyde Street Studios, the track serves as a sonic tribute to the deep connection between humans and the natural world.

The Supergroup Lineup

The ensemble brings together a staggering amount of musical history, featuring:

  • Michael Ward: Singer, songwriter, and producer.
  • Prairie Prince: Drums (The Tubes, Journey, Tom Waits, XTC).
  • Chris Von Sneidern: Guitar (John Wesley Harding, Chuck Prophet).
  • Richard Howell: Saxophone (Etta James, Earth, Wind & Fire).
  • Marc Levine: Bass (Barry Manilow).
  • Fernando DeSanjines: Percussion (Chalo Eduardo, Escola Nova).
  • Joshua Raoul Brody: Keyboards (The Residents, BATS Improv).

The Philosophy Behind “Animal Magic”

For Michael Ward, the band’s name and this new single aren’t just clever metaphors. They represent a lifelong philosophy of coexistence.

The seeds for the song were planted 33 years ago when a five-month-old dog wandered into Ward’s studio in the Tenderloin. That moment sparked a decades-long partnership that redefined Ward’s view on interspecies companionship.

“All animals, when carefully considered, exhibit the commonality of just getting by in this fragile accident that is life on earth. Interspecies love, such as that between dogs and humans, is a prime and precious example of evolutionary success.” — Michael Ward

In an era of division, Animal Magic leans into oneness, reminding listeners that togetherness is an instinct, not an ideology.

Recording at a San Francisco Landmark

The single was tracked in Studio A at Hyde Street Studios, a space owned by Ward and designated as a San Francisco Legacy Business.

Formerly known as Wally Heider Studios, these rooms are the “last great temple of the San Francisco Sound.” This is the same soil that yielded landmark albums such as:

  • The Grateful Dead – American Beauty
  • Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young – Déjà Vu

By recording here, the band honors a legacy of analog craft and musical continuity rather than mere nostalgia.

Catch Them Live

Following the success of their album Brighter Days, the band is heading East for a rare performance at one of New York City’s most storied listening rooms:

The band continues to perform in honor of the late Drew Zingg (Steely Dan), channeling his incredible musical lineage into their forward-moving sound.

About Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes

Since 2000, this progressive American rock band has been defined by lyrical depth and “musical telepathy.” With over two decades of performance history, the group balances deep roots with exploratory musicianship, ensuring every arrangement has room to breathe.

“Animal Magic” is out now.

Animal Magic single artwork. Courtesy photo.

Scarpetta on Prime Video: Everything You Need to Know Before the March 11 Premiere

Nicole Kidman stars in Scarpetta. Photo: Amazon Prime Video.

From Page to Screen: Why We Can’t Get Enough of Forensic Noir

Crime and forensic novels continue to dominate best-seller lists because they offer the perfect cocktail of suspense, mystery, and intellectual challenge. Stories by icons like Agatha Christie and Patricia Cornwell invite us to step into the role of the detective, meticulously analyzing clues and motives alongside the characters. The detailed exploration of forensic science adds a layer of grit and realism, revealing how microscopic evidence can uncover massive, hidden truths.

While these novels delve into the darker side of human nature, they almost always offer the catharsis of justice served. For many of us, the real thrill lies in that race against the clock: can we piece together the mystery before the final revelation?

The Long-Awaited Arrival: Scarpetta on Prime Video

As a lifelong fan of these novels, I am counting down the days for the new series on Amazon Prime Video. Having devoured the Patricia Cornwell Scarpetta novels for years, seeing this world come to life is a dream come true. (Amazon Prime Video, 2026)

Developed by Liz Sarnoff and produced by powerhouse duo Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis, Scarpetta is set to be the television event of the season.

Mark Your Calendars: Scarpetta premieres on Amazon Prime Video on March 11, 2026.

Meet the Cast

The series boasts an incredible A-list ensemble to bring these beloved characters to life:

ActorRoleCharacter Description
Nicole KidmanKay ScarpettaThe brilliant forensic pathologist.
Jamie Lee CurtisDorothy ScarpettaKay’s complicated older sister.
Ariana DeBoseLucy FarinelliKay’s tech-savvy niece.
Bobby CannavalePete MarinoThe rugged former detective.
Simon BakerBenton WesleyThe calculated FBI profiler.

Who is Kay Scarpetta?

Kay Scarpetta is more than just a medical examiner; she is a trailblazer. Inspired by the real-life former Virginia Chief Medical Examiner, Marcella Farinelli Fierro, MD, Scarpetta uses cutting-edge forensic technology to speak for the dead. (Patricia Cornwell, 2026)

Throughout the book series, Scarpetta—a woman of Italian descent—navigates intense investigations across the American South, from the humid streets of Florida and Virginia to the historic corridors of Charleston, South Carolina.

About the Author: Patricia Cornwell

Patricia Cornwell didn’t just write crime fiction; she revolutionized it. While working as a computer analyst at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia, she sold her first novel, Postmortem.

It was the world’s first “bona fide” forensic thriller, paving the way for the explosion of forensic-focused entertainment we see today in film, TV, and literature.

A Legacy of Excellence

Cornwell’s impact on the genre is staggering:

  • Award-Winning Debut: Postmortem was the first book ever to win the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity awards, plus the French Prix du Roman d’Aventure, in a single year.
  • Global Reach: Her books have sold over 120 million copies in 36 languages across 120 countries.
  • Literary Honors: She has received the Sherlock Award, the Gold Dagger Award, and the Medal of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters.

Beyond the Morgue

While Kay, Lucy, and Marino are her most famous creations, Cornwell’s curiosity knows no bounds. Her diverse bibliography includes:

  • True Crime: A definitive account of Jack the Ripper’s identity.
  • Lifestyle: Two cookbooks (Food to Die For and Scarpetta’s Winter Table).
  • Other Fiction: Series featuring Boston detective Win Garano and reporter Andy Brazil.

Here is a curated “Essential Scarpetta” reading list to get you into the right mindset for the show:

1. Postmortem (The Origin)

You can’t skip the book that started it all. This is where we meet Kay in Richmond, Virginia, hunting a serial killer known as “Mr. Nobody.” It establishes her grit, her friction with Pete Marino, and the high-tech (for the time) forensic methods that changed crime fiction forever.

2. Body of Evidence (The Introduction of Benton Wesley)

If you’re excited to see Simon Baker as the FBI profiler, this is a must-read. It deepens the relationship between Kay and Benton and introduces the recurring theme of Kay’s past coming back to haunt her.

3. The Body Farm (The Science)

This novel takes Kay to the actual University of Tennessee Anthropological Research Facility. It’s peak forensic procedural and features a young Lucy (played by Ariana DeBose in the show) starting to show her tech genius.

4. From Potter’s Field (The Ultimate Villain)

Every great detective needs a Moriarty. For Scarpetta, that means Temple Gault. This book is a chilling, snowy cat-and-mouse game in New York City that shows just how high the stakes can get for Kay’s family.

5. Point of Origin (The Fire)

This is a pivotal emotional turning point for the “Core Four” (Kay, Marino, Lucy, and Benton). It involves a series of high-stakes arsons and a massive twist that changes the trajectory of the series for years.

Pro-Tip for the TV Series

Since Jamie Lee Curtis is playing Dorothy (Kay’s sister), you might want to pay extra attention to their sibling rivalry in the earlier books. Dorothy is often the “flighty” contrast to Kay’s “grounded” professionalism, it’s going to be fascinating to see that chemistry on screen.

Dallas Death Metal Unit Frozen Soul Teams Up with Gerard Way for New Single

Frozen Soul photo by Kate Russell, used with permission.

Frozen Soul Announces New Album No Place of Warmth — Featuring Gerard Way

Dallas’ premiere death metal/hardcore unit Frozen Soul has officially emerged from the frost to announce their third full-length studio album: No Place of Warmth. (another side, 2026)

Arriving May 8 via Century Media, the record is described as a monolithic and exigent collection of anthems. It promises the band’s signature blend of ferocity and subtle melody, guided by soaring guitar leads through a “dark chasm of merciless riffs.”

A Letter to the Fans from the Wasteland

While their previous work explored glacial territories, No Place of Warmth turns inward. The album surveys the emotional wasteland of everyday struggle, serving as an open letter to fans. It decries the cold realities of life while providing the tools and motivation to conquer them.

“Life is always coming at you, and death doesn’t stop—you might slow it down, but it’s always coming—so you have to make the best out of it and march on.”

— Chad Green, Vocalist

The Title Track: “No Place of Warmth” (feat. Gerard Way)

In a landmark collaboration, the album opener and title track features Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance). The track is available now on all digital platforms.

  • The Concept: The song explores the choice between letting the cold consume you or finding warmth in a void.
  • The Video: Directed by Brendan McGowen, the visual features actor London Smith (from 2023’s “Morbid Effigy”) returning to play the personification of Death.
  • The Collaboration: Green and Way became friends a few years ago. “I knew he had a love for metal,” Green recalls. “Gerard is an amazing artist and musician whose creative vision has shaped generations.”

Evolution of the “Cold” Sound

Musically, the album sees Frozen Soul distilled to their primordial essence. Expect a “menacing” version of the band focused on maximal minimalism across eleven new songs.

AspectDescription
Vocal StyleChad Green’s “sandpaper-y bellow” acting as a dungeon master/soothsayer.
Musical DNAHardcore punk aggression meets classic American Death Metal (Obituary, Mortician).
InspirationEarly Earache ruination (Carcass, Bolt Thrower).
Philosophy“Stop overthinking it… emphasizing brutality but with an ear for hooks.”

On the Road

Frozen Soul has solidified their place as leaders of metal’s next generation. This April, they will hit the road across the states with Avatar and Fleshgod Apocalypse. See tour information here.

Frozen Soul is:

  • Chad Green / Vocals
  • Michael Munday / Guitar
  • Chris Bonner / Guitar
  • Samantha Mobley / Bass
  • Matt Dennar / Drums

No Place of Warmth – Tracklist:
1 – No Place of Warmth (Feat. Gerard Way)
2 – Invoke War (Feat. Machine Head)
3 – Absolute Zero
4 – Dreadnought (Feat. Sanguisugabogg)
5 – Chaos Will Reign
6 – Eyes of Despair
7 – Ethereal Dreams
8 – Skinned by the Wind
9 – DEATHWEAVER
10 – Frost Forged
11 – Killin Time (Until its Time to Kill)

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Free Live Music in San Antonio: Heart of Texas Concert Band Returns to OLLU

The Heart of Texas Concert Band will be performing this Sunday at Our Lady of the Lake University. Gemini-generated image.

Experience the Best of San Antonio: Heart of Texas Concert Band Live

The Heart of Texas Concert Band (HTxCB) has been a cornerstone of the San Antonio arts scene since 2009. As a non-profit community ensemble, they bridge the gap between talented adult musicians and rising young stars, all while keeping the music accessible to everyone. (Heart of Texas Concert Band, 2026)

With over 150 free concerts under their belt across 35 unique local venues, the HTxCB is back this weekend to deliver another afternoon of world-class instrumental music.

🎺 Event Overview: Audience & Band Favorites

Join us this Sunday to experience a program featuring timeless classics. From the stirring marches of Sousa to the whimsical arrangements of Leroy Anderson, there is something for every music lover to enjoy.

Featured Composers include:

  • John Philip Sousa
  • Percy Grainger
  • Hector Berlioz
  • Leroy Anderson
  • …and many more!

Leadership:

  • Mark Rogers: Music Director and Founding Conductor
  • Carlos Navarro: Guest Conductor

📅 When & Where

Mark your calendars! This is a perfect Sunday afternoon outing for families and music enthusiasts alike.

  • Date: Sunday, March 1
  • Time: 3:00 PM
  • Location: Thiry Auditorium (Our Lady of the Lake University)
  • Address: 411 SW 24th St., San Antonio, TX 78207
  • Parking: Free parking is available on-site.

🎟️ Admission & Live Stream

In keeping with their mission to provide music for all, this concert is free and open to the public.

Support Local Arts: The Heart of Texas Concert Band relies on community support to keep these performances free. Consider attending or donating to help keep the music playing in San Antonio.

Photo: Heart of Texas Concert Band

The Interrogation of Anna Goode is a Gripping Psychological Crime Drama

The Interrogation of Anna Goode is now available for streaming. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Related Post: Justice, Lies, and Mystery: The Interrogation of Anna Goode

Review: The Interrogation of Anna Goode

The Interrogation of Anna Goode is a suspenseful psychological thriller that flips the script on the classic “cat-and-mouse” police procedural.

The story begins with a standard room-bound inquiry as FBI Agent John Savage and Detective Marshall bring in Anna Goode as a witness to a crime. It quickly evolves into a disorienting nightmare for Agent Savage when he mysteriously ends up as the accused. As Savage moves from lead interrogator to the primary suspect, he must convince the volatile detective that he’s innocent while he faces life in prison.

With a nonlinear narrative that includes flashbacks of Anna’s history, it also leans heavily on the “extreme lengths” Savage must take to regain control of the situation. While some of the plot twists require a healthy dose of suspended disbelief, the shocking truth revealed in the final act provides a satisfying, if cynical, payoff.

Most of the action takes place in the interrogation room and as the story progresses, the cinematography shifts from clinical and wide to claustrophobic and erratic, using space to heighten paranoia. The transition is seamless, leaving the audience questioning Savage’s sanity and Anna’s true identity.

The film’s premise is simple, but its execution is layered, forcing viewers to question not only who is guilty, but how power can shift in an instant. As suspicion falls on Savage, the narrative explores themes of institutional loyalty, manipulation, and the thin line between justice and self-preservation.

The pacing is deliberate, occasionally slow, but always purposeful. Each revelation lands with measured impact, ending in a twist that feels natural. While some supporting characters lack depth, the central performances carry the story with intensity and conviction.

Verdict: While not an original concept, it’s a lean, mean thriller that explores the fragility of identity and the terrifying power of a frame-up. It contains tension and moral ambiguity while exploring the unsettling fragility of truth.

The Interrogation of Anna Goode is less about solving a murder and more about confronting the unsettling possibility that truth is often shaped by whoever controls the narrative. If you enjoyed The Fugitive but want something with a darker, more psychological edge, this is a must-watch.

“We all do what we have to in order to survive.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Poison Ruin Announces New Album ‘Hymns from the Hills’ via Relapse Records

L-R: Allen Chapman (drums), Nao Demand (guitar), Mac Kennedy (vox, guitar), Will McAndrew (bass). Photo By Kat Bean, used with permission.

Scythes, Spirits, and Synths: Poison Ruin Announces ‘Hymns from the Hills’

Poison Ruin’s upcoming release, Hymns from the Hills, ambitiously rewrites the rules of punk. The Philadelphia outfit is pushing their sound into expansive new terrains without sacrificing an ounce of the bleak symbolism and uncompromising aggression that established them as one of extreme music’s most urgent voices. (another side, 2026)

Expanding their signature approach to grim mythmaking, these new songs feel equal parts natural, undeniably of this world, and phantasmal.

Release Date: April 3 via Relapse Records

Formats: Vinyl, CD, and Digital

Available for pre-order.

A Tapestry of Dispossession

On Hymns from the Hills, Poison Ruin’s previous stories of toil are revealed to be but one chapter etched upon a bleaker tapestry. This is a landscape populated by:

  • Spirits traversing sunless deserts and wilted hillsides.
  • Demonic torture objects lining the psyche.
  • Bodies transfigured into Luciferian snakes.
  • Sadean prisoners bound to the screaming silence of abandoned towers.

Lead Single: “Eidolon”

The band’s signature raw, anthemic aggression pummels through on the lead single “Eidolon,” recently released alongside its official video.

Frontman, lyricist, and guitarist Mac Kennedy explains the track’s bleak inspiration:

“‘Eidolon’ is about being stuck in a broken reality, a cog in a fate-machine doomed to play out the same cursed loop until it fully breaks down. The ones who had the power to affect change have abandoned the scene… Grim reminders of what could have, but will not be.”

Expanding the Sonic Mythos

The record acts as both a forceful restatement and a bold departure. While listeners will recognize the crackling, cassette-dubbed darkness, it is now supported by a carefully sculpted mosaic of new textures:

  • Killing Joke-style hacksaw primitivism.
  • Blast-beats worthy of the Relapse catalog.
  • Crisp analog synth lines.
  • Ambient serenades reminiscent of Scott Walker and The Durutti Column.

The Craft: DIY Grandeur

Meticulously composed and self-recorded, the LP saw Kennedy relocate to a private practice space to meet the record’s greater sonic demands. To polish this “hissing abyss,” the band enlisted top-tier talent for the final touches:

  • Mixing: Jonah Falco (with Kennedy splicing in gritty tape segments for tonal continuity).
  • Mastering: Arthur Rizk.

The result is a rich structure of unconventional frictions—crystalline flashes of polish ripping through low-end grime, only to shatter against the whipping sting of rusted chains.

Mythic Sensibilities

Lyrically, Hymns from the Hills reaches new poetic heights. While the record continues the tradition of employing medieval-inflected fantasy imagery, Kennedy is quick to note that these figures are not intended to be read as historically accurate, but rather as tools for cynicism and defiant bravado.

“I’m not very interested in conveying the historical facts of medieval culture. If we are to make sense of the present, we need to employ a more mythic mode of language and symbol to reach beyond the spiritual malaise that envelopes us. A mythic truth resonates within any time, but its echoes call from outside of time. Medieval and fantasy imagery are simply effective personal starting points for tapping into that mode of communication.”

Hymns from the Hills tracklist:
01 – Intro
02 – Lily Of the Valley
03 – Hymn from the Hills
04 – Eidolon
05 – Howls From the Citadel
06 – Pilgrimage
07 – Guts (Lay Your Self Aside)
08 – Turn To Dust
09 – Puzzle Box
10 – Serpent’s Curse
11 – Sleeping Giant (Interlude)
12 – Crescent Sun
13 – The Standoff

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Magik Theatre San Antonio: Dragons Love Tacos 2026 Tour Dates & Locations

During home stage renovations, the beloved children’s theatre brings fan-favorites to venues across San Antonio. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

The Show Must Go On: Magik Theatre Takes the City by Storm

In the theatre world, they say “the show must go on” even when there is no theatre. Magik Theatre, San Antonio’s premier theatre company for young audiences, is serving up a tasty solution to that very dilemma. While their iconic Beethoven Hall venue undergoes renovations in early 2026, the magic is moving to stages across the city. (Magik Theatre, 2026)

Starting February 28, San Antonians can devour the popular production of Dragons Love Tacos at three local venues. Looking for something that comes to you? Magik on the Road is also booking performances of Red Riding Hood for educational and family events.

🌮 Dragons are Flying to a Location Near You

In keeping with Magik’s mission to make professional children’s theatre accessible, Dragons Love Tacos, based on the best-selling book by Adam Rubin, will land at three distinct locations this spring:

1. Jo Long Theatre (Carver Community Cultural Center)

  • Where: 226 N Hackberry, San Antonio, TX 78202
  • When: Saturday, Feb 28 @ 2 p.m. | Sunday, March 1 @ 3 p.m.
  • Tickets: Available via Ticketmaster or in-person at the venue.

2. Texas A&M University-San Antonio

  • Where: 1 University Way, San Antonio, TX 78224
  • When: March 12 – March 15 (Various times)
  • Tickets: online or call (210) 227-2751.

3. Russell Hill Rogers Theatre (San Pedro Playhouse)

  • Where: 800 W. Ashby Place, San Antonio, TX 78212
  • When: Saturday, May 2 @ 2 p.m. | Sunday, May 3 @ 3 p.m.
  • Tickets: Exclusively online.

What to Expect: Spicy Surprises

You might wonder: how can a short picture book fill an entire hour? The team at Magik has been cooking up some “spicy” additions to make the illustrations fly off the page. This production features:

  • An all-new cast and original choreography.
  • Fiery special effects and “controlled chaos.”
  • Director’s Note: “I want the audience to feel like they’re part of the dragon taco party,” says director Angie Hernandez. “Partying with dragons is never boring!”

Pro-Tip: Discounts are available for seniors, first responders, military, educators, and students. Look for the “four-pack” ticket deals to save on family outings.

🐺 Invite Red Riding Hood to Visit You

If you can’t make it to the theatre, Magik will bring the theatre to you. From now through July, Magik on the Road is booking Allison Gregory’s dynamic retelling of Red Riding Hood. Magik on the Road performances are not available March 7-15, May 23-31.

  • The Vibe: A fresh, funny take where the scariest thing about the wolf is his ego.
  • The Setup: Can be performed indoors or outdoors—all that’s needed is a 20’ x 20’ space.
  • The Highlights: Costume quick-changes, prop transformations, and interactive storytelling.

Booking Information: To schedule a show, email Magik Theatre or call (210) 227-2751. Note: Touring shows may be eligible for grants covering up to 50% of the booking fee via the Texas Commission on the Arts.

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Visit Magik Theatre to grab your tickets before they’re gone!

Photo: Magik Theatre