Category: Entertainment News

River Rodeo Fest postponed until 2022

River Rodeo Fest to be postponed due to the surge of the COVID-19 Delta variant. Photo: google

Statement from Sendero Provisions Co.: 

After careful consideration and to ensure the health and safety of staff, event goers, and Comal County, Sendero Provisions Co. has decided to postpone the River Rodeo Fest until 2022 due to rising concern of the surge of the COVID-19 Delta variant. As the presenting sponsor, Lone Star Beer is in total agreement with this decision and looks forward to a safe and fun festival next year.  

Since the inception of River Rodeo Fest, organizers have prioritized the safety and well-being of attendees, artists, staff, and the local community. The festival anticipated bringing 2,500 people together from across the country to a concentrated area and without full confidence in health safety, the event cannot continue in its current format.

All customers who purchased tickets will receive a full refund as well as an exclusive “Thank You” gift from Sendero Provisions Co. The refund process will be initiated through the ticketing partner, Eventbrite, for all attendees who purchased ticket(s) through their site. There is no action necessary and customers can expect to see the refund on their credit/debit card statement within the next 5-7 business days.

“We have been incredibly proud to partner with Lone Star Beer to bring this event to life and while we are disappointed that we have to postpone, it would be a disservice to our community and amazing home state of Texas to bring thousands of people together during this health crisis and surge of the Delta variant. This was the first of many we planned over the next few years, and I can tell you that 2022 is already in the works…and we expect it to be awesome!” – Sendero Provisions Co. Founder Hunter Harlow

New book release: ‘The Star Trek Book New Edition’ by Paul Ruditis

‘The Star Trek Book New Edition’ is the updated edition of ‘The Star Trek Book.’ Photo: amazon

Paul Ruditis has written over 30 books based some of the best shows on TV, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Star Trek, The West Wing, Alias, and Prison Break. While he continues to work on these media tie-ins, he has also focused a great deal of attention on his own original fiction, including his teen series DRAMA! and the Simon Pulse Romantic Comedy Love, Hollywood Style. He currently lives in Los Angeles. His new book out today, “The Star Trek Book New Edition,” is the new edition of “The Star Trek Book and takes readers even further into one of the greatest science fiction universes ever created. (amazon, 2021)

This unique, insightful, and comprehensive examination of an enduring, much loved franchise features every era of Star Trek in one volume, from the pioneering 1960s TV series to the latest movies and streaming shows, including Star Trek: Beyond, Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Picard, and Star Trek: Short Trek. Written by Star Trek experts, this book is packed with stunning film and TV stills, illuminating infographics, and incisive, specially curated essays that unlock the mysteries of the ever-expanding Star Trek Universe. From new and legendary heroes such as James T. Kirk, Jean-Luc Picard, and Michael Burnham to iconic villains like Khan, Q, and the Borg, to fascinating alien species like the Vulcans, Klingons, and Ferengi, this book explores the central characters, technology, civilizations, and events that have shaped the complex, epic story of Star Trek. Resistance is futile. This is the (star) trek of a lifetime you do not want to miss.

The Blue Prison to release self-titled album on September 17

The Blue Prison’s self-titled album will be out on September 17, 2021. Photo: google

The Blue Prison will release their anticipated self-titled debut full-length album on September 17, 2021 on Metal Assault Records. Comprising four brand new tracks and newly mastered versions of two singles and one song each from the four EPs previously released by the band; The Blue Prison will be available to purchase on digipack CD and on all digital music platforms. Pre-Order The Blue Prison now via Bandcamp, full length album slated for official release September 17 on Metal Assault Records. (The Blue Prison, 2021)

In celebration of their forthcoming album, the instrumental progressive metal duo Keigo Yoshida (guitar) and Jaime Munoz (drums) have filmed their first ever music video and recently unveiled their new single “Kaleidoscope.”

Through four EPs and one single released over the past six years, The Blue Prison has presented a stellar blend of sweeping progressive metal patterns, heavy dissonant guitar riffs, groovy rhythms, as well as shades of jazz fusion and ambient music. Their debut album explores all of these elements and more. The Blue Prison is a standout album, a multifaceted collection of melodic prog that is heavy as hell and teeming with technical prowess and compelling musicianship.

The Blue Prison track listing:

  1. Beacon (1:22)
  2. Alchemist (4:57)
  3. Shadows (5:27)
  4. Artemis (3:34)
  5. Kaleidoscope (4:28)
  6. River (1:30)
  7. Tyrant (4:16)
  8. Vengeance v2.0 (5:35)
  9. Los Angeles (3:23)
  10. Rosetta (3:50)
    Total Runtime: 38:22

The Blue Prison is:
Keigo Yoshida (guitar)
Jaime Munoz (drums)

The Blue Prison is Keigo Yoshida and Jaime Munoz. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
2021-09-17T12:46:00

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Release of The Blue Prison

Creed Fisher releases new single and lyric video

Jesus, Haggard & Jones. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

With over 22 million combined streams on Spotify and over 17 million views on YouTube with past releases, “Life of A Workin’ Man,” “The Way That I Am,” and “This Place Called USA,” Texas-born and bred country artist Creed Fisher has released a new single and lyric video “Jesus, Haggard & Jones,” off his forthcoming new album, due out later this year. The track is available today on all streaming services here and the lyric video is available here. (Creed Fisher, 2021)

“Jesus, Haggard & Jones” sets the tone for what fans can expect from Fisher’s upcoming original full-length project. A creative collaboration written by Fisher and his good friend Mark Jones, listeners can feel the truth and experience in Fisher’s voice over the steady strum of a guitar. This track stays true to Fisher, himself, and his past releases. It is an authentic, traditional acoustic country mixed with storytelling life experience. 

With lyrics, “Hanging out on a barstool I learned about drinking… Hanging out with the police I learned I’m not Jesse James…Hanging out with Mark Jones I learned he still can’t get laid…Some things in This Town ain’t ever gonna change…It turns out in this life…That in the long run…The only thing you can count on…Jesus Haggard and Jones..” – Fisher uses his voice with rugged ease in the track to explain his own take on life. He elaborates on his realization that the only things people can count on amidst all of life’s lessons are the three legends – Jesus, Merle Haggard, and good Ol’ George Jones.  

Authentically Creed Fisher, this single and lyric video leave fans craving more. More album details will be released in the coming weeks. Until then, fans can keep up with Fisher on his current tour and enjoy his most recent album release, How Country Music Sounded Before It All Went to Shit, Vol. 1, which is experiencing success at Texas radio.

With his last three albums debuting in the Top 5 on iTunes, Fisher hopes his new album Whiskey and the Dog will continue to help him defy the odds. Like a steely-eyed gunslinger from a Sergio Leone western, he is a man of few words and lets his music tell his story. Fisher has never been one to sell his soul to trends. Keeping it real means writing songs that real people can relate to; the good, bad, and even the ugly. His previous singles, “Rock & Roll Man,” “Be the Hope,” “I’m Growing Older, But I’m Not Growing Up,” and “A Few Good Ol’ Cowboys” all hit Top 10, Top 25, or Top 30 on the Texas Charts. He was also named the BigStar97 Outlaw Country artist of the Year in 2018. 

Fisher has upped the ante, joining forces with record label Dirt Rock Empire for the release.

Creed Fisher. Photo: Sabrina Schmidt, used with permission.

Wood & Wire’s Tony Kamel announces solo release Back Down Home

Wood & Wire’s Tony Kamel announces solo release Back Down Home, due out September 24. Photo: google

Until Tony Kamel joined Wood & Wire in 2012, he had never played professionally. He had barely played for anyone—not even family—until many years after he pulled his mother’s old classical guitar out of their attic when he was 12. Being a musical late bloomer still got Kamel to the Grammys (for Wood & Wire’s North of Despair). But Back Down Home started gestating even before that; producer Bruce Robison had been encouraging Kamel to record a solo album for at least four years. And now—just after the arrival of his first child—it is here. (Tony Kamel, 2021)

Back Down Home is the first full solo-artist album from renowned singer-songwriter and producer Bruce Robison’s The Next Waltz label. In just a few days of no-fuss tracking at the Bunker, Robison’s all-analog studio in Lockhart, Texas, Kamel and several talented contributors crafted an album that fully conveys the down-home vibe its title suggests, as well as the laid-back nature of life on Texas’ Gulf Coast, especially Galveston. The operative word in the album’s title, “home,” usually takes on a twofold meaning: the place where people live and the place where people come from, but for Kamel, it also represents the place where his happiest memories were made. He’s got a mental scrapbook filled with special moments he experienced on the shores and waters of the port city once known as “the Ellis Island of the West.”

“It’s been a long hard week, a long hard month, it’s been a long hard year. Hard times are nothing new around here,” sings Houston-born songwriter and front man for the Grammy-nominated string band Wood & Wire, Tony Kamel, on his new tune “Amen.” With a refrain that celebrates making it to the other side of life’s trials and tribulations, “Amen” feels like it could not have come at a more perfect time in the life of musicians or music fans or humanity as a whole; the third verse an impossibly positive song of hope for the pandemic to come to an end. Piano, lap steel, horns, and—in the most Texan twist ever—percussion played on a Yeti cup carry Kamel’s rollicking, good-time melody from words on the page right to every dancefloor, backyard barbeque, road trip, and festival stage imaginable. “Amen” is just one of ten tracks from Kamel’s upcoming solo album, Back Down Home—set to be released September 24th via album-producer Bruce Robison’s The Next Waltz label. The Austin Chronicle premiered a studio-shot music video for “Amen,” praising how it “sets the album’s tone,” adding, “The jaunty number rollicks with an easy rhythm and laid-back wisdom.” Fans can watch the video now at this link and pre-order or pre-save Back Down Home before release day right here.

In conjunction with the release of Back Down Home, Kamel is creating an accompanying podcast that he calls his “thank you to the people and places that inspired the record.” Featuring interviews with Back Down Home’s cast and crew about making the album, as well as other artists and characters who dive into some of the deeper facets of the album’s subject matter—the Gulf Coast, going back to day jobs, overcoming sudden changes, and more.

Back Down Home Track list:
Amen
Slow on The Gulf
Johnny Law
Who Am I Kidding?
Let It Slide
Heat
The Surfer
This River
Reuben’s Train
Change

2021-09-24T12:41:00

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Release of Back Down Home

Dawn Fades premieres ‘Taste’ single and video

New album Ode releases September 10 on Metal Assault Records. Photo: google

While pandemic restrictions impacted every aspect of heavy music, Los Angeles, CA post-metal vendors refused to be shaken by the uncertainty of the return of live stage shows and tapped deeper into their well of talent to create their next and perhaps most impressive offering yet. Ode, the forthcoming seven song crusher from Dawn Fades is slated for release September 10, 2021 on Metal Assault Records. The album’s lead single ‘Taste’ is streaming exclusively on Toilet Ov Hell. Ode is now available for pre-order on CD, limited-edition multi-colored LP, and digital download. (Dawn Fades, 2021)

Exclusive merch bundles including CD + shirt as well as LP + shirt bundles are also available during the pre-order campaign, wherein the shirt design is based on the album cover art. All digital and merch pre-orders come with a free instant download of ‘Taste.’ Pre-order your copy of Ode in the format of your choice online. 

On the new video for album track ‘Taste’ released in partnership with Toilet Ov Hell, Dawn Fades front man and songwriter Sam Sherwood states “For this video the constraints of the pandemic pushed us to try something different. We had for some time been fans of Chariot Of Black Moth’s work so choosing him was a no brainer. I recorded some footage at home and he turned it into something that perfectly captures the tone of the song. Enjoy!”

In regard to the album as a whole, Sherwood describes Ode as “a picture of feelings about the trappings of the world we find ourselves in. I believe we are doing a thing that has its own life to it. There is darkness and screaming inner-torment and there are ear-worm hooks.”

Mixed by heavy music mainstay Josh Newell (Intronaut, Anthrax, Linkin Park) Ode retains the core elements of the band’s highly successful self-titled debut yet reveals even greater musical evolution as Dawn Fades seamlessly captures the visceral magnetism of their live show experience on wax. More resolute in their vision and execution, Ode further proves Dawn Fades is simply unstoppable in their pursuit of post metal mastery, quickly rising among the ranks of the genre’s most elite.

Ode track listing:
1. Dearth (8:17)
2. Taste (5:11)
3. Ode: Part 1 (1:51)
4. Ode: Part 2 (5:56)
5. Front (6:57)
6. Chains (8:36)
7. Turning (3:23)
Total Runtime: 40:11

In a world where aggressive music often overheats and palatable music often feels packaged, Dawn Fades presents a satisfying alternative rife with emotional moments and unpredictable appeal, backed by sheer brute force. Formed in August 2016 under the fluorescent bulbs of gritty L.A. rehearsal rooms, the band quickly amassed a collection of heavy, thoughtful material based on songs conceived by main songwriter Sam Sherwood (vocals) and realized with the input and experience of Adam El-Gerbi (guitar), Markus Erren Pardiñas (bass), Scott Quist (drums), and Nate Hertweck (guitar). Covering grounds from gorgeous to punishing, the Southern California based five-piece finds poignant and personal places to explore in between these extremes. What has emerged prompts comparisons to Deftones, Isis, Failure, and something just out of reach, familiar yet fresh, crushing yet calculated.

 

2021-09-10T13:28:00

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Dark Star Pictures announces release dates for Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman and Aileen Wuornos: American Boogeywoman

Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman. Photo: Dark Star Pictures, used with permission.

Los Angeles-based Dark Star Pictures have announced upcoming US release dates for TED BUNDY: AMERICAN BOOGEYMAN and AILEEN WUORNOS: AMERICAN BOOGEYWOMAN. The releases include a nationwide one-night Fathom release in over 750 cinemas for both titles, with VOD and DVD release to follow in September and October respectively. (Dark Star Pictures, 2021)

TED BUNDY: AMERICAN BOOGEYMAN will have its Fathom release on August 16 with a US VOD and DVD release to follow on September 3, 2021. Set in a gritty and decadent 1970s America, TED BUNDY: AMERICAN BOOGEYMAN follows elusive and charming killer Ted Bundy and the manhunt that brought him to justice, involving the detective and the FBI rookie who coined the phrase “serial killer.” Daniel Farrands wrote and directed the project, which stars Chad Michael Murray (House Of Wax, The Haunting In Connecticut 2: Ghosts Of Georgia, and Riverdale) as Bundy. Rounding out the key cast are genre actress Lin Shaye (Insidious franchise, The Grudge, Penny Dreadful: City Of Angels) and Holland Roden (Escape Room 2, Teen Wolf).

AILEEN WUORNOS: AMERICAN BOOGEYWOMAN will have its Fathom release on September 20 with a US VOD/DVD release on October 8, 2021. Companion piece and ‘Monster’ Prequel, AILEEN WUORNOS: AMERICAN BOOGEYWOMAN focuses on serial killer Aileen Wuornos, which is also directed by Farrands and stars Peyton List in the title role (Cobra Kai), Tobin Bell (“Jigsaw” from the Saw Franchise), Lydia Hearst (The Haunting Of Sharon Tate), Nick Vallelonga (Green Book), Swen Temmel (In Time, Backtrace), Meadow Williams (Boss Level. Den Of Thieves), and Andrew Biernat (Shadow’s Edge).

“We are thrilled to be bringing these films to audiences across the country, director Daniel Farrands has taken two of America’s most heinous serial killers and managed to spin their stories in a fresh way – introducing a genre film style to these familiar true crime stories. People will be able to experience these chapters of American history in a new way.” – Michael Repsch, President Dark Star Pictures

Dark Star Pictures is a new-age North American distribution company, focused on bringing unique and targeted content to audiences across the country. We are committed to releasing auteur-driven, original cinema in the theatrical, digital and home video space. Our goal is to create original marketing campaigns directly catered to audiences who will embrace our brand of thought-provoking cinema. Recent releases include Tribeca Midnight Selection Honeydew, Sundance favorite Koko-di Koko-Da, Cannes Official Selection Enfant Terrible, and the newly announced SXSW psychological drama Freeland. 

Official trailer for Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman

Tickets on sale Friday for ‘The Lion King’ at the Majestic Theatre

Gerald Ramsey as Mufasa in Disney’s ‘The Lion King.’ Photo: Matthew Murphy, used with permission.

Disney Theatrical Productions and North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio announced yesterday that tickets for the long-awaited return engagement of Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ will go on sale to the public at 10a.m., Friday, July 30. San Antonio’s most eagerly awaited return will once again leap onto the Majestic Theatre stage Wednesday, October 20 for a limited engagement of three weeks through Sunday, November 7. The show’s four-week engagement in 2015 played a sold-out run at the Majestic Theatre. Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ will play Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30p.m., Fridays at 8p.m., Saturdays at 2p.m. and 8p.m. and Sundays at 1p.m. and 6:30p.m. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2021)

Tickets for Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ start at $30 and are available by calling Ticketmaster at (866) 870.2717, online, or at all Ticketmaster outlets including the Majestic Box Office. The Majestic Box Office does not accept single ticket orders over the phone; all ticket sales must be made in person. Premium Ticket Packages, which include a prime seat location, a souvenir program and an exclusive cinch bag, are also available. Majestic Box Office hours are noon to 5p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10a.m. to 5p.m., Friday. Saturday hours vary weekly, call (210) 226.3333 to verify. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling (210) 226-5967.

Ticket buyers are reminded that Ticketmaster and the Majestic Box Office are the only official retail ticket outlets for all performances at the Majestic Theatre. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that the Majestic Theatre is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.

Welcoming audiences, artists, staff, cast and crew back to the Majestic Theatre at full capacity safely and responsibly remains Broadway in San Antonio’s top priority. Masks will be required while in the theatre for this performance. Health and safety protocols are subject to change and will be clearly communicated to ticket holders in advance of each performance. Current protocols are available online.

Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ is a musical based on the 1994 Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated feature film of the same name with music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim Rice, and book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, with additional music and lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, and Hans Zimmer. The musical features actors in animal costumes as well as giant, hollow puppets.

After 24 landmark years on Broadway, Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its premiere on November 13, 1997, nearly 110 million people have seen 25 global productions. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ has made theatrical history with six productions running 15 or more years and four others running 20 or more years.

Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ won six 1998 Tony Awards® : Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical.

 

New York/Los Angeles theatrical release of Tom Surgal’s Fire Music

John Coltrane. Photo: Lee Tanner – The Jazz Image, used with permission.

Submarine Deluxe presents, in association with Joseph Wemple, Films We Like, and Mexican Summer, Fire Music – an official selection at the New York Film Festival. Written and directed by Tom Surgal it features Ornette Coleman, Sun Ra & his Arkestra, Cecil Taylor, Eric Dolphy, and many more. Opening theatrically in New York (Film Forum) on Friday September 10 and Los Angeles (Laemmle Glendale) on September 17 with a national release to follow. (Submarine Deluxe, 2021)

Although the free jazz movement of the 1960s and ‘70s was much maligned in some jazz circles, its pioneers – brilliant talents like Ornette Coleman, Cecil Taylor, Sun Ra, Albert Ayler, and John Coltrane – are today acknowledged as central to the evolution of jazz as America’s most innovative art form. Fire Music showcases the architects of a movement whose radical brand of improvisation pushed harmonic and rhythmic boundaries and produced landmark albums like Coleman’s  Free Jazz: A Collective Inspiration and Coltrane’s Ascension. A rich trove of archival footage conjures the 1960s jazz scene along with incisive reflections by critic Gary Giddins and a number of the movement’s key players.

Writer / Director Tom Surgal is known for directing a series of groundbreaking music videos for leading alternative bands like Sonic Youth, Pavement and The Blues Explosion. Tom was initially mentored in filmmaking by Brian De Palma and would go on to work in a wide range of film production jobs, including production design and casting. Tom is also a musician who has performed regularly with Nels Cline (Wilco), Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth), Jim O’Rourke, and Mike Watt (Minutemen, The Stooges) and is co-leader of the improvisational ensemble White Out. He is also a curator who has programmed celebrated music series at various downtown New York venues, including an entire month of shows at John Zorn’s hallowed performance space The Stone. Tom is recognized as a leading authority on Avant-Garde Jazz and boasts one of the world’s largest collections of Free Jazz recordings.

Documentary – 88 minutes USA (Submarine Deluxe)

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New York release of Fire Music

Sons Of The East release single ‘Fool Me’ from new album

‘Fool Me’ is the third single from the Sydney-based band’s forthcoming album. Photo: google

Sons Of The East, the indie-folk band from the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia, are pleased to announce the release of their newest single “Fool Me” and its companion video. Premiering exclusively via Atwood Magazine who celebrated the song as “an instant classic,” adding that it is a “folksy anthem for reveling in the moment: a soundtrack for feeling good and celebrating connect, arriving just as our world starts to open up.” Listen to and watch the video for “Fool Me” now at this link.  (Sons Of The East, 2021)

When asked about the track, the band told Atwood Magazine that they are “big fans of the Faces and Stones, and knew that if we wanted that vibe we needed to keep it as loose and fun as possible. It started with just banjo and guitar, and then piano became the signature voice of the track. We loved the honkytonk vibe, the idea that you could be sitting around at 1a.m. in a bar singing along to the piano and at any moment the whole thing could unravel. When it came time to shoot the film clip, the same rules applied.”

Sons Of The East is made up of Australian bandmates Dan Wallage, Nic Johnston, and Jack Rollins who have already seen their music achieve 150 million streams and over 30 million YouTube views as their popularity continues to soar worldwide. The band’s motley acoustic electric sound has become a unique and charismatic trademark: soulful, joyous, and irresistible.

“Fool Me” is the third single from the band’s forthcoming album set to release later this year. Previously released singles include “You Might Think” and “On My Way,” both of which are available everywhere now. They will hit the road in 2022 for an Australian capital city tour, followed by a headlining tour through Europe and North America.