Bobby Cool breezes into the good times with easygoing single ‘Salt Life’

The single ‘Salt Life’ is from the upcoming LP Family Time, out July 29, 2022. For fans of Zac Brown Band, Jimmy Buffet, Chris Stapleton, and Corey Smith. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Recording artist Bobby Cool’s new tune “Salt Life” kicks off with a bit of blue-collar perspective. But it is only a matter of time before the tides turn the song into an easy-going, smile-inducing ode to the upsides of close proximity to a large body of water. In the end, driven by lively harmonica counterpoint, Cool’s character is fully and happily committed to not worrying whether the grass is greener on the other side. With “Salt Life”—like the rest of his upcoming album Family Time—Cool blends bluegrass, Americana, and country into a rousing, good-time mix of genres. (Bobby Cool, 2022)

Fans can reel in Cool’s coastal mood for themselves by checking out “Salt Life”, check out the previously-released “American Dream,” and pre-order or pre-save Family Time ahead of its July 29 release right here.

At the end of February 2020, Cool and his producer Adam Haynes (bluegrass fiddler for The Grascals, Dailey & Vincent, and others) tracked 13 songs over the course of two days. Two weeks later, the world would shut down and a two-year journey would commence to release into the world what would finally become Family Time. On Family Time, Cool shares musical snapshots of small and large moments that define family life and captures intimately the grooves and creases, the craziness and the humor, the regrets, and the celebrations of living together in songs that resonate so deeply we feel as if he has written them just for us. In the end, it is clear that Bobby Cool revels in telling a good story as much as he does in trying to live one out. He sings songs that reach us wherever we find ourselves in our lives, touching us, healing us, and embracing us with music that fills our hearts and reminds us that life’s most important events happen on family time.

Family Time track list:

  1. American Dream
  2. Waffle House
  3. You In Mind
  4. Salt Life
  5. Waves of Grain
  6. My Love
  7. Crazy
  8. Stella
  9. Perry Street Blues
  10. Join The Party
  11. Battle of the Lion King
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Fiesta’s Taste of the Republic announces venue change

Fiesta’s VIP culinary kickoff party is moving to the Alamo for 2023. Photo: Taste of the Republic

Texas is home to one of the most diverse food cultures in America. Since 2017, Taste of the Republic has celebrated that culture as the VIP culinary kickoff party of Fiesta Fiesta, the official opening event of Fiesta San Antonio. Raising the standard even higher for Fiesta 2023, they are proud to announce that Taste of the Republic has a new home: The Alamo. (Taste of the Republic, 2022)

Join them at the Gardens of the Alamo from 6p.m. to 10p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023. Guests will sample gourmet bites from 12 local chefs, with food representing each culinary region of Texas, accompanied by a wide selection of wine, beer, spirits and cocktail pairings as they mingle with Fiesta Royalty. A portion of each ticket will help support the Fiesta Commission and the Remember the Alamo Foundation.

“I am beyond thrilled that we’re bringing the premier celebration of Texas food to the ultimate symbol of Texas: The Alamo” said Chef Brian West, whose Texas Culinary Manifesto laid the foundation for Taste of the Republic and its Six Food Republics of Texas.

“San Antonio is recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy, and it represents the confluence of cultures that makes Texas so unique,” Chef West said. “By being at the Alamo, we feel we’ve raised this event to the level it’s always deserved.” 

Taste of the Republic is supported by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Patron Tequila, Dos XX Beer, Republic National Distributing Company, Sysco, Telemundo 60 and the Texas Culinary Alliance.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

William Chris Wine Company to host virtual wine tasting and cooking demonstration

William Chris Wine Company’s virtual wine and cooking event will take place on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Photo: William Chris Wine Company, used with permission.

Are you looking for new ways to expand your love of cooking and explore the world of wine-pairing? William Chris Wine Company (WCWC) is having a virtual wine tasting with WCWC owner Chris Brundrett and his wife Katharine taking place Thursday, July 28th at 7pm CT via Facebook and YouTube Live. (William Chris Wine Company (WCWC), 2022)

Get the full wine tasting experience (without the Texas heat) in the comfort of your own home. The tasting will invite viewers to cook an original recipe (sent via email once package is purchased) by WCWC’s Culinary Director Chef Skip, alongside Chris and Katharine Brundrett. In addition, viewers will also explore a variety of wines to pair one perfectly with the gourmet dish they have created. Sip, listen, and enjoy as they give an update on the current harvest, brag about their garden, and answer your questions about anything and everything Texas wine related. This virtual wine tasting is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about wine pairings with food — and maybe pick up some fun cooking tips along the way.

Guests can now purchase the curated Sip with Skip pack on their website to participate in the virtual wine tasting including the following: 

  • 2021 Blanc du Bois – Austin County
  • 2021 Rosato – Grower Project
  • 2019 Grenache – Friesen Vineyard
  • 2017 Merlot – Robert Clay Vineyards 

BONUS ALERT: The first 100 packs sold will receive a complimentary bottle of 1836 Texas Olive Oil. Tickets are available at the link provided here for $145. Add one bottle of wine and receive free shipping courtesy of WCWC. 

William Chris Wine Company was founded in October 2020 by William Chris Vineyards’ Chris Brundrett and Lost Draw Cellars’ Andrew Sides. Built from a shared vision and set of core values, WCWC is the parent company of the William Chris Vineyards (est. 2008), Lost Draw Cellars (est. 2012), Skeleton Key (est. 2015), and Grower Project (est. 2015) brands, and is the leading producer of 100 percent Texas-grown wines in the Lone Star State.

2021 Rosato – Grower Project. Photo: William Chris Wine Company, used with permission.

Taco Cabana launches ‘Margarita Headquarters’

Taco Cabana launches ‘Margarita Headquarters’ with twelve permanent Margarita flavors to choose from all day every day. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Following three wildly successful launches of Taco Cabana’s popular MargaritaPalooza over the last two years, Taco Cabana recently announced its plans to establish its Texas locations as “Margarita Headquarters,” featuring 12 permanent margarita offerings on the TC menu. Available flavors will include beloved frozen classics like Lime, Strawberry, Mango, Strawberry Mango and Mangonada, in addition to returning favorites like Blue Curacao, Watermelon, Dragonfruit, Blood Orange, Green Apple and new exciting flavors including Coconut and Pineapple. Each will be available for $3 all day, every day. (Taco Cabana, 2022)

“Margaritapalooza was a game changer for Taco Cabana. There was so much fun and excitement for both guests and team members when we previously executed it across the TC system. We pride ourselves on listening to what our guests want, and they have consistently asked us for on-going, everyday margarita innovation and variety, not just during certain times of the year. We are now thrilled to establish ourselves as the ‘Margarita Headquarters’ with so many margarita flavors for our guests to choose from each and every day.”  – Ulyses Camacho, Chief Operating Officer at Taco Cabana

In addition to the 12 margarita flavors, a rotating thirteenth flavor will also be seasonally available for $4. Previous seasonal margarita offerings have included flavors like Pickle, Pumpkin Spice, and Cherry, among others. New or returning seasonal margaritas will be announced on an ongoing basis. Margarita Headquarters launches in San Antonio on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 and across all other Texas TC markets on Wednesday, August 3, 2022.

In addition to launching “Margarita Headquarters,” Taco Cabana will offer a summertime happy hour from 4p.m. to 7p.m. Sunday through Thursday for dine-in and drive-thru guests starting July 20, 2022 at all San Antonio locations.

Happy hour items will include:

  • $2 Lime or Strawberry Margaritas 
  • $2 domestic beer 
  • Half-price bean & cheese nachos 
  • $1.50 bean & cheese chalupa 
  • $1 bean & cheese taco 

Taco Cabana is also extending its drive-thru hours of operation at all restaurants across San Antonio. Below are the new hours of operation for all San Antonio location drive-thrus:

  • Open Sunday through Thursday from 6a.m. to 12a.m. 
  • Open Friday and Saturday from 6a.m. to 2a.m.
  • Dining rooms will continue to close at 10p.m. 

Lastly, Taco Cabana will welcome the return of its beloved salsa bar in all restaurants in San Antonio on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. The salsa bars will include Roja, Fuego, Salsa Ranch, Taco Cabana’s new salsa Verde, Pico de Gallo, and pickled jalapeños. 

All new menu items can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, in the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or Taco Cabana.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, freshly-made flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of July 18, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

New book release: ‘Heavy Metro: Access All Eras’ by Gene Ambo

‘Heavy Metro: Access All Eras’ is the new photography book by legendary rock photographer Gene Ambo. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The incredible work of Chicago-based photographer Gene Ambo spans numerous genres over 40 years, many of which Gene spent shooting bands at the Metro–the most iconic venue in Chicago and one of the most important in the world. It is in this intimate setting of the Metro which holds a capacity of 1,100 and no “photographer pit,” that Gene found his photographic “voice” and began shooting the heavy and hard rocking bands he loves. One of the very first bands that Gene photographed in 1983, was Mötorhead. From there, he continued making history as one of the world’s most sought-after rock photographers with his work prominently featured on album and magazine covers, and numerous publications worldwide.

“Heavy Metro: Access All Eras” is Gene Ambo’s first book and spans his legendary career to date with a specific focus on rock, hard rock, heavy metal, punk, and hardcore capturing some of the most notable and rebellious bands of our time—before and after they became legends themselves. This visual journey and time-capsule of musicians who have graced the Metro stage also features both iconic and little-known shots of such famous and infamous musical acts including Metallica, Slayer, Ramones, Slash, Bad Brains, Megadeth, GBH, The Exploited, Mercyful Fate, SOD, Anthrax, Nirvana, Nick Cave, Babes in Toyland, Circle Jerks, Samhain, Cro-Mags, Trouble, Garbage, Ice T, Type O Negative, Hüsker Dü, Jane’s Addiction, Korn, Goo Goo Dolls, Celtic Frost, VoiVod, Chicago’s own Smashing Pumpkins, and many more.

A portion of all proceeds from “Heavy Metro: Access All Eras” will benefit #SaveOurStages which supports independent venues like the Metro who were hit hard by the pandemic.

“I was just lucky to be at the Metro in the beginning and to have met people who have really helped me out throughout my life, and I look at this book like I’m documenting time. ‘Access All Eras,’ like the book title says. Metro is my home base…for so many years. Between the Metro and Smart Bar, I have spent a lot of time there—many days AND nights. Literally!” – Gene Ambo

Gene Ambo is a world renowned, Chicago-based photographer whose career began in 1983 at Chicago’s legendary Metro music club where he began shooting bands he enjoyed with his father’s camera. He is celebrated for his stunning images of legendary, underground and emerging bands and musicians, including Metallica, Mötorhead, Madonna, Prince, Slayer and Broken Hope. “Heavy Metro: Access All Eras” is Gene’s first-ever photo book.

The Metro opened in 1982 under the guidance of owner Joe Shanahan. The first show Shanahan booked and promoted was R.E.M. and over the next 40 years, the venue would host concerts by Metallica, James Brown, Iggy Pop, Chris Cornell, George Clinton, Slayer, Joe Strummer, and Prince, among many others. Bob Dylan performed two shows at Metro to celebrate the club’s 15th anniversary.

Stygian Sky Media (SSM) creates books to stimulate imaginations. SSM books include trade paperbacks, traditional hardcovers, deluxe/limited editions, and groundbreaking original works in the genres of crime, thriller, horror-noir, dark fiction, and non-fiction titles including photo books, music, memoir, and more. SSM connects and creates works with authors from diverse backgrounds, from bestsellers to cult, bringing readers books they’ve never imagined.

First impression: Bonita Flats Farm & Vineyard

Bonita Flats Farm & Vineyard in Los Fresnos. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Having spent the last few years in the big city, I had become accustomed to visiting wineries to enjoy a wine tasting or two. Since we relocated to the area, those visits have become rare since wineries and vineyards are not too common here in the Rio Grande Valley, especially in the small town of Los Fresnos. When I heard about Bonita Flats Farm & Vineyard, I jumped at the chance to check it out for myself and the weekend is the perfect time so I headed out there on Saturday.

Finding the place is not that hard if you are familiar with the area. It is located northeast of Los Fresnos, a mile 1/2 north of Highway 100 on FM 3069. Take Highway 100 going towards Port Isabel, turn left on Bobz World, and about a mile or less, Bonita Flats is on the right hand. Given the harsh hot South Texas summer weather, they are open in the later afternoon and evening, starting at 3p.m. Me and three other wine afficionados were excited to finally get a chance to try this place out and managed to get there at the perfect time right before sunset.

The outside sitting areas have plenty of shade and we managed to get a table for four. Melissa Delgado, one of the owners, promptly came over and introduced herself, told us all about the place and the type of wines they have, and got us started with a bottle of Chenin Blanc. We ordered the Charcuterie platter and a Margherita pizza for everyone. Within minutes we got the Charcuterie platter but had to wait a little longer for the pizza but once it was ready, it was easy to see why it took so long: it is made fresh with their own herbs and tomatoes. Definitely worth the wait. To wrap up the evening, we ordered a bottle of Dolcetto Rosé.

Live music for the night was courtesy of Cactus Willie who performed with his acoustic guitar. His voice is similar to Willie Nelson and even though he performs Willie Nelson songs, he also sings a variety of songs, from John Denver to the Beatles. He also performs at Pirates Landing at South Padre Island.

According to Art Delgado, future plans for Bonita Flats include a café to serve breakfast and brunch and bringing back the ‘vegetables by the bag’ in the fall season.

Overall, the combination of an evening outdoor setting, wine tasting, and tasty bites accompanied by live music made for a pleasant experience. The food was excellent and so was the wine. They have only been opened for three months and have so many plans for the place and by the looks of it, they are headed in the right direction. I cannot wait to see how they grow and will definitely return. I recommend Bonita Flats to anyone looking for a quiet place to unwind with friends and family and of course, a glass of wine and a slice of pizza. Next time you need to relax after a long week, head on over, maybe we will run into each other. Thank you to owners Art and Melissa Delgado for answering all our questions.

Current menu:
Wine menu: Whites: Trebbiano, Chenin Blanc ($8 glass, $25 bottle), Rosé: Dolcetto Rosé, Immaculate Rosé, and Reds: Anglianico, Cabernet Sauvignon ($10 glass, $32 bottle)
Pizza made with farm fresh herbs and tomatoes ($12) pepperoni, Margherita
Charcuterie ($15) includes Manchego, aged Cheddar, and Gouda cheeses, fresh fruit (grapes and watermelon slices), crackers, salami, and green olives.

Art and Melissa Delgado established Bonita Flats Farm and Vineyard in 2016. They have dedicated 4 greenhouses and 1 acre of row crops to growing a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs. All produce is grown using organic practices, without any harmful pesticides. They also use all organic and non-GMO seeds for planting. (Bonita Flats Farm and Vineyard, 2022)

Business hours:
Friday 3p.m. to 11p.m.
Saturday 3p.m. to 11p.m.
Sunday 3p.m. to 8p.m.

Chenin Blanc
Service counter
Cactus Willie
Charcuterie platter
Margherita pizza

New book release: ‘The Falcon’ by Isabella Maldonado

‘The Falcon’ is the new novel in the Nina Guerrera series by Isabella Maldonado. Photo: amazon

Isabella Maldonado is the award-winning and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Detective Cruz series and of The Cipher and A Different Dawn in the Nina Guerrera series. Before turning to crime writing, she wore a gun and badge in real life. A graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico and the first Latina to attain the rank of captain in her police department, she retired as the Commander of Special Investigations and Forensics. During more than two decades on the force, she served as a hostage negotiator, department spokesperson, and district station commander. She uses her extensive law enforcement background to bring a realistic edge to her writing. “The Falcon” is her new novel in the Nina Guerrera series and has a serial killer who wants to play but FBI Agent Nina Guerrera has no times for games. (amazon, 2022)

“The Falcon” – Six female undergrads at an elite university vanish. The media descends. The families demand action. As Special Agent Nina Guerrera follows clue by chilling clue, she realizes she is tracking the most cunning predator of her career. The case takes a turn for the worse, and the bizarre, when several victims are found perfectly preserved. No signs of violence, no hint of how they died. Just more evidence that the killer is cruel, calculating, and a master of mind control. With her mission compromised, Nina must face her greatest failure―and greatest fear―to stop a deadly hunter before he claims another prize.

 

 

New thriller movie release: The Ghost Lights

The Ghost Lights, a new spine-chilling science fiction thriller, will be available on digital on August 26, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Coming this August from Terror Films is The Ghost Lights, a spine-chilling new science-fiction thriller about a journalist on the search for truth about extra-terrestrial life. The Ghost Lights will be released on digital on August 26 followed by the Terror Films Channel September 2 and Kings of Horror on September 9, 2022. (Terror Films, 2022)

The Ghost Lights – A journalist returns home after the death of her father and discovers a mysterious cassette tape describing strange disappearances and mysterious lights appearing in the skies of West Texas. In an effort to connect with the memory of her late father, she sets out on a cross-state road trip to discover the truth. Billy Blair (Jonah Hex), Katreeva Phillips, and John Francis McCullagh uncover an X-File in this summer’s most intriguing genre jaunt.

“If I were to choose a theme for 2020, it would be loss. And we did lose so much- jobs, our ways of life, and in some tragic cases our friends and loved ones. This film too is about loss and the inevitable regret that follows. We wish we could go back, say something we always meant to say but never made the time, pay attention when we were too self-obsessed to notice, or make a different decision before it was too late. The Ghost Lights seeks to explore the darkness of this guilt and possibilities of reconciliation, even across time itself.”- Timothy Stevens, Director 

The Ghost Lights poster. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

KDMG, Inc acquires filmmaker Tony Ahedo’s feature film ‘Icon’

KDMG, Inc. will release “Icon”  across all TVOD/Digital and Blu-Ray/DVD platforms throughout North America on August 1, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

KDMG, Inc. (Kaczmarek Digital Media Group, Inc.) has acquired the Pretty Sweet Films’ production of filmmaker Tony Ahedo’s touching feature film debut “Icon.” This moving coming of age drama charts the perilous journey to adulthood for our charismatic leads Sam (Parker Padgett) and Ana (Devon Hales). KDMG, Inc. will release “Icon” across all TVOD/Digital and Blu-Ray/DVD platforms throughout North America on August 1, 2022. (Kaczmarek Digital Media Group, Inc., 2022)

Young love’s the topic of so many films, but rarely is it handled with earnest, authentic grace, as we see in “Icon.” Anchored in the touching performances of Padgett and Hales, audiences will find themselves moved much like fellow beloved indie film “The Spectacular Now.” When a surprise pregnancy forces Sam to face many brutal realities of adulthood and responsibility, things spiral rapidly out of control as he simultaneously tries to fight to find his own truth: why his absent father hasn’t been in his life since he was one and is only a fading memory.

Inspired by a true story, “Icon” stars Parker Padgett and Devon Hales along with Julia Denton, Tony Demil, Bryce Anthony Heller, and the feature film debut of Ronald Sansone.

“I am excited for audiences everywhere to see the film and prompt important conversations. My intent is to show the male perspective to a pregnancy in such a way that illuminates the idealization of patriarchy and toxic masculine views of the past and how we move beyond it.” Tony Ahedo.

Adapted from an award-winning short that won the presidents’ award at Ringling College of Art & Design, “Icon” was filmed in Ahedo’s hometown of Saint Petersburg, Florida, just prior to the pandemic. The story pulls elements from his childhood growing up in the mid 90s through the early 2000s in Florida.

“It’s not often we see a good coming-of-age film that breaks down the fundamentals of teen adolescence in a relatable way. I felt this story had an audience and needed to be seen. On behalf of myself and the KDMG team, I am thrilled to be part of Icon’s journey.” – Kyle Kaczmarek, KDMG, Inc.’s CEO

Kaczmarek Digital Media Group, Inc. (KDMG, Inc.) was founded in 2012 to provide a non-traditional, outside the box, hands-on digital approach to entertainment content providers. Deeply passionate about our work, KDMG counsels individuals and companies in all areas of the entertainment industry, including producers, directors, distributors, technology companies, digital retail platforms, sales agents, and cable, telecommunications and satellite companies toward achieving their highest potential.

Pretty Sweet Films is a full-service narrative production company founded by award-winning filmmaker Tony Ahedo based in Los Angeles. Since its inception in 2019, the company has created and collaborated on a wide variety of projects across the country. From romantic coming of age films to raunchy dark comedies to chilling horror thrillers, PSF is prepared to make any story a compelling piece for the eyes and mind. With more than a decade of production experience, PSF is here to make films pretty sweet.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Tapping the Source: an online science and spirituality summit

Tapping the Source is an online event taking place this Saturday July 16, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Join Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha on Saturday July 16, 2022, from 12p.m. -5p.m. ET for a cutting-edge summit led by a panel of world-class scientific leaders and spiritual teachers, including Dr. Rulin Xiu, Ervin Laszlo, and special guest Deepak Chopra. This is a rare opportunity to learn directly from some of the greatest minds (and souls) on the planet who will help you unlock your potential and exceed your limitations. These four distinguished scientists, doctors, and leaders are coming together for the first time to share their distinct wisdom and show you how to create change in your own life. Stay tuned for a special free showing of the film Tapping the Source at end of the event. (Tapping the Source, 2022)

All proceeds will be donated to charitable organizations. Visit Tapping the Source to reserve your spot. Ticket includes full access to the Live Summit, free Tao Quantum Healing session, exclusive gifts from the speakers, and access to the replays for thirty days.

Tapping the Source is a live online event taking place on Saturday July 16, 2022. Viewers will get to experience a panel of world class speakers in real time. For everyone who registers, a full recording of the summit will be made available for up to 30 days following the event. You can watch the parts you missed or re-watch the talks that were most inspiring.