Book of the week: ‘Hyphened-Nation: Don’t Check the Box’ by Nicole Draffen

‘Hyphened-Nation’ focuses on ways the United States and our global community differ culturally, and steps citizens can take to create a non-hyphenated coalitional nation. Photo: Nicole Draffen, used with permission.

As a builder, a fixer, and a challenger, I love tearing things apart to understand them, and then try to prove or disprove their merit. This allows me to move through life with an air of certainty about what I know, and also what I do not know. So naturally when I lived abroad, the social and cultural consciousness of the people I met, and the things I observed inspired my natural inclination to understand and study the value of cultural norms. The more I traveled overseas, the more I grew to understand certain aspects of the American perception of culture. My journeys inspired me to write a book. ‘Hyphened-Nation’ by Nicole Draffen focuses on ways the U.S. and Europe differ culturally via media and how a bridge might be created. (Nicole Draffen, 2022)

‘Hyphened-Nation: Don’t Check the Box’ is an honoree of three prestigious Literary Awards, The Independent Authors Network (IAN) Book of the Year Award, the indieBRAG B.R.A.G. Medallion, and The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. The author’s travels overseas and time spent living in the United Kingdom inspired ‘Hyphened-Nation.’ Living abroad was an eye-opening experience; she grew to understand certain aspects of American culture better the longer she lived overseas. This book is about her insights, and experience of being treated as an American, rather than a hyphenated one. The difference was startling and lead her on a journey to understand why The United States is one of the only, if not the only country, that hyphenates its citizens by ethnicity before nationality. It is a journey of discovery in understanding that those same boxes we allow ourselves to be placed into as hyphenated-Americans, limit economic, educational, societal, and cultural growth. Her story focuses on ways the United States and our global community differ culturally, and steps citizens can take to create a non-hyphenated coalitional nation.

** Read a review here.**

PP

Heart of Texas Concert Band presents the music of Robert Russell Bennett

The Heart of Texas Concert Band will be performing music composed or arranged by Robert Russell Bennett this Sunday April 10, 2022. Photo: Heart of Texas Concert Band, used with permission.

Robert Russell Bennett will always be close to the top of the most influential American musicians. His association with the greatest figures of the 20th century including Richard Rodgers, George Gershwin, Igor Stravinsky, and Sergei Rachmaninoff is well documented. The Heart of Texas Concert Band has scheduled a performance consisting entirely of music either composed or arranged by Robert Russell Bennett, including “Suite of Old American Dances,” “Four Preludes,” “Rose Variations,” and “The Sound of Music.” This concert will be held this Sunday, April 10, 2022 at 3p.m. at Johnson High School. (Heart of Texas Concert Band, 2022)

Admission is free, no tickets are needed. Venue is wheelchair accessible.

Johnson High School 
23203 Bulverde Rd 
San Antonio, TX 78259

Other concerts coming up:
May 8- Mother’s Day Concert
In the British Isles

July 4 – “The Sounds of Freedom”
With the San Antonio Chorale Society and the River City Ringers

Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel to see our newest posts there. To make your secure online PayPal donation, visit Heart of Texas Concert Band.

For a mail-in contribution:
HTxCB
4128 Warm Winds
San Antonio, TX 78253

Mission:

  • To provide challenging performance opportunities for adult musicians of all ages.
  • To provide opportunities for qualified young musicians to enrich their musical education by playing in an adult ensemble.
  • To stress the importance of music as an integral part of the community culture and to actively pursue better integration and heightened awareness of the arts.
  • To interact in a cooperative spirit with all cultural organizations in the community.
  • To cooperate with the local schools and community organizations in planning all activities.

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‘Carmen From Mexico’ returns to the Guadalupe Theater

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s Teatro Salon announces the return of ‘Carmen From Mexico’ this April 15 and 16. Photo: Anthony Garcia, used with permission.

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s Teatro Salon proudly announces the return of Anna De Luna’s original solo performance of ‘Carmen From Mexico.’ Scheduled for April 15 and 16, 2022 at the Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St., curtain is at 8 p.m. with general admission of $12. ‘Carmen From Mexico’ was presented as a world premiere at the historic Guadalupe Theater in 2021 to sold out audiences. Tickets are available here. Teatro Salon is a project of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center that showcases and helps develop new work by theater artists. (Teatro Salon, 2022)

‘Carmen From Mexico’ is an original solo multimedia play with live musical accompaniment that reflects the playwright’s own personal family history of her mother’s “illegal” immigration from Mexico to South Texas. Playwright Anna De Luna portrays her mother Carmen (in several stages of her youth) in this powerful true story of survival, struggle and yet sometimes comical experiences of adapting to South Texas racism and prejudices.

“We are so excited to bring back Anna De Luna’s wonderful and powerful one-woman show, and especially thrilled knowing that our production of Carmen From Mexico has been selected to tour the stage of Denver’s own Su Teatro Cultural & Performing Arts Center scheduled for April 22 and 23, 2022.” – Jorge Piña, Guadalupe Theater Manager.

“I am so honored to back at the Guadalupe Theater stage, having presented this production as a world premiere at this historic theater last year.” – Anna De Luna.

De Luna has performed in various leading roles at the Guadalupe Theater and Jump-Start Performance Company.  She also appeared at the Public Theater in ‘Anna In The Tropics,’ for which she received the San Antonio Globe Award for Best Actress.  She produced her original solo plays ‘Chicana Atheist,’ ‘The AIDS Lady,’ and ‘My Arab Fall’ with sustaining success.  In 2016 De Luna was selected Creative of the Month by the City of San Antonio Department for Culture and Creative Development.  ’Carmen from Mexico’ was first presented as a short 20-minute work-in-progress at the Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival in 2018 and at Jump-Start Performance Company in 2019.

Photo: Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, used with permission.

Theater review: ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ at the Camille Playhouse

‘Jekyll & Hyde’ is now playing at the Camille Playhouse in Brownsville. Photo: Camille Playhouse

Now playing at the Camille Playhouse is ‘Jekyll & Hyde,’ based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic thriller. After a successful opening night, it continues this weekend for the final three performances on Friday, and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are $25 for general admission and are available online. Jekyll & Hyde was conceived for the stage by Steve Cuden and Frank Wildhorn with book & lyrics by Leslie Bricusee, music by Frank Wildhorn, orchestrations by Kim Scharnberg and arrangements by Jason Howland. ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ is the gripping tale of a brilliant mind gone horrifically awry, set to a powerful pop-rock score by Frank Wildhorn with book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse.

‘Jekyll & Hyde’ begins with the introduction of John Utterson (Raul Lozano), Jekyll’s lawyer and best friend and Sir Danvers Carew (Bobby Torres), Jekyll’s future father in law. They take the audience back to a time when Jekyll (Anthony Ruiz) is in an insane asylum singing of his comatose father “Lost In the Darkness.” Jekyll believes that the evil in his father’s soul has caused his illness and tells the audience how he wants to find out why people are both good and evil and about his attempts to separate the good from the evil in the human personality. When the Board of Governors of St. Jude’s Hospital denies him a research proposal to test his formula on a human subject “Board of Governors,” the undeterred Jekyll decides to test the formula on himself “This Is the Moment.” He inadvertently creates an alternate personality of pure evil, named Mr. Hyde, who inflicts murderous devastation on the city of London. As his fiancée Emma (Evany Jackson) grows increasingly fearful for her betrothed, a prostitute, Lucy (Jocelyn Michelle), finds herself dangerously involved with both the doctor and his alter ego. Struggling to control Hyde before he takes over for good, Jekyll races to find a cure for the demon he has created in his own mind.

This production is different than the past ones this season at the Camille Playhouse. With themes including violence, lies and deceit, repression, and mankind’s duality (good vs. evil), it is darker than most audiences are used to but is well worth experiencing. The talented cast, which includes Anthony Ruiz as Dr. Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde, Evany Jackson as Emma Carew, and Jocelyn Michelle as Lucy Harris, does an impressive job of bringing this classic but relevant story to life on the local stage. The vocal talent is some of the best seen this season, especially Evany Jackson, whose scene stealing portrayal of the loving but long suffering Emma Crew is outstanding. Unfortunately, the sound system did not cooperate on opening night but hopefully this has been fixed. Anthony Ruiz does an excellent job depicting both the timid but brilliant Jekyll and the aggressive and murderous Mr. Hyde. He effortlessly switches between the personalities and manages to elicit the audience’s sympathy up to his tragic end. The costumes are gorgeous and the brilliant use of red lighting when Jekyll is transforming into Mr. Hyde, “First Transformation,” shows the darkness of the moment, especially at the end when he is struggling between both personalities. Show highlights include “Take Me As I Am” which emphasizes the strength of Jekyll and Emma’s relationship, “Bring On the Men” by Lucy and the prostitutes that temporarily lightens the mood, and “This Is the Moment” when Jekyll decides to throw caution to the wind and test the formula on himself. Overall, ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ is an intense and tragic tale of man’s constant struggle with his inner demons; it is a definite must-see production.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Upcoming new album: Ebunctions’ This Just In

Self-described ‘yacht soul supergroup’ brings together top tier touring and studio musicians for a modern take on beloved vintage sounds. Photo: Ebunctions, used with permission.

A combination of all things funky—and a stacked list of Los Angeles’ finest, hardest working musicians—is exactly what vocalist/saxophonist Woody Mankowski envisioned when he started piecing together quarantine tunes with keyboardist/songwriter Jeff Babko for Ebunctions’ debut album This Just In. With touring sidelined in 2020, every piece of their puzzle fell miraculously into place. (Ebunctions, 2022)

Ebunctions—the band’s name stemmed from a dream in which Mankowski was a contestant on American Idol introduced by Ryan Seacrest as “Ebunctions Hef”—gathered in the studio with giddy enthusiasm running high and nailed down the ten tunes that make up This Just In. The first of which to see the light of day is the roller-rink ready, get yourself unstuck anthem, “Running In Place.” “I wrote ‘Running In Place’ on bass as a nod to Freddy Washington’s bass line on Patrice Rushen ‘Forget Me Nots’ and Cameo’s ‘Alligator Woman,’” says Babko. With bassist Ethan Farmer bringing slap bass into this millennium and horn work from Mankowski, Babko, and the additional “Hef Horns,” “Running In Place” provides a throwback straight from the late 70s to the early 80s for modern fans to nerd out to. Check out the hilariously fitting video for “Running In Place” at this link and pre-order or pre-save This Just In ahead of its April 22 release right here.

This Just In is a fun-loving testament to the power of sharing music with friends. When Mankowski found himself “looking for his lost mojo” after being burnt out on the music business, he finally moved back to California full of devotion and dedication to a life in music, eager to make something happen. An open heart and a head full of ideas led to his connecting with Babko, which led to the creation of Ebunctions, which leads to a sense of joyfulness for anyone who puts their ears to the music. As Mankowski says it best, “I would like this music even if I wasn’t a part of it. It reminds me of happy times.”

This Just In track list:
Nothing But Your Love
Feast or Famine
Running In Place
This Ain’t Over
The Real Thing
One Year
I Wouldn’t Change A Thing
Cold Hard Truth
Somebody Like You
She Don’t Love Me

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EVO Entertainment celebrates 25th anniversary of ‘Selena’ with special screening

EVO Entertainment is hosting a special screening of the movie ‘Selena’ on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Photo: EVO Entertainment Group, used with permission.

EVO Entertainment Group is celebrating the queen of Tejano music with a special 25th Anniversary screening of Selena on April 7, 2022 at 7p.m. at EVO’s Springtown, Schertz, Southlake, Kyle, and Belterra Village locations. In addition to seeing Jennifer Lopez breathe life into the Latin music legend, guests 21 years of age or older can look forward to a specially curated “Como la Flor” Margarita to enjoy during the film. The prickly pear margarita features sweet, fruity notes and a signature purple color inspired by the late singer. To commemorate the special night, Selena fans will each receive a complimentary gift and can enjoy themed, interactive activities around the screening. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit EVO Entertainment Group. (EVO Entertainment Group, 2022)

EVO Entertainment Group is an Austin based out-of-home entertainment operator made up from several innovative brands including EVO Entertainment, EVO Cinemas, and EVO Concerts. Since its launch in 2014, EVO has gained a reputation as a leader in innovation, as well as one of the fastest growing independent cinema circuits in the country.

Book review: ‘The Still Point: The Simplicity of Spiritual Enlightenment’ by Kevin Krenitsky, MD

‘The Still Point’ is Kevin Krenitsky’s new book on spiritual enlightenment and awakening. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Kevin Krenitsky has been, at times, a professional rock musician, a medical doctor, and a business executive. Despite leading a life deemed outwardly “successful,” he lived with a deep background of anxiety, fear, and stress that came and went since early childhood. At the age of forty, in the midst of decades of suppressing tremendous inner and outer conflict, he reasoned there must be another way. This “willingness” led to a decade of studying non-duality by way of “A Course in Miracles.” At the height of a successful business career, he turned away into relative isolation and soon found the direct path to the recognition of our true nature. One day in meditation, a thought came that a book called “The Still Point” would be written. Five years later, the first words arrived. Krenitsky’s The Still Point: The Simplicity of Spiritual Enlightenment” takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately leading to the recognition that our self-aware nature is happiness and peace itself.

“The Still Point” begins with an Introduction where the author explains that this book is about “discovering and living as your indestructible, true self, which is deeper than just the body and the mind.” He refers to our true self as the Still Point and defines it as the experience of recognizing our own awareness; simply put: “being aware of being aware.” According to him, our unconscious living has not only created stress, anxiety, wars, and famine, but our choices have brought us to the edge of mass destruction. The earth has suffered greatly from our collective human unconsciousness. With this book, he shows us how to discover and live our lives in alignment with our true self. Each chapter begins with an introduction of the subject and is followed by a question and answer discussion. Some of the questions are from people he has encountered but most of them are questions he himself has had in his journey to self-discovery. The book is divided into two parts: the first has chapters such as The Discovery of Our True Nature, The Healing of Our Relationships, and Awakening and the Limits of the Mind; the second part deals with subjects such as Taking Responsibility for Your Happiness, Be a True Student of Peace and Happiness, and The Illusion of Control.

For such an intense subject, “The Still Point” is relatively easy to read, due in part to the Q & A format that the author chose to present his ideas. It reads like an interview and the language is straightforward and down to earth. The important takeaways include the significance of living in the moment, realizing that we share a consciousness with each other and the planet, and self-awareness. When we focus on the noise of the outside world, we lose our feelings of peace and happiness. Highlight include Chapter 14: Taking Responsibility for Your Happiness, as it reminds readers that “The desire to project blame on others, the world, or past events is a universal trait of the egoic mind” and Chapter 20: Be a Seed of Light in a Desperate World where it emphasizes the importance of taking pride in your job. It is important to find a job you like but “…never diminish whatever it is you find yourself doing in the present.” These may not be new theories, but in today’s world, in the midst of all the chaos, both external and internal, it pays to slow down and re-evaluate what makes life worth living. Filled with practical life advice, “The Still Point” is recommended for readers who value concepts such as meditation and self-awareness and are searching for tips on easing the load we all sometimes have to carry.

“There is no denying the terrible injustice that has been happening for a long time, but treating people who are desperately calling out for love with hate and anger simply will not work.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Read an excerpt here. 

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Upcoming book release: ‘The Ravaged’ by Norman Reedus with Frank Bill

Norman Reedus’ debut novel ‘The Ravaged’ will be out May 10, 2022. Photo: amazon

Norman Reedus is known for starring in the popular AMC horror drama series The Walking Dead as Daryl Dixon, in the film The Boondock Saints (1999) and its sequel The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (2009) as Murphy MacManus, as Scud in Marvel’s Blade II (2002), Marco in Deuces Wild (2002), and for his AMC TV show Ride with Norman Reedus. His highly anticipated debut novel “The Ravaged,” which will be released on Tuesday May 10, is a fast-paced, up-in-your-face novel of gritty realism, exploring three different personal quests with eerily parallel outcomes. (amazon, 2022)

“The Ravaged” – Jack’s dying mother told him, “Run and never look back.” He spent his life amassing wealth, but after losing his family, he has no one to share it with. Alone with his demons and a backpack, he heads to South America, where people with nothing teach him what matters.

After thrashing his dog-abusing boss, Hunter learns of his father’s death in a mysterious fire. Biker buddies Nugget and Itch ride with him from North Carolina to California. Stories from his father’s life help ease the struggles of small-town Americans. Hunter discovers a secret past.

Seventeen-year-old Anne flees Tennessee after her older brother attacks her. She whacks him with a skillet and hops a freight to Alabama with her best friend. Living hand to mouth, they build friendships, uncovering something they never had.

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New movie release: The Occupant

The Occupant is now available on Digital and Video On Demand. Photo: google

The Occupant stars Rik Billock (The Barn) David Flick (American Pastoral, Jack Reacher, One for the Money) Dylan Grunn (The Retreat, Lake Artifact) Nathan Hollabaugh (Concussion, Father’s & Daughters) Caroline Nicolian, and Megan Bolton. It was released March 29 on premium TVOD followed by a full digital release on all platforms cross USA and Canada by DevilWorks. (DevilWorks, 2022)

Directed and written by Samuel Krebs, the film follows four estranged siblings who find themselves in the grip of demonic possession after inheriting their family home. When an eccentric stranger arrives claiming the house was left to her, they start experiencing strange, inexplicable manifestations, which have malevolent effects on everyone in the house.

Director: Samuel Krebs
Run time: 72 minutes
Genre: horror
Rated: R
Available to rent on amazon, Google Play, Vudu, Microsoft, and DIRECTV

New movie release: The Last Possession

Dan Riddle’s new supernatural spine-chiller The Last Possession is available on Terror Films AVOD Channel and Video On Demand. Photo: Terror Films, used with permission.

From director Dan Riddle and writer Greg Shouse and featuring Fear the Walking Dead’s Stephen Brodie, experience the spine-chilling thrills of The Last Possession. Out of options after a foreclosure, Kent Peroni is forced to move his wife, Stephanie, nine-year old son, Jack, and six-year-old daughter, Gabby into the home where his estranged father committed suicide years ago. Once there, the young family begins to notice strange events around the house, which become so terrifying they finally turn to a medium. Spirit guide, Granny Inez arrives, hoping to cleanse the home for Kent’s family, only to learn they are horrifyingly wrong about the nature of the evil that surrounds them. (Terror Films, 2022)

The Last Possession, starring Stephen Brodie, Cassie Shea Watson, Tom Proctor, and Patricia Rae is available on the Terror Films Channel and digital and Video On Demand.

“The Last Possession is a foreboding tale about a family at odds with themselves and each other as they move into a new home. Sometimes families want to love each other, but daily annoyances, financial pressures, and personal insecurities get in their way. In order to survive this house’s dark history, they’ll have to accept unwanted gifts, accept love where it’s offered, and trust each other. It’s hard to be a busy mom. It’s hard to be a father who is struggling to provide for his family. It’s hard to face adolescence. It’s hard to be the powerless little kid. …And it’s even harder when something diabolical is at your doorstep. Cassie and Stephen brought to life this uncomfortable family dynamic of tension and longing. Lourelle and Sawyer were shockingly astute for child actors, delivering naturalistic childhood taunting and true dread. Sometimes the last thing you want, becomes the last thing you have.” – Dan Riddle, director

Director: Dan Riddle
Cast: Stephen Brodie, Cassie Sea Watson, Tom Proctor
Genre: Horror
Run time: 94 minutes
Rating: NR