The movie adaptation of Robert Harris’ ‘Munich’ will be released on Netflix and movie theaters in January. Photo: amazon
Robert Harris is the author of “Pompeii,” “Enigma,” and “Fatherland.” He has been a television correspondent with the BBC and a newspaper columnist for the London Sunday Times and The Daily Telegraph. His novels have sold more than ten million copies and been translated into thirty languages. His book “Munich,” a World War II-era spy thriller set against the backdrop of the fateful Munich Conference of September 1938, has been adapted into a movie by Netflix and will have a limited theatrical release before its January 21, 2022 on Netflix. It stars film stars Jeremy Irons, George MacKay, Jannis Niewöhner, Sandra Hüller, Liv Lisa Fries, August Diehl, Jessica Brown Findlay, Anjli Mohindra, and Ulrich Matthes. (amazon, 2021)
“Munich” – Hugh Legat is a rising star of the British diplomatic service, serving at 10 Downing Street as a private secretary to the Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain. Paul von Hartmann is on the staff of the German Foreign Office–and secretly a member of the anti-Hitler resistance. The two men were friends at Oxford in the 1920s, but have not been in contact since. Now, when Hugh flies with Chamberlain from London to Munich, and Hartmann travels on Hitler’s train overnight from Berlin, their paths are set on a disastrous collision course. Once again, Robert Harris gives us actual events of historical importance–here are Hitler, Chamberlain, Mussolini, Daladier–at the heart of an electrifying novel.
Mariachi Herencia de México’s new mariachi take on ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.’ Courtesy photo, used with permission.
The Latin GRAMMY®-nominated group of young Mexican-American musicians ring in the holiday season with a new mariachi take on “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Mariachi Herencia de México, composed of both male and female musicians from Chicago, recreate the Andy Williams Christmas classic with a fresh and modern sound that is sure to leave you filled with holiday cheer. It is available now on all music platforms. (Mariachi Herencia de México, 2021)
“We’re excited to release our own version of this Christmas classic. It’s the perfect track for everyone’s holiday playlist. We made the track for everyone to enjoy, no matter where you’re from or how old you are, everyone loves Christmas.” – Ruben Núñez, lead vocalist and trumpet player for the band
Composed by Eddie Pola and George Wyle, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” was originally recorded and released in 1963 by pop singer Andy Williams. For this version, Mariachi Herencia de México collaborated once again with the band’s musical director Rigoberto Alfaro ( Latin GRAMMY® winning producer), one of the most revered and innovative composers of the mariachi genre credited for his work with the likes of Vicente Fernandez, Juan Gabriel, Joan Sebastian, Rocio Durcal, Alejandro Fernandez just to mention a few.
“Maestro Alfaro wrote a beautiful arrangement that combines references from traditional mariachi music, with the timeless pop sound of the original recording. The song has such a happy and uplifting vibe, which is exactly what we wanted to share with our fans this Christmas season.” – Melanie Juárez, lead vocalist and guitar player for the band
“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” features a beautiful duet, a fusion of both male and female voices, with lead vocals from both Núñez and Juárez.
“It’s a masterpiece. This is mariachi music at its most sophisticated and most modernistic. It’s almost the antithesis of folklore, almost futuristic. Maybe 20 or 30 years from now, all groups will sound like this, I don’t know. But it is state-of-the-art.” – Jonathan Clark, a mariachi expert and historian
Mariachi Herencia de México was formed in Chicago and is composed of eighteen young musicians between 17 and 22 years old. The Latin GRAMMY-nominated band has released four highly acclaimed studio albums with chart-topping debuts on both the Billboard and the iTunes Latin Albums charts, defying a music industry trend and pointing to a revival in recorded mariachi music.
“In every recording, this group proves their commitment to Mexican music. These young musicians understand the essence of our music. They have an important role to play in helping to preserve mariachi music with new generations.” – Cesar Maldonado, the band’s Director and Founder.
To celebrate the Christmas season, Mariachi Herencia de México embarks on a special holiday tour titled “A Very Merry Christmas” on December 17, 18 and 19, 2021 at Chicago’s Thalia Hall and the Old Town School of Folk Music. Tickets are on sale now.
Signed to IMG Artists, a major international talent agency, Mariachi Herencia de México has toured throughout the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The band has performed alongside major artists like Lila Downs, Aida Cuevas, Los Lobos, Pedro Fernández, and Mariachi Vargas de Tecatitlán, demonstrating that this group of young musicians has the talent, training and bravado to hold their own with the best in the world.
Whataburger’s new scholarship programs is part of their commitment to serving the community. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
Whataburger has served big, fresh hamburgers for more than 70 years as well as served the communities where we do business for just as long. As part of that community support, Whataburger is announcing the launch of the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship program, a $500,000 commitment to help students planning to attend a college, university and not-for-profit vocational school achieve their dreams. (Whataburger, 2021)
It is all part of Whataburger Feeding Student Success, our signature community program at the intersection of food insecurity and education. One hundred students across Whataburger’s footprint will be awarded the scholarship. Recipients will receive a non-renewable $5,000 scholarship to be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and housing for the 2022-2023 academic school year.
Black and other racial minority students will be awarded the first year’s scholarships as part of a $1M commitment Whataburger made in June 2020. With the scholarship funding, Whataburger has exceeded that commitment. Students can apply between December 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022. See Whataburger Community Support for eligibility and application information.
The magic of Whataburger started on August 8, 1950, in a tiny burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. An entrepreneur named Harmon Dobson set out to build a burger so delicious that customers would take that first bite and say, “What a burger!” Today, Whataburger is known for delicious burgers, big flavor, and the brand’s pride in taking care of its guests, communities and employees, known as Family Members. Orange Spirit Week celebrates its founding and the foundation for success that Dobson created. Today, Whataburger is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 850 locations across its 14-state footprint, and sales of more than $2.8 billion annually. Whataburger has 50,000 Family Members (employees) and more than sixty million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it.
‘Paid to Be Perfect,’ by Heather Mathes will be out January 4, 2022. Photo: amazon
Fit model Heather Mathes began modeling in 1988. She continued modeling professionally after graduating from Ohio State University with a B.S. in Marketing in 1993 before signing her first contract fit modeling with a major national retailer in 1996. After a ten-consecutive-year fit modeling contract, as well as modeling for other companies outside of her contract, she retired to become a mom in 2008. She then came out of retirement in 2016 at the age of 46 to continue fit modeling for the same company at the exact measurements she was in her 20s, not because she was under contract, but because she had developed health and wellness methods that kept her weight from fluctuating. She did this unconsciously as these methods had become her norm. She shares these methods and more in her first book “Paid to Be Perfect: Paid to Be Perfect,” which will be out January 4, 2022. (Heather Mathes, 2021)
Published by Gatekeeper Press, “Paid to Be Perfect” is part nutrition, part self-help, part glimpse into the world of fashion through the eyes of a 30+ year career model. This book is a practical guide to eating, looking and feeling your best while maintaining your body’s natural size. It encompasses all her healthy lifestyle habits around nutrition, fitness, skin care and wellness, and includes insider secrets into the fashion world where she was paid to be “perfect.” Heather Mathes shares in an informal, uninhibited voice how she focuses on how she feels, enabling her to eat whatever she wants, whenever she wants, while maintaining her body’s natural size. Her practical tips and will help readers, regardless of their size or age, to find and maintain their perfect.
“My stories are based on these experiences working in the fashion industry as a model, and specializing as a standard size six, contemporary fit model—a niche in the world of fashion modeling—to show you exactly how, other than pregnancy and shortly thereafter, I have kept my body within a quarter inch of the same measurements for years while eating whatever I want, without stress or guilt. Whether you’re a size two or a size 22, know that what I share can be applied to all sizes, shapes and ages. The ultimate message, beyond the fit model statistics provided throughout for context, is body positivity for everybody and everybody.” – Heather Mathes
“Paid to Be Perfect: The Secret to Finding Your Perfect” will be available on amazon and other major retailers.
The Home for the Holidays Special Event Series at the TSC Performing Arts Center in Brownsville. Photo: Sandra Cruz
Last Sunday November 28, the UTRGV School of Music and Patron of the Arts returned to the stage at the TSC Performing Arts Center in Brownsville for their Home for the Holidays series. During this free event, the community enjoyed musical performances by the UTRGV Symphony Orchestra, the UTRGV Wind Orchestra, and the UTRGV Master Chorale.
The night of holiday music began with a pre-concert music in the lobby by the UTRGV Trombone Choir to entertain the audience until the auditorium doors opened. The night’s first half of the concert series consisted of the UTRGV Master Chorale singing This Endris Night and What Sweeter Music, the UTRGV Symphony Orchestra performing holiday classics like How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Stille Nacht. The intermission entertainment came courtesy of the UTRGV Horn Choir and for the second half of the evening’s performances, the UTRGV Master Chorale and UTRGV Wind Orchestra performed such classics as Sleigh Ride and The Christmas Song and the UTRGV Wind Orchestra performed The Polar Express and The Bells of Christmas, among other holiday favorites. The audience participation portion was a holiday sing along with the UTRGV Master Chorale and Wind Symphony of Deck the Hall, Jingle Bells, O Christmas Tree and We Wish You A Merry Christmas. The UTRGV Jazz Combo kept the momentum going in the lobby with a post-concert performance.
The UTRGV School of Music successfully kicked off the post-Thanksgiving holiday season with a wonderfully nostalgic night of music. Everyone from the musicians to the singers brought a much needed magical night of music for the community to enjoy. They performed to a nearly packed auditorium and all the night’s performances were delightful and deserve the spotlight just as much as the athletes. Hopefully, there will be more such concerts in the near future.
Patron of the Arts is the performance and membership series of the UTRGV School of Music that has provided Rio Grande Valley residents and visitors with excellent artistic programs for over 35 years. The program was created in 1984 in Brownsville, Texas, to provide the community and students with opportunities for learning and enrichment by attending live events by professional guest musicians as well as visual artists. Patron of the Arts was also intended to provide a venue for faculty and student performances to highlight the considerable talent we have in the Rio Grande Valley. (Patron of the Arts, 2021)
UTRGV Trombone ChoirUTRGV Symphony OrchestraUTRGV Horn ChoirUTRGV Jazz Combo
Naco Mexican Eatery will open its first brick and mortar location on December 9, 2021. Photo: Naco Mexican Eatery, used with permission.
Naco Mexican Eatery is excited to announce the opening date for its first ever brick and mortar location, named Naco 210. Naco 210 will open to the public on Thursday, December 9, 2021, in San Antonio in the Los Patios development along the Salado Creek. Naco – a concept by husband-and-wife team Francisco Estrada and Lizzeth Martinez – is a restaurant and food truck that serves authentic Mexican plates, traditional tacos, tortas, and chilaquiles for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner service. (Naco Mexican Eatery, 2021)
Naco Mexican Eatery opened its food truck for business in San Antonio over three years ago. Its menu focuses on the street foods of Mexico with freshly made items such as chilaquiles using Naco’s own homemade salsas, tacos, and tortas, as well as healthy, keto-friendly, and veggie-forward dishes. The menu at Naco 210 will still include all the food truck fan-favorites but also add on all-day chilaquiles with new sauce options such as almond mole, a selection of breakfast egg benedicts made with traditional Mexican toppings including huitlacoche and Naco’s Mexican brisket, Mexican-inspired croissants with options like guava and cheese, all-natural aguas frescas, and more.
Naco 210 will have a relaxed, family-friendly space, with indoor dining of roughly 2,900 square feet, a space for private events, as well as a large 3,000 square foot patio surrounded by natural landscape and a creek-side view. The restaurant will have options for breakfast, lunch, early dinner, and brunch service on the weekends. The restaurant will be located in Los Patios at 2015 NE Interstate 410 Loop, San Antonio, TX 78217. Naco 210’s operating hours will be Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Naco will also continue its food truck operations.
“We are blessed to be in a wonderful city, surrounded by the most amazing people who have fallen in love with our Mexican food that includes our own family flavors. We can’t wait to be able to showcase even more with our full-service restaurant space.” – Owner Francisco Estrada.
Secondhand Serenade is currently on tour in support of the upcoming new album Just Because You Sing Loud. Photo: google
Emo-Pop Rocker Secondhand Serenade (AKA John Vesely) is set to release new album Just Because You Sing Loud in 2022 with his first single ONE setting things off in November. The release of this new album will kick off with a tour of the same name across 32 US cities. He will be releasing singles regularly through the tour building up to the release of the new album, his first full project since 2017. The name of his album/tour stems from a unique confrontation Vesely recently had. He and his wife recently moved into a temporary apartment while awaiting construction to finish on their new Nashville home. Following a few months of a not-so-happy neighbor complaining about his songwriting sessions and banging on walls, Vesely woke up to an aggressive letter on his door complaining about the noise that was summed up with the statement “Just Because You Sing Loud Doesn’t Mean Its Good.” At first, the note was hurtful to Vesely as he had never experienced this kind of pushback from neighbors in the past. However, he quickly turned the letter into a form of inspiration for his forthcoming album. Now, the letter remains framed on a wall in his studio serving as a reminder that any of life’s negativity can be turned into something positive. (Secondhand Serenade, 2021)
Regarding his upcoming tour/album Just Because You Sing Loud, Secondhand Serenade said, “To say that I’m excited to get back on the road again is an understatement. I’ve also been working hard to finish this next album, which is a total throwback to my roots. So it should be really fun to add some of these new songs into the set and see some first listen reactions in real time. We’re definitely ending 2021 on a strong note!”
In the early days of social networking, there were no classes, no courses, no gurus to assist musicians in building a fan base. Yet in the mid-2000s, Secondhand Serenade used his hard work and determination to connect with fans online and build a community of followers which resulted in the then Bay Area resident reaching the number 1 unsigned artist spot on MySpace after the release of his debut album, Awake. He would later re-release the acoustic project as the first ever artist signed to the now famed Glassnote Records. Vesely followed that up with his 2008 Danny Lohner-produced album, A Twist In My Story, which would catapult the emo-pop songwriter to the top of the charts. The lead single, a part piano ballad, part pop-rock tune called “Fall For You” would solidify the first major hit for both the artist and the young label, securing its spot in the top 5 at US radio, eventually going 3-times platinum. International touring, late night shows and award show appearances became the new norm for the singer-songwriter who was quickly becoming the voice of the emo generation. Fast forward to a post pandemic life and Secondhand Serenade is now priming yet another full album along with a nationwide, headlining tour. The timing could not be better with a resurgence in the emo scene and a new project worth of material rolling out over the coming months.
Just Because You Sing Loud Tour Dates: Wednesday, December 8 – Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre Thursday, December 9 – Anaheim, CA – The Parish At House Of Blues Friday, December 10 – Fresno, CA – Strummer Saturday, December 11 – San Diego, CA – House Of Blues Monday, December 13 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon Wednesday, December 15 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Grand @ The Complex Thursday, December 16 – Denver, CO – Bluebird Theater Friday, December 17 – Omaha, NE – Barnato Saturday, December 18 – Joliet, IL – The Forge
The Briscoe’s Cowboy Christmas adds western fun to the holidays. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Everyone knows that in Texas, the real Santa wears a cowboy hat and boots and thanks to the Briscoe Western Art Museum, everyone can meet him. Enjoy the holidays in a Western way at the Briscoe’s Cowboy Christmas unfolding 10a.m. to 2p.m. on Sunday December 5, 2021. With the Briscoe brimming with holiday cheer, Cowboy Christmas fun is included with general museum admission. As always, children 12 and under receive free admission at the Briscoe, as do active duty members of the military, making the museum a terrific spot for local families to add to their holiday plans. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2021)
Cowboy Christmas features a day of family fun exploring the museum with holiday crafts, hot cocoa, and cookies. A special 12 Days of Christmas scavenger hunt will lead you through the Briscoe’s fantastic collection and there will be Christmas crafts and coloring sheets to enjoy onsite or take home. Of course, a stroll through the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden is the perfect path to enjoy the River Walk and all of its holiday beauty.
Family activities during Cowboy Christmas include making ornaments with a nod to Mexican and Latino influence on the West. The Briscoe’s fall exhibition spotlights vaqueros and the birthplace of the modern cowboy through almost sixty images from celebrated photographer Werner Segarra in Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo: Contemporary Photography of the Northern Mexican Cowboy. Making its United States debut at the Briscoe, the exhibition details the vaqueros’ profound influence on the American West. Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo invites audiences to peer into the world of the Norteño Cowboys, not as a casual tourist, but as an intimate observer. The exhibition is open to the public through January 24, 2022.
For everyone looking to fill their gift lists, the Museum Store is offering special deals during Cowboy Christmas, including 10% off all holiday, home décor, and gifts for men, women and children. From Western-themed wine stoppers that make the perfect hostess gift, a serape bib for the most stylish San Antonio babies and fantastic story books that take young readers on Western adventures to sterling silver cufflinks and jewelry that will add sparkle to every holiday occasion, make sure to do your holiday shopping at the Briscoe. A great find to fill your wish list: a platter that is TV-famous. Currently featured in Paramount’s television show, “Yellowstone,” add a fantastic Christmas platter from True West to your holiday table this year.
Something sure to be popular in Cowboy Claus’ bag of gifts this year: gift memberships to the Briscoe. Share the wide open spaces of the West – and all of the art, heritage and programming of Briscoe – with someone special on your gift list by giving them a museum membership. Holiday deals on Friend, Duo and Family memberships are available through December 31. With $10 off of regular museum membership pricing and packaged with a gift-wrapped ornament, Cowboy Claus’ elves will be snapping these up for all of the good cowboys and cowgirls this year.
Preserving and presenting the art, history and culture of the American West through engaging exhibitions, educational programs and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is located on the San Antonio River Walk at 210 W. Market Street in the beautifully restored 1930s former San Antonio Public Library building. Named in honor of the late Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. and his wife, Janey Slaughter Briscoe, the museum includes the three-story Jack Guenther Pavilion, used for event rentals and programs, and the outdoor McNutt Sculpture Garden.
The new dog walking, boarding, and daycare facility will open in the Pearl neighborhood next week. Photo: Good Dog, used with permission.
Good Dog, a new 1,850 square foot dog walking, boarding, and daycare facility in the Pearl neighborhood, will open for service Wednesday, December 8 just in time for the holidays. The facility is owned and operated by Steven and Kaylee Bell, who have moved back home to South Texas after running a successful doggy daycare in Dallas. Good Dog is intentionally designed to be a safe and fun environment for smaller dogs, weighing 35 lbs. or less or measuring under 15” in height at the shoulder, but will provide walks for dogs of all sizes. (Good Dog, 2021)
“We’re really looking forward to being a part of the Pearl neighborhood and being able to serve the dogs and dog owners here. We have a wonderful space where every decision was made to create a great experience for smaller dogs – we hope the community loves it!” – Co-Owner Steven Bell.
Good Dog’s daycare and walk services are based on a monthly membership, while boarding services are offered to guests at a nightly rate. Additional enrichment play and one-on-one time with dogs is available as an add-on as well. Though the boarding and daycare services apply to smaller dogs only due to space limitations, thirty minute and one hour walks are available for dogs of all sizes and take place throughout the Pearl neighborhood and museum reach of the San Antonio River Walk. For a full list of services provided and membership options click here.
“Good Dog is an excellent addition to Pearl’s neighborhood. Pearl has always been dog-friendly, and we are excited to welcome a great team of professionals to better meet the needs of our community and their dogs.” – Pearl’s Chief Operating Officer Mesha Millsap.
The facility includes two indoor play spaces and two outdoor play spaces in addition to its individual indoor kennels. Good Dog is located at 132 W Grayson, Ste. 150, San Antonio, TX 78212 and its lobby will be open to guests Mondays-Fridays from 7:30a.m. to 6:30p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9a.m. to 5p.m.
Photo: Good Dog, used with permission.
Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, which operated from 1883 to 1999. Located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River, it is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable—both built in 1894—and numerous plazas. Today, Pearl is home to dozens of unique culinary concepts, one-of-a-kind retail, weekend markets, residential communities, innovative office tenants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America, and the award-winning Hotel Emma. Pearl is a vibrant district where community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer.
All four books in the series are now available as a digital box set and holiday gift. Photo: David Konrad
David Konrad is an adventurous dad who shares his love of storytelling with middle grade children around the world. While traveling internationally and raising his young family, he found inspiration to write his books and fulfill his mission: making a difference in the lives of children. The Project Adventure Children’s Book Series is action-packed, fun-filled and driven by characters who will be cherished by young readers seeking their next favorite mystery. (David Konrad, 2021)
International author David Konrad releases the US version of his popular children’s books series, Project Adventure, this December 14, as a digital box set. Perfect for individual reading, or for caregivers and teachers to read a chapter or two at a time to create more suspense and engage young readers, Konrad’s box set will inspire children to find pleasure in reading, and delight them as a holiday gift.
Preteens Ethan and Matt are best friends and founders of the Project Adventure kid-detective agency. They are always looking for adventures, solving a good mystery, and making new friends. Together, they embark on exhilarating journeys that strengthen their friendship, courage, and social skills.
The digital box set contains the first four mysteries in the Project Adventure children’s books series:
“Heart of the Island”– Ethan and Matt head into their first great adventure to find a lost diamond, called The Heart of the Island. They must overcome their fears, escape the bullies chasing them, and face spooky bat-filled caves as they take on the quest to find the treasure.
“Rumble at the Zoo” – Ethan and Matt receive a call for help from Lisa, their first client of their newly set up detective agency Project Adventure. Recently, the animals at the Skywalk Zoo have been taking turns behaving weirdly and aggressively, scaring visitors away. Will they find out why the animals behave so strangely? Can the boys find out who is behind all this? And can they protect the animals and stay safe? Could Lisa become more than just a first client, and join the boys on their adventures?
“The Courtside Mystery” – Ethan and Matt are looking forward to spending time at basketball camp, just playing. But as they arrive, they find out about a weird incident at a basketball game at their camp the week before. The police think it is just an accident, but when Ethan becomes the victim of one of these accidents, they are left with no choice but to investigate. They need Lisa, the third member of their detective agency Project Adventure to help with background checks that might lead to solving the mystery.
“The Scrapyard Shakedown” – Ethan, Matt, and Lisa face freezing winter weather and sinister villains as they trace the shadowy figures lurking around the local scrapyard at the edge of town. The stakes are high, involving the rescue of their new friend Kalea’s dad.
The digital box set is currently available for pre-order on Amazon. Price: $4.99 Publish Date: December 14, 2021
Project Adventure series of books for children. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
SA Examiner 