Two-step back into concert going mode at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa

The beautiful JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.

This year, concerts are coming back in full force with new events like Stagecoach and national tours being announced weekly. For those who are excited to return to concerts but are not quite ready to commit to a sold-out stadium, JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in the heart of Texas Hill Country is offering a more intimate and distanced approach to concerts this year. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021) 

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa—a 32-accommodation retreat on 13,000 acres in the heart of West Texas—has deep roots in country music and draws top talent to perform on its multiple indoor-outdoor “stages,” which include a private Fixed Base Operator (FBO) airport hangar and the resort’s sprawling main lawn. The resort is offering an intimate alternative to major concerts as music fanatics ease their way back into concert-going, with recent concerts featuring Shenandoah and Radney Foster. Most concerts are accessible both to locals and overnight guests and are offered either on the resort’s main lawn or in the spacious FBO airport hangar, with VIP tables featuring dinner and cocktails available for each event. The next scheduled concert is Labor Day Weekend, with additional ongoing private concerts at the resort throughout the year.  

For those enjoying a concert in tandem with an overnight stay, guests can embrace the West Texas lifestyle with horseback riding, cowboy cookouts, ATV adventures, trail and bike riding, archery, and more.  

 

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.

 

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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 WaxThe 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 2Teen 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

Book review: ‘Act of Negligence’ by John Bishop

‘Act of Negligence’ is the fourth book of the Doc Brady mystery series by John Bishop. Photo: amazon

John Bishop M.D. is an orthopedic surgeon, keyboard musician, and author of the beloved Doc Brady mystery series. The series includes “Act of Murder,” “Act of Deception,” “Act of Revenge,” “Act of Negligence,” “Act of Fate,” and “Act of Atonement.” His 30 years as a practicing orthopedic surgeon give the reader a unique glimpse into the medical world with all its problems, intricacies, and complexities, while at the same time revealing the compassion and dedication of most health care professionals. Jim Bob Brady, the series protagonist, is an accomplished orthopedic surgeon with a talent for solving medical mysteries who also moonlights as a blues musician. In “Act of Negligence,” Dr. Jim Bob Brady finds himself investigating why dementia patients with orthopedic problems are dying after surgery. It is the fourth book in the Doc Brady mystery series.

“Act of Negligence” is now set in the year 2000, whereas the previous ones take place in the 1990s. The story begins as Dr. Brady is visiting Beatrice Adams, a nursing home patient with Alzheimer’s who was transferred to University Hospital. He was sent in as a consultant because she has a bad knee but at fifty-seven years old, she is too young to have Alzheimer’s. His friend and colleague Dr. James Morgenstern refers him a series of dementia patients with orthopedic problems from Pleasant View Nursing Home. Soon, they each die, not because of Dr. Brady’s treatments, but because of irregular heart rates. This shakes him up because as a surgeon, he is not used to so many of his patients dying.  After Dr. Jeff Clarke, who performs the autopsies, finds unusual brain pathology in each patient, Dr. Brady begins investigating the nursing home and its owner and CEO, Dr. Theodore Frazier. His curiosity and tenacity have gotten him in serious trouble before, including kidnappings and beatings, but this time, his life is dangerously on the line, but thankfully, his resourceful wife Mary Louise always has his back and saves the day. Even though those he considered allies turn out to be anything but, Dr. Brady uncovers the unconscionable research that Dr. Frazier was doing on Alzheimer’s patients.

Being an orthopedic surgeon, John Bishop once again brings his knowledge of the medical field to another exciting Dr. Brady adventure. Despite being heavy in medical terminology and drama, the author makes it easy to follow along and readers end up learning more about a specific medical ailment. This time it is Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Frazier was experimenting on his patients in the hopes of curing Alzheimer’s and even though some died, there were others who improved. This brings about the controversial question ‘do the ends justify the means?’ The overall language is easy to understand and the action flows easily from page to page. With a first person narration, the reader has a front row seat when Dr. Brady is in trouble: “So, with an unconscious Jeff Clarke and a silent, concussed Cynthia Drummond, no brakes, a stuck carburetor, a speeding car, and no way to turn off the engine, I did the only thing I knew to do. I tried to steer the vehicle.” Highlights include Chapter 5 as one of the patients coded during surgery after the epidural needle slips and her heartrate grows erratic and Chapter 27 when Dr. Brady is drugged, nearly crashes a car and almost dies. In the series, even though the good guys always win, the plot twists at the end make for excellent storytelling. With compelling characters and nail-biting action, “Act of Negligence” by John Bishop is another must-read in the Doc Brady mystery series. It is comparable to works by Robin Cook and recommended for fans of medical dramas who are open to learning more about illnesses and appreciate that in ethical matters, there are always grey areas. 

“I was interrupted by the rhythmic beeping of the pulse oximeter, showing the patient’s oxygen saturation had fallen below 50 percent. Tim Kelly and I quickly closed the skin with an unattractive continuous stitch and watched Fred Green frantically administer various drugs to increase the patient’s heart rate, and thereby increase her blood oxygen level. He had Loretta call for another anesthesiologist stat, which brought two more docs into the room.”

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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

New book release: ‘Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Treachery’ by Brian Freeman

‘Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Treachery’ by Brian Freeman is the new novel in the Jason Bourne series. Photo: amazon

Brian Freeman is the bestselling author of more than twenty novels, including the Jonathan Stride and Frost Easton series. His Audible original, “The Deep, Deep Snow,” hit The New York Times audio bestseller list. His novels have won the International Thriller Writers Award and the Macavity Award and been finalists for the Gold Dagger, Edgar, Anthony, and Barry Awards. Robert Ludlum was the author of twenty-seven novels, each one a bestseller. There are more than 225 million of his books in print, and they have been translated into thirty-two languages. He was the author of “The Scarlatti Inheritance,” “The Chancellor Manuscript,” and the Jason Bourne series–among other novels. Ludlum passed away in March 2001 and Brian Freeman was named as the official author to continue Ludlum’s famous Jason Bourne franchise. The Jason Bourne series continues with “Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Treachery,” as the world’s most ruthlessly efficient assassin, Jason Bourne, is facing the one force he cannot defeat-his own past. It is a new release available today. Read an excerpt here. (amazon, 2021)

“Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Treachery” – Three years ago, Jason Bourne embarked on a mission in Estonia with his partner and lover, a fiery Treadstone agent code-named Nova. Their job was to rescue a Russian double agent who had been smuggled out of St. Petersburg in the midst of an FSB manhunt. They failed. The Russian died at the hands of a shadowy assassin known only by the nickname Lennon. Now everything has changed for Bourne. Nova is gone, killed in a mass shooting in Las Vegas. Bourne is a lone operative, working in the shadows for Treadstone, when he is called in for a new mission in London—to prevent another assassination masterminded by Lennon. Nothing about this mission is what it seems. As Bourne engages in a cat-and-mouse game with Lennon across the British countryside, he discovers that everything he thought he knew about the past was a lie. With the body count rising, he comes to an inevitable conclusion: Some secrets should stay buried.

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. 

Andy May’s Acoustic Kids Showcases returns to MerleFest

Young musicians can register online to perform onstage at MerleFest. Photo: google

Over the past two decades, hundreds of young musicians have taken part in the Acoustic Kids programming at MerleFest presented by Window World. This year, the showcase’s 20th anniversary, young musicians from the MerleFest audience will once again step on stage and perform in Andy May’s Acoustic Kids Showcases during the festival which takes place in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, on September 16-19. Some participants are just learning to play their instrument, some play just for the fun of it, and some go on to international renown. Young musicians must register online before August 4 to participate in Acoustic Kids. “Acoustic Kids looks forward to our 20th MerleFest this September!” said Lauren May, Acoustic Kids facilitator. “Each year, it is a joy to provide festival stage performance opportunities for young musicians attending the festival and support them in them sharing their talents with the MerleFest audience.” (MerleFest, 2021)

This year, Acoustic Kids guidelines are a little different than usual in order to make up for MerleFest’s cancellation in 2020 and to accommodate the change in dates for 2021. Those who would have been age-eligible (16 or younger) for Acoustic Kids, MerleFest 2020, will be eligible for AK MerleFest 2021.

Their accompanists may be any age, and mixed-age groups are accepted—including family bands. Music teachers often accompany their students, using the program to give their students a real-life performance experience that is difficult to find elsewhere. No matter their skill level, Acoustic Kids celebrates young musicians’ achievements, and each year, a stream of young musicians heads to MerleFest to create their own “Music, Moments, and Memories” in Acoustic Kids Showcases. A festival wristband is required to participate, but there is no additional charge. Parents can find the registration page here. Please visit the Acoustic Kids website for further details and other important information concerning this year’s showcases.

Acoustic kids performers will be in good company on stage at MerleFest, joining a host of fellow MerleFest first-timers at the 2021 festival. Melissa Etheridge, Mavis Staples, Sturgill Simpson, Iron Horse Bluegrass, Creole Stomp, Charley Crockett, Joe Troop (of Che Apalache), Nefesh Mountain, Kelsey Waldon, Sierra Ferrell, One Fret Over, Amythyst Kiah, Chatham Rabbits, and Hogslop String Band will all be making their debut at MerleFest this year. 

MerleFest wants to remind everyone that early bird ticket prices are still in effect until September 15.

Finally, the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest judges have been announced. This year’s panel of music industry professionals includes Dolphus Ramseur, Amythyst Kiah, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, and The Milk Carton Kids. CASC is one of the most acclaimed songwriting contests in roots and Americana music and has a reputation for launching careers as well as drawing attention to important new talent. The contest is split into four genre-based categories including bluegrass, general, gospel, and country. First through third place winners will be chosen by these judges in each category at MerleFest 2021.

MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel, and blues, and expanded to include Americana, classic rock, and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 13 stages during the course of the multi-day event. MerleFest is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs.

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MerleFest 2021

JL Bar Ranch, Resort and Spa’s Texas Hill Country wine weekend getaways

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa offers exclusive Texas Hill Country wine weekend getaways. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.

With over 50 unique and visually stunning wineries scattered throughout the region, there is somewhere new to explore and fall in love with around every bend in Texas Wine Country. Also known as Texas Hill Country, Texas’ growing wine region is one of the most visited wine destinations in the United States and is the fifth largest wine-producing state in the country. Now, visitors can experience the heart of Texas Hill Country and a taste of its terroir with JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa’s exclusive wine programming and excursion. (JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa, 2021)

Set on 13,000 acres in Sonora, Texas, JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa offers unmatched luxury amidst the rolling hills of West Texas. The 32-room boutique resort is just a few hours’ drive (or a short flight on a private plane into JL Bar’s Private Airport FBO) and is perfect for travelers looking to relax and unwind with a glass of wine, with new wine-centric experiences. 

The resort has two renowned Sommeliers overseeing the resort’s wine program and tasting experiences and has recently launched a Fredericksburg Wine Tasting Experience for guests to enjoy a getaway stay that immerses them in all things Texas, with activities and amenities including:   

  • Fredericksburg Wine Excursion: The luxury resort and working ranch now offers new day-trip excursions that allows guests to experience the best of Texas Hill Country’s wine with a day trip to Fredericksburg that includes transportation, a local winetasting and lunch at Victoria Gimino Vineyard, shopping on Fredericksburg’s Main Street, and more.
  • Wine Tasting at JL Bar Ranch: “Drink:” By day, Sydney Beiqueand Jon Joseph lead JL bar Ranch’s equine program, but by night the couple lead the resort’s wine program as Level 2 and Level 1 Sommeliers, respectively. They have curated a wine list on property that is solely small-production wines. Their motto is “if you can buy it in a store, we won’t offer it on the ranch.” All are high-quality, thoughtfully selected wines, available both during meals and as a private wine tasting experience.  
  • Cowboy Cookout: The culinary team at JL Bar Ranch has designed a decadent and interactive social distancing-approved dining experience with its new Cowboy Cookout. Guests can take in the Texas Hill Country views with a horseback ride to the property’s cookout camp, enjoy cocktails and snacks as the culinary team prepares a lavish steak dinner, and relax to country music while soaking in the magnificent sunset.  
  • Hill Country Adventures: From a full equestrian program featuring horseback riding and a horse psychology experience to off-road ATV adventures, a Putting/Chipping Green, weekend yoga, wine tasting, and clay and skeet shooting, JL Bar Ranch’s slew of activities and programming take place primarily outside for the ultimate adventure.