Escape with John Smith into the ethereal Welsh countryside in his new video for Hold On from his new album The Fray Photo: google
John Smith was born in Essex and raised on the Devon seaside. Known for his intimate songwriting, his honey-on-gravel voice, and pioneering guitar playing, he has spent the last fifteen years touring internationally and has amassed over 40 million streams on Spotify. As a session musician, he has played guitar with artists as diverse as Joan Baez, David Gray, Joe Henry, Lianne La Havas, and Tom Jones. His new album The Fray is out now as is the video for Hold On from this new album. (IV-PR, 2021)
Throughout The Fray, Smith touches on not just his own emotional turmoil experienced over the past year, but also his observance of the pain of those around him. But it is Smith’s stubborn optimism that shines through and differentiates his experiences and songs from his influences and contemporaries, which PopMatters and Americana Highways recently touched on, the latter highlighting his “excellent, consistent songwriting.” His traits of holding onto hope, forgiving transgressions, and reckoning with his place in a world which does not always reciprocate are not only necessary for Smith to deal, but they are also contagious to anyone who finds themselves in similar situations, adrift in the wind. For those who echo that sentiment, from experience, Smith shares his message on The Fray; “If we don’t hold on, we’re lost.”
Fans can follow this link to see the full video for “Hold On,” a song which Under The Radar called “an unrelentingly warm and uplifting ballad, one that was as healing for Smith to write as it is to take in as a listener” from a record that The Bluegrass Situation applauded as “an album of searing honesty and lithe beauty whose songs amplify the emotions and experiences of so many of us this year—the reassessed relationships, the self-reflection, and the ultimate search for hope.”
A drove of critics went on to also praise the instrumentation and production of The Fray. No Depression called Smith’s work “a meticulously constructed album that expresses its sadness but doesn’t get bogged down in it”; Fretboard Journal exclaimed “beautiful, introspective and loaded with great guitar tones”; and Associated Press wrote “There’s a comforting sway to the album’s melodic folk-pop, built on Smith’s subtle guitar work…12 tunes of resilience, devotion and hope, with determination in the lyrics and buoyancy in the music.” Fans can follow this link to purchase or stream The Fray in its entirety now.
The Fray Track list: 1. Friends 2. Hold On 3. Sanctuary 4. Deserving 5. The Best Of Me (feat. Bill Frisell) 6. Star-Crossed Lovers (feat Lisa Hannigan) 7. To The Shore 8. Eye To Eye (feat Sarah Jarosz) 9. Just As You Are 10. The Fray (feat. The Milk Carton Kids) 11. She’s Doing Fine 12. One Day At A Time
SAY Sí will offer an online film series with a Q&A and a writing workshop. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
SAY Sí is thrilled to announce their LGBTQ+ Pride Month Event Series, “Youth Voice, Youth Pride,” that will take place this June. The local nonprofit is committed to supporting and amplifying the voices of young artists and also recognizes the importance of highlighting the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. “Youth Voice, Youth Pride ” will feature an online film series and discussion, as well as a writing workshop. Both will be held virtually later this month. (SAY Sí,2021)
The online film series will be held on Tuesday, June 22 via Zoom, with a live discussion to follow that will be streamed live on SAY Sí’s Facebook and YouTube channels. The film series will feature three LGBTQ+ youth films created by SAY Sí alumni Carlo Rodriguez, Alejandro Peña and Yoomi Park. Links to the films will be provided to participants to watch before the livestreamed Q&A with the filmmakers at 6p.m. that evening. Students will have the opportunity to ask SAY Sí alumni questions about their roles in the film industry, the inspiration behind their films and their experiences with the LGBTQ+ community. Summaries of each film can be found below. To register for the event, visit SAY Sí online.
Featured films include:
PEDAZOS – Alejandro Peña
After a garish and violent ceremony, two lovers are thrown into a mysterious cave inhabited by flying creatures. A reflection on the beautifully loud dress of the ancients, a meltdown of repressed romance and a hyper vision of a fantastical world. PEDAZOS is a series of technical video-art experiments strung together by a narrative about restrained, intimate feelings between two friends.
Skye – Yoomi Park
Skye is a semi-autobiographical short film about a young teenage girl who starts to question her sexual orientation after yet another break up with a boy. The film follows Skye as she talks things out with her friends, has discussions with her church youth group, and even as she comes out to her mom through an email. The biggest hurdle for Skye is if and how she will ever tell her best friend that she is gay, and whether or not she is ready for her reaction, good or bad.
Ty – Carlo Rodriguez
Ty was being homeschooled by Claudia when he was diagnosed with Asperger’s. Although hesitant, she was persuaded to let him experience his last year of high school. On Ty’s first day, he experiences ableist comments from both staff and classmates. However, Austin, a classmate, befriends him. As weeks pass, Ty and Austin become good friends, to the point where Austin invites Ty over, and kisses him. Unable to process this, Ty stays home for a couple of weeks to sort out his emotions. After a needed conversation with Claudia, he returns to school.
On Tuesday, June 29 from 6p.m. to 8p.m., SAY Sí will present a virtual writing workshop, “Documenting Joy,” with acclaimed poet and public speaker Yosimar Reyes. Open to high school and college students 14-22 years of age, the two-hour virtual workshop will give participants an opportunity to take inventory of the rich cultures they come from and build narratives of strength. The goal is to honor the powerful legacies everyone comes from and envision futures in which each individual and collective thrives. Registration is required to participate and can be done online.
Yosimar Reyes is a nationally-acclaimed poet and public speaker. Born in Guerrero, Mexico and raised in Eastside San Jose, Reyes explores the themes of migration and sexuality in his work. Reyes was named one of “13 LGBT Latinos Changing the World” by The Advocate and Remezcla previously included Reyes on their list of “10 Up And Coming Latinx Poets You Need To Know.” His first collection of poetry, For Colored Boys Who Speak Softly…, was self-published after a collaboration with the legendary Carlos Santana
“As a young queer person growing up in San Antonio, I desperately searched for community spaces that accepted me. Now, as a leader at SAY Sí, I am able to contribute to a community that welcomes and empowers all marginalized groups, including our LGBTQ+ community. It’s important for us to amplify voices that have historically been silenced and celebrate creative youth exploring their identities. We invite the community to join us in celebrating LGBTQ+ youth voices who can show us how to be a more inclusive and equitable society.” – Stephen Garza-Guzman, SAY Sí Co-Executive Director
Alejandro Peña is an LA-based experimental artist. Born and raised in San Antonio, TX, he first began making short films at the age of 17. Ranging from handmade animation to special effects, his short films mix acting with distorted narrative structures and vibrant, fever-dream textures and colors. His body of film work from 2012 to 2016 includes a music video and four short films, two of which screened at festivals around the world. Currently, Alejandro is primarily a painter and photographer, hoping to start making short films again.
After graduating from Texas with degrees in Radio-Television-Film and Sport Management, Yoomi Park worked as a set PA for a few years before moving to NYC, then worked at Instagram in content and policy review. They serendipitously landed at HBO’s Creative Services department as an editing PA in 2019, contributing to campaigns for shows such as Westworld, Room 104, Legendary, and the upcoming reboot of Gossip Girl. At WarnerMedia, Yoomi continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ employees and other marginalized groups in the workplace while also focusing on connecting fellow creatives to each other to continue telling new and personal stories.
Say Si Alumni, Carlo Antonio Rodriguez, was born in San Antonio, Texas. Carlo’s art focuses on how personal experiences influence human connection. He utilizes his own experiences as a gay man to portray the obstacles that prevented him from making human connections with others. He hopes that anyone who encounters his work will reflect and break down any borders that they placed around themselves. Carlo believes that once people rid themselves completely of these borders, it would allow them to establish deep, strong, and powerful connections with others and themselves, allowing the world to become a more unified and accepting place.
Founded in 1994, SAY Sí is a national award-winning, art-based nonprofit youth development program located in San Antonio, Texas. The goal of the organization is to provide San Antonio area students in grades 6-12 with the opportunity to develop artistic and social skills in preparation for higher educational advancement and career building. SAY Sí programs serve over 200 students from all of San Antonio’s school districts – in addition to serving 4,000 youth in community programs. SAY Sí’s unique approach to education has placed the organization on the national stage, with recognition as one of the top out-of-school-time organizations in the country by The Wallace Foundation, as well as serving as one of seven international youth arts organizations chosen to receive an inaugural Creative Catalyst Award by Adobe Project 1324 in 2016.
Sam Filiatreau’s self-titled debut album from Gjenny Records. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
As a teenager who began writing songs almost as soon as he learned to play guitar, Sam Filiatreau found his calling in the storytelling songs of ‘70s country, along with John Prine and Randy Newman. Deciding to pursue music full-time at 16, Filiatreau quit high school, moved out of the family home, and joined a rock band. However, most of his free time was dedicated to traveling to area festivals, absorbing what he calls “sad mountain music,” and honing his own songwriting and singing. Along with his own gigs, Filiatreau has also played shows with Houndmouth and the Felice Brothers. His self-titled debut on Gjenny Records is now out this month with “Wrecking Ball” being the first single. (IV-PR, 2021)
The story behind Kentuckian Sam Filiatreau’s new record is one of chance and good fortune. A last-minute house show gig that just so happened to be in front of the right guys—Taylor Meier and Matt Vinson, who were on their way to AAA stardom with their band Caamp—led to a quick friendship and mutual respect which eventually landed Filiatreau the first spot on Meier’s new record label, Gjenny Records. American Songwriter premiered “Wrecking Ball,” an effortless indie-two-step which, in Sam’s words, “is a nod to the old time music I’ve always been so drawn to.” But, like the rest of Filiatreau’s tunes, there is a clever, quirky depth that might be missed on the first listen. American Songwriter notes, “Without saying too much, the artist’s stripped-back styling elicits a certain unifying nostalgia—even the empty spaces still brim with emotion.” Fans can hear the single now at this link.
“I don’t have a theme, other than it is honest and not trying too hard,” says Filiatreau. “I feel like whenever I’m writing songs or music, I’m trying to find that fine line of doing something well, but also not taking it too seriously. To me, this record feels loose and fun. I feel like we captured exactly what was going on there.”
Sam Filiatreau Track list: Hold The Door Wrecking Ball El Camino Hold Me Ashes Tired Silver Highway Fine By Me
The San Antonio Food Bank is asking for volunteers to help out this summer. Photo: google
Eric Cooper, President & CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank, is asking community members of all ages to join the Food Bank in a summer of service. The Food Bank is facing an urgent crisis for volunteers as it ramps up to meet the meal needs of a record number of kids who may face hunger this summer. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2021)
Volunteers are needed to help prepare meals in the Food Bank’s three kitchens, as well as to help pack food boxes in their main facility warehouse and work mobile food distributions. Information on dates, time, age restrictions, and more can be found at the Food Bank’s volunteer website.
An additional service opportunity is available for those seeking full-time service this summer via the Food Bank’s partnership with AmeriCorps and Equal Heart. The Food Bank is recruiting individuals to serve as AmeriCorps Members to reduce community hunger and provide engagement for youth. In exchange for their service, AmeriCorps Members receive a bi-weekly living allowance and an end-of-term education award.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early as applications are considered on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Qualified applicants are screened and interviewed by both Equal Heart and the Food Bank before any formal offer is made. Application information is available online.
“It’s a bit of a collision: a combination of volunteer fatigue and businesses opening up coupled with as many as 250,000 kids being at risk for hunger this summer. Summer is traditionally our highest time of need (for food, funds, and especially volunteers) and we’re usually in great shape with volunteers for the summer. The pandemic, however, has changed the landscape for volunteers and we are in a serious crisis. Our community has been heroic in its volunteerism during the pandemic. I have total faith that together we can help ensure that no child goes hungry this summer.”
Eric Cooper, President/CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank
The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non‐profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 530 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long‐term food security.
Bakery Lorraine launches specialty cookie in observance of Pride Month with a portion of all proceeds contributed to local LGBTQ+ organization. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.
Bakery Lorraine, a local favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop, will offer a rainbow-colored cookie in celebration of Pride Month. They will be joining forces with San Antonio-based LGBTQ+ organization, ThriveYouth Center. (Bakery Lorraine, 2021)
A portion of all proceeds will be donated to Thrive Youth Center, an organization whose mission is to help homeless LGBTQ+ youth in San Antonio. The cookies will be available throughout the month of June starting Friday, June 4, and will be sold in packs of three cookies for $6.50. Cookies can be purchased at all Bakery Lorraine locations in San Antonio and Austin for dine-in or to go. This June Thrive Youth Center aims to raise over $20,000 for its organization. Meeting this goal will allow the organization to accommodate the growing numbers of youth entering their shelter, assist with housing programs, provide funding for increased staffing needs and supply necessary items for LGBTQ+ youth.
Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine and CNN’s Eatocracyblog, as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery also serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, including items like its breakfast parfait, the quiche Lorraine, chicken potpie, an assortment of salads and soups, and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has three locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in San Antonio’s Medical Center, and one in San Antonio’s RIM shopping center, including now an Austin location at Domain NORTHSIDE.
Thrive Youth Center’s mission is to provide a safe, effective, and supportive center for homeless LGBTQ youth in San Antonio and Austin, so they may become productive, skilled, educated, and successful adults with the ability, opportunity, and possibility of achieving their dreams. Thrive has 10 beds at their emergency shelter located on Haven for Hope’s campus, and are now in the third year of housing young adults in their own apartments for up to a year through a federal government grant. Thrive Youth Center has served over 200 young adults in 2019 alone.
Buyuchek joins forces with Los Askis on a norteño-Andean version of the beloved cumbia song “Cariñito.” Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Two-time Latin Grammy nominees Buyuchek continue to expand their repertoire and musical influences with the release of their new collaboration with the internationally renowned Los Askis, a norteño-Andean version of the beloved cumbia song “Cariñito.” (Buyuchek, 2021)
On this special occasion, Buyuchek delves into a musical fusion, exploring sounds beyond their typical repertoire and demonstrating that music has no borders. They join Andean–cumbia international Mexican stars Los Askis who blend cumbia with Andean music and pre-Hispanic musical elements.
Founded in 2012, Buyuchek is a norteño band from General Tehran, Mexico that has earned two Latin Grammy nominations (2019 & 2020) for Best Norteño Album. The band has quickly become fan favorites in both Mexico and the U.S. thanks to their collaborations with the 82-year old singer Irma Silva, aka La Abuela. She is both a vocalist and the grandmother of the leader and founder of the band, Jorge Loayzat.
Originally from General Terán, Mexico, La Abuela grew up in poverty and in a male-dominated environment, which made it nearly impossible for her to follow her musical dreams. She spent the majority of her life as a seamstress, always singing along with her radio while working. La Abuela Irma Silva is also the niece of Eugenio Ábrego, accordionist and second voice of the legendary Norteño duet Los Alegres De Terán. The duet is one of the founding fathers of norteño music.
The name Buyuchek is a play on words of the International Büyükçekmece Culture and Art Festival in Istanbul, Turkey, where they performed. Buyuchek and La Abuela Irma Silva released their first collaboration album in 2018, titled Las Canciones de la Abuela. The album was conceived as an 80th birthday gift for Irma Silva and went viral, earning a Latin Grammy nomination and launching La Abuela’s new artistic career. The album’s music videos were filmed at Hacienda El Granjenal, where Irma Silva lived for more than 50 years.
SAY Sí will be providing the community with free art supplies. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
With the start of summer upon us, SAY Sí has once again partnered with Alamo Colleges District to provide community members with free art supplies for kids. Free art supply bags will be available for curbside pickup for parents with elementary- and middle school-aged children on a first come, first served basis while supplies last; limit two kits per car. Those interested in receiving an art supply bag can complete the interest form online. (SAY Sí, 2021)
Kits will be available for pickup this Friday, June 4 from 10a.m. to 1p.m. at the ACD District Support Operations building, located at 2222 N. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX, 78215.
Founded in 1994, SAY Sí is a national award-winning, art-based nonprofit youth development program located in San Antonio, Texas. The goal of the organization is to provide San Antonio area students in grades 6-12 with the opportunity to develop artistic and social skills in preparation for higher educational advancement and career building. SAY Sí programs serve over 200 students from all of San Antonio’s school districts – in addition to serving 4,000 youth in community programs. SAY Sí’s unique approach to education has placed the organization on the national stage, with recognition as one of the top out-of-school-time organizations in the country by The Wallace Foundation, as well as serving as one of seven international youth arts organizations chosen to receive an inaugural Creative Catalyst Award by Adobe Project 1324 in 2016.
Father’s Day gift ideas from Twang. Photo: Twang, used with permission.
Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday June 20 and to help celebrate dads, Twang, a family owned and operated manufacturer of salts, seasonings, michelada mixes and more, has created a bucket full of things beer aficionado dads will love. Twang is offering a limited amount of Father’s Day Buckets for $29.99 a piece, plus shipping. Shipping is free with purchases of $40 or more. (Twang, 2021)
The Twang Father’s Day Buckets include the following items:
• Beer Salt Bucket • Beer Salt Bandana • Beer Salt Hat • 2 Beer Salt Pint Glasses • 2 Camo Holster Koozies • 1 Pickle Beer Salt Bottle • 1 Lemon-Lime Beer Salt Bottle • 1 Lime Beer Salt Bottle
The Twang Father’s Day Buckets are available for purchase here starting June 1, 2021 and are available for nationwide shipping. Please note that the beer is not included in the Twang Father’s Day Buckets.
Based in San Antonio, Texas, Twang Partners Ltd. is a family-owned and operated creator and manufacturer of premium-flavored salts, sugars and seasonings and credited as being “The original beer salt.” Since 1986, Twang Partners has produced the highest quality products designed to enhance the taste, appearance and enjoyment of food and beverages. Brands include Beer Salt, Twangerz, Twang-A-Rita, Clamato Salt, ZAS! Super Seasoning, Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mixes and Cafe Zuca. Find Twang products in grocery, convenience, liquor and specialty store shelves across the country. Twang Partners has successfully collaborated with some of the top food and beverage companies around the world to create innovative custom blends.
The Cherry Bomb tea from The Boost Lf. Photo: Sandra Cruz
Since Monday was a federal holiday, I had some extra time on my hands and decided to do some local exploring. There is a fairly new small business in town that I have been meaning to try but somehow I always get distracted so this was a perfect time. The Boost Lf here in Los Fresnos is a self-described health and wellness business and I tend to favor the small, locally owned ones. Some of the items on the menu include energy teas, protein shakes, iced coffees, and even waffles and donuts.
I went early enough in the day, so I guess I lucked out because there was no waiting. The interior is brightly lit with booming music and the atmosphere is pleasant and cheerful. Currently there are only a couple of small tables for dine-in , but hopefully with easing COVID restrictions, this will change later. According to Chelly, the owner, business is booming and the ongoing dreadful construction has not affected her business. I decided to try out the Cherry Bomb tea, one of her best-sellers.
I was pleasantly surprised at the size of this drink; it is a generous sized portion. The cold, icy drink has a sweet and tart flavor combination and was a treat on what was beginning to be another hot and humid day in South Texas. This particular flavor promises an energy boost and includes real cherries. I counted six of them. They also have small Herbalife protein based snack bars for energy and nutrition, so I opted for two of those, one being the citrus lemon. These are rather tasty as well. Everything is moderately priced, I paid $13 for a tea and two protein bars
So next time you are craving a snack, do yourself a favor, put down the potato chip bag and head on over to The Boost here in town for a healthy treat. I think I will try the iced coffees next, because, after all, summer has unofficially started. I just wish it was open in the evenings for us night owls. Thanks to Chelly for taking the time to answer all my questions. Support local, small businesses; they will love you for it.
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Business hours: Monday through Friday 7:30a.m. to 2p.m. and 4:30p.m. to 6p.m. Saturday 8:30a.m. to 2p.m. Closed Sunday
The Boost Lf 218 N Arroyo Blvd, Suite A Los Fresnos, TX 78566 (956) 233-2215
Taco Cabana launces NachoMania for summer 2021. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Launching Wednesday, June 2, 2021, Taco Cabana invites guests to kick off their summer with NachoMania. Featuring four new varieties of TC nachos, $4.59 each for a limited time at all participating Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2021)
NachoMania offerings include:
• Tex Mex Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips, ground beef, refried beans, enchilada sauce, queso, and jalapeno slices • Supreme Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips, ground beef, refried beans, queso, tomatoes, and sour cream • Mexican Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips, chorizo, refried beans, queso, jalapeno slices, sour cream, and pico de gallo • Beyond Meat Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips, Beyond Meat, black beans, queso, sour cream, and pico de gallo
Summer would not be summer without an array of Taco Cabana’s signature $2 margaritas. Eight flavors just $2 all day, every day including: Lime, Strawberry, Mango, Strawberry Mango, Mangonada, Blue Curacao, Watermelon and Dragonfruit; the Pickle margarita will also remain available for a limited time. Guests have the option to add chamoy at no additional cost. TC guests may also purchase gallon margaritas of Lime, Strawberry and Mango for $34.99.
All menu items, including $2 margaritas, can be ordered online or via the MYTC! App for convenient curbside pick-up. TC drive-throughs are open for food and alcohol purchases and Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are open for on-site dining as well. Currently, San Antonio residents can order alcohol and food delivery online or via the Taco Cabana app. Members of the MYTC! Loyalty Program also earn reward points for each alcoholic beverage purchase.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of June 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.
SA Examiner 