Live From The Ryman: Modern-Day Bluegrass Legend Dan Tyminski’s New Live Concert Album

Dan Tyminski: Live From The Ryman bottles the bluegrass legend’s electric live show. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Bluegrass is a vibrant American musical genre rooted in Appalachian folk traditions. Characterized by its upbeat tempo and virtuosic instrumentation, it blends elements of Scotch-Irish folk music with jazz and blues influences. Typical bluegrass ensembles feature acoustic instruments like the banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and upright bass. The genre’s hallmark is its high, harmony-rich vocals and complex, improvisational solos, often performed in a fast-paced, “breakdown” style. Over the years, bluegrass has evolved while still preserving its traditional core, resonating with audiences through its authenticity, storytelling, and lively spirit.

I became a fan of the genre when the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou came out where Dan Tyminski sings “I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow.” In today’s music news, his new album is out now and it includes that song.

Dan Tyminski is an icon of modern-day bluegrass. In addition to reaching Number 1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart with solo albums like 2008’s Wheels and 2023’s God Fearing Heathen, he has won 14 Grammy Awards, released multiple records as a member of Alison Krauss & Union Station, and topped the charts in more than 10 countries with “Hey Brother,” his genre-bending collaboration with DJ Avicii. Tyminski sang “I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow” on O Brother, Where Art Thou?’s multi-platinum soundtrack, inspiring a new generation to discover bluegrass and traditional American folk music. His new release, Dan Tyminski: Live From The Ryman captures him onstage in Nashville, Tennessee, performing a mix of songs from throughout his career with a string band. (IV-PR, 2024)

Released via 8 Track Entertainment and ADA/Warner Music Group, Dan Tyminski: Live From The Ryman shines a light on his acclaimed live show. Recorded in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium—the legendary venue known as “The Birthplace of Bluegrass”—the new album showcases the sharp songwriting, full-throttle vocals, and guitar chops that have powered Tyminski’s music for decades. It’s also a showcase for his ace band, a young group of fiery flat-pickers, hotshot instrumentalists, and harmony singers whose sheer talent is matched only by the band’s frontman. The result is a blend of old and new: a record that makes room for traditional influences, progressive energy, cover songs, originals, and unreleased material.

Fans can stream or purchase Dan Tyminski: Live From The Ryman right now. Physical copies of Live From The Ryman—vinyl and CD—will be available at all retail outlets on October 4.

“The musicians in this band grew up listening to my music, so they know my stuff much better than I do!” Tyminski says. “If you listen to how they play and how well they listen to each other, you’ll notice there’s a conversation going back and forth at all times.”

That conversation springs to life during instrumental numbers like “Cumberland Gap.” It continues with live renditions of “Ode to Jimmy” (a tribute to Tyminski’s childhood hero, Jimmy Martin), “Silence in the Brandy” (which examines the lingering effects of PTSD on soldiers returning home from war), and “GOAT” — all of which appeared on God Fearing Heathen, which debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard Bluegrass chart in 2023—and breathes new life into older material like the aforementioned “This Sad Song,” which Tyminski first performed on Alison Krauss & Union Station’s Grammy-winning Lonely Runs Both Ways. On “Whiskey Drinking Man,” Tyminski sings about hard liquor with a commanding voice that reaches all the way to the rearmost rows of the Ryman, then cedes the spotlight to mandolinist Harry Clark, fiddler Maddie Denton, Dobro player Gaven Largent, banjoist Jason Davis, and upright bassist Grace Davis. There’s also a standout performance of “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow,” the career-changing song that won a Grammy Award in 2002 and has since served as a bridge for multiple generations of music fans, helping them discover their own love of bluegrass and traditional folk music.

Dan Tyminski: Live From The Ryman tracklist:
This Sad Song
Let Me Fall
Modern Day Jezebel
Cumberland Gap
Ode to Jimmy
God Fearing Heathen
The Boy Who Wouldn’t Hoe Corn
I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow
Silence in the Brandy
Say Won’t You Be Mine
GOAT
Whiskey Drinking Man
Old Home Place

Catch Dan Tyminski on tour:
August 30-31 – New Richmond, QC – New Richmond Bluegrass Festival 2024
September 20 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond 2024
October 5 – Doswell, VA – State Fair of Virginia
October 11-12 – Big Stone Gap, VA – Blue Highway Fest 2024
October 18-19 – Farmers Branch, TX – Bloomin’ Bluegrass Festival 2024
October 20 – Brownwood, TX – Brownwood’s Lyric Theatre
November 16 – Rochester, NY – Kilbourn Hall

Ukes for Youth: National Nonprofit Can’d Aid Launches New Ukulele Donation Initiative

Can’d Aid invites volunteers to assemble and decorate ukuleles to donate to kids. Photo: Can’d Aid, used with permission.

Nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in addressing social, environmental, and community issues by operating for the public good rather than profit. They rely on donations, grants, and volunteers to fund their missions, which range from supporting education to advocating for human rights and environmental conservation. Nonprofits often serve marginalized or underserved populations, filling gaps left by government and private sector efforts. Their success is measured not by financial gain but by the impact they make, fostering community engagement and driving positive change. Through dedication and collaboration, nonprofits help build a more equitable and compassionate society.

Can’d Aid is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating a ripple effect of goodness. Their people-powered programs provide tools and access for under-resourced communities to lead healthy, active, and creative lives. Since its inception in 2013, over 12,000 bikes, 8,500 skateboards and more than 3,800 new instruments have been donated to kids in underserved communities nationwide. Can’d Aid’s Crush It Crusade program also works to strengthen recycling initiatives nationwide in partnership with Ball Foundation. With the help of thousands of generous volunteers, Can’d Aid is building a movement and model for innovative, responsive and connected community engagement. (Turn It Up Media, 2024)

Longmont, Colorado – Can’d Aid announces the launch of their new Ukes for Youth initiative, which builds, decorates and donates ukuleles to children. The program blends the wildly successful, people-powered element of Can’d Aid’s bike and skateboard builds with the creative ethos of their Music + Arts program, which donates new instruments to public school music programs. 

Can’d Aid is excited to pilot the instrument build, which integrates some of their strongest and most impactful approaches to doing good, in Broomfield at Rails End Beer Company from 5p.m. -7p.m. on August 28, 2024.

Why ukuleles? Learning an instrument like the ukulele teaches young musicians skills like tuning, rhythm, hand coordination, sight reading, and other skills; along with cultivating broader social and emotional benefits that can last a lifetime. Can’d Aid encourages kids to live their most creative lives by providing instruments nationwide.

Instrument builds are a new addition to Can’d Aid’s Music + Arts Program, which provides instruments and inspiration to the next generation of musicians. Supporting the program are Can’d Aid’s Tunes Ambassadors, including GRAMMY nominated artists like Tyler Childers and The Food Stamps, and The Steep Canyon Rangers, who take time out while on tour to visit underfunded public schools for live performances and one-on-one connection with students. For many students this is their first live-music experience and can spark for a lifetime love of the arts. To date, Can’d Aid’s Music + Arts program has donated more than 3,800 new instruments to music programs across the country. Can’d Aid is excited to add ukulele building volunteer opportunities to further fuel their people-powered programs and get more instruments into kids’ hands.

If you’re in the Broomfield, Colorado area and wish to participate in this worthwhile event:

Get into the rhythm of giving back when you join Can’d Aid, Tegna Foundation, and the Broomfield Community Foundation at the upcoming Ukulele Build at Rails End Beer Company. Assemble a ukulele and decorate it with an inspirational message or creative design. Can’d Aid will provide all necessary supplies. 60 ukuleles will be built and donated to kids in the Broomfield, Colorado area.

“We have wanted to add a people-powered element to our Music program for years, and piloting this Ukulele program is really exciting for all of us! We hope the new volunteer offering will attract die-hard Can’d Aiders and newcomers alike, as we work to get more instruments into kids’ hands.”

Photo: Can’d Aid, used with permission.

Exploring Jim Morrison’s Esoteric Legacy in Paul Wyld’s New Book

‘Jim Morrison, Secret Teacher of the Occult: A Journey to the Other Side’ by Paul Wyld. Photo: Amazon

Jim Morrison, the enigmatic frontman of The Doors, was a pioneering figure in rock music, known for his distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence. Born on December 8, 1943, Morrison’s lyrics often explored the themes of existentialism, love, and rebellion, making him a symbol of counterculture in the 1960s. His poetic and provocative performances captivated audiences and influenced countless musicians. Despite his profound impact, Morrison’s life was tragically cut short when he died on July 3, 1971, in Paris at the age of 27. His legacy endures through his innovative contributions to rock music and his status as an iconic cultural figure.

In today’s book news, there’s a new book coming out next month that shines the spotlight on this charismatic rock legend.

Paul Wyld is a singer-songwriter, artist, poet, and author with a liberal arts degree in history. His new book “Jim Morrison, Secret Teacher of the Occult: A Journey to the Other Side” is a journey into the mystical and spiritual side of the famed Doors front man. It will be released on September 10, 2024 (Inner Traditions, 2024)

“Jim Morrison, Secret Teacher of the Occult” – The groundbreaking 1960s band The Doors, named for Aldous Huxley’s The Doors of Perception, achieved incredible acclaim and influence, ultimately serving as a key group in the development of psychedelic and progressive rock. At the center of it all was front man Jim Morrison, who died in 1971 at age 27. Yet, as author Paul Wyld reveals, despite Morrison’s reputation as a lewd, drunken performer, he was a full-fledged mystical, shamanic figure, a secret teacher of the occult who was not merely central to the development of rock music, but also to the growth of the Western esoteric tradition as a whole.

Wyld looks at the mystical works that inspired Morrison, including Kurt Seligmann’s The Mirror of Magic, Colin Wilson’s The Outsider, and the writings of Nietzsche and Jack Kerouac. Drawing on Morrison’s lyrics and poems, his intimate writings, and the recollections of friends like photographer Paul Ferrara and Doors keyboard player Ray Manzarek, the author makes the case that Morrison was not simply a superficial dabbler in the occult but an actual secret teacher transmitting knowledge through the golden thread stretching back to Egypt and Thoth-Hermes.

Explaining how Morrison sought to use his role as a rock singer to express the power of inner experience, Wyld shows how praxis was at the heart of Morrison’s approach, revealed in his journey through the arduous ordeals of shamanic initiation. He was a shaman, mystic, and sage—and an essential part of a great spiritual awakening to which he gave himself over fully.

This book:

• Reveals Jim Morrison as a shamanic initiate and esoteric teacher who used his role as a rock singer to promote the adventure of the spirit and express the power of inner experience

• Examines Morrison’s deep occult and artistic influences, including Kurt Seligmann’s The Mirror of Magic, Colin Wilson’s The Outsider, and the works of Jack Kerouac

• Draws on Morrison’s lyrics and poems, his intimate writings, and the recollections of friends like photographer Paul Ferrara and Doors keyboard player Ray Manzarek

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Heartfelt and Honest: Exploring the Emotional Depth and Storytelling of ‘Daddy Sam’

‘Daddy Sam’ by Pamela Dubois. Photo: Amazon

“Daddy Sam” by Pamela Dubois is a heartwarming and thought-provoking story that explores the dynamics of family, identity, and resilience. The story centers around Sam and his journey from a tough childhood stemming from losing his mother when he was nine years old, to serving in World War II, returning to civilian life, marriage at a young age, raising a family of his own, becoming a successful businessman, and navigating retirement. The narrative is emotionally charged and insightful, diving deep into Sam’s life. It includes pictures of a young Sam and his wife Virginia as well as pictures of a love letter he wrote to her while on military duty and other personal mementos.

Main Chapters:
Introduction
Preface
Sam: The Early Years
Marriage
Military Service at the 38th Parallel
Civilian Life
Occupational Career
Retirement Travel
Second Career
Life After Virginia Fay

The character development and authentic portrayal of familial bonds makes Sam relatable. Dubois’s prose is both lyrical and poignant, capturing the nuances of grief, love, and personal growth with remarkable sensitivity. The interactions between Sam and family and friends are depicted with a sincerity that will resonate with readers who have experienced similar struggles or joys in their own lives.

Overall, “Daddy Sam” is compelling read that offers valuable reflections on the nature of family, resilience, and the enduring power of love. Though it’s a brief overview of Sam’s life, Pamela Dubois has delivered a touching and memorable story that will linger with readers. It is an easy read and recommended for readers who enjoy biographies and family saga fiction.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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

Finding Connection and Healing in ‘Return To Me’ by Linda Lopez

‘Return To Me: A House Divided’ by Linda Lopez

“Return To Me: A House Divided” is the story of Ethan Salmanaire who had a rough childhood. While still young, he meets Melodia Procaccini Licciardello and eventually they get married and have children of their own. Along the way, they open their home to several children who were either abandoned or abused. Theirs is a complicated story filled with secrets, strained family relationships, and personal struggles.

This novel is a combination of literary fiction and family drama that explores the complexities of loyalty, love, and legacy. The writing is rich with detail: “The excitement is her voice traveled like a breeze in a meadow through Giovanni’s hair, more so in a concerning manner;” while the narrative emphasizes the themes of reconciliation and personal growth, painting a portrait of a family struggling to heal in the midst of external and internal conflicts. The topics of reconciliation and self-discovery are handled with sensitivity, encouraging readers to reflect on their own relationships.

Ethan and Melodia’s journey is poignant and insightful and told through multiple perspectives, allowing readers to experience the chaos and conflicting loyalties each character faces. The characters are richly developed, with their individual struggles making them relatable and real. The pacing is steady, with tension building as the family confronts their shared history.

Overall, “Return to Me: A House Divided” is a thought provoking and heartfelt tale about the power of family ties and the resilience needed to mend them. Focused on the power of love and the enduring bonds of family, it is recommended for readers interested in the complexities of human relationships, particularly siblings and blended families.

“The empty cups shimmered in the sunlight that seeped through the window as we spoke at the table. It was unsettling, unreal. Expecting nothing was new to me because, for the first time, all the administrators of oppression were gone.”

*The author was contacted for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

A Fresh Take On Fear: The Latest British Horror Film To Watch

New horror movie Lore to premiere on Icon Film Channel. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

People are drawn to horror movies for the thrilling blend of fear and excitement. These films offer a safe way to confront our deepest anxieties and explore the unknown, allowing us to experience intense emotions without real-life consequences. The adrenaline rush, combined with the sense of suspense and surprise, creates a captivating experience. They often include complex narratives and intriguing villains, which can be intellectually stimulating. For some, the communal aspect of watching horror with friends adds to the enjoyment, as shared scares and reactions enhance the overall experience. The genre’s unique ability to provoke both terror and fascination keeps audiences coming back for more.

In today’s movie news, there’s a new British horror movie out. If you love them just as much as I do, here’s some more information:

Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment is thrilled to announce the release of horror film Lore, premiering exclusively on the Icon Film Channel starting August 26, 2024. (Strike Media Ltd, 2024)

Lore – A gripping and gruesome anthology horror, this highly acclaimed film, which premiered at FrightFest 2023, stars Richard Brake (Doom, Hannibal Rising), Andrew Lee Potts (The Witcher, Primeval), Bill Fellows (Ted Lasso, Lady Macbeth), and Rufus Hound (Hounded, Queens of Mystery).

Four young thrill-seeking friends book a horror-themed camping excursion led by Darwin, a strange and eccentric guide. One night around the campfire, Darwin encourages them to tell the scariest and most twisted story they know. As they recount tales of sinister spirits and malevolent demons, the group soon realizes that these stories will have very real consequences for them all.

A love letter to classic horror, Lore is premiering exclusively on the Icon Film Channel starting August 26; sign up for a 7-day free trial here or via the Icon Film Channel on Amazon Prime.

Icon Film Channel Release Date: August 26
Theatrical Release Date: September 27
TVOD Release Date: October 21
Directors: James Bushe, Patrick Ryder and Greig Johnson
Run Time: 87 Minutes

Still from the new horror movie Lore. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Children’s Ballet of San Antonio Announces Extended Auditions on Saturday

Nutcracker Clara and Nutcracker. Photo: Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.

Due to an overwhelming response, The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) will host an additional round of auditions for its fall productions this Saturday, August 24, 2024. As CBSA sets out to celebrate double digits with its 10th Anniversary, talented young performers have a pas de deux or duet of opportunities to shine with two auditions for holiday productions. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2024)

“After a number of artist inquiries and requests, we are thrilled to extend our auditions to accommodate busy, back to school schedules. Those who missed our open call last weekend, can join us this Saturday to audition for either or both productions. We have so much amazing talent in San Antonio, we can’t wait to share them with our audience through these incredible productions.” – Vanessa Bessler, Founder and Artistic Director of The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio

Get ready for an enchanting adventure as Polar Express: The Musical! makes its world premiere at the iconic Empire Theatre December 6-8, 2024. Young performers can be a part of this heartwarming holiday classic brought to life on stage. CBSA seeks dynamic musical theatre performers ages 8-19 to hop on board the Polar Express: The Musical!

Be a part of The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio’s 10th anniversary production of The Children’s Nutcracker and celebrate a decade of holiday enchantment. The timeless ballet comes to life on the magnificent Lila Cockrell stage, located on the historic Riverwalk December 13-15, 2024. Dancers from multiple disciplines, gymnasts, musicians and actors aged 3 to 19 are invited to audition and be part of this magical milestone production.

Whether you have a preschool prima donna eager to join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince around the Christmas Tree or a talented tween actor hoping his stage debut comes on a train to the North Pole, young performers of all abilities have another opportunity to showcase their unique skills by auditioning for either (or both!).

Cast members will not want to miss the chance to train with the award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio. Since its founding 10 years ago, CBSA performers have studied with acclaimed Master Ballet Teachers and the most talented local choreographers, won numerous international awards, and accepted scholarships to world-renowned ballet institutions like the Royal Ballet School in London, the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia, and the School of American Ballet in New York City, to name a few.

Founder Vanessa Bessler is a nine-time consecutive winner of Youth America Grand Prix’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year, an acknowledgment of her dedication to finding and cultivating young, local talent. CBSA’s associated Dance Center was recently recognized as among the top 2.5 percent of ballet institutions in the nation. Bessler will serve as artistic director for both productions, leading talented teams of award-winning dancers, singers, musicians, actors, and even gymnasts to create professional-caliber productions that embrace the contributions of all performers, including those with special needs.

Polar Express: The Musical!
Auditioning for musical theatre performers ages 8-19.

The Children’s Nutcracker
Auditioning for a wide range of dancers, musicians, actors, and gymnasts ages 3 – 19.

Age 3-7: 12p.m. – 1p.m. Dance Audition
Age 8-11: 1p.m. – 2p.m. Dance & Gymnast Audition
Polar Express OPEN CALL 2p.m. – 3p.m. Age 8+ Musical Theatre performers
Age 12+: 3p.m. – 4p.m. Dance & Gymnast Audition

Dance Center of San Antonio Studios
126 W. Rector, Ste. 120.
San Antonio, Texas 78216

Please Register Prior to Auditions.
Video Auditions are also accepted. Please send video auditions to Children’s Ballet of San Antonio. 

The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is an authentic, professional-level ballet company that produces professionally staged productions showcasing San Antonio’s most talented children. Dancers are selected by invitation or audition. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is a nonprofit organization 501(c)3. 

Mission: The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) seeks to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds.

Photo: Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.

Echoes of Innovation: The Creative Vision of Cornelius’ Bad Advice/Mind Train EP

Acclaimed Japanese artist Cornelius releases new EP Bad Advice/Mind Train. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The acclaimed Japanese musician Keigo Oyamada, known as Cornelius, just released the Bad Advice/Mind Train EP, available now via Like LTD. This three-song collection includes the previously released nine minute krautrock inspired opus Mind Train and the new track Bad Advice, featuring the legendary New York No Wave artist Arto Lindsay. (Magnum PR, 2024)

In celebration of his 30th anniversary, Cornelius also announces the forthcoming release of 2023’s acclaimed LP Dream in Dream on vinyl. The deluxe package, available on September 27, includes a Rainbow Foil Jacket with Die-Cut Window, Zoetrope Slipmat, and Colored Vinyl, offering fans a collector’s item that beautifully encapsulates the album’s visionary sound.

The EP’s standout track Bad Advice features vocals from Arto Lindsay (No wave iconoclasts DNA, The Lounge Lizards, The Golden Palominos). Lindsay’s presence on the track exemplifies the seamless blend of his distinctive styles. Cornelius elaborates on the inspiration behind the song: “This song was inspired by the sound of Arto Lindsay’s 80s experimental duo Ambitious Lovers. I was able to create a song like it, so I really wanted Arto to sing on it.”

Known for his passion of crafting lyrics that evoke their own unique mood, Lindsay continues this approach on the lyrics for Bad Advice, allowing for multiple interpretations and letting the words naturally come together.

The EP’s first single released last month, Mind Train is an epic, nine-plus minutes of gorgeously ethereal spacepop, with its sleekly styled minimalist sonic structures breaking into moments of exhilarating chaos. Influenced by the music of his longtime hero and collaborator Yoko Ono, it’s very much meant to inspire inward self-reflection.

The EP also features a remix of Dream In a Dream track Sparks by Canadian multi- instrumentalist, engineer and composer Joseph Shabason. He has played and recorded with bands like Destroyer, The War On Drugs, Andre Ethier, and Alvvays.

Cornelius is also thrilled to announce that Money Mark, known for his work with the Beastie Boys, will join him as support on the U.S. dates of the Dream in Dream World Tour. This tour, which celebrates three decades of Cornelius’s genre-defying music, will feature Cornelius’ 20-year compatriots: Hirohisa Horie on keyboards (also a support member for Yukihiro Takahashi’s Yellow Magic Orchestra), Yuko Araki on drums (also a member of Yoko Ono’s Plastic Ono Band); and Buffalo Daughter’s Yumiko Ohno on Moog and bass. Cornelius and his band will play songs from his five previous albums since 1992, beginning with the landmark LP Fantasma. Cornelius encourages both old fans and new to experience this next wave in sound in person.

The tour kicks off on September 1 at the End of the Road Festival in Salisbury, England, and includes stops in Amsterdam, London, and several U.S. cities, culminating in a headline show at The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles on September 24.

World Tour Dates
8/29/24 – End of the Road Festival – Salisbury, England
9/3/24 – Paradiso – Amsterdam, Netherlands
9/6/2024 – Barbican – London, England
9/21/24 – Music Box – San Diego, CA*
9/22/24 – Pappy & Harriets – Pioneertown, CA*
9/24/24 – Fonda Theatre – Los Angeles, CA*
9/25/24 – UC Theatre – Berkeley, CA*
9/27/24 – Crystal Ballroom – Portland, OR*
9/29/24 – Neptune Theatre – Seattle, WA*

(* with Money Mark)

Dream In Dream will be out September 27, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Sip & Savor: Your Guide to San Antonio Tastings

The Briscoe Western Art Museum is hosting Trades of the West. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Mezcal and whisky aficionados are passionate explorers of their respective spirits, each drawn to the unique qualities and histories of these liquors. Mezcal enthusiasts enjoy the smoky, complex flavors that come from agave plants and traditional production methods in Mexico. They appreciate the spirit’s artisanal craftsmanship and regional variations. Whisky connoisseurs, on the other hand, are captivated by the diverse profiles of whiskies, whether Scotch, bourbon, or rye. They savor the nuances brought out by different cask types, aging processes, and regional influences. Both groups celebrate their spirits with deep knowledge, often engaging in tastings, collecting rare bottles, and discussing intricate details of production.

So if you like mezcal or whisky, or both, there will be two tastings in the San Antonio area that you might want to put on your calendar for Thursday August 22. One is a pop-up at Pullman Market of Gran Maizal, a new Mexican whisky and the other is a Trade Talks – The Art, Culture and Craft of Mezcal at the Briscoe Western Art Museum. (Pullman Market, Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2024)

Details on each:

GRAN MAIZAL, a new Mexican whisky made with ancient corn varieties from the Yucatan Peninsula, is debuting in Texas and offering a tasting opportunity during a pop-up at Pullman Market on Thursday, August 22, from 6p.m. – 8p.m.

Made entirely at Destileria La Vibora in Yucatan, Mexico, the character emanates from thousands of years of Mesoamerican culture proudly passed on from one generation to the next – balanced notes of toasted corn, cured vanilla bean and pure cacao. Practices which are unique to Gran Maizal include the use of the Nal T’eel ancient corn variety, which is considered to be among the oldest. In addition, the whisky rests in handmade terracotta vessels to preserve the nixtamalized maize character while balancing with toasted wood.

Guests are invited to visit The Mezcaleria, centrally located at Pullman Market, for a unique opportunity to sample this distinctive whisky and meet co-founder Gonzalo de la Pezuela. Discover the rich heritage behind the brand while enjoying the exclusive, limited-time cocktail, “Maiz y Caña,” featuring Gran Maizal, Uruapan Charanda Añejo, tamarind, and grapefruit.

The Mezcaleria at Pullman Market
221 Newell Ave
San Antonio, TX 78215

GRAN MAIZAL. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Trade Talks – Trades of the West: The Art, Culture and Craft of Mezcal with Bruxo Founders Santiago Barreiro and Luis Edwardo Manrique and Flavors from Cuishe Cocina Mexicana

Thursday, August 22, 6p.m. – 9 p.m., $60 per person, $30 for Briscoe members
Must be 21 and older to attend.

Briscoe Western Art Museum
210 W. Market St
San Antonio, TX 78205

Experience the cool flavors of summer in this informative, educational and immersive program celebrating mezcal and the flavors of Mexico. Hear from the founders of Bruxo Mezcal as they share their stories about the people and the process of distilling this time-honored drink while enjoying samples paired with paired with traditional Oaxacan flavors through small plates of mole, bichos (bugs) and more, with a dash of sal de gusano – agave worm salt. Everyone will also enjoy light bites and small plates from Cuishe Cocina Mexicana. Advanced purchased tickets are required and include the program, mezcal tasting, light bites, small plates, and specialty cocktails featuring Bruxo Mezcal, including the Mezcal Mule and Paloma Mezcal.

Marc Guggenheim’s ‘In Any Lifetime’: A Captivating Journey Through Parallel Lives

‘In Any Lifetime” is Marc Guggenheim’s new novel. Photo: Amazon

One of the reasons I love time travel novels is because they seem so imaginative, especially the concept of parallel universes. They provide an interesting look at human destiny, different realities, and cause and effect. Through these stories, readers are given the opportunity to travel through several eras, questioning the idea that time moves in a linear fashion and revealing the complexities of both the past and the future. Besides the creativity involved, they are also intellectually stimulating because they frequently explore the ramifications of changing past events, the effects of knowing things that will happen in the future, and the complex dance between fate and free will.

I recently got a copy of Marc Guggenheim’s new novel “In Any Lifetime: A Novel” through Amazon First Reads. It’s a combination time travel/romance novel. I’m intrigued by the ‘I’ll find you in any lifetime’ aspect of romance, provided of course, the couple is truly in love and not a stalker situation. I haven’t read it yet, but I wanted to share it as a ‘new book’ feature. Stay tuned for the review.

Marc Guggenheim is an Emmy Award-winning writer and producer of television shows (Arrow, DC’S Legends of Tomorrow, Trollhunters, Carnival Row), movies (Green Lantern, Percy Jackson – Sea Of Monsters), comic books (X-Men Gold, Blade), video games (Call of Duty 3, Singularity, and novels (“Overwatch”). In his new book “In Any Lifetime: A Novel,” A devoted husband defies fate and risks everything to find the one universe where his beloved wife is still alive in this bold and thought-provoking novel. (Amazon, 2024)

“In Any Lifetime: A Novel” – Dr. Jonas Cullen has spent his career as a groundbreaking physicist defying the odds. But on the best night of his life—the night his wife, Amanda, tells him they’re finally having a baby—everything is taken away when a tragic car accident claims the lives of Amanda and their unborn child.

Gutted by pain, Jonas sets out to find a way to bring back Amanda—or rather, find a parallel universe in which she’s still alive. But that’s easier said than done. As Jonas comes to understand all too well, the universe favors certain outcomes…and Amanda’s death is one of them.

Guggenheim’s novel takes readers on a suspenseful journey, intercutting scenes of Jonas’s frantic, present-day search across multiple realities with glimpses from the past of his unfolding romance and eventual marriage. Will Jonas and Amanda reunite in some other world, or will fate succeed in taking her from him forever?