Book Review: ‘Civil Living’ and the Power of Personal Transformation

‘Civil Living’ by Pete Wiley: why true civility begins within. Photo: Pete Wiley, used with permission.

Book Review: Civil Living by Pete Wiley

Finding Civility in Society, in Our Interactions, and Within Ourselves

Synopsis

From global conflicts to political shouting matches, it’s easy to believe the world is becoming less civil. But real change begins at the individual level.

Drawing on timeless human values and grounded insight, Civil Living explores how self-knowledge, inner peace, open-mindedness, and self-love form the foundation of civil behavior—not just in society, but within ourselves. Through thoughtful reflection and practical guidance, this book shows how personal transformation can ripple outward to foster healthier relationships, stronger communities, and a more compassionate world. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

Civil Living is part of the Blocks of Life series, which includes:

  • Blocks of Life
  • Blocks of Life Volume 2: Know Yourself
  • Blocks of Life Volume 3: Embracing Change
  • Life Tides: Understanding Your Ebb and Flow (Blocks of Life)
  • Civil Living: Finding Civility in Society, in Our Interactions, and Within Ourselves

What’s Inside

  • Divisions – Finding A Way Back From The Brink
  • The State of Humanity – To Evolve Or Not To Evolve
  • How to Be Friendly in a Divisive World – And Why
  • Forces of Evil – Why Bad Things Happen
  • Getting Past the Ideal – To The Heart Of Who People Are
  • And More…

Highlights

  • How to Be Friendly in a Divisive World (And Why) – Wiley explains that we should strive to be friendly to people who are unfriendly to us—because that’s the only way we move forward. Plus, friendliness boosts inner peace, improves health, and simply feels good.

“Because friendliness is directly tied to inner peace and serenity, it is natural to work toward these with mindfulness practices, which also have a host of other benefits.”

  • The Fluidity of Friendship – The Evolving Nature of Our Connections – We all change over time, so we should remain open to growth in ourselves and others.

“Our friendships are like floating down a river: we experience twists and turns and encounter tumultuous areas, but ultimately, the ride is worth it.”

About The Author

Pete Wiley takes advantage of his varied interests and experiences to learn about people and how they behave, interact, and grow. He applies these insights to creating Blocks of Life books, poetry, videos, music, and a blog, and interacting with his audience. He lives in Maryland with his wife and son.

Review

In Civil Living, Pete Wiley offers a refreshing and timely reminder that true civility begins within. Instead of presenting rigid rules or superficial politeness, Wiley encourages readers to look inward and explore how self-knowledge, inner peace, open-mindedness, and self-love shape how we interact with the world. His central principle, that personal growth is inseparable from building a compassionate society, is inspiring and practical.

Wiley provides tangible steps to translate insights into daily action. Whether it’s cultivating healthier relationships, contributing to stronger communities, or simply practicing patience in small exchanges, the book illustrates how inner transformation leads to outward impact.

His writing style is relaxed and conversational, making complex ideas approachable without losing depth. With short, focused chapters, the book blends philosophy, personal anecdotes, and practical wisdom into a helpful guide for improving civility.

In a world where division and incivility dominate headlines, Civil Living stands as a guide and a gentle call to action. By nurturing our inner selves, we lay the foundation for a more compassionate and connected society.

Recommended for readers of self-improvement, personal growth, and mental wellness.

“While we have seen gains in some areas, there have not been coinciding advances in critical aspects of human nature, such as wisdom and compassion. Without these, we are seriously at risk.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*Thank you to Pete Wiley for the gifted copy for review consideration. I have not been compensated for this review and all opinions expressed here are my own

Friday Nights Come Alive: St. Paul Square Launches Weekly Community Series

Buttercup at Sunset Music Festival. Photo: Isaiah Alonzo, used with permission.

Friday Night Live Launches at St. Paul Square This Fall

San Antonio, TX — St. Paul Square, San Antonio’s historic downtown district that’s fast becoming a world-class entertainment and cultural arts destination, is proud to announce Friday Night Live, a brand-new weekly series of community events produced in collaboration with The Espee. (Painting Pictures, 2025)

Running September through the holiday season, Friday Night Live brings together a highly curated mix of free and ticketed programming designed to light up the district every Friday night. From live music and markets to Spurs watch parties and film nights, the series is set to create memorable experiences for both locals and visitors.

What to Expect

🎶 Outdoor Concerts at The Espee’s Plaza Stage
Free live music from San Antonio favorites like Daisy Killers (Sept. 26) and Buttercup (Oct. 17), with more acts to come.

🛍️ Markets & Makers
Rotating editions of the Beauty + Zen Haus Night Market, including a special Holiday Market and Santa at the Square celebration.

📺 Community Watch Parties & Film Nights

  • Spurs Watch Parties (Oct. 10) on a massive outdoor LED screen
  • A spooky-season pop-up screening of Hocus Pocus 2 (Oct. 24)

“Friday Night Live is about creating momentum for downtown every week and showing how dynamic St. Paul Square can be when the community gathers here,” said Tatanka Guerrero, Director of Curation and Development at St. Paul Square.

“We want people to know that no matter the Friday, there’s always a reason to come down to the Square – whether you’re discovering a new band, shopping the market, cheering on the Spurs, or just grabbing a bite.”

Building on Momentum

Friday Night Live follows a wave of exciting changes at St. Paul Square. With the openings of El Tigre Coffee, Atlee’s Rally, and Neko Pilates earlier this year—plus the successful launch of the Sundays at The Square event series—the district is transforming into one of San Antonio’s most vibrant destinations for food, drink, music, and culture.

By adding Friday Night Live to the lineup, St. Paul Square is keeping energy flowing into the district, boosting foot traffic, and strengthening its role as a hub for community connection.

Friday Night Live: Fall 2025 Schedule

📅 Friday, September 26
Daisy Killers at The Espee’s Plaza Stage
Free outdoor concert with San Antonio indie-punk favorites.
⏰ 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. | 🎟 Free Admission

📅 Friday, October 3
First Fridays: DJ Sets at St. Paul Square Courtyard
Local DJs soundtrack the city’s favorite art night.
⏰ 9:00 p.m. – Late | 🎟 Free Admission

📅 Friday, October 10
Spurs Watch Party at St. Paul Square Courtyard
Game on the big screen + food & drink specials.
⏰ Game tipoff | 🎟 Free Admission

📅 Friday, October 17
Beauty + Zen Haus Night Market + Buttercup at The Espee
Shop the market and enjoy live music from San Antonio legends Buttercup.
⏰ Market: 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. | Concert: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. | 🎟 Free Admission

📅 Friday, October 24
Spooky Season Movie Pop-Up: Hocus Pocus 2
A Halloween-themed outdoor movie night under the stars.
⏰ 7:00 p.m. Screening | 🎟 Free Admission

✨ Friday Night Live at St. Paul Square is your new weekly reason to head downtown. Whether you’re catching a concert, cheering for the Spurs, or enjoying a seasonal market, every Friday brings something fresh to San Antonio’s historic heart.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Canadian Death Metal Newcomers Dying Remains Drops Debut Album

Merciless Suffering is the new album by Canadian band Dying Remains. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Maggot Stomp Announces Debut Album from Dying Remains: Merciless Suffering

Maggot Stomp is proud to unveil the debut full-length album from Canadian death metal upstarts Dying Remains. Titled Merciless Suffering, the record cements the band as a skull-cracking force blending unrelenting brutality with infectious riffs and grooves. Fans of Obituary, Frozen Soul, Tribal Gaze, and Jungle Rot will feel right at home. (Haulix, 2025)

New Video: Hung and Drawn

Alongside the album announcement, Dying Remains has unleashed a chilling new music video for the track “Hung and Drawn” — a must-watch for fans of the genre.

The video isn’t just a performance clip; it’s a short horror film. Drawing heavy inspiration from ‘70s and ‘80s B-grade gore flicks, the visual depicts one gruesome chapter in the album’s overarching narrative of a sprawling torture chamber. Directed by Aron Diaz, the film perfectly complements the band’s dark lyrical themes, bringing their macabre vision vividly (and violently) to life.

About the Album: Merciless Suffering

Merciless Suffering is a towering slab of modern death metal rooted in the genre’s classic traditions. The record delivers:

  • Crushing brutality paired with catchy, well-crafted grooves
  • A sound that echoes the seminal work of Morta Skuld, Jungle Rot, and Obituary
  • A fresh, uncompromising edge designed for today’s generation of death metal fans

This is death metal at its most relentless and primal — a monolithic force that honors the past while pushing the genre forward.

On Tour Now

Dying Remains are currently tearing across the U.S. on their first-ever tour, bringing the ferocity of Merciless Suffering to the stage night after night.

🔥 Whether you’re a fan of old-school brutality or hungry for the next wave of death metal devastation, Dying Remains’ Merciless Suffering is an album that demands to be heard.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

A Fresh Bite: Magik Theatre’s Playful Spin on Red Riding Hood

Red Riding Hood at the Magik Theatre. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

Magik Theatre’s Fresh Take on Red Riding Hood Opens September 27

Once upon a time, there was a little girl and a big, bad wolf. But make the girl a feisty delivery driver, give the wolf an ego bigger than his howl, and you’ve got Magik Theatre’s howlingly hilarious, deliciously fresh Red Riding Hood, opening Saturday, September 27, 2025. (Magik Theatre, 2025)

A Story with a Twist

Wolfgang, the self-proclaimed “greatest actor in the world,” sets out to perform his one-man version of Red Riding Hood. But his plans are interrupted by a girl with a mysterious package—and plenty of opinions about how the story should go.

Together, they leap into playwright Allison Gregory’s clever retelling, playing every role and uncovering surprises along the way. Perfect for ages 5 and up, this production celebrates courage, teamwork, and the joy of storytelling.

Not Your Typical Big Bad Wolf

This isn’t the scary, Grandma-eating wolf you know. Wolfgang just wants to deliver a great performance—but his unexpected co-star has some notes. With her perspective, Wolfgang discovers new ways to bring the fairy tale to life, transforming everyday objects into imaginative props and costumes right before the audience’s eyes.

Behind the Scenes

This production also marks Devon Moreno’s directorial debut with Magik Theatre. A longtime Magik actor and production manager, Moreno’s knack for prop wrangling and lightning-fast costume changes is sure to shine as Wolfgang and the girl transform into each character onstage.

Catch Red Riding Hood on the Main Stage through October 12, 2025 at Beethoven Hall. After that, Wolfgang and friends will only appear in Magik on the Road performances during the fall and spring touring seasons.

Special Events & Add-On Experiences

🎉 Opening Night Party in the Park

Saturday, September 27 – 4:30 p.m. (Show at 6 p.m.)
Celebrate opening night with a free pre-show party at Hemisfair Park. Enjoy treats and a fun “fill the basket” craft. The party is open to the public, but the performance requires a ticket.

🎭 Backstage Experience Add-On

Available after every performance (excluding opening night & special events).
For just $20 per person, enjoy an exclusive onstage meet and greet with the cast, a 15-minute guided tour of the set and props, and mini cupcakes from Bird Bakery.

Note: Not wheelchair accessible. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Special Performances

  • Sensory Friendly Performance – Saturday, October 4, 10 a.m.
    A relaxed, judgment-free theatre experience for audience members with sensory sensitivities.
  • Pay What You Wish Performance – Saturday, October 4, 2 p.m.
    Sponsored by H-E-B, tickets are available at the door on the day of the performance.
  • ASL Interpreted Performance – Sunday, October 5, 3 p.m.
    Featuring interpreter Robert Cardoza, serving the San Antonio theatre community.
  • Educator Appreciation Day – Sunday, September 28, 3 p.m.
    Educators receive one free ticket with ID. Additional tickets are $25.
  • Military & First Responders Appreciation Day – Saturday, October 11, 2 p.m.
    Service members with valid ID can purchase $25 discounted tickets.

Ticket Options

Magik Theatre has been bringing professional, accessible, literature-based theatre to San Antonio families since 1994. Located in Hemisfair Park, it’s the perfect spot for a family day out—catch the show, explore Yanaguana Garden, enjoy nearby restaurants, and make Magikal memories.

🎟️ Tickets and subscriptions are on sale now! Choose from:

  • Two-show subscriptions
  • Single ticket sales

✨ For family fun this fall, Magik Theatre’s Red Riding Hood is the perfect pick. Don’t miss your chance to see this whimsical, laugh-filled retelling before it takes its final bow on October 12!

Forgotten Places, Living Memory: A New Work by Raja Shehadeh

‘Forgotten’ by Raja Shehadeh and Penny Johnson. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Forgotten: Searching for Palestine’s Hidden Places and Lost Memorials

What do forgotten ruins, abandoned mosques, and erased memorials tell us about a people and their history? In his newest work, Raja Shehadeh, alongside Penny Johnson, takes readers on a journey through Palestine’s hidden past and contested memory.

Palestinian human-rights lawyer, activist, and acclaimed author Raja Shehadeh returns with a new work that is both poignant and necessary. Forgotten: Searching for Palestine’s Hidden Places and Lost Memorials (co-authored with Penny Johnson) is a profound meditation on memory, loss, and the preservation of Palestinian heritage. The book releases on September 30 and is available now for pre-order. (Other Press, 2025)

Uncovering the Forgotten Corners of Palestine

In Forgotten, Shehadeh explores hidden or neglected memorials and places across historic Palestine—now Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. From ancient ruins to sacred sites like the Nabi ‘Ukkasha mosque and tomb, each chapter reveals what these places might tell us about the land and the people who live between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River.

With Johnson by his side, Shehadeh poses urgent questions: What has been memorialized? What has been left abandoned or erased—and why?

Memory, Erasure, and Resistance

Whether standing on a cliff overlooking Lebanon or at the Dead Sea—the lowest land-based elevation on earth—the authors trace the fragile threads of memory in a fragmented landscape.

In elegiac, elegant prose, they confront the complexities of commemoration: Israel’s resistance to acknowledging the Nakba, and the evolving ways Palestinians remember—or are prevented from remembering—their own history.

Ultimately, Forgotten reminds us that remembering is not a passive act. It is resistance.

Recognition and Praise

  • Publishers Weekly: Longlisted in Fall 2025 Fiction & Nonfiction Preview Titles: History
  • The New Statesman: Book of the Day selection
  • The New Statesman: Named one of the Best Books of 2025 So Far

✨ Forgotten is more than history—it is an act of remembrance, defiance, and storytelling. If you’re interested in exploring how memory shapes identity and belonging, this book deserves a place on your shelf.

📚 Pre-order your copy today and join the conversation on what it means to remember—and resist.

Advance Praise for Forgotten:

“Shehadeh and Johnson, a married couple based in Ramallah, began the book as a way to explore the landscape during the pandemic. The resulting work, Forgotten, is a heartbreaking, hopeful look at how Palestinian culture endures in spite of the occupation and the Israeli government’s attempts to remove all traces of it from the land that they ‘share unequally.'” —THE IRISH TIMES

“In this journey through Palestine, married couple Shehadeh and Johnson explore the careless treatment and outright destruction of the region’s Muslim memorials and historical sites. One of the more complex realities they grapple with is not just Israel’s hand in erasing this history, but Palestine’s own role.” —THE NEW STATESMAN

‘If It Bleeds’: Stephen King’s Novellas of Horror, Humanity, and Hope

‘If It Bleeds’ by Stephen King

Stephen King’s Enduring Legacy and If It Bleeds

Few authors have shaped modern storytelling quite like Stephen King. From haunted hotels to small-town terrors, his stories explore not just what frightens us, but what makes us human. His 2020 collection, If It Bleeds, proves that even in shorter form, King continues to deliver tales that chill, move, and resonate.

The Master of Horror—and Humanity

Stephen King is one of the most prolific and influential writers of our time. Known as the “Master of Horror,” his work spans far beyond scares. With more than 60 novels and countless short stories, King has shaped modern storytelling through his unforgettable characters, richly detailed worlds, and exploration of fear, morality, and human resilience.

His legacy in iconic works like The Shining, It, and Misery lies in his ability to connect with readers on a deep human level. Blending suspense, emotion, and imagination, King’s stories resonate with audiences worldwide, transcending generations.

King and the Novella Form

Novellas are their own dark treat—briefer but just as impactful and enduring as King’s longer fiction. Many of his novellas have been adapted into iconic films, including The Body (Stand by Me) and Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption (The Shawshank Redemption).

If It Bleeds: Four Unforgettable Tales

The four tales in If It Bleeds prove as iconic as their predecessors:

  • “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone” — an intergenerational friendship that carries into a disturbing afterlife. It was adapted into a Netflix movie starring Jaeden Martell and Donald Sutherland.
  • “The Life of Chuck” — a poignant exploration of identity and existence, intimate yet cosmic. Now a feature film directed by Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep) and starring Tom Hiddleston, Mark Hamill, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Karen Gillan, it recently won the Toronto International Film Festival People’s Choice Award.
  • “Rat” — a classic King tale about a struggling writer forced to reckon with ambition’s darker cost.
  • “If It Bleeds” — the return of Holly Gibney, who faces her fears and a possible outsider, standing on her own in a battle that recalls The Outsider. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

Themes That Endure

If these novellas show King’s range, they also reveal the themes that continue to define his work. One of King’s central concerns is evil—in all its forms. Yet just as often, he counters evil with its opposite: friendship.

Holly learns that friendship is not only life-affirming but life-saving. Young Craig’s bond with Mr. Harrigan shows the sweetness of unexpected connection. These relationships ground the supernatural in the real and the heartfelt.

Why If It Bleeds Matters

If It Bleeds is more than a collection of novellas—it is a reminder of King’s ability to blend horror with humanity. Each tale stands alone, but together they highlight his talent for weaving suspense with profound examinations of the human condition.

King delivers horror with heart, reminding us that the scariest monsters are often within us. If It Bleeds is essential reading for longtime fans and a perfect entry point for newcomers.

✨ Love Stephen King? Share this post with a fellow Constant Reader and keep the conversation going!

World Premiere Spotlight: Eugène Green’s The Tree of Knowledge at Fantastic Fest 2025

Rui Pedro Silva in Eugène Green’s The Tree of Knowledge. Photo: MoreThan Films, used with permission.

Fantastic Fest 2025: The Tree of Knowledge World Premiere

Fantastic Fest, held annually in Austin and known as the largest genre film festival in the U.S., is back at the Alamo Drafthouse from September 18–25, 2025. Celebrated for spotlighting fantasy, horror, science fiction, action, and cult films, this year’s lineup promises a hauntingly excellent collection of premieres.

One of the most anticipated titles is Eugène Green’s The Tree of Knowledge, having its World Premiere at this year’s festival. (Emma Griffiths PR, 2025)

Film Details

The Tree of Knowledge (A árvore do Conhecimento)
Feature Film (Portugal/France)

  • World Premiere – 2025
  • Runtime: 100 mins
  • Language: Portuguese (with English subtitles)
  • Genre: Dark Comedy / Fantasy

Directed by: Eugène Green
Producers: Luís Urbano, Sandro Aguilar, Julien Naveau
Starring: Rui Pedro Silva, Ana Moreira, Diogo Dória, João Arrais

Fantastic Fest Screening

📍 Location: Alamo Drafthouse Lamar
1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

🎬 Next Screening:
Tuesday, Sept 23rd – 6:00 PM @ Theater 8

Synopsis

In biblical terms, the “Tree of Knowledge” symbolizes free will and the ability to discern right from wrong. For filmmaker Eugène Green, it becomes a metaphor for spiritual awakening and renewal, set against the backdrop of Europe’s booming mass tourism.

The story follows Gaspard (Rui Pedro Silva), a Lisbon teenager who falls into the hands of the Ogre, a man who has struck a pact with the Devil. The Ogre uses Gaspard to lure tourists, transforming them into animals before killing them. Gaspard escapes with a donkey and a dog he has grown attached to, and in an enchanted manor, encounters the spirit of Queen D. Maria I of Portugal. Enraged, the Ogre sets off in pursuit—leading to a fantastical and allegorical journey of survival.

About the Director: Eugène Green

Born in New York City on June 28, 1947, Eugène Green is a French filmmaker, writer, theater director, and actor.

  • Studied literature and art history in Paris
  • Founded Le Théâtre de la Sapience in 1977, staging both contemporary poetic and baroque theater
  • Directed his first feature, Toutes les Nuits (1999, released 2001), winner of the Louis Delluc Prize for First Film
  • Has since directed 10+ feature films and 6 mini-films
  • His works have screened at Cannes, Locarno, Berlin, and other international festivals
  • In 2019, the Fundação Serralves in Porto hosted the first major exhibition dedicated to his cinema

✨ With The Tree of Knowledge, Green brings his signature poetic and philosophical style to Fantastic Fest, offering audiences a surreal and allegorical tale that blends dark comedy, folklore, and fantasy.

Fall Flavors in San Antonio: Pumpkin Lattes, Fiesta Drinks & Live Fire Dining

Twang launches new Fiesta Lime Rimming Salt with red, white, and green visuals. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Fall Flavors & Festivities in San Antonio

As the fall season approaches, San Antonio is brimming with festive flavors and seasonal celebrations. From pumpkin-spiced lattes to wood-fired feasts and zesty new drink pairings, here’s what’s happening around town this September.

🎃 Sip Into the Season at La Panadería

La Panadería is welcoming cooler weather and the holiday spirit with the launch of its Pumpkin Cold Foam Latte, debuting Friday, September 19. (La Panadería, 2025)

This fall-inspired treat features an iced cinnamon latte base, topped with house-made cold foam crafted from real pumpkin puree and maple syrup, and finished with a dusting of pumpkin spice.

Pair your latte with La Panadería’s beloved brunch menu, featuring:

  • House-made chilaquiles
  • Huevos rancheros
  • Avocado toast
  • Breakfast tortas
  • And of course, freshly baked pan dulce

🍹 Twang Launches Fiesta Lime Rimming Salt

San Antonio’s own Twang, known for bold, South Texas-inspired flavors, has introduced its latest innovation: Fiesta Lime Rimming Salt. (Twang, 2025)

Perfect for cocktails and mocktails, this zesty rimmer combines lime zest with a balanced salt mix, accented with red, white, and green crystals — a nod to Twang’s Mexican-American roots and the colorful spirit of celebrations.

  • Price: $5 each
  • Where to buy: Online (nationwide delivery) and select Spec’s locations

Because every drink deserves a little fiesta.

🔥 Live Fire Returns to Hotel Contessa

Hotel Contessa is bringing back its popular seasonal tradition, Live Fire, starting Saturday, September 20 at Ambler, the hotel’s River Walk patio restaurant. (Hotel Contessa, 2025)

This immersive culinary series celebrates Texas cuisine with dishes prepared over an open flame, paired with live music from local musicians.

Kickoff Event: September 20

  • 6 p.m. – Cocktail hour (drinks available for purchase)
  • 7–8 p.m. – Free country line dancing lessons (RSVP on Eventbrite)
  • 6–9 p.m. – Dinner reservations via OpenTable or 210-298-8040

Weekly Details

  • Every Saturday, 5–9 p.m. through mid-November (weather permitting)
  • Price: $79–$129 per person, depending on entrée
  • Format: Four-course, family-style meal featuring rotating seasonal menus

About the Chef

Executive Chef Michael Collins brings more than 30 years of culinary experience — and a decade spent in Texas — to this series. Through Live Fire, he showcases regional ingredients, time-honored techniques, and partnerships with local producers.

📍 Ambler River Patio
306 W. Market St., San Antonio, TX 78205

✨ Whether you’re craving pumpkin spice, a festive cocktail upgrade, or a true Texas feast by the fire, San Antonio has something flavorful waiting for you this fall.

La Panadería’s Pumpkin Cold Foam Latte. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

Finnr’s Cane Explores Nature and Spirit in Their Fourth Album

Finnr’s Cane unveils self-titled debut with Nordvis Produktion. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Finnr’s Cane Returns with Their Self-Titled Fourth Album

The mystic Canadians Finnr’s Cane return with their self-titled fourth album — a haunting and introspective journey through the frozen landscapes of the mind. Marking their debut with renowned Swedish label Nordvis Produktion, this release continues the band’s unique blend of atmospheric black metal, doom, and ambient soundscapes. (Nordvis Produktion, 2025)

A Band Forged in the North

Formed in 2008, Finnr’s Cane consists of The Peasant and The Bard—pseudonyms chosen to maintain anonymity. Hailing from the icy expanse of Sudbury, Ontario, the band has always thrived on the fringes, letting the music speak for itself.

One of their most distinctive traits is the absence of a traditional bass guitar, replaced instead with the deep, melancholic resonance of a cello. Paired with an improvisational songwriting style, this approach gives their music an organic, almost ritualistic quality.

The New Album

Arriving as summer fades into autumn, the self-titled album delves deep into themes of nature, introspection, and spiritual connection to the land. Listeners are guided through passages that shift from somber acoustic meditations to powerful, distorted crescendos, with the cello remaining a central pillar throughout.

For fans of Agalloch, Wolves in the Throne Room, and Fen, this record offers a compelling exploration of liminal spaces and the sacred elements of the wilderness.

Since their 2010 debut Wanderlust and subsequent critically acclaimed releases on Prophecy Productions and Frostscald Records, Finnr’s Cane have carved out a singular voice. This latest work— their first collaboration with Nordvis—feels like a natural continuation of their vision.

From the Band

“The final form of this album emerged slowly and instinctively, informed by our experiences and emotions over a long period of time. We carefully distilled it into what we’re certain is our absolute best work to date.”
— The Bard

Album Details

  • Artwork: Mark Seydewitz
  • Layout: Thomas Väänänen
  • Format: CD / LP / Digital

Singles Release Timeline

  • June 20, 2025 — Twilight Glow
  • July 25, 2025 — Awaken the Sleeping Forest

Availability

  • Worldwide: Streaming on all major platforms + Bandcamp
  • Europe: Available now via Silent Future Distribution
  • Rest of the World: Physical release begins September 19, 2025 with the launch of Nordvis’ new U.S.-based store
Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Bring the Outdoors In: A Family-Friendly Adventure at Whole Earth Provision Co.

Whole Earth Provision Co. brings the outdoors in this Saturday September 20. Photo: The Plant Project, used with permission.

Beat the Heat: Whole Earth Provision Co. Brings the Outdoors In

SAN ANTONIO — When it’s way too hot to explore the outdoors, Whole Earth Provision Co. brings the adventure inside. (Whole Earth Provision Co., 2025)

On Saturday, September 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Whole Earth Provision Co. at Alamo Quarry Market will host “Bring the Outdoors In”—a fun, festive, family-friendly event that packs all the joy of the outside into a perfectly air-conditioned space.

Cool Off with Hands-On Activities

Guests can escape the triple-digit temps and enjoy a variety of interactive and educational activities for all ages, including:

  • Exotic Animals with Once In A Wild
    From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., get up close and personal with 10 exotic animals from around the world. Educators will share fascinating facts, conservation efforts, and the importance of protecting these incredible species.
  • Greenhouse on Wheels with The Plant Project
    Step into Lily, their traveling greenhouse, and learn how to pot plants properly. Take home your new leafy creation and bring a little nature indoors.
  • Fresh Drinks for All Ages
    A TABC-certified bartender will be mixing juice margaritas with Desert Door Sotol and Twisted Alchemy Cold-Pressed Juice, while kids can cool down with fresh lemonade.
  • Raffles, Giveaways & Pop-Ups
    Win outdoor gear, gift cards, and exclusive goodies from Whole Earth Provision Co.’s partners. Plus, explore pop-ups from iconic brands like Merrell and Outdoor Research.

This indoor summer celebration is perfect for those who love nature—but not the blazing Texas sun.

📍 Whole Earth Provision Co. | Alamo Quarry Market
255 E Basse Rd. | San Antonio, TX 78209
Free & open to the public
👉 RSVP on Facebook

Bonus Event: Sip & Shop + Travel Smarts Night

If you can’t make it on September 20, stop by on Wednesday, September 24, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for Alamo Quarry Market’s Sip & Shop Fall Wine Walk.

As part of the celebration, Whole Earth will launch its new “Wouldn’t You Like to Know Wednesdays” series with The Consumer Travel Clinic, led by longtime Osprey representative Koby Crooks.

With over 30 years of adventure travel experience across five continents, Crooks will share insider tips on:

  • Packing smarter and maximizing a carry-on
  • Navigating airline baggage rules
  • Choosing the right travel tools
  • Travel health and safety essentials

While learning, guests can also enjoy wine and beer sampling, live music, exclusive in-store specials, and private shopping after the clinic.

This event is also free and open to the public.
👉 RSVP on Facebook

About Whole Earth Provision Co.

Whole Earth Provision Co. is a Texas-based, family-owned outdoor gear store built on free-spirited adventure and environmental stewardship.

Founded in 1970 by Jack and Linda Jones in Austin, the company began as a way for locals to experience items from the Whole Earth Catalog firsthand. Today, with six locations across Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, Whole Earth continues to outfit generations of Texans for travel and exploration around the globe.

Customers will find carefully selected gear, clothing, and footwear from both trusted brands and innovative newcomers—always chosen with decades of expertise and a love for adventure.