New book release: ‘The Amber Menhir’ by Jonathan N. Pruitt

‘The Amber Menhir’ will be released October, 4, 2023. Photo: Amazon

Jonathan N. Pruitt is a lifelong educator, a former scientific researcher, and a provocative fantasy author. Rising from humble beginnings in a rural, economically disadvantaged county in Florida, he skyrocketed to academic success, earning a PhD at the youthful age of 24. Pruitt’s journey took him from the concert halls as a child prodigy pianist to the globally recognized halls of esteemed universities including the University of Pittsburgh, Princeton University, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. His life experiences—from living in diverse corners of the world like South Africa, Namibia, Australia, and Canada, to navigating the wild landscape of his career—richly inform his narratives. Pruitt’s storytelling defies reality yet resonates with emotional truth. He makes readers question the differences between good and evil and the murky area between the two. With his debut novel “The Amber Menhir,” Pruitt delivers biting humor, deep human insights, and a unique scientist’s perspective. Readers visit a modern-day, grimdark fairy tale where reality bends and twists. Jonathan N. Pruitt’s metamorphosis from a prodigious scientific mind into a fantasy author is a testament to reinvention. Avoiding the usual expectations of fantasy by way of satire, humor, and a race of nefarious evil cats, it is the first in Jonathan Pruitt’s The Shadows of the Monolith series and arrives this October from Spinner Loom Press. It is available now for pre-order on Amazon. (Black Château, 2023)

“The Amber Menhir” – With each new dawn, the celestial body known only as ‘Calamity’ draws closer – and with it the end of the world. Humanity’s only hope from oblivion rests in the menhirs, towering bastions of scholarship and imagination which cast long shadows across the lands. The scholars within the menhirs devote themselves selflessly to the discovery of new magic that will help avert the impending apocalypse … or so the masses have been made to understand.

In a society divided between those with occult potential and lay citizens, Tara Langcraw is recruited into the Amber Menhir with great interest. The long-awaited heiress of a bloodline bearing the rarest of the six magical disciplines, time manipulation, she is expected to flourish within this noble citadel of learning, as are her friends and fellow recruits, Roland Ward and Peony Bianchi. They soon find, however, that those who fail to meet expectations, or who dare to challenge the prevailing order, put more than their marks on the line. For the menhir squirms with rivalries, and those who stand against the status quo may not stand for very long.

Having earned the title of the world’s most infamous spider biologist, Pruitt has penned a grimdark fantasy lampooning the academic and scientific communities, while also offering an immersive, diverse, and fast-paced story. What exactly is a Menhir? “Found across the globe, Menhirs are mysterious, ancient, imposing monoliths that prove evidence of a civilization’s existence. They’re often the subject of superstition, just like the magical institutions that make up this world. Whether they stand as pinnacles of grandeur and discovery, or blemishes of political pestilence will be up to the reader,” explains Pruitt.

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New book release: ‘The Protectress’ by Ayura Ayira

‘The Protectress’ is the new novel by Ayura Ayira. Photo: Amazon

If you like ancient world historical romance and romantic erotica, today’s new book release is just for you. “The Protectress” by Ayura Ayira features a strong female character, a demigoddess, who wages war on Earth. It opens with Tilelli, the Protectress, leading her soldiers in an epic battle. After reading the sample, the language appears lyrical with vivid metaphors: “Ever the graceful killer, she watched and waited, expecting them to say something. No one did, death had already stolen their words;” and there is plenty of battle violence. *Disclaimer: This book contains violence, graphic language, and sexual content and is intended for mature readers. It is available on Amazon, Goodreads, Audible, and other booksellers.

Ayura Ayira is a melting pot author who, with a masterful blend of genres, effortlessly spins captivating tales that empower, uplift, and celebrate the enduring power of strength, love, and diversity. Her books delve into dark content and feature characters from diverse social, economic, and racial backgrounds, often set in international locations. In her new book “The Protectress,” a demigoddess wages a war that spawns betrayal and the loss of her divine powers. (Ayura Ayira, 2023)

“The Protectress” – a demigoddess, descended from a long line of demigoddesses, is banished to Earth to safeguard humanity from a looming destiny of destruction. She finds solace and refuge in the arms of a mysterious stranger—a mortal. With unwavering faith that her loyal troops will orchestrate her daring escape, the Protectress counts on her return to the secure embrace of her palace. Yet, with each passing day, she finds herself increasingly drawn to this handsome man, surpassing the bounds of prophecy. The weight of duty and legacy occupy her thoughts, but her body hungers for something else. If she is not careful, her heart may soon follow, and how would the Gods judge her actions then?

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Book review: ‘From Food to Grave: The Link Between Food, Water & Chronic Diseases’ by Marc St. Omer & David Daniel

‘From Food To Grave’ will be released October 2, 2023. Photo: Amazon

Marc St. Omer is chef-in-charge and chief principal of Foodeva. He has spent the past three decades perfecting his skill and creating authentic Jamaican Caribbean Fusion cuisine since he graduated from the Art Institute of New York City. He was named one of the top chefs for Jamaican Jerk Chicken and other Jerk dishes by the Journal, a prominent New York publication. He was also featured in the James Bread Foundation magazine for his exquisite delicacies and milestone projects to shape the face of the nutritious food industries in the world. David Daniel is the Wellness Content Strategist, Curator, and Editor at Foodeva. They are co-authors of the upcoming new book “From Food to Grave: The Link Between Food, Water & Chronic Diseases” where they write about how food and water can affect our bodies and cause chronic diseases. If you are genuinely concerned about your health and are open to learning more about this connection, consider this book. It will be available on their website beginning October 2, 2023.

“From Food to Grave: The Link Between Food, Water & Chronic Diseases” by Marc St. Omer and David Daniel is composed of six chapters including The Emergence of Ultra-processed Foods and Their Effects on Health, Water’s Effects on General Health, and Diets & Exercises For Healthy Living.

In this book, you will:

  • take a journey into the anti-processed food movement
  • examine how our eating habits affect our health
  • learn about the growing popularity of organic and unprocessed food
  • discover nature’s amazing healing abilities
  • set out on a path to a more wholesome and unprocessed way of feeding your body.

The goal is to present the best choices for losing weight and getting enough vitamins and minerals as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle. It “discusses the decline of today’s diet as a result of our fast-paced lifestyles and the need to pause, reflect, and commit to our health.” In the Introduction, they write that when we eat pleasant tasting foods, it releases a dopamine rush that promotes the behavior that caused that ‘feel good’ feeling. So if eating delicious food causes a rush, we become addicted to that rush, and therefore keep eating food that tastes good, even if it is not good for us: “the more processed food you consume, the more you will desire it.” The cultural shift in today’s modern world has made unhealthy foods more readily available. Other topics include modern diet trends, the effects of today’s fast life on our eating habits, diets and exercises for healthy living, and much more.

When it comes to learning about nutrition, exercise, and healthy living, you can never get too much information. What makes this book different is that it also shines a light on how water affects our bodies and the dangers of water contamination on the community and the environment. Highlights include Chapter Four: Water’s Effects on General Health– an in-depth examination of water contamination, its importance to humanity, how to treat water contamination, and the efforts from leaders, organizations, and others to solve the issue of water contamination; and Chapter Five: Food & The Timeless Teachings of the Classics – examines the healing ability of herbs, the health benefits of organic food and how it benefits the community and the environment. Poor eating habits have created an increase in medical issues like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and cancer and the authors do an excellent job of explaining the long terms effects and how better eating habits can help. They use language that is easy to understand while the tone is educational without being patronizing. Especially helpful is the chapter on maintaining a healthy diet with examples of different diet plans and exercise recommendations. Overall, “From Food to Grave: The Link Between Food, Water & Chronic Diseases” is an outstanding reference guide on the effects and benefits benefits of dietary life choices. It is recommended for readers who appreciate health and wellness information.  

“This literary work thoroughly examined the notable detrimental consequences of consuming unhealthy and manufactured food products on both persons and communities, highlighting the urgent need for modifying current practices.”

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.
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Book review: ‘Freeborn: Genesis’ by Steven Calkum

‘Freeborn: Genesis’ by Steven Calkum. Photo: Amazon

Steven Calkum was born in 1967 and grew up on a small ranch in East Central Colorado. He earned BS and MS degrees and worked in natural resources for 13 years before becoming disabled in 2011. A voracious reader, he created his own style by rewriting drafts until he would want to read his own work. He remarried in 2016 and plans to be a househusband and work toward a career as a writer/storyteller in addition to raising more children. He currently lives in Wyoming with the youngest of his children from his first marriage. His book “Freeborn: Genesis” is book one of the Freeborn saga. It is the story of Freeborn, a half human and half elven who learned from birth that though he can live among humans and elven peoples, he belongs to neither. (Amazon, 2023)

“Freeborn” – “Half of one world, half of another and anathema to both.” That is what Freeborn has heard all his life. Tishamon, the elven woodsman also known as The Long Walker, took him in when he was born and is the only person who accepts and respects Freeborn as he is. The story begins with Prologue: The Blizzard Birth as a pregnant young slave girl, a Copper Elf, ends up at Tishamon’s doorstep asking for help. She manages to deliver a healthy boy but she does not survive and pleas Tishamon to take care of her son and name him Freeborn. As Freeborn grows up, he and Tishamon travel the Shattered Empire. Tishamon helps Freeborn learn the rules and customs of the Empire’s many peoples, as well as the dangers of the world. An epic saga fantasy novel, it is divided into 58 chapters and follows Freeborn’s many adventures, battles, disappointments, and lessons learned along the way. Join Freeborn as he grows from boyhood to manhood and explores his expansive world.

When the real world gets to be too much, there is nothing better than getting lost in a fantasy novel filled with imaginary worlds, epic battles, and the different inhabitants of these worlds: elves, dwarves, giants, and more. “Freeborn” is definitely one of these novels. It combines a coming of age novel and a fantasy epic and brings readers along as Freeborn grows into the man he is meant to be. Tishamon, his guardian, is centuries old and teaches him survival skills but rarely gives rewards or compliments because “If you lived, that was your reward. If you didn’t, that was your penalty.” The author’s imagination is extensive, as evidenced in the detailed world building and the different societies in those worlds. The map at the beginning is a good idea, but in a Kindle, it is hard to see the details. Even though the language is simple, it is descriptive: “Freeborn swallowed the scream clawing up his throat and drew his sword with a trembling hand” and makes the action come alive throughout the pages. The battles scenes are written in such vivid detail that it is hard not to get immersed in them: “the goblinoid was so heavily muscled and had such thick bones that the arrows were stopped before they could hit anything vital.” Since this is Freeborn’s story, the character development is focused on his life as he grows through the years. Overall, “Freeborn” is a thrilling fantasy adventure. Despite the target demographic being young readers, it should appeal to anyone who appreciates epic sagas similar to the Lord of the Rings.

“We choose, consciously or unconsciously, to react to events in a certain way, for good or ill. The course of a person’s life is charted by those decisions.”

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.

New children’s book: ‘Birthday Countdown’ by Megan Pighetti

‘Birthday Countdown’ is book 3 in the Fairy-Tailed series by Megan Pighetti. Photo: Amazon

Looking for a children’s book that celebrates the magic and imagination of childhood? Then look no further: “Birthday Countdown” by Megan Pighetti is specially written for children ages 4-6 and beautifully illustrated to capture your young child’s attention. Ideal for moms and dads who want to bond with their child over a delightful bedtime story, the “Birthday Countdown” is sure to quickly become a cherished part of your bookshelf. Are you ready to begin Kyle’s birthday countdown? Then order your copy today! (Megan Pighetti, 2023)

Megan Pighetti enjoys writing picture books with an interactive element. Whether the child will be involved with a craft after the story, a new family tradition, a recipe, or a new skill to ease anxiety, children will continue to think about the written words long after the final word is read. Born and raised in Colorado, the outdoors has always been an excellent inspiration. However, nothing is more of an inspiration than her family. Residing in Fort Collins, Colorado, where she received her degree in Consumer and Family Sciences with a concentration in Education, Megan belongs to SCBWI and a local critique group. Through this critique group, she has created multiple stories she has self-published. Self-publishing has enabled Megan to develop her storytelling skills further and understand the entirety of the picture book-building process. Her latest book, “Birthday Countdown,” is book 3 in the Fairy-Taled series. Begin your birthday countdown with this adorable children’s story about the magic of birthdays. Other books in the series include “A Birthday Fairy Tale,” “The Tooth Fairy Quits,” “Fairy-Taled Wish,” and “Fairy-Tailed Birthday Trouble.”

“Birthday Countdown”– It is only three sleeps until Kyle’s big day! As he eagerly waits for the presents and birthday treats, he has one giant birthday wish – to be visited by the Birthday Fairy. Even though he does not have his friend’s magical bracelet, he wishes with all his might, but will his birthday wish come true?

Lovingly crafted as a fun children’s story that celebrates the joy and excitement of birthdays, this magical story invites kids and parents on a memorable adventure that shares the value of love, family, and birthday wishes. With enchanting illustrations that will capture the imaginations of boys and girls ages 4-6, this book captures the thrill of birthday wishes through a child’s eyes, sharing a cute tale about one of the most important days of your young child’s life.

This book:

  • Showcases a beautiful story with gorgeous illustrations that bring each scene to life
  • Makes a wonderful read for toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and kids ages 4-6
  • Imparts a valuable lesson about love, patience, family, and magic wishes
  • Great as a charming gift idea or bedtime story for your child, grandchild, niece or nephew
  • And much more!

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New book release: ‘How To Heal The Inner You: A Guide to Mental Freedom’ by Takeya S. Garner

‘How To Heal The Inner You’ by Takeya S. Garner. Photo: Takeya S. Garner, used with permission.

The topic of mental health is essential but unfortunately it is also taboo. It is rarely spoken about and those self imposed barriers need to be broken down sooner rather than later. Much of our present trauma and habitual self-sabotaging behavior stems from our unhealed inner child, an unhealed past that subconsciously extends into our present and future, but it does not have to be this way. (Takeya S. Garner, 2023)

Author and Health and Wellness consultant Takeya S. Garner offers her new book “How To Heal The Inner You: A Guide to Mental Freedom” by Takeya S. Garner. This compelling self-help book is meant to assist you through the important and life-changing healing process. In this guide to restorative health and well-being, you will be inspired throughout your entire journey to recovery, Garner offers 10 life altering phases readily available for you to initiate the process. She also shares some of her own past trials and struggles with mental health. She reveals how implementing these phases and sticking with them has helped her reach her impressive breakthrough. Takeya also offers support, advice and tips to help you remain consistent and eliminate any excuses. This book is therapy for those who struggle with their mental health. Why wait, when we can begin to work on ourselves today?! It is available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback formats. 

This is a small and easy to read reference guide. The format makes it easy to go back and re-read a particular section at your own convenience. Takeya S. Garner shares her personal experiences with anxiety so that readers can realize that they are not alone. While doing research to find out why she was undergoing so much anxiety and how to deal with it, she uncovered helpful information which she is now sharing with readers. She breaks it down into ten phases. These include Phase 2: Take Care of Yourself – focuses on practicing self care, which builds resilience and helps you “bounce back from setbacks,” and engaging in creative activities which help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression; and Phase 6: Find Your Supportive Circle – reiterates the importance of having a supportive circle of either close friends or a therapist, counselor, or other mental health professional. Overall, “How To Heal The Inner You: A Guide to Mental Freedom” is an excellent source of information to not only help readers cope with anxiety, but also practice healthy and positive life habits.

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Taco Cabana celebrates 45th anniversary with celebration events and menu innovations

Enjoy the all new Frito’s® Pie Quesadilla as part of Taco Cabana’s 45th anniversary celebration next month. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

To commemorate 45 years of flavor and culinary innovation, popular Tex-Mex chain Taco Cabana invites guests to “Paint September Pink” with a month-long celebration. Beginning in September, celebrations will include the launch of TC’s all-new Frito’s® Pie Quesadilla, limited-time Hatch Chile menu items, a limited-time Tito’s® Vodkarita, the return of the TC salsa bar, and more. (Taco Cabana, 2023)

Beginning September 6, 2023, TC will introduce all-new and limited-time menu items, including:

  • New Hatch Chile Smoked Pulled Pork Street Tacos 
  • New Hatch Chile Smoked Pulled Pork Taco  
  • The limited-time TC 45 Vodkarita, made with Tito’s® Handmade Vodka and sold in a commemorative 24-ounce yard cup
  • The all-new BOOM! Triple Chocolate Cookie

The TC celebrations do not stop there. Beginning on National Quesadilla Day (September 25, 2023), guests can enjoy the all-new Fritos® Pie Quesadilla, featuring two flour tortillas filled with melted Jack & Cheddar cheeses, chile con carne, Fritos® corn chips, pico de gallo and jalapeños served with a side of queso. This delicious addition to the TC menu is the first culinary item developed as part of an ongoing partnership with PepsiCo® including Frito-Lay® that will allow for many innovative and exciting TC food and beverage creations in the future.

Rounding out the month, on Thursday, September 21, 2023, Taco Cabana will celebrate its 45-Year Anniversary with TC’s Birthday Fiesta, which will be held at Taco Cabana’s location at 2347 E. Southcross in San Antonio. Open to the public, the TC on Wheels food truck will offer complimentary samples of Hatch Chile Smoked Pulled Pork Street Tacos and TC’s BOOM! Triple Chocolate Cookie. TC fans can also partake in games and giveaways, enjoy live mariachi performances and more, with festivities lasting from 5:30p.m. to 8p.m.

TC’s 45-Year Anniversary offerings can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, via the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or online while supplies last.

“The spirit of Mexican-inspired heritage, traditions, recipes and culinary flavors are all rooted in today’s modern TC DNA just as they were when we began 45 years ago. As we celebrate our 45-Year Anniversary and look forward to future growth via franchising, on behalf of everyone at Taco Cabana, I want to thank each loyal and new guest who has been a member of our TC family throughout the years. We would not be where we are today or be able to celebrate this anniversary without our guests. They are our everything.” – Ulyses Camacho, Taco Cabana President and COO

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Mexican-inspired food including breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, dozen taco boxes, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, double crunch pizzas, freshly made flour tortillas, and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up, and delivery. As of August 21, 2023, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

‘Meditation For People Who Can’t Meditate’ by Dr. Samuel Steinberg

‘Meditation For People Who Can’t Meditate’ is an informative guide on meditation by Dr. Samuel Steinberg. Photo: Amazon

Today’s topic is meditation. I have tried it before and I have to admit I have so much to learn. Are you new to meditation? Feeling overwhelmed by the chaotic world around you? Not sure how to focus? Then allow me to recommend “Meditation For People Who Can’t Meditate” by Dr. Samuel Steinberg. It is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, Books-A-Million, and other booksellers. 

Dr. Samuel Steinberg is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse range of expertise. He holds a Doctorate in Metaphysics and one in Theology. He also graduated from the Plant Based Nutrition program at Cornell University. In addition, Dr. Steinberg is a qualified special education teacher, a Yoga Alliance certified 500 E-RYT yoga teacher and educator, and a highly regarded meditation consultant to mental health practitioners and pain support groups. He is the author of several notable works, including “Meditation For People Who Can’t Meditate,” “Free Bird,” and “Parents Guide to Helping a Child With Learning Disabilities.” He has also written extensively on topics such as veganism, vegetarianism, anxiety, depression, positive self-esteem in children, autism in the workplace, chakras, and weight loss and fitness. (Dr. Samuel Steinberg, 2023)

“Meditation For People Who Can’t Meditate”– In this beginner’s guide to meditation, Dr. Samuel Samtosha Steinberg presents meditation as an easy and effective approach to attaining peace, health, and a stress-free life. With basic techniques and a simple, uncomplicated approach, this book is perfect for those struggling to find the right time, place, position, group, or props to meditate.

Inside you will learn:

  • how to meditate correctly
  • the benefits of everyday practice
  • the diverse styles of meditation in a fun way.
  • And much, much more!

Get ready to overcome the challenges of meditation and find inner peace with this informative guidePrint length – 325 pages

Language – English
Publication date – November 23, 2022
Dimensions – 6 x 0.74 x 9 inches
ISBN-10 – 9692592014

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New album release: Nothing But Green Willow

Martin Simpson and Thomm Jutz’s generation collaborates for their upcoming album Nothing But Willow: The Songs of Mary Sands and Jane Gentry, out September 29, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Martin Simpson is an English folk musician and guitarist, known for his innovative and eclectic approach to traditional music. In the mid-1980s, Simpson moved to the United States, where he came to the attention of a wide range of American artists with whom he then collaborated. Amongst the albums released during his US tenure, Cool & Unusual, won the Indie Award for best instrumental album in 1998. In addition to his work as a musician, Simpson has also been involved in music education, teaching at universities, and leading workshops and masterclasses around the world. (IV-PR, 2023)

Raised in the Black Forest of Germany, Thomm Jutz has become an American roots music treasure. His virtuosity, eloquence, and clarity of expression have made him a linchpin of Nashville’s creative community, and in 2020 his To Live in Two Worlds, Volume 1 was nominated for the Best Bluegrass Album Grammy, making him the first immigrant to receive a nomination in that category. He has written numerous Bluegrass number ones, and his songs have been recorded by John Prine, Nanci Griffith, The SteelDrivers, Balsam Range, and more. Jutz has a Master’s degree in Appalachian Studies from East Tennessee State University and wrote his thesis on Grammy-winner Norman Blake.

When Thomm Jutz got together with his latest trans-Atlantic collaborator, Martin Simpson, the pair bonded over their long-running obsession with Cecil Sharp’s 1916 and 1918 collection, “English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachians;” particularly those tunes from singers Mary Sands and Jane Gentry. The longevity of the original songs drew the pair in but the latest single from their upcoming album Nothing But Green Willow: The Songs Of Mary Sands and Jane Gentry, pulls from generations of different versions of “The Wagoner’s Lad.”

Folk Alley gave fans an exclusive first listen to the single, writing, “Jutz’s and Simpson’s gem-like version shines in all its facets.” Fans can pre-save Simpson and Jutz’s version of “The Wagoner’s Lad,” check out the previously released album track “Come All You Fair and Tender Ladies” featuring Cara Dillon, and pre-order or pre-save Nothing But Green Willow ahead of its September 29 release via Topic Records.

Simpson and Jutz both clearly see the crucial need for each new generation to reinvent these folk songs. “I strongly believe that innovation requires preservation,” says Jutz. “How can we claim to play traditional music or write ‘Folk music’ without knowing the roots of it?” Fortunately for all involved, the pair found a host of others in agreeance and brought together a mix of roots artists from both sides of the pond—Sierra Hull, Angeline Morrison, Odessa Settles, Tim O’Brien, Tammy Rogers, Seth Lakeman, and more—to create an homage to the bridge from Appalachia to England and back, just as the songs of Sands and Gentry originally did.

Nothing But Green Willow track list:
“Fair Annie” feat. Emily Portman
“Geordie” feat. Sierra Hull & Justin Moses
“Pretty Saro” feat. Odessa Settles
“Edward” feat. Seth Lakeman
“Edwin in the Lowlands Low” feat. Tim O’Brien
“Jacob’s Ladder” feat. Dale Ann Bradley & Tim Stafford
“Come All You Fair and Tender Ladies” feat. Cara Dillon
“The Wagoner’s Lad” feat. Martin Simpson
“Married and Single Life” feat. Tammy Rogers
“The Gypsy Laddie” feat. Thomm Jutz
“The Suffolk Miracle” feat. Angeline Morrison
“I Whipped My Horse” feat. Fay Hield
“Awake! Awake!” feat. Thomm Jutz

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Children’s Ballet of San Antonio hosts open auditions for The Children’s Nutcracker

Christmas comes early for young performers with The Children’s Nutcracker open auditions. Photo: Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.

The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) will hold open auditions for The Children’s Nutcracker at the Dance Center of San Antonio on Saturday, August 26, from 10:30a.m. – 6p.m. All performers, ages 3-19 are invited to register online for an audition time. The Children’s Nutcracker is looking for ballet, tap, folklorico, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dancers, along with gymnasts, actors, and vocalists. Performers with special needs are encouraged to attend a more relaxed audition on Friday, August 25, from 5:30p.m. – 6p.m. All performers will be cast in roles that showcase and highlight their individual talents and strengths and allow them to shine brighter than the Christmas star. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2023)

The Children’s Nutcracker is a classic, beloved holiday tradition that features all the enchantment, joy, and wonder synonymous with this timeless tale. From fighting mice to fairies, soldiers to snow queens, the show takes audiences on an adventure where holiday dreams do come true. Taking place at the Lila Cockrell Theatre on December 8 and 9, this world-class production pulls out all the stops for a holiday extravaganza the whole family will enjoy. From a pre-show holiday market to spectacular digital and physical scenery, captivating special effects, and interactive elements, The Children’s Nutcracker is the perfect way for families to kick off the holidays and capture the magic of the season.

The Children’s Nutcracker 2023 offers young performers the chance to train with the best of the best, from Master Ballet Teachers to internationally acclaimed choreographers. This year, performers will be able to work with Nutcracker experts Aliaksandra Krukava and Nurlan Kinerbayev from the world-renowned Vaganova method of Russian Ballet. This is the same prestigious method that has turned out such household names as Mikhail Baryshnikov, Rudolf Nureyev, and Anna Pavlova, to name a few.

The dynamic Russian duo will be on hand this year to help with staging, exposing both the performers and the audience to the most authentic experience. Performers will also have the unique opportunity to work with Vanessa Bessler, former Prima Ballerina and founder of CBSA. Through recognition, awards, and scholarships from the most prestigious ballet competitions and schools in the world for many of its dancers, CBSA has elevated San Antonio to the world stage, making it a strong player in the performing arts world.

Awards and accolades aside, CBSA is the only professional-level dance company in Texas to offer lead roles to dancers as young as eight years old. Designed to bridge the gap between young students and professional dancers, it is a gateway for young artists interested in pursuing a professional dance career, pointing their toes in the right direction.

Dance Center of San Antonio
126 W. Rector, Suite 120
San Antonio, TX 78216

Auditions:
Friday August 25, 5:30p.m. – 6p.m. for special needs performers
Saturday August 26, 10:30a.m. – 6p.m. for general auditions
All students must register to secure audition time.

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 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. 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.