Tag: art

Where to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in San Antonio: Date Night & Galentine’s Picks

The Study at Dean’s. Photo: Kimpton Santo, used with permission.

More Valentine’s Day Ideas in San Antonio 💕

San Antonio is turning up the romance this Valentine’s season. From heart-themed desserts and intimate chef-driven dinners to luxe hotel packages and festive Galentine’s gatherings, the city is full of ways to celebrate love — whether that’s with a partner, your best friends, or yourself.

Here’s your guide to more Valentine’s happenings around town.

🍰 Bakery Lorraine

Valentine’s & Galentine’s Treats
📅 February 1 – 15
📍 All Bakery Lorraine locations

Bakery Lorraine is offering a collection of sweet (and slightly edgy) Valentine’s treats perfect for gifting or indulging.

One highlight? Proceeds from the chocolate cherry macaron will benefit the San Antonio Food Bank throughout February, so your dessert does some good, too.

Available In-Store:

  • Sugar Skull Shortbread Cookies – Vanilla shortbread decorated with fondant and royal icing accents (individually bagged and gift-ready).
  • “Love You to Death” Vanilla Raspberry Skull Cakes – Moist vanilla cake with tart raspberry filling and buttercream flower eyes.
  • Heart Shortbread Cookie Stack – Pink vanilla shortbread cookies tied with string.
  • Dark Cherry & Chocolate Tiramisu – Coffee-soaked ladyfingers layered with dark cherry compote and mascarpone.
  • Raspberry Rose Japonaise – A delicate macaron filled with raspberry rose and mascarpone, topped with fresh raspberries and rose petals.

🌹Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa

📍 555 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Timeless Romance Hotel & Spa Package

📅 February 13 – 15

Enjoy a romantic retreat featuring:

  • $100 food & beverage or spa credit
  • Complimentary valet
  • A bottle of bubbles
  • Chocolate-covered strawberries

Book a spa treatment and receive a truffle takeaway, or purchase a $250 gift card and receive a $25 spa enhancement credit.

Where Love Lingers: Valentine’s Dinner at Corinne

📅 February 13 – 14
💲 $95 per person

Indulge in a chef-curated five-course meal at Corinne San Antonio, designed for an elegant and intimate evening.

Galentine’s: Leopard & Lace at Anaqua Garden Bar

📅 Friday, February 13
⏰ 7 PM – 10 PM

Celebrate Galentine’s in garden glam style with creative cocktails, interactive games, and playful activations. Expect a lively atmosphere designed for connection and fun.

Highlights Include:

  • Photo station
  • Temporary tattoo station
  • Lip gloss charm station
  • Bic lighter decorations
  • Hair tinsel & braid bar
  • Large Confession Burn Book
  • Card games at every table, including “We’re Not Really Strangers”

🥂Kimpton Santo San Antonio – Riverwalk

📍 431 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Lover’s Retreat Hotel Package

📅 February 13 – 15

Couples can enjoy:

  • Bubbles & chocolate-covered strawberries
  • Romantic welcome amenity
  • $150 food & beverage credit
  • Late checkout

Perfect for a relaxed, indulgent River Walk escape.

Dean’s Steak & Seafood Valentine’s Experience

📅 February 13 – 15
⏰ 11 AM – 9 PM

Located in a historic 19th-century schoolhouse, Dean’s offers prime steaks, A5 Japanese and Texas wagyu, and premium seafood.

Outdoor globe dining is available for a uniquely memorable experience. Valentine’s add-ons can be arranged through OpenTable.

The Valentine’s Reserve at The Study at Dean’s

📅 Saturday, February 13
⏰ 5 PM – 11 PM

An intimate celebration featuring:

  • Live cigar rolling
  • Expertly curated pours
  • A refined atmosphere made for unhurried conversation

Love is in the Air at Tenfold Rooftop

📅 February 13 – 15
⏰ 12 PM – 1 AM

Celebrate ten floors above the city with skyline views and curated cocktails.

Cabana and premium table reservations include:

  • A chilled bottle of bubbles
  • Chocolate fondue with strawberries
  • A bouquet of roses

💌The Gunter Hotel

📍 311 N St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Make It a Moment Hotel Package

This romantic escape includes:

  • Complimentary sparkling wine
  • Curated romantic vinyl selections
  • $50 food & beverage credit
  • Luxurious his-and-her robes to take home

Jots Sweetheart Dinner for Two

📅 Saturday, February 14
💲 $150 for two

Enjoy a special three-course Valentine’s menu designed to delight the senses.

Paris Baguette Valentine’s Delights

📍 205 E Houston St

The international South Korean bakery is offering limited-time handcrafted cakes and Pink Velvet pastries, available while supplies last.

Galentine’s & Piano Love Songs at Bar 414

📅 Saturday, February 14
🎹 Live music from 9 PM – 12 AM

Toast to friendship at this speakeasy-inspired lounge inside The Gunter Hotel.

San Antonio–born pianist and vocalist Chris Guerrero will perform classic and guest-requested love songs, blending refined jazz with crowd-favorite sing-alongs.

💐The St. Anthony Hotel

📍 300 E Travis St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Celebrating Love & Friendship at Esencia

📅 February 10 – 14

Esencia is offering prix fixe menus ideal for couples and Galentine’s gatherings alike. Guests can enjoy shared appetizers, two entrées, and a shared dessert, thoughtfully crafted and priced per person.

Toast to Romance at Anacacho Coffee & Cantina

📅 February 10 – 14

Enjoy special Valentine’s cocktails in a festive and romantic setting.

Candlelight & Jazz at Gallery on the Park

📅 Friday, February 13
⏰ 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
💲 $205 per person

This four-course, chef-curated dinner includes:

  • Live Latin jazz by Grammy-nominated artist Henry Brun
  • A complimentary glass of champagne
  • Candlelit ambiance
  • Valet parking

An elevated evening designed for timeless romance.

🥧Otto’s Ice House

📍 111 Newell Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212
🕚 Open daily at 11 AM

Located in the Historic Pearl District, Otto’s Ice House offers a casual, riverside setting perfect for low-key Valentine’s plans.

For something sweet, Goode Co.’s Brazos Bottom Pecan Pies are available to ship nationwide. Each pie comes in a handcrafted keepsake box with one of three limited-edition messages:

  • “Pie Love You”
  • “Ride or Pie”
  • “Bless Your Heart”

💲 $60 per pie

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a luxe dinner reservation, or a festive Galentine’s night out, San Antonio offers something for every kind of love story this season. 💗

Contemporary at Blue Star: 2026 Exhibitions, Events, and Artist Opportunities

Mini Art Museum at the Contemporary’s Family Day, 2024. Photo by Bria Woods, used with permission.

Upcoming Exhibitions & Programs at Contemporary at Blue Star

San Antonio, Texas – In 2026, the Contemporary at Blue Star centers its exhibition programming around the theme of community, marking a major milestone: the organization’s 40th anniversary in June 2026. Curator and Exhibitions Director Jacqueline Saragoza McGilvray frames the year as an opportunity to reflect on the Contemporary’s history, the role community has played in shaping the institution, and the ways exhibitions can actively build and strengthen local, national, and international relationships. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2026)

Below is a look at the upcoming exhibitions and programs.

Mark Menjívar: Murmurations

Opening Night: Friday, February 6, 2026 | 6–9 p.m.
Taco Talk: Friday, February 6, 2026 | 10:30–11:30 a.m.
On View: February 6 – May 3, 2026

San Antonio–based artist Mark Menjívar integrates social practice and participatory education models to create intentional community building. His work establishes frameworks for students, community groups, and leaders to engage in critical dialogue around the issues that shape their lives.

Menjívar’s participatory projects often incorporate oral history recording, archive building, publications, and installations that present collective conversations while inviting continued public engagement. Over the last two decades, he has completed more than a dozen multifaceted, long-term projects.

This mid-career survey highlights selected works—including The Luck Archive—while also debuting new projects. Menjívar is currently an Associate Professor in the Interdisciplinary School for Engagement at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Mini Art Museum

Honoring the Late Mary Cantú

Opening Night: Friday, March 6, 2026 | 6–9 p.m.
On View: March 6 – June 7, 2026

The San Antonio arts community was deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Mary Cantú on February 18, 2025, at age 45. Cantú was a beloved advocate for arts education and served on the Contemporary’s Education Committee from 2014–2016, playing a key role in the development of the Creative Classrooms program and championing free access to art for San Antonio children.

In 2013, Cantú co-founded the Mini Art Museum with Gabriela Santiago. Using standard office binders as gallery “walls,” the Mini Art Museum invited artists to create miniature works sized to fit inside 8.5 × 11-inch plastic sleeves. Featuring original works by professional artists, the museum encourages close observation, often aided by magnifying glasses, creating a sense of wonder and intimacy.

In spring 2024, the Mini Art Museum collection was transferred to the Contemporary. Exhibited here in its entirety and in memoriam of Mary Cantú, the presentation includes over 100 works by artists such as Kim Bishop, Sarah Castillo, Michael Menchaca, and Vincent Valdez, reflecting the profound impact Cantú made on the community.

Roman Franc: Groups Collective

Opening Night: Friday, March 6, 2026 | 6–9 p.m.
On View: March 6 – June 7, 2026

Artist Roman Franc will travel to San Antonio to create new photographs as part of his ongoing Group Pictures / Collectives series. Since 2015, Franc has photographed groups across cultures and geographies, from residents of Tanna Island in the South Pacific to the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C.

San Antonio’s layered and interconnected communities provide a rich setting for this project. In alignment with the Contemporary’s 40th anniversary theme, Groups Collective offers glimpses into a larger whole, reflecting the city’s diversity and collective spirit.

Franc (b. 1983, Brno, Czech Republic) holds an MA in Education from Masaryk University and an MFA in Photography from the Institute of Creative Photography at Silesian University, Opava. His practice focuses on non-traditional portraiture and staged photography, alongside curatorial and publishing work.

Berlin Residency Program

2026–2027 Application Cycle Now Open

Contemporary at Blue Star is now accepting applications from artists living and working in Bexar County for its Berlin Residency Program. Launched in 2013, the program enters its 12th cycle in partnership with Künstlerhaus Bethanien (KB).

Each year, four artists are awarded three-month residencies in Berlin, Germany, with the opportunity to also visit San Antonio’s sister city, Darmstadt, Germany.

Residency Support Includes:

  • $2,000 stipend for travel and living expenses
  • Coverage of all residency program fees, including:
    • Studio and living space
    • Inclusion in the internationally distributed BE magazine
    • Curatorial visits and workshop access

Eligibility guidelines are available through the application link.
Application Deadline: Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 4 p.m.

About Contemporary at Blue Star

Contemporary at Blue Star presents exhibitions featuring artists from San Antonio and around the world, sharing global perspectives that encourage understanding, empathy, change, and action. As a non-collecting contemporary art space, the Contemporary offers fresh insights into cultural and societal issues by highlighting current trends, movements, and conversations in art.

Admission is always free.

Contemporary at Blue Star
116 Blue Star
San Antonio, TX 78204

A Second Life for The Long Way Home as Michael Apted’s Documentary Returns at MoMA

Dave Stewart and Boris Grebenshchikov in The Long Way Home: Remastered and Expanded. Photo: EG-PR, used with permission.

The Long Way Home: Remastered and Expanded (2026)

Screening at MoMA’s To Save and Project: The 22nd International Festival of Film Preservation

Michael Apted’s The Long Way Home: Remastered and Expanded (2026) will be screened as part of To Save and Project: The 22nd MoMA International Festival of Film Preservation. (EG-PR, 2026)

About To Save and Project

To Save and Project is an international festival dedicated to newly preserved film treasures from archives, studios, and independent filmmakers. Many of the films premiering at MoMA will receive their first U.S. screening since their original release, while others will be shown in meticulously restored versions that more closely approximate their original presentation. Some titles will even be screened publicly for the first time ever in New York.

The festival runs from January 8 through February 2, 2026.

About the Film

The Long Way Home: Remastered and Expanded (2026) is a newly restored version of Michael Apted’s documentary, based on the only existing 16mm print, supervised by producer Steven Lawrence and editor Susanne Rostock.

The film is a revealing, rollicking portrait of Boris Grebenshchikov, the Soviet underground rock legend who became the first Russian rocker to record in the West during the early, optimistic days of Glasnost. It captures a rare moment of artistic freedom, cultural collision, and creative risk.

Featured Artists

The film features:

  • Boris Grebenshchikov
  • Dave Stewart
  • Members of the legendary Russian rock band Aquarium

With special appearances by:

  • Annie Lennox
  • Chrissie Hynde
  • Ray Cooper
  • Crosby, Stills & Nash
  • and many more

Boris Grebenshchikov is widely regarded as one of the “founding fathers” of Russian rock music and is the founder and lead singer of Aquarium.

Film Details

Title: The Long Way Home: Remastered and Expanded (2026)
Directed by: Michael Apted
Epilogue Directed by: Steven Lawrence & Susanne Rostock
Produced by: Steven Lawrence
Edited by: Susanne Rostock

Format: Feature Documentary
Languages: English, Russian (English subtitles)
Running Time: 98 minutes

Screening Information

To Save and Project: The 22nd MoMA International Festival of Film Preservation

Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location:
MoMA, Floor T2/T1, Theater 2
(The Roy and Niuta Titus Theater 2)

🎤 With an in-person introduction by Producer Steven Lawrence and Editor Susanne Rostock.

A Film Rediscovered

The Long Way Home was released to critical acclaim following its UK broadcast and its premiere at Sundance, yet it has largely disappeared over the past 30 years. By 1988, Michael Apted was already a highly regarded director in both fiction and nonfiction.

Apted’s extraordinary ability to draw people out results in a complex study of an artist who seized a fleeting moment of unimaginable freedom—recording new music with new collaborators—while grappling with the emotional fallout. Members of Aquarium felt abandoned, and longtime Russian fans were uncertain about Grebenshchikov’s English-language songs when he returned home to perform them.

Thanks to producer Steven Lawrence, the film now has a second life in this newly remastered edition. Together with editor Susanne Rostock, Lawrence has also created a new epilogue tracing Grebenshchikov’s life after the release of his U.S. album Radio Silence, including his years in exile and his outspoken criticism of Putin’s war in Ukraine.

The epilogue partially fulfills Apted’s own ambition to make a sequel—a project he hoped to complete before his death in 2021.
(Courtesy of MoMA)

The Filmmakers

Michael Apted (Director)

Michael Apted made documentaries and feature films for over forty years. His globally recognized, award-winning work includes the UP Series (1964–2019), which followed the lives of fourteen British individuals from age seven, revisiting them every seven years. His documentary work also includes The Long Way Home, Moving the Mountain, Incident at Oglala, and The Power of the Game.

Steven Lawrence (Producer / New Epilogue Co-Director)

Steven Lawrence is a producer-director who has been making documentaries for over 30 years, focusing on artists, activists, and everyday heroes—from underground Soviet rockers and Senegalese rappers fighting female genital cutting, to Brooklyn cat rescuers and scientists racing to save the human microbiome.

As a producer, his collaborations with Michael Apted include three feature documentaries, among them The Long Way Home: Remastered and Expanded (2026) and Married in America.

Susanne Rostock (Editor / New Epilogue Co-Director)

Susanne Rostock’s more than 20-year collaboration with Michael Apted as editor resulted in a series of richly provocative films, including The Long Way Home, Incident at Oglala, Me & Isaac Newton, Inspirations, The Power of the Game, and Moving the Mountain.

Discover This High-Demand Wholesale Mug Opportunity Inspired by Vinny the Pug

‘The Life and Times of Vinny the Bug’ inspired a coffee mug collection. Photo: Allen Kimble Jr, used with permission.

Discover a Unique Business Opportunity: The Story Behind Pugona Rock Coffee Mugs

Entrepreneurship holds a powerful appeal for aspiring business owners because it represents possibility, independence, and the chance to create something meaningful from the ground up. For many, the draw lies in the freedom to shape their own path, choosing what to build, how to operate, and which values will guide their work. For those exploring small business opportunities, entrepreneurship opens doors to creativity and financial independence.

Unlike traditional employment, entrepreneurship invites innovation and encourages people to bring their unique ideas to life without waiting for permission. The promise of owning one’s future, transforming passion, skill, and determination into a business that reflects personal values, makes it one of the most compelling business ideas for retailers and future founders.

Meet the Entrepreneur: Allen Yhorst Kimble Jr.

Allen Yhorst Kimble Jr., a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up in the mid-1950s and later entered the United States Air Force. He served one year in Vietnam, eight years across Asia, and completed a total of 11 years of military service. During his time in Southeast Asia, he discovered photography, a hobby he continues to enjoy today and one that eventually influenced his creative work and inspirational entrepreneur story. (Allen Yhorst Kimble Jr., 2025)

In 2001, while living in Orlando, Florida, he adopted a small pug named Vinny. After relocating to Phoenix following the 9/11 attacks, Vinny quickly adapted to the Arizona desert, climbing boulders, exploring rugged landscapes, and inspiring Allen’s picture-story book, “The Life and Times of Vinny The Pug.” This lovable canine would later become the heart behind one of the most unique pet-themed gift brands online.

The Birth of a Business: Pugona Rock Coffee Mugs

A creative and successful entrepreneur, Allen operates a wholesale-only coffee mug web store specializing in dog-themed merchandise. Each design in the Pugona Rock Coffee Mug collection is inspired by the real-life adventures of Vinny the Pug, making them standout products for boutiques, gift shops, bloggers, and anyone seeking unique gift shop merchandise.

Allen doesn’t sell individual mugs. Instead, he partners with retailers interested in wholesale coffee mugs, offering an accessible and profitable reseller opportunity:

  • Minimum order: 12 mugs
  • Wholesale cost: $10 each
  • Typical retail price: $20 each

This margin makes the mug reselling business a strong option for online stores, pet boutiques, artisan markets, and those looking to expand their product sourcing for small businesses with high-demand, story-driven merchandise.

Courtesy photos, used with permission.

Interested in Becoming a Retail Partner?

If you or someone you know is a retail seller seeking bulk mug orders, wholesale mugs, or a fresh coffee mug business opportunity, you can enroll directly in Allen’s wholesale program. There is no cost or fee to join, and early participants receive valuable perks and support as they begin building their retail partnership with Pugona Rock Coffee Mugs.

Sponsored Post

Sacred Bones Unveils Remastered Alan Vega Classics and Rare Archival Gems

The Vega Vault Project and Sacred Bones to reissue Alan Vega’s first two trailblazing solo albums. Photo: Peter Noble/Redferns

Alan Vega’s Legacy Continues: Sacred Bones Announces Remastered Reissues and Deluxe Editions

The Vega Vault Project and Sacred Bones Records are once again unearthing the extensive body of work left behind by Alan Vega, visionary visual artist, musician, and poet. Their latest announcement brings exciting news: the reissue of Vega’s landmark 1980 self-titled debut, along with its follow-up, Collision Drive. (another side, 2025)

Remastered From Original Tapes & Streaming for the First Time

Both albums have been newly remastered from the original tapes and are available on streaming platforms for the first time ever. Sacred Bones Records will re-release the albums with a commitment to preserving the raw intensity of Vega’s original recordings while making them newly accessible to listeners worldwide.

These carefully curated reissues will be accompanied by Alan Vega Deluxe Edition, a limited deluxe double LP packed with unheard demos, unseen photos, new artwork, and Vega’s original track sheets from his 1978 Suicide / The Clash tour notebook.

Release Date and Availability

Alan Vega, Collision Drive, and the Alan Vega Deluxe Edition all arrive on January 23, 2026. The deluxe edition, available as a limited double LP, is positioned as the definitive version of Vega’s solo debut. Pre-order/Pre-save here: Alan Vega, Alan Vega Deluxe Edition, Collision Drive.

A Look Back at Vega’s Solo Breakthrough

Released in 1980, Alan Vega arrived at the same time Suicide released their second album, Suicide: Alan Vega and Martin Rev. Eager to explore his personal sonic identity, Vega drew inspiration from rockabilly, early rock ’n’ roll, and his lifelong admiration for Elvis Presley. Filling the spaces between Suicide sessions, he began writing and performing his own material, developing a sound that pushed even further into the edges of experimentation.

The Grit and Fire of Collision Drive

Recorded in the same year and the same New York studio as his debut, 1981’s Collision Drive expanded Vega’s artistic reach. The album delivered a harder, grittier, and more layered energy. Vega’s lyrics tapped into universal themes inspired by street culture, science fiction, politics, comics, love, and cosmic mystery. The result: a record bursting with rebellion, feeling, and the evolving spark of Vega’s creative vision.

Unearthed Demos and New Visuals

The new reissues pair the remastered original albums with early, previously unheard demos discovered in the Vega Vault by Liz Lamere and Jared Artaud. The tapes were transferred by engineer Ted Young and mastered by Josh Bonati, offering rare insights into the making of Vega’s cult classics.

All three albums include newly designed artwork by Artaud and Michael Handis, making each release a collector’s piece and an essential addition for longtime fans.

More About Alan Vega and the Vega Vault Project

Born in Brooklyn in 1938, Alan Vega co-founded the groundbreaking avant-garde band Suicide with Martin Rev in 1970. Their influence has echoed across genres for decades. Vega’s solo career took off with the hit “Jukebox Babe,” leading to a contract with Elektra Records and the release of two albums, including the cult favorite Saturn Strip, produced by Ric Ocasek.

Rejecting commercial constraints, Vega returned to his experimental roots, generating a steady stream of solo releases over the following decades, from Deuce Avenue to Dujang Prang (released on Henry Rollins’ 2.13.61 imprint), culminating in his late-career masterpiece, It. Vega viewed these albums as sonic counterparts to his visual art, capturing both the world around him and timeless, universal themes. His work remains just as relevant today.

During this prolific era, Vega began collaborating with Liz Lamere, his wife and most significant creative partner. In 2019, Lamere and Jared Artaud unearthed the lost Vega album Mutator, released in 2021, followed by Insurrection in 2024. They co-produced and mixed both records and now lead the Vega Vault Project, dedicated to bringing rare and unreleased Vega material to the public.

A third full-length collection of previously unheard recordings, Ascension Dive, is currently in development.

Alan Vega Tracklist:

01 – Jukebox Babe
02 – Kung Foo Cowboy
03 – Fireball
04 – Love Cry
05 – Speedway
06 – Ice Drummer
07 – Bye Bye Bayou
08 – Lonely

Alan Vega Deluxe Edition Tracklist:
 
01 – Jukebox Babe
02 – Kung Foo Cowboy
03 – Fireball
04 – Love Cry
05 – Speedway
06 – Ice Drummer
07 – Bye Bye Bayou
08 – Lonely
09 – Ice Drummer (Demo)
10 – Fireball (Demo)
11 – Speedway (Demo)
12 – Love Cry (Demo)
13 – Kung Foo Cowboy (Demo)
14 – Lonely (Demo)
15 – Bye Bye Bayou (Demo)

Collision Drive Tracklist: 

01 – Magdalena 82
02 – Be Bop A Lula
03 – Outlaw
04 – Raver
05 – Ghost Rider
06 – I Believe
07 – Magdalena 83
08 – Rebel
09 – Viet Vet

A Heist on the High Seas: Reviewing ‘Maiden Voyage’ by Bradley Harper

‘Maiden Voyage’ is the exciting new historical novel by Bradley Harper. Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours, used with permission.

Paste Creative Book Tours Participant

Book Review: Maiden Voyage by Bradley Harper

Three female thieves, a priceless painting, and a Pinkerton agent aboard the Titanic.
What could go wrong?

Synopsis

Maiden Voyage by Bradley Harper follows an unlikely trio of thieves, Colette DuVall, Mary Carr, and Samantha “Sam” McMurphy, as they embark on a daring mission to steal a valuable painting by the French master Blondell. Their plan takes them aboard the RMS Titanic on its ill-fated maiden journey.

Colette, a young jewel thief from Canada, finds her resolve wavering when she meets Harry Worth, a young Pinkerton agent hired to safeguard the wealthy passengers. What she doesn’t know is that Harry is the son of infamous criminal Adam Worth. Torn between his sense of duty and his complicated family legacy, Harry begins questioning where he truly belongs, especially after falling for Colette.

As loyalties collide as fiercely as the ship meets the iceberg, all aboard must fight for survival. Amid disaster, they discover that love might be the greatest thief of all.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Review

Maiden Voyage is a brisk, character-driven historical adventure that blends romance, crime, and maritime tragedy into an undeniably compelling read.

A Vivid Criminal Underworld

The novel opens with Mary Carr and the notorious Forty Elephants gang, a real historical group of female thieves. This grounding in true criminal lore adds texture and authenticity, making the early chapters particularly immersive. When Harry discovers what the gang is planning aboard the Titanic, the tension begins to mount, soon followed by the ship’s own looming catastrophe.

A Strong Emotional Core

The narrative delves deeply into Harry’s personal conflict. As the son of a master criminal, he grapples with the weight of his heritage and the moral ambiguity of justice. His connection with Colette is one of the book’s strongest elements: tender without slowing the pace, layered without becoming overly sentimental.

Memorable Characters & Vivid Writing

Harper’s character development shines. One particularly striking description captures the lived-in dignity of a working woman:

“Her red, chapped hands declaring how she made her way in the world, the well-worn but clean clothes presented a defiant dignity the years and work had yet to take from her.”

These small touches make the characters feel real, and when tragedy strikes, you genuinely root for their survival.

History, Heart, and High Stakes

Harper integrates historical detail without overwhelming the story. The author’s notes at the end provide fascinating context on real figures like Mary Carr and the Forty Elephants, enriching the reading experience.

The Titanic disaster is woven into the plot with restraint and emotional weight. Rather than leaning into melodrama, the novel balances suspense with tenderness, exploring themes of identity, family, and survival.

A Fresh Take on Titanic Fiction

Fast-paced, atmospheric, and surprisingly heartfelt, Maiden Voyage offers a fresh twist on stories set aboard the Titanic. Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a blend of crime, adventure, and romance will find much to love.

Harper leaves readers with a haunting reminder of the ship’s legacy:

“Beneath the water, the ship plunged 12,000 feet to the ocean floor, full of the wealth of millionaires and the humble possessions of hopeful emigrants; it carried them all away into the frigid darkness. Into legend.”

Get your copy today!
Amazon
Indigo (Canada)
Bookshop.org

About the Author

Bradley Harper is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and pathologist who has conducted more than 200 autopsies and around 20 forensic investigations.

His debut novel, A Knife in the Fog (2018), was a finalist for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel and winner of the 2019 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion for Best Mystery. His second novel, Queen’s Gambit, won the 2020 Silver Falchion for Best Suspense and Book of the Year.
Maiden Voyage is his fourth book.

Author Bradley Harper. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Courtesy photo, used with permission.

*Thank you to Paste Creative Book Tours and the author for my gifted copy for review as part of the tour. I have not been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

PechaKucha San Antonio Returns to the Tobin Center

The final PechaKucha of 2025 will take place this Thursday November 6. Photo: PechaKucha San Antonio, used with permission.

PechaKucha San Antonio Closes Out 2025 with Volume 47 at the Tobin Center

SAN ANTONIO, TX — PechaKucha San Antonio, the global arts and culture series known for its fast-paced storytelling format, is excited to announce Volume 47 — the final event in its 2025 series. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2025)

📅 Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
📍 Location: Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, TX 78205
🕕 Schedule:

  • 6:30 p.m. — Welcome Reception
  • 7:30 p.m. — Presentations Begin

A Night of Creativity at the Tobin Center

Nestled along the banks of the San Antonio River, the historic Tobin Center is a downtown landmark that blends its original facade with a state-of-the-art performance space. This beautifully restored venue has become a beacon of creativity, fine art, and urban revitalization and it’s the perfect setting for PechaKucha’s final 2025 event.

Meet the Volume 47 Presenters

This edition of PechaKucha San Antonio will spotlight seven inspiring local voices, each sharing their passions through the signature 20×20 format — 20 images, 20 seconds each.

🎤 Featured Speakers:

  • Debby Andersen – Healer
  • Agosto Cuellar – Fashion Designer / Fashion Activist
  • Attie Jonker – Master Craftsman
  • Juliette Montoya – Salon Owner & Operator
  • Oscar Perez – Chief Everything Officer
  • Ed Saavedra – Visual Artist
  • Tori Santos – Community Choreographer

✨ The evening’s emcee will be Naomi Shihab Nye, San Antonio–based poet, educator, editor, and former Poet Laureate.

Music, Food, and Community

The welcome reception will feature live music by Kitten Mitten, a band of animal-loving friends turning their pets’ antics into anthems, blending heart and humor to amplify both furry and human voices that too often go unheard.

Guests will enjoy complimentary bites from local favorites including:
🍽 Liberty Bar • Tio Pelon’s Salsita • Cheesy Jane’s • Bakery Lorraine • Tobin Catering

The Tobin Center will also offer drinks and cocktails for purchase throughout the night.

Tickets

🎟 Tickets: $10 per person
🔗 Purchase here: Tobin Center

About PechaKucha

PechaKucha (pronounced PEH-chuh KOO-chuh) is a global arts and culture event where presenters share their passions through 20 images x 20 seconds — a total of 6 minutes and 40 seconds per talk.

The format was created by Klein Dytham Architecture in Tokyo in 2003 to encourage creative professionals to share ideas in a concise and engaging way. Since then, PechaKucha has grown to over 1,200 cities worldwide.

San Antonio hosted its first PechaKucha Night in February 2011 and now attracts hundreds of attendees each quarter, featuring architects, artists, makers, academics, community leaders, and more.

Photo: Ben Yanto, used with permission.

Hotel Contessa’s Monthlong Día de los Muertos Festivities

Hotel Contessa will host various spirited activations for Día de los Muertos. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Celebrate Día de los Muertos All Month Long at Hotel Contessa

This October, Hotel Contessa invites guests and locals alike to experience a vibrant monthlong Día de los Muertos celebration along San Antonio’s iconic River Walk. The festivities will feature colorful cultural traditions, hands-on workshops, culinary delights, and live entertainment designed to honor remembrance and bring the community together. (Hotel Contessa, 2025)

🎉 Día de los Muertos River Parade Celebration

📍 River Level Atrium & River Patio
🗓 Friday, Oct. 24 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.

San Antonio’s Day of the Dead River Parade returns with elaborately decorated floats, catrinas, and costumed riders. Guests staying at Hotel Contessa can enjoy front-row seats to the parade, plus face painting, mariachi music, a live DJ, and local tacos and food vendors.

🎟 Tickets: $50–$110 (via Eventbrite)
Status: Sold Out

🌺 Día de los Muertos River Parade – VIP Terrace Experience

📍 Private Rooftop Terrace
🗓 Friday, Oct. 24 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Enjoy an elevated view of the River Parade from Hotel Contessa’s private rooftop terrace. This exclusive VIP experience includes two specialty cocktails, private bar access, DJ entertainment, and a flower crown-making station. VIP guests will also be entered into a raffle to win a one-night stay at Hotel Contessa in 2026.

🎟 Tickets: Starting at $175 per person (Eventbrite)

🌮 Street Taco Cook-Off with St. Philip’s College

📍 River Patio
🗓 Saturday, Oct. 25 | 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Watch as culinary students from St. Philip’s College compete to create the best taco in town. Guests can enjoy complimentary light bites and refreshments while cheering on the chefs.

🎟 Free and open to the public — no RSVP required.

🎨 Make Your Own Altar: Kids Workshop

📍 River Level Atrium
🗓 Saturday, Oct. 25 | 2–3:30 p.m.

Perfect for kids 12 and under, this interactive workshop led by local artist Mary Carmen Sessions teaches the traditions of Día de los Muertos through hands-on art projects. Children will create tissue paper marigolds, colorful papel picado, and mini pan de muerto from modeling clay while learning the meaning behind each symbol.

🎟 Tickets: $25 per child (includes supplies, drink, and snacks) — purchase tickets [here].

🍸 Spirits & Sips Altar Workshop (Adults Only)

📍 River Level Atrium
🗓 Saturday, Oct. 25 | 6–7:30 p.m.

An evening for adults to sip, socialize, and create. Guests will design their own mini altar while enjoying a signature cocktail and learning about the cultural significance of altar traditions.

🎟 Tickets: $55 per person (includes cocktail and altar kit) — purchase tickets [here].

🖼️ Monthly Art Fair: Día de los Muertos Edition + CAST School Art Reveal

📍 River Level Atrium
🗓 Sunday, Oct. 26 | 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

This special edition of Hotel Contessa’s monthly art fair transforms the atrium into a lively marketplace of local artists and artisans, featuring Día de los Muertos–inspired works. Guests can also enjoy a student art reveal from CAST School, where young artists collaborate with professional mentors.

🎟 Free and open to the public — no RSVP required.

👻 Spooky Spa Halloween Party

📍 Rooftop Spa
🗓 Thursday, Oct. 31 | 6–9 p.m.

Cap off the month with an adults-only Halloween celebration at Hotel Contessa’s rooftop spa. Enjoy spa and jacuzzi access, themed demos, light bites, spooky cocktails, and a crystal sound bath experience. Guests can sign up for up to three spa sessions, including chair massages, Japanese head spa demos, infrared sauna services, and cold plunge stretch sessions.

The evening also includes adult trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and complimentary parking.

🎟 Sound bath tickets: $30 per person (limited availability; RSVP required)

📍 Hotel Contessa
306 W. Market St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

October Events You Won’t Want to Miss at Pearl

From Diwali to BBQ, there’s something for everyone this fall. Photo: Pearl

🎃 October at Pearl: A Month Full of Music, Food, and Community Fun

Fall has officially arrived, and there’s no better place to soak it all in than Pearl. As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, Pearl transforms into a vibrant hub of activity — filled with live music echoing through the courtyards, the scent of barbecue and baked goods drifting from the Food Hall, and the joyful buzz of friends and families gathering under twinkle lights. (Pearl, 2025)

Whether you’re here for the flavors, the fashion, or the fun, October is packed with can’t-miss events for every mood and moment.

Below is your guide to everything happening across Pearl this month — from one-night-only experiences to free community favorites that make Pearl the heart of San Antonio in the fall.

🌟 One-Night-Only Events

Runway at Stable Hall

📅 Thursday, October 16
A fashion show co-chaired by Cody Shown and Lisa Longoria Scott, benefiting the San Antonio Food Bank’s flood relief efforts. Voted Best Fashion Show in San Antonio.
💲 18+ | Ticketed Event

Pullman Market’s Smoke & Fire Celebration

📅 Saturday, October 18
A first-of-its-kind gathering of 10 celebrated pitmasters. Enjoy BBQ tastings, live-fire demos, craft beverages, and live music — all family-friendly.
💲 General Admission: $77.08 (taxes & fees included)
💲 VIP: $146.39

Ladino’s Birthday Cookout

📅 Sunday, October 19
Celebrate Ladino’s 3rd birthday with bites from Mezquite, Pullman Market, and The Jerk Shack, plus live music, balloon art, and face painting.
💲 Adults: $55 (includes 5 food & beverage tickets)
💲 Kids: $20 (includes 2 tickets)

Diwali at Pearl

📅 Wednesday, October 22
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with themed vendors, delicious food and drinks, live entertainment, and cultural showcases. A family-friendly evening of light, love, and community.
💲 Free Event

It’s a 2000s (Halloween) Party

📅 Friday, October 31
The Y2K throwback dance party returns to Stable Hall! Bring your best Halloween costume and relive the early 2000s in style.
💲 Tickets: $20–$31

💪 Fitness Get-Togethers

ACTIVATE Boot Camp

📅 Tuesdays through December
Join ACTIVATE for free fitness sessions designed to boost physical and mental well-being.
💲 Free

📽️ Weekly Rituals

Movie Mondays

📅 Every Monday starting October 20 | Sunset at Pearl Park
Catch your favorite films under the stars! Bring a blanket or chair and grab snacks from the Food Hall.
💲 Free / Cost of purchase

Pearl Farmers Market

📅 Every Saturday
Shop local produce, meats, and handmade goods from South Texas farmers and ranchers.
💲 Free / Cost of purchase

Pearl Makers Market

📅 Every Sunday
Explore culinary-inspired home goods and one-of-a-kind artisan finds.
💲 Free / Cost of purchase

Si Art San Antonio Pop-Up Market

📅 Saturday, October 18 | Larder, Brewmeister Alley
Discover ceramics, photography, paintings, and prints from local artists.
💲 Free / Cost of purchase

🎶 Live Music Lineup

Chavela: Album Release Party

📅 Sunday, October 19
Celebrate San Antonio artist Chavela’s debut album live.
💲 Ticketed Event

Performances at Jazz, TX

📅 Ongoing
From Broadway reimaginings to Latin Jazz Nights, there’s always something new on stage.
💲 Ticketed Events

Live Music at Otto’s Ice House

📅 Fridays by the River
Relax with a drink in hand, river views, and live country tunes.
💲 Free / Cost of purchase

Sternewirth Sessions at Hotel Emma

📅 Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays
Enjoy a rotating lineup of Texas and national artists at the cozy tavern inside Hotel Emma.
💲 Free / Cost of purchase

✨ No matter your vibe—music, food, fashion, or fitness—there’s something happening for you this October at Pearl. Grab your friends, mark your calendars, and make the most of fall in San Antonio!

Sweet Traditions: La Panadería Unveils Its Fall Pan Dulce and Día de Muertos Treats

La Panadería’s Pink Pan de Muerto. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

🍂 Celebrate Fall with La Panadería’s New Seasonal Pan Dulce and Día de los Muertos Specials

La Panadería is excited to announce the launch of its fall-inspired pan dulce lineup—just in time for cooler weather and Día de los Muertos celebrations! This season, the bakery brings bold, comforting flavors to its beloved collection of pastries with two standout creations you won’t want to miss. (La Panadería, 2025)

🎃 Pumpkin Concha — $4.70

Back by popular demand!
The Pumpkin Concha returns with La Panadería’s signature pillowy concha base, topped with a festive orange cookie crust and filled with a rich, spiced pumpkin filling made from real pumpkin purée. It’s a cozy fall favorite and the perfect pairing for the bakery’s Maple Pumpkin Cold Foam Latte.

🗓 Available: Now through Thanksgiving (November 27) at all La Panadería locations.

💀 Dubai Chocolate Pan de Muerto — $7.50

New this year!
Introducing the Dubai Chocolate Pan de Muerto, a luxurious twist on the traditional Day of the Dead bread. This personal-sized pan de muerto is flavored with orange essence, dusted in sugar, sliced open, and generously filled with house-made Nutella and pistachio ganache made from real ground pistachios. Finished with chopped pistachios, it’s an indulgent, limited-time treat.

🗓 Available: In limited daily quantities through Día de Muertos weekend (November 2) at all four La Panadería locations, while supplies last.

🕯 Pan de Muerto Pre-Order Details

Celebrate Día de los Muertos with La Panadería’s family-size and mini Pan de Muerto loaves, available for pre-order online.

Pre-Order Here
Pre-orders open: Wednesday, October 22

🍞 Available Items & Pricing

  • Family Size Regular Pan de Muerto – $25.00
  • Family Size Pink Pan de Muerto – $27.50
  • Mini 6-Pack Regular Pan de Muerto – $25.00
  • Mini 6-Pack Pink Pan de Muerto – $30.00

📦 Pick-Up Dates

  • Friday, October 31
  • Saturday, November 1
  • Sunday, November 2

✨ The vibrant pink Pan de Muerto—a customer favorite—returns this year in both family-size and mini options. The classic mini and personal-sized Pan de Muerto are also available year-round in-store, no pre-order required.

☕ Fall-Inspired Lattes

Round out your visit with La Panadería’s new cold foam latte lineup, featuring comforting seasonal flavors:

  • Abuelita Chocolate
  • Dubai Chocolate
  • Pumpkin

These handcrafted drinks are the perfect pairing to a sweet slice of Pan de Muerto, making every visit a delicious way to celebrate the spirit of the season.

Dubai Chocolate Pan de Muerto. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.