From Parades to a Pub Crawl, Christmas Events Abound
New Year’s Parties for the Young and Old Alike
Keeping it Saxy: LaDarius “Low D” Daniels
Photo by Craig Blackmon FAIA
A RT · F O O D
MUSIC · YOGA
Located on the Corner of FM 279 & FM 314 at the Red Light in Historic Downtown Edom 817.721.7778 ~ Facebook: “4experience2”
Gift Certificates Available! NOW BOOKING
HOLIDAY PARTIES!
Fine Art for Sale
DINING ROOM Breakfast: Wednesday-Saturday 7-11 Lunch: Wednesday-Saturday 11-2 Friday & Saturday - Open All Day Dinner: Friday & Saturday 5-9 Brunch: Sunday 10-3 Chef's Specials Offered Weekly
GIFT C E NT R A L ! Follow on Facebook for gift ideas!
Celebrate the Holly, Jolly Holidays!
Party with Moore’s Store! DECEMBER 6
DECEMBER 21
East Texas Jazz Orchestra
NO COVER
DECEMBER 7
Texas Express $10.00
$12 ADV/ $15 DOOR
DECEMBER 13
NO COVER
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Pat Waters $8.00
Lee Mathis
DebbieThe DJ Karaoke
DECEMBER 14
DECEMBER 28 JANUARY 4 TUXEDO CATS $10.00
Daygan $7.00
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Moore’s! SEE FACEBOOK FOR DETAILS.
A Food Lover’s Best Friend! Voted Best Fajitas!
Celebrating our 30 Year Anniversary!
Now Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily!
Voted Best Seafood 3 Years in a Row!
Tex-Mex Plates & Combinations Steak & Chicken Fajitas Taqueria Tacos • Seafood Aperitivos • Nachos • Quesadillas Sopas • Queso • Ensaladas Lunch & Daily Menu
2214 S. Southwest Loop 323 Tyler, (903)534-1754 Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10:30am-10:00pm Friday-Saturday 10:30am-11:00pm
2202 E. 5th St. Tyler, (903)944-7921 Hours: Monday-Thursday 6:30am-9:30pm Friday-Saturday 6:30am-10pm
2500 E. Fifth St., Tyler, (903)597-2573 3040 W. Gentry Parkway, Tyler, (903)405-3378 3201 S. Main, Lindale, (903)881-0434 Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11am-9:30pm Friday-Saturday 11am-10:30pm
Visit all 3 restaurants at Posados.com
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“EGuide Tyler TX”
December 1, 2019 • Issue 12, Volume 7
Contents
5 To Do ��������� Holiday & Christmas Events In East Texas All Month Long including Azalea District “Trail of Lights” & Live Nativity Scene, The Lights of Kiepersol, “The Polar Express” at the Texas State Railroad, Buy a Tree, Change a Life, Walk the Lights at Up in Lights Christmas Light Park, and the 2019 Rotary Clubs of Tyler Christmas Parade ��������� Miss Kay from Duck Dynasty Welcomes the Annual 2019 Mistletoe & Magic to Tyler ��������� Shane & Shane and Phil Wickham Christmas Tour ��������� 15th Annual Christmas at The Children’s Park ��������� An Extra Special “The Nutcracker” Presentation at Tyler Jr. College ��������� Whitehouse Christmas in the Park & Parade ��������� Christmas in Lindale Market & Parade ��������� Santa Paws at PetCo ��������� A Bethlehem Drive-Thru ��������� Holiday Museum Open House in Downtown Tyler ��������� Christmas in Kilgore ��������� Holiday in the Garden & Bazaar at The Rose Garden ��������� Santa & Secret Citywide Santa Gift Exchange ��������� Free Christmas Gifts From “Kids Favorite Characters” & Santa Claus ��������� Have Fun, Make a Difference with the Salvation Army and 2nd Salvation Army Bike Build & Ride ��������� January 1st: Kettle Krush 5K ��������� Cowan Center Continues to Rock the 2019-2020 Season: Martina McBride Sings Her Many Christmas Hits and “An Evening with Rita Moreno, Legend of Stage and Screen” ��������� Santa Paws At Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary ��������� Hit the Bricks December 14th: Have Fun and Make a Difference at the Annual Blue Santa Pub Crawl ��������� At Liberty Hall: ‘Tis The Season For Christmas Movies & Concerts ��������� At Tyler State Park: Begin 2020 With A Hike In The Park ��������� 5K’s, Holiday Fun Runs & Much More 10 Music ��������� Keeping it Saxy: LaDarius “Low D” Daniels ��������� At Old Firehouse in Edom This Month: A Welcome for Orchestral Folk With American Dreamer ��������� Feeling the Groove: Senor Gringo ��������� Lost In Space: Gorgeous Jetson ��������� In Case You Were Wondering: We Have Your Dog ��������� A Guaranteed Sell Out! April 23rd: For King & Country ��������� Live Music Gig Guide 14 Books ��������� On the First Day of Christmas: Giving the Gift of Reading: Reviews of “Gracie Lou Wants a Zoo” by Shelly Roark and a few Recommended Series including “The Borrowers,” The Cherry Ames Series & The Hardy Boys plus “The Dangerous Book for Boys” & “The Daring Book for Girls” ��������� Novel Ideas Book Club at Goodman-LeGrand Museum 17 Family ��������� At TJC Earth & Space Science Center this Month: A Season of Christmas-Themed Shows In The Dome ��������� At Tyler Public Library: Mad Hatter Family Tea Party, and More ��������� At Studio Movie Grill: Christmas Classics on the Big Screen ��������� At Discovery Science Place: Big Events Ahead In 2020 18 Fine Arts ��������� Inside the Artist’s Studio Painting the Town: Lauren Pitre ��������� Through December 29th:“Hello Future” At Gallery Main Street ��������� On Stage: “Annie: The Musical,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at Pollard Theatre Center, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” “It’s A Charlie Brown Christmas” Live, “Beauty & the Beast” at Caldwell Auditorium and “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play” ��������� At Tyler Museum of Art: Tyler Museum of Art Showcases Work of One of Tyler’s Own with “Bold Lines: Works by Joseph Glasco” ��������� TJC Student Artwork on Exhibit at Tyler Rose Garden Center
Join us for exclusive, guided, educational tours of the Sanctuaryy Upcoming tours: Dec. 7 & 21 Jan. 11 & 25 Feb. 8 & 22 Mar. 7 & 28
1pm 1pm 1pm 1pm
SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR TODAY AT
www.fundforanimals.org/blackbeauty/visit-the-ranch/ The Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch is a world-renowned animal sanctuary in Murchison, Texas. With over 1,400 acres, it is home to more than 800 domestic and exotic animals. The sanctuary is not a zoo but is now open to the public 1-2 times per month for small, prescheduled, guided tours to respect the peace and privacy of the animals.
12526 1252 6 Co Rd 3806, Murchison, TX 7577 75778 8 | (903 (903)) 469-3811
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STAFF Publisher Sales Manager Copy Editor Webmaster Editorial
Tena Jerger Louie Jerger Charles Toft Susan Cheaney John Baggett, Barbara Greenbauer, Johnny Griffith, Gini Rainey, Derrick White Distribution Barbara Greenbauer, Louie Jerger, Lindsey Kilsby, Mike Withrow
PO Box 130133 Tyler TX 75713 (903)630-3030 EGuideMagazine.com (web) • EGuide Tyler TX (app) EGuideMagazine@gmail.com (email)
“EGuide Magazine” is an event-driven entertainment magazine focusing on ‘things to do’ in East Texas. We are published in print, online (EGuideMagazine.com), and via App at “EGuide Tyler TX.” In print, we are published once a month. We are distributed free in our unique stands at over 400 locations in Tyler, Lindale, Ben Wheeler, Edom, Lake Palestine, Flint, Bullard, Whitehouse, and Jacksonville. We will list at no charge events open to the public. Submit events to: EGuideMagazine.com/submit-an-event/ or EGuideMagazine@gmail.com.
TO DO
Fun Holiday & Christmas Events In East Texas All Month Long
Best Seafood in East Texas!
It’s Christmas time and there are a ton of ways to celebrate in Tyler. Here is a list of our favorites events:
Ongoing through December:
The Azalea District “Trail of Lights” & Live Nativity Scene
You’ve seen the beautiful colors of the Azalea District during the spring; now guests can see the Azalea District come to life, with color, during the holiday season! The Azalea District will once again host the Azalea District “Trail of Lights” during Rose City Christmas. There will be a live nativity scene at the home of Guy and Joan Pyron, 212 W. Dobbs St., December 20th-21st, 6-8:30pm each night. The Pyron garden is one of the most popular spots along the Azalea Trail during Tyler’s annual Azalea and Spring Flower Trail each spring. This year, the garden will be transformed into a living nativity scene as part of Rose City Christmas. For more info contact (903) 592-6978 or email to stravis@tylertexas.com.
Through December 29th (10am-5pm):
The Lights of Kiepersol
The beautiful twinkle of the season is lit up at Kiepersol. A chill is in the air, a Christmas whistle is on everyone’s lips, and hope mingles effortlessly with joy. It must be Christmas at Kiepersol! Come down for the lighting of the vineyard, an annual tradition the Friday after Thanksgiving. Twinkle lights will adorn the vineyard rows through the New Year starting at sundown at 5:18pm, lighting at 6pm. This will feature Christmas sounds and joy plus family friendly fun,. Wine, spirits, and snacks will be available for sale. Every business night Kiepersol is open, just after sunset, they welcome you to join the excitement as the vineyard is lit up and you can experience the beautiful sight - creating the finer moments in life. Kiepersol is located at 21558-A Merlot Ln., Tyler.
Through December 28th (times vary):
“The Polar Express” at the Texas State Railroad
The Texas State Railroad continued service to the North Pole aboard “The Polar Express™” all month. The magical story comes to life the minute the train departs the Palestine Depot for the journey to the North Pole. The adventure is even more fun when families and friends show up in their pajamas! Enveloped by the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the tale as they are whisked away on “The Polar Express™”. Once onboard, chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies as they recite the classic children’s book, “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg. At the North Pole, Santa and his elves greet passengers and then board the train. St. Nick gives everyone the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell (only believers can hear ringing!). On the ride back to “The Polar Express™” train depot, chefs lead passengers in singing joyous Christmas carols. There are several ticket packages and times
available. All cars have large viewing windows, thrilling children as they get their first glimpse of Santa and the North Pole. All tickets include train ride, hot chocolate and sugar cookies, and silver sleigh bell. Tickets can be purchased at texasstaterailroad.net/events/polar-express/. All trains depart in Palestine to the North Pole through December 28th.
December 1st-8th (10am-8pm):
Buy a Tree, Change a Life
Buy your real Christmas tree at Rose Heights Church, located at 2120 Old Omen Rd., Tyler, this year and help children locally and globally. From November 29th-December 8th (or while supplies last), bring your entire family out to pick a tree and stay for activities, games, and entertainment. Thanks to Express Employment Pros in Tyler and their other sponsors, literally 100% of tree sales will go directly to supporting children’s programs in Smith County and around the globe this coming year. For more info go to facebook.com/ events/1025791031095892.
Hand-breaded & Made to Order Boiled Shrimp, Boiled Crawfish Gumbo, Snow Crab Legs & More LOCATIONS:
1714 S. BECKHAM TYLER, TEXAS 903.596.8226
7428 OLD JACKSONVILLE HWY. TYLER, TEXAS (903) 630-5306
3312 N. 4TH ST. LONGVIEW, TEXAS 903.663.2940
December 4th & 12th (6-9pm):
Walk the Lights at Up in Lights Christmas Light Park
Come out and “Walk the Lights” at the Up in Light drive-thru lighting show! S’mores and hot chocolate will be available. Tickets are $5 per person and $15 per family. Up in Lights is located at 12885 CR 192, Tyler. You can also bring your pets for this fun family evening. Up in Lights is a 1-mile long light park that covers 12 acres. Please bring cash.
4803 Old Bullard Rd, Ste 1, Tyler, TX 75703 (903) 581-6700 — dakotasintyler.com
December 5th (6-9pm):
2019 Rotary Clubs of Tyler Christmas Parade
This event is organized and sponsored by the Rotary International Clubs of Tyler (South Tyler Rotary, Sunrise Rotary, and The Rotary Club of Tyler). Kickoff is at 6pm in Downtown Tyler, and is followed by the 34th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the T.B. Butler Fountain Plaza immediately after the parade. This year’s theme is “Rotary Connects the World.” Santa Claus will be taking photos immediately following the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photos with Santa Claus will be limited to 30 minutes following the ceremony. The parade and tree lighting is free to attend. The parade will start on N. Broadway Avenue, South of E Oakwood Street, 1 block North of E Line Street, and finish at E. Oakwood Street.
Live Music
Every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday Restaurant Hours (Late nights are bar only): Mon-Thur:11am - 10pm, Fri: 11am - 12am, Sat: 2pm - 12am EGuideMagazine.com • Download “EGuide Tyler TX” App for Free!
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December 6th (5-11pm):
Shane & Shane and Phil Wickham Christmas Tour
This annual concert is always a fun event! There will be a Christmas Lighting ceremony held at 6pm with the Shane & Shane and Phil Wickham Christmas Tour concerts starting at 7pm. Christian Singer/Songwriter Phil Wickham started out as a worship leader at the age of 13. Wickham has released six albums that have featured the hit songs “Cannons,” “Divine Romance,” “Heaven Fall Down,” and “At Your Name.” Shane and Shane are a Texas-based worship duo that has been singing together for more than 13 years. Their signature sound has given them the opportunity to perform with everyone from Mat Kearney to David Crowder Band. This will be held at True Vine Brewing, located at 2453 Earl Campbell Pkwy., Tyler. Tickets are $18 at and seating is first-come-firstserve. For more info go to truevinebrewing.com or facebook.com/truevinebrewing. Lawn chairs will be allowed outside of the pavilion. Sola Bread Pizza Co. will be open for dinner service all evening, and the True Vine bar will be open featuring seasonal and regular beers as well as wine, house-made sodas, and sparkling and bottled water.
December 6th (6-8pm):
15th Annual Christmas at The Children’s Park
Bring your family and friends to enjoy an enchanted evening of Christmas celebration at The Children’s Park, 110 E. Dobbs St., Tyler. This free event will include Christmas carols and storytelling around a beautifully decorated tree, signature snowman soup, s’mores, and the opportunity for children to make a special craft.
December 6th-7th (7pm), December 7th8th (2pm), December 8th (6pm):
houses, and more from 12 noon-4pm, and a parade starting at 5:15pm. This is free to attend. For more info, email info@ whitehousetx.com or (903)941-5221.
December 7th (6-9pm):
Christmas in Lindale Market & Parade
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Lindale would love for you to join their Christmas in Lindale Celebration. Enjoy twinkling lights and festive fun for the entire family, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus with free downloads on VisitLindale Facebook, cocoa served by the Veterans, crafts provided by the Lillie Russell Memorial Library, fun games, prizes, and food vendors. The parade starts at 6pm. This will be held at Pickers Pavilion, 205 E. North St., Lindale.
December 7th, 14th, 15th (1-4pm):
Santa Paws at PetCo
Get a picture of your pet with Santa Claus while helping to save shelter pets for a donation of $9.95! 100% of the proceeds benefit lifesaving animal welfare organizations in your local community through the Petco Foundation. This is the perfect opportunity to include your dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens in your holiday card. Petco is located at 8966 S. Broadway Ave., Tyler. Tickets are available at petcofoundation.org. Also, share your photo with Santa on Instagram using #santapawsforacause and tag @petcofoundation for a chance to win BOBS from Skechers shoes and pet accessories for you and your pet.
December 8th-10th (6-8:30pm):
A Bethlehem Drive-Thru
Come experience the town of Bethlehem right here in East Texas. See the townspeople. See the markets. See the Manger. This will be held at First Baptist Church in Whitehouse and it is free to attend.
December 12th (4-8pm):
Holiday Museum Open An Extra Special “The Nutcracker” Presentation at House in Downtown TylerJoin in celebratTyler Jr. College ing the This year marks the 31st Anniversary of “The Nutcracker” at TJC. To celebrate this milestone, the ballet will be performed at the Caldwell Auditorium in Tyler. Rayleigh Vendt and Walker Martin from the Oklahoma City Ballet will join the cast of over 100 TJC and community performers to perform the roles of Sugarplum and her Cavalier. In addition to five performances, one abbreviated school show will be performed for school-aged children and home-schooled students on December 6th at 11am. This will be held at Caldwell Auditorium, 300 S. College St., Downtown Tyler. Tickets are available on eventbrite.com.
holidays at Downtown Tyler museums on Thursday, December 12th for “Holiday Open House.” Locations are The Discovery Science Place, Tyler Innovation Pipeline, Goodman–LeGrand House, Smith County Historical Society, The McClendon House-Tyler Tx, Cotton Belt Depot Train Museum, Tyler Public Library, Liberty Hall, and Heart of Tyler. At Discovery Science Place, instead of admission, DSP simply asks for 1-2 canned food items per person to benefit the East Texas Food Bank. The entire museum of DSP will be open from 5-8pm as well as holiday snacks and a cool December 7th: hands-on experiment for the children. All the fun festivities are free except where noted. These events will include music, food, fun for the kids, special exhibits and so much There will be lots of holiday fun including more. For more info go to facebook.com/ vendors, food trucks, kid’s activities, bounce events/2287386578055747. 6 EGuideMagazine.com • Download “EGuide Tyler TX” App for Free!
Whitehouse Christmas in the Park & Parade
December 14th (11am-5pm):
Christmas in Kilgore
Celebrate the season with pure holiday bliss on Saturday, December 14th, in Historic Downtown Kilgore at “Christmas in Kilgore!” From holiday music to familyfriendly events and games, the scene will be merry for all ages. For more info go to kilgoremainstreet.com.
December 14th (10am-8pm):
Holiday in the Garden & Bazaar at The Rose Garden
Join the fun for the 14th annual Holiday in the Garden & Bazaar at the Rose Gardens, 420 Rose Park Dr., Tyler. The Tyler Rose Garden Center and Garden will be full with vendors to help you shop for special gifts for the holidays. This is a great place to get your holiday shopping wrapped up with unique gifts and holiday fun. This is free to attend. If you are interested in being a vendor, please contact Debbie Isham at disham@tylertexas.com.
December 14th (11am-11pm):
Santa & Secret Citywide Santa Gift Exchange
December 14th (11am-2pm and 3-6pm), come give your wish list to Santa himself at True Vine Brewing, located at 2453 Earl Campbell Pkwy., Tyler. Santa Claus will be taking a break from building toys up north to make an appearance for you to snap a pic with him and your kiddo! Santa will be working two shifts and pictures are FREE (because you’re taking them). Be sure to stay, grab a beer, and rock out with Santa as Matt Raker takes the stage at 7pm for a night of awesome music. Also, there will be a Secret Santa Gift Exchange for everyone to participate in at 9pm. This is going to operate as a traditional Secret Santa (you get matched to someone and buy them a gift based on their likes and no one knows who got who). Sign up at eepurl.com/gIclkn. This massive gift exchange will be a blast!
December 15th (4-6pm):
Free Christmas Gifts From “Kids Favorite Characters” & Santa Claus
Come out and get your “Family Pictures with Santa and Your Kid’s Favorite Characters” this holiday season. This will be a ton of fun! Each kid will receive a Wooden Christmas Ornament to custom decorate for their Christmas tree. The first 500 kids will also receive Mini Snowman Marshmallow Fun Packs and a Christmas sticker gift wrapped from Santa’s Workshop. Each kid can also choose their favorite characters along with Santa for their Christmas photo. Parents may also bring an additional gift for Santa and their favorite characters to provide to them. Cotton candy, popcorn, and Christmas drinks will be available for purchase from the vendors. This fun event will be held at Hampton Inn, 8962 S. Broadway, Tyler, in the Village at Cumberland Park. It is free to attend.
For more holiday events go to: EGuideMagazine.com/ Christmas
Miss Kay from Duck Dynasty comes to Mistletoe & Magic
The Junior League of Tyler’s 41st Mistletoe & Magic will be held at Harvey Convention Center, 2000 W. Front St., Tyler Wednesday-Sunday, December 4th-7th. Marsha Kay Robertson, one of the stars of the hit A & E show “Duck Dynasty,” is heading to Tyler, Texas and this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss! The Junior League of Tyler is thrilled to announce that the talented matriarch of the Robertson family, known as “Miss Kay,” will be a keynote speaker at this year’s 41st annual Mistletoe & Magic Holiday Event. As a published author of several wildly popular cookbooks, a fan-favorite TV personality, and grandmother to sixteen children, Miss Kay has a ton of wit and wisdom to offer audiences. This special event is open to the public and takes place on Friday, December 6th at Harvey Convention Center from 9:30am-12 noon, exquisitely catered by the Montez Brothers. VIP tickets are on sale for either ELITE VIP for $150 per person (meet & greet and seated brunch) or VIP tickets are $100 per person (seated brunch). General admission tickets are $50 per person. Mistletoe & Magic is a four-day shopping extravaganza featuring over 100 vendors offering a wide range of shopping opportunities sure to satisfy everyone on your shopping list. The festival showcases antiques, artwork, gourmet foods, jewelry, seasonal decorations, housewares, adult and children’s clothing, and much more. The weekend-long event is also host to brunches, style shows, musical entertainment, and so much more. Tickets are available at the door for $10 each per day. Children 6 and under are free. You can purchase your tickets in advance at the Junior League of Tyler Office, open 9am2pm Monday-Thursday. Order tickets at juniorleagueoftyler.org or call (903)595-5426. The market will be open and these events will also take place: Wednesday, December 4th (5-9pm): SNEAKA-PEAK, Early Shopping Event - Entertainment will be provided by the Tyler Junior College Apache Belles. Concessions and cash bar provided by Montez Brothers Catering. There will be a Silent Auction available from 5-8:30pm. Pictures with Santa will be from 5-8pm. Tickets are $35. Thursday, December 5th (9:30am-12 noon): The Brighton Brunch - Laura Young, President of Sales and Marketing for Brighton Collectibles and sustainer of The Junior League of Tyler, will share her incredible career journey and insight on today’s fashions. There will also be a style show featuring the latest trends in clothing by Mary V’s and accessories by Brighton. This brunch will be catered by Willow Brook Country Club, along with a bar by Montez Brothers Catering and private shopping. The silent auction is available 9:30-11:30am and pictures with Santa will be available 4-7pm. Tickets are $100 for Limited VIP (includes a table gift, reserved seating, and private shopping) and $50 for general admission. Friday, December 6th (6-8pm): Haute Totz Style Show - Come see the latest in children’s fashion and enjoy some holiday cheer! Pictures with Santa will be available from 4-7pm. Saturday, December 7th (10am-12 noon): Milk and Cookies with Santa - Bring the children out for a cheerful morning of cookies with Santa, craft stations, storytime with Santa, and a darling children’s style show by Peek-a-Bootique. Entertainment will be provided by the Robert E. Lee Southern Belles. Pictures with Santa will be available from 10am-12 noon. At 4pm, there will be a drawing of the Chance Drawing winners.
e
Have Fun, Make a Difference with the Salvation Army Several opportunities are available this year to both have fun and make a difference. The Salvation Army in Tyler, located at 633 N. Broadway, Tyler, has these fun events planned. For more info go to salvationarmytexas.org/tyler.
All Month: Ring the Bell, Register Online
The Salvation Army has been providing holiday cheer, serving the needs of families and individuals in Tyler and Smith County for 122 years. And this year is no exception as volunteer bell ringers have taken to the streets for the merriest of traditions - Bell Ringing at local businesses, churches, clubs, and civic organizations. Families and individuals are still needed to “adopt a kettle.” You can go online at salvationarmytexas.org/tyler and search for shifts available in your area. It is so easy now to be a part sign up today!
December 7th (9am-3pm): 2nd Salvation Army Bike Build & Ride
This will be the 2nd Annual Salvation Army Bike Build in partnership with FRESH Racing and Tyler Bicycle Club. Meet at the Salvation Army for a bike ride at 9am and return back to the warehouse to assemble a few bikes! Come out and invite your friends and family to help
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s
DECEMBER 5TH (8PM)
with the bike building - it’s a great family experience. There will be snacks and lunch provided. This bike program is part of the Angel Program which provides gifts to over 2000 children and seniors in Tyler and Smith County.
January 1st: Kettle Krush 5K
The Second Annual Kettle Krush 5K will take place again this year! This walk and run will start and finish at The Salvation Army in Tyler. All funds raised go directly into programs that benefit men, women, children, and families that are in the most need in our community. For more info go to facebook.com/ events/284470459137115.
Martina McBride Sings Her Many Christmas Hits at Cowan Center
Winter is here and the fun continues at Cowan Center in Tyler. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Cowan Center box office at (903)566-7424 or visiting in person 9am-4pm Monday-Friday. You can also purchase tickets online at cowancenter.org. All events are performed in the Cowan Center located on the campus of The University of Texas at Tyler, 3900 University Boulevard – FAC 1120, Tyler. More information can be found at CowanCenter.org. Upcoming productions are:
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DECEMBER 2ND (7PM)
Chanukah Klezmer Concert with Neal Katz
Cowan Center Rocks the 2019-2020 Season:
E d
Holiday Concerts, Movies & More
Tuesday, December 3rd (8pm):
Martina McBride
“White Christmas” Movie DECEMBER 7TH (7PM)
“Die Hard” (1988) DECEMBER 13TH (7PM)
“Home Alone”(1990) DECEMBER 14TH (8PM)
Card 53 Comedy’s 10 Year Anniversary DECEMBER 19TH (7PM)
“Gremlins” Reel Talk
This is a part of the Reel Talk program with Liberty Hall and the Tyler Public Library. Tickets are $6 or free with a Library Card.
DECEMBER 20TH AND 21ST (7PM)
“It’s a Wonderful Life” Movie TICKETS:
LibertyTyler.com Downtown Tyler 103 E. Erwin, Tyler, Texas 75702 A DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF TYLER
With multiple Grammy® nominations, country icon Martina McBride’s incomparable vocals have garnered six No. 1 hits and twenty top ten singles including “Independence Day,” “This One’s For The Girls,” and “A Broken Wing.” With more than 15 major music awards, including four wins from the Country Music Association and three Academy of Country Music Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year, McBride has sold more than 18 million albums to date and has earned multiple Gold, Platinum, Double Platinum, and Triple Platinum certifications. This winter, the celebrated singer takes to the stage with an unforgettable concert experience you’ll never forget.
Thursday, January 16th (7:30pm):
An Evening with Rita Moreno, Legend of Stage and Screen
For her break-out role as Anita in “West Side Story,” Moreno landed an Oscar. Decades later, as one of only three Americans to receive a Peabody®, Emmy®, Grammy®, Oscar®, and Tony Award®, Rita Moreno remains one of the busiest stars in show business. Most recently, she starred in the critically-acclaimed Latino remake of Norman Lear’s classic sitcom “One Day at a Time” on Netflix. Prior to that, Rita appeared in guest-starring roles in primetime TV series such as “Getting On,” “Jane The Virgin,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Grace and Frankie.” Moreno received the Kennedy Center Honor for her lifetime contributions to American culture and was honored by her peers as the 50th recipient of the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. Upcoming events at Cowan Center are: • Thursday, February 6th (7:30pm): “STOMP” • Thursday, February 20th (7:30pm): The Pointer Sisters • Thursday, February 27th (10am and 12:30pm): “Cuentos” performed by David Gonzales • Saturday, February 29th (7:30pm): “Cirque Éloize Hotel” • Thursday, March 26th (7:30pm): “BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical” • Thursday, April 2nd (7:30pm): “Menopause: The Musical” • Tuesday, April 14th (7:30pm): Carly Fiorina
December 7th (10am-2pm):
Santa Paws At Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary
Santa is coming to the sanctuary Saturday, December 7th, 10am-2pm. Activities include pictures with Santa, storytime, an ornament race, letters to Santa, petting zoo, pizza, hot chocolate, pin the nose on Rudolph and much more. There will be an exotic cat educational enrichment at 11am and 1pm. You don’t want to miss this one of a kind experience! This is free to attend. Tiger Creek offers guided and self-guided
tours along with membership packages. Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides a forever home for unwanted big cats. They currently have 38 cats of seven different species in their care. Tiger Creek gives guided walking tours through the facility. The tour generally lasts 30-45 minutes. Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary is located at 17552 FM 14, Tyler. For more info, go to tigercreek.org or call (903)858-1008.
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Hit the Bricks December 14th:
Have Fun and Make a Difference at the 3rd Annual Blue Santa Pub Crawl
On the second Saturday of every month, people from all over converge on Downtown Tyler for Hit the Bricks. Downtown Tyler will be bursting with family fun, entertainment, music, food, history tours, art, and of course, the chance to check out a great locally-owned restaurant, bar, or retail establishment. Turns out you don’t have to wear red to be Santa Claus this Christmas! All you have to do is buy tickets and have some fun at the 3rd Annual Blue Santa Pub Crawl! That’s because 100% goes to local children in the Blue Santa program that focuses on giving gift cards to needy children each year during the holidays. Yes, 100% of your ticket cost goes directly to local children in Tyler, Texas! You can have fun, and make a difference LOCALLY! Saturday, December 14th, 4-8pm, the 3rd Annual Blue Santa Pub Crawl will take place. Here’s how it works: • Purchase a ticket online at eguidemagazine.com/bluesanta. Tickets are $25 before 12 midnight December 13th and $35 the day of the event. • Check-in at ETX Brewery, 221 S. Broadway, starting at 3pm to get your Blue Santa t-shirt, lanyard, instructions, and Fun Map. • Then wander around Downtown Tyler and pick up pieces to your Blue Santa costume at ETX Brewing, SportsZone, Don Juan’s Mexican Restaurant, Gallery Main Street, ArtFix Cultured Studio, and more locations! There is no schedule - just wander around, have fun, and make a difference. • There will be Santa hats, beards, noses, jingle bells, blinking rings, flashy necklaces, gloves, and a few surprises! • There will be a group photo at 8pm at ETX Brewing of everyone in their Blue Santa costumes. Also, helping to make a difference this holiday season are Rose City Pharmacy, Rose Vine Inn Bed & Breakfast, J & K Storage, and EMA Engineering. Tickets and details are available at eguidemagazine.com/bluesanta. Even if you can’t attend the events, you can still donate at EGuideMagazine.com/bluesanta. The Blue Santa Pub Crawl is presented by EGuideMagazine.
com and Visit Tyler in conjunction with the monthly Hit the Bricks - Second Saturday Downtown events. Also, going on around Downtown Tyler is: • 10am-1pm: Rose City Farmers Market will host a winter market to coincide with the Hit The Bricks at ETX Brewery. There will be live music, locally grown leafy greens, lettuce, broccoli, spinach, loads of root crops, and micro-greens. Pasture raised beef, chicken, and pork, artisan baked treats, jams and jellies, and apothecary goodies will be available too. • 10am-4pm: The “Shop Local Market” will be at Tyler Public Library. Get some holiday shopping done at the Library from local vendors selling their creations, featuring handcrocheted items, specialty scarves and headbands, bookmarks, photography, jewelry, tumblers, and more. 10% of all profits will go to fund library programs. • 10am-4pm: Holly Jolly Paws Adoption Event at Smith County Animal Shelter (322 E. Ferguson). There will be free adoptions, live music from Tiffany Woys, Santa pictures, vendors, coffee and hot chocolate and much more! Low cost veterinary and microchips available on site too. • 10am-4pm: “Making Classic Ornaments” at Goodman LeGrand Museum - This FREE family craft project will be held for all ages. • 12 noon-4pm: “Hello Future” is on exhibit at Gallery Main Street. Explore what greeting and embracing the future means to the artists exhibiting at GMS. This exhibit reflects the artists interpretation of the distant future or the very near future, predictions or prophecies for the future, and how they approach or embrace them. Admission is free. • 5-8pm: The Nativity Live at Foundry Coffee House Join Bethel Bible Church’s Downtown Campus and the Foundry Coffee House as they bring the Bible to life for people of all ages. This live nativity experience will be a powerful and up-close look at the narrative of the birth of Christ. People of all ages are invited to this FREE community event. • 6-8pm: Azalea District “Trail of Lights” - Take a self-guided driving tour through the Azalea District to see the historic homes decorated for the holidays. • 6-8pm: “Beauty & The Beast” at Caldwell Auditorium(300 S. College Ave.) - This musical production is open to all ages. Tickets are $3 for students, $5 for adults. See facebook.com/ events/554230331999422/ for details. • 8-10pm: Card 53 Comedy’s 10 Year Anniversary Show at Liberty Hall - Card 53 Comedy has been bringing the laughs to
Tyler and East Texas for TEN years now! Join the fun for a special night of celebration (and of course laughter) that you will never forget. You won’t want to miss out on this one-of-kind, improv comedy show where each night is a unique experience thanks to the creativity of the comedians and the participation of the audience. Tickets are $15 and available at the door or online. • 8:30-10:30pm: Live music by Hindsight at ETX Brewing Co. No cover and all ages are welcome. • 9pm: 3rd Annual Ugly Sweater Contest and Christmas Party at ETX Brewing - Held after the Group Photo for Blue Santa Pub Crawl, win prizes and show off your tacky Christmas sweaters! Hit the Bricks is held rain or shine, cold or hot- there is always something to do Downtown on the second Saturday of every month. For more information go to visittyler.com/HitTheBricks, find the event on Facebook, or download the FREE app “EGuide Tyler TX.”
At Liberty Hall This Month:
‘Tis The Season For Christmas Movies & Concerts Liberty Hall is hosting a variety of upcoming events. Liberty Hall is located at 103 E. Erwin St., Tyler. Tickets are available online at libertytyler.com.
Concerts & Events
December 2nd (7pm): Chanukah Klezmer Concert with Neal Katz - Come join Rabbi Katz and his amazing klezmer band (klezmer is the music of Eastern European Jewry - think “Fiddler on the Roof”). This show is always fun and it is open to the entire community, so come to Liberty Hall for a memorable evening of fun, fellowship, and fantastic music. Tickets are $10$15.
Classic Movies
• December 5th (8pm): “White Christmas” Movie (following the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade Downtown) • December 7th (7pm): “Die Hard” (1988) • December 13th (7pm): “Home Alone” (1990) • December 19th (7pm): “Gremlins” Reel Talk - A holiday classic! This film is a part of the Reel Talk program with Liberty Hall and the Tyler Public Library. Tickets are $6 or free with a Library Card. Everyone is welcome! • December 20th and 21st (7pm): “It’s a Wonderful Life” Movie December 20th showing will be in full color and the December 21st show will be the classic black and white version.
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At Tyler State Park This Month:
Begin 2020 With A Hike At Tyler State Park
At Tyler State Park you can boat, fish, swim in the lake, hike, mountain bike, picnic, geocache, camp, birdwatch, and study nature. Tyler State Park is a place year-round to explore nature and experience the beauty of east Texas. Tyler State Park is located at 789 Park Road 16, Tyler. All events are free with a fee paid for admission into the park. Adults are $6 daily and children 12 years and under are free. For more info go to tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/tyler, call (903)597-5338, or email boyd.sanders@tpwd. texas.gov. Dress for the weather. This month’s events are:
December 7th
10-11:30am: Dutch Oven Cooking: History in a Black Pot - Learn the basics of the fine art of historic camp cooking with cast iron! 2-3pm: Navigation Revelation - What do you do when the GPS batteries die? Learn to use a compass and a map for your navigation needs. Bring a compass if you have one. The park has a few loaners too. 3-3:30pm: Survival Fire - Learn to build the fire that can keep you alive. Learn techniques to start a fire with and without matches. 3:30-4pm: Reading Ranger Campfire Stories Christmas Edition - Sit around a cozy campfire and listen to “A Tale of Two Beasts” and, since it’s Christmas time, Santa’s Sleigh is on its way to Texas too! Bring your imagination, a chair or a blanket, and dress for the weather.
5K’s, Holiday Runs & More
To add a walk, run, or biking event, please send to eguidemagazine@gmail.com. It is always free to list any event. December 1st: 2019 Tyler Half Marathon & 5K This race gives athletes a tour of the Rose City of Tyler with a start and finish at the iconic TB Butler Fountain Square in Downtown Tyler. A fantastic after party featuring terrific entertainment, food, and adult beverages will be held. More information and sign-up can be found at tylerhalf.events and be sure to follow The Tyler Half Marathon & 5K on facebook.com/tylerhalfmarathon. December 7th (9am): USNSCC Remembering
Pearl Harbor 5k Pancake Breakfast & Festival - This 3rd annual fundraiser for the US Naval Sea Cadets Tyler Joint Force Battalion in Tyler starts at 9am with Zumba warm up, a tribute to WW2, the best pancakes you have ever eaten, silent auction, and festival for the kids. To register or for more info go to facebook.com/ events/741718702909970/. December 7th: 2019 CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, Jacksonville Jingle Jog 5K and Fun Run - Bring the family out to this fun holiday tradition, run with bells on (provided), and maybe even see Santa fly in on a helicopter! Register at tri365.com. January 1st: Kettle Krush 5K - The Second Annual Kettle Krush 5K will start and finish at The Salvation Army in Tyler, Texas. All funds
raised go directly into programs that benefit men, women, children and families that are in need in our community. For more info go to facebook.com/ events/284470459137115. January 25th: Running the Rose at Tyler State Park - Running the Rose winds through amazing East Texas pine forests among 100-foot tall trees with amazing single track trail. The trails run along rolling hills and through some rootfilled and pine needle carpeted trails. This will be held at Tyler State Park, located at 789 Park Road 16, Tyler. Register at ultrasignup.com.
For more walks & runs, go to:
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December 13th & 14th
4-6pm: Nature Wonderland Hike - Join for a 2 mile stroll around Tyler State Park Lake as the sun goes down and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of winter. 5-9pm: A Pineywoods Christmas Lighted Drive-Thru - Take a break from the Holidays rush and drive through the Cedar Point, Lakeview and Big Pine Camping Loops and enjoy a Pineywoods Christmas in lights. Make sure to visit the Park Store for refreshments and shop for unique gifts. Campers staying for this event are encouraged to decorate their sites.
December 31st
10am: Catching Rainbows, Family Trout Fishing - They’re just waiting to be caught! You won’t need a fishing license to try your luck at hooking one of the thousands of rainbow trout stocked in the lake! 2-4pm: Zombie Apocalypse Hike - Can you make it to the new year? What happens when things go wrong? Can you survive without cell phones, electricity, or transportation? Come and play this light-hearted game of survival and see if you make it through the apocalypse!
January 1st, 2020
9am: First Day Hike: Birding the Lakeshore - Start the New Year off right with a new 2-mile walk and a new hobby. Join for a birding hike around Tyler State Park Lake, through different environments, and learn about one of the fastest growing hobbies. 2-4pm: First Day Hike: Hiking Through the Pines - Get your New Year started off on the right foot. Discover the benefits of a walk in the forest for the body, mind, and soul. This adventure takes place on the challenging 3-mile Trail-B.
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9
MUSIC Keeping it Saxy:
LaDarius “Low D” Daniels By Johnny Griffith When one thinks saxophone, one probably equates it to a couple of different things: either smooth “pop” Jazz, i.e. Kenny G, and Candy Dulfer from the early nineties; or more traditional Jazz greats such as Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. Either way it’s an instrument that is, at first glance, put into a very narrow box stylistically. Just don’t tell that to LaDarius Daniels. LaDarius, or Low D as he’s known around stages across East Texas, has been playing saxophone since middle school, and he’s working hard to change the perception of the instrument as something relegated to coffee shops, wineries, and brunch entertainment. He’s quick to point out that saxophone has been pretty much in the lineup, and prominent, in just about every major genre of American music from rock, to blues, to classical, to funk, to jazz, and just about everywhere in between. In fact, some of the most easily recognizable songs you know feature a sax and you just don’t pay attention to it: “Who Can It Be Now” by Men At Work, “Urgent” by Foreigner, “Rio” by Duran Duran, and “Us And Them” byPink Floyd. And let’s not forget “Careless Whisper” by George Michael and “Super Freak” by Rick James. Point being, the saxophone is a versatile instrument that enhances anything it touches and Low D is one of the most talented musicians to wield the instrument in these parts. I I don’t do just jazz. was able to sit down with him before a That’s just one of show this month and get a little bit more the problems of insight on him, the instrument, and what being a saxophone he’s got in the works. player - people Johnny: What is the earliest musisee a saxophone cal memory you can player and they recall? Low D: The earlithink of Kenny G. est musical memory I have was listening My performances to blues cassette tapes contain Jazz with my Grandpa and listening to standards and are Motown music with my aunt. mixed with a great Johnny: Were deal of funk, soul, there other musicians in the family you R&B, and pop. grew up listening to? Low D: My grandmother was a pastor and sang in the church, and my mom had played piano at some point but stopped before I was born so I never got to hear her play. Johnny: Who was your biggest influence musically early on? Low D: I’d have to say Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, The Temptations, John Coltrane, Usher, and Youngblood Brass Band were very
significant influences early on for me. Johnny: When did you first decide to learn an instrument, and was saxophone your first choice? Low D: No. I wanted to play drums when I got to middle school band, but the band director told me I didn’t have any rhythm and asked if I wanted to play saxophone and I pretty much said “okay” since I just wanted to be in band. All the other 6th graders coming in wanted to play drums, so the directors probably chose the best drummers and everyone else just put on other instruments. I was just blessed that I was put on saxophone. Johnny: At what point did you decide to make music more than just a hobby? Low D: When I became a senior in high school I had earned a lot of awards and success in band, and when the teachers started pushing us to think about what we wanted to major in college, I couldn’t think of anything else other to major in music. It was the thing I was better at than anything else. Johnny: Do you remember your first public gig? Low D: My first public gig as a student was in 6th grade at a band concert, but as a professional musician it was at a restaurant somewhere around Nacogdoches, Texas. I’ve since forgotten the name of the restaurant, but I drove all the way from Gilmer, Texas to play for tips. One of my first legit paid performances was at People’s Choice Jazz and Blues in Longview, Texas. Johnny: You perform solo as well as with a full band. Who are some of the local musicians you work with regularly for the Jam Band? Low D: Man, there are so many guys I work with in the East Texas and Dallas areas. My usual crew in East Texas is Mayson Garner, who is one of my best friends and he sings and plays guitar; Giant Boykin, a UT Tyler student that plays bass (he plays saxophone too); the baddest man on drums to me in East Texas, Aaron Gentry; and the famous Gary Freeman on keys, who is a teacher at UT Tyler who has played for Bill Withers before. Other fill-in players in East Texas are Robin Bibeau on guitar, who is also a UT Tyler student; Jordan Conley on bass, who is the full-time bass player for Post Profit; and the famous George Faber on keys, who is an East Texas legend to me. In Dallas, there are so many guys but to name a few, Jermery Jackson, a Tyler native, on guitar; Pepe Valdez on guitar; on keys Jai Sun Williams and Leslie Ratliff; on bass guitar Brandon Broussard and Jeffery (Grits) Lewis; and on drums Jackie Whitmill Jr. and Medrick Greely. Those are the guys I hit up first if they are available. Johnny: You’re known in the area for your solid rotation of jazz selections, which doesn’t get a lot of real estate on local stages compared to other genres. What are some of the challenges of booking gigs for a band that’s a little out of the “norm”? Low D: Well first of all, I don’t do just jazz. That’s just one of the problems of being a saxophone player. We are used in almost every genre of music. It’s just that when people see a saxophone player they think of Kenny G for some reason. My solo performances contain what I consider older Jazz standards mixed with funk, soul, R&B, and pop.
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At Old Firehouse in Edom This Month:
A Welcome for Orchestral Folk With American Dreamer
My full band performances mostly contain funk, blues, soul, R&B, hip hop, reggae and, depending on the gig, some newer jazz fusion and jazz funk songs. We do have gigs where we play the traditional type jazz but its not our “goto” choices. We are called Low D’s Jam Band because we are on stage to jam out. If we were more of a jazz group I would have chosen Low D’s ‘Jazz’ Band or any other genre, but when we get on stage we are there to make you move your feet. Johnny: You recently have done some work in the studio. Anything to report on that project? Low D: We just finished recording a cover of “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers and two originals - one of which is called “Lonely Man,” my leading single, and “Daily My Baby.” We have five more songs to record before the full project is done. Johnny: Anything coming up in 2020 that we should be looking out for? Low D: We have three songs out of eight done for my “Mixed Colors” album. I am splitting up the first three songs into a “Mixed Colors EP 1” which will have my original “Lonely Man,” a blues/rock song; my second original “Daily My Baby,” a very soulful song; plus a cover of“Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers. The “Mixed Colors EP 2” release will have two originals which are funk instrumental singles called “Stank” and “Low Boogie.” The full “Mixed Colors” album will be the final release with the added songs “Charlene,” a Doo Wop medley; “Rain,” a fast Blues/Rock tune; and “Wine For Me Baby,” an upbeat reggae tune. The final project will have all eight songs. Keep up with Low D at the following: • lowdmusic.com • Facebook: Low D Music - facebook.com/staysaxy/ • Instagram: lowd_music • Twitter: Low D Music (lowdmusic91) • Snapchat: Low D (ldsaxman) • YouTube: youtube.com/user/ladariusdaniels
Ten years and still going strong, The Old Firehouse in Edom continues its season on December 7th with American Dreamer. American Dreamer brings a heavy dose of strings to their unique blend of Indie-Folk. The group’s music begins with honest, relatable Folk tunes, which are then elevated and interwoven with lush string arrangements (violin, cello, bass), and energized with three-part harmony. They strive to explore the commonalities between and seek out space within these diverse genres, and in doing so have crafted a textured, lush style unique unto itself. The group unites three classically trained string players: a rock drummer, and a folk singer to create a sound the group calls ‘Orchestral Folk.’ They are comprised of Sasha Klare-Ayvazian (vocals, guitar), Dana Marie (vocals, bass), Camille Schiess (vocals, violin), Courtney Castaneda (cello), and Rick Palese (drums). While their music is fundamentally simple, it unfolds into a multi-layered soundscape. Beautifully blended strings coupled with honest lyrics and rich vocal harmonies provide listeners with a lot to sink their ears into. The Old Firehouse in Edom is the only “listening room” in the area where audiences can enjoy a “coffee house” atmosphere of the ’70s, with national and international singer/songwriters performing their own music up close and personal. Concerts feature folk genres typically described as Americana, Orchestral Folk, Traditional, and Mountain. Every performance consists of strictly original songs that are both composed and performed by the musician who has created them. Admission prices for concerts are usually $12 in advance and $15 and the door beginning at 7:30pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm so the audience can enjoy coffee and desserts that are always available during the “schmooze hour.” Info, tickets, and more are at theoldfirehouse.net, info@theoldfirehouse.net or by phone at (903)852-ART1 (2781). Future scheduled concerts are: • January 18th, 2020: The Rough and Tumble • February 1st, 2020: Rupert Wates • February 22nd, 2020: Jeff Black • March 7th, 2020: Friction Farm • April 4th, 2020: Adler & Hearne
Feeling the Groove:
Senor Gringo By Johnny Griffith We’ve all had THAT moment when we’ve been out enjoying ourselves and our friends and family on a patio somewhere on a gorgeous day. The food is delicious, the wine is perfect, the weather is the stuff people in Wisconsin dream about … and as you are sitting back enjoying everything, you notice a band about to play and think the moment couldn’t get any better. And then they start to play. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that they’re bad, they’re just not the right band for THAT moment. And it’s because they’re NOT Senor Gringo, who seems to always be right for the moment. The Tyler-based quartet is a musical force that isn’t afraid to think outside the box and bring just the right blend of A few years back we Latin-infused jazz and were playing an outdoor rock to venues around summer festival down the area that in Athens and it ended require a little more finesse to up being one of those the set list than raw power. magical gigs! We were With a lineup on a large stage with an full of seamusiamazing sound system, a soned cians, Senor fantastic audience, and we Gringo definitely has the were just on fire! Easily musical prowess to bring the one of those moments precision and consistency to that sticks with you. the stage that is sure to please those who are wanting something a little different from the norm and love to sit down and just enjoy the music. With a mix of originals and covers, everyone is sure to find something that pleases while listening to a Senor Gringo set, and a lot of old favorites with a new twist are sure to surface as well. I recently had the pleasure of catching a set at Taco Fest in Marshall back in September and I’ve been trying to catch them for an interview ever since. We were finally able to sit down this past month and talk a little bit about the origins of the band and to get to know Senor Gringo just a little better. Johnny: So let’s get to know everyone first, what is the current line up of the band? Senor Gringo: Senor Gringo’s lineup currently consists of Alex Blair on bass, Don Elbert on keyboards, Keven Ewalt on drums and percussion, and Richard Callahan on guitar. Johnny: Okay so how did you all you meet? Senor Gringo: We have played together in various bands over the years. The music scene in East Texas is pretty close actually, and we’ve all been involved with some project together at one time or another. Johnny: Playing together over the years is one thing, but when did the idea of Senor Gringo actually first start taking shape? Senor Gringo: Well, about seven years ago, Tony Marsh, who is a past guitar player, had this idea of starting a band that played music similar
to XM Watercolors, where the nylon acoustic guitar plays melody versus traditional vocal music. The rest is history from that point. Johnny: So what about the name? It’s pretty recognizable. How did you guys come up with that? Senor Gringo: Well, we came up with that name because of the Latin influence and the fact that most of us are older, seasoned musicians. It just kind of stuck after that. Johnny: Do you happen to remember when and where the first Senor Gringo gig was? Senor Gringo: Absolutely. We were the very first band to play Lago del Pino here in Tyler. Johnny: So you guys have one of the more unique sounds in this area with the Latininfused groove that, in some cases, evokes threads of Santana as well as others. How have people in East Texas responded to what Senor Gringo is doing? Senor Gringo: Well, truthfully, it all depends. If we are playing a Country bar, it isn’t necessarily so good, but most of the venues we play do appreciate our talent and the fact that we are different. I would say one of the most consistent criticisms we hear is we are mostly an instrumental band and they just don’t get enough vocals. More times than not, though, the listeners end up staying longer and really focusing in on the music. Johnny: So is Senor Gringo staying busy around East Texas currently? Senor Gringo: It definitely depends on the season as to how much we play. In the spring and summer, we can play a lot, but in the late fall and winter it dwindles down to about one or two gigs a month. Johnny: Where would you say Senor Gringo’s home base really is? Are you primarily in Tyler, or have you branched out to some surrounding areas? Senor Gringo: Currently, most of our gigs are Tyler area specific, although we do play Jacksonville, Athens, Longview, and Marshall. We are always open to more areas as the opportunities come. Johnny: What would you say has been the most memorable gig to date? Senor Gringo: A few years back, we were playing an outdoor summer festival down in Athens and it ended up being one of those magical gigs! We were on a large stage with an amazing sound system, a fantastic audience, and we were just on fire! {[It was] easily one of those moments that sticks with you. Johnny: Has Senor Gringo done any studio work or are there plans for any studio projects coming up? Senor Gringo: We actually have done some studio work in the past, but at present there are no future recording plans. We are doing strictly live shows at the moment Johnny: So if you had to sit down and explain to a potential first timer to a live show what the experience was about to be like, how would you describe it? Senor Gringo: We’d say they are in for a completely different type of experience for East Texas. They’re about to hear a combination of original and contemporary Latin-flavored jazzrock played by talented musicians with the ability to improvise and flow with the crowd. Follow Senor Gringo on the web at facebook.com/RockinLatinJazz/.
a
void the crowds and come to Edom where the shops and galleries are rolling out the holiday carpet and opening their doors to reveal some of the most beautiful and one-of-a-kind treasures for holiday giving come for the day or stay the weekend for a delightful holiday shopping, dining and entertaining experience •
c corner of fm 279 & 314 | visitedom.com
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11
Lost In Space:
Gorgeous Jetson By Johnny Griffith
THE OLD
Edom, Texas
8241 FM 279 - Edom, TX - 903.852-ART1 (2781) www.theoldfirehouse.net
Concerts: December 7th:
American Dreamer Upcoming Concerts: January 18th: The Rough and Tumble February 1st: Rupert Wates • February 22nd: Jeff Black March 7th: Friction Farm • April 4th: Adler & Hearne
The only listening room in East Texas! 12 EGuideMagazine.com • Download “EGuide Tyler TX” App for Free!
There is a band from Tyler that you can absolutely get lost in. I mean the “sit back and just ride the soundwave across the infinite universe” kind of lost in. I mean the sort of lost where you start peeling back the layers, and find more layers, and then realize there are more layers underneath that. Whether it be diverse and ever changing guitar riffs, strangely soothing vocals that take you on fantastic voyages, foundational drums and bass that are precise and on point, or the keyboards filling in the gaps with expansive and ethereal sounds...Gorgeous Jetson opens the door to a new sonic reality for the duration of their show. Helmed by Marc Beevers on lead guitars and vocals, Gorgeous Jetson is rounded out by Ian Power on bass, Logan Strong on guitars and backing vocals, Jed McNeil on keys/synth/backing vocals, and Gamaliel Quezada on drums. I was able to catch up with Marc this past month to find out more about the band and how they click. Johnny: Let’s start out with the basics. How did the members of Gorgeous Jetson come together? Marc: So I’ve known Jed since high school. Our schools were rivals and we were both on the drum line. We also looked a lot alike in high school and everyone made a big deal about how we looked alike, so we ended up meeting several times at ball games. I graduated high school early and got an apartment of my own, and there were always tons of people there so that’s how I met Ian. He was another young kid just trying to figure stuff out like me and we hit it off immediately. We’ve been pretty close for about 11 years now. Later on, Jed and myself formed a band called Babe, and I met Logan at one of the last shows that I played with Babe. He actually played in Babe after I left the band. Finally, I met Gammy back in early 2017 at an art show. After talking over a cigarette, I got his number because he said he played drums. Johnny: So knowing a bunch of musicians and coming up with the idea of a band like Gorgeous Jetson are two different things. When did the idea first take shape? Marc: The idea of the band came up in 2015. I went to rehab for a little over a month that year for alcohol and substance abuse. I was still in Babe at the time, but while I was in rehab I decided I wanted to start a project that I had creative control over so when I got out, I told the guys I would be leaving Babe. It wasn’t anything personal, I just wanted more control when it came to the style of the band. I asked if they would still play with me under my direction, so Babe became Gorgeous Jetson for two shows. After those first couple of shows, circumstances for me changed and I ended up moving to Midland and those guys went back to Babe. Johnny: So the name is fun and, honestly, is one of the reasons I first listened to you guys. How did that idea come to be? Marc: I thought up the name while I was still in rehab. There was a wrestler in the ‘40’s and ‘50’s called Gorgeous George who, essentially, was the first Hulk Hogan...the first flamboyant hero. I like playing with words and making odd phrases like Gorgeous George Jetson. That eventually just turned into Gorgeous Jetson. It’s super catchy, I think, and I think that’s important. I think a catchy name can be click bait for sure. For example, our most popular song on the internet right now is my least favorite I’ve written. I know it gets clicks just because the song’s title is “Buddha on Quaaludes.” When you see that, you just have to see what it is simply because of the song’s title. It’s almost an involuntary reaction, so putting some thought into something catchy like that is an important part of the
overall equation as well. Johnny: When and where did Gorgeous Jetson first strut their stuff? Marc: Technically the first gig was in 2015 at the DIY Spot with the old Babe lineup. With this lineup of guys it was in March of 2018 at Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ. Some folks at Stanley’s heard I had got this group of guys together and asked us to play a gig the following month. We only had like three songs at that point, so they really lit a fire under my tail to get to writing before that show. Johnny: Your sound is a complete departure from what gets the most real estate in this area, which tends to be some variation of country or hard rock with the occasional blues band thrown in the mix. How have local crowds responded when you break out with your music? Marc: We’ve had nothing but good responses from our local venues and audiences. I think people like a break from the Texas blues and Texas country. As far as having a different sound than what people are used to, it makes me laugh as to who people compare us to. I’m talking about the people who only listen to top 20 hits. I’m so glad that they like us; I just really don’t like the bands they “think we sound like.” Johnny: Speaking of that sound, how did that evolve? Was it something you had wanted to play for a while or was it a definite choice in a definite moment? Marc: The style is evolving for certain. I don’t wanna play the same kinda music forever. We really have a variety of mellow, spacy, and ambient songs. At the same time, we have several chaotic, aggressive, almost unnerving at times, kind of songs. I like so many different styles of music. I think it’s important that my guys and myself continue to push our limits of playing and what we feel comfortable playing. It only makes us better. Johnny: How often are you guys getting to play at the moment? Marc: We’re currently playing two or three gigs a month. We are trying to focus on mostly out of town shows at the moment. We just don’t want to oversaturate our home town and have people get tired of us. It helps make it more special when we do play a local show. Johnny: There are some pretty decent recordings out there of Gorgeous Jetson. Where did you guys do that work and is there anything new coming up? Marc: We recorded four songs with Christian Diebert at GoodShed Studio in Canton in 2018. That was our first demo and it’s on all major streaming platforms. We recorded our last single with Yacht Country Records, aka John Hetherington. We are currently in the process of recording a new song now that should be up by the end of the year. The new song is called “Pet Detective” and it’s a little more mellow than our previous songs. Johnny: What can a first-timer expect at a Gorgeous Jetson show? Marc: It’s really kind of hard to explain our sound. I get bored easily so I enjoy putting in key changes and changes in time signatures frequently. Abrupt changes like this make me very happy. My favorite description of our music was from Meredith Crawford. She said, “Gorgeous Jetson songs are like a washing machine full of colors.” Check out Gorgeous Jetson at: • gorgeousjetson.com • facebook.com/gorgeousjetson • instagram.com/gorgeousjetson
In Case You Were Wondering:
We Have Your Dog By Johnny Griffith
One of the great things about live music is the spontaneity you can get in a show you don’t get from an album. The freedom to let the music take over and drive the performance is something magical you just don’t get anywhere else. That being said, there’s nothing worse for me than walking into a show by a new band and two or three songs in, having the realization that the next hour or two of your life is going to be listening to, essentially, minor variations of the same song or being able to predict exactly what you’re going to hear next. Sure, if I’ve got a favorite band, there may be certain songs I want to hear every time I see them, but a great band knows how to keep the same set list fresh night after night. Enter local Tyler band We Have Your Dog (WHYD). Now, besides the uniqueness of the name, this six-piece band delivers fresh treats night after night and is anything but predictable. With sweeping vocals, an eclectic mix of capable musicians on stage, and a refusal to fit into anyone’s idea of predictable, WHYD is one of the more exciting live acts you can find on a stage in the area. We sat down with the musical collective this past month to see exactly what’s up with my dog. Johnny: So, who exactly has One thing we want to my dog and what is their musical stay away from is the background? WHYD: cliche of “that band is Well, We Have good but all their songs Your Dog is made up of the sound the same.” We following: don’t have a particular Cosmic Kenneth, who studsound in mind other ied voice for than what starts to craft multiple semesters at TJC and itself on the palette is a naturally talented singer/ in the jam room. Our songwriter. goal is to have all our Havaan, also singer/songmembers feel free in the awriter but mostly creative process and the self-taught with a few private lesother members to back sons here and there to further them up. her skill. Peabody Coltrane on guitar. He is a classical guitar player who graduated from UT Tyler with a formal academic study of music. Jackie Chernobyl is also on guitars. He is a self-aught guitar player who was classically trained on piano at an early age. Chernobyl channeled all his natural talent into the guitar and is most obsessed with making manipulation of feedback and molding sounds through FX pedals. TheMind on the bass. A classical guitar player studied at UT Tyler and TJC with a formal academic study of music. He is a
multi-instrumentalist who is currently obsessed with mastering the bass. Haddad on drums. He is a self-taught drummer/percussionist. Volcanic with natural talent, Haddad is a multi-instrumentalist who specializes in banging things. Johnny: Where did you find my dog? WHYD: Kenneth, Haddad, TheMind, and Chernobyl have been playing together and in different projects since high school in the early 2000’s. Peabody and Havaan joined the band much later in the college years - around 20122016. Johnny: When did the idea of actually looking for my dog first happen? WHYD: Like we mentioned before, we had been in different projects together off and on for years, but specifically came together with the purpose of WHYD around 2015 and our first official show was at Click’s in Tyler on October 22, 2016. Johnny: So, What’s the story with my dog’s name? WHYD: We Have Your Dog’s name was put together out of the will to subvert the listeners expectations. We like to let the music speak for itself, rather than try and define a style of music according to the name. Johnny: When and where did you first find my dog? WHYD: Our first gig was a party we threw at our house in October of 2015. We wanted to get a soft feel for our music and how it would resonate with some folks we knew. The results were us refining our show for an October release in 2016 at Click’s Live. We had not added Havaan at this time. Johnny: Your sound and presentation is a bit out of the ordinary for this area, how have you found the reception to be with local dog catchers? WHYD: We find that folks who are interested in listening to music love us! Folks who just want background music, not so much. We’ve always followed the philosophy of “Do your own thing.” We Have Your Dog is always trying to refine our live show and at the end of the day, we do what makes us happy. Johnny: How did that dog sound evolve over the life of the band or was it pretty much the goal from inception? WHYD: Our sound is ever evolving. One thing we want to stay away from is the cliche of “that band is good but all their songs sound the same.” We don’t have a particular sound in mind
other than what starts to craft itself on the palette in the jam room. Our goal is to have all our members feel free in the creative process and the other members to back them up. All musical genres and styles are welcome in WHYD! Johnny: About how many dogs are being caught a month, on average, by the band currently? WHYD: We’d like to get to playing at minimum once a month! However, at this moment (Winter 2019) we are taking minimal gigs while we record our upcoming album “What Have You Done?” as well as rehearsing new tracks for our new live show coming Summer of 2020. Johnny: Do you primarily have dogs in the Tyler area or do you branch out to other areas often? WHYD: Lately we have been staying in the Tyler area. As much as we love traveling, we like getting paid even more. So far clubs like XL’N and Click’s Live treat us well enough that we stick around this area. We do love playing in Dallas and Longview when we get the opportunity though. Johnny: What has been the most memorable dog to date? WHYD: We are always proud of our shows where we jam with our local counterparts Post Profit or Gypsum and The Travelers. Whenever we can, we make sure to share the stage to feature with each other on particular tracks. Those are always memorable shows, but our most memorable would probably be The Band Wars Competition that we competed in Shreveport, Louisiana. Johnny: Have you guys caught any dogs in the studio or are there plans for any studio projects coming up? WHYD: We are current working on several albums/projects. “What Have You Done?” is our main project; and “Sex, Money & Murder” is a concept and side project that we are creating. We do most of our studio work in house. We do all our own tracking, then we have been contracting third party folks to mix and master. We’d like to give a shout out to Dejour Productions who have been really involved with our sound and how it will be portrayed. We have some stuff available on Spotify, ITunes, GooglePlay, Amazon and ALL the audio streaming services. We also have them available on BandCamp for a more personal purchase. Currently we have two singles: Kenneth lea, “Bite the Bullet;” and Havaan lead, “Equilibrium.” We also have a forthcoming duet entitled “The Don” from a concept album we’ve been placing together on the side. Johnny: So let’s say I want to come find my dog. What can I expect at a WHYD show? WHYD: When someone comes to see WHYD, they will experience a diverse and evolving show. We want our audience to experience multiple feelings and experiences as they progress through our presentation. Our goal is that nobody can listen to one or two songs and feel as though they know what’s coming the rest of the show. Follow WHYD at: • wehaveyourdog.com • facebook.com/wehaveyourdog/
A Guaranteed Sell Out! April 23rd (7pm):
For King & Country
Joel & Luke, known as For King & Country, will present an ‘ENCORE’ of their most theatrical and inspirational night of music and stories yet right here in Tyler at The Oil Palace, 10408 Hwy. 64. Tickets are on sale at smarturl.it/fKCTylerTX. They will take the stage at the top of each show and play more music than ever before – including every song off their most recent album “Burn the Ships,” all of your favorites, and maybe even an unreleased song! And in honor of “Burn the Ships,” the stage and lighting design is conceptually inspired by the bow of a ship, spanning the length of the arena floor to make it their most elaborate and intimate production yet. They cannot wait to embark and continue on this voyage with you! Two-time Grammy® award-winning Australian duo, For King & Country, comprised of brothers Joel & Luke Smallbone, released their much anticipated third studio album, “Burn the Ships” in October 2018…a sweeping musical landscape that explores themes of new beginnings, forgiveness, hope, and love. The album’s soaring debut and Grammy® nominated single, “Joy,” held the No. 1 spot for four consecutive weeks, marking the group’s highest debut on three Billboard charts. Their current single, “God Only Knows” has reached #1 on the Billboard Audience chart and has accumulated over 27 million total streams. This marks For King & Country’s fastest rise to No. 1 to date. “Burn the Ships” has helped the duo earn three Billboard Music Awards nominations. To kick off 2019, Joel & Luke launched Part I of their “burn the ships | world tour,” performing in their Australian homeland for the very first time and selling out every show, including the iconic Sydney Opera House. Their previous album, gold-certified “RUN WILD. LIVE FREE. LOVE STRONG.” debuted at No. 1 on iTunes, and produced two Grammys®, four Dove Awards, and a hugely successful 60-date arena tour. They have garnered four No. 1 hits, nine Top 10 hits, and had songs featured on the Emmys, Super Bowl, Sunday Night Football, and other high-profile events including performances on “The Tonight Show,” “Today Show,” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” In October 2016, the Smallbone brothers released the indie film inspired by their No. 1 hit of the same name, “Priceless,” about human trafficking. Tickets are on sale at smarturl.it/fKCTylerTX and range from $20 and up. Parking in the lot is $10 per car.
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8-11 Circle M Crawfish - Serena & Friends, 7-10 Dakotas Chop House – Dustin Becker, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Lucas Kelm, 7-10 Stanley’s Famous BBQ – Big Funky Cloud, 7-10 Texas Music City Grill, Lindale – Karaoke, 7-10 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – 2nd Childhood, 7-10 Yamato – Open Mic, 8-11
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Live Music Gig Guide Sunday, December 1st Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm
Tuesday, December 3rd 11th Frame Club – Lynn Groom, 8:30-11 Brisket Love BBQ, Lindale – Karaoke, 6-9 Cowan Center - martina McBride, 8pm Foundry - The Grey Havens, 8-10 Garage Bar - Karaoke, 8-12 Summerfield’s Bar & Grille – Karaoke, 7-11 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Zach Coffey, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12
Wednesday, December 4th The Back Porch, Kilgore – 2nd Childhood, 7-10 Brewster’s – Cowboy Troy Kar-E-Okie-Dokie, 8-11 Circle M Crawfish - Serena & Friends, 7-10 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Dakota’s – Darrin Morris, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Lucas Kelm, 7-10 Stanley’s Famous BBQ – Big Funky Cloud, 7-10 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Andie Joyner, 8-12 Yamato – Open Mic, 8-11
Thursday, December 5th 11th Frame Club – Lynn Groom, 8:30-11 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Cole Allen, 7-10 Click’s – DJ, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Cody Norman, 7-10 Fuzion Bar – DJ, 8-12 Poke In Da Eye BBQ - Relevant, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Karaoke, 8-12 San Pedro’s, Chandler – Otis Naron, 6-8 Texas Music City Grill, Lindale – Randall King, 8-12 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Logan K. Strong, 7-10
Friday, December 6th 11th Frame Club – Karaoke, 8-12 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Gary Patrick, 9-1 Cowboys - Chris Colston, 8-12 Dakota’s Chophouse – Jonathan Webster, 7-10 ETX Brewery – Colton Mathis, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Andie Joiner, 7-10 Fuzion Bar – DJ, 8-12 The Grove - Patrick James, 7-10 Lola’s Sandwich Shop – Otis Naron, 6-8 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler - Lee Mathis, 8-12
Rick’s – Big Daddy Band, 9-1 Stanley’s Famous BBQ – Wood & Wire, 8-12 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Texas Music City Grill, Lindale – Salvation From Sundown, 7-10 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Jason Misenheimer, 7-10 True Vine Brewing - Shane & Shane, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12
Saturday, December 7th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Stratoblasters, 9-1 Brisket Love BBQ, Lindale - Wesley Pruitt, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish - Live Music, 9-1 Commerce Street Draft House, Jacksonville Withrow Cooley, 7-11 Dakota’s Chophouse – Slickrock Hoodoo, 7-10 ETX Brewing - Stefan Cotter, 8:30-10:30 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Lauren Alexander, 7-10 Fuzion Bar – DJ, 9-1 M6 Winery – Keith Rea, 3-6 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store – Texas Express, 7-10 The Old Firehouse, Edom - American Dreamer, 6-9 Red Rooster Ice House, Hawkins - Luke LaPrade, 8-12 Republic Icehouse – Riley Redding, 8-12 Rick’s – DJ LC, 9-1 Stanley’s Famous BBQ – Money Chicha, The Effinays, 7-10 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Texas Music City Grill, Lindale – Zane Williams, 8-11 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Alex Smith, 7-10 True Vine Brewing - PONCE, 6-12 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-1 XLN - Del Rio, 9-1
Sunday, December 8th Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 The Grove – Chris Oliver, 11-2 Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm
Tuesday, December 10th 11th Frame Club – Lynn Groom, 8:30-11 Brisket Love BBQ, Lindale – Karaoke, 6-9 Liberty Hall - East Texas Symphony, 7pm Summerfield’s Bar & Grille – Karaoke, 7-11 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Scott White, 8-12 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12
Wednesday, December 11th Brewster’s – Cowboy Troy Kar-E-Okie-Dokie,
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11th Frame Club – Lynn Groom, 8:30-11 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Blaine Hart, 7-10 Cantina Laredo - Patrick James, 6-9 Click’s – DJ, 8-12 ETX Brewing Co. - Swing Dancing & Jazz Night, 6:30-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Jeremy Parsons, 7-10 Fuzion Bar – DJ, 8-12 Republic Icehouse – Live Music, 8-12 Rick’s – Live Music, 9-1 San Pedro’s, Chandler – Otis Naron, 6-8 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Cody Wayne, 7-10
Friday, December 13th 11th Frame Club – Karaoke, 8-12 The Back Porch, Kilgore – What The Funk!?, 9-1 Brisket Love, Lindale – Brad Ward & Bad Habits, 8-12 Dakota’s Chophouse – Clint Alford, 7-10 ETX Brewery – The Kirbys, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Shelby Ballenger, 7-10 Fuzion Bar – DJ, 8-12 Lola’s Sandwich Shop – Otis Naron, 6-8 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store – Live Music, 8-12 Poke In Da Eye BBQ - Relevant, 6-9 Rick’s – Dallas Party Band, 9-1 Stanley’s Famous BBQ – Black Joe Lewis, 7-10 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Texas Music City Grill, Lindale – Will Carter, 8-12 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Mo Robson, 7-10 True Vine Brewing - Stefan Cotter, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12
Saturday, December 14th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Social Club, 9-1 Brisket Love, Lindale – Daygan, 8-12 Dakota’s - Gary Patrick Band, 8-11 ETX Brewery – Hindsight, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Jerrett Zoch, 7-10 Fuzion Bar – DJ, 9-1 Lola’s Sandwich Shop – Ramoth Gilead, 11am-1pm M6 Winery – Michael Jesch, 3-6 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store – Pat Waters, 8-12 Rick’s – Live Music, 9-1 Stanley’s Famous BBQ – HeartByrne, 8-12 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Texas Music City Grill, Lindale – Canaan Bryce, 8-11 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Riley Redding, 7-10 Time Square - Live Music, 8-11 True Vine Brewing - Matt Raker, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-1 XLN - Wes Jeans, 9-12 Yamato – Karaoke, 8-12
Sunday, December 15th Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 The Grove – Chris Oliver, 11-2 Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm
Tuesday, December 17th 11th Frame Club – Lynn Groom, 8:30-11 Brisket Love BBQ, Lindale – Karaoke, 6-9 Summerfield’s Bar & Grille – Karaoke, 7-11 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Will Carter, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12
Wednesday, December 18th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Tyler Dudley, 7-10 Brewster’s – Cowboy Troy Kar-E-Okie-Dokie, 8-11 Circle M Crawfish - Serena & Friends, 7-10 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Dakotas Chop House – Gary Patrick, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Lucas Kelm, 7-10 Stanley’s Famous BBQ – Big Funky Cloud, 7-10 Yamato – Open Mic, 8-11
Thursday, December 19th 11th Frame Club – Lynn Groom, 8:30-11 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Tuxedo Cats, 7-10 Click’s – DJ, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Gus Samuelson, 7-10 Fuzion Bar – DJ, 8-12 Poke In Da Eye BBQ - Relevant, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Karaoke, 8-12 San Pedro’s, Chandler – Otis Naron, 6-8 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Eric George, 8-12
Friday, December 20th 11th Frame Club – Karaoke, 8-12 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Blaine Hart Band, 8-12 Brisket Love, Lindale – Darrin Morris Band, 8-12 Dakota’s Chophouse – Bron Burbank, 7-10 ETX Brewery – JT Wilkinson, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Kenneth Waters, 7-10 Fuzion Bar – DJ, 8-12 Lola’s Sandwich Shop – Otis Naron, 6-8 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Poke In Da Eye BBQ - Michael Jesch, 6-9 Red Rooster Icehouse, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Rick’s – Satellite Band, 9-1 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Texas Music City Grill, Lindale – Giovannie & The Hired Guns, 8-12 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Gary Patrick, 8-12 True Vine Brewing - Trey Roberson & The Outlaws, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – Clint Alford, 7-10
Saturday, December 21st The Back Porch, Kilgore – Ally Venable, 7-10 Brisket Love, Lindale – Dexter Rowe Band, 8-12 Club 155 - David Allen, 8-12 Dakotas Chop House – Matt Raker, 7-10 ETX Brewing - Bluez Boyz, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Jenn Ford, 7-10 Fuzion Bar – DJ, 9-1 Lago Del Pino - Trey Dillon, 7-10 Lola’s Sandwich Shop – Ramoth Gilead, 11am-1pm M6 Winery – Withrow Cooley, 3-6 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler - East Texas Jazz Orchestra, 7-10
Rick’s – Vegas Stars, 9-1 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Texas Music City Grill, Lindale – Prophets & Outlaws, 7-10 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Heather Little, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-1 XLN Pool Hall - Hubcap & The Loose Nuts, 9-1 Yamato – Karaoke, 8-12
Sunday, December 22nd Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 The Grove – Chris Oliver, 11-2 Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm
Tuesday & Wednesday, December 24th-25th
Merry Christmas! Thursday, December 26th 11th Frame Club – Lynn Groom, 8:30-11 Click’s – DJ, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Gus Samuelson, 7-10 Fuzion Bar – DJ, 8-12 Republic Icehouse – Karaoke, 8-12 San Pedro’s, Chandler – Otis Naron, 6-8 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Lee Mathis, 8-12
Friday, December 27th 11th Frame Club – Karaoke, 8-12 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Jenn Ford & The Wide Eyed Devils, 8-12
Big Sandy Music hall – Floyd Void, 7-10 Brisket Love, Lindale – The Tuxedo Cats, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Live Music, 7-10 Dakota’s Chophouse – Gary Patrick, 7-10 ETX Brewery – Patrick James, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Jennifer Sullivan, 7-10 Fuzion Bar – DJ, 8-12 Lola’s Sandwich Shop – Otis Naron, 6-8 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Poke In Da Eye BBQ - Relevant, 6-9 Red Rooster Icehouse, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Republic Icehouse – Live Music, 8-12 Rick’s – Big Daddy Band, 9-1 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 True Vine Brewing - Billie Jo, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 7-10
Saturday, December 28th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Teazur, 7-10 Brisket Love, Lindale – Moonlight Twang, 8-12 Dakotas Chop House – Rick St. Mars, 7-10 ETX Brewing - Tyler Dudley, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Guthrie Kennard, 7-10 Fuzion Bar – DJ, 9-1 Lola’s Sandwich Shop – Ramoth Gilead, 11am-1pm M6 Winery – Michael Jesch, 3-6 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9
Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler - Daygan, 8-12 Rick’s – After Party, 9-1 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Texas Music City Grill, Lindale – Dakota Ritter, Bri Bagwell, 7-10 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Bobby Irwin-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-1 Yamato – Karaoke, 8-12
Sunday, December 29th Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 The Grove – Chris Oliver, 11-2 Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm
Tuesday, December 31st 11th Frame Club – Lynn Groom, 8:30-11 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Ambush, 8-12 Brisket Love BBQ, Lindale – Teazur, 8-12 SPCA Annual New Year’s Eve Fur Ball - The Pictures, 8-12:15 (ticketed event) Summerfield’s Bar & Grille – Karaoke, 7-11 Texas Music City Grill, Lindale – Ally Venable, Blacktop Mojo 8-12 (ticketed event) Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 XLN Pool Hall - Jenn Ford, 9-1
For more New Year’s Eve Live Music & Parties, go to:
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OPEN
LIVE MUSIC:
Live Bands Every Weekend
@4PM
2109 E. Fifth Street, Tyler 903-535-7956
www.facebook.com/xln.pool.hall
Dec 31st
XLN'T NYE PARTY
DEC. 7th
DEL RIO
DEC. 14th
WES JEANS
No Cover Charge, Ever!
DEC.
Jen Ford & the Wide Eyed Devils
21st
HUBCAP and THE LOOSE NUTS This is the Place to be for NYE! OPEN EVERY DAY AT NOON
2109 E. Fifth Street, Tyler - 903-535-7956 - www.facebook.com/xln.pool.hall EGuideMagazine.com • Download “EGuide Tyler TX” App for Free!
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Celebrate New Year’s Eve at
On the First Day of Christmas:
Giving the Gift of Reading By Gini Rainey
with Dinner & The Magills! RSVP to 903.834.3444 HighHillFarm.com Overnight accomodations available! 12626 CR 217, Arp, TX 75750 STATE-OF-THE-ART EXOTIC ANIMAL PROPAGATION, HUSBANDRY, AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITY
Featured in
The New York Times & National Geographic!
FULLY LICENSED
For the well being, stress, noise and security of our animals, we are a closed facility and are not generally open to the public. However, if you are interested in one of our tours and pricing, or if you would like to make a special request or arrangement, don’t hesitate to contact us:
Phone: (817) 992-1253 (Text often works best.) minisexoticzoo@gmail.com www.minisexoticzoo.com
It’s that time of year again. You know, the time when we are all scratching our heads and pondering the age-old question “What should I get them for Christmas?” First of all, remember to instill the reason for the season in the members of your family, no matter what denomination or walk of faith you follow: always, always remember the purpose behind the celebration. And then, if I might interject a bit of my own sense of sensibility, try to keep the KISS method prevalent in your motivations. There’s nothing better to receive at the holiday than a good book and new jammies. This was how I was raised, and a tradition I passed on to my daughters and they have passed on to their children. So I would love to share a few book ideas for giving:
“Gracie Lou Wants a Zoo” by Shelly Roark
Ms. Roark approached me recently to let me know that she had written a new book and wondered if I would like to read and review it. Well, of course I would! Ms. Roark has been writing professionally for almost 30 years and is presently a senior copywriter for “Focus on the Family.” I reviewed her debut children’s picture book, “The Bubble Who Would Not POP!” recently and was delighted, not only in her awesome positivity, but also in the lovely illustrations by Simone Krüger, a German-based illustrator. Now the two have paired up again to tell the charming story about a little girl who wants every animal around. Unfortunately, she and her parents live in an apartment that is just about the right size for the three of them, but not so for the elephant, giraffe, and more that Gracie Lou would like to have. Follow her journey to becoming her heart’s desire of what was always intended for her. Rating: 5 of 5, Copyright 2019 by Little Lamb Books Ah, but (you say) that’s good for the littlest of the littles, but what about my older children or grandchildren? I have to tell you that in my opinion, books that delight and expand the imagination are what I think are the best. A few recommended series are “The Borrowers,” The Cherry Ames Series & The Hardy Boys plus “The Dangerous Book for Boys” & “The Daring Book for Girls.” One of my favorite series of books when I was growing up was “The Borrowers” and features a family of tiny people who live secretly in the walls and floors of an English house and “borrow”
Events
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December 5th: Novel Ideas Book Club at GoodmanLeGrand Museum
Located at FM 2493 (Old Jacksonville Hwy) Off Loop 49 Inside in Tyler, Texas
Above Ground Pools Recessed Pools Water Testing Chemicals Parts & Service
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The December book club topic is “My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories” by Stephanie Perkins (Editor/Contributor), Holly Black, Ally Carter, Matt de la Pena, Gayle Forman, Jenny Han, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Myra McEntire, Rainbow Rowell, Laini Taylor, Kiersten White, Jim Tierney (Illustrator). Novel Ideas is a book club that meets the first Thursday of every month. The goal of Novel Ideas is to get a group of people interested in reading young adult fiction (no matter your age) to discuss the books in a safe and unique space. Refreshments are provided. The Goodman-LeGrande House & Museum is located at 624 N. Broadway, Downtown Tyler. For more info email gmuseum@tylertexas.com, call (903)531-1286, or go to parksandrec.cityoftyler.org.
from the big people in order to survive. This set consists of five books and was written by British author Mary Norton in the 1950’s and yes, I know there was a mini-series based on these books, but nothing will build your child’s imagination more than mentally visualizing the tiny world of this tiny family. For me, this series is a rating of 5 of 5 and well worth the investment. Another series of books that had a huge impact on my world was the Cherry Ames series. Written between 1943 and 1968 and originally published by Grossett and Dunlap, this series consists of 27 books and were written by Helen Wells and Julie Campbell Tatham (who also wrote the Trixie Belden series). Starting with “Cherry Ames, Student Nurse,” these books follow Cherry’s adventures and misadventures all the way from nursing school to being a jungle nurse. This set might encourage your little ones to take a look at a medical career down the road. I also must give this series a rating of 5 of 5, and if you wind up with a medical professional in your family, well...there ya go...you’re welcome! For the young men in your family, you just can’t beat the Hardy Boys series. Written by Franklin W. Dixon and first published in 1927, The Hardy Boys books have sold over 70 million copies and feature Frank and Joe solving mysteries that have their adult counterparts stumped. Sleuthing through 190 mysteries from 1927 to 2005, this set of books has kept the imaginations of young readers jumping to conclusions for several generation. Without a doubt, this series deserves a rating of 5 of 5 also. One other set of books I would highly recommend would be “The Dangerous Book for Boys” by Conn and Hal Igulddon and “The Daring Book for Girls” by Andrea Buchannon and Miriam Peskowitz. Described as being for every boy from eight to eighty, covering essential boyhood skills such as building tree houses, learning how to fish, finding true north, and even answering the age-old question of what the big deal with girls is, the Igulddons tell it like it is in plain and simple, yet enjoyable language even grandpa can understand. Not to be outdone, the girls book is the manual for everything they need to know—and that doesn’t mean sewing buttonholes! Whether it’s female heroes in history, secret note-passing skills, science projects, friendship bracelets, double dutch, cat’s cradle, the perfect cartwheel, or the eternal mystery of what boys are thinking, Peskowitz tells it all! Rated 5 of 5, these are great books for young and old alike.
The Annual New Year’s Eve Fur Ball
8pm-12:15pm, come howl in the new year with an evening of “Bond & Bones,” including entertaining casino games, an elite martini bar, and delicious dining and dancing to the high-energy sounds of The Pictures, an award-winning band from Austin! Feeling Lucky? Go “All In” for the animals and show your support by betting big! Play one of the 4 blackjack tables, roulette, craps or spin the money wheel for your chance to win fabulous prizes! Elite Casino Entertainment will be providing professional games and top-rated service by professional and experienced dealers. Tickets are available at spcaeasttx.com/fur-ball-2019/. This will be held at Cascades Country Club, 4511 Briarwood Rd., Tyler.
December 12th (7pm): YA Book Club Featuring “Scythe”
Join on the second Thursday of every month at B&N for this book club. Death gets a new look in the cult-favorite, must-read, heart-stopping “Scythe,” the first book in the “Arc of a Scythe” bluecoralpools2015@gmail.com trilogy from bestselling author Neal Shusterman. This will be held at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, located at 4916 S. Broadway, 903.592.POOL (7665) Tyler. For more info on this and other events call (903)534-3996 Open Monday-Saturdays, Closed Sundays or go to barnesandnoble.com. This is free to attend. EGuideMagazine.com • Download “EGuide Tyler TX” App for Free!
Check out EGuide’s New Year’s Eve Party Guide at:
EGuideMagazine.com/nye
F
FAMILY
At Barnes & Noble Booksellers This Month:
Christmas Tales Featured All Month
At TJC Earth & Space Science Center this Month:
A Season of Christmas-Themed Shows In The Dome
This year, TJC Earth and Space Science Center will feature some special Christmas Dome Shows geared for all ages to enjoy through January 4th. Plus, new this season, the planetarium theater has been updated to a brand new Digitarium Aethos system, which uses 4k laser projection technology to create vibrant, immersive experiences in the 40-foot Hudnall Planetarium. It is the first science center in Texas, and only the second in the country (after Eugene, Ore.) to have a Digitarium Aethos system. Come celebrate the season in this unique environment. Shows are: “Season of Light” (1pm): This show recounts the historical, religious, and cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice - not only Christian and Jewish but also Celtic, Nordic, Roman, Irish, Mexican, and Hopi. It also takes a look at some of our more light-hearted seasonal traditions: from gift-giving and kissing under the mistletoe, to songs about lords a-leaping and ladies dancing, and the custom of decking the halls with greenery and candles. St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus all drop by as well. “Mystery of the Christmas Star” (2pm): Journey back over 2000 years to Bethlehem as we seek to discover a scientific explanation for the star the wise men followed to find the baby Jesus. This modern retelling of the Christmas story is sure to charm and captivate audiences of all ages. “Let it Snow” (3pm): This 30-minute show features some of your favorite Christmas carols and other holiday songs set to a variety of high-resolution scenery and artistic animation, enhanced with real-time and lighting effects for added variety and drama. A fun and entertaining experience for audiences of all ages, especially families. TJC Earth and Space Science Center featuring the Hudnall
Every month Barnes & Noble (B&N) has a variety of events. All events are free to attend. B&N Booksellers is located at 4916 S. Broadway, Tyler. For more info on this and other events call (903)534-3996 or go to barnesandnoble.com.
Baby & Me Storytimes
Planetarium at Tyler Junior College is located on the Tyler Junior College campus at 1411 E. Lake St., Tyler. Tickets can be purchased at sciencecenter.tjc.edu.
Other Events this Month
December 21st: Rock ‘n Roll Saturday will be held featuring two productions, “SpacePark360” at 7pm, and “Rock on Demand” at 8pm. Tickets are $5 for each show. “SpacePark360” is seen from the rider’s perspective, and takes audiences on a wild, immersive ride through the solar system, recreating the experience of amusement park thrill rides - roller coasters, pendulums, inverters, and more to create a heart-pounding experience. “Rock on Demand” fills the entire 40-foot domed theater with vibrant graphics, completely enveloping visitors in a 360-degree view while the 16,000-watt, digital surround sound system plays rock hits ranging from the Beatles and Rolling Stones to The Doors and Aerosmith. This is a great experience for all ages. December 7th (8pm, 8:30pm, and 9pm): Star Party Saturday - This is a unique opportunity for families to view the beautiful heavens of East Texas, and is completely free! Telescopes will be set up as well (weather permitting). This is held ongoing the first Saturday of each month.
Public Library by showing a photo ID. For additional information, please contact the Library at (903) 593-7323 (READ).
Other Events
December 3rd (5:30pm): Holiday Snow Globe Making Party - Teens in 8th-12th grade can make their own snow globes at this fun event.
At Tyler Public Library This Month:
A Mad Hatter Family Tea Party, And Much More
The Friends of the Tyler Public Library invite everyone to a very important date, the Mad Hatter Family Tea Party! This party is a fun, come-and-go event for all ages to start the month of December with whimsy and charm. The Friends will provide tea and treats, as well as some unique entertainment. The Mad Hatter Family Tea Party will be held in the Taylor Auditorium, Saturday, December 7th, 2-4pm. Those wishing to attend must purchase a ticket at tylerlibrary.com. All proceeds go towards funding library programs. The Tyler Public Library is located at 201 S. College Ave., Downtown Tyler. For more info call (903)593-7323 or go to tylerlibrary.com. For more information about programs, call (903)593-7323 or email idesk@tylertexas.com. Most of the events are free unless noted.
Holiday Hours
On December 24th-25th and January 1st, the Tyler Public Library will be closed in observance of the Christmas holidays and New Year’s Day. The green book drop outside will be closed, but patrons may make any returns, including books, utilizing the AV Drop. Book drops at the Faulkner Park Police Station and Pollard Park can also be used during the holiday.
New Non-Resident Library Memberships
As of October 1st, Veterans and Seniors of Smith County can enjoy a new option for membership to the Tyler Public Library. Non-resident fees are typically $10 monthly, $50 for six months or $90 for a year. Veterans and Seniors (65+) are now able to purchase a membership for half the original cost. Patrons wanting to purchase a membership may apply at Tyler
December 4th and 18th (5:30pm): Chess Club - There are thousands of chess clubs across the globe, all striving to be the best there is at this age-old game. And now, there’s one at your Tyler Public Library! Come to the Makerspace on Wednesdays, December 4th and 18th to meet new chess-loving friends and rivals. After that, Chess Club will meet regularly every first and third Wednesday of the month. December 9th, 16th, and 23rd (12 noon-2pm and 4-6pm): Wrapping Party - Wrapping presents away from the eyes of curious kiddos can be a hassle, so the Tyler Public Library is opening up their Makerspace for a Wrapping Party. Patrons can come and wrap gifts - bringing their own paper or using any of the supplies provided. Donations are greatly appreciated! December 10th (5pm): Tweens Tuesday will make Harry Potter style wands. All materials provided. December 14th (10am-4pm): Shop Local Market - Give that someone special something special with a unique gift from a plethora of local artisans - from handcrocheted items to specialty scarves, bookmarks to photography - there’s plenty of unique things to find. 10% of all proceeds will go to the Friends of the Tyler Public Library to provide for Library programs and supplies. December 16th (11am-2pm and 4-6pm): Winter Reading Challenge Kick-Off - The Tyler Public Library will be kicking off their first-ever Winter Reading Challenge! Come on down to the Library’s lobby for hot chocolate, snowflake crafts, and sign up to join the new winter reading challenge. Get registered, curl up with some hot cocoa and a good book, and get to reading! December 19th (5:30-6:30pm): Creative Writing
Workshop - Whether you have been writing all your life or have never written a word, come to learn more about the art of writing, as well as meet fellow writers. December 19th (6pm): Stuffy Sleepover Story Time - Children ages 0 - 6 years, their families, and stuffed animal friends are invited to a special evening storytime. Stuffed animal friends will stay the night at the library for a sleepover and be ready for pick up the next day. Children and families are welcome to wear their pajamas! December 21st (10:30am): Super Smash Brothers Showdown - Families and children can come out and go head to head in a fun come and go switch tournament, featuring the Super Smash Brothers game! December 30th-January 3rd (10:30am): Family Movie Matinees - Families and children are invited to enjoy movie matinees in the Library’s auditorium. Carpet-friendly snacks, blankets, and pillows are allowed. Visit the Library’s website for movie titles.
At Studio Movie Grill This Month:
Christmas Classics on the Big Screen
This month at Studio Movie Grill, there is something for everyone! Studio Movie Grill (SMG) is located at 8954 S. Broadway Ave., Tyler. Tickets are available at the door and at studiomoviegrill.com. SMG offers box office hits as well as special screenings. As always, Special Needs Screenings are held at 11am. These family-friendly movies are free for children with special needs and their siblings, with adult tickets available for before-noon price. Special Needs Screenings are shown with the lights up and the volume lowered, and children are free to move around, talk, or even dance in the aisles during the movie. Scheduled are: • December 28th: “Jumanji: The Next Level” • January 4th: “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” And finally, celebrate the holidays by reliving your favorite Christmas classics on the big screen at 7:15pm. These movies will be shown: • December 4th: “The Polar Express” • December 11th: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” • December 18th: “A Christmas Story” • December 23rd: “Elf” EGuideMagazine.com
Baby & Me Storytime continues for caregivers and children 0-24 months old at 11am weekly. Join the fun as a book is read, and participate in activities featuring sensory growth for your little ones. This is always free to attend. Topics this month are: • December 1st: “Baby Shark: Meet Baby Shark” • December 8th: “Pop-Up Peekaboo, Baby Dinosaur” • December 15th: “Pop-Up Peekaboo, Colors”
Weekly Storytimes & Special Events
December 6th (7pm): “The Polar Express” - Come in your pajamas and hear the classic story, plus enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. December 7th (11am): “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” - This storytime and activities will be fun, and participants will receive a free Advent calendar while supplies last. December 10th (6:30pm): “Dog Man Fetch-22” Release Party - Join the fun for games and activities to celebrate the release of “Fetch-22,” the newest book in the hilarious “Dog Man” series. The Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition features a colorable pull-out poster. December 21st (11am): “Construction Site on Christmas Night” - For storytime, it will be Christmas time at your favorite construction site. December 28th (11am): “The Kindness Book” Storytime - No matter what other people choose to do, you can always choose to be kind. This book is the perfect introduction to a timely and timeless topic.
At Discovery Science Place:
Big Events Ahead In 2020
Winter promises loads of fun at the Discovery Science Place, located at 308 N. Broadway Ave., Downtown Tyler. For more info go to discoveryscienceplace.org. Winter Break Camps will be held December 30th-January 3rd, 10am-5pm. Drop in for fun and educational day camps over the holiday break. Camp subjects change daily. For more information and online registration visit discoveryscienceplace.org/winter-break-camps-2019/. There will be no camp on January 1st, 2020. Save the date for The Science of Beer, held on January 11th, 6-9pm, which is for science lovers ages 21 and up! Join for a TED-talk style presentation about the art and science of brewing with beers supplied by TrueVine Brewery. There will also be snacks, patio games, and museum fun provided by the DSP! Darwin Day will be held February 22nd, 10am-2pm. Celebrate biology with DSP’s annual family-oriented event featuring live animals, cool hands-on science, and educational games. STEM Like a Girl will be held on February 22nd, 10am-2pm. This is a day of hands-on STEM fun for middle school girls only! Led by local female STEM professionals and mentored by female UT Tyler STEM students, it’s a great day for science/technology/engineering/math! It is free to attend and includes lunch. And finally, the much anticipated 8th Annual Tyler Maker Faire will be held April 18th, 9am-5pm. Hailed as the greatest show (and tell) on earth, join over 1,200 people at this amazing event for tons of hands-on demonstrations and fun from high-tech to old-school building and making. The special 2020 featured guest will be Mario the Maker Magician! Plan now to attend this fun and creative day. • Download “EGuide Tyler TX” App for Free! 17
FINE ARTS
Through January 4th: 5% Show at Martin Walker P.C.
A new art exhibition featuring art by Monica Lubiani, Maegan Kirschner, Brenda McKinney, Ginger Cochran, Lina Rincon, Leticia Herrera, Rodica Slemmer, Deborah Hartigan-Viestenz, and Reanna DiPaolo is currently on exhibit through January 4th, 2020 in Downtown Tyler at Martin Walker Law Firm, 121 N. Spring St. The setting for this show is an award-winning facility, which historically served as the Arcadia Theater but now serves as the law firm’s headquarters. Admission is always free.
Inside the Artist’s Studio
Painting the Town: Lauren Pitre Derrick White “I can say without a doubt art has brought me confidence. I always struggled with confidence growing up but it seems after each milestone I pass within my art career I gain more confidence, in particular with my murals,” affirms local artist Lauren Pitre. You may have experienced Lauren’s work even if you were not aware of it at the time. If you’ve been to the Longview Mall, downtown Mineola, The Discovery Science Place in Tyler, or the Lindale Candy Company, you probably noticed her dynamic and engaging murals. Lauren received her Associate’s degree in Art from Tyler Junior College and received a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from the University of Texas at Tyler, focusing on painting. She prolifically creates beautiful and enchanting still lifes of antiquated objects but during her time at UT Tyler she gained experience in painting murals. Now murals and commissioned portraits are Lauren’s full-time job. “The Importance of Community Murals” is an online article from the website productcare. org stating, “From the 30,000 year old animal murals in France’s Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc Cave to Banksy’s Balloon Girl, murals have been part of our cultural landscape for thousands of years. Community murals are a mode of expression for artists in every graphic style imaginable: abstract, photorealistic, surrealist, expressionist and graffiti, to name just a few. Most recently, murals have become community centerpieces bringing people together to celebrate the heritage and history of their home. They create vibrant neighborhoods people want to visit and live. Murals attract new local businesses, help bring customers to pre-existing locations, and boost the economy of an area. Murals encourage people to slow down and admire your surroundings. Part of slow living involves appreciating our surroundings and their beauty. Murals create important conversations and expand thought. They also act as collective thought spaces. A great example of a dialogue-provoking mural project is American artist Wyland’s Whaling Walls. Over a 30 year period, Wyland painted 100 life-sized whale murals across the globe to help people appreciate our oceans through art.” Lauren has an excellent painting skill set,
Through December 29th:“Hello Future” At Gallery Main Street
creating works quite capable of attracting and holding viewer’s attention while provoking conversation and thought in her murals as well as her fine art. “My vintage still lifes are mostly painted on wood panels with acrylic paint. I use wood panels so I can get more layers and am able to lightly sand between coats to get a smooth surface I like. Acrylic paint works best with the wood. It dries quick enough to get more layers of detail,” Lauren describes. She adds, “The style of my pieces is realistic with an exaggerated use of color as well as the background behind the objects. Typical objects I choose to depict are old cameras, clocks, books and radios. As far as commissioned portraits and murals I tend to stick to realism as well, depending on what the subject matter is, along with the look and design of the surrounding area I will use a specific color palette directed towards a particular style.” Lauren grew up always drawing people and facial portraits. After she graduated high school she began working at a local Goodwill store. It is there her fascination with distinctive items began to take hold. Lauren explains, “I enjoyed seeing different objects from different decades, mostly old cameras and clocks. One of the Goodwill tasks specific to me was creating displays for endcaps, toppers, and windows and I usually ended up using the older items, to give them a new life. I decided to collect these vintage items and make still lifes of them and paint them. Another one of my jobs was to paint the outside of the windows for holidays and special sales, the more I did them the more elaborate they became. It was then I felt this was where my path as an artist was truly starting.” Lauren took a mural painting class at UT Tyler with Professor Alexis Serio Hughes: “We planned out and painted one of the exterior walls of the Discovery Science Place in Tyler over the span of one semester. After that semester I was hooked. I spent a later semester working on a mural there at UT Tyler in the Biology building. I was able to come up with a design, color
TYLER CIVIC THEATRE 400 Rose Park Dr., (Next to Tyler Rose Garden Center) Tyler, TX 75702 For tickets: Box Office: (903) 592-0561 or tylercivictheatre.com Box Office: Monday - Friday 10am-1pm & 2-5pm 18 EGuideMagazine.com • Download “EGuide Tyler TX” App for Free!
palette, and work schedule, as well as assigning tasks to the three of us working on the mural,” she states. After graduating, Lauren was able to start her first large commissioned mural downtown in her own hometown of Mineola. Soon after she completed the mural in Mineola, she was commissioned for multiple murals in towns around East Texas. “As an introverted person, I never really saw myself branching out and doing large projects like city murals, but art has given me the confidence to do things like that. Although art has given me the confidence to branch out and do large projects around our region, it brings problems along with it, like talking to people in particular groups of people. I can say the path to get my degree in art helped me tremendously in preparing to speak in front of people but I have noticed, as an introvert, it takes a while to get over. However, after speaking in front of crowds a few times I have come to see it gets a little easier each time,” describes Lauren. Lauren finds inspiration in the work of other artists like Christopher Stott (contemporary still life painter). She states, “He uses a lot of vintage objects in his work and highlights all the formal qualities of the objects I find most interesting, like contrasts in surface texture in vintage cameras and the shadows they produce. He adds non-vintage objects like wooden chairs and pencils in his pieces, which add another element of contrast.” Lauren concludes, “I also have a favorite muralist, Anat Ronen, who does a lot of work throughout the Texas area and surrounding states. She is a massive inspiration to my mural work; keeping up with her and her work pushes me to keep expanding my work throughout East Texas.” For more information and to see examples of her work on Instagram, check out: @artbylaurenpitre
Currently on exhibit at Gallery Main Street is “Hello Future,” an exhibit that explores what greeting and embracing the future means to each exhibiting artist reflecting their interpretation of the distant future, predictions or prophecies for the future, and how one will approach or embrace them. Gallery Main Street is located at 110 W. Erwin St., Downtown Tyler. For more info, visit downtowntylerarts.com, call (903)593-6905, or email GalleryMainStreet@ TylerTexas.com. Gallery Main Street features a new exhibit of original art approximately every eight weeks. Each exhibit opens with a Saturday evening reception that features an opportunity to meet the artists, refreshments, and more. Opening receptions are free and open to the public.
Events
Free Days at Tyler Museum of Art: Free First Friday Tour (11am-12:30pm) will be held in connection with the current exhibitions at Tyler Museum of Art, featuring a full day of free admission plus guided tours of their spotlight exhibitions. Family Days (2-4pm) are held the second Saturday of each month. Free admission, interactive art projects, light snacks, and a festive atmosphere for all ages are on the menu. January 25th (9am): Great ETX Photography Workshop - Do you have a decent camera, but don’t know how to use it fully? Maybe you have a good eye, but you want to learn how to create better photos? By the end of this workshop, you will! This workshop will cover the basics (and more) of digital photography, and how to use the manual settings on your camera. Learn about lighting, composition, and how to create the kind of photos you want but can’t seem to get. This is an entry-level workshop. You will need to bring your DSLR camera. Breakfast will include pastries and coffee. Lunch will be catered by Villa Montez. To register go to eventbrite.com. The workshop class is $250 and will be held at Callynth Photography, 117 E. Erwin St., Tyler.
At Tyler Civic Theatre This Month:
And Then There Were None Little Women October 25-27 and October 31-November 3 (Auditions October1-2) November 21-24 with morning school shows November 19-20
The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe December 6-8 and 12-16
An Encore by George & Anita Faber: A Soulful Christmas 2.0, A Vocal & Instrumental Concert One weekend only - December 20-22
On Stage this Month
This Month at Tyler Museum of Art:
December 6th-8th (Friday & Saturday at 7pm, Sunday at 2:30pm):
“Annie: The Musical”
Presented by the Bullard High School Theatre program, “Annie” is a Broadway musical based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip “Little Orphan Annie,” with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and book by Thomas Meehan. This is the same charming musical about the orphans and Daddy Warbucks that we have all come to love. On opening night of “Annie,” December 6th, Bullard Theatre will be hosting a Kids’ Night at the Theatre! Students who participate will receive reserved seating for them and one guest, an “Annie” t-shirt, a snack for the show, an autograph book, and a VIP pass to go backstage and meet and take pictures with the cast and crew. The cost for admission is $30 for this night. For more information contact kati.mckinney@bullardisd.net. December 8th is Charity Night. This year Bullard Drama Club Officers have chosen Children’s Village of Texas as the charity for this performance. They will be taking up donations as well as donating half of the night’s proceeds to Children’s Village of Texas. “Children’s Village is a Christian children’s home that shares God’s love and strengthens our community by providing healing and hope for neglected and abused boys and girls.” Come help support Children’s Village of Texas and see a great production of “Annie.” Bullard High School is located at 1426 S. Houston Street in Bullard. For more information go to facebook.com/events/436513740294648/. Tickets are $5 at the door.
December 5th-7th (Thursday-Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 10:30am & 1:30pm):
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on Stage at Pollard Theatre Center
Presented at Pollard Theater Center, this play, based on the timeless poem by Dr. Seuss, will delight both young and young at heart audiences. Pollard Theater Center is located at Founders’ Center on Pollard UMC’s campus. Seating is limited. The Founders Center is located at 3030 New Copeland Rd., Tyler. All tickets are priced at $10. For more info or tickets go to pollardumc.com or call (903)730-1056.
December 6th-16th (Friday-Saturday at 7:30pm, Saturday & Sunday at 2:30pm):
“The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”
Presented on the Tyler Civic Theatre stage, this new dramatization of C.S. Lewis’ classic is set in the land of Narnia, faithfully recreating the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, neverto-be-forgotten Narnia. This will be on stage at Tyler Civic Theatre, located at 400 Rose Park Dr., Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center. For more info and tickets call (903)592-0561 or go to tylercivictheatre.com.
December 6th-8th, 13th-15th (FridaySaturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:30pm):
It’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Live on Stage
The classic animated television special “A Charlie Brown Christmas” comes to life on the Henderson Civic Theatre in the faithful stage adaptation, in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts Gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. This will be presented on the stage at Henderson Civic Theatre located at 122 E. Main St., Henderson. The Theatre is located on Heritage Square in Downtown Henderson, a National Register Historic District, in the original Opera House which was built in 1885. For info and tickets call (903)657-2968 or go to hendersoncivictheatre.org.
December 12th-14th (7pm):
“Beauty & the Beast” on Stage at Caldwell Auditorium Presented by the Middle School Performance Group of Caldwell Performing Arts Academy, “Beauty and the Beast” tells the story of a cold-blooded prince who has been magically transformed into an unsightly creature as punishment for his selfish ways. To revert into his true human form, the Beast must first learn to love a bright, beautiful young woman whom he has imprisoned in his enchanted castle before it is too late. Caldwell Performance Arts Academy’s events are held in Caldwell Auditorium, located at 300 S. College, Tyler. For more information or tickets contact Derek Johnson at Derek.Johnson@ tylerisd.org.
December 13th (7:30pm) and December 14th and 15th (2pm):
“Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play”
The most wonderful time of the year is almost upon us, and with it comes the return of our annual holiday production. This year, the Texas Shakespeare Festival will be presenting “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play.” In this unique radio play version, the actors play multiple roles and use microphones in the style of a 1940’s radio drama. This lively adaptation is an inventive twist on a classic story, and will surely get you in the Christmas spirit. All performances will be held in the Van Cliburn Auditorium located at 1200 Henderson Blvd. in Kilgore. Tickets are $25 and available at texasshakespeare.tix.com.
Save the Date
February 14th-23rd (Friday-Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:30pm): “Dreamgirls” will be presented on the Tyler Civic Theatre stage. A sweeping and inspirational journey through 20thcentury American popular music, “Dreamgirls” chronicles one Motown group’s rise from obscurity to superstardom. Through gospel, R&B, smooth pop, disco and more, “Dreamgirls” explores themes of ambition, hope, and betrayal, all set in the glamorous and competitive world of the entertainment industry. Tyler Civic Theatre is located at 400 Rose Park Dr., Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center. For more info and tickets call (903)592-0561 or go to tylercivictheatre.com.
Tyler Museum of Art Showcases Work of One of Tyler’s Own with “Bold Lines: Works by Joseph Glasco” The Tyler Museum of Art (TMA) is located at 1300 S. Mahon Ave. on the Tyler Junior College main campus. Regular TMA hours are 10am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday, and 1-5pm Sunday. The Museum is closed Mondays and on most major holidays. For more info call the museum at (903)595-1001, tylermuseum.org, or email info@tylermuseum.org. The Tyler Museum of Art celebrates the career of an influential abstract expressionist with strong ties to the Tyler community in its next major exhibition, “Bold Lines: Works by Joseph Glasco.” The exhibition runs through February 16th, 2020 in the Museum’s Bell Gallery. Organized by the TMA and curated by Caleb Bell, “Bold Lines” surveys the vast body of work by Glasco (1925-1996), an artist born in Oklahoma but raised in Tyler. His artistic eye developed early as he grew up in East Texas, moving on to study art at the University of Texas at Austin before being drafted for military service in World War II. After the war, Glasco lived in Dallas and drew advertisements for Dreyfuss Department Store before continuing his study of painting in Los Angeles and Mexico. His 1949 move to New York led to a friendship with collector Alphonso Ossorio, who introduced Glasco to several major artists of the era including Jackson Pollock and Jean Dubuffet. That same year, he became the youngest artist at the time to be included in the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection when the institution acquired one of his drawings, according to an artist bio provided by Talley Dunn Gallery, which represents Glasco’s estate. His career took off dramatically as a result of his inclusion in the groundbreaking 1952 MoMA exhibition “Fifteen Americans,” which also featured the work of luminaries such as Pollock, William Baziotes and Mark Rothko. Glasco’s work eventually made its way into
the permanent collections of some of the most prominent museums in the U.S. including the Guggenheim Museum, Whitney Museum of American Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. “Bold Lines” offers a glimpse at how Glasco’s work evolved over the years: from stylized representational forms; to heavily patterned, geometric approaches; to figures; and eventually into the abstract collage painting and sculpture from his final years in Galveston, for which he is best known. The exhibition features four of Glasco’s works held in the TMA’s Permanent Collection, in addition to pieces on loan from collections throughout Texas, as well as the artist’s estate.
“Night of Nostalgia” at Times Square Cinema
Join Times Square Cinema for a Night of Nostalgia 7pm-1am! Guests will take a trip back in time with retro-themed pop culture decor, breakdancers, special guest appearances from ’80s and ’90s celebrities, and vintage video games including Atari, Nintendo, Super Nintendo, SEGA, and original upright arcade machines - but keep your quarters at home, all games will be free to play! Challenge your favorite celebrities on the gaming floor, get autographs and photos, and ask questions during a once-in-a-lifetime panel conversation. Food and drinks are also included (four drink tickets per person), giving attendees unlimited access to some of the Tyler area’s best restaurants, gourmet desserts, beer, wine, and spirits. All-inclusive tickets are $65 each, and proceeds will benefit PATH – People Attempting to Help, which provides food and medical care for over 100,000 families in Northeast Texas. But space is limited. Only 500 guests can attend the event in order to provide a safe and interactive experience for everyone. Don’t miss your chance of a night that you’ll never forget! Times Square Cinema is located at 5201 S. Broadway, Tyler. Tickets are available at tylermovies.com or by calling (903)581-1818.
TJC Student Artwork on Exhibit at Tyler Rose Garden Center
“Gathered Pieces,” a collection of works by three Tyler Junior College art students, is on display through December 6th at the Tyler Rose Garden Center, located at 420 Rose Park Dr. in Tyler. “This Performance Grant Student Exhibition is an annual exhibition opportunity for our art students,” said TJC Art Professor Philana Oliphant Pace. “At the end of each spring semester, the faculty choose three high-level students, who are then responsible for an exhibition of their work during the following fall and spring semesters.” This year’s selected students are Emily Everitt of Canton; Jennifer Simmons of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; and Lora Waggoner of Whitehouse. Pace said, “The project entails not only making a body of work per semester but also learning the professional presentation and the logistics of putting a show together. It also gives our students the opportunity to realize some of the EGuideMagazine.com •
expectations of the professional artist.” She also gave special thanks to Debbie Isham, director of the Tyler Rose Garden Center, for offering the exhibit space. In the TJC Art program, students develop well-rounded portfolios and a variety of artistic skills, as well as learning about art’s important role in culture and history. The Associate of Arts degree provides the first two years of a liberal arts education and prepares students with the sound artistic foundation required to successfully pursue an art degree at an upper-level institution. Members of the TJC Art faculty are talented in their own right, and they cover a wide variety of disciplines, from drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture to mixed media and ceramics. For more information, go to TJC. edu/art. Download “EGuide Tyler TX” App for Free! 19
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