Eguide Magazine February 2015 edition

February 1, 2015 • Issue 2, Volume 3

La Plazita Mexican Restaurant: A Gathering Place for Authentic Tastes

A Music Showcase:

The Blues, The Troubadours & Elvis

The Frilly Pepper:

Heart of a Gypsy, Soul of a Hippie

Mr. Paul David Jones, Esq.: Crazy People Make Better Artists

992 Est.1

2 • EGuideMagazine.com

EGuideMagazine.com • 3

The Entertainment Magazine for East Texas

Contents

February 1, 2015 • Issue 2, Volume 3

5-6 Dining

» “La Plazita Mexican Restaurant: A Gathering Place for Authentic Tastes” by Barbara King » “FRESH Ideas: Quality Ingredients, Substantial, A Great Alternative to Fast Food” by Barbara King » Food News & Events

7 Movies: by Dustin Chase, Film Critic

» Reviews for “A Most Violent Year” and “The Boy Next Door

8-15 Music

» “Casting Crowns Come to East Texas: ‘Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is Possible’” » “A Night to Remember: Doo Wop at the Soda Shoppe:” Benefitting the Breckenridge Village » “A Music Showcase of Talent: East Texas Hosts the Blues, Toasts the Troubadours and Dances to Elvis”

by Gini Rainey » The Complete Music Gig Guide for Live Music

16-17 Things to Do

» “Adopt from Pets Fur People” by Lynn Dark » A Tribute to “American Graffiti:” Showing Off Our Classics at The East Texas Auto & Cycle Show » “The Frilly Pepper: Heart of a Gypsy, Soul of a Hippie, Spirit of a Fairy” by Barbara King » Events and Things to Do Around Tyler

18-19 Art

» “Inside the Artist’s Studio: Mr. Paul David Jones, Esq.: Crazy People Make Better Artists: A Tall Tale”

by Derrick White » “A Wild Bunch Brunch: The Man Show of a Bunch of Wild ‘Uns” by Derrick White » “Remixing Isn’t Just for Music: A New Exhibit at Gallery Main Street, Downtown Tyler” by Cassie Bartley » Exhibits, Events and Galleries around Tyler

» February Must Mean “Variety” at the Theatres » The Complete Theatre Production Guide

» Tyler Triple Threat Challenge: FRESH 15, Beauty & The Beast and Tri Tyler Half » Azalea Trail Junior Golf Classic, Tyler Azalea 10k, Tyler Run for Autism, Texas Wine Series Half and 5k and more

20 Theatre

20 Outdoors

22-23 Family

» “Let’s Hear It For the Boys and Girls”

by Kelly Griffith-Fields » Cherokee Neches Paddling Trail Opening for Fun

23 Books

Staff Publisher

Tena Jerger

Sales Manager Louie Jerger Copy Editors

Kimber Fountain, Gini Rainey Editorial

Cassie Bartley, Dustin Chase, Lynn Dark, Kelly Griffith-Fields, Barbara King, Gini Rainey, Derrick White

» “February: A Time For Romance and Intrigue”

by Gini Rainey

“EGuide Magazine” is an event-driven entertainment magazine focusing on ‘things to do’ in East Texas. We are published once a month. We are distributed free in our unique stands at over 360 locations in Tyler, Whitehouse, Bullard, Flint, Gresham, Edom, Ben Wheeler, Lindale, Jacksonville and Rusk.

We will list at no charge most events open to the public. All necessary information should be included such as date, time, ticket cost, description of event, phone number for the public, website address, photos - the more the better. Submit your event at EGuideMagazine.com.

Distribution

Mandy Allen, Robin Butt, Louie Jerger, Barbara King

Deadlines

PO Box 130133 Tyler, TX 75713 (903)630-3030 EGuideMagazine@gmail.com The Entertainment Magazine for East Texas EGuideMagazine.com

On Stands Deadline March 2nd............................February 20th April 1st.................................... March 20th May 1st........................................April 20th We are currently looking for freelance writers.

June 1st......................................... May 20th If you have a love for writing, send samples to: July 1st..........................................June 20th August 1st..................................... July 20th Eagerness trumps experience every time. Therefore, experience September 1st......................... August 20th is not necessarily needed. If you want to gain experience and October 1st.......................September 20th get samples for your portfolio, e-mail us.

Attn: Writers

EGuideMagazine@gmail.com

4 • EGuideMagazine.com

Dining A Gathering Place for Authentic Tastes Written and Photographed By Barbara King How can you tell that you’ve stumbled across an authentic Mexican restaurant? The first clue might be that La Plazita is family owned and operated, and that the Cornelio family originates from Mexico. The family opened their dream business nine years ago, on Highway 64 just before you get to the airport.

The name is unique and different too, and as daughter Mayra explains, “it means ‘center of town,’ or ‘gathering place’ in Spanish and describes just what we hope happens here. People come and visit, eat, mingle, and enjoy our food.”

Chances are you will be greeted, seated, and served by a member of the extended Cornelio family, be it a sister, brother-in-law, niece, or nephew. The restaurant, opened by Mario and his wife Del, is a testimony to years of hard work, a passion for food, and a love of people.

The couple even reside next door, right next to the umbrella-laden patio for outside dining.

“My father learned about the restaurant business from years of working himself up from dishwasher, to bus boy, to chef,” explains Cornelio. “Our whole family knows how hard you have to work to be successful, because there are lots of different options when you go out to eat. We put our heart and soul into making our guests feel at home, and our reputation is really important, because it reflects our pride in our family.”

The bright and colorful dining room is a beehive of activity at lunchtime, and every table and booth is packed with customers. People can spot a good deal when they see one, and they often recognize the authenticity of the food and also the extravagant portions. Mayra laughs and says that she can spot a first-timer at the restaurant. “They have no idea how generous the portions are and will order, for example, three enchiladas and will always end up taking them home.”

What’s on the menu at La Plazita? Everything you could imagine when searching for authentic Mexican cuisine and a lot more. Begin your culinary journey with an appetizer, and there’s lots to choose from, Chile con queso, guacamole, pico de gallo, charro beans, or nachos.

Listed on their menu as favorites are Guerrero Enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas and Carne Asada. You can mix it up and get combos of tacos, enchiladas, tostadas, tamales, flautas and stuffed bell peppers.

Lunch specials that are served alongside beans or a Mexican salad include cheese enchiladas, crispy tacos, smoked sausage tacos, or lunch fajitas. Chips and salsa are included with the purchase of any entrée.

Lunch entrées are served Monday-Saturday from 11am-3pm, ranging from $7.99-$8.99, and you’ll get your money’s worth if you order fajita wraps, vegetable quesadillas, or carne asada.

Dinner entrées will have your taste buds in an uproar. Specialties include Chicken Monterey, grilled pork chops, tamales, sour cream enchiladas, burritos, tacos, and three-colored enchiladas. The green sauce is spicy with a kick but highly recommended by pleased customers. Menudo (Mexican soup) with tortillas is the weekend featured special on Saturdays and Sundays.

La Plazita is most definitely a family environment, so bring the kids for their small size tacos, enchiladas, nachos, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, hamburger, cheeseburgers, or hot dogs.

For the less adventurous, they offer several American-style items such as salads like avocado, chef, and fiesta; sandwiches such as chicken salad, club, grilled ham and cheese, and BLTs; chicken-fried steak and hamburgers.

Don’t forget dessert! For $1.89, you can feast on a sopapilla, the warm Mexican pastry, drizzled with honey and dusted with cinnamon sugar, and topped with whipped cream and a cherry. Chocolate lovers get ready for a chocolate chimichanga, a flour tortilla stuffed with a snickers bar, dusted with cinnamon and sugar, and topped with chocolate syrup, whipped cream and a cherry.

Karen, a transplant to East Texas from southern California, was enjoying a late lunch and raved about the flavor. “Living in California, I was exposed to great Mexican food,” she said. “You tend to favor the things you grew up with, and I spent a lot of time looking for that authentic taste, and I found it here.”

Reservations are not required, but Cornelio encourages larger groups to call ahead because the dining room only holds about 100 guests. “My parents are so proud to see the business growing and growing,” she says, “and plans are underway to expand the dining room.” Catering is available for special events, but orders must be picked up from the restaurant.

What you will not see at La Plazita is glitzy signage, expensive menus, or fancy tablecloths, but you will get great authentic food, great service, and a comfortable atmosphere.

“We feel that what makes us different is the extra care we take in preparing everything fresh, from the enchiladas to the salsa to the beans,” says Cornelio. “We care that when you leave, you’ll come back and maybe bring more friends and family with you.”

Come visit the Cornelio family and join them for a meal at La Plazita, located at 11980 Highway 64W., Tyler, close to the Tyler Pounds Field Airport.

Restaurant hours are Monday-Thursday 7am to 9pm, Friday 7am to 10pm, Saturday 6:30am-10pm and Sunday 7am to 3pm.

For more information call (903)526-4193.

FRESH Ideas:

are out and about for lunch, they are ready for you too. Monthly menus can be found on the website at www.FRESHbybrookshires.com, under the menus tab.

“In our fast-paced society,” said Endicott, “you can feel comfortable that our meals have quality ingredients, are substantial, and a great alternative to fast food.”

Also, “We’re Cooking For You” is FRESH’s Written and Photographed By Barbara King program of hot, ready to eat meals prepared in their Taste Kitchen twice a week (Mondays Let’s cook up a scenario. You have had one and Thursdays), from 5-7pm while supplies exhausting day at work, at home with kids, last. These complete meals range in price from or just an exhausting day $9 to $10 and the menus change in general. The thought of monthly. You will find lots of options entering that room with anywhere from grilled salmon to those appliances and whippenne pasta to shrimp and vegetable ping up anything halfstir fry. “Our meal solutions will give decent to digest is a dauntyou the quality time to sit down with ing prospect. your family and not worry about the Enter FRESH by time involved with food preparation,” Brookshire’s, and probsays Endicott. lem solved. Don’t need The FRESH approach to sharhuge portions or pounds of ing takes place in their Taste Kitchen, food? FRESH has the ideal with an open viewing area so you can answer... ‘FRESH get up close and personal. Demonfor 2’ - wholesome, strations by guest chefs and vendors chef-prepared foods showcase new recipes, products, and ready for pick-up, cooking techniques. “You might see and the perfect pordemos of FRESH queso or tions for two. You our take and bake pizza,” can make every says Endicott. Guests can night a date night gather around the Taste and select from a Kitchen for seasonal demmouth-watering onstrations that might menu that changes include recipe ideas for the monthly. big game or a holiday feast.

For $13.99 you The store also has “satelcan feast on succulite” Taste stations for even lent meals like herb more product sampling. grilled chicken breast, served with Yukon gold potatoes, creamed spinIf you need to feed ach and brioche rolls. If you’re a fish lover, try the pretzel crusted tila- more mouths, the chefs are cooking up “gourmet comfort food” with pia with vegetable brown rice, garden salad and brioche rolls. Monthly more than 80 items sold individually or by the pound including salads, choices might include a smoked pork loin, meat loaf or lasagna. chicken, ribs, and casseroles, and kid-friendly favorites like mac and “It’s a very satisfying fix that is literally ready when you are,” cheese and spaghetti and meatballs. explains Ashleigh Endicott, FRESH Marketing Coordinator. “You can “The FRESH approach means just that,” explains Endicott. “Our come in, grab the bag, and go (with heating instructions); or enjoy it in chefs use the absolutely freshest, highest-quality ingredients, and you the café, using our microwave and utensils right there,” she says. “We will find that in our ‘FRESH for 2’ and chef-prepared meals every time.” try to mix up the menu so that there is a little something to fit every FRESH by Brookshire’s is located at 6791 Old Jacksonville Hwy., taste.” There is no need to pre-order, just check out the menu and head Tyler. Store hours are Sunday-Thursday 7am-9pm, and Friday-Saturto the store. How much easier can it be? day 7am-10pm. For more info call (903)747-3503 or go on the web to ‘FRESH for 2’ options are available anytime during the day so if you www.freshbybrookshires.com.

EGuideMagazine.com • 5

Quality Ingredients, Substantial, A Great Alternative to Fast Food

News & Events

“Cooking with Bernard” Classes will be held Sunday, February 22nd (2-4pm) and Sunday, March 22nd (2-4pm) with prices ranging from $75 (single person) and $112.50 (two people). Experience a night of collaborative cooking with Tyler’s favorite French chef Bernard. Classes are held at Epiphany Learning Hub, 2210 Three Lakes Pkwy., Ste 145 in Tyler. To reserve your space go to www. epiphanylearninghub.com or call (903)266-9342.

Welcome Ribmasters to Tyler! A long time favorite in Whitehouse and Bullard has expanded and opened up a new location in Tyler in the Off Broadway Shopping Center, close to Steinmart on S. Broadway.

David Spivey and staff promise that the “secret is in our rub. We glaze them right before they come off the pit.” Cooking up ribs, brisket and other barbecue favorites has been a tradition for Spivey for many years. Ribmasters is located at 2301 S. Broadway, Tyler, (903)526-0538.

They are open 11am-9pm Monday-Thursday, and 11am-9:30pm on Friday and Saturdays, closed Sundays.

Friday Fish Fry is a well-known tradition at Moore’s Store in Ben Wheeler and if you love fried catfish, you simply have got to try Moore’s. Hand battered and cooked fresh every Thursday evening and all day Friday, Moore’s has some of the best catfish in East Texas. Moore’s, formally a general store that opened in 1933, also hosts live music Fridays and Saturdays with some very well-known bands gracing their stage. Check out who’s playing in our Gig Guide and make it an evening to visit Ben Wheeler. Moore’s is located in downtown Ben

Wheeler at 1551 FM 279, www.mooresstore.com, (903)833-5100. Also, you have got to try Louie’s Pulled Pork Nachos, served on handmade potato chips with delicious pulled pork, purple onions and loads of cheese...to die for!

Coming to Grande Blvd. and under construction is a new Japanese restaurant, Kanpai Grill & Bar, located at 109 E. Grande Blvd., Tyler. This will be a 3704 square foot restaurant. Details to come.

The Grand Piano Bar is closed, RIP dear formerly fun piano bar. You were a unique addition to Tyler and always a fun time. You will be missed.

Wingstop has opened a new branch in Lindale.

Wingstop’s distinct bold flavors will offer an unique experience for diners in the area.

“As the wing experts, we take pride in serving only the freshest, cookedto-order chicken wings that we sauce and toss by hand. Our 11 addicting flavors range from teriyaki to atomic.

We take our wings to a whole new level with our signature flavors,” said Dave Weaver, owner. Our favorites are the Classic Wings (with bone) in Garlic Parmesan flavor - a must try! Also try the “Loui-

Spend Valentine’s Day with us and enjoy our distinctive Italian cuisine with many dishes to choose from.

Whether you are in the mood for chicken, veal, seafood, or our home made lasagna you can experience the most delicious Italian food.

Plus enjoy some fine wine from our great selection.

siana Rub” boneless wings, described as mouth watering, “deep Southern cajun and garlic spices in a dry rub that lets the crispness of the wing shine through.” Yes, yes, they certainly do! The new location in Lindale is at 2553 S Main St., Lindale, (903)882-5200. Other locations in the area are at 7496 S Broadway Ave., Tyler, (903)534-2999; 1918 E Southeast Loop 323 by Wal-Mart Neighborhood Grocery (formally Albertson’s), Tyler, (903)5269464; and on the west side at 400 S Southwest Loop 323, Tyler, (903)531-9464. Also you can check out their menu at www.wingstop.com.

Speaking of bars, have you been to Karaoke at the 11th Frame Club? Located inside the Bowling Alley on the ESE Loop 323 behind CBS 19 in Tyler, the 11th Frame Club offers Karaoke every Friday night starting at 8pm. Also every Wednesday, 7-9pm, dance lessons taught by Michael Martin are held for $5 a person with dance styles taught for country, hip-hop, jazz blues and more. Come out and scoot your feet and have a good time. Food is available from the Snack Bar - their nachos will take you back to your childhood.

Fit City Foods recently catered a luncheon that we attended and we were able to sample some of their delicious healthy goodness. “Sarah’s Famous Chicken Salad” was a favorite, coming in at 414 calories of yummy goodness. “Amanda’s Zucchini Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs” (named after professional athlete Amanda Schwartz) was a hit as well, 379 calories, and described as “tender zucchini pasta (zoodles as we like to call them), turkey meatballs and rich olive-oil based sauce with no-guilt on the side, just like Mama Paleo used to make.” But the cool thing that we learned was that Fit City Foods offers “Family Sized” entrees, as well as a “72 Hour Structure” plan which includes five meals for 3 days, all prepped, measured, counted and ready to go...eating healthy simply can not get easier. You can pick from a good variety of breakfasts, lunches, two snack trays and dinners at fitcityfoods.com.

Now there is no excuse for you and your family

to not eat healthy. You can pick up your dinners at over 10 locations in the area. For more info go to The Diner, 7924 S Broadway, Tyler, or call (903)509-3463.

Rounders Pizza, located on the west Loop 323 at 1400 W. Southwest Loop 323, Tyler, is now open and man oh man, their pizza is great. Their crust is excellent and handmade plus their sauce is a little zesty with a nice, rich flavor. Rounders is a great option at lunch because you can get it by the slice 11am-2pm. “Great pizza, chill environment, good location, and pizza by the slice. It doesn’t get much better than that.” On Fridays starting at 5pm, Rounders has beer specials and of course you can watch the games or sit on their nice patio any time.

Rotolo’s Pizzeria in Tyler - Great Grades Deserve Great Food! If you are in 1st through 8th grade and made the honor roll, Rotolo’s will give you a free kids pizza or pasta. Just bring your current (January 2015) report card in through February 28th and get a free kid’s entree. Dine in only. Parents, try their Muffuletta Salad - lettuce, salami, pepperoni, garlic croutons, and mozzarella cheese topped with their Italian olive salad, served with yummy house balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Also the The Angry Pig Pizza comes with spicy BBQ sauce, Italian sausage, bacon, jalapeños, and cheddar cheese and is fantastic. Pizzas come on either white or wheat crust. Rotolo’s is located in far South Tyler at 8970 S. Broadway Ave., (903)561-8805

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Movies

and manipulations behind a very different company than what we saw in “Margin Call.” The score and the art direction, also key to this film, work really well. It never falters for a second and every scene only adds something new to the comprehensive picture Chandor is painting.

Final Thought – Chandor channels Scorsese in his most solid work to date. Chastain and Isaac are Oscar worthy.

Grade B+

Movie Reviews By

The Old Firehouse Cinema Film Series presents:

“Boyhood”

Starring Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Ellar Coltrane, Lorelei Linklater www.texasartfilm.com Saturday, February 7th at 7pm Dustin is a Member of the “Houston Film Critics Society” (doors open at 6:30pm) Film Critic/Assistant Editor for “Texas Art & Film” (texasartfilm.com) Film Critic for “The Daily News” (Galveston) Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, Richard Linklater’s Entertainment Reporter for “Galveston.com” “Boyhood” is a groundbreaking story of growing up, as seen through Starring Jennifer Lopez, Film Critic for “Island Guide,” (Galveston) & “EGuide Magazine” (Tyler) and the eyes of a child named Mason (a breakout performance by Ellar Ryan Guzman, Kristen Online Air Entertainment News Commentator at “News 92FM’s Livin’ Large” Coltrane), who literally grows up on screen before our eyes. Also Chenowith, John Corbett starring Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette as Mason’s parents, From the director of and newcomer Lorelei Linklater as his sister Samantha, “Boyhood” the 3rd Mummy movie and charters the rocky terrain of childhood like no other film has before. “xXx,” director Rob Cohen Snapshots of adolescence from road trips and family dinners to hits an all- time low, which birthdays and graduations and all the moments in between become is quite an achievement for transcendent, set to a soundtrack spanning the years from Coldplay’s him. “The Boy Next Door” Yellow to Arcade Fire’s Deep Blue. “Boyhood” is both a nostalgic time embraces its trashy premise capsule of the recent past and an ode to growing up and parenting. It’s from the moment our hero- impossible to watch Mason and his family without thinking about our Starring Oscar Isaac, ine, played by JLo comes into contact with the tight shirt wearing “boy” own journey.

Jessica Chastain, who lives next door. In reality, Guzman, whose credits include a bunch Albert Brooks, David of those dance competition films, is nearly 30. To feed the trend, he is Tickets are $8 in advance (+service fee) at www.theoldfirehouse.net or Oyelowo (903)852-ART1 (2781) and $8 cash at the door. supposedly playing a 19 year old. The script sets everything up like a JC Chandor’s big- scene out of Wes Craven’s “Scream,” two insanely large farm houses side The Old Firehouse in Edom: Art-Music-Independent Films is located gest problem with his by side, in the middle of nowhere. The dialogue abhorrent, it becomes at 8241 FM 279, downtown Edom. third feature is that the very clear that the film makers are intentionally trying to push this title doesn’t match the towards the ridiculous. subject. The film and Recently separated mother Claire Peterson (Lopez) is trying to the trailer toy with the premise that 1980’s New York City was one get her life back on track. Dealing with her husband’s indiscretions, of the most violent years in modern history. However, the film has a she becomes friendly, a little too friendly with the teenage neighbor much more specific premise: a look inside the competition between oil next door Noah Sandborn (Guzman), who is helping his ailing uncle. distribution companies and the oddity of one particular business man Claire’s son Kevin (Ian Nelson) needs a male role model, and Noah who refused, at all costs, to participate in gangster type corruption. appears to be it, until his lust for Claire turns into something deadly.

This is the strongest and most complete work of Chandor’s relatively Claire gives into a night of passion that makes a monster out of a man/ Saturday Morning Movies begin short career. He is a director with a particular vision, adamant to chal- boy, that threatens not only to destroy her entire life but risk her family’s in February at the Tyler Library.

Each month the Library will lenge himself. He wowed the crowd with “Margin Call” and left every- wellbeing in the process. feature a free movie starting at 10:30am and geared towards the one scratching their heads with “All is Lost.”

You have already heard some of the worst dialogue in the trailer, young at heart. February’s movie will be “The Boxtrolls.” Pillows, Abel Morales (Isaac) is slowly losing control of his company Stan- double entendre’s like “I love your mom’s cookies.” “The Boy Next dard Oil, one of the newest and certainly the most ambitious of the Door” is basically cheap softcore horror porn with a farfetched, unreal- blankets, and “carpet friendly” snacks are welcome. Children 12 and competing oil delivery companies in New York during 1981. Drivers istic plot that only desperate housewives or grocery store romance novel under must be accompanied by an adult over 18 at all times. The are repeatedly being attacked and brutalized and the delivery trucks readers might appreciate. The fascination begins as Noah charms Claire Tyler Library is located at 201 S. College, downtown Tyler. For more info call (903)593-7323, or visit library.cityoftyler.org. stolen and emptied. Abel warns his competitors to “stop!”, whether with his interest in the Classics, he does a little strip tease next door, behind the crimes or simply purchasing his stolen oil off the black and then the panties start to fly. The overall nudity of the film doesn’t market. Faced with a million dollar deal that hinges on his company make the film as provocative as the crude language and the camera looking respectable to the lender, the New York DA’s office has indicted maneuvers that suggest more than it actually shows. Maybe the film’s Standard Oil on serious charges. If that wasn’t bad enough, his drivmost absurd moment (and there are many) is following Noah fracturers begin carrying weapons to protect themselves and his family being ing the skull of a fellow student. He isn’t arrested, instead sent to the intimidated. vice principal’s office (not even the principal) and only after he greatly Once again, two-time Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain (“Interstel- disparages Chenoworth’s authority figure (following shoving her to the lar,” “Zero Dark Thirty”) gives a compelling, fascinating and unforget- ground) is he expelled. And cue laughter.

Liberty Hall, located in downtown Tyler at 103 E. Erwin St., and table performance that will first leave you wowed by her range and offers entertainment through film, theater, comedy and music.

Besides this just being one of the worst films you will likely see in stamina, but also wanting more in the second half. Chastain has very 2015, “The Boy Next Door” and to some extent Jennifer Lopez, work Most movies are $5-$7 and begin at 7pm. quickly emerged as a force in cinema. She doesn’t just play a part in against the strides that female actors like Cate Blanchett, Emily Blunt the film, nor does she just simply melt into the characters; she works and Jessica Chastain have made towards gender equality in roles.

“A Romantic February” “A Classic March” with the directors to flesh out these women. She personally conFemale characters are popular, they do make money, and people do Thursday, February 5th March 5th tacted Armani to have clothes from their 1981 collection on hand for want to see them, Blanchett echoed on stage at the Oscars in 2014, but The Princess Bride “The Thin Man” her character to wear, as she decided Anna Morales would have worn characters and roles like Claire Peterson are the poorly written types Saturday, February 14th nothing else. Each scene featuring Chastain interacting with her husMarch 12th that reinforce the negative stereotype. Sadly, “The Boy Next Door,” band or district attorney Lawrence (Oyelowo) has an expression sayAn Affair to Remember because of its trashy premise and Lopez’s appeal will make more money “Ghostbusters” ing loud and clear: “I will continue to allow you to think you are in than four of the 2015 best actress nominee’s films combined.

Thursday, February 26th March 19th control.” It’s a clever character and a brilliant performance, making the Final Thought – Unfathomably awful, you can find more valuable Urban Cowboy “Arsenic and Old Lace” choice of voting for this character or her Interstellar performance very things in a trash can. difficult.

Grade F Equally impressive is Isaac, who was snubbed last year for his Dustin’s “Best” & “Worst” of 2015 So Far fantastic work on “Inside Llewyn Davis.” He tops that award worthy For more movie reviews go to.... performance with another that will also be snubbed. Excellent hair “Best” Movies “Worst” Movies and make-up age the 34-year-old Guatemalan actor well beyond his 1. “Clouds of Sils Maria,” B+ 1. “The Boy Next Door,” F years. Chandor’s original script (another likely nomination for the film) 2. “Predestination,” B+ 2. “Dawn Patrol,” D really gets at the heart of one guy trying to do decent ordinary business 3.

“Paddington,” B 3. “Blackhat,” D+ among so much corruption and how, even from within, he is being 4. “The Wilderness of James,” CUpdated Every Thursday with the pulled toward the dark-side. It’s as thrilling in many places with chases 5. “Wedding Ringer,” CLatest Movies to Hit the Big Screen! and violent temperaments as it is compelling to see the inner-workings 6. “We’ll Never Have Paris,” C+

Dustin Chase

“The Boy Next Door”

“A Most Violent Year”

Free Saturday Morning Movies at Tyler Library

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Music

Casting Crowns Come to East Texas:

“Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is Possible” Friday, February 20th the huge Christian-based band, Casting Crowns will perform in concert at Belcher Center in Longview starting at 7:30pm.

“Hearing Casting Crowns’ frontman Mark Hall singing those words in the title track of the band’s new album ‘Thrive,’ it is hard not to feel peace wash over your soul. Life can be so challenging and it is easy to become overwhelmed. What a gift to be reminded we were made to thrive.

“The idea of ‘Thrive’ came out of our student ministry. I’ve been a youth pastor for almost 22 years and it’s still what I want to be when I grow up,” Hall says with a grin.

“The songs always really start out with what we’re teaching, and for years I’ve been using Psalm 1 in showing them what a believer looks like. It says: ‘Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.’”

For Hall, nature seemed to underscore scripture on a family vacation in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, when he looked at the trees near the river. “Their roots are exposed and you can feel them just doing everything they can to get to where the water is,” he says. “When I talk to families about how they are doing, they always say ‘just surviving.’ That is not the life that God designed for us to live. That’s not saying that you’re not going to have problems. None of the New Testament people had it easy. They all had troubles, some even at the expense of their lives. The book of joy, Philippians, was written from prison. Hard times are going to come, but God didn’t put you here just so you could survive through hard times. He put you here to thrive, to dig in and to reach out. This record is an effort to draw a picture of what a believer, a follower of Jesus, would look like if they dug into their roots and understood God and themselves more, and then instead of trying to go be Christian for God, they just let God give them chances to be a Christian.”

Casting Crowns has consistently delivered songs that spur listeners to evaluate their relationship with God and with each other. “The basic idea is let God define himself through you and if you’ll do that, you’re going to thrive,” says Hall. “The first six songs on the record are all about learning who God is and who you are. The second six songs are about how that works out. How are you going to get out there and let him live his life through you?”

The album’s lead single, “All You’ve Ever Wanted” has a potent message. “It’s combating the logic that we have in us that says when we fail, we need to make it right,” Hall says. “We think we need to make things

right with God. We think we’ve got to make him proud again. Not only does it not work, it’s not needed. We’re fighting a battle that’s already won and that’s what this song is about.”

Hall says the hardest song for him to write on the new album was “Love You With the Truth.” “It’s a big, upbeat rockin’ song about a person realizing that they’ve been a really cruddy friend because they haven’t shared the truth with the person closest to them,” Hall explains.

“People say, ‘I want to share the gospel, but I don’t want to ruin my friendship.’ What you are really saying is I love my friendship more than I love my friend. It’s tough, but it’s truth.”

One of the most poignant songs on the album is the compelling ballad “Broken Together.” “Marriage is tough,” Hall says. “We bring a lot of fairytales to the picture when it comes to marriage. We bring them to the altar with us [thinking]: ‘This is going to be perfect. We don’t have to be apart. We can just wake up together every morning and no one is going to have morning breath. We’re not going to have any problems.’

And then the problems hit and you don’t know where to file those into your picture...The idea I’m trying to say is: ‘Can you lay down who you thought I was and love the me that is? Can we take this from where we are now and realize that I can’t be that person?’ Only God is going to be able to make this work and broken people can be broken together. To me, it’s probably the most important song on the record.”

Song after song on the album deals with tough topics and frames life’s challenging moments in Biblical perspective. “House of Their Dreams” paints a portrait of a family who has achieved what the world views as success, but inside their home, they are aching with emptiness and isolation. “Just Be Held” shares an uplifting message for anyone struggling as Hall shares what our heavenly father wants his children to remember: “Your world’s not falling apart, it’s falling into place. I’m on the throne. Stop holding on and just be held.”

“Waiting on the Night to Fall” is a powerful ballad that displays the depth and range in Hall’s voice. The haunting lyric about addiction uses the metaphor of an old man lurking in the woods, biding his time, as Hall sings: “He knows you have the answers, but truth lies dusty on your shelf and the sword that you could slay him with has become an ornament and nothing else.”

“Dream for You” features Hall’s youth group singing background vocals. The song reminds us God’s dream for us is bigger than we could ever imagine. “We have this picture of who God can use,” Hall says, noting that when God spoke to Moses, he found reasons he couldn’t do what God asked. “What God had to do for Moses is He had to wipe away that picture and say, ‘I’m going to use you.’ It’s the same way with us. When God hits us with something like ‘You need to teach this small group’ or ‘you need to live on a mission field,’ we immediately look in our own backpack at our gifts and skills. If I would have lived on that,

A lovely, Full Service Venue for all Your Lamping Needs This charming shop not only has the largest and most diverse selection of shades and finials to be found, and the most friendly and efficient repair and restoration department as well. We also can create a custom lamp from a family heirloom or object d' art.

Artisans can design a custom shade or a base from wood, lucite or marble.

Lamps are displayed on fine 18th and 19th century furniture available for purchases. Find the perfect lamp to enhance your residence, office, lake or mountain house.

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2029 Old Jacksonville Hwy., Tyler www.illuminationslampshop.com

8 • EGuideMagazine.com

I would have never been a youth pastor. I would have never written a song. I would have never stood up in front of anybody. I don’t have any of those things in my backpack...God is saying, ‘There’s an X-factor here.

If you would just step up, I’ll do something that will blow your mind.’”

Working again with producer Mark Miller, who signed the band to his label more than a decade ago,Casting Crowns has crafted another collection of songs that are entertaining and innovative, yet lyrically substantial. “Thrive” is a rich aural feast that leaves everyone with plenty of food for thought. In writing songs for “Thrive,” Hall enlisted some of his favorite collaborators, among them Matthew West, Matt Maher, and Bernie Herms.

It’s been more than 10 years since the members of Casting Crowns heard their first single on the radio in July 2003, the same day Hall and his wife Melanie welcomed their daughter Zoe. Since then so much has happened in the lives of each member and along the way God has taught them so much. “He’s opened our eyes to our suspicion that He was way bigger than we thought He was,” Hall says with a smile. “He didn’t need Casting Crowns to come along to help His word get out.

God is winning. He’s changing the world. It may look at times like things are getting darker and darker, but they are not. Everywhere you go, you can see light and light wins. It always wins.”

Tickets range from $25 to $50 and are still available.

Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University is located at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview. For more info call (903)233-3080 or log on at www.belchercenter.com. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Please note, this show may use theatrical haze & bright or flashing lights.

“A Night to Remember: Doo Wop at the Soda Shoppe:”

Benefitting the Breckenridge Village Roll up your jeans, pull out your poodle skirts and shine your loafers as we get ready to go back in time and enjoy the sights, sounds and music of days gone by. On Friday, February 27th at 7pm, Chick-fil-A and KE Bushman’s present “A Night to Remember – Doo Wop at The Soda Shoppe” at the KE Bushman’s Celebration Center. This musical extravaganza is a premier event exclusively presented to benefit the Breckenridge Village of Tyler (BVT).

This night promises to be a big success thanks to BVT supporters, Jeff & Debra Johnston of Chick-fil-A (S. Broadway location, Tyler), Ikey & Allison Eason of Chick-fil-A (Troup Hwy. location, Tyler), and Pierre de Wet of Kiepersol Enterprises.

Under the direction of Kevin Burdette of Green Acres Baptist Church and his wife, Penny, “A Night to Remember” will showcase the talents of the amazing “The GTOs” band from McGregor, Texas that promises “A Good Old Rock ‘N Soul Show” featuring living legend Neal Sharpe.

Also featured will be Casey Rivers, Shake Rattle & Roll, The “C,” and November Roberts. Along with these artists, appearing on stage will be some of BVT’s very own residents.

Popcorn, compliments of Brookshire’s Grocery Company, the famous 50’s soda pop bottles, and the audience dressing in the era will all add to the total ambiance of this fun-filled evening. Whether you are re-living the 50’s and 60’s or experiencing it for the first time, this will definitely be “A Night to Remember.”

Tickets are $20 each and available at the Chick-fil-A (South Broadway and Troup Hwy., Tyler), Brookshire’s (on Rice Rd., Tyler), FRESH

by Brookshire’s (Old Jacksonville Hwy., Tyler), Chandler Drug (Chandler), Texas National Bank (Bullard), and Breckenridge Village of Tyler.

All proceeds will benefit the BVT residents. For more information, contact Linda Taylor or Jason Geslois at Breckenridge Village at (903)596-8100.

Julie Hysenaj Independent Designer #42909 972-740-6679 juliehysenaj@yahoo.com

juliehysenaj.OrigamiOwl.com

Texas Speaker Series Presents

Alex Chacon February 19 at 7 p.m.

Student Discounts Available

His most famous expedition to date has been a 500 day solo round trip from Alaska to Argentina in 500 days raising money for the Children of Uganda in Africa.

Downtown Tyler 110 E. Erwin • Tyler, Texas 75702

Alex Chacón is an adventure rider, public speaker, professional photographer, videographer and presenter. He presents to groups around the world about his challenging and charitable expeditions on various motorcycles around the world. Alex is a leader on the cutting edge in motorcycle adventure riding/exploring, contributing to major motorcycle magazines, working as a professional free-lance photographer for companies and well recognized brand names in the industry and collaborating in product development of prototype gear with testing and production. He currently runs the only motorcycle consulting business in the world for travel in Latin America where he occasionally runs tours.

Thanks to the success of his blogging, writing, and capturing of his own personal Motorcycle Diaries, he was able to document this epic adventure in a whole new interactive and in-depth way never captured before, through unique pictures, videos and viral YouTube A department of the City of Tyler films like, “The Modern Motorcycle Diaries.” His body of work has been featured Tickets are $15 / VIP boxes for $100 around the world in thousands of magazines, newspapers, international/national and seat 4 people TV news and interviews.

903.825.1975 ~ 903.565.6262 Steaks - Burgers - Seafood - Crawfish......Karaoke Saturday Nights......2 Locations - Hwy. 155 South, Flint & Highway 64 East in Chapel Hill

903.504.5860 3807 University Blvd.

Tyler, Texas 75701 www.republicicehouse.com 9'x16' HD Projector Screen Largest in East Texas!!!

18 HD Flat Screens for All Sports

Feb. 6th - Tom McElvain & The Dirty Pecos Feb. 7th - Casie Martin Band Feb. 13th - Texas Rebellion Feb. 14th - Bullet Proof Feb. 20th - The Tuxedo Cats Feb. 21st - Kid Icarus Project Feb. 27th - Austin English Band Feb. 28th - Jay Johnson

Sports Watching Headquarters College and Pros

EGuideMagazine.com • 9

A Music Showcase of Talent:

Ringo Starr

Saturday, February 14th (8pm) at Cowan Center, Tyler Ringo Starr (almost sold out) - Ringo Starr, former drummer for legendary group The Beatles, will perform at The University of Texas

By Gini Rainey at Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing If you love music, then East Texas is the place to be this month.

Arts Center. The All Check out these outstanding concerts: Starr Band members and the bands/artists with which they’re associated include Steve Lukather, ToTo; Richard Page, Mr. Mister; Gregg Good Rolie, Journey and Santana; Todd Rundgren, Meat Loaf, Warren Ham, Company Cher, and Kansas; Gregg Bissonette, David Lee Roth Band and James Friday, February 6th Taylor. Known for his role as drummer, Starr also sang and wrote songs (7:30pm) at Caldwell for the group. He performed the lead vocals on the song, “With a Little Help from My Friends,” and wrote “Octopus’s Garden.” Cowan Center Auditorium, Tyler is located at 3900 University Blvd. on The University of Texas at Tyler Good Company campus. Tickets are available at the Box Office, or by calling (903)566will be presented by 7424 or online at www.uttyler.edu/cowan.

TylerLive! (Tyler ComROCK’n munity Concert AssoValentine’s ciation) at Caldwell Festival Auditorium, 300 S. featuring Bret College, downtown Michaels Tyler. Good Company Saturday, February will be bringing Tyler the definitive sounds of NYC, Nashville, Detroit and LA with vintage hits that are performed seamlessly alongside fresh 14th (7:30pm) at The and original material. Good Company are 3 upstarts presenting “Under Oil Palace, Tyler the Influence of Great American Music.” They are a virtual kaleidoThe Oil Palace will scope of R&B, rock, gospel and bluegrass that looks forward as much host this concert with as it inspires nostalgia. Tickets online or at the door are $30 and $15 special guests Warrant, for students with IDs. Visit tcca.biz for more information.

Winger and FireHouse.

“Elvis Lives: The Ultimate Elvis Tribute” Doors open at 5:30pm Saturday, February 7th (7:30pm) at Belcher Performance Center at and the concerts start at 7:30pm. Tickets start at $30. The Oil Palace is located at 10408 Hwy. 64, Tyler. For tickets go to www.oilpalace.com.

LeTourneau University, Longview Parking is $10 within the gates.

“Elvis Lives: The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Event,” with special per“A Valentine’s Love Affair with mission from Elvis Presley Enterprises, will be on stage at the Belcher Center. Four memorable eras, four fabulous Elvis performers, forever the King of R&B R. Kelly” shared with the entire world. “Elvis Lives” is a pulse-racing, multiSunday, February 15th (7:30pm) at The Oil Palace, Tyler media, musical journey across Elvis’ life, featuring finalists from Elvis Hosted by Comic View’s Damon Williams. Tickets start at $45. The Presley Enterprises’ worldwide ultimate Elvis tribute artist contest.

Sponsored by Sidney & Anna Lee Allen. Belcher Performance Center at Oil Palace is located at 10408 Hwy. 64, Tyler. For tickets go to www.oilpalace.com. Parking is $10 within the gates.

LeTourneau University is located at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview. For more info call (903)233-3080 or log on at www.belchercenter.com. Box Casting Crowns Office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Tickets start at $46.

Friday, February 20th (7:30pm) at Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University, Longview “The Oldest Town in Texas Road Casting Crowns will perform in concert at Belcher Center in Show” Longview. See feature article for details. Please note, this show may use Saturday, February 7th (7pm) theatrical haze and bright or flashing lights. at Liberty Hall, downtown Jefferson Ross Tyler Saturday February 21st “The Oldest Town in Texas (7:30pm) at The Old Road Show” will begin at 7pm.

Firehouse Acoustic Cafe From sensational shows at The Based in SavanGrand 1894 Opera House in nah, Georgia, where Galveston and The Pines Thethe Spanish moss hangs ater in Lufkin, “The Oldest Town in Texas Road Show’s” Texas tour from ancient oaks like continues with another excellent night of entertainment. Join us for an long torn veils, Jefferson outstanding night of family fun and music including a variety of showRoss employs his unique stoppers from past to present, staring Rocking P, Jan and Stephen Pate acoustic guitar style and (“The Hottest Guitar Picker in The Lower 48”) and the band, Plus. southern soulful voice From Hollywood to East Texas, Brad Maule (Dr. Tony Jones of Televito spin some of the finsions “General Hospital”), Rodger (Johnny Cash) Robinson, Ally Fuller, est story songs to come out of Deep Dixie in a long while. His songcraft Bo (Jerry Lee) Miller and “Camo Elvis,” will perform along with other special guests. Where else can you hear the music of Otis Redding, Bob has been compared to Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Rodney Crowell, and Jesse Winchester. His vocal style is fresh yet wizened by years Wills, ZZ Top, Eric Clapton, Patsy Cline, Elvis, Tex Ritter, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Doobie Brothers, George Strait, and Fleetwood Mac all in the on the road.

Ross spent over a quarter century honing his music in Nashville, same place? Sing along with many of your favorite songs and add some new favorites to your playlist as well. This is “Branson style” entertain- working as a staff songwriter and traveling musician. Returning home ment on steroids. The cast will be available after the show to meet and to The Peach State in 2010, he now brings his solo show of original material to folks from Texas to Nova Scotia and tours Europe yearly. sign autographs. Tickets are $30 online and $40 at the door for floor An evening of Jefferson Ross is an evening of fantastic tunes and seats. Balcony seats are $20 online and $30 at the door. VIP box seats tales that the listener will not forget. (seat 4) are $140. Liberty Hall is located at 103 E. Erwin, downtown Heather Little opens this fun night of music. Join us in the only Tyler (903)595-7274, www.libertytyler.com. concert “listening room” in the area.

Nicholas David Mrozinski Tickets are $12 in advance (+service fee) at www.theoldfirehouse.net Friday, February 13th (7:30pm) at Belcher Performance Center at or (903)852-ART1 (2781) and $15 cash at the door.

LeTourneau University, Longview Marty Stuart Nicholas David Mrozinski will be in concert at the Belcher CenFriday, March 6th (8pm) at Belcher ter. His music has been described as “alternative soul music from the Performance Center at LeTourneau heart, for the heart.” Nicholas David Mrozinski is a vibrant, dynamic, University, Longview and multi-talented singer/songwriter/pianist from Saint Paul, Minnesota. For more than a decade, Nicholas has been making music that Marty Stuart is a five time has been connecting with people, all around the world, on a deeply Grammy-winner, platinum recording human level. Nicholas was most recently a finalist, and a fan favorite, artist, Grand Ole Opry star, counas a member of team CeeLo on NBC’s Season 3 of “The Voice.” Nichotry music archivist, Southern culture las’ music is fully integrated, incorporating many schools of music and historian, photographer, musician, thought. His powerful voice, enriching lyrics, and liquid piano playsongwriter, TV show host, charising truly set him apart. With five studio albums, national radio play, matic force of nature, and country amazing reviews, many great charity and collaborative efforts under music fan. Since starting out singhis belt (all prior to his amazing run on “The Voice”), Nicholas has just ing gospel as a child, Stuart, 54, has released a new 4-song EP on “iTunes” featuring his single “Say Goodspent over four decades celebrating bye.” Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University is located American roots music with a missionary’s zeal. His teenage years on at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview. For more info call (903)233-3080 or tour with bluegrass legend Lester Flatt in the ‘70s were followed by six log on at www.belchercenter.com. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, years in Johnny Cash’s band during the ‘80s and a chart-topping tenure as a solo artist in the ‘90s.

10am-5pm. Tickets start at $15.

10 • EGuideMagazine.com

East Texas Hosts the Blues, Toasts the Troubadours plus Dances to Elvis

The turn of the century saw Stuart looking inward to make deeply felt records paying homage to his love of vintage gospel, his Native American passions, and as always, his core - foot-stompin’, tail-shakin’, honky tonkin’, rockin’ hillbilly music. His latest musical oeuvre is ably supported by the coolest cats in Nashville - his backing band, The Fabulous Superlatives: guitarist Kenny Vaughan, drummer Harry Stinson, and bassist Paul Martin. Stuart’s zest for every conceivable flavor of country music is also seen regularly by TV viewers these days, on RFDTV’s “The Marty Stuart Show,” a musical variety show and the number one program on the network. So, what’s next? As musicologist Peter North cites, “Marty Stuart seems wrapped in his destiny at this point in time. Not only as country music’s most notable ambassador/caretaker, but as its main archetypical crusader. He has without question evolved into one of the most important roots musicians and visionaries in America.” Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University is located at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview. For more info call (903)2333080 or log on at www.belchercenter.com. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Tickets start at $35. Please note, this show may use theatrical haze & bright or flashing lights.

Dave Alexander

March 7th (8pm) at Liberty Hall, downtown Tyler Once you have seen Dave Alexander in concert, it is easy to understand why he has been named “Entertainer Of The Year” by the Academy of Western Artists.

Throughout his successful and award-winning career, this dynamic entertainer has gained the respect of his peers while mesmerizing his audiences with each performance. His talents as a performer are unsurpassed as recently exemplified by his induction into the Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame and being named “Male Vocalist of The Year” by the Academy of Western Artists.

Dave has performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in country music like George Strait, Toby Keith, and LeAnn Rimes, while carving out his own stellar career in the music industry. The three-time Grammy nominee remains one of the nation’s top selling western artists. Alexander has been recognized as having created the finest Western Big Band ever assembled to deliver his overwhelming performances.

Great western musicians, combined with his incomparable horn section, make up the finest musical ensemble on the road today.

As a former member of the Texas Playboys, Alexander combines the heritage and success of yesterday’s great western music with the fever and excitement of his own compositions and today’s hottest musicians. The results remain unprecedented. He can be heard across the country on a nationally syndicated Radio Program as guest host of “The World of Western Swing,” a new radio show currently sweeping the nation as it brings to life the fun and exciting sounds of Western Music.

His latest feature film, “The Hi Low Country” includes music written, arranged, and performed by Dave with such artists as Willie Nelson and Marty Stuart. This film received a Western Heritage Award from the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Dave Alexander will be in concert March 7th at 8pm. Tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door the night of the show (if not sold out). VIP Boxes (seat 4) and are $150. Liberty Hall is located at 103 E. Erwin, downtown Tyler (903)595-7274, www.libertytyler.com.

This show is expected to sell out quickly.

Toby Mac, Mandisa, and Capital Kings in Concert

Saturday, March 7th (7:30pm) at The Oil Palace, Tyler This great concert will begin at 7:30pm with the doors opening at 6pm at The Oil Palace, 10408 Hwy. 64, Tyler.

Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased at www.oilpalace.com.

Live From Nashville

Saturday, March 14th (7:30pm) at Caldwell Auditorium, Tyler High-Octane Country Show with Live Band will be on stage at Caldwell Auditorium. This international award-winning production company is a fully produced song and dance spectacular with breathtaking scenery, multimedia and costumes.

Nashville-based Matt Davenport Productions celebrates the songs that gave Music City its name – from rural roots to sold-out stadiums. Hank, Patsy, and the latest from Nashville, along with stellar stagecraft, country singers and dancers are backed by a bonafide band of Nashville sidemen. Tyler Community Concert Association is an exciting series of concerts geared towards the music enthusiast. To purchase tickets visit www.tcca.biz, call (903)592-6266 or purchase at the door.

All concerts are held at Caldwell Auditorium.

Blue Man Group

Thursday, March 26th (7:30pm) at Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University, Longview Blue Man Group will be on stage at the Belcher Center.

Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. Although it is impossible to describe, people of all ages agree that Blue Man Group’s show is an intensely exciting and wildly outrageous experience that leaves the entire audience in a blissful, euphoric state. With no spoken language, Blue Man Group is perfect for people of all ages, languages, and cultures. This unique theatrical experience is a form of entertainment like nothing else, guaranteed to be an event you will never forget. Sponsored by Longview Regional Medical Center and Eastman. Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University is located at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview. For more info call (903)2333080 or log on at www.belchercenter.com. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Tickets start at $35.

Bob Schneider

March 28th (8pm) at Liberty Hall, downtown Tyler A Tyler Favorite Returns! Bob Schneider is a fixture on the Austin music scene, having kicked around for years in various bands before embarking on a solo career in 1999.

Born in Michigan and partially raised in Germany, he dropped out of the University of Texas at El Paso to front his first band, the funk and rap outfit “Joe Rockhead.” The band released three independent albums before disbanding prior to signing with a major label. A stint with a band called “The Ugly Americans” followed, which experienced some success as an opening act for the Dave Matthews Band. Then in 1997, Schneider went on to cofound the “Scabs,” where he made a further name for himself. He then became a solo act in 1999.

Schneider’s musical approach as a solo artist continues with an eclectic and diverse musical style, combining the traditional singer/ songwriter aesthetic with elements of funk, country, rock, and folk.

With his edgy lyrics about alienation, drug addiction, and lost romance, he has gained a national fan base. Schneider has released several albums, including various “side projects” via his own label, Shockorama Records. Schneider’s most recent release was 2014’s “Burden of

Proof.” “If you like something different and you love a party, you will love Bob’s show. I had no idea who he was until we had him at Liberty Hall and now I am a huge fan,” said Anne Payne, Liberty Hall Manager.

Tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door starting at 7pm if still available - Mr. Schneider usually sells out. VIP Boxes are $150 and seat four. Liberty Hall is located at 103 E. Erwin, downtown Tyler (903)595-7274, libertytyler.com.

“Masters of the Fiddle: A Celtic Family Celebration”

Saturday, March 28th (7:30pm) at Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University “Masters of the Fiddle: A Celtic Family Celebration” will be in concert at the Belcher Center. Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy are two of the world’s most celebrated fiddlers. They also happen to be married. Together, Natalie and Donnell meld their virtuosities into a whirlwind of fiddle-driven music, dance and song, combining the best of French, Celtic and American Bluegrass and even Cajun styles and making it their own.

Joined by two highly-acclaimed pianists in their own right, Mac Morin and Erin Leahy, you’ll be treated to the foot-tapping rave-ups, heart-wrenching ballads, and world-class step dancing that have brought audiences to their feet on three (and counting) continents.

By the time you leave you will have been enriched by the music, the stories, and the warmth of the Cape Breton lifestyle and hospitality that draws visitors from around the world. Sponsored by Neiman Marcus and Pelaia Law Center.

Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University is located at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview. For more info call (903)233-3080 or log on at www.belchercenter.com. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Tickets start at $45.

Grammy-nominated albums with her Meshell Ndegeocello-produced “Promise of a Brand New Day,” released in 2014 on Blue Corn Music.

Paul Thorn has been pleasing crowds for years with his muscular brand of roots music - bluesy, rocking, and thoroughly Southern. The Mississippi-bred singer crafts an original set of rock anthems for his new album, “Too Blessed to be Stressed,” on Perpetual Obscurity/Thirty Tigers. The heralded songwriter follows up his most successful release to date, plus his AAA radio airplay-winning contribution to the Jackson Browne tribute disc, with ten feel-good numbers that already have audiences singing along. Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University is located at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview. For more info call (903)233-3080 or log on at www.belchercenter.com. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Tickets start at $25 and is guaranteed to sell out.

Shriners Country Fest 2015 At Texas Woodstock with Miss Loretta Lynn

April 17th (3pm) at The Ranch, Troup As a fundraiser for the Shriners Shreveport Children’s Hospital, a Tyler promotions group called Texas Woodstock will present an all-day Classic Country Music Festival featuring many of the biggest names in Classic Country Music on Friday, April 17th.

The event will be held on The Ranch, a 500 acre ranch located immediately off FM 345 on County Rd. 2152 east of Whitehouse (north of Troup). Depending on the success of this first annual show, future plans could include this becoming an annual event with several three day festivals; other shows could potentially include Bluegrass, modern country, jazz, and other popular music genres.

Gates will open at 12 noon on Friday, April 17th. The show begins at 3pm and continues through 12 midnight.

The Country Music headliner is Miss Loretta Lynn who performs at Southern 8pm, with other classic country music stars such as T. Graham Brown, Troubadours – Janie Fricke, Johnny Lee, Gene Watson, Morgan Alexis, the Bellamy Joe Ely, Ruthie Brothers, Johnny Rodriquez and T. G. Shepherd performing throughFoster, and out the day and evening.

Paul Thorn This one night Classic Country Fest is the biggest event of this type Friday, April 10th (7:30pm) ever in Northeast Texas, and should lead to even more concerts such as at Belcher Performance this one in the coming years. Entertaining between setups for the differCenter at LeTourneau ent performers on stage will be Nadine and Ranae from RFD-TV’s “LarUniversity ry’s Country Diner” with good clean comedy and lots of laughs.

24 hour site-security begins on Thursday April 16th and runs Southern Troubadours: Joe Ely, Ruthie Foster, and Paul Thorn will be in concert at the Belcher through Saturday morning April 18th. No alcoholic beverages will be sold on site, but BYOB is acceptable, and remember to bring your own Center. Three distinctly different artists share the stage for an evening lawn chairs and blankets. There will be plenty of food and vendors on of song swapping. Joe Ely, a founding member of The Flatlanders is site, with everything from burgers and fries to turkey legs, Mexican an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose music touches food, and much more. on honky-tonk, Texas country, Tex-Mex, and rock and roll. Those Reserve tickets are $40, with general admission tickets $30. The who have followed Ruthie Foster know that she can burn down any stage with her combustible blend of soul, blues, rock, folk, and gospel. reserved ticket area covers the region closest to the stage. Discounts are available for groups of four or more. No charge for parking or camping Ruthie’s astonishing voice has taken her on an amazing ride, one that and there is plenty of room for campers and motorhomes. For informahas included two Savannah Music Festival performances and house concerts over the past five years. Ruthie Foster follows consecutive tion, visit the Country Fest website at www.texaswoodstock.com.

Live Bands Every Saturday

LIVE MUSIC:

Feb. 7th - Magnolia Brown Feb. 14th - Kid Icarus Project Feb. 21st - Identity Crisis Feb. 28th - Anthony Riley Band

Comfortable Casual Atmosphere Ladies Night on Wednesdays No Cover Charge, Ever!

Happy Hour Noon ‘til 5:00pm

2109 E. Fifth Street, Tyler 903-535-7956 www.facebook.com/xln.pool.hall

Open Every Day at Noon EGuideMagazine.com • 11

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Sunday, February 1st Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 Cork – The Kopastetic Band, 8-10 Monday, February 2nd C10, Jacksonville – Jam Session Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10 Tuesday, February 3rd Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 Wednesday, February 4th Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Open Mic, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Iron Horse – Southern Comfort Karaoke, 8-12 Lago Del Pino – Open Mic, 9-12 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 7-11 Republic Ice House – Karaoke, 7-12 Sports Zone – DJ Cicero, 9-12 Stanley’s BBQ – The Haggertys, 7-10 Thursday, February 5th Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – The Foundation, 9-12 Cork – The Kopastetic Band, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Ryan Reid, 7-10 Half Moon – DJ , 8-12 Iron Horse – Boogie Butt Karaoke, 8-12 Juls – Open Mic, 8-12 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – BBQ & Blues, 7-10 Friday, February 6th Circle M Crawfish – Darrin Morris, 7-10

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Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – DJ Krash Karaoke, 8-12 Emaze at the Woods, Jacksonville – Charles Denman The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Travis Bolt, 7-10 Jake’s – Jaden Farnsworth, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Trey Dillon, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Devin Leigh, 8-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Live acoustic music, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Tom McElvain & The Dirty Pesos, 8-12 Ricks – Deja Groove, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – A Live One, 9-12 Where’s Rufus – Boogie Butt Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12 Saturday, February 7th Belcher Center, Longview – Elvis Live, 7pm Breakers – Live Music, 8-10 Clicks – Framing The Red, 9-1 Crawdaddy’s, Flint – Boogie Butts Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Senor Gringo, 10-1 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Fysical Address, 9-1 Emaze at the Woods, Jacksonville – Sean Dickey The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Cole Allen, 7-10 Iron Horse – Blacktop Mojo, 9-1 Jake’s – Live Music, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Lauren Alexander, 9-12 Liberty Hall – The Oldest Town in Texas Road Show, 8pm Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Matt Dunn with Drake, 9-1 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Republic Ice House – Casie Martin Band, 8-12 Rick’s – Trajikly White, 9-1 Stanley’s BBQ – Paul Shafer, 7-10 XLN – Magnolia Brown, 9-1 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-12 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1 Sunday, February 8th Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12

Monday, February 9th C10, Jacksonville – Acoustic Pickin’ Circle Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10 Tuesday, February 10th Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 Wednesday, February 11th Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Open Mic, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Iron Horse – Southern Comfort Karaoke, 8-12 Lago Del Pino – Open Mic, 9-12 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 7-11 Republic Ice House – Karaoke, 7-12 Stanley’s BBQ – The Haggertys, 7-10 Thursday, February 12th Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – The Foundation, 9-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Van Darien, 7-10 Half Moon – DJ, 8-12 Iron Horse – Boogie Butt Karaoke, 8-12 Juls – Open Mic, 8-12 Lago Del Pino – Adam Hood, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – BBQ & Blues, 7-10 Friday, February 13th Belcher Center, Longview – Nicholas David, 7pm Click’s Live – Live Music, 9-12 Cork – DJ, 7-10 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – DJ Krash Karaoke, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Heather Little & Matt Bradshaw, 7-10 Half Moon – Live Music, 8-12 Jake’s – Dustin Becker, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Jaden Farnsworth, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10

Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Cody Wayne & Westbound 21, 9-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Live acoustic music, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Texas Rebellion, 8-12 Ricks – Electric Circus, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Luke Wade, 9-12 Where’s Rufus – Boogie Butt Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12 Saturday, February 14th Breakers – Live Music, 8-10 Circle M Crawfish – Sweet Pain, 7-10 Cowan – Ringo Starr, 7pm Crawdaddy’s, Flint – Boogie Butts Karaoke, 8-12 Cork - DJ, 10-1 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Ginny Mac, 7-10 Iron Horse – Les Paul, 9-1 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – The Tuxedo Cats, 9-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Oil Palace – Brett Michael, 7pm Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Republic Ice House – Todd Freeman & Bulletproof, 8-12 Rick’s – Professor D & The Playschool, 9-1 Stanley’s BBQ – Paul Shafer, 7-10 XLN – Kid Icarus Project, 9-1 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-12 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1 Sunday, February 15th Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 Oil Palace – R Kelly, 6pm Monday, February 16th C10/Jacksonville, Jacksonville – Open Stage Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10 Tuesday, February 17th Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 Wednesday, February 18th Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12

Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Open Mic, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Iron Horse – Southern Comfort Karaoke, 8-12 Lago Del Pino – Open Mic, 9-12 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 7-11 Republic Ice House – Karaoke, 7-12 Stanley’s BBQ – The Haggertys, 7-10 Thursday, February 19th Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 5-9 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Wesley Pruitt, 7-10 Iron Horse – Boogie Butt Karaoke, 8-12 Half Moon – DJ Rufas, 8-12 Juls – Open Mic, 8-12 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Stanley’s – BBQ & Blues, 7-10 Friday, February 20th Belcher Center, Longview – Casting Crowns, 7pm Clicks – John5, 9-12 Cork – DJ, 9-12 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Karaoke, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Chris Colston, 7-10 Half Moon – Chris Wayne Band, 8-12 Jakes – Daniel Foster, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 9-12 Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Buffalo Ruckus, 8-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Purple Pig - Live Acoustic Music, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Tuxedo Cats, 8-12 Ricks – Madison Avenue, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Shinyribs, 9-12 Where’s Rufus – Boogie Butt Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12 Saturday, February 21st Circle M Crawfish – Aly Venable, 7-10 Cork – DJ, 10-1 Emaze at the Woods, Jacksonville - Blind Mojo

Open Fridays & Saturdays

11am-10pm

The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Ben Lowery & Wes Hendrix Half Moon – DJ, 8-12 Iron Horse – Live Music, 9-1 Jakes – Live Music, 8-11 Lago Del Pino – The Tuxedo Cats, 9-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Group Therapy, 9-12 The Old Firehouse – Edom – Jefferson Ross, 7-10 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Republic Ice House – Kid Icarus Project, 8-12 Rick’s – Elegant Few, 9-1 Stanley’s BBQ – Paul Shafer, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 XLN – Identity Crises, 9-1 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1 Sunday, February 22nd Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 8-12 Monday, February 23rd C10/Jacksonville - Jazzin ‘n J’Ville Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10 Tuesday, February 24th Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 Wednesday, February 25th Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Open Mic, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Iron Horse – Southern Comfort Karaoke, 8-12 Lago Del Pino – Open Mic, 9-12 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 7-11 Republic Ice House – Karaoke, 7-12 Stanley’s BBQ – The Haggertys, 7-10 Thursday, February 26th Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 5-9 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Bobby Duncan, 7-10 Iron Horse – Boogie Butt Karaoke, 8-12 Half Moon – DJ Rufas, 8-12

Juls – Open Mic, 8-12 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Stanley’s – BBQ & Blues, 7-10 Friday, February 27th Coach’s & Cowboy’s – The Turnpike Troubadours, 8-12 Cork – DJ, 9-12 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – DJ Krash Karaoke, 8-12 Emaze at the Woods, Jacksonville - Eric Moseley Duo The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Heather Little, Matt Bradshaw Jake’s – Matt Bradshaw, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Lucas Kelm, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – 4way Street, 8-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Live Acoustic Music, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Austin English Band, 7-10 Rick’s – Big Daddy, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Uncle Lucius, 9-12 Where’s Rufus – Boogie Butt Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12 Saturday, February 28th Breakers – Joe Snider, 8-10 Circle M Crawfish – Charles Denmon, 7-10 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Live Music, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Byron Haynie Birthday Bash Half Moon Grill – Something Blue, 9-1 Iron Horse – I20 Band, 9-1 Jake’s – Scott Behrend, 9-12 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Trey Dillon, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Cody Jinks with Stefan Cotter, 9-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Republic Ice House – Jay Johnson, 8-12 Ricks – The After Party, 9-1 Stanley’s BBQ – Paul Shafer, 7-10 Where’s Rufus DJ, 9-1 XLN – Anthony Riley Band, 9-1 Yamato – Logan Strong, 9-1

Motorized Bar Stools Are In Search of the Utterly Rebellious Moore’s Store & The Forge Bar & Grill are hosting a Quiet Man tradition - the Bar Stool Races, to be held on March 21st in Ben Wheeler.

To participate you can either build your own or adopt one. Either way, this fun event will be something that you will want to be part of!

Build Your Own

If you have the skills and wherewithal to build your own prototype, by all means let us know. You can be as creative as you like as long as you follow a few simple rules, available at www.benwheelertx.com.

The more unique the better so come pour your creative juices into this fun project.

Barstools must be available for future Ben Wheeler events and annual races, not show signs of abuse, and be kept in good working order. There will be an annual inspection by an authorized B.W.B.P.S. field agent to decide continued placement or removal.

You can pick up entry forms and the complete rules at Moore’s Store, The Forge Bar & Grill or online at www.BenWheelerTx.com.

For CD Reviews, Bands, Videos, More Music Stuff, go to:

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Sandwich & Chips on Mo & Tuesdanday y

EGuideMagazine.com • 15

To Do

Adopt from Pets Fur People Written and Photographed By Lynn Dark

The whirlwind holiday season is over, and it is time to think about adopting the cat or dog that has been missing from your life. While new pets can be found in many places, there are some good reasons to consider opening your home to an animal from Pets Fur People (PFP).

There is nothing wrong with taking a puppy or kitten from your neighbor’s litter. I have done it. You can buy your pet from a store, at First Monday, or pick up a free one anyplace they are available. Anyone willing to give a good and loving home to a pet falls into the category of “Good People” in my book.

So, why should you consider adopting from a no kill shelter, such as Pets Fur People? There are many reasons. I sat down with Gail Helmes, PFP’s executive director, to learn more about the organization.

As you might imagine, the dog areas are pretty loud, so we retreated into the “Cattery” for the interview.

I was not sure what to expect, but I was amazed when we entered the cat area, where the animals are not caged, but share a fairly large space. They have plenty of toys, things to climb, and places to nap. If you are familiar with cats at all, you can appreciate the fact that this environment couldn’t be much better.

This shelter does its best to keep the cats and small dogs in areas where they can play, lounge, eat, and sleep. For obvious reasons, the larger dogs must be kept in cages. With PFP’s 97 percent adoption rate, the dogs don’t have to stay in those cages for very long.

In addition to acting as something akin to an orphanage for animals, PFP provides an invaluable service to the community and potential pet owners. Operating as a selective no-kill shelter, PFP only accepts healthy, adoptable animals. This means that the animals must be between eight weeks and six years old. Pits bulls and pit bull mixes are not accepted.

Pets Fur People only accepts dogs and cats that they have room for, and feel that they will be able to adopt out. The facility can currently house up to 75 dogs and 30 cats. All animals receive their vaccinations, are inserted with a microchip identifier, and are spayed or neutered if they are old enough. If the animal is too young to be spayed or neutered, the owner receives a certificate to have the procedure done later.

The adoption fee for both cats and dogs is $130. The cost covers the services listed above, as well as discounted boarding services, and free veterinary insurance for 30 days. Potential owners must fill out a fairly extensive application. PFP takes their obligation to place their animals in good homes very seriously. Potential owners should be aware that PFP is looking for a long term commitment.

In addition to adopting pets out, PFP will accept animals that have to be surrendered for whatever reason, but only if they fall into the adoptable criteria. Unfortunately, some people hear the phrase, “no kill” and think they can drop any animal off. That isn’t the case. PFP’s mission is not to house animals for the rest of their lives, but rather to find a home for the animals they accept fairly quickly. The fee for surrendering a pet is typically $20.

If your pet is lost, you can call PFP for an extensive list of resources to assist you. In addition to local rescue groups, there are law enforcement contacts, as well as social media sites to check.

Pets Fur People does not have a relationship with Animal Control in Tyler, so if your animal is picked up by Animal Control, it will most likely be taken to Jacksonville. You will have three days to claim your pet. After that, it becomes the property of the shelter and it will then be adopted out or euthanized.

Pets Fur People is a very community oriented organization. Once a month, they take some of their puppies to a nursing home/rehab facility for pet therapy. This is well received by the residents, their families, and the staff.

Perhaps to pay it forward, Lowe’s has chosen PFP for its annual non-profit makeover. The remodeling came about after one of the local assistant managers adopted a cat from PFP, and brought it to the attention of the committee that selects each annual project. Pets Fur People expects to hold an open house when the renovations are complete.

The shelter has approximately 45-50 volunteers, whose primary purpose is to enrich the lives of the animals. Volunteers are also needed during fundraisers, and to help out with pet therapy at outside facilities. Finally, they can help out with repackaging pet food for the Meals 16 • EGuideMagazine.com

Fur Pets program, which provides pet food to Meals on Wheels recipients with pets. Additional volunteers are always welcome.

Pets Fur People also has a foster program. While other organizations use off site locations to house animals, PFP prefers that their dogs and cats be housed onsite, where they can be seen. Their foster program involves people helping out with puppies and kittens that are under eight weeks old.

Pets Fur People was formerly known as the Humane Society of East Texas, which was founded in 1963. At that time, citizens of the community visited the city run impoundment facility, where they found animals being kept in appalling conditions which they understandably found unacceptable. This group formed the Humane Society of East Texas, which opened its doors in 1968.

From 1968 until 2013, the Humane Society served as the East Texas impoundment facility. (The word “pound” comes from “impoundment,” and has a terrible connotation for a lot of people.) During this time, the Humane Society received about 400,000 animals from Animal Control.

The euthanasia rate was about 75 percent. Healthy animals were put down in order to make room for the next run from Animal Control. In 2010, the organization decided to sever its contractual relations with cities and counties, which left them no choice but to euthanize animals.

In 2013, the organization changed its name to Pets Fur People and became a selective, no-kill facility.

Pets Fur People is supported by adoption and surrender fees, Friends of the Shelter membership dues, and money raised through its annual spring and fall fundraisers. Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so directly on the PFP website via PayPal or a major credit card. PFP is a Better Business Bureau accredited charity.

Pets Fur People is located on Tyler’s east side at 1823 CR 386, just outside of Loop 323. Its hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday, 10am5pm. In addition to financial donations, items such as pet food, cat litter, toys, laundry soap, and many others are always accepted.

For more information, please contact PFP by phone at (903)5972471, visit their website at www.petsfurpeople.org, or follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Members of the community are encouraged to come out and visit the facility.

A Tribute to “American Graffiti:” Showing Off Our Classics

The 2015 East Texas Auto & Cycle Show benefiting the East Texas Crisis Center celebrates its 25th Anniversary this February. The Silver Anniversary event will open at Harvey Convention Center in Tyler on Friday, February 20th at 4pm and run through Sunday, February 22nd.

Each year the show features a special collection of cars, and this year’s collection will be a tribute to the classic movie, “American Graffiti.”

The show will capture the essence of the movie with the theme, “Where Were You in ‘62?” Tribute cars on display will span the entire 1950’s through 1962 with the automobiles that were featured in the movie.

The show brings in vehicles of all makes, from every decade, some very rare, some from car enthusiasts who own vast collections of cars, and some from those who have owned or purchased the “dream car” from their youth.

This year will present even more fun for adults and kids with live entertainment that will reflect the music of the theme, featuring Matt and Megan Magill on Saturday. Sunday, The Tyler All-Star Band will take the stage with their special brand of 60’s rock and roll. Recorded rock and roll music will play throughout the show along with recordings of Wolfman Jack, who made a cameo appearance in the movie. Wolfman Jack was a gravelly voiced legendary rock and roll radio disc jockey in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

Each year’s show also features an exciting car donated by Tyler Ford which is raffled off at the close of the show. 2015 will be the twelfth year that David Irwin, with Tyler Ford, has donated a car to help raise proceeds for the East Texas Crisis Center.

Mark your calendars for February 20th-22nd, and bring your best girl or guy to stroll down memory lane with The East Texas Auto & Cycle Show. All proceeds from the show help women and their children in seeking services and shelter to escape family violence and abuse in the home.

Events

Thursday, February 5th (7:30pm) – Nicholas Sparks will be the featured speaker at The University of Texas at Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center. In 1994, rejected from both publishers and law schools, Nicholas Sparks was a job-jumping salesman who wrote in the evenings. In early 1995, and against all odds, his manuscript was discovered in the slush pile. By October, Warner Books famously paid a million dollars for an unknown story about a notebook. The rest, as they say, is history. Now with almost 80 million copies of his books in print, literary sensation Nicholas Sparks is the author of 17 “New York Times” #1 bestselling books and a cultural phenomenon in his own right. Limited tickets to the post lecture reception are available. Mr. Sparks invites guests to bring their favorite book for signing. This event is sponsored by Louis & Peaches Owen. The post lecture reception is sponsored by Austin Bank. Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on The University of Texas at Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the Box Office, or by calling (903)566-7424 or online at uttyler.edu/ cowan. Tickets start at $22.

Saturday, February 7th - (First Saturday of the month) - Make a date to meet at TASCA for an evening of Country and Western Dancing on the first Saturday of each month. The next dance will be held 7-9:30pm in the TASCA Activity Center Ballroom. Music will be provided by “Caddo Creek.” Bring a snack to share and have fun. Admission is $5 per person. For more information call (903)871-3217 or send an email to info@tasca.org. These lessons are held at TASCA Activity Center Ballroom, 10495 CR 2167, Whitehouse, (903)871-3217, www.tasca.org.

Saturday, February 7th - East Texas Garden Lecture Series - Three floral designers will give quick lessons on floral arranging and the arrangements will be raffled at the end. Proceeds will benefit East Texas Crisis Center. Attendance cost is $15 (or $45 for season pass to all six Lecture Series programs). This class will be held 8:30am-12:30pm at Tyler Rose Garden Center, 420 Rose Park Dr., Tyler. For more info go to txmg.org/smith/coming-events or call (903)590-2980. March 14th at the lecture come learn about the newest, easy-care rose varieties that require little or no spraying for a colorful impact to your landscape.

Mark Chamblee will discuss new rose varieties coming out of breeding programs that are developing superior plants for the environmentallyconscious gardener. Learn how to correctly prune roses and end with a tour of the nursery. This lecture will be held at Chamblee’s Rose Nursery, 10926 Hwy. 69N, Tyler. April 11th, “The Backyard Buffet” will be presented. Vegetables and fruits do not have to be relegated to a separate area alone and by themselves. Mary Wilhite will show how to incorporate edible crops into an existing landscape both for beauty and food. This will be held at Blue Moon Nursery, 13062 FM 279, Edom.

Saturday, February 7th - Bridal, Prom & Party Expo - East Texas Wedding Extravaganza is expanding into a Bridal, Prom & Party Expo in 2015. Join us for this unique opportunity for event vendors to reach out to an even larger audience of people searching for their services.

This is a prom show, bridal show and Quinceanera show all under one roof. This will be held at Harvey Convention Center, Tyler. For more info call (903)570-0364. Admission is $5 online and $8 at the door.

Saturday, February 14th - Fourth annual ‘Love Under the Stars’ Throughout the ages, the poets and composers have been inspired by love and its relationship to the stars. Valentine couples can enjoy an evening of “Love Under the Stars” on Saturday, February 14th, at the Center for Earth & Space Science Education at Tyler Junior College.

There are two event times to choose from, 5pm and 8pm, and the program includes a domed-theater show about romance and the constellations, with sweeping visuals set to a classical music score.

Admission is $75 per couple (ages 21 and older), and includes hors d’oeuvres and beverages, full-dome planetarium show, an outdoor, telescopic viewing (weather permitting), a gift basket, and a commemorative digital photo. Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.tjc.edu/cesse or at the CESSE ticket counter. Seating is limited.

The center is located at 1411 E. Lake St., on the TJC main campus. For more info call (903)510-2312.

Saturday, February 14th - East Texas Genealogical Society’s February Meeting: Lecture: “World War I Records” by Carol Taylor - This lecture provides a brief guide to both United States military records and where they can be found, especially online, and to military records for other participants in the Great War. Many, many nations were involved in the war on both sides, and this guide will help to find those records from around the world. Carol began her own family history at age 12 by interviewing relatives, some born in the 1890s. She fuses a love for history and genealogy into her specialty, “Merging Family History with Local History.” In her presentations, Carol combines a nice “how to” along with interesting information about the times to help beginning and intermediate family genealogists know where and how to look for unique records for their research. For her complete biography, visit caroltaylor.wordpress.com. This event is free to attend and will be held at Taylor Auditorium, Tyler Public Library, 201 S. College Ave., downtown Tyler, 2-3:30pm. For more info call (903)539-5572.

Thursday, February 19th - Texas Speaker Series presents Alex Chacon starting at 7pm. Alex Chacón is an adventure writer, public speaker, professional photographer, videographer and presenter.

He presents to groups around the world about his challenging and charitable expeditions on various motorcycles. Alex is a leader on the cutting edge in motorcycle adventure riding and exploring, having contributed to major motorcycle magazines, worked as a professional freelance photographer for well-recognized companies and brand names in the industry, and collaborated in product development of prototype gear with testing and production. He currently runs the only motorcycle consulting business in the world for travel in Latin America where he occasionally runs tours. His most famous expedition to date has been a 500 day solo round trip from Alaska to Argentina raising money for the Children of Uganda in Africa. Thanks to the success of his blogging, writing, and capturing of his own personal Motorcycle Diaries, he was able to document this epic adventure in a whole new interactive and in-depth way never captured before, through unique pictures, videos, and viral YouTube films like “The Modern Motorcycle Diaries.” His body of work has been featured around the world in thousands of magazines, newspapers, international/national TV news and interviews. Tickets are $15. Liberty Hall is located at 103 E. Erwin, downtown Tyler (903)595-7274, www.libertytyler.com.

Saturday, February 21st (Third Saturday of every month) - Come and enjoy Country-Western Dancing to the music of Hoss Huggins and the Ponderosa Band at TASCA’s 3rd Saturday C & W Dance. The event will take place from 7-9:30pm in our large ballroom. Bring a snack to share and enjoy a fun evening. Admission is $5 per person.

For more information call (903)871-3217 or send an email to info@tasca.org. These lessons are held at TASCA Activity Center Ballroom, 10495 CR 2167, Whitehouse, (903)871-3217, www.tasca.org.

Saturday, February 28th - The Newlywed Game and Comedy Night - Join Liberty Hall for our very own “Newlywed Game” East Texas style! Four lucky couples will be chosen directly from the audience to participate in this live version of the old game show. This show is not for the easily shocked or offended, but will be a lot of fun for a date night. The show will also feature the comedy of our very own Brandon Davidson, who will also MC the game. The winning couple will get a special prize. Bring your Mr., Mrs. or your sweetie and play along and have a grown up night of fun and romance. This fun night begins at 8pm. Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door. VIP Boxes are $100 and seat four. Liberty Hall is located at 103 E. Erwin, downtown Tyler (903)595-7274, www.libertytyler.com.

The Frilly Pepper:

back to get another sparkled accessory to go with her new chapeau.

Holmes describes her style as “a fusion of Stevie Nicks and Janis Joplin,” and visitors have summed up their Frilly Pepper adventures as bohemian, edgy, romantic, and retro. “It’s an incredible feeling to be able to create, and also have the personal interactions Written and Photographed By Barbara King and relationships with folks that come to explore,” explains Holmes.

Just a mere 25 minutes from Tyler rests a little The door opens and Holmes effusively greets and gem in the heart of Ben Wheeler, The Frilly Pepper. remembers two ladies from Canton and Wills Point Get ready for sensory overwho are regulars, dropload from the minute you ping in to search for new arrive at the colorful storefinds. Marsha Norwell, front. Step inside and the from Wills Point describes cacophony of color, fabrics, Frilly Pepper as “an eclecand floor to ceiling goodtic, one of a kind treasure ies will almost overwhelm. chest of fun. As a previQuick to greet you with the ous small business owner, I most embracing, huge perknow how important it is to sonality and funky style is support local hard working the artist/proprietress Kelli entrepreneurs.”

Cayenne Holmes. “EveryHolmes promotes thing you see is 90% repurselected wares from other posed,“ explains Holmes, local artisans, including canand as she gives a tour of dles with intriguing names her store/studio it is evident like Cayenne’s Sexy Salsa her soul, creativity, and pasand Tipsy Gypsy. “One of sion are at the heart of every my goals is to support local piece. artisans, with their passions Holmes and her husand dreams,” says Holmes. band Don opened the store Look up to the hamin October 2014 and have mered tin ceilings and back fallen in love with the artsy to the long worktable lined lifestyle and people of the with containers of baubles, Ben Wheeler community. bangles, and beads, and you The very aptly named store can tell that this is so much personifies Holmes’ temmore than a business to perament, coupled with the Holmes. She is an effervesfrilly, whimsical garments. cent presence in absolutely “With the middle name Cayeverything in the store, enne, I knew it had to reflect from the vibrant handsomething hot and spicy,” pulled scarves, to the delisays Holmes. cate lingerie that has been Flair, funk, and fashtransformed to romantic ion are the focus, as Holmes outerwear. repurposes everything Holmes says that cusfrom hats, gloves, bantomers walk in, stop to take danas, scarves, and jewit all in, then usually browse elry. The store is a treasure for several leisurely hours. trove of vintage pieces rich They examine, try on difin color and texture, every ferent items, and then look item embellished by Holmes some more. Just when you with her unique romanthink you are done, behind tic and eclectic style. “No you miraculously appears two pieces are the same,” more jewelry, hats, headexplains Holmes. The dyebands, purses, coats, and ing process can be different marvelous shoes. “We like to with each piece and I travel think of the store as a little all over to find the unique slice of magic,” says Holmes. embellishments.”

The Frilly Pepper offers You might think that something for every budget, this is a store for younger, as well as layaway options, hipper shoppers, but and Holmes even offers speHolmes is quick to point out cial design work on personal that sizes range from “skinny specialty items her customb’s” to curvy “goddess” sizes ers bring to the store. and the prices will make First and foremost an anyone smile, with some artisan, the store is just part items starting as low as $5. of Holmes’ creative outlet of The most striking pieces color and imagination. She line the walls and upon a continues producing fine closer look, the amazing art as well, utilizing mixed flowing garments are vintage media, including beaded slips, gowns, bed jackets, landscape pieces, online and corsets, repurposed into at www.artspace111.com. outerwear that are truly masHolmes’ vision for the arts terpieces in themselves. It reaches beyond the store, would be almost impossible as plans for the Ben Creto try on one of these creative Arts Center comes to ations and not feel like the completion. The center is most feminine, funky verscheduled to open in March. sion of yourself.

“The vision for the Center From the bright red is to provide arts instruc“couch of wisdom” that tion, summer camps and art dominates the front of the parties,” explains Holmes. store, to glittery hats and “It is a thrill to be able to headbands, to men’s vests give back to the commuand ties, the Frilly Pepnity that has welcomed us per experience is chock with open arms. We hope to full of fun, spice, adventure offer classes utilizing a variand humor. “Every piece is ety of mediums, from clay to unique, and I remind people welding.” to keep coming back to play Factor in some time to dress up, laugh and wanexplore the Frilly Pepper, der,” says Holmes. dress up, and leave with that special piece to make On this beautiful Saturday morning, Ben Wheeler you feel spicy, sassy and self-confident. is a great destination for a day trip, with its main street The Frilly Pepper is located at 1560 FM 279 in lined with galleries, live music venues, and unique Ben Wheeler. Call (817)721-PSST (7778), become a stores. Eight-year old Chloe Barton is out shopping Frilly Fan on Facebook, or coolstuff@frillypepper.com. with her grandfather and falls in love with a sparkly Frilly Pepper hours are closed Monday and hat designed for “The Little Frilly Fillies.” Holmes has Tuesdays; Sundays they are open 11am-3pm; and a special space for kids and Chloe gets her wish, say- Wednesdays, Thursday and Friday 11am to 7pm, ing as she leaves the store that she will definitely come Saturdays 10am -7pm.

Heart of a Gypsy, Soul of a Hippie, Spirit of a Fairy

A Bohemian Upcycle Boutique in Ben Wheeler

Heart of a Gypsy, Soul of a Hippie, Spirit of a Fairy Downtown Ben Wheeler at 1560 FM 279 1 (817)721-7778 • www.frillypepper.com Open Wednesday 11-3, Thursday-Saturday 10-7, Sunday 11-3

The BCAC is now enrolling for art instruction (ages 4 and up).

Classes will start March 2015 Beginners: The focus will be on basic drawing skills and will be reinforced with Art Discovery (painting, “high crafts,” collage, pastel, assemblage, etc.).

Advanced: Professional artists will instruct students in their chosen medium.

Also offering: Themed Arty Parties, Mommy & Me, Art Camps, special events and Friday Parent's Night Out / "Kid's Creative Happy Hour" (7-9).

Adults: Studio time, workshops, beginning/advanced art instruction, critiques and ChARTonnay Classes.

Group / Solo exhibition opportunities and competitions will be scheduled to BENefit the BCAC Scholarship fund.

The BCAC......where you have Ben Creative!

If you would like to take/ teach a course, or for more details, please contact Don: (903)952.6291 or Kelli: (817)721.7778.

EGuideMagazine.com • 17

Art Inside the Artist’s Studio:

Mr. Paul David Jones, Esq.

Crazy People Make Better Artists: A Tall Tale

By Derrick White

Wow! Do you feel it? I’m sure you do.

Crisp and clean, there is something special happening all around. Stop and you can sense the exciting, vibrant, tingling taste. An arts, music, food and social scene have momentum in East Texas. Everything from incredible live music infused with the smell of BBQ to the hint of rose petals in a locally brewed beer. It is a great time to be here. [Writer’s note: this article is better enjoyed with any Neil Young song you may have available playing in the background, a BBQ sandwich and a Rose City Pale Ale.] There is a nucleus for these sorts of powerful movements, a positively charged central core. There is usually a genius, rebel, freak, or creative crazy person in the middle (kind of like when artist Edouard Manet sparked the modern Impressionist movement in the 1860’s). There is something very special about having outsider visual artist Paul Jones living and working in Tyler, Texas. He exudes an imaginative, groovy vibe.

Paul is “Keep Austin Weird,” “Portlandia,” and “The Independent Order of Odd Fellows,” all rolled into one. If you’ve met him, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. He is the most influential living artist for my own work by far. A tall, robust and pungent lumbersexual, Paul brings an honest, casual and natural creativity to his every act of living, whether it is cooking, family, painting, playing guitar, storytelling or teaching art at Tyler Junior College.

However, our local folk hero comes from humble beginnings.

Abandoned as a baby out in the oilfields of West Texas, Paul Jones was raised by prairie dogs and leaf-nosed bats before being found and adopted by a kindly couple who wish to remain unknown. I’ve got to

A Wild Bunch Brunch:

bet that his old man became fascinated with his actions, turned him loose, his mama too. There wasn’t a thing he couldn’t do. As a young boy he spent his formative years under the guidance of his accepted uncle, Tom Beaver, originally a West Virginia woodsman, relocated up the Mississippi in St. Louis. As a way of amusing his uncle, Paul swiftly learned to tell elaborate and thrill-seeking tales. He could spin a yarn better than anyone.

While Paul was still a young man he returned to Texas by riding a tornado. Jones had the time of his life in Texas becoming very Tex-centric. He says he wouldn’t swap Texas for the whole rest of the United States even if you threw in Canada and Alaska too. Paul settled in DeSoto, south of Dallas, where he started the town’s very first street gang ‘Mr. Doo Club’ or otherwise known as M.D.C (these initials were later stolen, changed and incorporated into D.M.C by some hiphop group from New York). Restless and incensed he became a guitar

artists: Mark Anderson, Paul Jones (see article above), Chris Stewart and Derrick White, all full-time art professors at Tyler Junior College. These prolific artists exhibit in art shows throughout the country, and work diligently to share their passion and knowledge with students daily, with a childlike enthusiasm and true love for their respective crafts.

By Derrick White “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows “We all dream of being a child again, up.” – Pablo Picasso. even the worst of us. Perhaps the Though professional and earnest worst most of all.” – The Wild Bunch. in their artistic pursuits, it is obvious Where: Cork: Food and these guys are wild and Drink (5201 S. Broadhave not quite grown way Ave.) up just yet. They all When: Sunday Februfour still possess the ary 15th at 12 noon childlike wonderment - 2pm necessary to continually keep making art; The late, great, Sam an unquenchable fasPeckinpah’s “The Wild cination with form, Bunch”’ is a bloody, viosubject and material. lent, epic Western film This bunch of artists about an aging gang of has their art placed in outlaws from Texas trycorporate, private and ing to exist in a changmuseum collections ing, modern world, throughout east and men trying to persist north Texas. “I am conby any means possible.

Well, this Valentine’s Day weekend is your chance to stantly working on my art and taking ideas and inspirations from my daily life, teaching, and the lives and see this play out in real life, but with no shootouts, world around me. I am attracted to the unstructured spurs, or train robberies, and instead with mouthresults of actions and the inherent nature of materiwatering food, mimosas and art. You are welcome als, for example, drips of paint or the flow of a wood to bring your own cowboy hat if you have one, but grain. I want my work to be engaging and fun but to show up at high noon or even earlier and keep the love going and the blood flowing (Bloody Marys that also reveal its sincerity through form.”

Patrons who buy art at the February 15th event is). receive “Free Brunch.” Free art delivery options are Appropriately, a Slaughter House Production, available for those collectors in the Tyler area. This is The Wild Bunch Brunch is an art show and sale a family friendly event and children under age eight hosted by proud supporter Cork: Food and Drink (5201 S. Broadway Ave., Times Square Center, Tyler) eat free. There will be drink specials on Mimosas and Bloody Marys, live music and Cork’s famous, delion Sunday, February 15th, with the opportunity to meet the artists and purchase their original creations cious food.

For more information on this Wild Bunch check from 12 noon-2pm. The show presents a variety of out Derrick White: www.canvashead.net; Chris Stewstyles, statements and techniques. There are many different sizes to choose from, ranging from loud and art: christopher-stewart.com; Paul Jones: www.flickr. colorful large-scale abstracts to subtle, small, black com/photos/jugheadjones or Facebook - Paul David and white representational paintings and prints. All Jones; Mark Anderson can be contacted through the art is created by local, experienced, professional Facebook.

18 • EGuideMagazine.com

The Man Show of a Bunch of Wild ‘Uns

Events

wielding front man for the post-punk, pre-grunge, somewhat famous, rock band Llama Nose, singing ireful and often disturbing lyrics about elderly relatives, gelatinous desserts and a fish eating its own parents.

Then he set his sights on a new target. Denton, Texas was a quiet, sleepy, peaceful community, now it is considered a college party town because, in part, of Paul David Jones (little known fake fact: Fry Street is named after Paul’s 4am campfire bacon breakfast stories he would recount every other Saturday in the middle of the road).

Paul later spent time in Waxahachie, Texas influencing a generation of other outsider artists with his outlandish style, subjects and methods.

When the outlaw printmakers The Amazing Hancock Brothers would come to town, they were frightened and called Paul the most wild thing of all. Paul will sometimes let ceramic face-jug legend Carl Block play bass guitar for him, but he makes Carl wear a kilt! When Paul travels to Austin, Daniel Johnston pesters him for his autograph and Wayne White from Los Angeles is constantly calling asking for catchy words and phrases. Paul continually goes on strange and wonderful adventures, namely his annual co-birthday celebration with Stephen King, the late Larry Hagman, the late Chuck Jones and comedian Bill Murray. These days Bill Murray is the only person who still speaks to Paul, but let’s face it, two of the other guys are dead and Stephen King is a real weirdo.

Journeying to East Texas as a devoted married man and father of two, Paul lived in Bullard’s trees as an owl for a brief period before building both a land-bound pirate ship and a severely high tree house not suitable for habitation. Nowadays, Paul has settled down. He has founded his offbeat organization T.I.T.A.N (Twilight In The AfterNoon) encouraging middle-aged men to begin enjoying their benefits of old age early, wearing one-piece Dickies coveralls, driving mobility scooters, and eating supper at 4pm (as an active T.I.T.A.N member I must admit, it’s a little uncomfortable and requires way too many naps). Paul’s artwork is still edgy and his presence is still implicit. You’ll see him around town having an art show, playing a gig, eating some chicken of the cave, maybe enjoying a locally brewed beer or pulling someone’s leg (sometimes literally) and, you’ll feel it, an exciting, vibrant, constant hum. You will actually recognize what’s going on, at this time, in our area. That special something, the ambiance that comfortingly tells you “hey, if that loud, weird, facial haired dude is here, this must be cool,” and do you know what? It is. It is authentic. It’s moxie. It is a great time to be here. Climb aboard fellow pirates, we aren’t going anywhere because we are already here.

Paul earned his Associates of Arts degree from Cedar Valley College, Lancaster, a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas at Tyler and his Master of Fine Arts from the University of North Texas, Denton. If you wish to feed off his vivacity, Paul currently has some of his weird and astonishing art on view now and for sale on Saturday February 15th in a group exhibition hosted by Cork: Food and Drink (5201 S. Broadway Ave. / Times Square Center, Tyler). But come with the understanding, Paul Jones is both the Bill Murray and the Paul Bunyan of East Texas. You may have to stand in line to meet him.

Paul is available on Facebook - Paul David Jones.

February 4th - Senior’s Artist Showcase will be held at the Tyler Senior Center from 4-6pm. The cost to enter is $2 per art entry for those 50 or better. It is free to view the show. For more info call (903)597-0781. Tyler Senior Center is located at 1915 Garden Valley Rd., Tyler.

Saturday, February 14th (Second Saturday of each Month) - Family Day at the Tyler Museum of Art – Come join the fun at the monthly Family Day. Free art activities, light snacks and a festive atmosphere are on the menu the second Saturday of each month with the Tyler Museum of Art’s popular Family Day program. Admission is free.

For information, call (903)595-1001 or visit www.tylermuseum.org.

Sunday February 15th - “The Wild Bunch Brunch: The Man Show” Art Sale & Brunch - A Slaughter House Production, “The Wild Bunch Brunch: The Man Show” is an art show and sale hosted by proud supporter Cork: Food and Drink (5201 S. Broadway Ave., Times Square Center, Tyler) on Sunday, February 15th, with the opportunity to meet the artists and purchase their original creations from 12 noon-2pm. The show presents a variety of styles, statements and techniques.

There are many different sizes to choose from, ranging from loud and colorful large-scale abstracts to subtle, small, black and white representational paintings and prints. All the art is created by local, experienced, professional artists Mark Anderson, Paul Jones, Chris Stewart and Derrick White, all full-time art professors at Tyler Junior College. These prolific artists exhibit in art shows throughout the country and work diligently to share their passion and knowledge with students daily, with a childlike enthusiasm and true love for their respective crafts. Patrons who buy art at the February 15th event receive “Free Brunch.” Free art delivery options are available for those collectors in the Tyler area. This is a family friendly event and children under age eight eat free. There will be drink specials on Mimosas and Bloody Marys, live music, and Cork’s famous, delicious food.

Monday, February 16th (Third Monday of each Month) – Seniors Day at Tyler Museum of Art- The third Monday of each month, the Tyler Museum of Art opens its doors to seniors age 65

and older for a day of free admission and guided tours of its current exhibitions. February’s focus for Seniors’ Day is on the 11th Annual High School Art Exhibition (on exhibit February 15th-March 15th). This annual showcase features works by senior-level students from seven area high schools, including All Saints Episcopal School, Bishop T.K. Gorman Regional Catholic School, Brownsboro High School, Grace Community School, John Tyler High School, Robert E. Lee High School and Whitehouse High School. Visitors can vote on their favorite work of art, which will receive an “Audience Choice Award” at the exhibition. Guided tours are scheduled for 10:45am and 11:45am.

Admission is free, and group tours are welcome.

The TMA is located at 1300 S. Mahon Ave., across from Wagstaff Gym on the Tyler Junior College campus. For information, call (903)595-1001 or visit www.tylermuseum.org.

Ongoing through March 9th - “Remixed” on Exhibit - Gallery Main Street’s first exhibit of 2015 opened Saturday, January 10th and continues till March 9th. Titled “Remixed,” it is a 47-piece collection of original art by 17 area artists at the gallery, 110 W. Erwin St. The idea of “Remixed” was to invite artists to re-imagine their own or classic works of art into a new piece. The results are amazing. Also, you can vote online for the Audience’s Choice by going to www.facebook.com/heart. tyler. See our feature article on this exhibit as well.

For more info visit www.DowntownTylerArts.com.

Tyler NOVA (Previously known as Artists Nations Network Of Visual Artists) announces the Artwork of the Month contest. Each month Tyler NOVA (Tyler Network of Visual Artists) will accept submissions for this contest. The artist and the winning piece will be recognize throughout their network and will be featured at the monthly ‘Local Love’ event. The subject for the first contest will be a logo design for NOVA. Winners will also receive a gift package valued at $300. Contestants must be members of NOVA. Tyler NOVA believes the arts are essential to the life of the community and it is the mission of Tyler NOVA to support and to expand the opportunities for artists, diverse artistic expression and to bring the community together in celebration of our rich multi-cultural heritage.

For more information or to enter your creative logo designs, visit www.tylernova.org.

Through March 28th – “A Century Of Progress” Exhibit At Carnegie Library Building Smith County Historical Society - This exciting new exhibit traces the history of Smith County in the Twentieth Century and continues through March 31st. The exhibit features “the progressive era” in Smith County through the display of artifacts and text panels. The museum is open to the public, Tuesday thru Friday from 10am-4pm and on Saturdays 12 noon-4pm. Admission is free. The Carnegie Library Building is located at 225 S. College, downtown Tyler. Call (903)592-5993 for more info.

Thru February 15th - TMA Exhibit Spotlights Photographic Processes while Commemorating the U.S. Civil War - The Tyler Museum of Art joins the nationwide commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Civil War with its major exhibition, “Between the States: Photographs of the American Civil War from the George Eastman House Collection.” “Between the States” spotlights the photographic processes of the 1861 to 1865 period in the work of early icons of the medium

Remixing Isn’t Just for Music:

including Matthew Brady and Alexander Gardner, gathering dozens of stirring images that brought the graphic, sobering reality of the war home to the American public at a time when photography still was in its infancy. The TMA is located at 1300 S. Mahon Ave., across from Wagstaff Gym on the Tyler Junior College campus. For information, call (903) 595-1001 or visit www.tylermuseum.org.

Calling all artist and cyclists! Display your bicycle themed art at Cork: Food and Drink (5201 S. Broadway Ave., Times Square Center, Tyler), March 3rd-April 6th. All shapes and sizes of artwork will be considered for display. Send up to three images of your bicycle themed work to amandawatts@ yahoo.com by February 15th t oenter this showcase of art. Artists will be notified of acceptance

by February 20th. All work must be ready to be installed, framed and labeled on the back with title, date, artist’s name and contact info. All sales will go through Slaughter House Productions with artist’s retaining 75% of sales. For more info call (903)941-3253.

but the first exhibit Gallery Main Street has implemented the “People’s Choice Award.” Visitors to the gallery can vote for their favorite artwork by picking up a slip of paper at the door and circling the number that coordinates with that piece. When the exhibit ends in March, the votes will be tallied, and the artwork with the most votes will be recognized as the People’s Choice. Allowing the public to choose their favorite piece allows artists to better understand what their viewers are interested in seeing.

By Cassie Bartley This exhibit also features another first, as it includes the first colThe inclement weather on laborative artwork to be exhibthe night of January 10th did ited in Gallery Main Street. A not deter supporters of the arts collaborative artwork is one that from coming out to fill Gallery more than one artist worked Main Street in Tyler with visitors on. The piece entitled “New to its new exhibit, “Remixed.”

Orleans Rain” is a remix of The premise of the exhibit is to Banksy’s “Umbrella Girl,” which take a work that is already in was originally tagged on a wall existence, like a printed work in New Orleans. Matthew Marsuch as a book, and compose a tin and Cassie Bartley created new piece of artwork from the the 24” x 36” work, and when words of its pages; or to create a asked how it was to create a piece new composition by compiling the of art together, Matthew said, “It work of multiple artists into one was interesting. If we can make piece. Some chose to take their it through creating an artwork own works and refresh them as a together, we can make it through completely new piece of art. Simanything – two creative minds ply put, the goal was to “remix” a working together for the same work of art into a new work of art. goal, with, at times, very different The results were fantastic. ideas of how that goal should be Artists from all over East Texas accomplished.” submitted their work to be conSince I have started exhibiting sidered for the exhibit, but not all at Gallery Main Street, I have seen a of them were chosen to be a part of continuous improvement not only the display. Entries were judged by in the quantity, but in the quality a panel of jurors and ranked on a of the work shown in the exhibits. scale of 1-10, and the highest scoring Matthew Martin, who was previworks are accepted to the exhibit. ously on the jury committee for the The piece with the highest score was gallery, is showing three pieces in selected as “Best in Show,” and the this exhibit. When asked about the artist and his or her work were recimprovements the gallery has seen, ognized at the opening reception. he had this to say, “We have seen the For “Remixed,” Cheryl Hicks quality of artwork improve expoclaimed the top prize, and I was fortunentially as artists are challenged to nate to have the chance to speak with become better and better. I’m proud her about the exhibit and her expeto be on exhibit alongside artists that rience with Gallery Main Street. She produce such great work, and I’m said, “This was my first time to show honored to have a role in inspiring any work at Gallery Main Street, and and motivating the up and coming I was really proud to be involved in artists.” such a great show. The gallery was Matthew and the rest of the galbeautiful and everything was orgalery committee set the themes for the nized and professional. The work in exhibits during the year. The committhe “Remixed” show was quite diverse tee is 100% volunteer and is always and of a consistently high quality, so open to new suggestions, ideas, and of course, I was very honored to have volunteers. For more information on won the ‘Best in Show’ designation.” volunteering, contact Gallery Main Cheryl’s piece “Peace Is Every Step: A Portrait of Street. The gallery is always free to the public, and Thich Nhat Hahn” is 36 inches wide and 47 inches tall. She gave the following statement about the piece, raises a large portion of its budget with donations and “This portrait of Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hahn artwork sales. 80% of the sale price is returned to the artist, and the gallery retains 20% commission. is part of my series titled, ‘I Just Don’t Read Like I The current exhibit will remain on display until Used To,’ in which I cut significant books into strips of text to make large mixed media pieces. The result- March 9th and the schedule for Gallery Main Street for future exhibits are: “Exploding Boundaries: A ing visual commentary addresses the ways technolFiber Arts Exhibit” scheduled for March 14th– May ogy has changed our lives, in particular, the reader’s experience with literature. In this book, subtitled ‘The 5th; and “6x6@110,” June 6th – July 3th.

If you are an artist interested in exhibiting your Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life,’ the renowned Zen master cautions us against using electronic media work at Gallery Main Street, visit www.cityoftyler. to cover painful feelings and fill the void in our lives. org/Departments/MainStreet/GalleryMainStreet for a The gold background of the painting is symbolic of prospectus and more information about any of the spirituality or illumination.” She has several other upcoming exhibits. You can also follow Heart Of works in the series.

Tyler on Facebook for more information about any “Remixed” is not only the first exhibit of 2015, upcoming events in downtown Tyler.

A New Exhibit at Gallery Main Street, Downtown Tyler

An Exciting and Unique Shopping Experience

Featuring artists from all around the world.

Art Market, Fine Dining, Barista Coffee, Live Music, Workshops, & Special Events!

The Gallery Cafe offers gourmet coffee, fresh baked sweets and lunch specials See our website for daily specials.

Hwy 279 in Edom, Texas − 903.852.5552 www.EdomGallery.com

EGuideMagazine.com • 19

Theatre Thursday, February 5th (7:30pm) –“Good Company” will be on stage at Caldwell Auditorium. “Good Company” is “superb, understated…delivers intimate, personal emotions.” – “Music that Matters.”

The definitive sounds of NYC-Nashville-Detroit-LA Vintage hits are performed seamlessly alongside fresh, original material as “Americana Music” upstarts present “Under the Influence of Great American Music.” The kaleidoscope of R&B, Rock, Gospel and Bluegrass looks forward as much as it inspires nostalgia. This is iconic American roots music for the 21st Century with a live band. TylerLive!, presented

by Tyler Community Concert Association, is an exciting promoter of concerts geared towards the music enthusiast. To purchase tickets visit www.tcca.biz, call (903)592-6266 or purchase at the door. All concerts are held at Caldwell Auditorium, downtown Tyler.

February 5th-8th –“Treasure Island” will be on stage at the Tyler Civic Theatre with ThursdaySaturday performances at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 2:30pm.

“Treasure Island” is a spine-tingling adventure about treachery, treasure, and a young man’s rite of passage. The enthralling classic tale of Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver and swashbuckling pirates is brought to life by Tony-award winner B.H. Barry. Surrounded by elements of wind and water, swords and sea chanteys, and old ropes and rowboats, the audience is swept away to the South Seas for an infinitely sensational, intimate, and nostalgic experience. Climb aboard and relive the excitement of youth as you embark on the treasure hunt of a lifetime.

Based on the masterful adventure novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, “Treasure Island” is a stunning yarn of piracy on the tropical seas. It begins at an inn on the Devon coast of England in 1775 and quickly becomes an unforgettable tale of treachery and mayhem featuring a host of legendary swashbucklers including the dangerous Billy Bones, the sinister two-timing Israel Hands, the brassy woman pirate Anne Bonny, and the hideous form of evil incarnate, Blind Pew. At the center of it all are Jim Hawkins, a 14-year-old boy who longs for adventure, and the infamous Long John Silver, who is a complex study of good and evil, perhaps the most famous hero-villain of all time. Silver is an unscrupulous buccaneer-rogue whose greedy quest for gold, coupled with his affection for Jim, cannot help but win the heart of every soul who has ever longed for romance, treasure and adventure. Tyler Civic Theatre is located at 400 Rose Park Drive in Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center. For more info call (903)592-0561 or www.tylercivictheatre.com. The Box Office is open Monday - Friday, 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students.

February 13th-15th and February 20th-22nd – “The Importance of Being Earnest” will be in production at the Cherokee Civic Theatre.

Oscar Wilde’s immortal wit and sly wisdom make “The Importance of Being Earnest” part farce, part romance and all fun. In this granddaddy of romantic comedies, two young men with the name “Earnest” fall in love. Can the fellows convince the girls to change their minds or will they simply have to change their own names? Set in the era and costumes of “Downton Abbey,” this production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” will delight both the eye and the funny bone. Cherokee Civic Theatre is located at 157 West 5th St., in Rusk. For tickets or more info call (903)683-2131 or log on to www.cherokeetheatre.net. All tickets are reserved seats with member prices of $9 adults, $6 students and general prices of $12 adults and $10 students. All the ‘at the door tickets’ are $15.

Saturday, February 14th (2pm and 5pm) –“Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse” will be on stage at the Belcher Center. Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University is located at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview. For more info call (903)233-3080 or log on at www.belchercenter.com. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm.

Tuesday, February 17th (7:30pm) – “Kodo One Earth Tour: Mystery”

will be on stage at the Cowan Center. Kodo, the taiko drumming pioneers from Japan, takes you on a voyage to the extraordinary, to a mysterious realm that lies in the beyond.

Experience a performance that brings a wondrous and sacred world to the stage using the mystery created by folk arts since ancient times.

Fusing the dynamism of taiko expression with the beauty and charm that lie within old-world rituals, “Kodo One Earth Tour: Mystery” turns traditional Japanese music into a stunning spectacle and a vibrant expression of artistic excellence. Kodo thoughtfully transforms the percussive drum songs and dances of Japan’s age-old celebrations, while pairing ancient pieces with new compositions from esteemed jazz pianists to kabuki masters. This is sponsored by Juls. Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on The University of Texas at Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the Box Office, or by calling (903)566-7424 or online at www.uttyler.edu/cowan. Tickets start at $22 and some are still available.

February 20th-22nd and February 27th-29th – “The Man Who Came to Dinner” by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman and directed

by Alexa Duke will be on stage at Henderson Civic Theatre in Henderson. “The Man Who Came to Dinner” is the hilarious story of the outlandish Sheridan Whiteside, who was invited to dine at the home of rich factory owner Ernest Stanley. Upon arrival, he slips on a patch of ice outside the door, injures his hip and winds up confined to the house for a month. In that time, he drives his hosts mad by viciously insulting them, monopolizing their house and staff, running up large phone bills, and receiving many bizarre guests, including paroled convicts. Henderson Civic Theatre is located at 122 E. Main St. in Henderson. For information call (903)657-2968 or go online at www.hctonline.org. 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.

Saturday, February 21st (7:30pm) –“Romantic Music” will be presented by the Longview Symphony with special guests Matthew Simpson and Meaghan Sullivan (“Twelfth Night,” Texas Shakespeare Festival.) “If music be the food of love, play on.” Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University is located at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview. For more info call (903)233-3080 or log on at www.belchercenter.com. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Tickets start at $30.

February 23rd-24th (7pm) –Auditions for “The Great Easter Egg Hunt” will be held at the Henderson Civic Theatre in Henderson.

Henderson Civic Theatre is located at 122 E. Main St. in Henderson.

For information call (903)657-2968 or www.hctonline.org. 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.

February 25th- 28th –“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown: The Broadway Musical,” by composer and librettist Clark Gesner and lyricist John Gordon, will be on stage at Tyler Jr. College Wise Auditorium, located on the TJC campus. The Theatre TJC box office opens one week prior to performances. Box office hours are 10am-6pm weekdays only throughout the run of performances. For more info call (903)510-2212. For production info go to www.tjc.edu.

March 2nd-3rd (7pm) –Auditions for “The Elephant Man” will be held at Tyler Civic Theatre. Tyler Civic Theatre is located 400 Rose Park Drive in Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center. For more info call (903)592-0561 or www.tylercivictheatre.com.

March 4th-6th (7:30pm) -TJC One-Act Play Festival will be on stage at Jean Brown Theatre. Tyler Jr. College Jean Browne Theatre is located on the TJC campus. The Theatre TJC box office opens one week prior to performances. Box office hours are 10am-6pm weekdays only throughout the run of performances. For more info call (903)5102212. For production info go to www.tjc.edu.

March 13th-15th and March 19th-22nd –“Second Samuel” will be on stage at the Tyler Civic Theatre with Thursday-Saturday performances at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 2:30pm. It was a simpler time in the late 1940s, especially in South Georgia and specifically in a sleepy little town called Second Samuel. What had been called the Great Depression was quickly fading into memory. The war had been won, the election was now over, and “Give ‘em Hell Harry” was still president. It had been an exciting time for sure, but the folks in Second Samuel were ready for things to settle down and get back to normal.

Except, this was the summer Miss Gertrude passed away, and deep dark secrets were about to be revealed. Nobody could have imagined how the death of one sweet little old lady would turn the entire town upside down, leaving everybody in Second Samuel wondering if anything would ever be normal again. Tyler Civic Theatre is located 400 Rose Park Drive in Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center.

For more info call (903)592-0561 or www.tylercivictheatre.com. The Box Office is open Monday - Friday, 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students.

Thursday, March 19th (7:30pm) – “The Capitol Steps” will be on stage at the Cowan Center. It’s time to put our political differences aside and enjoy the musings of “The Capitol Steps” - the only group in America that attempts to be funnier than Congress. No elected official, including the current resident of the White House, or those who may aspire to it, is off limits. These former congressional and senate staffers satirize today’s political headlines, and political headline makers, with humorous song and dance. Always fresh and crisp, no two performances by The Capitol Steps are alike. If you miss this one, you’ll be left out of the conversation for years. People laugh and rave about this one. Sponsored by Four Season Women’s Health. Tickets go on sale February 16th. Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the UT Tyler campus.

Tickets are available at the Box Office, or by calling (903)566-7424 or online at www.uttyler.edu/cowan. Tickets start at $32.

March 23rd-24th (7pm) –Auditions for “100 Lunches” will be held at Tyler Civic Theatre. Tyler Civic Theatre is located 400 Rose Park Drive in Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center. For more info call (903)592-0561 or www.tylercivictheatre.com.

Saturday, March 28th – Melody Makers will join the East Texas Symphony Orchestra. Beloved orchestral melodies take center stage for this program that will include Rossini’s “William Tell Overture” and the “Overture to Die Fledermaus” by J. Strauss. The concert also includes the next in their Beethoven cycle, his “Symphony No. 8” and music of Mozart performed by 2013 Juanita Miller competition winner, violinist Christine Wu. All East Texas Symphony Orchestra performances will be held at the UT Tyler Cowan Center. Tickets are available at the box office, located at 3900 University Blvd., (903)5667424 or online at www.uttyler.edu/cowan. Tickets start at $10.

Tuesday, March 31st (7:30pm) – Rod Canion will be the featured speaker at the University of Texas at Tyler University Center Theatre. Rod Canion is a co-founder and was CEO of Compaq Computer Corporation. Under Canion’s leadership, Compaq revolutionized the PC industry and rose to become the largest PC supplier in the world during the 1990’s. Since his tenure at Compaq, Canion has endeavored further into the world of startups as an entrepreneur and investor, and has recently published his new book, “Open: How Compaq Ended IBM’s PC Domination and Helped Invent Modern Computing.” Book sales and signing will follow lecture with a complimentary reception at the University Center Theatre. Tickets go on sale March 2nd. Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the UT Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the Box Office, or by calling (903)566-7424 or online at www.uttyler.edu/cowan. All tickets are free.

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Outdoors

Tyler Triple Threat Challenge:

FRESH 15, Beauty & The Beast and Tri Tyler Half Three Tyler endurance racing events have partnered to present a new challenge for athletes this year. The Tyler Triple Threat Challenge, sponsored

by Tyler Urology Associates, will cross promote the FRESH 15, Beauty & the Beast and Tri Tyler Half.

The first part in the challenge is the FRESH 15 – a 15k and 5k road race set for March 7th, starting and ending at FRESH by Brookshire’s in Tyler.

The Beauty and the Beast bicycle tour/race on March 21st is the second endurance event, and consists of 12.5, 24, 34, 46, 53 or 67 mile route through beautiful areas of Tyler, while also encompassing a “beast” hill near the finish line.

The challenge finale is the Tri Tyler Half, Olympic and Sprint triathlon set for May 3rd at Lake Tyler.

Here’s how it works: Athletes that participate in each event will receive a commemorative Tyler Triple Threat Challenge medal and finisher’s certificate. Athletes may participate in any distance of each event, but must participate and finish all three.

This special event will showcase equally beautiful parts of Tyler and combine the efforts of three great races. Participants will receive their medals and finisher’s certificates at the finish line of the Tri Tyler Half on May 3rd.

Join in for what promises to be not just one but three great racing events for 2015!

For more information on each event, please visit the respective websites: FRESH15k.com, tbcbnb.com, tritylerhalf.com.

Questions? E-mail FRESH15@brookshires.com.

Tyler Triple Threat Challenge is proudly sponsored by Tyler Urology Associates.

Events

Saturday, March 7th – FRESH 15We are working to make this year’s event more exciting than last year with lots of fun events such as a Friday Night Dinner (March 6th) that will be hosted at KE Bushman’s Center with guest speaker Scott Jurek. Scott is an renowned ultra-runner and author of “Eat & Run.” Race day will be full of excitement, just like last year. FRESH is bringing in several elite runners and will be paying out a $22,000 prize purse to the overall 10 male/ female athletes. FRESH will also be awarding money to the top runners who are from Tyler. All athletes will receive a high-quality tech t-shirt, reusable bag filled with groceries and a finisher’s medal. This year, 100% of runner proceeds will go to four charities – Bethesda Health Clinic, Team Red, White & Blue, FitSTEPS for Life, and The SEAL Legacy Foundation.

For more information, and to register, visit online at www.FRESH15k.com. This is part of the “Tyler Triple Threat.”

Saturday, March 21st - The Beauty and the Beast Bicycle Tour/Race consists of 12.5, 24, 34, 46, 53 or 67 route through beautiful areas of Tyler, while also encompassing a “beast” hill near the finish line. This will begin at Kiepersol Estates/KE Bushman’s Winery and Celebration Center, 1563 FM 2493 E in Bullard.

To register go to www.tbcbnb.com. All of the routes are as scenic and challenging as ever! Can you say “Hills?”

Can you say “Steeper?” East Texas is made of beautiful rolling hills, hills and more hills, so the course is going to be beautiful no matter which length you decide to participate in. Entry fee is $35 before March 16th (postmarked) or 12 midnight March 19th (online), and $40 after and event day. Of course, you get a free t-shirt and the bragging rights for finishing. Come to Tyler, the Rose Capital of East Texas, see all of the Beauty, and claw your way to the top of the Beast - 3/4 of a mile long and a 13% grade. Registration is $35.

This is part of the “Tyler Triple Threat.”

Saturday-Sunday, March 28th-29th - Azalea Trail Junior Golf Classic will be held at Hollytree Country Club, Tyler. Spectator carts can be purchased for $30 (cash only). The carts will be staged in the “circle drive” nearest the tennis courts. Founded in 1983, the nationally acclaimed Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, is committed to introducing, promoting and growing the game of golf to a diverse group of kids in North Texas and instilling in them the positive, character developing traits for which the game is so well known. To participate or attend go to ntpgajuniorgolf.com.

Saturday, March 28th - The Tyler Azalea 10k has been staged on one of the most beautiful courses in Texas.

You will see mile after mile of azaleas, dogwood trees and spring flowers that you have to see to believe. The breathtaking beauty of the Azalea & Spring Flower Trail has been praised by visitors as a floral wonderland and a photographer’s paradise. This year they have replaced their 2-mile walk run with a 5k run/walk.

The children’s 50 Yard Dash remains free for the kiddos five and under. This year everyone (both 5k and 10k entrants) gets a tech shirt with their entry.

Late registration starts at 6:30am with the 50 Yard Dash starting at 7:45am. The 10k starts at 8am and the 5k starts at 8:10am. For more info or to register call (817)706-0368 or log on to tylerazalea10k.com.

Saturday, April 11th - Tyler Run For Autism - The Tyler Run for Autism began in 2012 with the purpose of raising funds to provide much needed Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children on the Autism spectrum in Tyler’s very own Treatment and Learning Center for Children with Autism. 100% of the funds raised will go towards the payment of therapy. The half marathon starts at 7:30am followed by the 5k starting at 8am with the one mile starting at 8:30am at Pollard UMC, 3030 New Copeland Rd., Tyler. For more information log on to www.tylerrunforautism.org.

Saturday, April 11th - Texas Wine Series Half Marathon and 5k - Registered runners receive a commemorative custom tech shirt; registered race finishers receive a custom finisher’s medallion. The Wine & Food event includes a commemorative wine glass, wine flight, and delicious catered food and tasty treats. Non-running guests are welcome to attend and can be registered online for a $45 fee which includes food, wine, and a commemorative wine glass. The race starts at 8am. This race is part of a series of races in Texas including Messina Hof Winery & Resort Half Marathon and Vintage 5k, Sunday, March 29th; Kiepersol Estates Vineyards & Winery Half Marathon and Vintage 5k, Saturday, April 11th; Flat Creek Estate Half Marathon and Vintage 5k, Sunday, April 26th; Becker Vineyards Grape Stomp 10k and Vintage 5k, Sunday, September 13th; and the Llano Estacado Winery Half Marathon and Vintage 5k in October. For more info or to register go to www.texaswineseries.com/TWSRacers or call (903)952-2300.

Sunday, May 3rd - Tri Tyler Half Iron (“TTHI”) and the Olympic (“O”) & Sprint Triathlon (“ST”) - The “TTHI” race will consist of a 1.2 mile swim, 62 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run. The “O” will be a 1500 meter swim, 24 mile bike ride and a 6.2 mile run. The “ST” will be a 650 meter swim, 12 mile bike ride and a 3.1 mile run. You can participate in whatever level that you would like. This year the course location is new, on the west side of Lake Tyler.

All participants will receive a tech t-shirt. All finishers will receive a finisher medal. Finishers of the Half will receive a finisher t-shirt and medal. Post race food and adult beverages will be available for all. To register or view the courses, go to tritylerhalf.com.

This is part of the “Tyler Triple Threat.”

Saturday, May 9th – Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure Tyler - With a new race location this year, the race will be better than its ever been before. It will start in downtown Tyler and continue south down Broadway Ave. Registration is at 6:30am followed by the annual Survivors Photo at 7am. The Survivor Breakfast starts at 7:15am. The Kids Dash begins at 7:30am with the one mile fun run starting at 8am.

The annual group aerobic warm up will be at 8:45am followed by the 5k run at 9am. The awards celebration will be at 9:45am. For more info log on to www.komentyler.org

EGuideMagazine.com • 21

Family Let’s Hear It For the Boys and Girls

By Kelly Griffith-Fields

The Boys and Girls Club of East Texas collectively impacts over 1000 children involved within their three different community programs. They are a Christ-centered ministry that embraces the diversity of our community. The club serves the children and parents of East Texas through their after-school program Gospel Village, and summer camps. “Our mission is to mobilize Godly people into the lives of kids and families to provide tangible help and eternal hope,” says Special Events and Marketing Coordinator Jessie Gamble.

The club building is located at 504 West 32nd Street in Tyler, but many of their services extend outside of those walls. Throughout Tyler, Lindale, and Bullard, fourteen different schools take part in their afterschool program. Students stay at their own school campus from 3-6pm following the school day, and mentors come to the campus to help students with their homework. They also include time for Bible study, snacks, and games, both indoors and outside as the weather permits.

“Our goal is much deeper than helping the kids with their homework or providing them a safe place to go after school,” Gamble remarks. “It is our hope that students in our program grow in their spiritual life, experience academic success, develop good character and citizenship, and choose a healthier lifestyle.”

Gamble explains that 59% of all Tyler Independent School District students are considered “at risk,” and 71% of students come from families living at or below the poverty line. These statistics have an impact on education, because only twenty percent of young people in Smith County go on to complete some type of higher education. “An undereducated workforce is hard on the overall infrastructure of our community,” Gamble says. “Gang activity expands, crime rates and teen pregnancies increase, and there is a higher need for indigent health care.”

The Boys and Girls Clubs began as an effort to combat such statistics. The club offers a dependable program that parents can trust, a refuge for teens, and a reason for residents of the local community to come together to support the vision of bettering children’s live. Amber King is the mother of a nine-year-old daughter who takes part in the after-school program. “I like most that they help her with homework and she’s able to have some fun after school, instead of coming home to watch TV,” King said. Her daughter Jaylynn also enjoys having the extra time to play with her friends.

All the fun takes place under well-qualified adult supervision. “All

mentors have completed a background check and subscribe to the guiding principles of the Boys and Girls Clubs of East Texas,” Gamble says, and many of them are young people enrolled in college. They have demonstrated a love for children and many are pursuing careers in education, social work and counseling. “The Boys and Girls Clubs of East Texas have very caring employees,” King says. “They go above and beyond to make sure your kids have a fun time and feel comfortable.”

The club follows the rules set by the school as well as their own standards of behavior, and strive to maintain a safe and secure environment for all activities. Gospel Village is the one-on-one mentoring program of the Boys and Girls Clubs of East Texas. “Gospel Village exists to connect God’s people from local area churches with students from local area schools in mutually transforming mentoring relationships,” says Gamble.

Volunteers must undergo an application process to be a part of the program, which includes the background check.. Once they are chosen, the volunteers are then trained before being paired with a Gospel Village student. Typically this begins by meeting for lunch at their school, and as a relationship grows, more activities and outings are introduced.

The mentees come to the program through counselors recommendations at their schools, or by parents reaching out for help.

“Our mentoring method is to love as Christ does, to model the gospel, and to coach with grace and truth,” Gamble explains. “This method is not only transformative in the lives of the kids and families we serve, but in the lives of our mentors as well.”

Gospel Village also provides one event each month for mentors and mentees to attend. Most recently, a tour of UT Tyler was arranged, followed by a basketball game. This also included an opportunity to meet the universities basketball players for photos and autographs. Gospel Village believes that through intentional time spent with children, their entire lives can be greatly impacted for the better, academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

These tenets are supported by statistics on the club’s website. They reveal how children with mentors are 46% less likely to do drugs, 33% less likely to resort to violence, 53% less likely to drop out of school, and 59% more likely to improve their grades.

Mentoring relationships such as those established by Gospel Village have also been shown to lower the rates of gang involvement, suicide, and teen pregnancy throughout the community. Children with mentors become more likely to graduate and go on to higher levels of education.

The hope of Gospel Village is that these young people will grow to become the next generation of leaders in Tyler.

Summer Day Camps at the club are set to begin June 15th and run through August 7th. Each three-week session will have its own focus, ranging from art to sports. Each day is filled with arts and crafts, skits, splash park fun, and games. Bible study, Club talks, and reading programs are also featured at camp. Counselors also spend time assessing math and reading skills to ensure students are ready for the upcoming school year.

Children who have completed Kindergarten to fifth grade are eligible to attend day camps. Camp is Monday - Friday from 7:30am3:30pm. The cost of this summer’s camp is still to be determined, and financial assistance is often available.

For more information about summer camp or the Boys and Girls Clubs of East Texas visit their website at www.bgceasttexas.com or call (903)593-9211.

Cherokee Neches Paddling Trail Opening for Fun Have you ever thought of paddling down the Neches River? Here is your opportunity. The public is invited to help launch the new Cherokee Neches Paddling Trail at a “Launch Event” Saturday, March 21st.

The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce is partnered with Texas Parks and Wildlife in designating the Cherokee Neches Paddling Trail. Other partners are Neches River Run Park, Texas Conservation Alliance and Friends of the Neches River. They will host the Launch Event beginning at 11am at the put-in location for the Trail in Neches River Run Park.

The Launch Event will include the unveiling of an information kiosk and a ribbon cutting on the river to dedicate the trail. Then you are encouraged to paddle the Cherokee Neches Trail on this opening day of the trail (or anytime).

From its starting point at Neches River Run Park, the trail continues downstream on the Neches River to the take-out location at Highway 79. The seven mile paddle usually takes the average paddler with normal river conditions about three hours. An informational kiosk about the Cherokee Neches Trail will be placed at the put-in and takeout locations.

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, kayaking and canoeing are the fastest growing segments in outdoor recreation. The Cherokee Neches Trail will provide folks an outdoor opportunity to view the historic Neches River up close and personal. Its designation as a State Paddling Trail will draw tourists from all over the state and nation.

For more info call (903)586-2217, (800)376-2217, or go to www.jacksonvilletexas.com. To reserve a rental canoe or to arrange transportation if you have your own boat, call Neches River Run Park (www.riverrunpark.com) at (903)724-4100 to make a reservation.

For more information about paddling trails, go to www.tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails.

FIRE

MOUNTAIN

Open Weekends February thorough November

22 • EGuideMagazine.com

February Library Love This month promises lots of kindness and love for kids of all ages. Events include:

Children:

All storytime programs will be on the first floor, to the right of our information desk.

• Leeme un Cuento / Read to Me (children 3-6) is on Mondays at 10:30am.

• Toddler Time (children under age 3) is on Wednesdays at 10:30am.

• Read Aloud Crowd (children older than 3) is on Thursdays at 10:30am.

• Starry Time Story Time (family program) is on Thursdays at 6pm.

• Family Saturday Stories is on the 1st Saturday of each month at 10:30am.

• Read Aloud Club (children under age 3) is on Thursday at 10:30am.

• Child Care Story Share is on Tuesdays at 10:30am; registration is required for this program.

• LEGO® Block Party will be held the 1st Saturday of each month (from November to May), 1:30-3:30pm.

Donations of LEGO blocks and sets are always welcome. This is a very creative outlet for the children.

• Saturday Morning Movies begins in February at the Tyler Library. Each month the Library will feature a free movie starting at 10:30am, geared towards the young at heart. February’s movie will be “The Boxtrolls.” Pillows, blankets and “carpet friendly” snacks are welcome. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult over 18, at all times.

• American Girl Club will take place the first Saturday of the month, 10:30am - 12 noon. The American Girls for February are Marie-Grace and Cecile.

Teen:

• Teen Advisory Council will be held Saturday, February 21st, 1-2pm for ages 12 to 18. This is a group for teens looking to take an active role in helping to conceive Library events for them and their peers.

• “Formal Formalities” will be February 21st at 2pm for teenagers to discover, in a fun way, what not to do at the upcoming formal dances. This is for ages 12-18.

• “Write a Review and Earn Volunteer Hours” - Teens can earn lots of credit for school by participating in this program. To earn volunteer hours for book reviews you must be a registered youth volunteer with the City of Tyler which is free. Go to library.cityoftyler.org/Programs/Teens.aspx to download a volunteer application. Students can read a book of their choice as long as it was published within the last two years.

Adult:

• “Using e-Resources with your Digital Device” - Learn how to use the library’s e-resources from OverDrive and OneClickDigital on your Kindle, Nook, iPad or Android device. Also, Ebsco e-books on your computer will be covered. The e-Resources class is held the first Saturday of every month, 2-3pm.

• Club Read takes place the last Tuesday of the month at 10am. February selection is “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt. This is for adults only.

• “Knot Just for Grandma” Knitting Class will take place the third Thursday of the month.

The Tyler Library is located at 201 S. College, downtown Tyler. For more info call (903)593-7323, library.cityoftyler.org.

Hello Friends of the Parks

Brrrr…It’s cold in Tyler, but your Tyler Parks Department has activities to warm you up. Check out our new Winter/Spring issue of the Activity Guide at www.TylerParksandRec.com. You can also pick up a copy at our Parks offices located at the Harvey Convention Center, the Glass Recreation Center, the Tyler Senior Center, and the Rose Garden Center.

Tyler Parks & Rec has added many new events and programs for individuals and families, too. Join in with the pickleball players that are having more fun than is legally allowed at the Glass Recreation Center or a Mother & Son/Daddy & Daughter Dance...there are no excuses for not having fun in Tyler.

February

February 3rd - Join the fun with “Cooking for Life” with guest chefs Jack Lewis from Jacking Catering/ Coyote Sam’s and Danny Cace from Reinhardt Foods. This month’s class will feature a “Romantic Valentine Dinner” from 6-8pm. It will be held at Harvey Convention Center, 2000 West Front St., Tyler. Cost is $15 per person. For more info call (903)531-1214.

February 4th - Senior’s Artist Showcase will be held at the Tyler Senior Center from 4-6pm. The cost to enter is $2 per art entry for those 50 or better. It is free to view the show. For more info call (903)597-0781.

February 6th - Mother and Son Dance will be held at the Glass Recreation Center from 7-8:30pm.

Tickets are $18 per couple for youth ages 4-13. For more info call (903)595-7271.

February 7th - Daddy and Daughter Dance will be held at the Glass Recreation Center for ages 4-8 from 6-7:30pm, and for ages 9-13 from 8-9:30pm.

Tickets are $18 per couple. For more info call (903)595-7271.

February 7th - East Texas Garden Lecture Series: “Floral Smackdown” will be held at the Rose Garden Center in Tyler. Registration begins at 8:30am, program begins at 9am. Ticket cost is $15 per person. For more info call (903)590-2980.

February 23rd - Women’s Rape Prevention Seminar/Self Defense Class will be held at the Glass Recreation Center from 11am-2pm. Cost is $25 per person. For more info call (903)595-7271.

On-Going Classes and Programs:

American Karate Classes - Held Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30pm for ages 4 and up and Tuesdays 7:30-8:30pm for ages 17 and up at Glass Recreation Center.

Clogging Classes - Held Tuesdays at 11:30am at Tyler Senior Center.

Friday Night Dances - Held Fridays from 7-9:30pm at the Tyler Senior Center with live entertainers and bands.

Gentle Seniors Yoga Class - Held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-4pm at Tyler Senior Center for those 50 or better.

Go Ju-Ryu Karate Classes - Held at Glass Recreation Center. Ongoing.

Line Dance Classes - Held Thursdays at 12:30pm at Tyler Senior Center.

Open Co-ed Adult Volleyball - Held Fridays from 7-10pm at Glass Recreation Center.

Over 30 Basketball - Held Wednesdays from 7-10pm at Glass Recreation Center.

Step Aerobics - Held Mondays and Thursdays from 6:30-7:30pm at Glass Recreation Center.

Walking for Life - Held at Glass Recreation Center.

Zumba Classes - Held Mondays (7:30-8:30pm), Wednesdays (6:30-7:30pm) and Saturdays (9-10am) at Glass Recreation Center.

The Faulkner Tennis Center has a great line-up with clinics, league play, and junior development programs by Coach Micky Navarro. The Faulkner Tennis Center is a public tennis facility. The Center is “pay to play” with no residency requirements.

Courts are available for public use. Reservations are allowed on the day of, or up to a week in advance.

Price is $2 per person, per hour during pro shop hours. Yearly membership may be purchased for $125 for individuals and $250 for family. Outside of shop hours, all courts are free for walk-on players.

The FTC also offers private and group lessons 7 days a week, scheduled at your convenience with a variety of tennis coaches. There are also seasonal weekly drop-in clinics. A full-size stand up Playmate ball machine is available for rental during shop hours. It can be reserved up to a week in advance by calling the shop. Rental is available either hourly or with a yearly package. FTC will be offering leagues for every age and level of player. Leagues offered include Adult & Mixed Doubles and Singles, Junior Singles, Junior Team Tennis, Weekday and Weekend. FTC has something for everyone. For more info call (903)534-5389.

This is only a partial list of activities - there are hundreds of things going on. For information on other upcoming events, visit TylerParksandRec.com or the Parks page at www.CityofTyler.org. Click on the “Events and Programs tab” for flyers and registration forms.

Glass Recreation Center is located at 501 W. 32nd St., Tyler, 903)595-7271.

Tyler Senior Center is located at 1915 Garden Valley Rd., Tyler, (903)597-0781.

Books

February – A Time For Romance and Intrigue

By Gini Rainey

“Flesh and Blood – A Scarpetta Novel” by Patricia Cornwell

True to wonderful form, my daughter gave me my annual Patricia Cornwell book for my birthday. If you read my reviews, you’ll know that the debut of each of Cornwell’s books coincides with my birthday every year and I love them! Cornwell’s 22nd novel featuring Dr. Kay Scarpetta pits the chief Medical Examiner against a threat that turns out to be uncomfortably close to home. Set in and around the Cambridge area, “Flesh and Blood” is a return to what made the Scarpetta series great. Suspense, foreshadowing and an intricately woven plot all drive this novel forward and is reminiscent of Cornwell’s earlier writing style.

Always doing heavy research for her books, Cornwell doesn’t fail to utilize the latest information available for ballistics, DNA and forensics in a story that heavily relies on these elements that manage to create a different slant of intrigue for the good doctor.

In “Flesh and Blood” this aspect focuses on guns and ammo. With detailed descriptions, Cornwell walks you through using high-tech rifles, and although this information is somewhat interesting, I found that it was easy to get bogged down by the details of it all.

“Flesh and Blood” begins with Scarpetta and her husband Benton in their exquisite backyard, talking about their long anticipated vacation that is to begin that afternoon. And as lovely as that idea may seem, Cornwell makes you sense and feel the evil lurking right there in the middle of all the idyllic perfection.

But, if you are a Scarpetta fan, you already know that the perfect days are few and far between and darkness hovers around almost every corner.

Patricia Cornwell continues to be unpredictable in her newest Kay Scarpetta novel. Though it starts off a little slow and the details are a bit difficult to keep up with, Cornwell quickly launches into another terrifying tale of death, corruption and wondering who to trust. Everyone is a suspect, including her niece Lucy. Yet, Scarpetta fights like only she can, by letting the dead speak to her and lead her to the answers. Cornwell’s thorough first person descriptions of places, medical procedures and artillery will make you feel as though you are experiencing all of the events right alongside of Scarpetta.

Would I recommend this book to you? You bet I would. It’s a first rate read by an author who has developed the correct formula to combine romance, intrigue, and suspense while being able to bring something new to each tale. I can hardly wait till my next birthday! I hope Cornwell is hard at work on my present.

Rating: 5 of 5 Copyright 2014 – William Morrow

by the wonderful character and plot development and had a really hard time putting it down. With just enough intrigue and romance to keep it interesting and a pace that moved along at a friendly tempo, I really didn’t want this book to end. It is very encouraging to me that the sub-title hints that there just might be some more stories to be told that are hiding around the corners in Chilton Cross This is one great read and I would encourage you to either grab a copy of the paper back or download it to your e-reader today.

Rating: 5 of 5 Copyright 2014 – Red Adept Publishing

“Return to Newtonberg”

by David Emprimo

This is the third book in Emprimo’s series about a little town in east Texas. I was asked to review the second book, “All That Remains,” about a year ago and my bottom line for that book was I wish that David had taken a little more care with his character and plot development. I also felt that perhaps that book might better be suited as a long short story.

Well, I share the same opinion about his third book about Newtonberg. Even though I had read about this fictitious town before, I was left scratching my head all over again about what was going on here. I still think that Emprimo has a good idea going for him, but if you haven’t read the other two books, you won’t have a clue about what is going on in number three.

Most of the content centers around Madge and the mysterious document she had received, but absolutely nothing really clues the reader in about what the document is. There is even more intrigue than is necessary about the “purple-haired girl” (Nikki) that the good Father Nichols spots sitting in Swenson’s Café on his way to the Library Board meeting.

Of course, the people of Newtonberg embrace her whole-heartedly when they discover she is there trying to locate Madge, who had recently passed away. She was on a mission to find out more about her great-grandfather and apparently Madge was someone who had been connected to him. Bottom line, with the help of the local librarian and his girlfriend, she locates some crates of important papers left in the care of the veterinarian, who gives them to Nikki.

When I turned the last page of the book, I was once again left with the same feeling I had with the previous book – is that all there is? Seriously? I would love to see Emprimo take all three books and tie them together into one book, expand the plot and give his characters some life and depth. I think he’s got something good here, but maybe what he needs is an editor to help with development and engagement.

Rating: 3 of 5 Copyright 2014 – CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Events

Thru February 14th - Tyler Public Library is hosting “Blind Date with a Book” - There is a saying that “variety is the spice of life,” and the Tyler Public Library would like to spice up your literary life and set you up on a blind date with a book.

The Library will have an assortment of potential “dates” to choose from – all wrapped up in paper to keep you in suspense. Who knows, you may fall in love with a new genre or author. However you feel about your “date,” fill out a “Rate Your Date” slip to be entered into a prize drawing at the end of the program. “Blind Date with a Book” is a great opportunity for adults to discover the joy of new literary horizons. For more information about this event, or any of the Library programs, please visit “Painting the Moon – A Chilton the Tyler Library at 201 S. College Ave, downtown Crosse Novel” by Traci Borum Tyler, (903)593-7323, library.cityoftyler.org.

This book came to me as a request for a review, and I’m so glad it did. Traci Borum lives in Tyler, Club Read - The 2015 Club Read Monthly Book Texas where she teaches writing at Tyler Junior ColClub will be on February 24th. The Club Read lege. I must say that her students need to pay close book is “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt. Club Read attention to her teachings – she has an amazing gift sessions are the last Tuesday of each month at 10am for writing and her book was one of the most refresh- in the Taylor Auditorium. This is an adult book ing reads that I’ve had in a very long time. club. The Tyler Library is located at 201 S. College, Her main character, Noelle, lives in San Diego downtown Tyler, (903)593-7323, library.cityoftyler. and works at a job that is less than fulfilling when she org. learns of her great aunt’s death. Having been named the heir of her aunt’s estate, Noelle travels to England Has your child expressed an interest in reading and a small village, Chilton Crosse, in the Cotswalds but you have no idea what to recommend they where her intention is to stay a few days in order to read? A very handy resource has been assembled clear up the matters of the estate and return home to at the Tyler Library website called “Texas Library Association Reading List.” It will help you and your California. child find good books to choose from. Include are But like most good intentions, Noelle’s plans “ Two By Two,” featuring hundreds of books for to return home are delayed, she renews relationships with old friends and begins to make new ones children age 2 to grade 2; “Texas Bluebonnet Award in a charming village filled with a cast of interesting Books” which is a great resource for children in people. Through a series of events, Noelle rediscov- grades 3 to 6; “Lone Star Books” are for grades 6 ers her love for art, uncovers the secrets contained in to 8; “TAYSHAS” is comprised of books for high a locked room in her aunt’s cottage, rekindles an old school students; and “Tejas Star” is bilingual books for children age 5 to 12. Check these out at library. love and finds out a lot about her heritage. cityoftyler.org.

From the first page of this book I was hooked EGuideMagazine.com • 23