• Fresh seafood restaurants with live music for casual waterfront dining
• Charming boutiques, lively festivals, and plenty of family-friendly events
• Wide selection of beach rental homes offering easy access to both beach and bay
• Complimentary ferry ride from Galveston and just a short drive away E: bpcoc@discoverbolivar.com
409-684-5940
Date: Saturday, August 1st, 2026
Starting Point: Jose’s Cantina on Highway 87, Crystal Beach
Route: Parade rolls down the peninsula, stopping at multiple restaurants and businesses
Highlights:
• Fun, festive atmosphere all day
• Limited registration — don’t wait!
• Ends with a massive party and auction at the world-famous Stingaree Restaurant Down Under
• Unique items up for grabs — one-of-a-kind finds!
Waves Magazine Is Published Monthly By: Waves Magazine | Mike Burke
Box 3343 | Galveston , TX 77552
P: 409-789-1160
www.wavesgalveston.com
Publisher | Editor Sales Director
Mike Burke mburke@wavesgalveston.com 409-789-1160
Director Of Operations
Tiffany Bergeron tbergeron@wavesgalveston.com
Executive Creative Director
Christopher Bergeron cbergeron@wavesgalveston.com
Contributors
Richard Henderson, D.V.M.
J.A. Bunny
Jan & Dean
Chris Gonzales
Tom Valliere
Charlie Bresenhan
Paul Hager
Bob Rohan
John & Kathy Valastro
Holly Ross
Thomas Waggoner
Zach Tate
Lynda Watson
Shaye Henderson
Subscriptions
P.O. Box 3343 |
, TX 77552
P: 409-789-1160
Waves Magazine is produced monthly. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be used or reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.
Mike Burke|Publisher
BURKE’S BRIEFS
March 2026
Happy March, Wavers. This time of year always brings back some of my fondest memories. It was one of the very few days my father ever took off from work. His grandparents immigrated from Ireland, and St. Patrick’s Day meant something special to him. Not a single green beer was safe on March 17th, and watching him celebrate always made the day feel bigger than a holiday; it felt like family history coming alive.
March has arrived, and with it comes the hope of true spring weather. In my opinion, it’s one of the best months of the year. The island starts to wake up again, the days stretch a little longer, and everything feels just a bit more possible.
As always, I want to thank our wonderful readers and loyal advertisers for your continued support of Waves Magazine. We couldn’t do what we do each month
without you. We truly believe Waves is the most entertaining and informative publication on our beautiful island, and your enthusiasm keeps us striving to raise the bar.
Our Islanders are a tough and resilient bunch. Time and again, we band together, lift each other up, and show what it means to love this great island. The spirit of this community is unmatched, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.
Have a wonderful March and please remember to BUY LOCAL. Supporting our neighbors is how we keep this island strong.
See you around the island!
Mike Burke | Publisher
PET Corner
The Gulf Coast’s Bird Migration Marathon
Most of us have watched a nature documentary about the Great Migration in Africa—thundering hooves, circling predators, life-anddeath drama on the Serengeti. But every spring, a migration just as epic unfolds right over our heads along the Texas coast.
From late March through April, nearly two billion songbirds cross the Gulf in a single, astonishing leap—and Galveston sits squarely in the landing zone. These tiny travelers spend the winter months in Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, where food is plentiful and temperatures are mild. As daylight lengthens in March, an internal clock flips the switch. They begin feeding voraciously, building fat reserves that will fuel one of the most demanding journeys in the natural world.
Then, usually at dusk, they launch.
From the Yucatán Peninsula to the upper Texas coast is roughly 600 miles of open water. No trees. No food. No fresh water. Just darkness and their built-in compass. Depending on the winds, the flight takes 18 to 30 nonstop hours. A gentle southern tailwind makes for smoother sailing and likely success. A headwind or storm can turn the journey into a life-or-death marathon.
After a million beats of their wings, they reach land exhausted and running on fumes.
And that land is often Galveston.
When the birds arrive, the island’s oak mottes, parks, and even neighborhood yards become critical rest stops. What appears to be an ordinary patch of trees may suddenly hold a living feathered rainbow.
Brilliant male Scarlet Tanager glow like embers—red bodies set against jet-black wings. The electric blue of the Indigo Bunting can stop you mid-stride. And the fiery orange and black of the Baltimore Oriole flash through the canopy like sparks from a bonfire.
Pet Care Advice From Richard D. Henderson, DVM
extraordinary event can occur called a “fallout.”
Exhausted birds battling wind and rain descend as soon as they see land. By morning, thousands may be scattered across parks, schoolyards, and quiet neighborhoods, resting low in shrubs or even sitting quietly on lawns.
They are joined by rose-breasted grosbeaks, painted buntings, and a parade of warblers in yellows, greens, and chestnut streaks. In peak season, hundreds of species funnel through the upper Texas coast. For a few magical weeks, our trees rival any tropical rainforest.
On stormy nights, especially when squalls roll across the Gulf, an
For birders, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. For the birds, it’s survival mode.
Depleted migrants need immediate access to insects, nectar, berries, and fresh water. While recovering, they are vulnerable to hawks, raccoons, coyotes, and domestic cats. Studies estimate that outdoor cats kill millions of birds annually in the United States. Keeping cats indoors protects both local wildlife and the cats themselves, especially in cities like ours where coyotes roam. The little two-ounce birds are “sitting ducks” in their exhausted states.
There is debate about feeding migrating birds. Habitat loss along the flyway has reduced natural food sources, and supplemental feeding can provide lifesaving calories after a grueling flight. However, feeders must be kept meticulously clean. Moldy seed and accumulated droppings can spread disease among stressed birds. The feeders must be kept out of reach of our pet cats also.
If you choose to help, keep it simple and sanitary. Fresh water is invaluable. Sliced oranges hung from tree branches are magnets for orioles and tanagers—and the fruit attracts insects that insecteating migrants eagerly snap up. But if stray cats frequent your yard, it may be best to skip the feeder altogether.
Baltimore Oriole
Each spring, birdwatchers from around the world converge on Galveston and the upper Texas coast. Prime viewing locations include Lafitte’s Cove Nature Preserve, Galveston Island State Park, and nearby High Island—one of the most celebrated migration hotspots in North America.
Our island even hosts Galveston FeatherFest, an annual celebration of birding and conservation featuring guided field trips, photography workshops, and educational programs. During these weeks, binoculars outnumber beach towels.
Beginning mid-March and continuing through April, look closely at the trees in your yard or a local park. That flicker of red may be a scarlet tanager refueling before heading to a Canadian forest. The bright blue perched on a wire could be an indigo bunting bound for the Midwest. An orange flash high in an oak might be a Baltimore oriole on her way to make a nest in Minnesota.
For these birds, Galveston is not a vacation destination. It is a lifeline.
We are fortunate to live at the epicenter of one of nature’s greatest bird migrations. So, step outside in the early morning after a spring front passes. Listen for unfamiliar songs. Scan the branches for flashes of color.
The Serengeti has hooves and dust. The Gulf Coast has wings in the treetops.
And every spring, the sky and trees above Galveston fill with multi-colored miracles. Make a birding day trip part of your spring break agenda. There is much more in the sky than seagulls and pelicans.
Re l ati o nshipAd v ic e with Jan & Dean
Hi Jan and Dean. I have had a problem with my wife since we were married. I’ll be blunt. She is a gossip, blabbermouth, busybody, or whatever you want to call it. We married young, so I thought she would grow out of this, but after 16 years, she is still going at it. In fact, I think she has gotten worse over the years. The big problem is that I can’t talk to her about anything privately. If I say something that should be kept between us and is personal, all her friends know about it instantly, and she even puts it on social media. If she hasn’t heard anything “juicy,” she will make up something. I have learned to live with the fact that I can’t discuss anything important with her, and it’s getting old and has changed my feelings for her over the years.
Well, my uncle came down with an illness, and now he is in the hospital. He is a very private person and doesn’t want many people to know. I didn’t tell my wife because I knew it would be all over town and social media in a second. Well, through the gossip chain, she found out. She was furious and wanted to know why I didn’t tell her. Well, I just came out and told her she is a blabbermouth. Now she won’t speak to me and has stayed with her sister since the argument. I don’t think I’m at fault at all. She is the one with the problem. What should I do?
Disgusted Daryl
Hi Daryl, I kind of don’t know what to say. I don’t know how you have put up with this all these years. Face it, I think your wife loves to gossip more than she loves you. I don’t know. But I do know that I don’t think she will change. You would have thought that she would have grown out of it, but she didn’t. She is addicted to gossip, it seems, just like a smoker or someone who drinks. You said that it has put a strain on your relationship. Do you want to save the marriage, or do you want to move on? Ask her if she will go to counseling. She probably doesn’t even realize she has a problem. If you can get enough people together who know what is going on, maybe do an intervention. If she won’t go, then you have to think if you are better with her or without her.
Hi Daryl, you have truly struck my last nerve with your situation. People who constantly post extremely personal things on social media and other places are horribly aggravating. The worst part of it is, they don’t stop with their own personal information. They also include their family’s personal situations, including their children. Children should most definitely be off-limits.
Your wife seems like the type who needs an abundance of attention, empathy, and sympathy from people she probably doesn’t even know. Unfortunately, there seems to be no shortage of these kinds of people. There are thousands, probably millions, of people just like your wife.
People like your wife do not care one bit about how their posts affect their loved ones and others. As long as they get “likes” and an outpouring of sympathy from friends and strangers daily, they are fine and happy. They only care about themselves.
Put your foot down, Daryl. It’s way past time you put a stop to this horrid behavior. It not only affects you; it also hurts others. If your wife refuses or is simply not capable of changing, I will say it’s time to split and go your own way. She can post that too.
C hallenge T rivia
Test You Weather Wisdom - Answers on page 75
What
6. What scale measures tornado intensity?
A. Fujita Scale
B. Saffir–Simpson Scale
C. Beaufort Scale
A. Mammatus
B. Lenticular
C. Cirrostratus
16. What cloud type forms due to wind shear instability?
A. Kelvin–Helmholtz
B. Altocumulus
C. Nimbostratus
Thermometer
Anemometer
7. What is a sudden, intense snowfall with strong winds?
Blizzard B. Squall C. Whiteout
12. What phenomenon causes lightning?
A. Static electricity B. Solar radiation C. Air pressure
17. What is the temperature at which air becomes fully saturated?
A. Wet-bulb point
B. Dew point
C. Condensation index
8. What is the boundary between two air masses called?
A. Ridge
B. Front
C. Trough
13. What is rain that evaporates before reaching the ground?
A. Graupel
B. Virga
C. Sleet
18. What phenomenon occurs when cold air traps warm air near the surface?
A. Thermal inversion
B. Atmospheric blocking
C. Radiative cooling
9. What instrument measures wind speed?
A. Hygrometer
B. Anemometer
C. Rain Gauge
14. What upper-level wind current drives global weather patterns?
A. Jet Stream
B. Trade Winds
C. Polar Drift
19. What is the scientific term for a rotating column of air not touching the ground?
A. Funnel cloud
B. Gustnado
C. Landspout
5. What do meteorologists study?
Weather
Oceans
10. What do we call warm air rising and cool air sinking?
A. Convection
B. Radiation
C. Conduction
15. What do we call a rotating column of air over water?
A. Waterspout
B. Gustnado
C. Landspout
20. What do we call the downward rush of cold air from a thunderstorm?
A. Microburst
B. Downburst
C. Outflow boundary
1. What do we call water that falls from clouds? A. Rain B. Fog C. Dew
What tool measures temperature?
Barometer
3. What cloud looks like fluffy cotton balls?
Stratus
Cumulus
Nimbus
do we call frozen rain?
Hail
Mist
Drizzle
Rocks
11. What rare cloud type forms pouch-like shapes?
FOCUS
ON FITNESS
Shaye Henderson, BSN, M.Ed., M.S., Instructor at Bent On Healthy Living Wellness Center, 2910 53rd Street, Galveston
Your Body: The Ultimate Overachiever
When was the last time you stopped and thought about what your body is doing for you right now? Not what it looks like in the mirror. Not whether your jeans fit. Not whether your knees creak when you stand up. I mean, what it is actually doing for you?
Before you finish this paragraph, your body will have quietly replaced about 50,000 cells. Fifty thousand! No applause. Just steady, faithful work.
Your body is amazing.
If you smoothed out all the wrinkles in your brain, it would lie flat about the size of a pillowcase. Those folds aren’t there for decoration — they allow more surface area for thinking, remembering, learning, worrying, or planning dinner.
An eyelash lives about 150 days before it falls out. Then it takes roughly six weeks to grow back in. Having lost every single eyelash to chemo five years ago, I can personally confirm they do grow back… but at a pace that makes watching grass grow look thrilling. The human body may be miraculous, but it does have its own timetable.
We all know we have unique fingerprints, but did you know we also have unique tongue prints? That’s right. Unless, of course, you accepted a triple-dog-dare involving a frozen flagpole at some point in your youth. In that case, your tongue may not have prints left.
Goosebumps? They evolved to make our ancestors’ hair stand up so they’d appear larger and more threatening to predators. Today, they mostly show up when we’re cold or watching a suspenseful movie. Slight downgrade in purpose, but still impressive.
literal elephant-sized totals.
Humans are the only animals with chins. Some of us have even been blessed with a double!
Over a lifetime, the average person consumes about 33 tons of food — roughly the weight of six elephants. Naturally, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Super Bowl Sunday are significant variables in that calculation. But think about that: your digestive system processes
There are about 10,000 taste buds on your tongue, and in general, women have more than men. Women are also born with a stronger sense of smell and tend to maintain it throughout life. Enough said.
More than half of your 206 bones are located in your hands, wrists, feet, and ankles — intricate engineering that allows you to type, wave, balance, build, cook, hug, and occasionally trip.
Every second, your body produces around 25 million new cells. In just 15 seconds, you create more cells than there are people in the United States. Meanwhile, old cells are constantly dying and being replaced. Renewal is happening inside you all the time.
Your stomach contains acid strong enough to break down very tough materials. Thankfully, your stomach lining is designed to handle it.
Your circulatory system includes somewhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles of blood vessels. Laid end to end, they could wrap around the Earth more than three times. That’s a lot of internal highway.
Facial hair grows faster than any other hair on the body. If the average man never shaved, his beard could grow more than 30 feet over his lifetime — longer than a killer whale.
A newborn baby can breathe and swallow at the same time for several months. Somewhere along the way, we lose that superpower. Now we can barely sip water without occasionally choking on it.
The risk of heart attacks tends to be higher on Mondays. Rainy days and Mondays, indeed. Stress plays a role in a surprising number of illnesses. Our bodies are resilient, yes — but they are also responsive. They react to pressure, to lack of sleep, to chronic worry. So, breathe, sit, ommmmmm.
And sleep? A person would die sooner from total sleep deprivation than from hunger. About ten days without sleep could be fatal. For those of us who raised babies, that statistic feels suspiciously exaggerated — but clearly we survived.
Statistically, only one person in two billion reaches the age of 116. Which means if you do, you’ve officially won the longevity lottery.
So what do we do with all this?
Maybe we show a little gratitude for the wonderland that is our body.
And maybe — just maybe — we take care of it a little better.
It doesn’t demand perfection. It doesn’t require extreme diets or heroic workouts. It simply thrives when we give it consistent, reasonable care. A brisk walk. A few minutes of stretching. Strength training to protect those 206 bones. A little cardio to support those 60,000 miles of blood vessels. Turning off electronics early enough to actually sleep.
Your body has been working nonstop for you since about 22 days after you were conceived. It has healed cuts, fought infections, grown eyelashes back, pumped blood through tens of thousands of miles of vessels, and replaced millions upon millions of cells — all without ever asking for a vacation.
It is extraordinary.
And while you were reading this final paragraph, another 50,000 cells quietly got to work.
Shaye
No time for laundry? Let us do it! Clean fast Laundry Services!
Tablecloth Linens
Shaye Henderson, BSN, M.Ed., M.S., Instructor at Bent On Healthy Living Wellness Center, 2910 53rd Street, Galveston
FOSTER
FOSTER
Fostering Saves Lives. For a weekend or until adoption, give a shelter animal time out of a cage in a home. You could be instrumental in finding that animals new home. From old dogs to bottle baby kittens our foster program is vital to our success.
Fostering Saves Lives. For a weekend or until adoption, give a shelter animal time out of a cage in a home. You could be instrumental in finding that animals new home. From old dogs to bottle baby kittens our foster program is vital to our success.
VOLUNTEER
VOLUNTEER
Volunteers are the backbone of GIHS. Assisting with many tasks at the shelter and off-site events! Sign up today to help advocate for adoptable animals, take a dog for a walk, socialize kittens, or one of any other volunteer tasks that make our mission possible.
DONATE
Volunteers are the backbone of GIHS. Assisting with many tasks at the shelter and at off-site events! Sign up today to help advocate for adoptable animals, take a dog for a walk, socialize kittens or one of the many other volunteer tasks that make our mission possible.
DONATE
Whether in support of one of our designated programs or as a general contribution every dollar supports our mission and it is tax-deductible. We do have an Amazon wish list as well, you can literally give a dog a bone.
Whether in support of one of our designated programs or as a general contribution every dollar supports our mission and it is tax deductible. We do have an Amazon wish list as well, you can literally give a dog a bone.
SHELTER SERVICES:
S a f e h o u s i n g a n d c a r e f o r r e s i d e n t p e t s i n c l u d i n g a n i m a l h e a l t h a n d b e h a v i o r a s s e s s m e n t s R o u t i n e h e a l t h c a r e i n c l u d i n g i m m u n i z a t i o n s , w o r m i n g , a n d t r e a t m e n t f o r m i n o r i n j u r i e s R a b i e s o b s e r v a t i o n s f o r b i t e c a s e s
P a r t n e r i n g w i t h o t h e r o r g a n i z a t i o n s t o t a k e i n a n i m a l s a s n e e d e d
Safe housing and care for resident pets including animal health and behavior assessments. Routine health care including immunizations, worming, and treatment for minor injuries. Rabies observations for bite cases. Partnering with other organizations to take in animals as needed. Coordinating transport for out-of-state placements.
C o o r d i n a t i n g t r a n s p o r t f o r o u t o f s t a t e
p l a c e m e n t s
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS:
-Spay/neuter assistance
-Lost pet assistance and recovery
-Humane education for all ages
OUR MISSION
Dedicated to promoting animal welfare and the protection and prevention of unwanted or homeless animals of Galveston Island.
ADOPT FOSTER SPONSOR VOLUNTEER
EDUCATE DONATE
CONNECT WITH US
The “Big Fix”
GIHS is dedicated to ensuring ALL pets are spayed or neutered to decrease the number of homeless and unwanted pets as well as the number of pets entering the shelter. Through generous grant funding, we offer spay/neuter assistance programs at low to no cost for those in need. Contact the shelter for information about the “Big Fix!”
T h e G a l v e s t o n I s l a n d H u m a n e S o c i e t y I N C , f o r m e d i n 1 9 8 1 a s a 5 0 1 C 3 , n o n - p r o f i t o r g a n i z a t i o n . O r i g i n a l l y c r e a t e d b y c o n c e r n e d c i t i z e n s t o r e s c u e a n i m a l s f r o m “ t h e p o u n d ” a n d m u c h h a s c h a n g e d o v e r t h e l a s t f e w d e c a d e s T o d a y w e h a v e a h u m a n e s h e l t e r w i t h a n o - k i l l l i v e r e l e a s e
MEET GIHS
The Galveston Island Humane Society, Inc., formed in 1981, is a 501c3, non-profit organization. Originally created by concerned citizens to rescue animals from “the pound,” much has changed. Today we have a humane shelter, providing care for lost or homeless pets, reuniting pets with families, and promoting the adoptions of pets needing homes.
r a t e . D a i l y w e p r o v i d e c a r e f o r l o s t o r h o m e l e s s p e t s , r e u n i t i n g p e t s w i t h t h e i r f a m i l i e s a n d p r o m o t i n g t h e a d o p t i o n o f p e t s n e e d i n g h o m e s A s a n “ o p e n a d m i s s i o n ” s h e l t e r f o r G a l v e s t o n I s l a n d w e a c c e p t a l l h o m e l e s s p e t s e v e n w h e n t h e s h e l t e r i s f u l l I n a c i t y w i t h a h i g h n u m b e r o f h o m e l e s s p e t s , t h i s c o u l d e a s i l y l e a d t o n e e d l e s s e u t h a n a s i a
GALVESTON ISLAND COMMUNITY CATS
E m e r g e n c y M e d i c a l A s s i s t a n c e
-Pet food pantry for individuals in need
-Emergency Medical Assistance
WHAT DO ADOPTIONS INCLUDE AT GIHS?
A l l a d o p t e d p e t s a r e s p a y e d / n e u t e r e d a s r e q u i r e d b y T e x a s l a w .
-All adopted pets are spayed/neutered as required by Texas law.
V a c c i n a t i o n s i n c l u d i n g r a b i e s , a s w e l l a s
F l e a a n d H e a r t w o r m p r e v e n t i o n a r e a l l
c u r r e n t w h e n p e t i s a d o p t e d
M i c
-Vaccinations including rabies, as well as Flea and - Heartworm prevention, are all current when the pet is adopted.
-Microchip.
GICC was established in 2015 and is a progressive Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) program to fix, vaccinate and release feral cats on the island. To date, we have altered over 4000 felines with this program. The success of this program has reduced yearly intake at GIHS and has improved our live release rate in cats from 52% in 2014 to 94% in 2024.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
-Microchip your pets.
-Spay or neuter your pets.
O u r p r o g r a m s w o r k d i l i g e n t l y t o r e d u c e t h e n u m b e r o f p e t s i n o u r c o m m u n i t y . W e a r e c o m m i t t e d t o a s s u r i n g t h a t a d o p t a b l e p e t s a r e k e p t a v a i l a b l e u n t i l t h e y a r e p l a c e d i n a f a m i l y o r t r a n s f e r r e d t o a p a r t n e r o r g a n i z a t i o n .
O u r s h e l t e r i s m a n a g e d b y a b o a r d o f d i r e c t o r s c a r i n g s t a f f a n d a c t i v e v o l u n t e e r s w h o w o r k t o p r o v i d e f o r t h e
As an “open admission” shelter for Galveston Island, we accept all homeless pets, even when the shelter is full. In a city with a high number of homeless pets, which could lead to needless euthanasia, our programs work diligently to reduce the number of pets in our community.
-Like and share from our social networks.
-Become a member of GIHS.
-ADOPT your next best friend.
0 1 4 t o 9 4 % i n 2 0 2 4
-VOLUNTEER at the shelter.
-FOSTER if you cannot adopt.
-DONATE to support our mission.
M i c r o c h i p y o u r p e t s S p a y o r n e u t e r y o u r p e t s a n d e n c o u r a g e o t h e r s t o d o t h e s a m e
L i k e a n d s h a r e f r o m o u r s o c i a l B e c o m e a m e m b e r o f G I H S A D O P T y o u r n e x t b e s t f r i e n d V O L U N T E E R a t t h e s h e l t e r F O S T E R i f y o u c a n n o t a d o p t
We are committed to assuring that adoptable pets are kept available until they are placed in a family or transferred to a partner organization. Our shelter is managed by a board of directors, caring staff, and active volunteers who work to provide for the pets in our care along with creating and managing community programs that will positively impact our shelter. We hope you will join us in our mission to make sure that every pet on Galveston Island can live out his or her life in a loving home.
D O N A T E t o s u p p o r t o u r m i s s i o n
This is Ollie. Ollie is a male 3-year-old Terrier, American Staffordshire mix. Ollie is a very sweet-tempered dog who loves pets and needs a human with a whole lotta heart. Ollie’s exuberance & resilience will brighten some lucky foster/adopter’s life.
The Galveston Island Humane Society is always in need of volunteers, fosters, and adopters. By spending time with the shelter dogs, you can help them socialize and also promote their adoption. Becoming a foster parent or adopting a dog like Ollie can give them the mental and emotional break they need from shelter life. If you’re interested in fostering, please visit: www.galvestonhumane.org/foster
If you’re interested in adopting Ollie, please apply at www.galvestonhumane.org/adopt
Bob Rohan, or as he is known in Texas “Bad Bob”, has been playing the fiddle and singing in various groups for over 30 years in Texas, and has opened for Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, Carlene Carter and John Conley to name a few. Bob has played in bands that have backed up country legends like Hank Thompson, Ray Price, Jack Greene, Pam Tillis, and Dale Watson.
Along with songwriting, Bob is also a talented cartoonist and has a self syndicated comic strip titled “Buffalo Gals”. The comic feature is about two cowgirls “Bess Winchester” and “Connie Cheyenne”. The comic strip was inspired after playing with “The Hays County Gals and Pals” a cowgirl western group that toured through Texas, Oklahoma and as far west as Elko, Nevada. Bob has won The Wisconsin State Fiddle Championship and has been nominated several times from The Academy of Western Artists for Best Cowboy Cartoonist.
www.badbobrohan.com
Hey Wavers!
Our island is looking good and feeling great. Sunshine, sandy toes, and plenty of fun are waiting. It’s the easiest, most effortless getaway for the whole family.
I always love checking out the monuments and wood carvings around the island. They tell our story in the coolest way and remind me how proud I am of where we come from.
Nothing beats good weather, good vibes, and a little island time.
So let’s dive into a little history first.
History
A monument is a structure or place built to remember and honor a person, event, or part of history.
Monuments mean a lot to a community. They’re not just stone or wood — they tell our story. They remind us of the people, moments, and traditions that shaped who we are.
They’re also places where people gather, whether for events, celebrations, or simply to pause and reflect. Seeing them around town builds a sense of pride and connection.
At the end of the day, monuments help keep our history alive and remind us that our roots matter.
The Texas Heroes Monument stands proudly in the middle of Broadway Boulevard at 25th Street. Commissioned by philanthropist Henry Rosenberg, it honors those who fought in the Texas Revolution of 1836.
Granite Works at a cost of $50,000.
Designed by Louis Amateis, a professor in Rome, the monument rises 74 feet high with a 34 - foot - diameter base. Its four massive columns — each carved from a single 50 - foot block of granite — support the statue of Victory, who stands 22 feet tall holding a sheathed sword entwined with roses and raising a crown of laurels.
At the top of the columns are the words: “Patriotism : Honor : Devotion : Courage.”
Patriotism (North)
Faces the entrance to Galveston and, at the time, the entrance to Texas. At its base is Sam Houston, flanked by figures representing peace and war. Beneath him are Henry Smith, Edward Burleson, Benjamin Milam, James Fannin, and James Bonham. Below the column is the Battle of San Jacinto.
Inscription: “A Tribute from Henry Rosenberg to the Heroes of the Texas Revolution of 1836.”
Courage (East)
Features the statue of Defiance, a female figure unsheathing a sword and ordering the Mexicans out of Texas. Beneath her is the date October 2, 1835, the day of the Battle of Gonzales.
Honor (West)
Houses a bronze female figure representing Peace. At her feet are the names Neill, Hockley, Karnes, and De Zavala. Below her is the date April 21, 1836, marking the Battle of San Jacinto.
Devotion (South)
Features a medallion of Stephen F. Austin, surrounded by Davy Crockett and William Travis.
Though highly visible from the street, the inscriptions reward anyone who takes the time to walk around. Every detail tells a story of bravery, patriotism, and devotion from the Texas Revolution era.
The statue of Henry Rosenberg sits at the top of the steps of the Rosenberg Library, welcoming visitors with a calm, watchful presence. Seated in a relaxed yet dignified pose, Rosenberg’s straight posture and natural expression give him quiet authority without feeling stiff.
The sculptor captured realistic details — from the textures of his mid - 19th - century clothing to the thoughtful gaze in his eyes. His long coat drapes over his shoulders, his vest and trousers are neatly rendered, and his hands rest lightly on his knees.
a dynamic, enduring symbol of Rosenberg’s generosity and leadership.
Rosenberg Statue
Fun Fact: The bronze shifts in tone throughout the day — warm and golden in the morning, sharply defined at midday, and deep and rich by late afternoon.
The result is
Texas Heroes Monument
Fun Fact: The monument was built by New England
Rosenberg Statue
Texas Heros Monument
FUN FACTS by thomas waggoner
Created in 1975 by Native Texan sculptor David Moore, “The Dolphins” is a striking six - foot bronze capturing the grace and movement of dolphins.
Fun Fact: The sculpture originally stood along the pedestrian mall on Postoffice Street between 21st and 24th Streets.
Donated through the combined efforts of a private donor and the Galveston Foundation, Inc., the piece reflected the community’s commitment to public art. When Postoffice Street reopened to traffic, the Galveston Commission for the Arts relocated it to Fort Crockett Seawall Park at 45th Street, where it remains a beloved coastal landmark.
A well - known fixture in Galveston, this sculpture was created by David Adickes for the 1984 Louisiana World’s Fair and relocated to Galveston in 1986 for the opening of a jazz restaurant. Made of steel and concrete, it measures 14 feet tall and 26 feet long.
Fun Fact: Though commonly called a trumpet, musicians will notice it’s actually a cornet.
Permanently installed at 23rd Street and The Strand, the sculpture is free to visit anytime.
Fun Fact: Its official title is The Stone Trumpet.
Adickes, a Huntsville native, is also known for the 67 - foot “Big Sam” statue, the Heads of the Presidents, and the I Love Houston sculpture.
Sunny days highlight its details, while overcast skies create dramatic photo opportunities.
Located at Seawall Boulevard and 47th Street, the Great Storm Memorial honors the victims and survivors of the 1900 hurricane. Created by sculptor David W. Moore and cast in bronze, it was sponsored by the Galveston Commission for the Arts.
Fun Fact: The memorial was erected in 2000, marking the storm’s 100th anniversary.
The hurricane remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, with winds estimated at 120 mph and a storm surge of nearly 16 feet. Entire neighborhoods vanished. Homes were swept away. Slate shingles became deadly projectiles. Nearly two - thirds of the island was destroyed.
The human toll was staggering — 6,000 confirmed deaths in Galveston and an estimated total between 8,000 and 12,000.
The memorial stands as a solemn reminder of the tragedy and the resilience that followed. In the aftermath, Galveston undertook one of the most ambitious engineering projects of its time: raising the island’s grade and constructing the Seawall.
Today, the memorial symbolizes survival, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of Galveston.
Horse Statues
Scattered across the city — especially in the East End Historic District and along Broadway — you’ll find charming miniature horse statues that many visitors overlook.
These cast - iron figures were originally installed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as ornamental hitching posts.
Fun Fact: Riders tied their reins to these posts — the Victorian - era version of setting a parking brake.
Though no longer needed for transportation, many remain as historic accents and quiet reminders of Galveston’s prosperous late - 1800s era.
They’re small, weathered, and easy to miss, making them fun “hidden treasures” on a walking tour.
Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson, known as “The Galveston Giant,” was the first African American heavyweight boxing champion and one of the most influential athletes of the early 20th century.
Born in Galveston on March 31, 1878, Johnson rose from humble beginnings to become world champion in 1908. His dominance in the ring — and his refusal to conform to racial norms — made him a target in segregated America.
In 1912, he was indicted under the Mann Act in what many viewed as a racially motivated case. Johnson fled the country and lived abroad for eight years.
His final major fight came in 1915 in Havana, where
The Dolphins
The Trumpet Sculpture
1900 Storm Memorial
The Dolphins
The Trumpet Sculpture
1900 Storm Memorial
Horse Statues
Jack Johnson
he lost the title to Jess Willard after 26 grueling rounds.
Fun Fact: The bout remains one of the longest and most debated heavyweight championship fights in history.
Johnson returned to the U.S. in 1920, served time in prison, and later continued boxing and performing as an entertainer. He died in 1946 at age 68.
Today, he is remembered not only for his athletic achievements but also for his role in challenging racial barriers.
Confederate Memorial
Commissioned in 1899 by the Veuve Jefferson Davis Chapter No. 17 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the Confederate Memorial honors the soldiers and sailors who fought for the Confederacy.
Fun Fact: The organization raised the $6,000 needed to fund the sculpture.
Cast in 1911 and dedicated on June 3, 1912, the monument depicts a standing male figure holding a Confederate battle flag and a broken sword, symbolizing defeat. Behind him rests a dismantled cannon, an anchor, and foliage. A scroll at his feet reads “GLORY TO THE DEFEATED.”
Tree Sculptures of Galveston
On the eastern side of the island, art and resilience come together in an unforgettable outdoor gallery.
In Adoue Park, a grandmother reads to her grandchildren while figures from Don Quixote swirl above. On Church Street, towering carvings of hibiscus, seashells, and sand dollars stretch nearly to a second - story window.
Fun Fact: These sculptures were carved from more than 100 tons of trees felled by Hurricane Ike in 2008.
Local artists transformed the fallen wood into lasting works of public art — symbols of recovery, creativity, and community spirit.
Guided tours bring the stories behind each carving to life, turning something beautiful into something unforgettable.
Start Your Tour
Begin at the Galveston Visitor Center (Broadway Avenue J & 24th Street), where you can pick up:
• A map of 21 tree sculptures
• A suggested walking, biking, or driving route through the historic neighborhood
Guided Tours
Offered by Galveston Island Tours, an affiliate of the Galveston Historical Foundation.
• When: Every Saturday morning
• Cost: $15 adults, $10 children (12 and under)
• Experience: Shuttle tours with stops at select sculptures
If towering flowers, literary characters, and coastal motifs carved from storm - felled trees sound unbelievable — they are. But they’re also very real, and waiting to be discovered.
Wavers, I hope you’ve enjoyed this stroll through stone monuments and wood carvings. Our island never disappoints.
See ya next month!
Thomas Waggoner
Confederate Memorial
“Great Dane” on Sealy Avenue | Photo: Justin Jerkins
“Two Crested Herons” on Ball Street | Photo: Justin Jerkins
Grandmother” on Winnie Street | Photo: Justin Jerkins
“Dalmation” on East 25th Street | Photo: Justin Jerkins
Pennie’s Take Out Menu
Smoked Brisket
Quality brisket covered with our original rub, slow smoked and ready to be sliced when you order.
Pork Ribs
Pork ribs cooked with our original rub till almost done then basted with our honey sweetened sauce.
Grilled Chicken
Chicken spiced with our rub cooked over wood. Unlike any chicken you have ever eaten.
Link Sausage
Pork and Beef link sausage smoked over oak ready and waiting for you to order.
Sandwiches
Chopped Beef | Sliced Beef | Sausage | Comes with a complimentary 4 oz side
Stuffed Baked Potato
Huge baked potato filled with butter, cheese, sour cream, chives and best of all chopped brisket!
Savour
Barbacoa (Sat. and Sun. Only)
Pennie Ochoa’s delicious recipe. Tender, moist shredded beef is the result.
Sides and Dessert
All sides are made fresh at Pennie’s
Potato Salad
Dill based cool refreshing chopped potatoes mixed with dressings.
Pinto Beans
My own recipe made fresh daily. Lots of love goes into the beans.
Spanish Rice
Green Beans
Cole Slaw
Banana Pudding Trifle
by: Tom Valliere & Charlie Bresenhan
La King’s Confectionery
Who doesn’t remember those carefree days of our youth? Growing up in a household where money was always tight, getting some loose change was a rare treat that generally entailed a trip to the corner grocery store. There, under a glass display case, was a treasure chest of penny candies. Gumdrops, licorice whips, root beer barrels, Tootsie Rolls, and more. Patient storekeepers hovered while I made laborious decisions, maximizing value for my few coins.
I cannot revisit those long - ago times, but fortunately, I can recreate them at Galveston Island’s own version of Willy Wonka, known as La King’s Confectionery.
A prominent fixture on Galveston’s historic Strand, La King’s has been quenching our island’s sweet cravings since 1972. However, their story begins long ago in Houston, where patriarch Jimmy King started making candy in 1927, using recipes and techniques he learned from “Old World” candy makers. Now, nearly 100 years later, the tradition continues as house - made treats fill the spacious counter displays daily with more varieties and flavors than I can count.
Located in a historic Victorian building in the heart of the Strand, this is a landmark and destination for residents and visitors alike. Stepping out of the heat and humidity of a Galveston summer, you enter into a
Big BITES
cool and refreshing place that is absolutely overwhelming in size and scope. Unlike my corner store with its small selection, this is a virtual warehouse of goodies. The smell alone should be captured and sold as an aerosol. But this is much more than a candy store.
As you enter the building and ascend a few short steps, what opens in front of you is an arcade of wonders. On the left side is a turn - of - the - century marble ice cream soda bar and display case of a dozen or more ice cream flavors ready to be hand - scooped into a cone or blended into a milkshake or sundae. In the center are numerous tables to enjoy the treats, along with boxed candy assortments and baskets of individually wrapped saltwater taffy in a multitude of flavors for you to pick from.
On the right side is an entire wall of candy display counters with just about every conceivable candy and chocolate delight imaginable.
Further to the back is a taffy - pulling table and various candy - manufacturing machines, all of it put together as it may have appeared at the turn of the last century.
There is so much that it is hard to find a starting point for my description. Let’s start with the ice cream. As with most things in Galveston, there is a backstory and a history. This is not your mass - produced grocery store ice cream.
Purity Ice Cream was founded in 1889 and was the oldest ice cream manufacturer in Texas, operating continuously until it closed in 1979 following the death of owner Gustav Brystan. The factory and brand lay idle until 1983, when the equipment and recipes of the closed dairy business were purchased by La King’s. Today you can enjoy the original quality and flavors of this historic ice cream resurrected, reproduced, and displayed in an amazing refrigerated counter display case.
You can select from a variety of flavors, some traditional like Vanilla, others quite exotic like Coffee Bean Flake and Banana Walnut. Watch as
a modern - day soda jerk scoops your flavor into a cone or blends it into a flavorful shake or malt. Want a banana split or a hot fudge sundae? No problem. How about an old - fashioned root beer float? For something a bit lighter, try their delicious sherbets. Believe me, there is nothing more refreshing on a hot, sultry summer afternoon.
But the ice cream is only part of the story. This is an actual candy factory, and demonstrations of candy making and especially taffy pulling are a daily event to the wonderment of children and adults alike. Crowds gather as the old machinery comes to life and the semi - molten taffy is poured out and hand - worked into the perfect consistency. It is quite an experience and something your children will remember long after your vacation. Finish the demonstration by filling a bag with an assortment of this fine artisan taffy to take home.
All recipes and candy production are developed and overseen by master candy maker Ernest Torres. His old - time recipes include timeless favorites such as peanut brittle, divinity, pecan pralines, and much more. Hand - dipped chocolates are a personal favorite, and you can mix and match or buy boxes of assorted chocolates.
On a personal note, we all have friends who are difficult to shop for, and I often gift them with these boxed chocolate assortments that are always well - received. There is also an assortment of gift packages available for purchase.
Are you watching your sugar? Many of us are and appreciate their large selection of sugar - free candies. Just ask.
I can talk further, but I cannot capture in words the experience of any actual visit. The overwhelming scope is something that must be observed firsthand.
So after the shopping and sightseeing are finished, treat yourself to this unique island institution. I guarantee it will long be remembered, and you will return, just like all of us island regulars.
Missed this place during your visit? You can enjoy most products delivered directly to your home by visiting their website for online purchase options.
Handicapped accessibility in historic Galveston can be problematic, as our streets and buildings predate modern ADA standards and sometimes cannot be fully adapted. It is always best to call ahead for instructions.
Hours of Operation:
Open daily 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM (Friday 7:30 PM and Saturday 8:30 PM closing times)
Metered street parking and a paid public parking garage are the best options for automobiles.
Pennie’s Pork Ribs
Savour our mouth-watering pork ribs, smoked to perfection using our own original rub and finished with our sweet, sticky glaze made with honey and other secret ingredients.
Pennie’s Tex-Mex 1713 37th Street ( 409)-765-5719
Texas Chili Board
Texas chili for 2. Including jalapeños, green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, house smoked brisket, red onion, tortilla chips or saltine crackers. Create your own perfect bowl of chili.
Coastal Star Brewing Co. 2021 The Strand #3 (409) 539-5125
March Featured Dishes
Fish and Chips
Crispy beer-battered Alaskan Pollock served with seasoned fries, house-made tartar sauce, and a lemon wedge. A classic seaside favorite with a Galveston twist— flaky, golden, and hard to share.
Huli Huli Hut 504 25th Street (409)-443-5525
Elevate your Wednesdays at Saltwater Grill
Join us every Wednesday and indulge in our succulent, hand-cut prime ribserved with house au jus, your choice of mashed potatoes or baked potato, and buttered broccoli. Pair your meal with our 1/2 price select bottles of wine - only on Wednesdays!
Saltwater Grill - 2017 Postoffice Street (409) 762-3474
Jumbo Fried Gulf Shrimp Special
10 Golden-fried Gulf shrimp over a bed of fries served with colelsaw at The Gumbo Diner. Only $14.99!
The Gumbo Diner 3602 Seawall Blvd. (409) 762-3232
Coconut
Crusted Red Snapper
Coconut crusted red snapper topped with mango pico de gallo, one jumbo scallop and one jumbo shrimp, accompanied with char-grilled broccolini and herb roasted potatoes.
Cooper’s Landing 11150 Termini-San Luis Pass (409) 539-5534
The Joey
Loaded with house-made Italian sausage, chunky vine-ripened tomatoes, mozzarella, and Romano cheese, this Chicago-style favorite delivers bold flavor and a perfectly baked crust in every bite.
Marios Seawall Italian and Pizzeria 628 Seawall Blvd (409) 763-1693
Jumbo
Fried Gulf Shrimp Special
10 Golden-fried Gulf shrimp over a bed of fries served with colelsaw at The Gumbo Diner. Only $14.99!
Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar 2107 Postoffice Street (409) 744-8626
March Featured Dishes
There’s a New Gyro in Town at Papa’s Pizza
Not all Gyros wear capes. Sink your teeth into tender gyro meat, red onions, tomato, lettuce, and Tzatziki sauce. Try it as a pizza, piada or sub! Only at Papa’s Pizza.
Papa’s Pizza 4400 Seawall Blvd (409) 766-7272
Puffy Taco Tuesdays
Every Tuesday for just $9.99, enjoy two ground beef puffy tacos. Available for dine-in only. Add a $5 happy hour marg to complete your meal!
A Galveston classic: crispy fried fish, shrimp, or oysters tucked into a warm, fresh-baked baguette, dressed with tangy Cajun remoulade. Served with fries and slaw — no shortcuts, just coastal comfort.
Katie’s Seafood 2000 Wharf Rd (409) 765-5688
Sky Bar $5 Martini Thursdays
Good times and great rolls are waiting for you on Thursdays at Sky Bar. Enjoy our $5 Award-Winning happy hour Martinis and sushi by the piece every Thursday from 5-10 PM.
SkyBar 2105 Postoffice (409) 621-4759
Chef’s Spotlight
Gulf Flavors, Local Legends
Column by: Tom Valliere & Charlie Bresenhan
Recipe by: Teffeny Caruso, Coastal Star Brewing
Chef’s Spotlight: Gulf Flavors, Local Legends
Welcome to a new monthly feature celebrating the culinary heart of Galveston. Each issue, Chef’s Spotlight brings you a signature recipe from one of our region’s standout kitchens — complete with behind-the-scenes notes, fresh Gulf ingredients, and plating that tells a story.
This month, we dive into Coastal Star Brewing Co. Coastal Star Chili.
In Teffeny’s words -
“We wanted to create our own Texas‑style chili for the restaurant. Growing up in Michigan and then Houston, chili always had beans — but for Texas and Louisiana, this version stays true to the no‑bean style while keeping our flavor profile”.
Teffeny’s
Coastal Star
Chili — 5 lb Batch
Ingredients
• 5 pounds ground chuck
• 6 jalapeños, chopped
• Olive oil to coat pan
• 1 cup minced onion
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 cup Coastal Star Imperial Dream Stout
• 2 oz oregano
• 2 oz cumin
• 4 oz chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 oz crushed red pepper
• 28 oz whole tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2–4 oz masa harina (to thicken)
Instructions
• Sauté the onion and jalapeños in olive oil until tender.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
• Deglaze the pan with the Imperial Dream Stout.
• Add the next nine ingredients (spices + tomatoes). Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
• In a separate pan, brown the ground chuck and drain.
• Add the beef to the tomato mixture and stir well.
• Add masa harina as needed to thicken.
Enjoy.
Spring Break vibes meet ocean views
Handcrafted drinks prepared with top‑shelf care
Fresh bites and live music steps from the beach
Grab a chair, claim an umbrella, and soak up the sun
Ride the day straight into a killer sun‑ set
CURTAIN GOING UP
By: Paul Hager
‘GET THE HOOK”
Top Broadway Musical Songs Not to Use for an Audition
We’re heading into March with a topic guaranteed to send some of my theatre friends (and a few outsiders, too) straight into conniptions:
Which Broadway songs should you never choose for an audition?
Musical theatre is a staple of our local stages, offering opportunities for performers at every level. But choosing the right audition song is an art form of its own. Some songs are overdone, some are deceptively difficult, and some are so iconic that you’ll be compared to every performer who ever sang them—usually not in your favor.
Casting teams want to see you, not your best impression of a Broadway legend. And nothing derails an audition faster than a song that’s been sung to death or one that exposes every vocal weakness you didn’t know you had.
Below are the top Broadway songs you should avoid if you want to give yourself the best shot in the room.
“Tomorrow” — Annie - Avoid it at all costs.
Every young girl (and their cat) has attempted this song, and it’s almost always excruciating. It’s whiny, overdone, and impossible to make fresh. Directors have heard it so many times they can predict every breath before you take it. Please, please, please—don’t bring this into an audition.
“Memory” — Cats - A beautiful song, yes—but absolutely done to death. And rarely done well. The opening note alone derails half the singers who attempt it. Add the emotional weight required to carry it, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Think of it like the theme from Titanic: even radio stations have moved on.
“Defying Gravity” — Wicked - A powerhouse anthem, but also one of the most overused audition choices on the planet. Unless you are
a bona fide vocal cannon, you’ll disappear into the sea of Elphabas who came before you. And let’s be honest—most audition rooms do not want to hear the final belted note at 9 a.m.
“I Dreamed a Dream” — Les Misérables - A gorgeous, heartbreaking ballad—but again, painfully overused. If you’re not a strong belter with impeccable control, this song will swallow you whole. And even if you are, you’ll still be the fifteenth person to sing it that week. Directors want authenticity, not déjà vu.
“Don’t Rain on My Parade” — Funny Girl - Fun, bold, and crowd-pleasing—but extremely common. To stand out with this one, you’d need to be exceptional. Not good. Not great. Exceptional. And unless you’re bringing Barbra-level charisma, it’s best left alone.
“The Music of the Night” — The Phantom of the Opera - Haunting and beautiful, but vocally treacherous. The range, breath control, and phrasing required make it a minefield for most singers. If you can’t deliver it flawlessly, it’s better left alone. Also: directors have heard this one more times than they’ve had coffee.
PAUL HAGER
PAUL HAGER
“Anything Goes” — Anything Goes - A classic show tune—and one of my personal favorites—but it’s dated, stylistically tricky, and not as relevant to modern casting as other options. It’s charming, but rarely the strongest audition choice unless the show specifically calls for that era and style.
Why These Songs Fail in Auditions
A few patterns emerge:
• They’re overdone, so you won’t stand out.
• They’re vocally demanding, often more than singers realize.
• They’re emotionally iconic, making comparison inevitable.
• They can make you look unprepared if you can’t deliver them perfectly.
So What Should You Sing?
If you want to stand out, skip the overdone standards and choose something less expected—something you can truly make your own. With a little research into audition‑friendly songs, you’ll find material that showcases your voice and your personality.
Personally, I rotate between “Beauty School Dropout” from Grease and “Hey, Look Me Over” from Wildcat. They’re fun, character-driven, and not sung to death.
Do your homework, trust your instincts, and pick a song that lets you shine.
PAUL HAGER
Pete Sanchez
Texas
Music Profile
Pete Sanchez
When it comes to local musicians, in any city, anywhere in the world, there simply aren’t many who can claim to have a career as long and as diversified as League City drummer, Pete Sanchez. Sanchez has been performing in the Galveston County region’s bars and nightclubs, at festivals and special events, and on local recordings since 1970.
Beginning his professional career at age 13, playing a gig with his older brother Lolo’s Tejano band, Lolo and The Originals, at the long-gone Dickinson nightclub, Cha Cha’s, Sanchez was immediately hooked on playing live music and has endured longer than most people work at any job.
From Tejano to blues to rock music, Sanchez has played and recorded with some of the area’s most famous names including Bert Wills & The Cryin’ Shames, Benny Brasket, Michael Stevens, Dave Nevling and Mark May (and a few years with this writer). Beyond the Galveston area, Sanchez frequently performed at many of Houston’s most famous clubs like Dan Electro’s and Fitzgerald’s and even played a few gigs with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Bo Diddley, at Rockefeller’s. By the late 1970’s Sanchez had switched musical gears from playing primarily Tejano music and began developing his skills in the blues genre when he joined Wills’ band.
“I kind of burned out on Tejano music but it’s still my favorite to play. I was introduced to blues music playing with Bert Wills in the late 70’s and early 80’s. I also played with John A. Miller during that time,” Sanchez said.
Born in Los Fresnos, Texas, about 2 hours south of Corpus Christi, in 1956, Sanchez grew up in a musical family with four sisters and three brothers. Playing music with his older siblings Lolo Soto, Ruben Sanchez (also a drummer) and Rachel Soto, Pete says he was immediately drawn to the drums. The family moved to League City when Sanchez was just 5 or 6 years old, where he has remained a resident for most of his life. Sanchez’s musical history also included stints playing gospel music with his sister, Rachel, in a church band.
“Lolo’s main instrument was guitar but he could pick up any instrument and play it. He was just a natural. He really started this whole thing with all of us. Just watching Lolo and Ruben play and enjoying what they were doing made me want to play too. I used to bang on pots and pans when I was really little,” Sanchez said.
Following in the Sanchez family drumming tradition is Sanchez’s younger brother, Robert, currently drumming for the San Leon-based band, Jerkwater (and a new project called The Spanish Flies). Robert Sanchez has also spent many years playing in the region with bands such as Nothin’ Fancy and Undecided, and says his brother Pete was the first one to show him how to play drums.
“Pete used to get a Chicago 8-track and put it on and tell me to just play to the beat. I couldn’t even reach the pedals but he’d be right there showing me how to do it,” Robert said.
Story and Photos by Zach Tate
Additional Photos courtesy of Pete Sanchez and Renee Hartfield
Bert Wills & The Cryin’ Shames Paul “Ear” Teichman, Pete Sanchez, Bert Wills, Larry “Lownote” Johnson
Texas Music Profile
In 1984 Sanchez married his wife of 42 years, Donna. Though none of their 3 children, Crystal, Pete and Casandra, play music, they say they are proud of their father’s musical achievements. And while being a musician has taken its notorious toll on many a relationship, Donna Sanchez has remained one of her husbands biggest fans.
“I knew he was a musician when I met him. We dated for two and a half years before we got married and I told him as long as he was a good father… and he’s been a great father,” Donna Sanchez said.
Playing in Galveston and surrounding areas for over 50 years at many venues and events both legendary and short-lived, and some still going like The Balinese Room, Sharky’s, Lone Star Rally, The Turtle Club, T-Bone Tom’s and Jackie’s Brickhouse, to name just a few, since his first gigs on The Strand in the 1970’s Sanchez has been an integral part of the region’s musical evolution, not to mention a long-time visitor to the Island for all its amenities.
“When I was a teenager we used to camp out on the beach, we also rented beach houses in the summer. We’d go to The Strand all the time to walk around, eat and drink,” Sanchez said.
Although Sanchez says he considers himself retired from music, largely due to the physical strain drumming (and hauling drums) takes on the body, he continues to perform occasionally with friend and former bandmate, local musician, David Schwope.
“From the bottom of my heart, I’m humbled to have played and shared so many good times with so many great musicians,” Sanchez said.
Q&A with Pete Sanchez
Zach Tate: How do you describe yourself as a musician
Pete Sanchez: Laid back, like to have a good time. I like to play Tejano music the most and then Classic Rock.
ZT: What is it about playing music that motivated you to do it for so long?
PS : It’s just for the love of music. It’s a relationship. Even now that I can’t really play so much anymore I still love music. I never gave it a thought about being famous. It was always just for the love of doing it.
ZT: Is playing live different from recording for you?
PS : Playing live is more fun than doing studio work. Playing live is more in the moment and carefree, whereas studio recording is more structured and by the book.
ZT: Do you have any formal music training?
PS : No, I learned by ear and watching my brothers play.
ZT: What is your earliest memory of being inspired by music?
PS : My brothers were always playing. My oldest brother, Lolo, was teaching my other brother, Ruben, how to play drums and I picked up on it then. I wanted to be like them.
ZT: What artists did you love growing up (5–20 yrs old) and why?
PS : Little Joe Y La Familia, Los Familia, Latin Breed, Tortilla Factory, Chicago, Blood Sweat and Tears
ZT: Who influences you these days and why?
PS : Funk music, Christian and Tejano music.
ZT: Who are some of your all-time favorite drummers?
PS : Buddy Rich is on top. He was the best of the best in Big Band. Neil
Benny Brasket Album Cover
Dave Nevling Album Cover
Blue Kats Band Tony Hartigan, Paul “Ear” Teichman, Benny Brasket, Steve Stoltz, Pete Sanchez
Easy Street Pete Sanchez, Ron Anderson, Randale, Steve Pierce
Pete Sanchez with the Zach Tate Band at Lone Star Rally in 2021
My brothers were always playing. My oldest brother, Lolo, was teaching my other brother, Ruben, how to play drums and I picked up on it then. I wanted to be like them.
Peart (Rush). Neil Peart produced a CD of Buddy Rich big band music that featured many great drummers. My brother Ruben is also on that list. Benny Brasket influenced my drumming also, though he plays many instruments.
ZT: What defines ‘good music’ in your opinion?
PS : Music you can actually understand.
ZT: What is your opinion of music created by AI?
PS : Music is all about being creative and having real instruments and real drums. Connecting with your buddies. I don’t like that AI kind of stuff.
ZT: Do you like to use electronic drums?
PS : No. Sometimes the sound can be good but the feel just isn’t there for me.
ZT: How do you define success as it would relate to being a musician?
PS : Something you love doing and making money doing it as well.
ZT: What is your opinion of the Galveston (and/or Houston) music scenes?
PS : It is great and it has always been that way. There are so many different kinds of music. People can go see all types of musicians.
Zach Tate
Pete Sanchez is on Facebook at “Pete Sanchez Jr.”
FISHING on the Island
Serious Tackle Box The
Experienced Fishing Advice To Make Fishing Great Again
With Chris Gonzales
The Belly Up Rig
The Belly Up Rig is another way of rigging a whole dead or alive baitfish which greatly increases its chance of triggering a strike by a predator fish. Another point is that it doesn’t have any added costs associated with it....free is a good thing. Belly Up rigging works with either a mono or wire leader and can be freelined or fished with an egg weight above the swivel. It generates strikes from a variety of species - ling, kingfish, wahoo, groupers, and red snapper, to name a fewfrom the near surface area to the bottom.
I first saw this way of hooking a baitfish aboard the Royal Polaris out of San Diego in 1989 while on a seventeen-day trip to Mexico’s Revillagigedo islands where we fished for wahoo and yellowfin tuna. The yellowfin readily struck the Belly Up rigged, caballito bates that are similar to our cigar minnows. I’ve used the belly up rig successfully since then on an assortment of offshore gamefish from the near surface to the bottom. It can be used with whole baitfish such as cigar minnows, Spanish sardines, sand trout, tinker mackerel, etc.
The Belly Up Rig
The signature feature of the belly up rig is the hook placement in the baitfish. The illustration has the 7/0 Daiichi D84Z Bleeding Bait Circle Chunk Hook on its 3 to 4 feet of fluorocarbon or dulled mono leader passing through the Spanish sardine’s mouth and out through one of its gill plates. The hook is then pushed through, then out the top of the sardine’s body at around the front of its midsection. With the circle hook, as shown, the hook point must be exposed to that approximate position; this will ensure a positive hookset at hook rotation as the line comes tight. With a “J” type hook like an 8/0 Mustad Ultra Point 10829BLN, less hook bend and point exposure would be okay. With this hook location, its weight will cause it to roll downward and the sardine to do likewise...going belly up. This belly up position of the sardine along with an occasional rod tip twitch “activates”
even a dead baitfish. This gives the illusion of the sardine being alive but injured and vulnerable - which triggers the strike.
The leader is described as 3 to 4 feet of fluorocarbon or dulled mono. I came up with dulled mono leaders and have used them for years. I like to call it poor man’s fluorocarbon. The shine on the mono’s surface can at times make it appear like it’s chromed wire from this reflected sunlight. I believe this reflected sunlight coming off the mono’s smooth surface is what the target species sees as not being natural, causing it to turn away at the last moment. This mono dulling is accomplished by slowly pulling the mono through a folded “Scotch-Brite” pad while slowly rolling the pad with a back-and-forth wrist rotation. Use a genuine, green, Scotch-Brite pad for the best results. The resulting crosshatch pattern on the mono’s surface breaks up the reflected sunlight, making it become almost as undetectable as fluorocarbon. Disrupting the mono surface will weaken the mono to some extent, but it is minimal. Leaders should be replaced as necessary since the dulling procedure disturbs the surface and speeds up the water absorption process. The mono will take on a milky look after a
The camo-painted or dull egg weight as shown in the illustration is a carryover from my belief that stealth is best. The camo blue is Rust-O-leum 7727 Royal Blue with a clear matte topcoat of Rust-O-leum 7902 that knocks down the shine of the camera blue paint. The “dull” on the illustration’s egg weight is one that exposure to the elements has naturally dulled to a dark gray. The 80# Spro power swivel is small for its rated strength, dark, dull and it’s also stealthy. The reason for stealth is this area as shown on the illustration is that when you are fishing with new, shiny egg weights or chrome/shiny swivels they will possibly generate a strike from one of our toothy offshore residents. Even a small flash to a predator such as a wahoo or one of the other mackerels may trigger a strike if it’s your egg weight or swivel, it will cause the loss of your complete rig and ling, snapper, etc., which could be on the hook. Going in the opposite direction from stealth for a moment, the “Bleeding Bait” red finish on the Daiichi Circle Hook (see illustration) also says that your baitfish is injured and vulnerable. This feature alone will add to the strike generation potential of just about any rigging method.
Are all of these stealth and attraction tricks necessary? Not always, but I believe the chance is great that they could make a difference when presenting your baitfish to an adult predator. They’re full grown and educated from years of living and changing them from a looker into a striker is a job this rig was made for. The Belly Up Rig gives a bait fish an illusion which often works like magic. Let it turn your baitfish into that illusion and work its hookup magic for you on your next trip offshore.
If you have any questions, stop by Serious Tackle or email me at
Chris Gonzales Owner -
Pro Fishing Gear & Tackle
Beach Bum The
Happy St. Patrick’s Wavers!
Your Bum is stocked up on green beer and ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. One of my favorite times of the year.
I had an idea the other day while I was riding around in my ol’ scarab. It’s not like me to have many thoughts in a day, but here is what had me thinking...
Many of you are aware that your Bum is of Irish descent. It’s a heritage that I am proud of. I was wondering how many famous people were actually born in Ireland. It’s quite an impressive list.
Rather than come out and just tell you who some of these people are, I decided to make a little quiz out of it. You are regularly telling your Bum how much you enjoy the “guess who I am” pictures. Here are some early age pictures of some very famous Irish citizens.
Answers On Page 75
Born in Cabra, Ireland Born in Dublin, Ireland Born in Limerick, Ireland Born in Castleknock, Ireland Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Born in Ballymena, Northern Ireland Born in Drogheda, Ireland
Born in Crumlin, Ireland Born in Ranelagh, Ireland
Born in Dublin Ireland
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• Complimentary ferry ride from Galveston and just a short drive away E: bpcoc@discoverbolivar.com
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PET PEEVES Of The Month
Fix And Repair
Our City Streets
We love Galveston with all our hearts. There is no place better to live or to visit. We have millions of visitors come to our island every year because of the many wonderful things the city has to offer.
It’s time we provided city streets that are well-surfaced and maintained. We hear political campaign promises all the time about how this matter will be taken care of. Well, so far it hasn’t been.
Anyone taken a trip down Heards Lane recently? What about Holiday Drive on the East End? These are just a couple of examples of the horrible condition that many of our city streets are in. We are tired of having to replace our vehicles’ tires and rims, not to mention the realignment of our tires and having to repair our suspension.
Galveston is a great city, and we should have the kind of streets that are safe to drive and that we can all be proud of.
Do we like it when we are constantly having to deal with abysmal city street conditions? Do we like the constant repairs we are forced to make to our vehicles because of this terrible situation?
NO! WE DON’T LIKE THAT!
A rough section of the Seawall that has been horrible for years was repaired in early February (we appreciate it!). Let’s hope they continue repairing at least some of the worst areas. Let’s all hold our city officials accountable. Make sure they hear our voices loud and clear. We want the countless potholes and horrible street conditions fixed!
Composting
on a Small Scale
We’ve talked about composting before, but compost is so vital to healthy plants and beautiful gardens that we are going to talk about it- again.
This time, however, we are going to talk about composting on a small scale. Many of us in Galveston do not have a large yard, if any, so a large composting bin or pile will not work. At my home on Winnie Street, there is no soil to dig in, it is all concrete. So, I have container gardens and a container compost bin.
The average kitchen produces plenty of green matter for a compost pile. Green matter is fresh vegetation that is high in nitrogen. Fallen leaves and old newspaper or boxes provide plenty of brown matter. If you are using paper or cardboard, the smaller you tear or shred it, the better. The brown matter is dried vegetation that is high in carbon.
What I use for my container is a large plastic pot that housed an ornamental tree from the nursery. When I first began the compost bin, I layered leaves 2-3 inches thick with kitchen scraps about 1 inch thick then topped with another layer of brown matter. You want a lot more brown matter than green matter. I wet this down and left it alone. In a few days, I stirred it. If it got dry, I watered it. My pot does have a few holes in the bottom so that it drains. Given time, the ingredients break down and look like black soil.
There are a lot of myths about compost. If your compost smells, you are doing it wrong. Add more dry brown matter to the pile to correct the smell. Rodents are not attracted to a compost pile unless you are adding meat scraps or cooked food- which you shouldn’t do.
Ross
more great information, go to: www.hollykross.com
R eflections
by: John & Kathy Valastro
Enjoy the Pleasure of the Island…Pleasure Pier
Ok, my Island friends, this is a great time to enjoy some fun while the tourist crowds are smaller this time of year. Pleasure Pier can bring you back to a time long ago when friends, family, and significant others could go to a carnival-type venue and enjoy a few hours of fun, food, and candy. Islanders forget we have access to this type of venue in our own backyard.
Long before today’s modern amusement rides lit up the Gulf waters, Galveston’s original Pleasure Pier stood as one of the island’s most ambitious entertainment landmarks. Islanders may not realize that when the pier was first constructed in the early 1940s, it wasn’t an amusement attraction at all.
Built by the U.S. government during World War II, the pier originally served as a recreational facility for military service members stationed at Fort Crockett or passing through Galveston. In those early years, it included a convention hall, an amphitheater, fishing access, and basic entertainment spaces. These were simple gathering places designed to offer relaxation and a brief escape from wartime responsibilities. Even then, the pier represented something special for the Island — a place where people could gather over the Gulf breeze and find moments of joy.
After the war, the City of Galveston transformed the structure into a public attraction. By the late 1940s, the pier had evolved into a thriving amusement destination. Islanders and visitors alike created memories there — dancing, laughing, riding, and watching the waves roll in beneath their feet. It was a time when the community truly gathered at the edge of the sea. It became one of Texas’ premier attractions and a proud symbol of Galveston’s optimism and resilience.
1,130 - foot structure reopened in May 2012 as a $60 - million investment in Galveston’s future — and its past. The design pays homage to the pier’s rich history while embracing modern thrills and attractions.
Then came 1961. Hurricane Carla devastated the original pier, bringing that era to an abrupt end. But as Islanders know, Galveston does not stay down for long. In 1965, the over-the-water Flagship Hotel rose from the pier’s remains and operated for more than 40 years, becoming another recognizable landmark on the Gulf. After Hurricane Ike severely damaged the hotel in 2008, the structure was eventually removed, once again leaving a gap in the island skyline.
Yet the spirit of Pleasure Pier was far from gone.
In 2012, a new chapter began when Landry’s, Inc. led by CEO Tilman Fertitta, spearheaded construction of the modern pier we know today. The rebuilt
Today, the pier features 16 rides, including the heart-pounding Iron Shark roller coaster that twists high above the Gulf. Families can enjoy midway games, classic carnival treats, retail shops, and waterfront dining. Restaurants like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. offer Islanders a place to sit, relax, and soak in the coastal view after a few spins on the rides.
But beyond the rides and food, Pleasure Pier is something more meaningful for us. It’s a reminder that we live in a place others travel hundreds of miles to experience. While tourists fill the island during peak seasons, this quieter time of year belongs to us — the Islanders. We can walk the boards without long lines, enjoy the lights reflecting off the Gulf, and take in the nostalgia of a seaside amusement park that echoes simpler times.
Pleasure Pier connects generations. Grandparents who remember stories of the original pier can now bring their grandchildren to experience a modern version of that same magic. Couples can relive youthful memories. Friends can gather for an evening of laughter and cotton candy under the Ferris wheel lights. It’s not just an attraction; it’s part of our Island story.
So often we think we have to travel to find something special, yet this piece of history and fun stands right here over our own Gulf waters. Islanders sometimes forget that what feels ordinary to us is extraordinary to others.
Quote: To all my “Island Friends,” it’s never too late, and we’re never too old to enjoy some pleasure — especially Galveston’s Pleasure Pier. Come enjoy!
John and Kathy Valastro
Upcycled
Cookin’ Column
Hello people. How have you been? This month, since it’s St. Patrick’s month, Bunny is going to give you three drink recipes. What made me think of this is, well, St. Patrick’s is usually about beer. These are three classic drinks you can make if you don’t like beer. Or even if you do like beer… these are great. And please, folks, splurge for the high-end liqueur. It makes a huge difference in the taste.
Dirty Pickle Martini
A fun twist on the classic Dirty Martini. You use pickle juice instead of olive juice. You will love it.
Ingredients
• 2 ounces dry gin
• ¼ ounce dry vermouth
• ½ ounce pickle juice
• 1 slice of dill pickle, for garnish
Directions
Put ice in a mixing glass. Add the gin, vermouth, and pickle juice. Stir for one minute (you can shake it if that is your preference). Strain the liquid into a martini glass and top it off with the slice of pickle.
This pairs well with your St. Patrick’s Day corned beef and cabbage.
Nurse Connie’s Mint Julep
Ingredients
• Mint (buy a bunch, but just use the leaves)
• 2 sugar cubes
Dirty Pickle Martini
• 2 ½ ounces bourbon
• Ice, crushed
Directions
Muddle (which means crush delicately) the sugar cubes with a few mint leaves. Crush the ice in a blender, or use a towel or gallon Ziploc and beat the ice on the counter (works well for anger management too). Fill a double old-fashioned glass with the mint and sugar, bourbon, and crushed ice. Stir.
Jack’s Old Fashioned
Ingredients
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 teaspoon water
• 2 ounces bourbon
• 1 ice cube (use an old-fashioned ice cube tray and fill with distilled water or cooled boiled water… that makes the cube clear)
• Orange peel
Directions
Mix the sugar, bitters, and water together until dissolved. Add the bourbon. Pour the mixture over a clear ice cube. Finish with a slice of orange peel. This is a lovely presentation.
Okay, drink up and be merry. Other than St. Patty’s, spring is coming right up.
Happy Trails, Bunny
Nurse Connie’s Mint Julep
Jack’s Old Fashioned
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