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
Subscriptions
Mike Burke|Publisher
BURKE’S BRIEFS
8 Year Anniversary!
Happy October 2025, Wavers!
October’s here —and it’s a big one for us at Waves Magazine! We’re turning 8 this month, and wow, what a ride it’s been since our very first issue hit the streets back in October 2017. Huge thanks to all our readers, advertisers, and supporters—you’re the reason we’re still going strong. We appreciate you more than you know!
You don’t make it eight years in this business without an incredible crew. Our writers and contributors? Absolute rockstars. We’re lucky to have some of the best voices in the business helping us bring each issue to life.
And October in Galveston? It’s always a blast. Between Oktoberfest, Halloween parties, the Greek Festival, and the Lone Star Rally in early November, there’s no shortage of fun. If you’re looking for action, you are in the right place.
Quick reminder (you’ve heard us say it before, but it’s worth repeating): shop local, eat local, support local. Our small businesses are the heartbeat of Galveston, and they need us now more than ever.
Mark your calendars for our 8th anniversary party happening on October 15th! These parties are legendary, and we’ll be dropping the time and location soon. Keep an eye out!
Thanks again, Wavers, for riding this wave with us for eight amazing years. We’ll keep bringing you the stories, events, and local flavor you love—month after month.
Catch you around the Island!
We appreciate your participation in the awards process as WAVES works around the clock to bring you the
Thank you
PET Corner
The Gulf Coast’s Monarch Migration
October marks the start of the annual appearance of one of our favorite winged creatures, the monarch butterfly. These orange and black beauties use the Gulf Coast and Galveston as a highway on their 3,000-mile journey to their wintering grounds in Mexico. Their epic trip starts in the eastern third of the US and eventually funnels through Texas in the fall. The butterflies depend on available milkweed and nectar-producing flowers to fuel their migration over mountains, rivers, and vast stretches of land.
On Galveston Island, the peak of the butterfly migration is from the third week in October until mid-November. Taking a few minutes to watch a monarch drifting and feeding in a flower garden is a relaxing way to experience nature on a small scale. Moody Gardens’ abundance of flowering plants is a favorite spot in town that consistently attracts the monarchs each fall.
The tiny insects follow routes their ancestors have used for millennia. Each butterfly covers ten to twenty miles daily, stopping frequently to feed, rest, and refuel. Their goal is to make it to the warm forests in Mexico, where they gather by the thousands in December, making the trees appear covered by huge orange carpets. They huddle together, protected, until it is time to make the spring journey back to the southern US states. This extraordinary journey is one of nature’s most remarkable phenomena.
The butterflies start making their appearances in Mexico in the early part of November when Dia de Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is celebrated. The locals believe that the monarch’s
Pet Care Advice From Richard D. Henderson, DVM
arrival may be the souls of lost loved ones returning to greet their families here on earth.
The butterflies are a symbol of beauty, and there is a spiritual connection to them and a celebration of a successful corn harvest. The local communities also make significant income from butterfly-related tourism. Fortunately, the locals realize there is a balance between the economic benefits from tourism and making sure the butterflies’ environment is protected. The forests that the butterflies occupy are closely monitored during the winter migration and holdover to ensure that their spaces are safe from intrusion.
Unfortunately, monarch numbers in the United States have
Milkweed
Life Cycle
been on the decline for years due to several factors. The Texas spring 2025 migration was significantly affected by droughts, wildfires, and unexpected freezes in our state.
Additionally, clearing of natural green spaces for agriculture and housing developments removes land that once contained the natural plants on which the butterflies feed and reproduce.
Monarchs are not only an iconic species of animal we should be proud of having around, but they are also important pollinators of many types of plants. To help sustain their numbers, it is helpful to include plants they use as food sources in our own gardens.
In Galveston County, planting for butterflies requires host plants for egg-laying and nectar-producing plants for their food sources. Host plants include milkweeds, willow, and passion vines. They must have these plants to lay their eggs on and for their offspring, caterpillars, to have a food source. The caterpillars will feed ravenously until they each retreat into a cocoon, emerging months later as an adult monarch butterfly.
Nectar-producing plants with brightly colored, fragrant blooms are the most attractive to most adult butterfly species and are necessary for them to complete their life cycles. Having a beautifully landscaped yard comes with an added benefit, helping sustain not only monarch butterflies but also many other species of butterflies and hummingbirds. They serve as urban oases for us and nature to receive benefits from.
As monarchs glide across Texas each fall, we should be reminded that their migration is a gift to enjoy, and it is an incredible journey that deserves our protection.
Female No hindwing pouches. Thicker, darker wing pigmentation
Re l ati o nshipAd v ic e with Jan & Dean
Hi, Jan and Dean. Well, it has arrived, the absolute worst time of the year for me - football season. I am writing because I HATE, HATE, HATE football! Just the mention of it makes me want to scream out loud. I will be losing my husband Jim for the next four months. He will be glued to the television all weekend, along with his drunk buddies, whom he invites over to our house.
This whole scene makes me sick to my stomach. Football is a horrible waste of time, and I resent the fact that Jim would rather watch football than spend time with me. I feel like I should put my foot down and forbid him to ever watch football again. I also want to ban all his friends from coming to our house. I have had enough! I can not stand football! What can I do to put a stop to all this, Jan and Dean? -Lori is Livid
Hello, Lori - Boy, have you ever come to the wrong place for support. I am in your husband’s corner 100%.
First of all, let’s run a few numbers. Jim gets to do something he really enjoys for four months. That leaves eight months that your spoiled self obviously gets to do anything and everything that you want. In other words, at least 67 % of the time, you get your way. I shed no tears for you that you don’t get 100%, which is what you want.
Football is a terrific sport and a wonderful part of our American lifestyle and culture. I am positive that you have never made any effort to learn the game. Obviously, you would much rather complain. I am sure you like making Jim feel as miserable as possible. I can just imagine how you treat his friends. You sound like the type who closes your eyes while making love to your husband. Not because you are enjoying it, but because you can’t stand to see him having a good time. P.S. - I’m pretty sure you aren’t going to get much support from Jan either.
Hi Lori - Dean is correct. You are not going to get any support from me. We always make it a fun weekend this time of year when football rolls around. We love making a big pot of chili and inviting our friends over for a terrific day of watching football, cheering on our favorite teams, and enjoying each other’s company.
A recent study by the National Football League revealed that 47% of their fan base consists of females. More people watched the last Super Bowl than watched the Grammys, Oscars, and Emmys combined. 73 out of the top 100 most viewed television programs last year were NFL games.
Women have also gotten into playing and being good at Fantasy Football. It’s a blast, plus I truly get a kick out of beating Dean. You are missing the boat, Lori. Watching football is a ton of fun. Be open-minded, have Jim teach you some things about the game, and join in. You might come to realize that you really like it.
Have a question for Jan & Dean? Go to www.wavesgalveston.com & ask away. You just might have your question answered next month.
C hallenge rivia
FOCUS
ON FITNESS
Shaye Henderson, BSN, M.Ed., M.S., Instructor at Bent On Healthy Living Wellness Center, 2910 53rd Street, Galveston
Why We Need the Great Good of Nature More Than Ever
Over the course of my day, I check on the 3-month-old orphaned opossum I’m serving as surrogate mom to, put out homemade squirrel block on our treehouse for the neighborhood squirrels, go to my barn to feed and love on my horse, feed the turtles in the pond at the pasture, leave food and water out for the sweet cottontail barn bunny who has been coming out of hiding while I’m there to get fed and now has a litter of her own behind the barn she shared with me last week, check on my baby opossum several more times throughout the day, then in the evening get her out to teach her to hunt for insects and put her nutritionally balanced foods in her enclosure for her nightly foraging, put food out for the random stray cat or three who frequent our backyard deck at night, and leave out food for the several opossums who call our shrubbery home, one of which is disabled and severely emaciated…but we are working to fix him.
A benefit of the animal husbandry I busy myself with is the amount of time I get to be outside with nature. I get to feel the sunshine on my body, feel the wind moving across my face, see the pelicans diving for fish in Offatts Bayou, and hear the hummingbirds dive-bombing each other as they compete for the abundant nectar at their feeding station.
It occurred to me the other day that being immersed in nature daily has some powerful effects on me as a human. Science — and common sense — tells us that nature plays an essential role in human wellbeing. It’s not just about pretty views; it’s about how our bodies and minds respond to being in natural surroundings.
Nature as Stress Relief
Think about the last time you took a walk outside after a stressful day. Didn’t the tension seem to melt a little? Studies confirm that being in natural environments lowers cortisol, the stress hormone. Simply seeing greenery or hearing water trickle in a fountain has a calming effect. It’s no wonder hospital rooms with views of trees are linked to faster recovery rates. Our brains and bodies are wired to relax when we’re close to nature.
HEALTH & FITNESS
A Boost for the Mind
Have you ever noticed how your thinking clears after a walk outside? That’s not your imagination. Psychologists call it “attention restoration.” In our tech-driven lives, our brains are constantly juggling screens, notifications, and noise. Nature gives our minds a rest. Looking at trees or sitting by the ocean allows the brain to shift into a softer, more reflective mode. The result? Better focus, sharper memory, and even more creativity. Many writers, scientists, and artists swear by long walks outdoors for sparking fresh ideas.
Physical Health Benefits
The physical perks are just as compelling. Natural settings encourage movement: a stroll through the neighborhood, a hike, even gardening. These activities not only strengthen muscles and joints but also improve heart health. Sunlight, in moderation, boosts vitamin D, which helps maintain healthy bones and immune function. And let’s not forget how fresh air and exercise outdoors improve sleep quality. A body that moves in nature is a body that thrives.
Building Connections
There’s also something deeply social about natural spaces. Think of community parks, hiking trails, or even backyard barbecues. Green spaces bring people together. They reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially for older adults. Neighbors chatting while walking their dogs or families picnicking under the shade of a tree build bonds that urban environments sometimes struggle to support.
A Sense of Something Bigger
On a deeper level, nature often stirs feelings of awe. Standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon or even gazing up at a starry sky reminds us that we’re part of something larger than ourselves. This sense of wonder can provide comfort during stressful times, offering a perspective and a sense of grounding. For many, these moments in nature nurture the spirit as much as the body and mind.
Bringing Nature to You
The good news is you don’t need a mountain retreat to enjoy these benefits. Small, everyday steps can make a difference. A walk around the block, tending to houseplants, or even sitting near a sunny window can boost mood and well-being.
Our seawall provides an excellent backdrop for tuning into nature. And those with yards might consider devoting some time regularly to planting flowers or vegetables.
A Prescription We Can All Fill
Doctors in some countries are now “prescribing” time in nature as part of treatment plans for stress, anxiety, and chronic illness. That might sound surprising, but when you think about it, it makes perfect sense. Nature doesn’t just decorate our lives — it sustains them. It’s one of the most accessible, affordable, and enjoyable ways to care for our health.
So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider stepping outside. Notice the air against your skin, the colors around you, the quiet hum of life beyond human noise. In those moments, nature is doing what it has always done: reminding us to breathe, to heal, and to simply be. And if you can, remember the critters outside are forever grateful for fresh water and a little food to help them get through tough days.
Shaye Henderson, BSN, M.Ed., M.S., Instructor at Bent On Healthy Living Wellness Center, 2910 53rd Street, Galveston
Join us in historic downtown Galveston for
featuring over
kids zone and fun! POP 2000 TOUR WITH CHRIS KIRKPATRICK OF *NSYNC, O-TOWN, RYAN CABRERA & LFO SAT, OCT 25 | 8 PM
Who says #Throwbacks are reserved for Thursdays? This show delivers the TRL moments that will bring you right back to the early 2000s!
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
Nova is a gorgeous female 1-year-old Black Labrador / Retriever who has been living at GIHS since May. Nova will have you smitten with one gaze! Her puppy-dog eyes are simply mesmerizing. Nova loves to walk, eat hotdogs, and splash around in the water. Nova would love the opportunity to lie by your feet and keep you company for a lifetime. Come meet her!
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 Nova 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 Nova, 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
Greetings, Wavers!
When I was a child, I loved the feel of staying at a historic hotel. It always felt like I was stepping into a time capsule. Each building tells a unique story through its architecture and design. These places offer an authentic glimpse into a bygone era.
History
From the ornate moldings to the wonderful stories of the hotels, our Island has a colorful history. It allows us to appreciate the beautiful hotels of the past as well as the present generation. Let’s take a short trip down history lane.
The Buccaneer Hotel
The Buccaneer Hotel held its grand opening on May 1, 1929. It was the late 1920s when William L. Moody, Jr. and his associates hired Galveston architect Andrew Fraser to design the new beachfront hotel. It would be along Seawall Boulevard between 22nd and 23rd streets. It was owned by the Moody family’s National Hotel Company. Each of the 440 rooms in the 11-story Buccaneer had a beautiful, clear view of the Gulf. At the time, it was the second-tallest building in Galveston.
“This hotel is flaunting its beauty to the skies. From the top of the hotel, you’ll get a better view than an aviator. Every room has pure distilled ice water, and a ceiling fan… the hotel can provide excellent seafood cuisine, a sun parlor, sunbathing on the roof, a garage across the street, a ballroom and convention hall, recreation rooms, and an indoor putting green,” the Galveston Daily News.
Fun Fact: The hotel had implemented a new feature called a laundry chute.
One of the Buccaneer’s unique features that made it a children’s favorite was a modern radio broadcasting studio on the second floor of the
hotel called KLUF. It was the call sign for an AM radio station on 1400 kHz. The station aired a children’s show every Saturday morning, with local child songstress Kate Martelli.
“The boys in the local merchant marine would pick up the station and request her songs,” - the Galveston Daily News.
Staying on the Buccaneer’s second floor, the station changed its call sign to KILE in 1957 and later to KHCB, becoming a Houston Christian Broadcasters station with a Spanish Christian format.
Galveston residents were likely to rub shoulders with the Moodys or the Maceos, who lived on the third floor of the hotel for years. Numerous local and national celebrities also had extended stays. The hotel was an integral part of the busy social swing of Galveston in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s.
In the 1960s, the hotel was sold and transformed into a retirement center that gradually fell into disrepair. Facing mounting costs for upkeep and bringing it to code, the structure was demolished on New Year’s Day in 1999.
Kate Martelli, who had made her singing debut at the Buccaneer in 1933 as a young teenager, was chosen to press the button activating 250 lbs. of dynamite that would implode the hotel. As crowds sang, “Auld Lang Syne,” and Martelli, who was 78 years old in 1999, reprised her nostalgic tunes about Galveston. The building that was the hub of social activity on the Island was gone within seven seconds.
Fun Fact: Architectural elements salvaged from the Buccaneer Hotel were incorporated into the Buccaneer Room, an event space located in the Jockusch Building at 2029 Strand Street in downtown Galveston.
The hotel was built in 1965 by Houston banker James E. Lyon, who leased the pier for the construction.
Fun Fact: The lease rate was $185,000 annually ($1.85 million in today’s terms) for forty years.
The hotel was built on the former Pleasure Pier structure. The Pleasure Pier had closed in 1961 as a result of Hurricane Carla.
Fun Fact: The pier was initially constructed as a recreational facility for the U.S. military during World War II.
The Flagship was a 7-story, 225-room hotel. ……guests fed seagulls from the balcony, ate stuffed flounder in the Flagship’s restaurant, and watched surfers ride the waves right outside their room. If they weren’t fishing off
USS Flagship Hotel
The Buccaneer Hotel
The Flagship
FUN FACTS by thomas waggoner
their balcony, anglers loved to cast a line off the neighboring pier, sometimes sharing the space with concerts by Houston-area rock bands. Radio station KUFO sat in the hotel’s shadow; guests would walk over to request their favorite songs at its flying saucer-shaped studios. - The Houston Chronicle
KUFO was the call sign for a Galveston radio station that broadcast on 106.5 FM from 1974 to 1979.
While the Flagship withstood several storms, the hotel closed in 2008 due to severe damage caused by Hurricane Ike. The Flagship also hosted proms, conventions, weekend getaways, family vacations, honeymooners, Optimist Club meetings, senior trips, synchronized-swimming competitions, and, reportedly, Rat Packers Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
Fun Fact: One night, gun-loving rocker Ted Nugent stayed there.
In 2003, the owner, Landry’s, Inc., acquired the hotel from the Galveston Council for $500,000.
Opened in 1883, the impressive structure operated for just fifteen years before it burned to the ground in 1898. It was funded by investors in the Galveston City Railroad Company. The Beach Hotel opened during the July 4th holiday with great fanfare. Architect Nicholas J. Clayton designed the 4-story frame structure, which was built atop 300 cedar pilings anchored into the sand. The roof was painted in red and white stripes, and the building and trim were painted various shades of green. The hotel remained a popular destination, but financial difficulties led to its closing in 1895. The building had fallen into disrepair and was sold to Clarence Gueringer. Gueringer repainted the hotel’s exterior and completely renovated the interior in 1896. Despite these efforts, the hotel fell into bankruptcy the following year. After changing ownership once again, the hotel was forced to shut down.
Fun Fact: City officials discovered the hotel had been emptying raw sewage directly into the Gulf rather than using the city’s sewer line.
There was a brief re-opening in 1896 and another renovation and re-opening by Georg Korst in 1898. A mysterious fire erupted at the hotel during the early morning hours of July 1898—just before it opened for the new summer season. Although local firefighters arrived on the scene quickly, strong winds prevented their containment of the blaze. Within a short time, the entire hotel had burned to the ground. A boiler room fire was blamed for the catastrophe. Firefighters saved a restaurant and a small shop on adjacent blocks, but flames crossing another street spread to another shop and a restaurant, which were total losses. The Beach Hotel was never rebuilt.
The Tremont House is a Galveston institution dating back to 1839. During the city’s 175-year history, three different hotels have been named “The Tremont.”
The first Tremont Hotel opened in 1839, the same year the city officially incorporated. The two-story frame structure was located at the southwest corner of 23rd Street (Tremont) and Postoffice. It was considered the finest ho -
tel in the Republic of Texas when it was built, and it played host to countless social gatherings and visiting dignitaries until it was lost to a fire in 1865.
In 1872, a group of Galveston investors formed a company with the intent to rebuild the luxury hotel rivaling the finest venues in the South. Local architect Fred S. Steward was commissioned to design a grand new Tremont Hotel along 23rd Street and Church. However, only two of the four planned stories were constructed before the investors withdrew their funding. The building stood uncompleted for four years until a subsequent group of owners hired the architectural firm Clayton and Lynch to finish the job. The partners carried out Steward’s original plan, and the second Tremont Hotel opened its doors in 1877.
Fun Fact: The hotel required over 2 million bricks to construct.
During the 1980s, Galveston philanthropists and preservationists George and Cynthia Mitchell embarked on a journey to create a fashionable hotel in Galveston’s newly revitalized downtown district. The Mitchells purchased the 1879 Leon and H. Blum Building located on Mechanic (Avenue C) between 23rd and 24th Street. In 1985, they opened the island’s third Tremont Hotel at this site, where it continues to operate.
Fun Fact: It was the 1st hotel with a steam-powered passenger elevator to conveniently transport guests between floors.
San Luis Resort
The San Luis Resort in Galveston opened on June 2, 1984, on land that was once part of Fort Crockett’s historic bunkers.
Fun Fact: The facility was named Fort Crockett in honor of David Crockett, US Congressman from Tennessee and a famous Texas hero of the Battle of the Alamo.
The name San Luis was chosen with careful consideration.
Fun Fact: Other possible names included the Sintra, which was a hilltop retreat on the coast of Estoril, Portugal, the Empress, in honor of the Empress Carlotta, who was the wife of Max -
1910 Beach Hotel
Tremont House
1910 Beach Hotel
The Tremont House
San Luis Resort
KUFO
imilian, the Emperor of Mexico, and the Island City Hotel.
The group was headed by Galveston native, philanthropist, preservationist, and oilman George Mitchell. The $36 million 15-story structure boasted 244 guest rooms. Each room would have a view of the Gulf. Guests could choose from five ballrooms, enjoy the $1,000,000 swimming pool, have a drink at the lounge, and eat at the fine restaurant.
Actor and writer George Plimpton assisted nationally recognized pyrotechnics expert Felix Grucci Sr. with the “Concert in the Sky.” This resulted in a twenty-plus-minute firework display that was choreographed with music and lights.
Designed to revitalize tourism on the island, the 15-story hotel has since been acquired by Tilman Fertitta and is now part of Landry’s, Inc.. The hotel is positioned on Galveston’s Seawall, a location chosen for its views of the Gulf and its connection to Galveston’s historical past.
The Mansard House
This structure was built as a boarding house in 1912 by George C. Smith. He was a telephone operator at the Galveston Daily News. The design of the structure came from his new wife, Louise Dowling Smith. They lived there with her two children from a previous marriage. They were 14-year-old twins Louise Faye and Louis Holmes.
Opening on February 1, 1913, each room was very modern for the time. Furnished guest rooms had southern exposures; each featured washstands with hot and cold running water, private bath tubs, as well as electric call bells, and “speaking tubes” to communicate with other areas of the house.
Fun Fact: It also offered the luxury of an ice water faucet on each floor.
In 1926, Holmes sold the house and all of its furniture to Jessie Belle Cather Perry, a widow who had lost her husband during the 1919 Spanish Flu epidemic.
Though the new owner initially renamed the establishment the Paramount, after two years, people simply referred to it as Perry’s Place. The building kept the name Perry’s Place as a boarding house through the early 1970s. It later had a rebirth as an
FUN FACTS
antique store. Then, Norman Jones purchased the property in 1996.
Fun Fact: Among the interested investors who asked about the property was one of Galveston’s most notorious figures, millionaire Robert Durst. This was just before his 2003 acquittal in the murder trial of his neighbor Morris Black.
Over the years, tales of hauntings and Satanic rituals developed. One popular tale relates how a former child resident was chased out of a second-story window of the house. This had evolved from an incident when a group of teenage trespassers dared one of their group to jump from the window. Luckily, the boy was unharmed.
Mayflower Inn
The building was originally known as the S.S. Galveston Motel. It was later rebranded as the Mayflower Inn. It was constructed in a Streamline Moderne architectural style in 1941.
The ship-shaped S.S. Galveston Court Hotel opened in 1941. The proprietors were the Hill Brothers - James, Claude, and L.A. - who just months prior had opened the Hills Restaurant at 15th and Seawall (on the lot now occupied by Saltgrass Steakhouse).
Located between 8th and 9th Streets with an address of 802 Seawall Boulevard, the S.S. Galveston Court featured twenty-six furnished units in the most modern of style; one, two, and three room options included efficiency kitchens and a living area. The apartments were arranged in the shape of an ocean-going vessel, complete with a smokestack, anchor, and even a bridge.
Fun Fact: “S.S. Galveston” was painted on the hull to complete the illusion. Construction costs totaled $100,000, which would put it at $1.7 million to construct today.
The novelty of the project was indeed magnetic, and the S.S. Galveston drew a lot of attention, quickly becoming a first choice for many vacation-goers. After only two years, the Hill Brothers sold the property to Magdalena Reynolds on December 21, 1943. Less than three months later, Reynolds was sold again to a man named Angelo Caravegeli on March 11, 1944. The announcements of both of these transactions in their respective newspaper marveled that the purchase exceeded $100,000, but in actuality, that was no more than it had cost to build.
The last publicly acknowledged owner of the building was Bruce Farmer in the late 1960s, and the business remained steadily in operation through several other owners even as the building began to age. One particular deed transfer in the 1990s changed the name of the ship hotel to the Mayflower Inn, although the new owners did allow the “S.S. Galveston” to remain proudly emblazoned on the ship hull.
Snort Hotel Apartments
Fun Fact: Many people often confuse The Mayflower Inn (aka the S.S. Galveston) with the S.S. Snort, which was also located on the seawall, a few blocks away between 12th and 13th Streets.
This hotel has always been my favorite! They chose “Galvez Hotel” for the namesake of Galveston Island, Bernardo de Gálvez. The Hotel Galvez opened in June 1911.
Galveston civic leaders began plans to build the Hotel Galvez in 1898, after a fire destroyed the Beach Hotel that same year. After the devastating Hurricane of 1900, which
Hotel Galvez
The Mansard House
The Mayflower Inn
The Galvez
killed approximately 6,000 Galveston Island residents and leveled most of the buildings on the island, the plans accelerated in order to draw tourists back to the island. The hotel occupies the site where the Beach Hotel, Electric Pavilion, and Pagoda Bathhouse once stood. The hotel was designed by Mauran, Russell & Crowell of St. Louis, Missouri, in a combination of Mission Revival and Spanish Revival styles and was constructed at a cost of $1 million.
The original Hotel Galvez was a Spanish Colonial Revival-style building, with an eight-story center section and two six-story wings. There were 275 guest rooms, and 225 had private baths. The interior was lavishly decorated. The basement and first floor of the hotel were occupied by a variety of shops, including a jewelry store, bar, restaurant, barbershop, soda fountain, and candy store.
A basic single room without a bathroom was available for $2 per night or $12 per week, or with a bathroom for $2.50 per night or $16 per week.
Fun Fact: Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Richard Nixon stayed there. Roosevelt even made the Galvez his official Summer White House in 1937 and spent the season fishing offshore on his yacht, the U.S.S. Potomac.
W.L. Moody III, son of Galveston’s legendary cotton magnate and chairman of Affiliated National Hotels, acquired two parcels of land in 1939. It was at 6th Street and Broadway. His goal for the land was to build a motor court that would be named the Jack Tar.
Fun Fact: The suites were named after the wealthy oil owners from Texas who often came to stay.
“W.L. Moody had hired a man named Ed Leach, back when the Jack Tar was still just a motor court. Leach was a bouncer at Sui Jen, which later became the Balinese Room, and he had exposure to that glamorous lifestyle by meeting some of the big Hollywood stars who performed there. W.L. Moody hit on the idea that if you linked swimming pools and Hollywood, you’d feel kind of like a millionaire, even if you really weren’t.” - Historian Guy Carwile, a professor of architecture at Louisiana Tech University.
Fun Fact: Ed Leach’s connections to the Balinese Room brought wealthy and famous clients like George Burns and Frank Sinatra over to the restaurant and bar at the Jack Tar Hotel.
After changing hands several times, the hotel was purchased in 1983 by Roberto Lee, who ran into financial problems and tried to sell the hotel again. He had purchased a lot of insurance and tried to have the hotel burned down.
There was an investigation. It was discovered that Lee had plotted an arson to collect the insurance money. He was eventually convicted of conspiracy to commit arson and mail fraud in 1989. The city wanted it destroyed because it was an eyesore. It was demolished in 1988.
This boutique-style hotel was built in 1866 by Lewis W. Carr. The land was originally purchased from merchant, banker, and Galveston real estate owner, E. B. Nichols.
In 1870, the house was first sold to former Texas Governor Richard Coke. He used the Galveston estate as his summer home while helping to establish what is now Texas A&M. In 1876, the house was purchased by
Horace Sloan & Jane Austin. It was sold again in 1889 to Herman & Bertha Marwitz, who purchased the property as a gift to their daughter and new son-in-law, Ida & John Gross.
Surviving the Great Galveston Storm of 1900, the Carr Mansion is one of the few remaining landmarks representing Galveston Island’s earliest building boom.
Fun Fact: In 1902, during the raising of the island, the estate was raised 8 feet. New steps and a pair of lions were added to finish out the elevation change.
The Gross family owned the property through 1950, and for the following five decades, Carr Mansion was used as a church, boarding home, and private residence. After years of neglect, the estate was sold in 1997 and converted into a tropical-themed lodge in 1998 called the Mermaid & Dolphin Boutique Inn.
Fun Fact: The inn was featured in Galveston’s Historical Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Tour in 1999, as well as HGTV’s “Secret Gardens of Galveston” for their tropical garden tour.
In 2017, the estate was purchased by an Austin-based investor team led by Clay Carter, and work began to make Carr Mansion a modern, beautifully designed destination for Galveston travelers.
“Growing up in Houston, Texas, I have fond memories of going down to Galveston to visit the strand, as well as the ocean, and it is a truly special place,” - Clay Carter, Carr Mansion’s lead investor.
Fun Fact: Every bedroom has been named after a particular individual who has shared their life with the estate through the years.
Wavers, I hope you have enjoyed this trip down history lane! Be sure to take time to relax with friends and enjoy our beautiful Island.
Until next time...
Thomas Waggoner
Jack Tar Hotel
Carr Mansion
Jack Tar Hotel Carr Mansion
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
McNeal’s Tavern & Eatery
I have never visited Ireland. Somehow, in all my travels, I have missed that Emerald Isle. I have, however, spent much time in Boston and the Northeastern USA, where countless Irish immigrants have settled for several generations and have preserved their culture and cuisine, the best that any of us can do in this great melting pot called the USA.
While I do not profess to be knowledgeable about Irish food beyond Shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash, I do confess to enjoying many a pint of Guinness beer and hearty camaraderie in some dark and smoky pubs, including our own island gem O’Malley’s on Postoffice Street. While that certainly qualifies as dark and smoky and allows me an occasional Black & Tan beer and some good conversation, it lacks a true Irish kitchen.
Therefore, I have eagerly awaited the opening of McNeal’s Tavern in the strip center on Seawall Boulevard that formerly housed the Pit Stop BBQ restaurant. After what seemed an eternity navigating through the Galveston bureaucracy, construction delays, and a few start-up bumps that were quickly overcome, they finally opened their doors to an enthusiastic crowd.
A part of a small chain (there is only one other location in
Big BITES
Plano, Texas), I was very pleasantly surprised on my first visit. Encouraged by the recent positive reviews, I dropped in with a Louisiana friend for lunch. As he generally frowns upon anything that lacks crawfish and spice, I figured he would be a good litmus test to offset my eat-everything modus operandi.
A generous parking lot offers easy access off busy Seawall Blvd. Upon entering the restaurant, we were immediately greeted by a very personable and knowledgeable gentleman offering us a choice of seating.
We arrived at an off hour, but the restaurant was reasonably busy. To my great relief, it was a very comfortable temperature, and the surroundings were pleasant but more of an anywhere sports bar vibe rather than the stereotypical Irish Pub I was expecting. Not having first-person knowledge of what a modern
pub might look like in Dublin, I am not a good judge of the decor. It was modern, clean, and well organized with a large dining area and a rather modest bar along one wall.
After being seated at a comfortable table, that same gentleman brought us menus and took our drink orders. Brandon, our server, was very knowledgeable and patiently answered our questions and guided our selections. I was leaning towards the Bangers & Mash, but was advised it was a huge portion, and the Brat Bomb might be a better fit for my medium appetite. My dining partner, upon hearing it was a generous portion, immediately selected the former.
After a short wait and pleasant conversation about the restaurant’s background and history, our food arrived. The portion sizes of both dishes were quite large. Clearly, my Brat Bomb was going to be more than I could eat. Across the table, Jim’s Banger & Mash was a formidable mountain of food with two extremely plump sausages over mashed potatoes with a delicious brown onion gravy.
My Brat Bomb was more akin to a classic Italian sausage with onions and pepper, but with bratwurst slices instead of Italian sausage. It was served with a mountain of excellent French-fried potatoes.
Was it good?
Certainly - but not exactly what I was expecting. The same observation was made regarding the Banger & Mash dish. It was properly constructed and delicious, but with the beefy onion gravy, it seemed to be more of a German wurst plate.
All of the food was excellent, and I would order again without hesitation, but I also want to explore the menu to see if some other entrées are more representative of my perception of Irish pub grub.
There are plenty of choices on their extensive and well-organized menu. The menu opens with a selection of small plates and shareable dishes that are fairly standard, with a couple of exceptions, including Scotch eggs that do not appear on many local menus and are always a special treat. Also, they offer a heaping poutine that garners good reviews and is also not a common menu item in Galveston.
The next section is burgers and sandwiches, including the aforementioned Brat Bomb. A pretty good selection includes a classic Reuben, fish, meatball, chicken, and others, all served with those delicious fries or a salad.
The main dishes are listed and described under “Specialties”. These include Mahi Mahi and brisket tacos, several pasta dishes with seafood and veggie options, and two steak selections, including a 16-oz Angus ribeye and an 8-oz filet. Traditional Tex -
as-style chicken-fried chicken and chicken-fried steak will keep the cowboys happy while I continue to explore the Irish entrees, including their fish & chips and Shepherd’s pie.
Be certain to also check out their daily blackboard specials.
Soups and salads are well represented with tortilla and lentil soups. A Caesar salad, a wedge salad, and a Texas quinoa salad are available with a choice of several protein add-ons if you wish.
This is one of the few full-service restaurants that are open for breakfast. They have a very complete breakfast menu that offers sausage & biscuits, several Mexican specialties, omelettes, pancakes, waffles, French toast, eggs Benedict, and skillet combinations, but strangely only one traditional Irish breakfast plate.
A succinct but complete weekday happy hour menu offers finger foods and drink specials and ensures a lively crowd.
So that is about it. Lots of entrées and choices that are familiar but not necessarily Irish-derived. I am not complaining. Everything I have tried is delicious, and care has been taken to accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements. However, I cannot help but wonder, where are those hearty Irish stews and soda bread? Perhaps they rotate on the daily specials.
Handicapped accessibility is very good, and there is plenty of free off-street parking. Huge portions, reasonable prices, full-service bar, and excellent service. Not exactly what I thought it might be, I think it is a perfect addition to our increasingly diverse island dining scene.
One of only a few late-night dining options in Galveston.
Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM every day.
Breakfast Hours: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM weekdays, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Saturday & Sunday.
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
Huevos Rancheros
2 Eggs, a side of refried beans, fried corn tortillas with cheese all topped with fresh salsa and avocado. Served with warm corn tortillas.
ShyKatz 1528 Avenue L (409) 770-0500
October 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
Breakfast at McNeal’s
Rise & Shine, Galveston! Breakfast hits at 8AM sharp. Pancakes, breakfast tacos, and all the good stuff. Dine in, dash out, or double up. Your morning, your way.
McNeal’s Tavern and Eatery 6612 Seawall Blvd. (409) 515-9119
Snapper Piccata
Pan-seared snapper piccata topped with two grilled Gulf shrimp. Served on a bed of angel hair pasta, alongside seasonal vegetables.
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
October Featured Dishes
Churro Bites
New! Golden, crispy, and dusted with just the right amount of cinnamon-sugar, our Churro Bites are bite-sized delights that pack big flavor. Each piece is perfectly fried for a light crunch on the outside and a soft, doughy center. Served warm with Salted Caramel drizzle.
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
LONE STAR RALLY Revving Up For 2025!
November 6th-9th Galveston, Texas
Photos courtesy of Zach Tate,Renee Hartfield, & Joanna Valliere
LONE STAR RALLY RETURNS TO GALVESTON!
RALLY INFORMATION
For many motorcycle enthusiasts around the country, the month of November means one thing: time to head to Galveston, Texas for the Lone Star Rally!
In its 26th year, the country’s largest 4-day motorcycle event, Lone Star Rally, attracts as many as 400,000 riders and revellers from every state in the US, and some international travellers as well. With a strong sense of community and camaraderie, the Lone Star Rally has long been a favorite destination not just for motorcycle riders and vendors catering to the motorcycle market, but also for those who appreciate a large-scale event that brings people together to celebrate the freedom and spirit of adventure that motorcycles represent.
Even musicians like Whey Jennings, who has performed at several past Lone Star Rally events, admit it’s the people that draw him back to Galveston every year.“Everyone there in Galveston is so nice. From the residents I meet, to the people working there, to the people from all over the US. I bring my wife and kids with me when I play Lone Star Rally, and they love it too. It’s such a laid-back atmosphere, and with the beach right there, it’s a great time,” Jennings said.
Hundreds of music artists have graced Lone Star Rally’s two official stages over the years. Performances have included national and international stars from Charlie Daniels and Lee Greenwood to Brett Michaels and Vince Neil. The stages have also held regional Texas and local Houston/Galveston acts like Kevin Fowler, Pat Green, The Mighty Orq, Susan Hickman, and many more. This year’s Rally promises to deliver another outstanding line-up of music artists from
a variety of genres, including rock and country tribute acts, original and cover bands performing free concerts from noon to midnight each day. Returning to Lone Star Rally for opening night festivities will be Kevin Fowler on Nov 6th on the downtown Miller Lite Stage. Other acts include headliners Jackyl, Montgomery Gentry, and Creed Fisher (with special Veteran’s Day week tributes), as well as dynamic tribute acts, Lone Star Skynyrd (Lynyrd Skynyrd) and 80’s rock tribute, Hairball, on their 25th-anniversary tour. Also returning to the Lone Star stages are local Houston/Galveston-based bands Tilluride and Zach Tate along with Lone Star favorites, emcees Jay Allen and Lisa Ligon.
A spectacle of tailpipe thunder, LED lights, and motorcycle machine magic, Lone Star Rally is a free event and requires more than one day to absorb all there is to see and do. Rally events, vendors, and shows occupy two main areas stretching from 17th to 25th streets, Harborside to Mechanic in downtown Galveston, and on The Seawall from 21st to 25th streets. Loaded with retail and food vendors, displays, special event areas, two official live concert stages, food trucks, and open-air beverage bars, Lone Star Rally has something for everyone.
Kevin Fowler JACKYL
Zach Tate
Pier 21 Chopper Show
You don’t have to love motorcycles or ride one to enjoy the Rally. Families and non-motorcycle riders are welcome to take part in all that Lone Star Rally has to offer. Free Custom-built motorcycle exhibitions from Choppers to every version of Harley Davidson you can imagine, to historical displays of classic motorcycles are scattered around the Rally areas (visit LoneStarRally.com for exact locations, dates, and times of all events and shows). A two-day classic car and hot-rod show also happens on the Harborside pier overlooking the ship channel. Car and motorcycle, audio and visual accessory booths, and events are happening throughout the rally as well. A Tattoo contest, custom bike building exhibitions, the annual Miss Lone Star Rally contest, and the Outlaw Dave Ranch Ride and Parade through the streets of Galveston are all part of the Lone Star Rally extravaganza.
Even if bikes and cars aren’t really your ‘thing’, the Island of Galveston and all its shops and restaurants, not to mention 30 miles of beach, are all open and ready to serve Lone Star Rally attendees with the world-class food and historic destination service they’ve become known for around the globe.
Shopping the vendor booths, taking in a music show at the Miller Lite Stage at Saengerfest Park or the Progressive Beach Central Stage lawn (you can bring beach chairs and blankets) or just walking The Strand to marvel at both the historic architecture and literally thousands of motorcycles lining the streets of downtown Galveston are just a few ways to spend quality time at the legendary Lone Star Rally in the world-famous town of Galveston.
Visit: LoneStarRally.com for specific event times, dates, and locations.
Outlaw Dave Lisa Ligon
Jay Allen Pier 21 Car Show Miss Lonstar Rally Vendors
CURTAIN GOING UP
By: Paul Hager
KUDOS TO ACT THREE GALVESTON - OUR NEWEST PERFORMANCE COMPANY
This month, we focus our spotlight on another new performance company based here on the island, ACT THREE GALVESTON [A3G], whose mission statement reads: ‘Our mission is to inspire, educate, and empower the Galveston community by providing access to high-quality theater and arts experiences. We believe in the transformative power of the arts to ignite creativity, foster cultural understanding, and unite individuals, cultivating a vibrant, inclusive artistic community for all.’
Founded by the husband and wife team of Henry Aronson and Cailín Heffernan; he being a transplanted New Yorker with she being a Galveston native, A3G has already produced three concert (minimally staged) performances of plays and musicals - LOVELESS TEXAS, an original musical written by Aronson and Heffernan, NOISES OFF by Michael Frayn, heralded by critics as ‘a masterpiece of farce’, and A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, Stephen Sondheim’s opus about the complexities of love and regret. Next on the bill in October is THE UNINVITED by Tim Kelly, a classic haunted house story. [See LISTINGS for dates, times, and location]
For those unfamiliar with the term concert performance, also known as a staged reading or concert version, it is a strippeddown presentation focusing on dialogue, with minimal or no sets, costumes, and little staging or choreography. Performers often stand or sit in fixed positions, delivering their lines as they would in a concert, allowing for a focus on the text and actors’ vocal performances rather than complex theatrical elements. By removing visual and kinetic distractions, a concert format allows the audience to concentrate on the story and the nuances of the characters’ performances, thus giving
them an engaging “theatre of the mind” experience, where they can visualize the story as the readers’ vocal performance brings the text to life.
I was fortunate to meet Henry and Cailin and work with them in ETC’s production of MY FAIR LADY, with Henry ‘in the pit’ as our musical director and Cailin on stage playing Mrs. Pierce to my Colonel Pickering. This led to my being asked to join their company and perform in NOISES OFF with them and some of my other long-time theater family buds, plus some incredibly talented students from Galveston College’s Theatre Department, led by their Professor of Drama/Theater, Liz Lacy. What a fantastically fun wild ride that was! Now that I’ve recovered from NOISES, I’m looking forward to performing in THE UNINVITED this month.
I recently sat down with Cailin and Henry [virtually, of course!] to gain more insight into A3G:
PAUL - Both you and Henry have impressive lists of New York credits from Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. What prompted you to leave the ‘great white way’ and bring your talents to share with us here on the island?
CAILIN - Right before Covid, I was beginning to feel the need to live a little easier. Covid underlined that desire. I was busy running all over directing and it was very tiring just getting from point A to point B. Also, as I was getting older, I looked back on the gift of a diverse and unusual career path. I studied at HB under Herbert
PAUL HAGER
PAUL HAGER
PAUL HAGER
Berghof, took classes with Terry Schreiber, Vivian Matalon, Salem Ludwig and spent seven years at the Actors Studio. I have been mentored by Sir Peter Hall, Vivian, Salem, Stephen Porter, Bob Kalfin and Dania Krupska. My career had been as a professional ballet dancer then actor then director. I was classically trained in dance, acting, dialects, period movement/manners/morés, mime, some obscure methods in Dalcroze and Delsarte and even some contemporary Kabuki as well as mask work. I never stopped studying my crafts. I feel the deep desire to share these gifts that had been bestowed on me, sometimes from a first-generation student of that art form and sometimes straight from the progenitor of that technique. My talented and artistic family members kept urging Henry and myself to relocate here, not only for my complaints of how difficult transportation was becoming, but also because they felt we might be of some slight use here.
HENRY - Having lived my entire life in Brooklyn, NY, and spent my career working primarily in Manhattan, I was well-accustomed to the bustle of life in New York City. However, I did feel that the time had come for a slightly more relaxed pace, but I could only see myself living in a place that offered a rich and stimulating cultural and educational life. As we discussed the possibility of moving, my primary question was always “What will I do?”. Turns out, Galveston is the perfect solution, offering so many activities and cultural outlets that I don’t even have time to do them all. I’ve been very happy to find creative outlets for myself in the Galveston Community Chorale, Island ETC, the Galveston Symphony, teaching and studying at OLLI, and at places on the mainland such as the Jet-Pac in Houston; I’ll even be conducting White Christmas this winter at TUTS. We love attending performances at the Grand, Galveston College, and elsewhere, as well as the yoga and exercise classes, coffee shops, art galleries, restaurants, and museums; the people here are very alive and involved, and there’s a lot to learn everywhere you go. Now, if I just have to find some time to get down to the beach!
PAUL - So far, your productions have been plays and musicals. What other types of ‘arts experiences’ are in the wings for the future?
St. Ann’s Warehouse, the Polonsky Center, BAM and the Park Avenue Armory’s offering of unusual, international, and intriguing theatre to most of the commercial theatre happening on Broadway, not counting inventive works like Hamilton, Hadestown, Great Comet, and War Horse. I was just beginning to delve into puppetry, and I have a curiosity to see what could be done with silks for a piece that I want to write. I am open to inspiration, so who knows where this could lead.
CAILIN - I was ecstatically involved in some very “out of the box” theater ventures, such as immersive work, guerrilla street theatre, and non-traditional venues such as museums, taverns, parks… I adore the idea of theatre being omnipresent. In fact, Henry and I preferred
PAUL - Your company has performed in a variety of island venues such as the Bryan Museum, Galveston College theater’s stage, and the Ball High Theater. Are there any plans [or hopes and dreams] of having a venue to call your own and/or to mount fullscale productions?
CAILIN - As to my own venue, I am not actively looking to expand into my own space and do full productions, but as A3G’s company of talent grows (and we’ll have worked with 50 artists this year alone) and works as an ensemble, what we will be able to do physically in our “pared down” concert productions will end up surprising many. We are like the Menier Chocolate Factory in London, only even more so. We work quickly, one to two weeks, and are able to have a six-month season of a variety of offerings. I hope to do three musicals: an original or obscure one, a big musical that is not often mounted due to costs, and a third that is either featuring a guest celebrity or is a challenging piece. And for plays, it is planned to do a laugh-riot comedy, an eerie October piece, and a piece to help stretch our audience as well as ourselves - be it classical, tragedy, or something brand new. Meanwhile, we support all our fellow artistic, cultural, educational, and social collaborators, partners and allies quite happily.
Whether you’re a casual theater-goer or a complete theater fanatic like me, and you have yet to experience a concert-style performance, why not give one a try by attending A3G’s production of THE UNINVITED this October?
ON THE BOARDS [Currently playing] ISLAND
[East-End Theatre Company]
TWELVE ANGRY MEN
By Reginald Rose
September 19 - October 4, 2025 - 8:00 PM https://www.islandetc.org/
A3G [Act Three Galveston]
THE UNINVITED
By Tim Kelly, from the novel by Dorothy Macardle
October 18, 2025 - 8:00 PM and October 19, 2025 - 2:00 PM
1929 Scottish Rite Cathedral - 2128 Church Street https://www.act3galveston.org/
COM THEATRE [College
of the Mainland Theatre]
CHEMICAL IMBALANCE: A JEKYLL AND HYDE PLAY by Lauren Wilson
October 30, 2025 – November 16, 2025 - 7:30 PM and 2:30 PM https://www.com.edu/community-theatre/
BAYTOWN LITTLE THEATRE [BLT]
THE OUTSIDER
By Paul Slade Smith
September 26 - October 5, 2025 - 8:00 and 2:30 PM
https://baytownlittletheater.org/
THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE
FLAMENCO VIVO CARLOTA SANTANA
October 4, 2025 - 8:00 PM
GALVESTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
October 12, 2025 - 4:00 PM
LYLE LOVETT AND HIS LARGE BAND
October 13 - 14, 2025 - 7:30 PM
ARToberFEST
October 18 and 19, 2025 - 10:00 AM
POP 2000 TOUR
October 25, 2025 - 8:00 PM
http://www.thegrand.com
CLEAR CREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE
IN THE WINGS [Opening Soon]
THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE
BLITHE SPIRIT
By Noel Coward
October 17 - 19, 2025 - 8:00 PM
https://clearcreekcommunitytheatre.com/
SILENT FILM: HITCHCOCK’S “THE LODGER” WITH ROB LANDES
November 1, 2025 - 7:00 PM
MUTTS GONE NUTS – UNLEASHED!
November 2, 2025 - 3:00 PM
PHILANTHROVISION GALVESTON: ART + CULTURE EDITION 2025
November 13, 2025 - 6:00 PM
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS
November 14, 2025 - 8:00 PM
MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 2: CRUISING THROUGH ‘THE CHANGE’ By Jeanie Linders
November 23, 2025 - 4:00 PM http://www.thegrand.com/
STANDING OVATION THEATRE
DEATHTRAP
By Ira Levin
October 10-12 and 17-19, 2025 - 7:30 PM and 2:30 PM https://standingovationtheatre.org/home-page
PURPLE BOX THEATRE
The Prisoner of Second Avenue by Neil Simon http://www.thepurpleboxtheater.com/
PAUL HAGER
PAUL HAGER
Music Profile
Texas Tydings
The word troubadour gets applied to just about anyone with a guitar and a song these days, rarely carrying the romance and mystery of its origin, describing old-world travelling poets putting their heartfelt words and true-life experiences to music. One is hard-pressed to find such a person in the current climate of AI’s imposter applications and social-media imitators. Perhaps close to the mark is Galveston singer-songwriter, Jordan Tydings (AKA Tydings), whose cobblestone path of life has taken him from busking in the streets of small-town Czechia (The Czech Republic) with his violin-making father, mother and three sisters to opening for Sublime in Odessa, Texas with his band, Thread Belly, to playing solo acoustic gigs at some of Galveston’s best live music venues like Waterman’s and Indie’s Coffee Bar.
“I don’t regret anything in the past. God has allowed my life to chisel me for a purpose: loving people through my music,” Tydings said.
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1986, the Tydings family moved to northern California just one year later and traveled much of the northern U.S., pursuing his sister’s violin playing at various competitions and festivals.
Around 1991, Tydings’ family moved to the Czech Republic to do missionary work. Without much money, the young Tydings recalled frequently having to retrieve water from a nearby river and boiling it to drink. Helping make ends meet, he and his father, mother, and sisters played bluegrass music on the street as a way to make money and hone their craft. While the experience had its educational value, Tydings said he frequently felt overshadowed by the attention his sisters would get from his father.
“My first instrument was violin. But once my sisters started playing it, they got more attention. So, I started playing mandolin. I also wasn’t allowed to sing. I would get a look from my father if I sang. We were in the depths of poverty, but my dad took my sisters to the best teachers for violin,” Tydings said.
Revealing emotionally difficult truths about his life are recurring themes in Tydings’ songs, but he wouldn’t have it any other way, he said. In his song “The Only Person” (listen on Spotify), Tydings’ personal story of what he perceived as his father’s disapproval of him as a musician is evidence that truth in lyrics frequently makes for a powerful element in songwriting. He writes: “I love you more than anyone, I guess that’s why it hurts so bad. To have the only person telling me I’m not good enough… and have that person be my dad.”
“My sisters were the stars when we were performing. Even through my 20s, my dad would tell me to quit music. He used to say, ‘If you haven’t made it by the time
you’re 30, you need to stop.’ I didn’t mean to write a song about that; it just came out after a conversation with him the night before I turned 30. Turns out a lot of guys have issues with trying to please their dad,” Tydings said.
After 6 years in the Czech Republic, the Tydings family headed back to the U.S. Graduating high school in 2005 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Tydings had developed a love for metal music but also for the party atmosphere of alternative rock and reggae bands like O.A.R. and Sublime.
Drawn by the palm trees and water of Galveston, by 2009, Tydings was living in nearby Dickinson and frequently performing on the island, either solo or as a band under the moniker “Thread Belly” at venues like the now-defunct “Beach Hut” (also known for a time as “Flip Flops”) on the Seawall. A brief representation deal in 2012 with Universal Music held promise for Thread Belly with shows supporting bands like Sublime, but, like many situations in the volatile music business, it did not meet Tydings’ expectations, and he was once again back at square one, he said. Over his years in Galveston, Tydings owned or was part-owner of two different recording facilities, including Impound Studios, where he produced and engineered music for artists (himself included) in many genres from country to rap. Playing multiple instruments, Tydings said he has pulled from various influences, eventually arriving at what could only be described as an ever-evolving, eclectic sound.
In 2022, Tydings recorded at famed Sonic Ranch Studios near El Paso, releasing 6 of 9 songs, including “Everest” (listen on Spotify to the ‘Sonic Ranch Version’).
“I wanted to record songs from a notable studio and not do everything myself. Sonic Ranch is where some of my favorite artists like Whiskey Myers, Cody Jinx -
Story and Photos by Zach Tate. Additional photos courtesy Jordan Tydings.
Tydings Album Cover by Bill Tydings
The people around here are always hungry for art and usually very supportive. Most local bands seem to think it’s a competition. I wish there were more unity overall.
everyone from Ministry to Taking Back Sunday, have recorded,” Tydings said.
These days, Tydings admits to still liking hard and fast music but says he’s slowing his own songs down and going for a more “chill” sound. Edgy or laid-back, Tydings has no intention of straying from the truth in his music.
“I am who I am, and I’m going to say what I’m going to say. If my heart feels something, I’m going to put it in a song. Art is supposed to be raw, real, honestno one wants to hear fake s**t,” Tydings said.
While Jordan’s father, Bill Tydings, stopped making violins in the 1990s, and may have been the impetus for one of Jordan’s songs, he is now a painter and has shown support and appreciation for his son’s music, painting several of Tydings’ album covers.
Look for Tydings at Indies Coffee Bar on Oct 31 @ 8 pm and at Waterman’s on November 1st @ 1 pm, and on the 15th and 29th at 6 pm.
Q&A with Tydings
Zach Tate: Do you have any formal music training? Tydings: No, I’m self-taught.
ZT: What is your earliest memory of being inspired by music?
T: Watching public TV in the Czech Republic and seeing a guy rip a solo on an Ibanez guitar.
ZT: What artists did you love growing up?
T: BB King, Allison Kraus and Union Station, Bill Monroe, Mark O’Connor was a big one, Bella Fleck, Pantera, Nile, Meshuggah, heavy stuff, and lots of classical.
ZT: Where/when was the first place/time you ever performed in front of people?
T: We used to play on the streets, busking as a family in Europe and on the West Coast when we got back to the States.
ZT: Who influences you these days?
T: Uncle Acid and The Deadbeats, Hank Williams, Boreworm, old hardcore, Stomper 98, Leon Bridges.
ZT: What defines ‘good music’ in your opinion?
T: Anything that my soul vibes with, not genre specific for sure.
ZT: What is your songwriting process?
T: Either music, a melody, a chord progression, or a lyric I get in my head when I’m riding my bike or talking with a friend. Sometimes an idea comes from a movie or something. I try to be open to inspiration from anywhere.
ZT: How do you define success as it relates to being a musician?
T: Covering my bills with a little bit of extra fun money has always been my definition of success.
ZT: How often do you perform live?
T: Nowadays, only 3 or 4 times a month.
ZT: What is your opinion of the Galveston and Houston music scenes?
T: The people around here are always hungry for art and usually very supportive. Most local bands seem to think it’s a competition. I wish there were more unity overall. There are folks like Support Local Music and Punk Star Above who have really done a lot to bring unity and cross-promotion.
ZT: What are your musical goals for 2025/26?
T: Write more music and release at least 3 more singles.
ZT: Where is the best place for people to find out where you’re playing next / hear your music?
Spotify.com/tydings Instagram @tydingsmusic
FISHING on the Island
The With Chris Gonzales
Experienced Fishing Advice To Make Fishing Great Again
Serious Tackle Box
Stealth Bomber & Parachute Squids
What is meant by “Stealth Bomber & Parachute squids”?
It’s my saltwater equivalent of the B-2, where the “Bomber” is a flat black Diamond jig, the punch it supplies is in the trailing, treble-hooked parachute squids. The B-2 is flat black in color for a contributing “hide” feature during its nighttime use. So is the ultra-flat black finish on the chrome Diamond jig; it’s the only effective hide it has. The trailing parachute squids are 4-1/2” soft plastic squid skirts rigged backwards. They open into a sort of parachute shape on the retrieve to resemble a small school of prey items, silvery to clear 1 1/2” long minnows. The attempt to mimic a school of small minnows comes from the observations over the years of yellowfin and blackfin tuna having many small minnows in their stomach contents.
That “on to the next thing” can have us forgetting some of the things that worked for years. At times, the rebirth of any old rigging technique will lead to other uses. Such was the case recently when a Serious Tackle customer had great success using one of my squid-skirted Chrome Diamond jigs while fishing for yellowfin and blackfin tuna on the party boat Capt. John. About 20 years or so ago, this was a common practice, placing these 4-1/2” soft plastic squid skirts on a Diamond jig’s treble hook; one of those techniques sort of lost over the years. Needless to say, I’ve dug out my old squid-skirted Diamond jigs. Stop by and check them out.
that’s pretty close to a school of small baitfish. The glow is an added attraction near the surface or at depth. Squid skirts with some sparkle, such as blue/silver/glitter, purple/silver/glitter, or blue/silver, also work. My Diamond jigs have about a 12”, 150# mono leader that’s had my “Poor Man’s Fluorocarbon treatment” to reduce light reflection off its surface. The trailing parachute squids’ mono connection to the Diamond jig is also 150# mono with the same dulling treatment and is about 12” in length. I’ve crimped all my mono connections; you can also tie them up using knots of your choice.
Use three squid skirts for the best “baitfish school look”. After cutting off a small portion of the pointed end, insert the squid skirts into each other after moistening them for ease of stacking. The weight used for each stacked trio is an egg weight or a finesse weight that’s commonly used in bass fishing. The purpose of the finesse weight, which is really just an elongated slipsinker, is to get the “pull point” of the squid skirt stack out ahead of it for best skirt flaring. The finesse weight should also have a snug fit in the squid skirt’s cavity; those I use are 3/4 ounce, 1-1/4 inch long, and 5/16” diameter.
Once you have your skirts stacked and the finesse weight in the cavity,
Stealth Bomber & Parachute Squids
About a week before writing up my notes for this piece, a flash came to me about squid skirts and Diamond jigs. Why not rig multiple, stacked squid skirts backwards, behind a Diamond jig about a foot or so, giving that bait school look I’d thought about in the past? That evolved into the “Stealth Bomber & Parachute Squids”. The Diamond jig provided added casting weight, and when retrieved/jigged in a darting around motion, it passes on that motion to the trailing parachute squid skirts.
The ultra flat black used on the 2 oz. chromed Diamond jig is by Rust-O-Leum™ #246875 High Heat BBQ Black. This is important in that it isolates the Diamond jig from being a predator’s target because of a flash of reflected light. Naturally, when viewed from below, it will appear in silhouette, but the parachuted squid skirts should draw attention since they mimic the bait school. The squid skirts in the illustration are glow with silver and black sparkles and are by Boone™. Their light color with small silver flakes gives a look
it’s time to either crimp or tie up. Cut the 150# mono at an angle for easier insertion through the weight and squid skirts; push it through the stack and attach the treble hook to the mono. The treble hook used is an Owner™ ST-66TN, HD5666, 4X strong, in size 2/0. The 2/0 is deceiving, as this treble is about 1-1/16” between each point. After attaching the hook to the mono, moisten for safer, easier entry, and carefully pull the crimp or knot at the hook up into the first squid skirt.
Now, run a single barrel crimp down the mono till it stops at the finesse weight and snugly crimp onto the mono. This stop crimp prevents the weight and squid skirt stack from possibly sliding out of position. Before tightening the stop crimp, make sure it has about 1/16” gap between it and the weight for a bit of free movement. Next, crimp or tie the mono to the flat black Diamond jig at the proper length, and do the same with the mono leader and swivel.
When fished in the near surface area in the lights of a production platform or the boat’s, the Diamond jig and its trailing baitfish school will draw strikes if the tuna are feeding on small baitfish. Tuna, when looking from below, will see the ultra flat black Diamond jig in silhouette, but the sighting of the parachuted squid skirts (the baitfish school) should draw attention. When near a well-lit platform, cast far and work back at about 5 ft. depth. If possible, work your presentation up and down the side of the boat “in the lights”, again at depths of about 5 ft. or so. The Diamond jig’s vibrations on the sink or retrieve can be picked up by a tuna’s lateral line sensors and will next home in on the parachuted squid skirts.
I haven’t fished these parachute squid rigs yet, but their effectiveness is without question. While all this is a bit unorthodox, I am extremely confident that when tuna are feeding on small baitfish schools, they will hit this presentation.
While the Stealth Bomber & Parachute Squids rig is a niche item, it is an important one that has many use options when tuna fishing shallow, deep, with or without the ultra-flat black Diamond jig. This winter, build ‘em and use ‘em, and if you have any questions or comments, shoot me an email at chris@serioustackle.com . The bottom line is: “Tunas, beware of the Stealth Bomber & Parachute Squids ... they bite back”.
Chris Gonzales Owner - Serious Tackle
Pro Fishing Gear & Tackle
• Baits/Lures
• Custom Rods
• In-House Rod/ Reel Repair
• Reel Parts
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• Inshore/Offshore Tackle
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• Custom Splicing
HThe Beach Bum
Rally Edition
appy October, Wavers! This issue of WAVES is jam-packed with Lone Star Rally info. Rally is one of your Bum’s favorite island events, hence this special rally segment of The Beach Bum.
I was running around in my ol’ scarab the other day when I had a thought. It’s not like me to have many thoughts in a day, but here is what had me thinking.
Being a Classic Rock fan, part of the thrill of the rally is hearing the sounds, roaring bike engines, crowds, and music from all directions. I started thinking about some of my favorite tunes played by the bikers’ sound systems as they stroll through. Here are some that I ALWAYS hear multiple times a day. LOVE IT!
Tunes & Bands You WILL definitely
Hear At The Lone star Rally on the “radio”, not LIVE. (We WISH !
)
ZZ
Top
Texas legends through and through, ZZ Top’s bluesy swagger and bearded bravado are rally royalty. “La Grange” and “Sharp Dressed Man” are guaranteed crowd-pleasers, and their gritty guitar riffs feel tailor-made for chrome and leather.
Movie
Easy Rider (1969)
Directed by Dennis Hopper, starring Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, and Jack Nicholson.
Ezy Ryder
Jimi Hendrix - (1971)
This Jimi Hendrix tune was released posthumously. It first showed up on the 1971 album, The Cry of Love, and was allegedly inspired by the film, Easy Rider, from 1969. It is one of the few recordings to include both Buddy Miles on drums and Billy Cox on bass, with whom Hendrix recorded the live Band of Gypsys album in 1970. The song is timeless!
Molly Hatchet
With their hard-driving riffs and medieval biker aesthetic, Molly Hatchet carved out a place in rally culture with hits like “Flirtin’ with Disaster.” Their music is pure Southern rock adrenaline—perfect for a throttle-heavy weekend.
Celebrity Icon
Steve McQueen
Born to Be Wild Steppenwolf - (1968)
Born to Be Wild has literally become synonymous with biker culture nearly 50 years beyond the 1969 release of the movie that adopted it for its symbolic anthem. Written by Mars Bonfire and performed by the band Steppenwolf, this tune has earned its place as an iconic tribute to biker culture, as it should.
Highway to Hell AC/DC – (1979)
A smash hit from the 6th studio album of the Australian hard rock band AC/DC, Highway to Hell became AC/DC’s first LP to break the US Top 100, eventually reaching number 17, and it propelled the band into the top ranks of hard rock acts. It is the second highest selling AC/DC album (behind Back in Black) and is generally considered one of the greatest hard rock albums ever made.
Bad To The Bone
George Thorogood & The Destroyers – (1982)
George Thorogood and the Destroyers released Bad to The Bone in 1982 on the album of the same name. The song adapts the hook and lyrics of Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy”, a blues tune from 1955. It speaks for itself, I’m Bad To The Bone! The tune has become a cultural icon with play in Television shows, movie soundtracks, Sports Events, and, yes, the riders of the world.
Freebird
Lynyrd Skynyrd – (1974)
Ok. What would a bike rally be without hearing Skynyrd’s 9-minute powerhouse tune Freebird? Setting all the billboard rankings through the years aside, it achieved the No. 3 spot as the “100 Greatest Guitar Solos” of all time. It is Skynyrd’s signature song, the finale during live performances, and their longest song, often going well over 14 minutes when played live.
PLAY FREEBIRD!
Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
She’s got attitude, grit, and a voice that cuts through engine noise. “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll” and “Bad Reputation” are rally staples, and Joan Jett’s fearless style fits right in with the Lone Star crowd.
Bad Company
With hits like “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Can’t Get Enough,” Bad Company brought a bluesy edge to arena rock. Their sound is rugged and soulful, perfect for a rally crowd that appreciates grit over gloss.
BONUS: The GOATs of Biker Culture
Motorcycle Brand Harley-Davidson
Known as the “King of Cool,” McQueen was a true rider on and off screen.
Their V-twin rumble is instantly recognizable worldwide.
Book
Hell’s Angels by Hunter S. Thompson (1966) Embedded himself with the Hells Angels MC, documenting their lifestyle, clashes with society, and the mythos of outlaw bikers.
Aerosmith
From “Sweet Emotion” to “Back in the Saddle,” Aerosmith brings swagger, sleaze, and serious guitar chops. Their mix of bluesy rock and glam grit makes them a natural fit for the Lone Star crowd.
Rally Anthem
Born to Be Wild (1968) Used in Easy Rider. Forever tied to the image of roaring down the highway on two wheels.
PET PEEVES Of The Month
10 Things People (us-we
are people)
Hate
About Airports
Airports are the gateway to adventure, family reunions, and business trips. But sometimes the hurdles feel like a test of patience designed by a bored trickster god. Feel free to correct us if we are wrong (www.wavesgalveston.com/contact-us) - but these are some of the biggest airport pet peeves we have personally dealt with over the years.
1. Security Lines That Crawl - Nothing says “welcome aboard” like 45 minutes of watching shoeless strangers juggle laptops. The TSA reports average waits of 30+ minutes at peak times. Bonus points if someone forgets their water bottle and holds up the line. Every. Single. Time. (We appreciate “safety first, but we do not have to like it.)
2. Sticker Shock at Food Stands - $6 water. $18 sandwiches. $12 for a sad fruit cup. It’s all about vendor fees and lack of competition. Translation: you’re paying luxury prices for gas - station cuisine.
3. Flight Delays and Cancellations - The Bureau of Transportation Statistics says nearly 1 in 5 flights gets delayed. Weather, crew shortages, mechanical issues—pick your poison. Nothing like watching your “on - time” flight slide into an overnight camping trip. (No campfire - they took the lighter at security.) - There is always that one person who yells back at the intercom - it’s me, I am that person.)
4. The Great Power Outlet Hunt - Travelers circle the terminal like vultures, eyeing that one working plug. Travel + Leisure calls it universal. Pro tip: if you find one, guard it like it’s the last lifeboat on the Titanic. This is true with most airports. Some do a great job, but this article is not about them. Geez!
5. Loud Fellow Travelers - Expedia surveys say “loud talkers” top the list of irritations. We can personally tell you that, while we respect fellow travelers’ space and understand that we are all “human”, with human emotions and supposable love for one another, everybody needs to calm down the decibel level when speaking, especially on a phone call. No one needs to hear your workplace squabbles, or how your kid hit a homerun during the storm of the century while fighting off the Roman army and balancing a book on his head. Your child is the best - we get it - we just do not want it. We. Just. Do. Not. Care.
6. Lines for Everything - Check - in, security, coffee, bathrooms—if it exists, there’s a line. There is even a line to get in line.
7. Lost or Damaged Bags - Nothing like arriving in Houston while your underwear enjoys a solo trip to Austin. AirTags are the new travel insurance.
8. Boarding Gate Chaos - Despite zones, announcements, and signage, boarding always devolves into a rugby scrum. Airlines try, but the “gate swarm” is eternal. It’s human nature, I guess.
9. Overzealous Baggage Fees - Nothing like paying $50 to check a bag that fit in overhead storage just fine on your last 3 flights.
10. Gate Changes at the Last Minute - If you can actually make out the last-minute mumbled announcement, get ready for that cardio, baby, because they are not waiting.
11. Endless Moving Walkway Etiquette - Stand on the right, walk on the left—it’s not rocket science. Yet somehow, every moving walkway has a human barricade of people standing shoulder - to - shoulder, blocking the flow like it’s a team sport. Stay in your lane!
12. The “Hurry Up and Wait” Effect - Airports demand you arrive hours early, only to leave you sitting around with nothing to do (except buy overpriced snacks - brilliant really.) It’s the paradox of air travel: rush, rush, rush… then sit and stare at the departure board for eternity.
Do we like the irritation that 1) our fellow travelers push on us by lacking the common sense etiquette that mama should have slapped into each one of them (will not ever change), and 2) the airport system throws on us with delays, fees, gate changes, and more fees that CAN be fixed with a few process and procedure changes?
What’s really awesome - WE pay money for these irritations. A necessary evil, perhaps, but we can still fuss about it. (makes us feel better).
Note - For the Mother of all Mothers, KEEP YOUR BARE FEET OFF THE SEATING! You nasty... NO! WE DON’T LIKE THAT!
WFall Decorating The Mum
ith fall having just begun- even if you haven’t felt it yet- the urge to decorate for all the holidays grows strong! The most popular plant for fall decorating is the Mum. With the happy little faces in an array of colors, it’s easy to see why. Mums are easy to get- but not easy to keep looking beautiful.
Here are four things you can do to keep your pretty plants looking their best.
Consistent Water
This can be tricky because the plants dry out so fast. One reason for this is because there may be as many as four plants in one pot. The nurseries will pot up multiple plants to get the pots full and big fast. So, one way to help with this is to put a tray under the plant and water every day. Also, many times the posts are in full sun on concrete or a porch. Heat is reflected from these surfaces so the plants will use the water faster. Water in the morning to avoid fungus.
Fungus
By using a fungicide on the plants, you will keep them healthy. Follow the directions on the bottle. Or - read our previous article on fungus in the gardens.
Feed The Plants
As I mentioned, there are several plants competing for moisture and nutrients in the pot. By using a liquid fertilizer weekly, you will get more growth and more blooms.
Dead Head The Plants
Dead heading a plant is to remove the spent blossoms. Mums are no different than other blooming flowers. They are working to make seeds. To get more blooms, pinch or cut off the faded blooms. This will encourage new growth and more blooms.
If you follow these tips, your mums can easily last October through November- maybe longer. Once the season is over, you can plant the mums in the garden. They are perennials.
R eflections
by: John & Kathy Valastro
Galveston’s Spooky Past — and the Ghost Tours That Bring It to Life
My Island friends and visitors, are you ready to journey into the mysterious past of the island? To many, Galveston is a charming Gulf Coast city known for its Victorian architecture, salty breezes, and sandy beaches — but it holds secrets far darker than its sunny exterior suggests. Beneath the pastel-painted homes and historic mansions lies a legacy of tragedy, resilience, and paranormal activity. For those intrigued by tales of the otherworldly, Galveston’s haunted history offers a chilling yet fascinating journey through time — and its ghost tours bring these stories to life after dark.
So, journey with me on some of the most fascinating stories that make Galveston Island one of the most sought-after destinations for ghost tours. You never know what, or who, you might experience on any particular haunted journey… only if you dare!
Galveston’s ghostly past is rooted in real and often heartbreaking events. Most famously, the Great Storm of 1900 — still the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history — claimed the lives of more than 6,000 people and devastated the island. Many of the spirits said to roam the city are believed to be victims of that hurricane, forever tied to the place where their lives ended abruptly.
But the storm wasn’t the only source of tragedy. Galveston’s position as a major port in the 19th century also made it a hotspot for disease outbreaks, shipwrecks, fires, and violent crime. Yellow fever epidemics claimed countless lives, while the city’s historic Strand District was once home to saloons, brothels, and gambling halls that bore witness to their fair share of bloodshed. It’s no surprise that tales of hauntings have endured for generations.
Then there’s Ashton Villa, a majestic Victorian mansion with a ghostly reputation. Clara Harris, one of the home’s former residents, is believed to linger in spirit. Sightings of her apparition near the grand staircase and in the upstairs bedrooms have given the home its eerie reputation.
And it doesn’t end there — Galveston’s cemeteries, historic churches, and even modern shops and restaurants all have their own spectral legends.
Hauntings in Historic Places
Perhaps the most famous haunted site in Galveston is the Hotel Galvez. This grand old hotel, built in 1911, is a luxurious beachside retreat — but it is also said to be home to “The Lovelorn Lady,” the ghost of a woman who tragically took her own life while waiting for her fiancé, who never returned from sea. Guests and staff alike have reported cold spots, unexplained noises, and ghostly apparitions roaming the halls.
If you’re brave enough to explore Galveston’s haunted history firsthand, there are several ghost tours that offer spine-tingling experiences for visitors of all ages.
1. Ghost Tours of Galveston
This tour company offers multiple themed experiences, including the Original Ghost Tour on the Strand. This walking tour weaves through the historic downtown area and shares detailed accounts of hauntings, unsolved mysteries, and tragic tales. It’s informative, theatrical, and truly immersive.
2. Galveston Lantern Light Ghost Tours
Led by guides dressed in 19th-century attire and carrying lanterns, this tour takes you through some of the oldest streets and buildings in the city. The historical angle is strong here, and the stories focus on real events that left a lingering supernatural presence. Tours begin at dusk — just as the island starts to come alive with the unknown.
3. Historic Galveston Ghost Tours
This walking tour through downtown Galveston focuses on paranormal investigations and includes real ghost-hunting tools. Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras and an open mind. Whether you catch a spirit on film or just enjoy the stories, it’s a memorable evening.
Galveston’s beauty hides a darker side — one filled with untold stories, restless spirits, and echoes of the past. Whether you’re a believer or just a fan of good storytelling, exploring the island’s haunted history through a ghost tour adds an unforgettable layer to any visit. With every creaky floorboard and flickering streetlamp, Galveston reminds us that some chapters of its past refuse to stay buried.
John and Kathy Valastro
Upcycled
Cookin’ Column
2 - 4 - 6 - 8 What does Bunny appreciate? Answer : The arrival of FALL , y’all!
Yes, the crispness you feel in the Texas breezes with cooler temps, the earthy autumn colors, sweater weather, pumpkins stacked up everywhere, the fall festivals…I could go on and on. But most of all, I especially get excited about FOOTBALL! Mr. Bunny and I even have a little sign hanging in our humble hut that reads: “Football Is Our Favorite Season”.
Do you know what we love best about watching football? The FOOD , of course! It doesn’t matter which team you’re rooting for, once the snacks come out, everyone is ready to dig into the nachos or scoop themselves up a bowl of chili. Whether you set up a portable grill in the parking lot or gather your friends and family for an at-home tailgate, these recipes will definitely earn you MVP status!
LOADED SMASHED POTATOES
SUPER CRISPY smashed potatoes topped with sour cream, bacon, + chives. The easiest, most perfect bite-sized appetizer.
Ingredients
• 2 pounds baby yellow potatoes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions
• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.
• Place potatoes in a Dutch oven and cover with cold salted water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil and simmer until just tender, about 15 minutes; drain well and let cool slightly.
• Place potatoes onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a
flat dry measuring cup or glass, carefully smash the potatoes until flattened but still in one piece. Brush with olive oil; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Place into oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Sprinkle the tops of each potato with cheese; place into oven and bake until cheese has melted, an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat; transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
• Top each potato with sour cream, bacon, and chives.
• Serve immediately.
SMOKED BRISKET WITH QUESO
To really score winning points, whip up this fool-proof Smoked Brisket Queso on the grill. It is a dump-and-go recipe that will be the hit of your next BBQ or Tailgate party.
Ingredients
• 1 lb Velveeta Cheese, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 8 oz Monterrey Jack cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup Brisket cooked, chopped or shredded
Loaded Smashed Potatoes
Smoked Brisket with Queso
• 2 cans Rotel tomatoes
• 1/2 cup Beer black lager or another dark beer (Optional)
• 1 cup Cilantro chopped
• 1 tsp Sazon Con Cilantro Y Achiote (can be found on the international aisle by the Hispanic products - in packets
Topping
• 1/2 cup Tomatoes chopped
• 1/2 Jalapeño chopped
• 3 tbsp Onion chopped
• 1 tsp Cilantro chopped
Instructions
Queso
• Chop up the cheeses into one-inch cubes. This just helps it melt more evenly. Add the cheese and chopped brisket to a disposable aluminum pan.
• Add the Rotel, Cilantro, and Sazón to the pan. Pour in the rest of the ingredients.
• Set up your grill or smoker for indirect heat. For a gas grill, turn off the center burners and just heat with the ones on the end. For the Big Green Egg, add the ceramic plate setter. Dial in the temperature to about 275 degrees. This will be a low-and-slow cook.
• Add your favorite wood chips to the grill. Applewood is a good choice. More intense flavors, such as mesquite, can overpower the other flavors in this recipe.
• Stir the mix every fifteen minutes. You’ll see the cheese slowly start to melt. Don’t worry if the beer doesn’t incorporate into the cheese right away. Once the cheese is fully up to temperature, it will mix in nicely.
• Continue smoking until the cheese is fully melted and the beer is mixed in fully. It should take about one hour.
• Remove from the grill and top with chopped onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños.
Topping
• Chop up the onions, tomatoes, and jalapenos to place on top of the hot cheese dip. This section is very flexible, so make the amount you would like while sticking to this combination.
• Traeger Option: Heat up to 275 degrees and cook for 45-60 minutes.
• Pit Boss Option: Set to SMOKE setting and allow to smoke for 60-120 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Then turn it to 225 and continue cooking for another 60-90 minutes. You will know when it’s done as it’s all melted and gooey, which is why I suggest a range of times.
JALEPENO-CHEDDAR BEER BREAD
This no-fail, no-fuss recipe that uses just a few ingredients, requires no rising time, and has tons of savory flavor.
Ingredients
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 3/4 cups self-rising flour, sifted
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• One 12-ounce can or bottle lager, pilsner, or IPA-style beer, at room temperature
• 1 cup sliced pickled jalapenos
Instructions
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Brush an 8-by-4-by-2 1/2inch loaf pan with some of the melted butter.
• Whisk together the flour, sugar, and 1/2 cup Cheddar in a large bowl.
Pour the beer into a medium bowl. Add half of the remaining butter and whisk together (it will get foamy!).
• Pour the beer-butter mixture into the flour mixture and fold until just combined (it’s ok if there are lumps). The batter will be relatively thick and shaggy. Transfer to the prepared loaf pan and pat out into an even layer.
• Pour the remaining butter over the batter and top with the remaining 1/4 cup Cheddar and the jalapeno slices. Bake until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 190 degrees F, 1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes.
• Let cool in the pan on a rack for about 15 minutes. Invert the bread out of the pan and eat warm or at room temperature.
