Issuu

January 2026

Lucy’s

InspIred CreatIons Balloons Garlands • Arches Centerpieces • Backdrops

scan & follow

Email for info: lucyinspiredcreation@gmail.com

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contents

Lucy’s Inspired Creations Ad

Island Spotlight Rosario’s Flying Pizza & Pub Ad

Hidden Gem Creative Minds

Fast Signs Ad Did You Know?

Koop's BBQ Ad

07 14 20

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S P O T L I G H T Vision Galveston is dedicated to turning big community ideas into real, lasting action. By connecting residents, businesses, and local organizations with the right resources, they’re working to make Galveston a vibrant, welcoming place to live, work, raise a family, and visit for people of all ages and backgrounds. Through programs like Build Galveston, Green Galveston, Incubate Galveston, and Measure Galveston, the organization tackles priorities such as affordable housing, public spaces, and business development, while engaging diverse voices across the island. A special shoutout goes to Candy Hattingh, Director of Incubate Galveston Initiatives, whose dedication and passion for the community are unmatched. Candy works tirelessly to empower entrepreneurs, support local initiatives, and ensure that the island’s vision for growth and opportunity is realized. Her commitment has made a tangible difference in the lives of countless residents and business owners. A standout program is MORTAR Galveston, a 15-week entrepreneurship course for both new and existing business owners. Participants learn how to build comprehensive business plans and gain essential management skills, helping launch ventures that create jobs and keep dollars circulating locally. Applications for the fall cohort are now open. At its core, Vision Galveston champions equity, inclusion, and collaboration, bringing the community together to create safer neighborhoods, better access to education and health care, more green spaces, and stronger economic opportunities for all.

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- 11 PM M A 11 y a d s r u h T u Monday thr . 11 AM - 3 AM t a S • M A 2 M A Fri. 11 PM Sunday 11 AM - 10

OPEN LATE S Y A D R U T A S & S FRIDAY

R U O Y R T E COM ! U N E M L L U F , PIZZA, PASTA E R O M & S K N I WINGS, DR (409) 220-3642

www.rosarios-flyingpizza.com

2121 The Strand

Texas Tail Distillery is serving up bold, comfortdriven bites that pair perfectly with their craft spirits. Must-try menu highlights include meltin-your-mouth pork belly tossed in a maple peppercorn glaze and finished with Terry sauce, along with our personal favorite the brisket devil eggs, Cajun deviled eggs topped with tender brisket, crispy fried onions, and a drizzle of whiskey molasses. Visit them at 2416 Postoffice St and stop by Sunday - Thursday from 11 AM–9 PM, or Friday and Saturday from 11 AM–11 PM for elevated distillery eats with big Texas flavor.

BOOK YOUR YOUR NEXT NEXT BOOK EVENT WITH WITH ME! ME! EVENT

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HIDDEN GEM

HIDDEN

GEM

Tucked away on Market Street, Galveston Distilling Company is a hidden gem where craftsmanship and island character come together. Known for producing thoughtfully made, small-batch spirits, the distillery offers a lineup that ranges from clean, smooth vodkas to bold, wellbalanced whiskeys, each reflecting the flavor and heritage of Galveston itself. Located at 2618 Market St, the distillery is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 11 PM and closed on Sundays, making it an easy stop for those looking to experience a true taste of the island.

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ISLAND History From Land to Landmark: Ashton Villa’s 1859 Beginning On January 7, 1859, Galveston businessman James Moreau Brown purchased several lots at the corner of Broadway and 24th Street on Galveston Island. This land purchase would lead to the construction of Ashton Villa, one of the earliest and most important brick homes in Texas. At the time, Galveston was a rapidly growing port city, and wealthy merchants like Brown were helping shape its future. Brown bought the property with the intention of building a permanent family home that reflected his success and Galveston’s rising importance. Construction began soon after the purchase, and the house was built primarily of brick, which was unusual in Texas at the time when most homes were made of wood. This choice helped Ashton Villa survive storms and fires that destroyed many other buildings. The house was named Ashton Villa by Brown’s wife, Rebecca Ashton Stoddart Brown, in honor of one of her ancestors. Designed in the Italianate Victorian style, the home featured thick brick walls, tall windows, and elegant details that made it one of the most impressive residences in the city. Both skilled craftsmen and enslaved labor were used in its 08 Island Vibe // January 2026 // www.IslandVibeMagazine.com

construction, reflecting the realities of life in Texas before the Civil War. Ashton Villa later became closely associated with Juneteenth commemorations, although historians have not confirmed it as the site where General Gordon Granger originally read General Order No. 3 on June 19, 1865. Today, Ashton Villa stands as a symbol of Galveston’s 19th-century prosperity and resilience. The purchase made on January 7, 1859 marks the beginning of a building that would become one of the city’s most important historic landmarks.

Photos courtesy of Galveston Historical Foundation

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Q. What inspires your sound, and hoW do you translate those influences into something uniQuely yours?

a. I’m very enthused by jazz in its entirety to the historical art of music. In my opinion, it birthed an entire tree of

musical genres. I study sound and technique so I pull from several genres and styles of music. There’s Jazz, NeoSoul and then there’s what I like to call an eclectic sound; which is my territory. I like to fuse classic sounds with weird ones and turn it into something completely different. The easy answer would be a little bit of Nina and Billie, a little bit of Jill and Erykah with some acquired taste from Solange. I admire these women for their ability to bend the theoretical rules to music. From vocality styles to reflecting the times to being unapologetic and strong while expressing their feelings through art. So I like to stand out. There’s so many Erykahs, MJs, and Beyonces but no Meshanas. No new pioneers are entering the game and I don’t mind being a pioneer and bringing something new to the table. Maybe I’ll influence those to come, eh?

Q. can you Walk us through your creative process — from the moment an idea hits to the final track?

a. I produce my own music so I usually would start with a drum sequence or a catchy loop of a sound and sort

of just build on top of that. I really love smooth synths and groovy baselines that are unusual which makes them unique so I’ll add those and make them the focal point of the track. I enjoy creating weird eerie sounds and throwing those in. It’s gotta make you make a stank face or furrow your brows. It’s like inviting the ear to become fully immersed in the musical experience and I waste no time introducing that from the beginning! I want the listener to know it’s me just by the sounds I create as my signature. When you listen to Prince and hear his Linn Drums looping throughout the song, you know it’s him, that’s his sound. Minneapolis Funk. So I conjoin soulful sounds with a heavy bass, smooth synths then the lyrics and melodies soon follow afterwards and — boom! There’s a Meshana track born.

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Meet Meshana, a music artist from Galveston making her mark with soulful vocals and emotionally rich storytelling. Blending smooth R&B influences with honest, relatable lyrics, her sound feels both intimate and refreshing. With each release, Meshana continues to grow as an artist, using music as a space for self-expression, reflection, and connection. To stay updated on her latest music, follow her on Instagram @meshanamusic.

Q. Which song of yours feels the most personal, and What story sits behind it?

a. Hmm, this one is hard. I’ll have to say currently it’s a tie between “Who I Am” and “Roots” which happens to be the opening and closing tracks of the EP. With “Who I Am”, I’m introducing myself to the world and basically diving right into my childhood and upbringing. I was an only child so people automatically assume that when you grow up alone, you get everything you want. That wasn’t true for me necessarily. So right off the bat I’m being open like this is how it was, take it or leave it —it’s who I am. Then there is my song “Roots” where I’m authentically speaking about my background and being a product of my family’s legacy. My Great-Grandfather and his brother migrated from California to Galveston, Texas and they bought land here to start families. I come from a Christian background and my people were athletes and musicians. At the age of 3 or 4 is where I knew music was my destiny so I was determined to carry that legacy. Those are my roots.

Q. hoW do you stay inspired and maintain your creativity during moments When the ideas aren’t floWing?

a. Naturally, when you are a creator you want to just create something

everyday but the reality hits that you may not be inspired one day and that’s okay. I had to learn the hard way and I’m embarrassed to say how long it took me to get over writer’s block, haha! I typically just listen to music that I resonate with and just get inspired by what’s out. I love listening to underground artists that aren’t really mainstream. They inspire me the most.

Q. if your music Were a flavor, What Would it taste like and Why?

Haaaa! If my music were a flavor it’d taste like warm, cozy hot cocoa or a matcha latte with whip cream on top! Just sweet, smooth and earthy. Meshana Matcha. Ha!

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“The time is always right to do what is right.”

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ART walk December 2025

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Jon Hix

“I COME TO YOU”

(409)502-2474

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In the U.S., Blood Donor Awareness Month is observed every January to thank donors, highlight the ongoing need for blood—especially during winter when donations decline—and encourage new donors to support patients undergoing surgery, illness, or trauma, through organizations like the UTMB Blood Bank and the American Red Cross. www.IslandVibeMagazine.com // January 2026 // Island Vibe 15

EVENTS FRIDAY

FAITHFUL & FREE COFFEE & FELLOWSHIP

Start your Friday mornings with community and encouragement at this weekly women’s gathering. From 8:30–9:30 AM, enjoy coffee and meaningful conversation while coming together in prayer, sharing testimonies, offering faith-based guidance, and supporting one another in love. The meet-up takes place at Seawall Coffee Company, 3802 Cove View Blvd, and is open to all women seeking connection and spiritual growth.

THURSDAY

GLOW NIGHT RIDE

8:30 AM

15 7 PM

FRIDAY

30 6 PM

Join Island Bicycle Company for a glowing night ride through Galveston, rolling out at 7 PM (note: Facebook may show the wrong time). Meet at 2727 Broadway before cruising along the Seawall, through Historic Downtown, and over to Pier 21, followed by food and drinks at a local spot. Headlight, red tail light, and rear reflector required; please follow traffic laws and bring a lock.

8th Annual Mardi Gras Top Hat Class The 8th Annual Mardi Gras Top Hat Class, hosted by Clay Cup Studios, brings a night of glitter, feathers, and Mardi Gras magic. Guests will create a bold, one-of-a-kind top hat with all supplies included and guided instruction. Bring your friends or Krewe, enjoy beer, wine, ciders, seltzers, and more, and feel free to bring snacks. The event takes place at 2219 Post Office St. Tickets are $50 per hat with a $20 deposit required.

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January 11, 1863 – A Civil War naval battle called the Action off Galveston Light occurred offshore, when the Confederate ship CSS Alabama sank the Union ship USS Hatteras. January in the 1800s – Galveston remained an active shipping and immigration port even during winter, helping it grow into one of Texas’s most important cities. Weather in January – January is Galveston’s coldest month, but freezes and snow are rare. When snow does occur, it is considered unusual and newsworthy. Modern January Traditions – January is part of Galveston’s quieter tourist season and is often used for historical commemorations, preservation work, and planning for the year ahead.

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Pre-order your Island Vibe shirt today! Sizes S to XL are available for immediate purchase. Extended sizes are available upon request.

AIRBNB IT.

“A Wave From It All” where you can get that much needed rest and relax. What’s that one thing we all look for in a hotel, condo, or vacation rental? Excellent customer service is what we can provide to you and your family. Where we aim to please and know you’ll have the time of your life! Feel free to send a message with any and all questions so we can reach back out to fulfill that escape! Registration number - GVR-05405

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The best mouthwatering BBQ on the Island!

It will not disappoint.

From Pit to Plate, Taste the Great!