STEAM Magazine South Texas Entertainment Art Music volume 2 issue 9 December 2013

December BridgeWalk The December BridgeWalk will take place on Sunday the 8th. Runners and walkers will assemble at The Galvan House, 1581 N Chaparral Street from 8 am and, after a few brief words and a group photograph, will head off over the bridge at 8:30 am returning to Heritage Park 30 to 60 minutes later where we hope some will take advantage of the other fun activities on offer.

When you get to the top of the bridge, on your way back, remember to look for Mal-colm standing on the bay side of the bridge waiting to take your photograph; stop, smile, and wave then check the Gallery pages on the Mayor’s Fitness Council website when you get home to see if he captured your “Top o’ the Bridge” moment. (www.ccmayorsfitnesscouncil.com)

Check out the Junior League – Kids in the Kitchen activity for this month which will start at 9 am. Please encourage all your friends and relatives with children to turn out for a fun morning in the snow of South Texas – this is not something you get to do for real except every 100 years!

Schedule of events:

8:30 am 'til you get back BridgeWalk (Brought to you by the

Downtown Management District)

9:30 am Yoga (By Youga Yoga)

9:45 am Tai Chi (By Taoist Tai

Chi Society of the USA, Texas)

9:00 am Junior League Play in the snow! (This will cancel if it rains

even although the BridgeWalk and other activities may still take place)

9:00 am 'til 10 am Zumba (By Z-

Live Studio)

10:30 am Yoga (By Youga Yoga)

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s

(TAMU-CC) Department of Art invites submissions to the Oso Bay Biennial XVII Documentary Photography Exhibition: Home. Under the theme of ‘home,’ this juried exhibition will showcase works highlighting conceptual and figurative reflections of domesticity, identity, and belonging, from local, national, and inter-national perspectives. Both color and black and white media are welcome; all entries must be submitted by December 31, 2013.

Successful entries will be exhibited at

the Weil Gallery at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Texas. The exhibition will feature approximately forty printed and forty projected photographs selected by guest juror Molly Roberts. A color cata-

logue of the exhibition will be available for purchase on Blurb.com and at an opening reception at the Weil Gallery on March 13, 2014.

Juror’s statement: The juror encour-

ages photographers to explore the con-cept of ‘home’ with the most creative imagery possible. Yes, ‘home’ is a physi-cal structure, but it is also a metaphysical construct. Home is a place, home is an idea. It can be a memory, a sense of be-longing, a longing for sense, a person, place or thing. Home can be something lost, or something found. Home can be a comfort or a nightmare. Home can be where your heart is, or where you heart was broken.

“[…] perhaps home is not a place but

create their own film and video projects. Our students are diverse in background, practical experience, and age. They come largely from the city's universities, corpo-rations, and arts communities.

Austin FilmWorks has earned a reputa-tion for challenging students to innovate in the independent tradition. That inde-pendence is based on a bedrock knowledge of film stocks, lenses, cameras and formats. We believe that technical and aesthetic grounding leads to individu-al control of the creative process.

Visit www.austinfilmworks.com for reg-istration and orientation information.

Industry News & Announcements:

Austin FilmWorks' Spring 2014 Course

Registration is open for Austin FilmWorks' Spring 2014 course, ‘The Film Mind: Advanced Cinematography and Di-recting.' The course blends an in-depth examination of current large sensor digital cinematography with classic filmmaking techniques, both aesthetic and technical. The core tools of cinematography-lenses, filters, exposure and lighting-are melded with the discipline of classic film grammar and director technique, preparing students to make accomplished films.

The course focuses on three phases-preparation, shooting and editing. Stu-dents will create an individual film and collaborate on a group project. Students will need access to camera and editing equipment for the individual project, but gear will be provided for the group film.

The class will meet Tuesday evenings from February 11 through April 29, 2014.

Since fall of 1993, Austin FilmWorks has offered college level filmmaking courses with the aim of providing solid information and experience that students may use to

A Free Event by the Mayor’s Fitness Council

Oso Bay Biennial XVIII Call for Entries

Documentary Photography Exhibition Home simply an irrevocable condition” (James Baldwin, Giovanni’s Room, 92).

About Molly Roberts: Juror Molly Rob-

erts is an award-winning photography editor, consultant, and photographer. With twenty years of experience in maga-zine and book publishing, Roberts has contributed to the content and aesthetic development of renowned publications such as The Washington Post Magazine, USA Weekend, and Smithsonian Maga-zine. Roberts’ special projects include books such as Picture This by Tipper Gore; Gods, Gold and Grandeur by Paul Henry Walker; and The Outdoor America series by National Geographic Books.

For entry forms and more information: osobay.tamucc.edu/

WWW.STEAMMAGAZINE.NET DEC 2013 STEAM MAGAZINE 3 .

Oso Bay Biennial XVII Inkslingers Ball Carlos Hernandez 2012

SOUTH

TEXAS

ART ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC

PUBLISHER RUSTY HICKS EDITOR TAMMA HICKS

STAFF WRITERS RACHEL MILLS, ERIK HINZ, RICK BOWEN, DALE MARTIN, TAMMA HICKS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS BUBBA JONES, J MICHAEL DOLAN, DEREK SIGNORE

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS MISTY NELSON, ALLENE HICKS, ERIK HINZ, MATHEW STUESSER

WEBMASTER AFFORDABLE WEBSITE DESIGN

TO ADVERTISE WITH US 361-904-4339 [email protected]

SEE US ONLINE AT WWW.STEAMMAGAZINE.NET

WANT YOUR CD, BOOK, OR SHOW REVIEWED? HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? [email protected]

STEAM Magazine is published monthly by STEAM Magazine South Texas Entertainment Art Music in Corpus Christi, TX. All rights reserved. Reproduc-tion in whole or in part without written permis-sion is prohibited. Views expressed within are solely the authors and not of STEAM Magazine. Typographical, photographic, and printing errors are unintentional and subject to correction. Please direct all inquiries to: [email protected]

CONTENTS DECEMBER 2013 VOL. 2 ISS. 9

ORIGINAL COVER ART BY JESSICA FERGUSON

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

WWW STEAMMAGAZINE

NET

3 FILM NEWS

3 OSO BAY BIENIAL

16 - 19 GENE

GARAND: THE

AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS

6 COMICS

7 SAVING ABEL

12 & 13 THE ENDS

22

3RD COAST FOODIE

8 CONCERT CALENDAR

10 WADE BOWEN

24 SONS OF

FATHERS

26 CD REVIEWS

WWW.STEAMMAGAZINE.NET DEC 2013 STEAM MAGAZINE 5

THE FIELD

J. Michael Dolan (:38)

You’re an artist, an entrepreneur, which makes you different from the others—not better, just different. You have a special place (inside), a ‘field” that you can go to make stuff up, write a song, paint a picture, write a script, design a build-ing, or conceive your next business strategy. It’s also the same place you can go to figure out how to make a buck...or a million of them.

Others don’t know where that field is. Really. They have other gifts, like the ability to sell, or market, or read a blueprint, or follow a plan. They know how to finance it, build it, and distribute it. But YOU know how to invent it, create it, design it, and imagine it.

Others rely on research and knowledge, and proven methods.

You can do that too. However YOU have the upper hand, the unique advantage of creative insight, keen intuition, limitless inspiration, and the rare ability to pull great ideas out of thin air.

I believe that gift you have, that special talent that makes you YOU, that whis-

desperation, which provokes “manic panic.” Having something at stake is more like making a risky investment in you...in your impossible dream.

Not having anything at stake provokes the question: Why are you doing it?

WHAT’S AT STAKE

J. Michael Dolan (:27)

Regarding your impossible dream or your BIG project, what do you have at stake? Your repu-tation? Your money? Your life? Your business? Do you have your pride at stake? Are the lives and well-being of others at stake? Investors? Do you have your family at stake? Your kids? Your dignity? Do you still need to prove some-thing to somebody or yourself?

Having something at stake is the greatest of all motivators. It gives purpose, grants meaning and provides reason. It also sharpens focus, validates intention, beefs up resolve and pumps adrenalin through your system. Not to mention it brings “doubt” to its knees and knocks the wind out of “procrastination!"

Having something at stake is not the same as

per you hear, is coming directly from your own personal creative muse, the goddess of art, the queen of imagina-tion—the Greeks call her “Mousai.” It’s coming from deep within your soul, from “Divinity” or Divine inspiration, and it’s coming from the quantum “field” of all possibilities. Honor it, respect it and learn to trust it. Above all, use this gift to make life a little better. Not only for you, but for all of us.

Check Us Out Online!

www.SteamMagazine .Net

And You Can Take Us With

You!

COM I C S

WWW.LUNARBABOON.COM

LUNARBABOON: Sometime in the 80's a human wom-an made love to a space monkey and 8 months later a Lunarbaboon was born. Lunarbaboon is married and has one child. He works as a school teacher and lives a life similar to most North American humans. WWW.LUNARBABOON.COM, www.facebook.com/lunarbaboon THE AWKWARD YETI: Lars started making cartoons in the snowy hills of Siberia, but strong winds devastated his portfolio. Saddened, he moved to the Midwest United States. Lars lives with his beautiful wife, two very young and active sons, and the most awkward dog you've ever met. WWW.THEAWKWARDYETI.COM, www.facebook.com/awkwardyeti, www.amazon.com – The Awkward Yeti

WWW.LUNARBABOON.COM

6 STEAM MAGAZINE DEC 2013 WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STEAMTX

FROSTY COOLER

WWW.LUNARBABOON.COM

WWW.LUNARBABOON.COM

SPOT STAR

THE JOB


The new EP Crackin’ The Safe sticks to what Saving Abel is known for, those southern rock roots with catchy hooks and that country soul that can’t help but sneak in every song showing every listener these boys still know where they came from.

“So this is for our fans; they helped us and we want to show them we see it. With-out a label we’re doing this on our own, we’re making music we want and putting it out. We can’t make music without their support.”

And with that in mind, Saving Abel is on tour! But, don’t just go see them, get yourself a VIP Gold Ticket for the show! VIPs are on Saving Abel's personal guestlist, have a Meet & Greet with Saving Abel after the show, and cool Saving Abel stuff!

Saving Abel has had a hectic year! They changed management, dropped their label, changed drummers, and spent time in the studio recording new material. Now without a label, the boys from Saving Abel got together with longtime producer Skidd Mills (Skiddco Music) and decided they wanted to give back to their fans. This new EP Crackin’ The Safe are songs that the guys decided on and recorded in Nashville.

“We wanted something to come out while we started on a new record. We wanted to say to our fans, here are some songs that we really love and we don’t want you guys to have to wait long for music. It’s to say thanks for hanging around with us and supporting us,” says frontman Jared Weeks. Words via Saving Abel

Website: www.savingabel.com Social: SavingAbel

Download Crackin’ The Safe EP from iTunes or order a physical copy from their website.

http://www.fivefingerdeathpunch.com/

SUN 12/1

Taproot Zero’s Hard Rock Club Corpus Christi Avril Lavigne & Jason Derulo State Farm Arena Hildalgo Florida Georgia Line Austin City Limits Austin WED 12/4

Juicy J Brewster Street Icehouse Corpus Christi THUR 12/5

Wade Bowen Brewster Street Icehouse Corpus Christi Pat Green Gruene Hall New Braunfels Less Than Jake The Belmont Austin FRI 12/6

Thompson Square Concrete Street Amphithea-ter Corpus Christi Caleb Lopez Benefit Zero’s Hard Rock Club Corpus Christi John Mayer Frank Erwin Center Austin Francisco Cespedes McAllen Civic Auditorium McAllen Wayne Static Backstage Live San Antonio SAT 12/7

Shadow Fest

WED 12/25

Dom’s Christmas Show House of Rock Corpus Christi Miss Lavelle White The Saxon Pub Austin THUR 12/26

Robert Earl Keen, Lloyd Maines, Terri Hendrix Brewster Street Icehouse Corpus Christi Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve Frank Erwin Center Austin FRI 12/27

Cory Morrow Gruene Hall New Braunfels Old 97’s Antone’s Austin SAT 12/28

JB & the Moonshine Band Brewster Street Icehouse Corpus Christi Pasadena Napalm Division Zero’s Hard Rock Club Corpus Christi Eli Young Band Pharr Events Center Pharr Ruben V Sam’s Burger Joint San Antonio SUN 12/29

Hayes Carll Emo’s Austin MON 12/30

DeadMau5 State Farm Arena

Gruene Hall New Braunfels THUR 12/19

Cody Johnson Brewster Street Icehouse Corpus Christi Pam Tillis Brauntex Theater New Braunfels The Mavericks Gruene Hall New Braunfels Band of Heathens The Saxon Pub Austin FRI 12/20

Tercer Cielo Pharr Events Center Pharr Faster Pussycat Backstage Live San Antonio Jay Z AT&T Center San Antonio SAT 12/21

Kevin Fowler Brewster Street Icehouse Corpus Christi Rev. Horton Heat Emo’s Austin Reckless Kelly Gruene Hall New Braunfels Blue Santa Tejano Dance Pharr Events Center Pharr SUN 12/22

Carolyn Wonderland Sam’s Burger Joint San Antonio

Drowning Pool Backstage Live San Antonio The Irish Tenors Majestic Theatre San Antonio FRI 12/13

Abiotic/Metal Blade Zero’s Hard Rock Club Corpus Christi Jerry Jeff Walker Gruene Hall New Braunfels SAT 12/14

Saving Abel Theo’s Billiards Corpus Christi Suicidal Tendencies House of Rock Corpus Christi Ska/Punk Fest Zero’s Hard Rock Club Corpus Christi Jerry Jeff Walker Gruene Hall New Braunfels Cat Power-Solo Antone’s Austin SUN 12/15

Beyond I Sight House of Rock Corpus Christi REO Speedwagon Majestic Theatre San Antonio TUES 12/17

Robert Earl Keen Majestic Theatre San Antonio WED 12/18

The Mavericks

Theo’s Billiards Corpus Christi Project Rock McAllen Convention Center McAllen Vallejo Phoenix Saloon New Braunfels Terri Hendrix w/Lloyd Maines Sam’s Burger Joint San Antonio SUN 12/8

Michael Martin Murphy Cowboy Christmas Concert Performing Arts Center TAMU-Corpus Christi Marcia Ball Sam’s Burger Joint San Antonio Kanye West AT&T Center San Antonio WED 12/11

40oz to Freedom Brewster Street Icehouse Corpus Christi Ray Benson, Ray Wylie Hub-bard, Shinyribs, Cody Cana-da, HalleyAnna and Lone Star Antone’s Austin Megadeth Austin City Limits Austin Juicy J Pharr Events Center Pharr THUR 12/12

Kyle Park Brewster Street Icehouse Corpus Christi

Hildalgo Willie Nelson & Friends Austin City Limits Austin TUES 12/31

Willie Nelson & Friends Austin City Limits Austin New Year’s Eve Parties… Theo’s Billiards Corpus Christi Theo’s Boneshakers Corpus Christi Spazmatics Brewster Street Icehouse Corpus Christi Two Tons of Steel Sam’s Burger Joint San Antonio Bob Schneider’s Lucky 13 The Paramount Theater Austin Grupo Fantasma The Belmont Austin Wood & Wire, Milkdrive Stubb’s Austin Kevin Fowler Gruene Hall New Braunfels Josh Abbott Band Cowboys Dancehall San Antonio Jimmy LaFave Threadgill’s (North) Austin Doyle Bramhall II Antone’s Austin

OPENDAILY

MUST SEE CC Museum of Science & History; Corpus Christi

Art Museum of South Texas Downtown Corpus Christi

Alamo Mission San Antonio

Texas State Aquarium Corpus Christi

South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center Corpus Christi

Mustang Island State Park; Port Aransas

National Seashore North Padre Island

USS Lexington; North Beach, Corpus Christi

DEC CONCERT CALENDAR DEC CONCERT CALENDAR DEC 2013 STEAMMAGAZINE.NET

TUESDAY

WWE: Raw 12/17 Frank Erwin Center Austin WEDNESDAY

Farmers Market Wednesdays Tango Tea Room Corpus Christi Sounds of the Season Luncheon 12/4 The Ortiz Center Corpus Christi Omar Chaparro: el Show 12/4 McAllen Convention Center McAllen The Small, Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise 12/11 Freeman Coliseum San Antonio Butch Miles Drum Clinic 12/11 The Cove San Antonio THURSDAY

First Thursday 12/5 South Congress Austin DMC Music Holiday Concert 12/5 Richardson Performance Hall, Del Mar College East Corpus Christi Big Brothers, Big Sisters Diamonds & Champagne

New Braunfels The Nutcracker 12/7-15 & 21-22 American Bank Center Corpus Christi Sparkling Christmas 12/13-14 Lake Corpus Christi Mathis American Idiot 12/13-14 Majestic Theatre San Antonio Ingleside Renaissance Faire 12/14-15 Live Oak Park Ingleside The Nutcracker 12/14-15 McAllen Civic Auditorium McAllen Dickens in Wonderland 12/14-15 Mall of Americas San Antonio Art Spoken Here 12/19-29 Nave Museum Victoria How the Grinch Stole Christmas 12/27-30 Majestic Theatre San Antonio

Brewster Street Ice House 1724 N. Tancahua, Corpus Christi Throw down Thursday’s! Frontier Saloon 9709 Leopard St

Institute of Texan Cultures San Antonio Holiday Lights & Ice 12/1-1-6 Omni Barton Creek Austin Holiday Sip ‘n Stroll 12/5-7 Central Park Seguin Dias Festivos Marketplace 12/5-8 McAllen Convention Center McAllen Christmas Pageants 12/5, 6 & 8 Various Locations Kingsville S TX Trail Riders Warm Up Christmas Ride 12/6-8 Goliad County Fairgrounds Goliad Christmas Celebration 12/6-7 Odem City Park & Pool Odem Violet Crown Arts Festival 12/7-8 Triangle Commons Park Austin A Sami Show 12/7-8 Palmer Events Center Austin Buda Fest 12/7-8 Buda City Park Buda Gruene Market Days 12/7-8 Gruene historic District

Gregory Winter Wonderland 12/14 McAllen Convention Center McAllen Candy Cane Lane 12/21 McAplin Dr Corpus Christi City Wide 5K Challenge 12/28 North Beach Corpus Christi SUNDAY

McAllen Marathon 12/15 De Leon Soccer Complex McAllen Disney Junior Live: Pirate & Princess Adventure 12/22 Frank Erwin Center Austin Family Art Play 12/29 McNay Art Museum San Antonio MULTIPLE DAY

EVENTS

40 Works for 40 Years 12/1-29 Art Museum of South Texas Corpus Christi Heaven: Pillow talk 12/1-1/6 La Villita Historic Arts Village San Antonio CSI: The Experience 12/1-1-26 Witte Museum San Antonio Made In Texas 12/1-31

12/5 Radisson Hotel Corpus Christi WWE: Raw 12/19 American Bank Center Corpus Christi FRIDAY

First Friday ArtWalk 12/6 Corpus Christi Oilfield Trash Blowout 12/6 Jim Wells County Fairgrounds Alice SATURDAY

Farmers Market Saturdays Market on Everhart Corpus Christi Marina Market Days & MusicWalk 12/7 Corpus Christi Signing Santa 12/7 Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center Corpus Christi Santa Boogie 5K Fun Run 12/14 Cole Park Corpus Christi Railroad Santa 12/14 Railroad Museum New Braunfels Gregory Portland Illuminated Christmas 12/14 Starts @ Stephen F Austin Elementary

Corpus Christi Join us for Live Texas Country Music Every Saturday Night! House of Rock 511 Starr St Corpus Christi Great live music all month long! Sam’s Burger joint 330 E Grayson San Antonio Voted San Antonio’s Best Live Music Venue! 7 Brothers Saloon Highway 181, Normanna TX Live music! Don’t want to drive home? Stay in our RV Park! The Phoenix Saloon 193 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels Karaoke, Acoustic Happy Hour, & Live Music! Theo’s Billiards 5815 Weber Rd, Corpus Christi Free pool every day until 7 pm!! Theo’s Bonshakers 4528 Weber Rd. Corpus Christi South Texas’ Only Rockabilly Club! Zeros Hard Rock Club 6327 McArdle Rd Corpus Christi Like us on facebook and never miss a show! Face-book.com/zerosrockclub

** For information to be listed on our calendar pages please email us: submissions@ steamtx.com

OPENDAILY

MUST DO Historic Gruene New Braunfels

The Riverwalk San Antonio

Morgan’s Wonderland San Antonio (F-Su)

Natural Bridge Caverns San Antonio

Aransas Pass Aquatic Center Aransas Pass

Six Flags San Antonio (Sa-Su)

Art Center of Corpus Christi Corpus Christi

San Antonio Zoo & Aquarium San Antonio

Barton Springs Austin

THINGS TO DO

DEC EVENT CALENDAR DEC EVENT CALENDAR STEAM MAGAZINE DEC 2013

CLUB LISTINGS

Words By Tamma Hicks, STEAM Mag.


STEAM We are in New Braunfels this morning; where are you?

WADE BOWEN Oh cool, I live in New Braunfels; we are on the road to Stillwater.

STEAM Oh, I didn’t realize that. I thought you lived in Waco.

WB I was born and raised in Waco, went to college in Lubbock, and now live in New Braunfels; have for about 10 years now.

STEAM I just love New Braunfels. We stay at the Gruene Homestead Inn right next to Tavern in the Gruene. We just love this town.

WB That’s a great place. New Braunfels is a great town and it’s been growing like crazy in the last couple of years; as you can see by all the construction.

STEAM I just read that you are planning to put a new CD out in spring 2014. Can you tell me about that project?

WB Well, we’re just getting into the studio right now and we don’t really have any plans for release date on this project. Any-body who has followed me over the last few records knows that I take my time and make sure that everything is right. So, at this point I don’t have a release date or even know what’s going to happen with it.

STEAM Tell me about Troubadour Texas. I saw you on the last season and you are back this year too.

WB You know, they have certain people on there all the time and we have been lucky enough to be a part of it last season and then a couple of times this season. I love what they do.

STEAM I think it’s a great show. I like how they follow the artist around to give insight on what life is like being a musician, both as a new comer and as a seasoned traveler. Being married to a musician I understand what you guys do and I really appreciate that Troubadour Texas gives us a small glimpse into that life.

WB Yeah, for sure. I don’t think people get to see that side enough. I think people think all we do is get on stage for an hour and a half each night and then party away. They don’t really see what it takes to get a con-cert to happen. I’m sure a lot of people think like that. In fact I used to think that way to until I got into music.

STEAM That’s right you’ve been in the mu-sic scene for about 15 years. How did that come about?

WB Well, it’s the age-old story of meeting some friends in college and starting a band. I’ve always been around music and love music; I just never really took it serious until I was in college in Lubbock. I met some stu-dents there and we talked about starting a band, so once we were all in agreement we did. So after a few practices we started playing around town. And yeah, it has been 15 years.

STEAM When did you begin playing guitar?

WB I started playing guitar when I was 17; I really wanted to write songs, so I started to teach myself guitar. I had always written short stories and poems and when I was 16 or 17 I really wanted to turn those into songs. I wanted to teach myself guitar well enough to write songs.

STEAM I was looking at your recent tour schedule and I see that you do a lot of shows in the South and Midwest; are you looking to travel more?

WB Over the years, we’ve gotten to tour all over the country and starting in January we’re going to do a cross-country tour. We’ll be heading to the West Coast first. Then we will be back home for a little bit before going to the Southeast and up through the North-east. So this tour should take us pretty much from Los Angeles to New York.

STEAM That’s right; I did see you are going to be at the Tractor Tavern in Se-attle. We have a lot of friends in that area, so be ready for a great show.

I want to congratulate you on having ”Songs About Trucks” in the top 5 on the Texas Music Charts throughout No-vember; I know you were at number one for at least three weeks. By the way I just love that song.

WB Oh, it’s a quirky little tune. You know I write a majority of my songs, but every now and then a song comes across my table that I wished that I had written, and “Songs About Trucks” is one of those. I think it’s hilarious. I think

Wade Bowen A Classic Texan A Classic Texan A Classic Texan

TroubadourTroubadourTroubadour

WWW.STEAMMAGAZINE.NET NOV 2013 STEAM MAGAZINE 11

it’s funny. It’s also very heartbreak and just what country

music really needs and what it’s about. I love country

music and always have. And I’ve yearned for it to be sad

and depressing and heartbreaking and all those things

that make country music so good and that’s what I try to

explain to people about Songs About Trucks; it’s a heart-

broken song from a different perspective. Basically it says

we have written enough about trucks and we need to

start writing about heartache and I hope that we are

trending back that way.

STEAM I’d like to talk about the Bowen Family Founda-

tion and your golf tournament, Bowen Classic.

WB We started the Bowen Family Foundation last year

and I’ve done the charity golf tournament for 15 years. I

literally started holding the tournaments when I began

playing music. I love golf and I love music, so I figured

The Bowen Classic was the perfect combination for a two

day event. The first day is a big concert and second day is

the golf tournament. Last year we raised almost

$250,000!

We started the Bowen Family Foundation to be the adminis-

trative division and to distribute the money we raise. After the

golf tournaments I’ve always taken the money and distributed

it to groups in need throughout the community. A couple

years ago we helped an abuse center that was about to close

its doors, so we gave them the money to stay open because

the community really needs that kind of program. There are a

lot of great people out there doing a lot of great things and

my foundation is to help those people continue doing great

things for our community.

I have learned through doing this that it’s quite an undertak-

ing to start a foundation like the Bowen Family Foundation. I

feel blessed to have such an event, the Bowen Classic, as the

groundwork to get the Bowen Family Foundation off the

ground and I know it will also take time to be fully established

and meet the goals that I have.

STEAM I think last spring I read that you helped out the city

of West and I wanted to say thank you. I love to see people

give back to their community! I also wanted to say that I love

the idea behind the Bowen Classic. I know firsthand how

much work goes into making an event that large go so


SHOW INFO: 12.5.13

Brewster Street Icehouse, CC TX

WEBSITE/SOCIAL: www.wadebowen.com

thewadebowen wadebowen

smoothly.

WB It really is a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun! And what really makes it all worth-while to see the smile on people’s faces when you’re helping them out.

Wade Bowen Arizona Country Thunder , 2012


THE NORTH END THE NORTH END San Antonio/New Braunfels/San Marcos/Austin

CONCERTS Pat Green 12/5 Gruene Hall New Braunfels Less Than Jake 12/5 The Belmont Austin Kanye West 12/8 AT&T Center San Antonio REO Speedwagon 12/15 Majestic Theatre San Antonio Pam Tillis 12/19 Brauntex Theater New Braunfels Rev. Horton Heat 12/21 Emo’s Austin Miss Lavelle White 12/25 The Saxon Pub Austin Willie Nelson & Friends 12/30 & 31 Austin City Limits

EVENTS Made In Texas 12/1-31 Institute of Texan Cultures San Antonio Holiday Sip ‘n Stroll 12/5-7 Central Park Seguin Railroad Santa 12/14 Railroad Museum New Braunfels Buda Fest 12/7-8 Buda City Park Buda Gruene Market Days 12/7-8 Gruene historic District New Braunfels Butch Miles Drum Clinic 12/11 The Cove San Antonio Family Art Play 12/29 McNay Art Museum San Antonio

FOR MORE IDEAS SEE PAGES 8 & 9

CALENDAR

STEAM PICKS

Can” tour won top tour hon-ors as the top-grossing tour. Other winners

included Pink, the Rolling Stones

and One Direction. In accepting his award, Strait

noted he began touring more than 30 years ago. "I played the bars

and honky-tonks and stuff in the '70s," he told the crowd. "I finally signed with MCA in 1981 and started realizing my dream of going out on tour and playing for the fans out there and started gathering more fans and playing so many of these venues I've seen tonight. ... It's just been a wonderful career." Strait plans to retire from widespread touring when his Cowboy Rides Away tour concludes next year. The tour starts at Frank Erwin Cen-ter in Austin on January 10 and will wrap up on June 7 at Cowboys ATT&T Stadium in Dallas.

Backbeat Books has just released “Buck ‘Em!”, the much anticipated autobiography of country music superstar Buck Owens. The book comes seven years after the artist’s death in 2006. In the latter half of the 1990s, Owens began working on the book. For several years, he spoke into a cassette tape recorder, total-ing nearly 100 hours of memories and record-ing the story of his life. With his near-photographic memory, he recalled everything from his early days wearing hand-me-down clothes in Texas to his glory years as the big-gest country star of the 1960’s and beyond.

T e x a s singer songwriter James McMurtry has just announced that he has signed a new contract with the Los Angeles record label Complicated Game. The leg-endary songwriter will enter the studio later this month to start working on his first album in six years. “I’ve got a new batch of songs, organic and with no added sulfites, aged in oak for several years,” says McMurtry. “Francois Moret at Complicated Game seems to like these songs and producer C.C. Adcock thinks he can turn them into a record. Good times fixing to roll.” Label head Moret agrees. “In March 2013, when C.C. Adcock told me we were going to see James McMurtry at the Continental Club in Austin, I expected to see a good show,” he says, “but what I saw left me mesmerized! I immediately knew I wanted to sign him. As a European, it is an amazing opportunity to work with one of the most talented American singer-songwriters.” McMurtry’s two previous albums, “Childish Things” and “Just Us Kids” were both critical successes. Often called one of the best American songwriters of our time, McMurtry is looking forward to getting his new music released so his fans can en-joy it.

Texas icon George Strait was recently pre-sented the “2013 Billboard Legend of Live” honor during the 10th annual Billboard Tour-ing Awards ceremony at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. Taylor Swift’s “Red Tour” received the top package award as the top-grossing tour with three or more artists on the bill. Billboard Touring Awards honor the concert industry's top artists, venues and professionals for their accomplishments dur-ing the past year. Bon Jovi's “Because We

Grammy-nominated producer and author Randy Poe assembled all of Owens’ stories and transcribed them so that they are in Ow-ens’ own words. In the preface of the book, Dwight Yoakam says, “The stream of stories throughout this book captures, with an un-canny accuracy, the way I heard Buck speak whenever he told a story to someone.” Born in Texas and raised in Arizona, Buck Owens eventually found his way to Bakersfield, Cali-fornia, where he created his own brand of country music some 2,000 miles away from Music City. Inspiring everyone from ordinary music fans to the Beatles, he changed the way country records were mixed, produced, written and perceived. Owens’ records sold millions of copies and his live concerts con-stantly sold out. In 1969, he began hosting the country comedy TV show “Hee Haw”, becoming a household name. Buck Owens became country music’s biggest star while breaking all the rules of Nashville. He made his successes look easy, but he was a hard-working and complex individual. While sur-viving the Dust Bowl years of the Great De-pression, he struggled to change his life and went on to change the lives of almost every other person he came into contact with. A two-CD set on Omnivore Records is being released as a companion to the book.

Looking for a cool stocking stuffer for the music fan in your family? How about concert tickets? Trust me, with the cost of concert tickets these days; this would make some lucky fan a very happy camper! Some heavy hitters in the pop/ rock world are coming to the AT&T Center in San Antonio next year, including Miley Cyrus on March 15, Journey & Steve Miller on May 22 and Justin Timber-lake on August 5th. Concert tickets make cool stocking stuffers, just sayin’.

- - www.martinsmusic.com - -

with

Dale Martin

Troubadour Insights


THE SOUTH END THE SOUTH END McAllen/Pharr/Hebbronville/Kingsville

CONCERTS Avril Lavigne & Jason Derulo 12/1 State Farm Arena Hildalgo Francisco Cespedes 12/6 McAllen Civic Auditorium McAllen Juicy J 12/11 Pharr Events Center Pharr Blue Santa Tejano Dance 12/21 Pharr Events Center Pharr EVENTS Dias Festivos Marketplace 12/5-8 McAllen Convention Center McAllen Christmas Pageants 12/5, 6 & 8 Various Locations Kingsville Oilfield Trash Blowout 12/6 Jim Wells County Fair-grounds Alice Winter Wonderland 12/14 McAllen Convention Center McAllen McAllen Marathon 12/15 De Leon Soccer Com-plex McAllen

EVENT

CALENDAR STEAM PICKS

to show spirit and support of all of the racers. Prizes will even be awarded to the most spirited fans along the course. Other ways to get involved include volunteering to help at a water station or serving as part of a cheer group.

Area businesses are also getting in on the action by participating in the McAllen Marathon Expo. This opportunity precedes the running event and gives individuals and businesses an opportunity to introduce new lines and demonstrate new prod-ucts. Likewise, with a minimal investment cost, the expo promises enhanced exposure at a low price. With an anticipated 2,000 plus runners in attendance as well as their guests, this opportuni-ty is sure to offer maximum exposure.

Whether you are interested in running yourself, serving as a spectator, or exposing your business to a new crowd, you will not be disappointed by participating in the McAllen Marathon Inaugural. It’s sure to be an exciting southern special.

Brought to you by Oziel Salinas, Branch Manager

www.ozsalinas.com

Don’t Miss

The McAllen Marathon

Inaugural Run!

Being active and getting involved go hand in hand in the community of McAllen, Texas. From cultural events to sporting endeavors, McAllen has it all, and the community is a key player in all that is offered. One of the most exciting up-coming events in the area is the McAllen Marathon Inaugural Mara-thon. Featuring a variety of events for runners and spectators, we’d love for you to come race with us!

A great Boston qualifier, the McAllen Mara-thon is a USATF-certified event and offers an enjoyable experience for all in the midst of southern comfort. Featuring a 13.1 mile half marathon, complete 26.2 full marathon, as well as a 4 person relay, this event is sure to be an adventure. The race begins at 7:00 AM on Sunday, December 15, 2013, at the De Leon Soccer Complex at the intersection of Buddy Owens and 34th Street. Lacing through the city and around the community, the McAllen Marathon features a flat, smooth course perfect for any runner with a little heart and a lot of ambition. If you’ve never experienced December in Texas, you are in for a treat. Running (or watching) this fast-paced race in breezy 50 to 70 degree weather promises to be a real treat.

The McAllen Marathon isn’t just about the runners, though. Without a crowd of dedi-cated and excited fans, this event would be little more than a long jog on a Sunday morning. To incorporate more support and engagement in the race, the McAllen Mara-thon encourages spectator support through additional race events. Fans are encouraged

I’m not sure if everyone out there has a musician or artist in their life like I do (in fact I have 3), but it never fails that when a birthday or the holidays arrive they each tell me the same thing…” Oh, I don’t need anything really, but something for my ____ (fill in the artist/musician blank) would always be appreciated.” And of course, they’ve already gotten everything they could need. So what to do? Well, for the musi-cians in my life it has got-ten easier!!

The perfect gift for any musician (at any level of ability) is… drum roll please… the gift of time - recording time that is! Brilliant idea, huh?! So that leaves me with the where to go, but again it just got easier! The Loop Studios here in Corpus Christi! Now you’re asking me why them since there are lots of places out there and, heck, a lot of people do it themselves at home. Well, let me tell you about the Loop Studios!

The Loop Studios is the brainchild of Dylan Ely and wife, Michelle. They co-designed and built the space along with consulting from friend and Studio De-sign Guru Frank Comentale (Hit Factory NYC, etc.). “Corpus Christi is a sleepy beach town full of


untapped talent and a blos-soming scene,” Dylan ex-plained. “I wanted to build a space that catered to musi-cians that oft times would have to go to a major market to gain access to a profession-al recording. My family has followed and supported me throughout my career, and we never expected to fall in love with Corpus Christi. With the beaches, surfing, and lifestyle it is a wonderful place for any musician to come stay and create, leaving behind the stresses of big-city life.”

The goal of Loop Studios is to help keep the local artists/talent here, rather than them having to go to Austin, Hou-ston or even Nashville in search of a high-end facility and experienced engineers with credentials. By provid-ing a facility that is affordable with the warm, beautiful, laid back setting of south Texas

Loop Studios also attracts existing major label artists that want to get away from the distractions of the city.

The whole facility was built out of necessity for a space to work. So to fill a need, rather than just

do a small mix room, they built a full tracking, mixing and production space. The Loop Studios’ center piece is the 24’x17’x14’ high tracking room with mahogany walls, parquet floor, candelabra chandelier and of course, the white marble fireplace. The facility features

Pro Tools HD5, Genelec 8050 5.1 surround monitoring, Universal Audio, Focusrite, API, Neumann, Se Electronics, Sennheiser, a 1930’s Baldwin baby Grand and an assortment of new and vintage amps and instruments.

THE LOOP STUDIOS CORPUS CHRISTI’S

HIGH END AUDIO FACILITY Words By Tamma Hicks, STEAM Mag.

Dylan and Michelle Ely, Owners/Operators/Audio Engineers of the

Loop Studios., doing a radio interview on 104.5 KPUS. Our largest ISO, 17′ x 12′ x 9′, features a 1930′s Baldwin mini grand piano

and tile floor, with a more “live” acoustical character.

The Loop Studios 4209 S. Alameda Ave.

Corpus Christi

www.theloopmusic.com

361-444-3580

cre-

[email protected]

Social: theloopstudios

Ok, so now you’re thinking, but what credentials

and experience does The Loop Studios’ have to of-

fer? Well, let me tell you… Dylan began learning

his trade before graduating from high school in an

audio engineering course. He has a degree in Re-

cording Arts at the prestigious Full-Sail University

and has worked at some of the most sought after

recording studios in the US – he began at Colora-

do Sound Studios in Denver, then to Chicago Trax

in Chicago IL before heading to New York City’s

Battery Studios, Source Sound Labs, and PIE Stu-

dios. Dylan made his way up from intern to staff

engineer to Grammy winning recording engineer.

Yep, you read that right! And wait ‘til you hear

who he has worked with… R. Kelly, Jennifer

Lopez, Ludacris, Linkin Park, Backstreet Boys,

Billy Currington, Disturbed, Plain White Tees,

Bob Seger, Steve Miller Band, and the list keeps

going!

Well, now that you’ve that The Loop Studios is

the right facility for your musician you’ll need to

know what their services are...

Music Production: Original music production for

all genres of music.

Recording/Voice Over’s: The Loop Studios fea-

tures 3 separate, isolated, recording spaces.

Mixing/Post-Production: They have done hun-

dreds of major label mixes, along with a couple

Grammy nominated 5.1 surround releases. They

can mix in stereo, 3.1, and/or 5.1 for music, films,


TV, and commercials. You can

even send your files/tapes to us

via mail or upload. They can mix

your project without you ever leav-

ing home!

Mastering: The accurate control

room along with their trained ears

will take your music to the next

level! They will sequence your

individual mixed songs, make tran-

sitions, match levels, and

”sweeten” the audio to maximize

the sound quality for your format

Dylan with Jennifer Pena, her husband Obie Burmu-dez, and an unnamed guest. Jennifer and Obie are from the local area and have had major record deals with international success.

of choice (e.g. applying specific

EQ for vinyl).

Rehearsals: Need to rehearse for

your upcoming BIG gig? The live

room can comfortably accommo-

date 8-10 musicians and they can

even record and/or film your

rehearsal, so you can fine tune

every aspect of your show.

Just remember, when it comes to

recording time there is rarely a

case when a musician has too

much time in the studio!


Tuesday, October 20, 2009 – National Art Center, Ottawa (On)

I took a day off work to go to the show. After the fun we had at Willie Nelson’s concert, we all left to Ottawa; that is, my parents, their friends and I. We had a surprise at the arrival ... Nancy Jones, the legend’s wife, was at the merchandise stand.

Delighted when she saw the painting, she headed straight to the dressing room for her husband and came back with the signature on my painting.

The concert was great: The violinists give heart joy, duets (including Take me and Golden ring) with Brittany Allen, a beautiful young woman with an incredible voice who also performs a song from Rodney Crowell, I Couldn’t Leave You if I Try.

What can I say about the Possum ... He gives every-thing he can and much more!

Thank you George! ~ Gene

GEORGE JONES

I listened to the DVD Live in Nashville throughout my realization. I wanted to bring his old colored dress style and included an album cover, while keeping the sober George Jones (forgetting No Show Jones). This is a great major man in country music.

Saturday, August 21, 2010 – Casino Rama, Orillia (On)

That was a hard one! As every concert, I arrived early to see the buses, facilities and everything, to find THE right person to help me. The buses were in the garage, everything is installed because there was another performance the day before, no merchan-dise stands, nothing!

I inquired for the meet & greet and learned that I had to have to put thou-sands and thousands dol-lars in slot machines to participate. My savings are

KRIS KRISTOFFERSON all invested in the journey, concert ticket and including my affordable room at $60 a night.

We passed miraculously through the Casino and the hotel hall with my painting, knowing that I wasn’t allowed to bring a bag that big with me. My friend nodded to eve-ryone as a greeting and ap-proval. I had a lot of stress but was so happy.

Kris is friendly, talks about his late friend, the famous Johnny Cash and, performed his greatest hits which made more than one famous: Help Me Make It Through The Night, Bobby McGee, For The

Good Times, etc... - Alone with his guitar, in privacy. At the encore I headed the stage to show Kris his portrait. Everybody saw the bril-

liance of surprise on the big screen and heard the shock he had, between the sumptu-ous lyrics of Why Me Lord. I am honored. Thank you Kris! ~ Gene

WWW

BRONSBEACHCARTS

COM

361.290.7143


Sunday, November 29, 2009 – Festi-val of Lights, Niagara Falls (On)

I had to take another day off. Eight hours of driving to learn that The Coal Miner’s Daughter is hospitalized. Crystal Gayle and Peggy Sue ensure the con-cert ... but they are not Loretta. I met Mr. Darrell Beatty, Crystal Gayle’s man-ager, and gave him my painting with a picture of me at nine (9) years old in front of Loretta’s Ranch and a letter offering her the choice to keep my painting as a gift or send it back to me

autographed. The Christmas concert is very good and included the most successful songs

that Crystal and Loretta recorded. To counteract my disappointment, they include me in the meet and greet at the end of the concert.

Sunday August 29, 2010 – Indian Ranch, Webster

Going to visit Boston on Saturday and I arrive early to visit the site . The campground is divided by streets named after country legends such as Conway Twitty or Patty Loveless Avenue.

The concert is outside, near the

Loretta Lynn beach. Few seats, in private, Loretta sang us her best. Between two songs she greeted her fans. She was beauti-ful. Not to mention the Lynns, Peggy and Patsy who wonderfully opened the stage.

She travelled from the bus to the stage in a golf cart, followed by fans. I was there, proudly brandishing my autographed painting.

Yes! I easily got her autograph. I took the opportunity to ask about

the destiny of my first painting. It should be in the Fan & Doll museum, on her ranch in Hurricane Mills.

Thank you Loretta! ~ Gene

Friday March 30, 2012 – The Egg, Albany (NY)

That was a hard day. I did a round trip to Albany. I planned to arrive a few hours before the show to do photos in the city and find a nice restaurant.

When I went through customs, I had been put aside. Customs did not believe that I was going to a concert in Albany. I showed them the painting, my ticket and a post-card with all the paintings that I had had autographed. I also gave them my website address. They thought I was a drug seller who was going to meet friends. It is clear that leaving the building site at noon to drive to Albany; I was not at my best. I had a beautiful blouse and my makeup in a bag: Blouse which became a small stack after customs had searched my car. Also, they had torn the postcard I

wanted to give to Shelby. They put me in a room for per-

sonal search (I had to remove only my shoes and my hoodie) by two men. I guess they had a good time searching me. I only wish there was a female officer in the room with me for respect.

I had to fill out some state-ments; I was interviewed by two (2) different men and swore that the car I was driving was mine.

I had quit smoking for a week and I told myself, when I am in the New York state, I will light a ciga-rette. I swallowed hard and drove until I was out of gas because I was afraid to stop, thinking a police officer is further expecting a plated Lancer X in X time.

In Albany, I was able to relax a little bit. I went to the ATM to withdraw some money and I found a snack annexed to a bar. Peo-ple who were there and the bartender had never seen a Quebecer in their lives. I became a specimen on which they gambled to know where I came from.

About me, what I had never seen in my life was the Belgian beer at $ 2.

Those beers were tasty and the concert was excellent. I love intimate acoustic con-certs. Shelby has a beautiful voice. After singing with all the greats, she told me it is disappointing that she never had a hit of her own. I was thrilled when she signed my painting and they were stunned to see that I was driving back and forth for the concert.

There was even a status on Shelby’ Face-book page the next day saying that a fan from Montreal came to the concert in Albany with a painting she had signed by Shelby!

Thank you Shelby! ~ Gene

Shelby lynne

For more information: www.genegarand.com


Notes for Animals in Need

Dr. Arrington is an emergency and critical care veterinarian here in Corpus Christi who has devoted his life to providing the absolute best medical and surgical care for animals while upholding the compassionate bed side man-ner that is a key necessity in such situations for both the animal and their "worried par-ent." His other passion outside the clinic doors is music. He has most recently com-bined the two passions and formed "Notes for Animals in Need," a nonprofit fund which will provide local musi-cians the opportunity to be heard and help raise money for animals in need of urgent emer-gency care.

Dr. Arrington’s group, The Dance Hall Rebels, will be releasing a single entitled "Here's To Country" in Janu-ary 2014 that will serve as the pilot song for this pro-gram. “It definitely isn't your average country tune so be on the watch for this high energy, rocking, Texas fueled, sound!,” says Dr. Arrington.

Hopefully, many more bands will con-tribute to this cause in the future and the donations will keep coming in. The

music will be distributed for FREE, either online or on CD. Attached will be a web site

link for donations. The goal is to come togeth-er with an entire compilation of Texas bands and raise money to provide ongoing care for animals in genuine need as determined by a veterinarian. Let's support local music but most of all help save the lives of animals!

For more information, to get in-volved, and to make donations

with Notes for Animals in Need email: [email protected]

Create

For Animal

Critical Care

Wishing you a

joyous and safe holiday

season!

From the staff of

STEAM Magazine!


MOVIES NEWDEC

Cover Art

Hard Tears By Jessica Ferguson

Graphite-Mixed Media

8”x10”

2009

In “Hard Tears” Jessica portrays the feelings of seeing, but not being seen.

tender, juicy meat in dishes filled out with healthy whole grains and veggies.

Stock Up. You can create delicious dishes with hearty meat flavors (but not that much meat) by using nutritious meat stocks and broths in place of wa-ter. You’ll save even more cash if you make your own stocks, which freeze beautifully.

Go With The Grain. Grains are highly absorbent and have a toothsome

texture. They’re practically begging to be combined with meats! They’ll soak up yum-

my juices like a sponge and support the meaty textures you’re aiming for.

Save The Grease. Reserve the fat from cooked meats to be used in sautés and stir-fries. If you eat a healthy, moderate diet, you can afford to cook a few veggies and grains in real fat — which contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Or mix animal fat half-and-half with vegetable oil.

Meat is among the most expensive items on many gro-

cery lists, especially if it’s healthy meat from animals that were treated with respect. But you can save money on meat without compromising the quality in your protein choices. The easiest strategies are to incorporate delicious, well-rounded meatless meals into your diet, reducing the quantity of meat so you can afford high-quality, healthy options; and to choose and use less-expensive cuts of meat without skimping on fla-vor or quality.

Shop Wisely

Cut Quantity, Not Quality. Reducing our consumption al-lows us to buy cuts from animals raised in ways that actually make their meat better for us. Grass-fed beef and eggs, for example, contain more heart-healthy fats and essential vita-mins than their factory-grown counterparts. Sometimes opting for less-expensive, non-meat protein such as legumes, eggs and whole grains helps free our dietary budgets for high-quality meat.

Cut Cost, Not Quality. Learn to turn less-expensive cuts of grass-fed meat (such as short ribs, butt and shoulders) into fabulous dishes. For example, slow-roasted pork butt can be-come shredded pork suitable for tacos, sandwiches, stir-fries and potstickers.

Buy Whole. Retailers and manufacturers charge for the time they spend breaking down meat, so you can save money on meat by buying less broken-down portions. Buy whole chickens and cut them up yourself to end up with breasts to grill, thighs to braise, legs and wings to fry, livers to transform into pâté, and plenty of bits to cook down into stock. For a good online tutorial for break-ing down a full chicken, visit Seri-ous Eats and search “break down a chicken.”

Share The

Wealth. For

large animals, you can really save money on meat by purchasing a quarter or half ani-mal, and often the butch-er will cut it up for you. Many farmers sell large quantities directly, and at a deeply discounted price, and “meat shares” in community-supported agriculture (CSA) pro-

3rd Coast

Food ie


grams are increasingly com-mon. Visit the Eatwild web-site to find grass-fed meat producers in your area and Local Harvest to find CSAs to join. Check with neigh-bors or coworkers, your local farmer’s market or on Craigslist to connect with folks who might want to split a large pur-chase with you.

Strategize Savings. If you invest in a small, en-ergy-efficient chest freez-er, you’ll be able to stock-pile pricey meats when you spot a sale. Free-range chick-ens and lambs are usually most affordable in spring, while cuts of beef and pork often see their best price points in fall and winter. You may find other seasonal deals, too, such as post-Thanksgiving turkeys, post-Christmas ducks or post-Easter hams.

Cook Well

Slow Down. Slow cooking with low heat in the oven or crockpot helps concentrate fla-vors, developing deeply flavorful sauces and

Protein Penny-Pinchers From Natural Home & Garden, by Tabitha Alterman

Penny-Pinchers

Excerpted from Natural Home & Garden, a na-tional magazine that provides practical ideas,

inspiring examples and expert opinions about healthy, ecologically sound,

beautiful homes. To read more articles from Natural Home

& Garden, please visit www.NaturalHome-Magazine.com or call (800) 340-5846 to subscribe. Copyright 2011 by Ogden Publi-

cations Inc.

Homemade Wine the Easy Way From GRIT magazine, by Chris Colby

Excerpted from GRIT, Celebrating Rural America Since 1882. To read more articles from GRIT, please visit www.Grit.com or call (866) 624-9388 to subscribe. Copy-right 2013 by Ogden Publications Inc.

Your peach trees are sagging from the weight of

their fruit, but your pantry still has several jars of canned

peaches from last year’s harvest. What can you do when

your fruit trees – or bushes or vines – yield more than

you plan to eat fresh, preserve, or sell at market? That’s

easy: Just make fruit wine.

Wines made from fruit other than grapes are fre-

quently called country wines. To understand how to

make country wine, it pays to first understand why most

commercial wines are made from grapes.

Grape wines are made by crushing grapes and adding

yeast to the juice (or, in the case of red wines, the juice

and grape skins). The yeast converts the sugar in the

juice into alcohol and carbon dioxide through a process

called fermentation.

Grapes are well suited to this because quality wine

grapes contain everything needed to make wine. Good

grapes contain enough sugar that creates a preservative

level of alcohol when the wine ferments. They also have

sufficient acid to balance the sweetness of the wine. Ad-

ditionally, ideal wine grapes supply just enough tannin to

add a bit of astringency – a slight puckering feel in the

mouth – which adds to the enjoyment of the beverage.

This characteristic is called structure, and many wines

(especially reds) are aged in oak barrels to add more

tannin structure.

The “problem” with making wine from fruit other

than grapes is that most fruits do not have the correct

ratio of sugar, acid and tannin to make great wine. The

straightforward solution to this is to simply add whatever

is lacking of those three to the unfermented juice prior to

fermentation.

Nothing in the winemaking process can turn bad fruit

into good wine, or even average fruit into good wine.

Great wine comes from great fruit, so don’t use country

wines as a way to dispose of inedible fruit and expect

good results.

Ingredients

Fruit – The amount of fruit per gallon in a country wine

varies with the intensity of the fruit and the strength of

flavor desired in the finished wine. If you want to stretch

the amount of fresh fruit you have, you can supplement

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

it with canned fruit purée. Many home winemaking shops sell large

cans of puréed fruit for winemaking.

Sugar – Sugar is included in most country wine recipes to supple-

ment the sugars found in the fruit. For most country wines, adding

enough sugar so that the wine ferments from 9 to 10 percent alcohol

by volume is a good choice. At lower alcohol levels, the wine will age

too quickly; at higher levels, the wine can end up tasting unpleasantly

alcoholic – sometimes called “hot” by winemakers. Sucrose (table

sugar) is cheap and plentiful, doesn’t add any flavor to the wine, and

is by far the most common sugar used by home winemakers. Howev-

er, you can also use honey or other sugars in country wines.

Acid – Whereas most fruits contain less sugar than grapes, many

fruits are more acidic. In country wines, the addition of sugar water

frequently compensates for the higher acidity. Winemaking shops sell

The Easy Way


Sons of Fathers might be the worst opening act ever. Their live per-formance is so electrifying that even the chariest concertgoer in the back of the room finds themselves front and center by the end of the show, leaving nothing left for the headlining band to possibly follow.

Immediately they draw you in with a wall of sound that would make Phil Spector proud, two front men with an incredible knack for harmonies (think Everly Brothers – but with a Texicana/Rock twist), and an ensemble of ag-gressive showman who don’t stop rocking until they leave the stage.

Upright bass player and lead singer David Beck is wildly animated through-out the show, dancing with his bass - almost falling off the stage with his bursts of energy. He is starkly juxta-posed by acoustic guitar player and lead singer Paul Cauthen, a stoic pres-ence and intensity that reflect his musi-cal upbringing in the gospel choir.

As the band’s name suggests, both men have been strongly influenced by their fathers and grandfathers. Beck is the son of Bill Whitbeck, the long-time touring bassist for Robert Earl Keen. Cauthen was raised in the Church of Christ, where his grandfather was a gospel singer.

Seeing them interacting today, it is amazing to think that it was only 4 years ago that Beck and Cauthen didn’t even like each other. The Texas natives were competing for the same shows in the San Marcos music scene. “The day we met… we walked up at the same

Words By Rachel Mills, STEAM Magazine Promotional Photo by Abby Linne, www.abbylinnemusicphoto.com

Live Photos by Chris Linn, STEAM Magazine


Sons of Fathers Sons of Fathers time to hand our demos to a guy at the Texas Music Theatre,” Cauthen recalled, laughing.

In December 2010, the pair found themselves together at a bar, on the last night of a Texas songwriter show-case in New York City. “We started hanging out and realized that we could work together,” said Beck.

In April 2011 they had joined forces with co-producer, Lloyd Maines, and released their first album, “Sons of Fathers” as Beck and Cauthen. Unfor-tunately, Beck Hansen vetoed their name in what the Austin Chronicle called, “The Most Ridiculous Cease and Desist Ever.”

Their second album, “Burning Days,” was released in early 2013 showcasing

the growth of Beck and Cauthen as singers as songwriters as they departed from their country roots. “We knew it was a progress and the songs were getting better,” stated Cauthen.

“We recorded our first album in 4 days while [Burning Days] took over a year to record,” explained Beck.

Their break-out hit, “Roots and Vine,” has received significant airplay in Tex-as, and showcases the dramatic inter-play of Beck’s tenor and Cauthen’s baritone voices in a galloping country track. The song is so powerful when performed live, that I have seen com-plete strangers spontaneously dance with each other, unable to contain themselves.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Want to win a pair of tickets to the

George Strait Concert in Austin, Janu-

ary 10th at the Frank Erwin Center. All

entries voting for the KFTX PAAC

Christmas Tree in the Forest of giving

at La Palmera Mall will be entered into

a drawing on December 17th.

So head to Center Court at La Palmera

Mall and vote for the KFTX PAAC

Christmas Tree today!

KEEP IT ON KFTX TO WIN YOUR TICKETS!

Vision Entertainment

Journeyman singer-songwriter guitarist Eric Bibb and his collaborator Glenn Scott have assembled a wide cast of characters with a colorful palette of sounds to weave the tapestry that is true world music fu-sion on the new release Jericho Road.

The thirteen song collection draws lyrical inspiration from Dr. King, Mandela, Gan-dhi, Mother Teresa and the like, while meshing musical textures of folk, blues, soul, African and Latin to create an album of meditation, motivation and celebration. At the center is the rich velvety baritone and story teller sensibility of Bibb’s easy vocal and clean picking guitar.

The album leads off with its only cover

song, a loving reading of the Drinkin’ Gourd, a tome that lead many to freedom on the Underground Railroad, lest we soon forget the need for such songs. The guests filter in inconspicuously as the songs flow forward with Andre’ De Lange, Chinka Si-mon and Ruthie Foster adding vocals, to Freedom Train, and the prophetic Have A Heart. Jerry Brown lays down the drum track on Let The Mothers Step Up, and Victor Wooten slips in on bass for elusively funky The Right Thing. Grant Dermody lends mournful harmonica to the new tra-ditional Death Row Blues, and the amazing Session Horns Sweden, add fire and spice to three tracks.

The array of exotic instruments heard is fascinating as the kora, kalimba, djembe from Africa, the Irish penny whistle, a Turk-ish Saz, Scandinavian Clarino, Dobro, spoons and a fretless gourd banjo make tasteful appearances.

These songs of heart and hope may be a crowning achievement in Bibb’s four-decade career, and lord knows the world needs to hear them.

By Rick J Bowen: twitter.com/

RickJBowen; www.nodepression.com/profile/RickJBowen; www.facebook.com/

stacyjonesband; www.stacyjonesband.com

It’s the honesty of this album that I love the most. Minimal production allows the vocals to rise and the lyrics to reach my ears and my heart. There’s a “get sick, get well, hang around the inkwell,” pacing here that brings Bob Dylan to mind. And a “crossing muddy waters” timbre to Jason’s voice that reminds me of John Hyatt.

Songwriting ranges from good enough to damn good! My favorite from Jason is Long Road (outstanding)! One line in this song tells an entire story in approximate rhyme. I love ap-proximate rhyme. “It’s funny how we worry about heaven and hell. I get to sleep a little better when my brother’s in jail.” If You Don’t Sing the Blues, a strong runner up, seems to be a statement about the music business. Good Time Blues is a fast talking jazzy cut. Slip this into a movie from the Roaring Twenties and trick the world into thinking Jason is a Scott Joplin contemporary. And the gritty, sexy, boom, chucka, boom last song, Take Me Home, is bound to get this good boy some offers he shouldn’t accept.

The Clint Maddox contribution, Fifth of Whis-key and a 45, is a top shelf number, worthy of pitching to the boys who travel in big busses. Dan Brodhag’s Crazy Around Here is a sweet little treat, written as a letter, a nice surprise.

Excellent musicianship throughout the album includes the full range Tony Saracene’s skills. This cat plays lead, slide, six and twelve strings guitars, keyboards, dobro, and percussion. Plus – he has the best hair. Tyler McCumber’s pow-erful guitar and Savanna Johnson’s electric and standing bass join the mix. Pake Rossi brings his guitar, banjo, harmonica and percussion. George Hermes adds guitar, dobro, and man-dolin, Bobby Donaho, Andrew Ray Jones and Arthur “Head” Orona play drums. Nearly every-one adds backing vocals. Hell, even Dan Bro-dhag sings!

Blue or False begins with a howl, ends with a slap on the ass and serves to remind us all that the crowd out by the lake is one talented bunch of South Texas musicians.

By Sue Donahoe

For STEAM Magazine 26 STEAM MAGAZINE NOV 2013 WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STEAMTX


SHOW INFO:

12.7.13 @

GRUENE HALL, NEW BRAUNFELS

12.22.13 @

ARMADILLO CHRISTMAS BAZZAR, AUSTIN

WEBSITE: SONSOFFATHERS.NET

SOCIAL: SONSOFFATHERS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24...

To Whom,” is one of the last tracks on the album and you might miss on your first listen, but you will never forget it if you saw the way Beck sang it to his grandmother, who recently attended a show at the Gruene Hall, in Gruene, TX. Reminiscent of an Elvis Presley ballad, it has the somber tone of a soldier saying goodbye to his love for the last time that sends chills down your spine.

When they aren’t recording, Sons of Father’s is touring the country. Recently, they have played at Bonaroo, Austin City Limits, The Grand Ole Opry, and The American Music Festival. They will finish off their 2013 touring season with a handful of shows in Texas, including Hou-ston, New Braunfels, and Austin.

After the tour they will finally take a break and then start working on their third album. Many of the songs have been written and performed during this tour.

In a departure from the first two albums, the third albums will be self-produced. “[On the] second album we couldn’t get the same vibe that we got on the demo,” Cauthen explained.

“[We plan] to have a single out in January and then start our Canadian/European tour,” said Beck.

Currently, Sons of Fathers also includes Tony Brown (lead guitar), Dees Stribling (drums), and Kullen Fuchs (keyboard, trumpet, xylo-phone).

Don’t miss an opportunity to see these guys live, but take my advice – skip the headliners, it will just be a letdown once Sons of Fathers is finished!

Sons of Fathers

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23...

acid test kits that allow you to determine the amount of acid in a must. However, many home winemakers just “wing it” by following recipes initially, and then later using their taste buds to check the flavor of the must, making adjustments as needed. If you want to go to the trouble of measuring acidity, most country wines, especially those with a hint or more of sweetness, do best with an acidity level on par with white wines: 7 to 9 grams per liter (g/L) of acid (compared with 6 to 8 g/L for most reds). For a dry country wine, 6 to 7 g/L of acid is better.

Winemaking shops typically sell tartaric acid, malic acid and citric acid, as well an acid blend. The acid blend is a mix of tartaric, malic and citric acid in the proportions they are found in grapes. This is the go-to acid for most home winemakers.

The acids are sold as white crystals and keep indefinitely. In the past, some home winemakers used lemon or orange juice to supply their acid.

Tannin – Grape tannin is sold as fine tan powder and can be used to add structure to a country wine. In the past, some home winemakers used iced tea as a substitute for grape tannin.

Grape juice – Grapes have everything needed to make wine, so many country winemakers add grape juice to their country wine musts to supply some of the sugar, acid and tannins needed. Grape juice also rounds out the flavor profile, making the country wine more reminiscent of a grape wine. The frozen grape juice concentrates, such as Welch’s, work well for this. Generally, one can of concentrate per gallon (3.8 L) is used. White grape juice, made from Niagara grapes, works well for most country wines. For darker and more intensely flavored fruits, red grape juice (from Concord grapes) can be used. Too much of either of these juices can lend a “foxy” character to the wine.

Yeast – The yeasts that work best with country wines are generally white-wine yeasts. Cham-pagne yeast is a good all-around choice, especially for light-colored country wines. For darker fruits, Montrachet yeast (a red-wine yeast) may work well. Two other favorites for country wines are Lalvin EC-1118 and Lalvin ICV D-47. Each package of yeast contains enough to make up to 5 gallons (19 L) of wine. Check the date on the package, though, as dried yeast expires after a few years. Some older country wine recipes call for bread yeast, but you are far better off using wine yeast to ferment your country wines.

Additives

Campden tablets – Campden tablets contain either sodium or potassium metabisulfite, a chemical that, when used properly, suppresses the growth of unwanted, wine-spoiling bacteria or fungi in your wine. It also serves as an antioxidant, preserving the fresh fruit flavors and keeping the wine from oxidizing and turning brown prematurely.

Pectinase – Some fruits are high in pectin, and pectin can lead to hazy wine. The enzyme pecti-nase (sometimes called pectic enzyme) can be added to high-pectin fruit musts to degrade the pectin into simple sugars. It is usually added at a rate of 1/2 teaspoon per gallon.

Yeast nutrients – Yeast nutrients help ensure the health of the yeast. Two kinds of yeast nutri-ents are popular, diammonium phosphate (DAP) and so-called complete yeast nutrients. DAP is simply a source of nitrogen for the yeast, while complete nutrients (including Go-Ferm and Fer-maid K) also supply key vitamins and minerals to the yeast.

Potassium sorbate – If you’d like a sweet wine, the best way to accomplish this is to let the wine initially ferment to dryness, and then back sweeten it. Potassium sorbate – added at 1/2 teaspoon per gallon after the wine has been fermented and dropped mostly clear – can be added along with sugar to keep the yeast from fermenting it.

The biggest keys to success when making country wine are to use fully ripe, quality fruit and to keep your wine-making equipment clean and sanitized. If you do this, you will be rewarded with tasty, refreshing wine.

The Easy Way


Owen Shelly

Willie NelsonGruene Hall

Ryan Frye - Austin Comic Con

Cowboys Dancehall San Antonio, TX

Kate - KFTX Christmas Tree

Tequila GrillCorpus Christi, TX

Sir Reelartist & writer

Austin, TXComic Con

Freddy CruzTra’s Country SA

KORN @Concrete Street Amphitheater

Andrea HicksMark & Friends @ Concrete Street

Miss Lavelle White @ Saxon Pub

Documents

STEAM Magazine South Texas Entertainment Art Music volume 2 issue 9 December 2013