The Monitor
Festiva Magazine ~ The Rio Grande Valley's prime source for entertainment news

Archive for April, 2011

Famous man without limbs will share story Tuesday

April 29th, 2011, 4:54 pm by

The Hermes Music Foundation will be hosting a fundraiser with special guest Nick Vujicic on Tuesday, May 3, at the McAllen Convention Center. The 28-year-old pastor and motivational speaker, who was born without arms or legs, will be giving two special presentations: a free one for the public at 9 a.m. and a second dinner event at 6:30 p.m.

“We want to bring to McAllen this message of hope, que si se puede (it can be done),” said Alberto Kriemerman, Hermes Music founder.

Vujicic was born with Tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare condition that left the newborn limbless with only a right foot and two toes. Although he battled depression as a child, Vujicic learned to overcome obstacles with the use of his foot. He began to learn how to perform daily tasks like brush his teeth and comb his hair on his own. At the age of 17, he began the non-profit organization “Life Without Limbs,” and has since traveled the world determined to spread his inspirational story to others.

In 2008, he appeared on the ABC news program 20/20, and recently published his book “Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life.”

“He’s changed the life of many people. He’s a brilliant human being,” said Kriemerman who has worked with Vujicic in the past.

Most recently Kriemerman and the Hermes Music Foundation visited Los Pinos, the Mexican presidential estate for a special Dia De Los Reyes celebration in January where he met with Mexican President Felipe Calderon.

“Everyone is invited to this special event,” Kriemerman said. “He has a magnificent story that needs to be told.”

All funds raised will go towards the Hermes Music Foundation’s projects in communities and schools. Schools, congregations and the public are invited to attend the 9 a.m. presentation. Those interested can call (956) 686-8742 for tickets. [CO]

WHEN: 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 3

WHERE: McAllen Convention Center,

COST: Free for 9 a.m. presentation; $125 for evening dinner

CALL: For ticket prices please contact the (956) 686-8742

COMING SOON: Rudstock Music Fest

April 27th, 2011, 4:11 pm by

In the footsteps of Woodstock comes Rudstock (pronounced rude-stock), a free three-day rock and blues festival which will take place June 10, through June 12, in Edinburg.

Rudy Reyes will be offering a stretch of land to bands, campers and vendors. If you want to set up camp or sell food or drinks at the fest, there will be a fee, but the concert itself is free to all who want to attend.

There will be country, rock, blues, hardcore, alternative, reggae, folk and Spanish rock bands mostly from Texas, and one solo artist from Ireland.

Some bands scheduled to perform include Blind Man, Not Falling, Fuzer, Us vs. The World, Kid Zapper and the Rocking Zappers, Feto, The Craigers, Chrome and Spur 31.

For more information on the fest, including performing at the event, camp or vendor sites or volunteering, contact Rudy Reyes at (956) 380-1528 or noesheba11@aol.com.

EVENTS: ‘Mamma Mia!’ [May 7-8, McAllen]

April 27th, 2011, 2:56 pm by

So, the national debt has reached more than $14 trillion, and it’s likely taking at least $50 to fill up your gas tank. Perhaps reaching the end of the work week seems to take longer than it did in years past.

Forget your worries and woes for a couple of hours with the effervescent Swedish pop music of ABBA and the Broadway musical “Mamma Mia!” this weekend at the McAllen Civic Center.

When Rachel Villanueva needs a musical pick-me-up or help relaxing, she grabs an ABBA album.

“Their music has always been the type that takes me away,” the 40-year-old McAllen resident says.

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‘Mamma Mia!’

WHEN: 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7; 2 p.m. Sunday, May 8

WHERE: McAllen Civic Center, 1300 S. 10th St.

COST: $58 to $63

BUY TICKETS: McAllen Convention Center box office, 700 Convention Center Blvd., or online at www.ticketmaster.com

Read the rest of this entry »

NOW! Win a Schlitterbahn family vacation on Memorial Day weekend

April 27th, 2011, 1:40 pm by

Congratulations to our winner, Melissa Rodriguez!


Festiva and The Monitor are looking to send one lucky Rio Grande Valley family on a Memorial Day vacation they won’t forget.

Beginning at 8 a.m. Sunday, May 1, you’ll have the chance to enter our drawing for a Schlitterbahn prize package that includes a three-night stay for a family of four at the flagship waterpark resort in New Braunfels, along with passes to the park each day for each member of the family. The vacation begins Saturday, May 28, and ends Monday, May 30.

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Here’s how to enter the drawing:

1. Go to Festiva’s Facebook page and click “Like.” If you are already a fan of our page, you can skip this step.


2. Post your answer to the following question on our wall: “If Schlitterbahn asked you to choose a name for their newest water slide, what would you name it?” Your post will serve as your entry in the drawing. To be entered in the drawing, your answer must be posted between 8 a.m. Sunday, May 1, and 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 18.

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The winning comment will be selected at random. The winner will be announced on this article page and on our Facebook page by noon, Thursday, May 19, and contacted via Facebook with instructions on claiming the prize.

Schlitterbahn Waterparks are known world-wide for their innovative attractions and remain of one of America’s most beloved vacation destinations. This year, Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark on South Padre Island marks 10 years of continuing that trend. For more information on Schlitterbahn Waterparks, visit their website at www.schlitterbahn.com.

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DATES TO REMEMBER

  • 8 A.M. SUNDAY, MAY 1 — Contest begins; you may now post your comment.
  • 5 P.M. WEDNESDAY, MAY 18 — Contest ends; no comments posted after this time will be accepted.
  • 12 P.M. THURSDAY, MAY 19 — Winner announced/contacted
  • SATURDAY, MAY 28 — Vacation begins
  • MONDAY, MAY 30 — Vacation ends ends

San Benito teen heads for accordion semifinals in Texas capital

April 27th, 2011, 12:43 pm by

Hours of practice on the accordion have paid off in a big way for Rogelio Garcia.

The San Benito High School junior is headed to Austin where he’ll compete in the semifinals of the fifth annual Big Squeeze Accordion Contest. Squeezebox is another name for accordion.

“I’m kind of excited,” said Garcia, 17, who has been playing the squeezebox for about three years. The competition April 30 will be held at The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.

“I want to see how it is up there,” Garcia said. “I’ve been practicing a lot.”

Read the rest of this entry »

WIN TICKETS: Kris Allen [May 5, Mission]

April 27th, 2011, 11:58 am by

Don’t miss your chance to see “American Idol” winner Kris Allen at the Cinco De Mayo KissFest on Thursday, May 5, at Smokin’ Aces. The eighth-season champ beat out glam-rocker Adam Lambert in 2009. The singer/songwriter found success with the Idol anthem “No Boundaries,” a cover of Kanye West’s “Heartless” and his post-Idol hit song “Live Like We’re Dying.”

The Idol winner will be joined by Mariachis Las Azucenas, He is We, Katrina, and Mark Broussard.

  • WITH: Matt Hires, He Is We, Katrina, Mark Broussard, Las Azucenas
  • WHERE: Smokin’ Aces, 2518 E. Business Highway 83, Mission
  • TICKETS: Available through Hot Kiss 106.3 FM

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WIN TICKETS!

To win a pair of tickets, go to Festiva’s Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/festivarocks), click “Like” if you aren’t already a fan and leave a comment on a wall answering this question: “Which was Kris Allen’s best performance on ‘American Idol‘?” Comments must be posted by 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 3. Winners will be announced at noon Wednesday, May 4, and notified through a Facebook message with instructions on how to claim the tickets. Good luck!

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www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbfeSImDntw

EVENTS: Laugh-gasm [April 29, Mission]

April 27th, 2011, 11:35 am by

Funnyman Raymond Orta will be headlining the Laugh-gasm Comedy Show Friday, April 9, at the Border Theater in Mission. The local comic will be joined by Noel “Sweets” Reyna, Berto Garcia and Mark the Mexican’t. The show will be taped for a live DVD.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, April 29

WHERE: Border Theater, 905 N. Conway Ave. Mission

COST: $10

EVENTS: Splash [April 29-30, South Padre Island]

April 27th, 2011, 8:26 am by

It’s that time of year again for the biggest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender party in the Valley. This year, the glitz and glam will take over Friday, April 29, at Louie’s Backyard and Saturday, April 30, at Mooncusser’s on South Padre Island .

Day one will feature performances by Janet Andrews, Naomi Evans, Ka’aliyah McKim-Diamond, Asa Brooks , with club beats by DJ Hugo and DJ Danny. San Antonio-based r&b artist Mallorie will also be providing the soundtrack for this special night.

Saturday, the Mooncusser’s carnival will feature performers Asia O’Hara, Christina Ross, Mr. Gay Texas himself, Mark Anthony, Jay Matthews, Shannon Demilo with music by DJ Master Steve.

Tickets for the event will be $10 for age 21 and over and $15 for ages 18 to 20; VIP passes are $35. Attendees will also be eligible for a special Splash rate at the Comfort Suites, the Travel Lodge, the Howard Johnson and Suites at Sunchase. For more information Paul Magee at MAGPA4@aol.com or at facebook.com/splashpadreisland.

WHEN: Friday, April 29; Saturday, April 30

WHERE: Louie’s Backyard, 2305 Laguna Boulevard;  Mooncusser’s 205 West Palm Street, South Padre Island

COST: $10 for 21 and over; $15 for ages 18 to 20; VIP passes $35

EVENTS: Crawfish Boil [April 29, McAllen]

April 27th, 2011, 8:15 am by

Tis the season to get your hands on some mouth-watering Cajun treats. It’s time to take a day off from your diet and indulge on an epic Louisiana feat at the McAllen Convention Center . The Rotary Clubs of McAllen will hold their annual Crawfish Boil Friday, April 29. A whopping 5 tons of crawfish will be prepared, along with 1,000 pounds of andouille sausage and over 5,000 ears of corn with potatoes. Ice cold beverages will be available, and the sounds of Zydeco band The Mudbugs will provide the soundtrack for a true Cajun experience.

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 29

WHERE: McAllen Convention Center

COST: $40

TICKETS: thecrawfishboil.com

CALL: (866) 937-3789

ONLINE: http://thecrawfishboil.com/about-the-crawfish-boil

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8vDYGIOSPY

EVENTS: Valley International Poetry Festival [April 28-May 1]

April 27th, 2011, 8:00 am by

“Your memory is a mason jar of fireflies/Simultaneously riveting and tragic.”

That single image in Vanessa Brown’s mind inspired a poem she wrote about an old memory that continues to haunt its owner.

“That jar of fireflies that kind of popped into my head … and as I thought about it, I thought you know, it’s beautiful; it’s a beautiful image, but it’s also sad,” Brown says. “Because you know if you hold onto those fireflies, eventually you’re going to suffocate them.”

Brown’s “Mason Jar” was among the many poems published in “Boundless 2011,” an anthology of work by poets from the Rio Grande Valley, Mexico and beyond, including Iran and England.

The book is the fourth in an annual series that is released in conjunction with the Valley International Poetry Festival.

“Boundless 2011” anthology release

WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28

WHERE: McAllen Creative Incubator, 1001 S. 16th St.

COST: Free; $10, for the book

ONLINE: www.vipf.org

Poetry readings, slam contests

WHEN: Friday, April 29, through Sunday, May 1

WHERE: Venues vary from Mission to Brownsville, check website for the full schedule

COST: Free

ONLINE: www.vipf.org

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

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