Articles
Irvingite plans to make his mark on the craft beer industry
Written by Will Jukes
This probably is not the first time you've heard about microbreweries. In the past decade they have risen from a fairly obscure subculture to a staple of American life. Breweries founded less than a decade ago, like Ft. Worth's Rahr & Sons, are now legendary. What you may not have known is that DFW is home to a large and growing brewing scene. One year ago, Irving resident William Heggedusich decided to become a part of that legacy.
“I had the opportunity to work at a resort in San Antonio where I met a guy who's actually into home brewing. He got me into the idea of home brewing and good beers, and how that should be going on,” said Heggedusich, a student at the University of Dallas, where he will graduate with a degree in business next year. He is also the latest beer enthusiast to take the art of brewing into his own hands.
Last Updated on Friday, 24 May 2013 14:50
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Lyric Stage celebrates twenty years of great musical theater
Written by Staff
Photo by Jessie Burke.
By Jessie Burke
Lyric Stage members gathered for a Gala to celebrate twenty years of high quality local entertainment on March 21. The Irving Convention center’s ballroom was full of joy as guests reminisced over past productions and enjoyed dinner and live entertainment by Lyric favorites as well as a silent and live auction.
Founded by producer Steven Jones, Lyric Stage offers the people of Dallas County an opportunity to experience high quality, Broadway-style shows locally, the kind that one would normally have to travel to large cities to see.
Katherine Christy, from The Arts Community Alliance (TACA), says Lyric is one of her favorite area theatres. One of the things that makes Lyric Stage different is that every show is accompanied by a full orchestra
“As a musician myself, that really stands out to me, it’s not something you always see,” Christy said.
As well as celebrating the success of the Lyric, the gala was used as an opportunity to celebrate someone else: Ralph and Joan Ellis, who have been long time donors to the theatre, were presented with the first, and only Lyric Stage Spotlight Award. After accepting the award to a standing ovation, always humble, Ralph Ellis turned the thanks back upon the theatre.
“I’ve seen plays all over the world, New York, Dallas, even Bejing, China once, and there is no way you can see or hear anything like you can see and hear right here in Irving,” Ellis said. “This award should be given to those people who have made this theatre go. It’s a great culmination of work, and Joan and I are so happy to have been a part of it.”
Last Updated on Monday, 01 April 2013 09:37
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Record 174 Coppell band students qualify for state contest
Written by Contributor
By Tracy Begland
A record 174 Coppell High School students qualified for the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest following regional competition at Coppell Middle School East on Feb. 23.
This tops Coppell's previous record from last year when 171 CHS students qualified for the state contest, which is held at the end of May.
“Our students are successful at the regional solo contest because we place a great deal of emphasis on this contest throughout the year,” said Scott Mason, CISD director of instrumental music. "Each solo helps the student improve several musical skills. Our students’ musicianship improves
Last Updated on Monday, 01 April 2013 09:05
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Craft beers are finding a home deep in the heart of Texas
Written by Phil Cerroni
Although a relatively young phenomenon, the craft beer movement has taken North Texas by force. Five years ago, The Ginger Man deep in Dallas or the Flying Saucer all the way in Fort Worth were virtually the only places to find craft drinks. Since then, the Meddlesome Moth, which tied for World of Beer’s ‘Best Bar in the World,’ has opened less than a 20 minute drive down HWY-183, and Las Colinas Beverage has been selling craft beer and fine wine off of MacArthur Blvd. since 2009.
“I think it’s just an education that we’re going through. America lagged behind a lot of other countries when it came to enjoying full flavored beers,” said Michael Peticolas, founder of Peticolas Brewing Company. “Bud, Miller, Coors brainwashed Americans after Prohibition all the way to the 70’s [into thinking], ‘Hey this is beer.’
“England, Germany they are enjoying all these wonderful, full flavored beers. Then [in the 80’s] you have Fritz Maytag starting Anchor Brewing Company. You’ve got Sam Adams starting, and slowly Americans started to realize man there’s more to beer than the classic American lager.”
Last Updated on Friday, 24 May 2013 14:51
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Entertainment Series honors board members for service
Written by Contributor
Reflecting on the past, the Entertainment Series of Irving honors recently retired board members including (lft to rt standing) Mary Higbie, Ann Ouzts, Kitty Baker, Wynema Moellering, Vicki Gammill, Marlene Steward and Regina Story (seated). /Courtesy photo
Entertainment Series of Irving held their 2013-2014 subscription drive kick off on March 21.
In addition to the information about the upcoming season, board members and volunteers were presented with a program honoring recently retired board members. The program titled “Reflections” recalled memories of the long standing concert series as well as special moments in history reflecting back to 1955 when original ESI board member Regina Story began her volunteer commitment with the organization. Other members honored for their board service were Kitty Baker, Wynema Moellering, Betsi Wadsworth, Georgia Regelsky, and Cathy O’Connoll.
Source: Entertainment Series of Irving
Last Updated on Monday, 01 April 2013 09:34
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