< Previous78 COASTMONTHLY.COM | ApriL 2025 YOU WEAR IT WELL Each month, Coast Monthly puts the spotlight on some of the most stylish people on the upper Texas coast. “I’m bald and I joke I don’t like to have a cold head, so I always wear hats. Stetson traveling hats are crafted to be sturdy. This one is knick-named the LBJ. He (President Lyndon B. Johnson) wore it all the time.” “I have a collection of eyeglasses I like to wear to add color. These ones are orange and blue — Astros colors — which I didn’t really think about until after I bought them.” “My jacket is canvas and is wax coated, so it not only looks good, and should last a long time, it’s also great in any weather.” “It is a dumb smart watch made by Withings. It was a gift from my wife, Shannon, and I can check emails and track my running on it. I didn’t want an Apple on my wrist.” “The small one was won by grandfa- ther in 1960 for square dancing. It is great for every day, and if I polished it up, I’m sure you’d be able to read the inscription again. The bigger one I won with my dad when we were competing in roping competitions about 20 years ago. I have so many different size and shape buckles I can usually find what I need for different outfits.” “These (boots) were a gift from my wife, Shannon, that she gave to me when I completed my Master of Fine Arts in Communication Design.” “I love colorful Nikes and so does my son Dean. It has been great to see him develop his own style as he grows older. He is a full blown sneaker-head and I’m about halfway there, too.” COASTMONTHLY.COM | ApriL 2025 79 ©2021 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated. If your property is currently listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. David Bowers REALTOR ® 409.763.2800 David@DavidBowers.com Please Call/Text/Email me to sell your property. Remarkable high raised home on two lots with 3 bedrooms, each with a full bath, living (with cathedral ceilings) & dining & kitchen combo with ample covered deck on the front west side overlooking large wetlands owned by Artist Boat & back east side deck overlooking wetlands property also owned by Artist Boat. Hardwood floors throughout the house, solid wood knotty alder doors, double-paned impact windows and doors and an exterior cargo lift. Low flood insurance! This is truly a remarkable home. 624 93 rd S treet , t eichman P oint NEW LISTING $592,500 OPEN HOUSE APRIL 12TH, SATURDAY 10AM-12PM Come on by! Bay Area Kitchens Our Showroom is Open BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 17306 Highway 3, Webster, TX 77598 281.338.2737 We Begin With Thoughtful Design. MINDFUL KITCHEN DESIGN | GOURMET APPLIANCES | LUXURY CUSTOM CABINETRY SCAN TO VIEW OUR WORK TIP OF THE HAT Rodeos and Western wear are part of this islander’s Panhandle roots story by SHANNON CALDWELL photos by JENNIFER REYNOLDS W estern wear, vintage accessories and hats for any occasion all have their place in islander Will Wright’s wardrobe. “I love 1940s and ‘50s cowboy culture,” Wright said. “My dad was born in 1930, so his style fell right in the middle of that. I feel a real connection to it and looking at old photos, it’s a look that still feels very contemporary.” Wright grew up in the Texas Panhandle where rodeos were part of life. His collec- tion of rodeo belt buckles he, his mother, father and grandfather won in competitions are treasured accessories he wears often and with pride. “I’m also hyper particular about cowboy boots to the point where I find it hard to buy new ones because they don’t make them like they used to,” he said. “Galveston doesn’t often lend itself to cowboy boots, but when I wear them, I feel an affinity to the geography and location where I grew up.” Wright is seldom seen without a hat and has an impressive collection of Stetsons, fedoras, baseball caps and other styles. Colorful eye- glasses also are among his favored accessories. As creative director for the Galveston Historical Foundation, his interactions with musicians and performers are points of inspiration in creating his own vintage-influ- enced, tailored style. “Even if I’m traveling on a plane, I don’t want to look casual or slouchy,” he said. “I think it goes back to the many years when I worked from home. I would dress up for work even though it was just down the hall. I need- ed to look put together to feel put together.” 80 COASTMONTHLY.COM | ApriL 2025 SAVE THE DATE APRIL EVENTS Festivals, concerts, plays and more, there are lots of events in the area to keep your calendar booked ‘LEAP OF FAITH’ [Through April 12] island ETC presents the musical “Leap of Faith,” based on the film of the same name. The “reverend” Jonas Nightingale, an electrifying performer and con artist, is traveling with his ministry when his bus breaks down in a small Kansas town. The part-time reverend and full-time crook pitches a tent and invites the locals to a revival. The sheriff, a woman named Marla McGowan, is deter- mined to stop Jonas from separating the townspeople from their money, and Jonas’ real challenge arises when he meets the sheriff and her son, whose love forces an ultimate cynic to take a real leap of faith. 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through April 12; Island ETC, 2317 Mechanic St., Galveston; 409.762.3556 or islandetc.org “Bolero” and “paquita.” 7:30 p.m. April 4-5 and 2 p.m. April 5-6; Bayou Theater at University of Hous- ton-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston; www.bahbt.org/thebestofbahbt GALVESTON ISLAND MARKET [April 5] The Galveston island Market offers a festive outdoor event where local artisans, handcrafters and growers can showcase their creations. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 5; St. Patrick’s Church, 1010 35th St., Galveston; www.visitgalveston.com HOP INTO SPRING MARKET [April 5] This indoor/outdoor Southern Style Event features arts and crafts, boutique clothing, jewelry, home décor and more from area small businesses as well as food trucks. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 5; Bay Area Community Center, 5002 E. NASA Parkway, Seabrook; www.southernstyleevent.com or www.leaguecitycvb.com CELTIC CELEBRATION [April 5-6] Don your kilt and celebrate Celtic culture with live dance performances, ven- dors, live music and more at the Kemah Boardwalk. April 5-6; Kemah Boardwalk, 215 Kipp Ave., Kemah; www.kemahboardwalk.com TEXAS CITY ART FESTIVAL [April 5-9] Check out the works on display during the Texas City Art Festival Juried Art Show & Exhibition. Opening night awards and reception, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 5; public viewing, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. April 6 and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 7-9; Doyle Convention Center, 2010 Fifth Ave. N., Texas City; www.texascitytx.gov or 409.643.5990 STRAND MOVIE NIGHT [April 5] presented by Galveston Historical Foundation, movie nights start at dusk in Hendley Green. April’s showing is “The Sandlot.” Movies are free to the public with on-site beer and wine and select vendors. 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 5; Hendley Green, 2028 Strand, Galveston; www.galvestonhistory.org/events/strand-summer-series THE UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN [April 5] The rock-star strummers of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain have won legions of fans with their quicksilver arrangements (spanning pop to classical) and dry British humor. Now in its 40th year, the seven-member ensemble provides “superbly tuneful fun” (The New York Times) where “nothing is spoof- proof” (Chicago Tribune). 8 p.m. April 5; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., Galveston; 409.765.1894 or www.thegrand.com FLY FISHING FILM FEST [April 11-13] Moody Gardens will showcase two film screenings, “international Fly Fishing Film Festival” (iF4) and the “Fly Fishing Film Tour” (F3T), celebrating all things fly fishing. The screenings will take place at the MG3D Theater, Texas’ largest screen. Other event highlights include fly fishing lessons, vendor expo featuring the latest gear, raffles and door prizes, local fly shops and more. April 11-13; Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston; www.moodygardens. com/fly-fishing-event F i LE p HOTO: STUA r T V i LLANUEVA GALVESTON COUNTY FAIR & RODEO [April 4-12] Saddle up for the 87th annual Galveston County Fair & rodeo. in addition to the fun carnival rides and concerts, there’s mutton bustin’ for the kids, barbecue and seafood cook-offs, a petting zoo, livestock show benefiting hundreds of local youths in 4-H and Future Farmers of America clubs and a full lineup of rodeo action. April 4-12; Jack Brooks Park, 5012 Jack Brooks Road, Hitchcock; www.galvestoncountyfair.com THE BEST OF BAHBT [April 4-6] The Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre’s spring production features a show- case of its best classical and contemporary works, including “Majisimo,” CALL (409) 740-1251 VISIT WWW.GIA-TX.COM HOME | AUTO | BENEFITS FLOOD | WIND | COMMERCIAL INSURANCE FREE ESTIMATE CALL TODAY! Metal and Composite Shingle Specialist ROOFING “We clean the Devil out of your carpet.” Also 24 Hour Water Extractions 409-256-1569 Insured & Bonded • Galveston’s Finest Joe Carpet Cleaning Angel’s • Upholstery & Drapery Cleaning • Stripping & Waxing CARPET CLEANING ADVERTISE YOUR: ROOFING INSURANCE CONCRETE CLEANING SERVICES ELECTRICAL MORTGAGE BUSINESS HERE! LANDSCAPING CALL 409-683-5301 UPHOLSTERY/WINDOW TREATMENTS ETC..... Look to these businesses for HOME of the MONTH ADVERTISING FEATURE Christopher J. Ford Custom Homes is building fine homes in Evia and other sought-after West End neighborhoods. The team of Chris Ford and Jim Rosenfeld provides incomparable client service and exceptional professionalism along with stellar product and market knowledge. Chris, a sixth generation BOI (born on the island) builder and proud Texas A&M graduate, personally crafts and curates every home he builds. He is constantly present at every building site, working alongside his talented craftsmen. The sophisticated designer finishes, marvelous millwork and state-of-the-art upgrades of Chris’ homes are unparalleled. In addition to superb craftsmanship, Chris offers extremely competitive pricing. His portfolio includes numerous waterfront and water vista building sites with ample room for sparkling pools and lush tropical gardens. An innovative plan created for you personally by Chris’ award-winning architect, Sam Gianukos of Creole Design, will artistically showcase your personal tastes and preferences. From the $650s. JIM ROSENFELD Martha Turner Sotheby’s Circle of Excellence Hall of Fame 713.854.1303 Ford Custom Homes Evia, The Preserve at Grand Beach, Laffite’s Cove and other premier island neighborhoods82 COASTMONTHLY.COM | ApriL 2025 “Your Community, Your Credit Union”“Your Community, Your Credit Union” $419,000|3/2|1,239 sf 409-354-6456 Brian Kuhn Broker Associate 4023 Spanish Main Blvd Galveston, TX 77554 #FindYourGalveston Live where the locals live! SAVE THE DATE MERCURY CHAMBER ORCHESTRA AT BAYOU THEATER [April 11] The Mercury Chamber Orchestra presents “The Art of Joropo,” an intimate pro- gram featuring Alexis Cárdenas, a Venezuelan violinist known for his unique blend of classical and Venezuelan folk music. 7:30 p.m. April 11; Bayou Theater at University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston; www.uhcl.edu/bayou-theater KEMAH TRADE DAYS [April 12] Shop local small businesses at this indoor/outdoor market. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 12; Jimmy Walker Kemah Community Center, 800 Harris Ave., Kemah; www.texastradedays.show or discoverkemah.com F i LE p HOTO: STUA r T V i LLANUEVA GALVESTON STEAMPUNK FESTIVAL [April 12] The Galveston Steampunk Festival has something to offer for all ages, including authors, entertainment, live demonstrations, games, vendors, presenters, train rides and more. Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction that incorporates retrofuturistic technology and aesthetics inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. in addition to the festival, other events include a Steampunk pub Crawl on The Strand on April 11 and Steampunk Sunday at League Kempner Mansion with model-T driving tours on April 13. April 12; Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston; galvestonsteampunk.com ‘I AM, HE SAID’ – CELEBRATING NEIL DIAMOND [April 12] Matt, Jeff and Tommy Vee, nephew and sons of the legendary Bobby Vee, respectively, join forces with their family and friends to celebrate the music from the timeless catalog of Neil Diamond. With songs like “Cracklin’ rosie,” “Song Sung Blue” and “Sweet Caroline,” Diamond sold more than 100 million records worldwide with music that became the soundtrack of one generation after another, spanning five decades. 3 p.m. April 12; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., Galveston; 409.765.1894 or www.thegrand.com COASTMONTHLY.COM | ApriL 2025 83 2618 Broadway galvestoncm.org 409-572-2544 BOOK YOUR SUMMER CAMPS! Interactive STEM Themes Hands-on Fun Magical Memories GALVESTON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM CRAWFISH & ZYDECO FESTIVAL [April 12-13] Enjoy fresh-boiled crawfish and Zydeco music at the Kemah Boardwalk. Noon to 10 p.m. April 12-13; Kemah Boardwalk, 215 Kipp Ave., Kemah; www.kemahboardwalk.com ARTWALK [April 12] Stroll the streets of downtown Galveston and check out works by local artists and artisans in a wide variety of media. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 12; Galveston Arts Center, 2127 Strand, and other galleries, Galveston; www.contemporaryartgalveston.org MAH JONGG FUNDRAISER [April 16] Come as a single player or group for an afternoon of Mah Jongg, lunch and desserts benefiting ronald McDonald House Galveston. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 16; Galveston Country Club, 14228 Stewart Road, Galveston; www.rmhg.org or 409.762.8770 EGGSTRAVAGANZA [April 16] Grab your basket for the citywide Eggstravaganza featuring face painting, games, and, of course, eggs filled with candy and prizes. 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. April 16; Carlos Garza Sports Complex, 3300 Magnolia Ave., Texas City; www.texascitytx.gov or 409.643.5990 KEMAH BOARDWALK EASTER WEEKEND [April 18-20] Hop over to the Kemah Boardwalk for pictures with the Easter bunny, a scaven- ger egg hunt, kids crafts and more. April 18-20; Kemah Boardwalk, 215 Kipp Ave., Kemah; www.kemahboardwalk.com APOLLO CHAMBER PLAYERS AT BAYOU THEATER [April 18] The Apollo Chamber players presents “Diversity,” a program celebrating the multicultural beauty of Houston with folk songs from around the globe and newly commissioned works. 7:30 p.m. April 18; Bayou Theater at University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston; www.uhcl.edu/bayou-theater ‘VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE’ [April 18-20] Clear Creek Community Theatre presents this comedy by Christopher Du- rang. Middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia share a home in Bucks County, pennsylvania, where they bicker and complain about the circumstances of their lives. Suddenly, their movie-star sister, Masha, swoops in with her new boy toy, Spike. Old resentments flare up, eventually leading to threats to sell the house. Also on the scene are sassy maid Cassandra, who can predict the future, and a lovely young aspiring actress named Nina, whose prettiness somewhat worries the imperious Masha. 7:30 p.m. April 18-19 and 2 p.m. April 19-20; Seabrook Community House, 1210 Anders Ave., Seabrook; clearcreekcommunitytheatre.com EASTER EGG HUNT AT SEAWOLF PARK [April 19] Children younger than 12 can enjoy a free Easter egg hunt, meet the Easter Bunny and take part in face painting, games and more. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 19; Seawolf Park, 100 Seawolf Park Blvd., Galveston; www.visitgalveston.com84 COASTMONTHLY.COM | ApriL 2025 “Five Star Foundation lives up to its name... Five stars from start to finish!” FOUNDATION & CONSTRUCTION Foundation & Structural Repair Specialists Historical Homes Beach Front Homes Pier & Beam • All Masonry Repairs Carpentry • Piling Install SAVE THE DATE GALVESTON ISLAND MARKET: AFTER DARK [April 19] Sip complimentary wine as you browse this evening market featuring local artisans’ handcrafted jewelry, pottery and art. Savor gourmet bites from local vendors and enjoy live music. 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. April; Saengerfest Park and Hendley Green, 2302 Strand, Galveston; www.visitgalveston.com STRAND MUSIC NIGHT [April 19] Don’t miss free live concerts, presented by Galveston Historical Foundation, in downtown Galveston’s Saengerfest park. Uncle Lucius will perform in April. perfor- mances are free to the public with on-site beer and wine, select vendors and a Vip area with reserved seating, complimentary drinks, meet and greets, and more. 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 19; Saengerfest Park, 2302 Strand, Galveston; www.galvestonhistory.org/events/strand-summer-series FEATHERFEST [April 24-27] Every year, hundreds of unique bird species pass through Galveston on their migration along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. FeatherFest is a cele- bration of the city’s feathered friends, offering visitors a chance to experience nature adventures, photography field trips, a photo contest and more. April 24-27; Moody Gardens Hotel, Floral Ballroom, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston, and other locations; www.galvestonfeatherfest.com MUSTANG WEEK TEXAS AT MOODY GARDENS [April 24-27] This multi-day celebration of all-things Mustang and Ford will feature car exhibi- tions, a drifting competition, carnival show, fireworks display and more. April 24-27; Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston; www.mustangweek. com/mustang-week-texas-2025 ‘A GULAG MOUSE’ [April 24 to May 11] The College of the Mainland Theatre presents this drama set in September 1949 in post-war Soviet Union. The privileged and pretty Anastasia is sent to a Siberian gulag (prison) for the murder of her abusive husband. Her arrival destroys the intricate web of hierarchy, alliance and treachery among the other four inmates of her bunkhouse. To save herself, Anastasia must save all of them: the prostitute, the killer, the crone and pruska — the mouse. 7 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays from April 24 to May 11; College of the Mainland Community Theatre, 1200 Amburn Road, Texas City; 409.933.8345 or www.com.edu OLEANDER GARDEN FESTIVAL & SALE [April 26] The international Oleander Society will host its annual Oleander Garden Festival & Sale featuring vendor booths, a raffle and a performance by the Galveston Ukulele Society. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 26; Betty Head Oleander Garden Park, 2624 Sealy St., Galveston; www.oleander.org SPRING GARDEN TOUR [April 26-27] Join the Heritage Gardeners for its annual Spring Garden Tour featuring a plant sale and market. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 26-27; Marie Workman Garden Center, 112 W. Spread- ing Oaks, Friendswood and various home gardens; www.heritagegardener.org GRAND KIDS FESTIVAL [April 26] presented by The Grand 1894 Opera House, the 29th annual pirate-themed Grand Kids Festival will feature a treasure trove of activities. professional family NEVER MISS A SINGLE ISSUE COASTMONTHLY.COM/SUBSCRIBE 409.683.5201 COASTMONTHLY.COM | ApriL 2025 85 GalvestonRRMuseum.org 2602 Santa Fe Place Galveston, TX 77550 409-765-5700 APRIL 26 + 27 RAILFEST Model Train Rally IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE! entertainers, student dance groups, musicians, storytellers and stunt bike riders will take to the stages. Children of all ages can enjoy arts and crafts, animal petting zoo, inflatables and trackless train rides. The Missoula Children’s The- atre will present an original musical adaptation of “Alice and Wonderland.” 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 26, Downtown Cultural Arts District, Postoffice Street between 20th and 23rd streets, Galveston; www.grandkidsfestival.com RAILFEST [April 26-27] Train enthusiasts of all ages can experience the thrill of the tracks during this two-day event featuring large ornate model train sets, train rides, exhibits, inter- active activities, rail car tours, live entertainment, vendors and a food court. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 26-27; Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Place, Galveston; www.galvestonrrmuseum.org SPRING WINE FEST [April 26] Spend the afternoon sampling wines from California’s Napa and Sonoma counties, snacking on delicious appetizers and listening to live music at the Kemah Boardwalk. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. April 26; Kemah Boardwalk, 215 Kipp Ave., Kemah; www.kemahboardwalk.com BLESSING OF THE FLEET [April 27] Enjoy the sights of decorated boats cruising down the Clear Creek Channel into the bay. 2 p.m. April 27; Kemah Boardwalk, 215 Kipp Ave., Kemah; www.kemah boardwalk.com GALVESTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA [April 27] The Galveston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Trond Saeverud, will present its Masterworks V concert “On Eagles’ Wings” featuring music by Alexander Borodin, Christian Lindberg and Jean Sibelius. 4 p.m. March 30; The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., Galveston; 409.765.1894 or www.thegrand.com or galvestonsymphony.org in case of cancellations or changes to events, check with venues for updates. To submit an event, send pertinent information to calendar@coastmonthly.com. F i LE p HOTO: STUA r T V i LLANUEVA86 COASTMONTHLY.COM | ApriL 2025 BIRD’S EYE VIEW SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER TYRRANUS FORFICATUS story and illustration by CHRISTINA MATTISON EBERT if you’ve played the award-winning board game Wingspan, you’ve likely noted the striking bird with a long, V-shaped tail gracing the box. That bird is a scissor-tailed flycatcher, a kingbird that frequents open spaces with scattered brush or trees (think golf courses, farm fields, pastures, etc.) You might spot one zipping in straight lines through the air, occasionally performing an agile turn. With a conspicuous forked tail that can measure twice the length of its body and distinctive salmon-colored patches on its plumage, the birds are relatively easy to identify. As former National park Service ranger and blogger Cindy Mcintyre said, “...that tail really makes the bird stand out. it’s outstanding in its field. in any field.” FUN FACT: Up to a third of their nest might be composed of human artifacts such as paper, carpet fuzz and even cigarette filters. Real estate experts SPECIAL ADVERTISING PAGE Diane M. Moore REALTOR ® President, Galveston Association of Realtors ® 409.789.6330 Diane.Moore@GaryGreene.com DianeMoore.GaryGreene.com 13450 FM 3005 Galveston, Texass 77554 409.737.5200 Buying? Selling? Find the Perfect Fit! Local, Trusted & Here to Help. REALTOR 346-666-8478 bonner@tramonterealty.com April 2025 GAR REALTOR® OF THE MONTH Thank you Eileen Donlon for your outstanding community service and focus to our community. E il EE n D O NLO N 409 939-4611 Galveston eileen@tramonterealty Congratulations TANYA JONES CRS ePro GRI 409.789.7222 Tanya.Jones@garygreene.com Owner/BrokerOwner/Manager SERVING ALL OF THE MAINLAND LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. Where you advertise matters! EASY LIVING, TEXAS GULF STYLE MONTHLY Advertise here for as low as $150 month! To advertise on this page, call 409.683.5202 or advertising@galvnews.com.Next >