Category: Entertainment

Community, Drama, Entertainment, South Texas Stories, Theater

Beyond the stage: Robyn Valentine builds community through drag

Arianna Rios

A federal judge ruled Aug. 25 that Texas’ restrictions on certain drag show performances were unconstitutional. The ruling pauses the enforcement of Senate Bill 12, which restricts certain sexually oriented performances on public property or in the presence of minors, and had been temporarily in effect since March while the case was being appealed. For Corpus Christi drag performer and show producer Robyn Valentine, the challenges surrounding drag extend beyond legislation and into the local entertainment industry. “It has been more challenging to find venues willing to work with us,” Valentine said in a June 19 interview. “They’re afraid of…

Community, Entertainment

Anime convention Star Con Texas debuts in Portland Sept. 5

David Phillips

The Starving Artist Collective will host Star Con Texas in the Portland Community Center from 1-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5. The one-day anime convention will focus on the local art and anime community in the Coastal Bend. The collective describes it as an event “created by artist and anime fans for artist and anime fans.” Events include a cosplay contest, a One-Piece TCG tournament, and a Warhammer 40K speed painting competition. In addition, attendees can expect a concert performance by Chrysalia, and an artist alley stocked with local artists. Star Con organizers are focusing on making the event affordable for…

Entertainment, Music

Music icon Dolly Parton dies at 80

Paul Farias

Beloved country music star and philanthropist Dolly Parton died Tuesday, Aug. 25. Her family confirmed the 80-year-old star’s death. Parton began playing music in the 1950s, with her first album, “Hello, I’m Dolly,” releasing in 1967. That same year, she reached a breakthrough by appearing on “The Porter Wagoner Show.” From there, her career spun off to various mediums such as film, television, a theme park, and even the Broadway stage with the musical adaptation of “9 to 5.” She also contributed to numerous humanitarian causes through her Dollywood Foundation organization. Her Imagination Library organization enriched numerous communities by providing…

Column, Entertainment, Theater

How community theater works around Corpus Christi

Paul Farias

Over the past two years, I’ve been a part of Corpus Christi’s theater scene. In that same time, I’ve been through a few shows here at Del Mar College as well. There are plenty of differences between the two, and since I’m involved in another community show, I figured now’s the time to look back on it. The first thing you have to do for any theater show is audition. Between community and college theater, these feel the same: you fill out a form and maybe provide a resume. Typically, community theaters will take your headshot, though college theater does…

Community, Entertainment, Music

A family band with country roots: Texas Bloodline brings, family, community, and music together on stage

Arwen Scafidi

In South Texas, live country music continues to play an important role in shaping local culture and bringing people together. From Corpus Christi to surrounding areas across the Coastal Bend, local bands create spaces where people can gather, relax and connect through familiar songs and shared experiences. Among those contributing to the local music scene is Texas Bloodline, a family band whose connection goes beyond the music they perform. Texas Bloodline consists of lead singer Jesse Lopez, lead guitarist Eric Lopez, drummer Jesse Ryan Lopez and bassist Sam Allred, a close family friend. Together, the group performs a mix of…

Column, Entertainment, Music, Review

Brooklyn-based band Makes My Blood Dance had House of Rock jumping

Brianne Dubose

Seeing local music is one of my favorite pastimes. I love seeing a community of people come together under one roof to enjoy a showcase of talent that exists in a city. Being back in Corpus Christi, I took a trip to a venue I had never been in before until recently: House of Rock. A bar, eatery, and stage all in one. I have been now a total of four times and wanted to put a little spotlight on a gem that lies near the shore. What better than to stop in on a night with a lineup of…

Entertainment

Students are ‘Completely Exposed’ in photo exhibition

Mia Ortiz

Eleven student photographers showcased their artwork at “Completely Exposed,” a digital photography exhibition appreciating wildlife, macro flower photography, local architecture, intriguing portraits, and more at the Center for Economic Development on Nov. 20. Free to the public, the exhibition buzzed with a large crowd of attendees and granted the students an opportunity to discuss their work with others passionate about photography. Now framed on the center’s walls for the public to view and purchase, 77 photographs were accumulated throughout the Fall 2025 semester by students of the Del Mar College’s Continuing Education Digital Photography class under the instruction of Jeff…

Entertainment

Across genres and languages, music connects us to our deepest emotions

Lola Ponce Gamboa

The same way a jacket on a cold day wraps you in comforting warmth, Tejano music has a way of bringing me back to a place that feels like a safe and welcoming home. No matter where I am in the world, when those familiar sounds begin to play — the bright accordion melodies, the steady rhythm of the drums, the soulful voices that tell stories of love, heartbreak, and hope — I feel grounded. Tejano music is more than just a genre to me; it’s a part of my identity. It reminds me of who I am and where…

Entertainment

Of this issue: holiday edition

Isabella Skinner

Phoebe Bridgers, 2022 EP Best Song: “If We Make It Through December” Worst Song: “Christmas Song” Underrated Hit: “7 O’Clock News/Silent Night (feat. Fiona Apple & Matt Berninger)” Overall: “So Much Wine” is a six-song Christmas EP containing covers of classic Christmas songs. While Bridgers is usually known for her lyricism, she makes the covers of these songs shine. Each song is a typically mellow Christmas song, and I enjoyed that. It kept the essence of her music without her having written the songs herself. The title track “So Much Wine” has the best production, but “If We Make It…

Entertainment

Of This Issue

Isabella Skinner

ALBUM ‘Man’s Best Friend’ (2025) Sabrina Carpenter Best Song: “When Did You Get Hot?” Worst Song: “House Tour” Underrated Hit: “We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night” Overall: I generally did not like this album. The sound – synths, airy singing, and rhythmic choruses – is something Carpenter has been doing for a decade. And it isn’t her best work. It seems that after the success of “Short & Sweet (2024),” she’s leaning towards a more mature sound with innuendos stacked into bubbly pop. The only two songs that don’t fall into this trap are “When Did You Get Hot?”…