By Carolyn Studer “Trial by fire.” That’s how violinist Alexa Torres, the first woman and first violinist to graduate from the University of North Texas’s Jazz Strings Program, describes the bebop class where she first met guitarist Mario Wellmann. “You had to play specific musical devices in all 12 keys,” she said. “Random keys would flash up on a screen and you had to improvise in them. The fact that the keys weren’t tonally related made it harder.” After the exam, they wen

By Frank "Sugar" Hudson November is a fantastic time to be in San Miguel de Allende. The rainy season has drawn to a close, blue skies return, and comfortable daytime temperatures settle over town. With Mexico’s rich cultural traditions and an exciting international music festival on the calendar, November offers plenty of reasons to celebrate. Ideal Autumn Weather November brings sunny days, crisp evenings, and very little rain. Daytime temperatures typically reach the mid-s

By Natalie Taylor Bill Graham has been involved in leadership positions and public service for many years. He was born in St. Louis, MO and went to school at the University of Illinois in Champaign. In 1967, after graduating in business administration, he became a White House Fellow during President Lyndon Johnson’s term. Fellows work as special assistants to the Vice President, Cabinet Secretaries, and other top-ranking federal officials. Bill became president of the White H