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ON THE TOWN
March /April 2012
Mark Richter Akiko Fujimoto Bill FitzGibbons Chef Stephan Pyles Luminaria & Culinaria Andy Warhol at McNay Fiesta速 San Antonio 2012 Fiesta速速 Plus 7March-April Additional Articles 2011 | On The Town 1
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Features
Cover Credits
It Just Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This! March and April Offer an Abundance of Great Performances
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Making Music a Friend Akiko Fujimoto is New Assistant Conductor of San Antonio Symphony
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From Stage to Screen: Billy Elliot the Musical Majestic Theatre March 28- April 1
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Mark Richter Takes the Reins of a New Artistic Endeavor: Orpheus Entertainment
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Stephan Pyles and Sustenio at Eilan Hotel and Spa
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Culinaria: Wine & Culinary Arts Festival
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Luminaria Celebrates Five Years Highlights Original Creative Works with Focus on Theme of Light
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Fiesta® 2012 50 31st Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival May 10-15
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Bill FitzGibbons: Sculptor of Light
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Beauty is Art
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Getting An Early Start On National Poetry Month
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Valero Texas Open – April 19-22
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Front Cover Photo: Renée Fleming Photo by Decca / Andrew Eccles Performing Arts Cover Photo: Billy Elliot the Musical Photo by Kyle Froman Events Calendar Cover Photo: Cirque du Soleil Quidam Photo by Matt Beard Costumes : Dominique Lemieux ©2011 Cirque du Soleil Visual Arts Cover Photo: Andy Warhol, Jackie, 1964. Acrylic and screen-printing ink on linen, 20 × 16 in. The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh; Founding Collection, Contribution The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc., 1998.1.101. © 2011 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. /Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Culinary Arts Cover Photo: Greg Harrison Festivals & Celebrations Cover Photo: Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes Photo courtesy Golf San Antonio Literary Arts Cover Photo: Greg Harrison Eclectics Cover Photo: Greg Harrison
Lair Creative, LLC would not knowingly publish misleading or erroneous information in editorial content or in any adv appear under any circumstances. Additionally, content in this electronic magazine does not necessarily reflect the view mances and exhibits, it is recommended that all times and dates of such events be confirmed by the reader prior to at
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Departments
Contributors
March-April 2012 Events Calendar
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Artistic Destination: Andy Warhol’s “Fame and Misfortune” on View at the McNay
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Book Talk: Eusebio Diaz – Board President, Gemini Ink
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Out and About with Greg Harrison
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Tony Piazzi Sara Selango Missy Schultze Juan Tejeda Jasmina Wellinghoff Cassandra Yardeni
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Performing Arts 8-24
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It Just Doesn’t Get An
March and April Offer an Abun By Sara Selango
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ny Better Than This!
ndance of Great Performances
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here’s an old saying: “It just doesn’t get plays Champion Auditorium as a part of the any better than this.” When it comes to the Boerne Per forming Arts season. Bowfire follows performance offerings available over the March 8 at the same venue for the same presenting next two months, the saying is true. organization. Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam comes to Freeman Coliseum for eight per formances March Have you ever spent an evening experiencing 14-18. Nancy Zhou makes guest appearances the incredible voice of Renée Fleming, or with the San Antonio Symphony March 23-24, witnessing the musical spec tacular that is TAO: with Ken-David Masur conducting. Carol Burnett: The Ar t of Drumming? Would you like to spend a Laughter and Reflection, an evening in which she moment conversing with Carol Burnett or maybe answers questions from the audience, is scheduled see the return of San Antonio violinist Nanc y for April 15 at the Majestic. Three other Majestic Zhou to the symphony stage? How about a few per formances are Bill Maher March 4, Sinbad sets of outstanding standup from the likes of March 16 and Billy Elliot the Musical from March Bill Maher, Sinbad and Pauly Shore? Are Cirque 28 to April 1. Pauly Shore also occupies March 28 du Soleil’s Quidam, Bowfire and Billy Elliot the with his show at Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club. Musical on your radar screen? These are but a few of the amazing per formances coming our If you take a few moments to look through way in March and April. the events calendar in this issue, you will see the multi-page overload of possibilities. Take As to putting dates and places with the names classical music, for example. The San Antonio above, please note that soprano Renée Fleming Symphony offers two per formances featuring appears with the San Antonio Symphony March violinist Laticia Honda-Rosenberg March 2-3, plus 7 at the Majestic Theatre. Sebastian Lang-Lessing Patrick Dupre Quigley conducts the orchestra in conducts. On March 4, TAO: The Art of Drumming a program of Bach, Handel and Vivaldi April 13-
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14. San Antonio Chamber Music Society weighs in with two exciting presentations, the first being Red Priest March 4, with Vienna Piano Trio next on April 1. Also on April 1, Musical Bridges Around the World presents Fantasia for Organ as a part of their Judy and Jefferson Crabb Musical Evenings at San Fernando Cathedral Series. Tuesday Music Club gets involved with pianist Nareh Arghamanyan performing March 27, and the Mary C. Rohe Classical Series brings violinist Esther Kim to Kerrville’s Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater March 2. Also in the Hill Country, Fredericksburg Music Club offers an afternoon with pianist James Dick (founder of Round Top Festival Institute and Round Top Music Festival) April 15.
San Antonio Choral Society, and get up to date on all things happening at Symphony of the Hills, Mid-Texas Symphony and Youth Orchestras of San Antonio as well. Music from St. Mark’s, The Arts @ Coker, and UTSA Guest Artist Series also should be lauded for their ongoing efforts in promoting and presenting classical music.
In other musical per formances, Ray Price and the Doobie Brothers headline at the Majestic, March 17 and 25, respectively, while Indiana University’s Straight No Chaser brings its unique sound to the Brauntex Theatre in New Braunfels March 3, followed at the same venue by the Hit Men March 31, the Fab 5 on April 5, and Jim Curry as John Denver April 21. The symphony has two pops Local classical ensembles add immensely to the concerts on the March-April schedule, starting musical excitement over the next two months. with Bugs Bunny at the Symphony conducted by Check websites (and the previously mentioned George Daugherty March 9-10, then Fiesta Pops events calendar in this issue) for information with Troy Peters on the podium April 20-21. regarding performances by SOLI Chamber Several other noteworthy per formances are Black Ensemble, Camerata San Antonio, Olmos Violin presented by Carver Community Cultural Ensemble, San Antonio Brass, Musical Offerings, Center at Jo Long Theatre March 30 and Alamo Voci di Sorelle, San Antonio Chamber Choir and Metro Chorus Sweet Adelines in concert for the
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Fredericksburg Music Club March 18.
Ballet San Antonio March 23-24 at the Lila Cockrell, Alma de Mujer with Miguel Vargas at A genre of music I’m guilty of not giving enough Guadalupe Theater March 23-25 and San Antonio coverage in my ar ticles is countr y and western. Metropolitan Ballet ’s Dance Kaleidoscope at the Yes, I’ve mentioned that the legendar y Ray Price Car ver April 21. is coming to the Majestic, but I haven’t given any play to incredible enter tainers taking the stage A shor t list of shows on the boards at community at some of the state’s iconic venues like John T. theaters over next two months includes Floore Countr y Store, Luckenbach Dance Hall, Godspell, My Fair Lady, Cabaret, Legally Blonde, Gruene Hall and more. Scheduled at Floore’s The Elephant Man, Arsenic and Old Lace, The in the next two months are Cor y Morrow, Chris Spitfire Grill, Dir ty Blonde, A Raisin in the Sun and Knight, Rober t Earl Keen and Gar y Allan to name The Foreigner. Check your local listings for times, a few. Luckenbach can look for ward to Asleep dates and locations. at the Wheel, Max Stalling and Charlie Robison while Gruene Hall is loaded up with Roger One last thing. Mark Richter ’s Opera Piccola of Creager, Joe Ely, Jerr y Jeff Walker, Ray Wylie San Antonio debuts with its first opera, Cosi Fan Hubbard and Nitty Gritty Dir t Band. County Line Tutte, at the Josephine on weekends March 2-18. BBQ on I-10 offers big name enter tainers ever y Wednesday night, with Cowboys San Antonio March and April offer an abundance of great and Whitewater Amphitheater in New Braunfels per formances. Get some tickets and go! featuring super acts too. Polish your boots. Dance is highlighted by Luna Negra Dance Company at the Car ver March 9, O ff Center by
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Photo Credits:
Pages 12-13 (L-R)
Pages 8-9 Billy Elliot the Musical Photo by Kyle Froman
Bill Maher Courtesy Majestic Theatre
Pages 10-11 (L-R) Carol Burnett Courtesy Majestic Theatre Cirque du Soleil Quidam Photo by Camirand Costume : Dominique Lemieux ©2006 Cirque du Soleil Luna Negra Dance Company Courtesy Carver Community Cultural Center
Billy Elliot The Musical Photo by Kyle Froman The Doobie Brothers Courtesy Majestic Theatre Lila Downs Courtesy liladowns.com Ray Price Courtesy Majestic Theatre
TAO : The Art of Drumming Courtesy Boerne Performing Arts Renée Fleming Photo by Decca / Andrew Eccles
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Making Music a Friend Akiko Fujimoto is new Assistant Conductor of San Antonio Symphony By Lisa Cruz Photography Eric Green
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...he San Antonio Symphony welcomed a new ambassador and musical leader into its family this year, as Akiko Fujimoto took over the assistant conductor position, previously filled by Ken David Masur. Fujimoto will be in San Antonio now through the 2012-13 season.
Fujimoto recently served as the conducting assistant of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, music director of the William and Mary Symphony Orchestra and music director of the Williamsburg Youth Orchestras.
She began her music career at the age of 5 on the piano Announced in the fall, Fujimoto began her full-time position before moving to brass instruments and singing, but with the San Antonio Symphony in January and has jumped in her leadership skills became evident in college, and she the deep end, already having conducted Pops performances, eventually found her calling as a conductor. youth concerts and pieces in the Beethoven Festival lineup, which wrapped its record-setting performances in mid- “I don’t think my family was quite ready for me to be a February. She also has been providing the community with conductor,” she explained. “But I always felt music was the most her insights into classical music during pre-concert lectures, important thing in my life, and as I learned, my love grew.” and in her spare time has managed to make it to H-E-B’s Central Market and the King William neighborhood. But her Fujimoto grew up in Japan but attended high school in San Antonio adventures have really just begun. California, graduating from Stanford with a bachelor of arts in music and psychology. She continued her studies, “I have always heard great things about the orchestra, ultimately obtaining master of music degrees from the and I knew the last few music directors, whom I hold in Eastman School of Music and Boston University. great regard,” Fujimoto said. “I heard there were great musicians working here, and I have found that to be the “To me, this is my sport,” Fujimoto said. “It’s a visceral case, so I am excited, and I really like San Antonio.” experience, bringing together all these musicians, as well as the history of the music. I never get tired of it.” Her selfAs the assistant conductor, Fujimoto is critical to the described stubbornness and idealism also lends itself well symphony’s outreach efforts in the community and said to her new role, as does her connection to the music. she looks forward to being an ambassador for the arts and being a part of the entire San Antonio community. “I feel closest to Beethoven because I’m just as stubborn yet idealistic,” Fujimoto explained. “His music is so strong, “I have a big responsibility to spread the message of it just won’t let up. When I perform or hear his music, I feel classical music,” Fujimoto said. “I think some people may something beyond a love of his music. He feels like a friend.” not have enough information to truly enjoy it (classical music), and I encourage people to come to the lecture Revealing her leadership style, Fujimoto said the key before a concert. When you know a little about the piece elements are trust in the musicians and a vision for what being performed, it makes you feel more comfortable.” the orchestra should be. “A conductor has to have such a convincing vision for the piece and conviction in his or her Making others comfortable around classical music is a vision that these uber-trained professionals are convinced common theme for Fujimoto. She explained how classical to put each of his or her pieces into the puzzle,” Fujimoto music evokes universal feelings and messages about said. “You also have to trust in every single person in the humanity, love, nature and even death. orchestra. They each have played these pieces before, but if (a conductor) does not approach it the right way, an “I like to relate to a piece as if I were sitting with a glass of orchestra can shut down.” wine and a friend,” she said. “I’m optimistic that nothing can replace live music… the thrill and epicness of it. It’s a Fujimoto has found the San Antonio Symphony musicians very 4D experience.” open to her ideas and with a genuine desire to put the quality of the music above all else. Fujimoto’s love of her craft is evident in conversation, but her skill and dedication is what drew music director Whether it is music, reading cookbooks or watching Sebastian Lang-Lessing. “She is very clear when she cooking shows, Fujimoto said she has a fascination with conducts and has a fullness I appreciate so that the watching people make things – and San Antonio will have orchestra can perform at the highest level,” Lang-Lessing the next year and half to watch Fujimoto make music with said. “She brings a good energy to the orchestra.” the symphony. March-April 2011 | On The Town 15
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From Stage to Screen: Billy Elliot the Musical Majestic Theatre March 28-April 1
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ollowing the premiere of Billy Elliot at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival, a sobbing Elton John, who by chance happened to be at the screening, had to be helped from the theater. “It touched me so much,” he said. “The story is very similar to mine: Trying to be something out of the ordinary. Having a talent and wanting to break free from what your parents want you to do. Wanting approval from your father, especially when your father doesn’t approve of the profession you’ve chosen.” Billy Elliot is the story of an adolescent who discovers he has a talent and passion for ballet, and pursues it despite the vehement objections of his father and the derision of his community, a coal-mining village in Northern England. Intertwined with Billy’s journey is the unfolding of the 1984 coal miners’ strike in Great Britain, an event so devastating that the repercussions are still felt to this day. John was so moved and so inspired by the movie that he immediately envisioned the piece as a stage musical. Neither director Stephen Daldry, nor screenwriter Lee Hall, initially shared his enthusiasm, but John changed their minds. “What Elton felt was very personal to him, and he understood the story from the inside,” Hall said. “One of my big concerns was to keep an emotional core. I also realized there was a tradition of musical theater that completely embraced all the things Billy Elliot is about. Going back as far as Show Boat, musicals have dealt with issues and politics. So I realized that the music from the mining communities – the folk songs, the hymnal singing – could provide a kind of soundtrack for this show.” The musical puts a greater emphasis on the plight of the miners than there is in the film.
“What appealed to me most about doing the show was to have the opportunity to delve into the miners’ strike,” Daldry said. “That strike was one of the most important events in my life, as well as in domestic village politics. It’s not possible to exaggerate the cultural flowering that happened during that year in the pit villages. There was a real shift in consciousness for everybody involved in those villages, which is part of the sadness of the whole story. Because something extraordinary happened – and then it was wiped out as they shut down the pits. So we wanted to talk about the community and the family as much as Billy in the musical. The strike bookends the show. The theater lends itself to big, working-class anthems of struggle and loss. You can present that in a much more believable and moving way onstage than on film.” The two strands of the narrative are so thoroughly integrated in the show that, in the end, each story is incomplete without the other. But making the miners more prominent posed a special challenge for choreographer Peter Darling: How could he create dances for characters who were so opposed to dance? “You want to include them in the dances, because a musical can encompass a wider community,” Darling said. “But they make fun of dance, so how was this going to work? I started to think about when men dance. They do social dancing and folk dancing. So that’s where I started. And I believe that all human movement – walking, running, jumping and falling – is dance. If someone corrals it and gives it form, before you know it, it’s dance.” Since opening in London in 2005, Billy Elliot the Musical has become an international phenomenon, the recipient of more than 70 awards. In 2009 the show won 10 Tony Awards, including best musical; Daldry won for best direction of a musical, Hall for book of a musical, and Darling for choreography. March-April 2011 | On The Town 17
“You can’t just look at Billy Elliot as a piece of theater,” Hall said, “because it actually transforms the lives of these boys. If there had been no Billy Elliot, if these boys had not been discovered for the role, then they would not have flourished in the way that they do. Their growth is almost a symbol, a metaphor at the heart of the piece. We actually demonstrate that it is possible, if everyone pulls together, to achieve something quite extraordinary.” Billy Elliot the Musical performances are at 8 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday and at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, with matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. For venue information, please go to www. MajesticEmpire.com. For more information about the 2011-2012 Cadillac Broadway in San Antonio Season, visit www.BroadwayInSanAntonio.com. Additional information about Billy Elliot the Musical is available at www.billyelliotthemusical.com.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 16 Elton John with 3 Billys: Trent Kowalik, David Alvarez and Kiril Kulish Photo by Peter Lueders / Paul Kolnik Studio Page 18 (Above) Lee Hall Writer Photo by David Scheinmann (Below) Peter Darling Choreographer Photo by David Scheinmann
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Mark Richter Takes the Reins of a New Artistic Endeavor: Orpheus Entertainment By Michele Krier Photography Greg Harrison
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aving hit the high notes for decades by bringing to San Antonio the world’s crème de la crème of opera performers, entertainment impresario Mark A. Richter now is forging a distinctive path with his new Orpheus Entertainment Group. Through this venture he brings concert promotions and other genres of performing arts to the stage, plus artistic management and representation to South Texas.
was an amuse buche, whetting our cultural appetites for more of anything he will serve up, like possibly a Broadway evening with Bernadette Peters or an international opera with Andrea Boccelli. Known for his innovation in bringing opera back to San Antonio, Richter has produced and promoted almost every type of entertainment, including grand opera, musical theater and concerts featuring Maynard Ferguson and Roberta Peters, to name a few. He also has produced concerts for Placido Domingo, Vikki Carr, Jose Feliciano and superstar comedians such as Gabriel Iglesias. And to show his diversity in entertainment, he also is producing Lucha Libra wrestlers and a bull fight.
Following a run of 16 years as founder and artistic director of the San Antonio Opera, Richter’s new venture sets the stage for a delightful future. For example, his first offering, under the banner of Off-Broadway Productions, was Ain’t Misbehavin’ starring Sherman Hemsley (best known as George Jefferson in The Jeffersons). The musical, which “I have plans to tour shows in and around the Hill opened to rave reviews at the Josephine Theatre, Country and South Texas area,” Richter said. “I’m also March-April 2011 | On The Town 21
going to handle the marketing and development for a few different nonprofit organizations.” Reflecting on his career, Richter said, “I’ve done 61 major operas, and my recent Romeo and Juliet production remains among my top five favorites. I feel proud that the education program that I have worked hard to create has meant children who hear our singers are now in music and opera careers. I think we’ve made a difference.’’ The San Antonio native cut his musical chops on the viola at age 5, and by the time he was 10, Richter was performing in large orchestras around the area. Vocally trained at the University of the Incarnate Word, Richter became a soloist with the San Antonio Symphony, San Antonio Choral Society, First Presbyterian Church, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and many other ensembles, and in the process he garnered a well-deserved reputation as a performer. Fans of San Antonio Opera, founded by Richter, will rejoice to know his upcoming repertoire includes The Fantastics, May 4-26; Baby: The Musical, June 8-24; and Side by Side by Sondheim, Aug. 3-19. The series also includes three delightful operas: Cosi Fan Tutti, Feb. 24-March 18; The Medium, July 6-15; and Don Pasquale, Sept. 7-23. “Seeing opera at the Josephine will transform the experience into an intimate setting. Cosi Fan Tutti will be set during the Republic of Texas in San Antonio a couple of days before the battle of the Alamo,” he said. This new Off-Broadway and opera series is also paving the way for much needed renovations and improvements at the historic Josephine Theatre. Richter always has had his eye on, and his heart committed to, bringing the world’s top entertainment to South Texas. His dedication to artistic excellence will surely continue to enhance the cultural life in San Antonio and the surrounding area. A member of the city’s cultural collaborative, CASA organization, Richter is a former winner of the San Antonio Business Journals’ 40 under 40 Award, former member of the City of San Antonio Cultural Arts Board, and Alamo City Theater Council, and winner of the SAISD outstanding graduate award. 22 On The Town | March-April 2011
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Events Calendar 26-38
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March-April 2012 Events Calendar Music Notes Mary C. Rohe Classical Music Series Esther Kim and Friends 3/2, Fri @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater-Kerrville Almost Patsy Cline Band 3/2, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dance Hall Rockbox Theater Fredericksburg 3/2-4/29, Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 4:30 & 8pm, Sun @ 2pm Cory Morrow 3/2, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store San Antonio Symphony The Sea 3/2-3, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor Laticia Honda-Rosenberg, violin Majestic Theatre
Indiana University’s Straight No Chaser 3/3, Sat @ 7:30pm Brauntex Theatre New Braunfels
San Antonio Chamber Music Society Red Priest 3/4, Sun @ 3:15pm Temple Beth-El
Hayes Carll 3/3, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall
Voci di Sorelle Landscape: Songs of Nature 3/4, Sun @ 3pm St. Luke’s Episcopal
Chris Knight 3/3, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store San Antonio Brass Erin Go Bragh! Ireland Forever! 3/4, Sun @ 2pm Beacon Hill Presbyterian 3/5, Mon @ 7:30pm St. Mark’s PresbyterianBoerne 3/6, Tue @ 7:30pm Abiding Presence Lutheran 3/19, Mon @ 7:30pm First Presbyterian-Kerrville 3/20, Tue @ 7pm St. Luke’s Episcopal San Antonio Chamber Choir Dancing Water 3/4, Sun @ 3pm Leeper Auditorium-McNay
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San Antonio Choral Society The Music of Gilbert and Sullivan 3/4, Sun @ 4pm St. George Maronite SOLI Chamber Ensemble Flow 3/6, Tue @ 7:30pm Ruth Taylor Recital Hall 3/8, Thu @ 7:30pm Blue Star Contemporary Arts Center San Antonio Symphony Renée Fleming 3/7, Wed @ 7:30pm Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor Majestic Theatre
Boerne Performing Arts Bowfire 3/8, Thu @ 7:30pm Boerne Champion HS Auditorium Symphony of the Hills Young & Young At Heart 3/8, Thu @ 7:30pm Dr. Jay Dunahoo, conductor Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater-Kerrville James McMurtry 3/9, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Kick-A-Boot Band 3/9, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dance Hall Bart Crow Band 3/9, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store San Antonio Symphony Bugs Bunny at the Symphony 3/9-10, Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 2pm & 8pm George Daugherty, Conductor Majestic Theatre
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Almost Patsy Cline Band Timeless Tunes, the Stories and the Songs 3/10, Sat @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater-Kerrville Pat Waters & Chain Link 3/10, Sat @ 8pm Kendalia Halle
Camerata San Antonio The Power of Dance 3/15, Thu @ 7:30pm Kerrville First Presbyterian 3/16, Fri @ 7:30pm Boerne First United Methodist 3/18, Sun @ 3pm Christ Episcopal San Antonio
Micky & The Motorcars 3/10, Sat @ 8pm Luckenbach Dance Hall
Josh Peek 3/16, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dance Hall
Joe Ely Band 3/10, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Music at St. Mark’s At Home with Bach Joseph Causby and Kristin Roach, harpsichords 3/11, Sun @ 4pm St. Mark’s Episcopal Celebrating 25 Years with Lila Downs: Woman Without Borders 3/11, Sun @ 6pm Laurie Auditorium U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors 3/12, Mon @ 7pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater-Kerrville The Cavender Toyota Music Series Ryan Beaver 3/14, Wed @ 8pm County Line BBQ - IH-10
Thieving Birds 3/16, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Roger Creager 3/16-17, Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Ray Price 3/17, Sat @ 7:30pm Majestic Theatre An Evening with Hunter Hays 3/17, Sat @ 8pm John T. Floore Country Store Jake Hooker & Outsiders 3/17, Sat @ 8pm Anhalt Hall Mingo Fishtrap & Danny Brooks 3/17, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dance Hall
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Bill Gaither & The Gaither Vocal Band 3/18, Sun @ 3pm Majestic Theatre Fredericksburg Music Club Alamo Metro Chorus of Sweet Adelienes 3/18, Sun @ 3pm Fredericksburg United Methodist The Cavender Toyota Music Series Six Market Blvd. 3/21, Wed @ 8pm County Line BBQ - IH-10 Year of Jazz: John Magaldi & Primetime Jazz Orchestra featuring Richie Cole 3/23, Fri @ 6:30pm San Antonio Botanical Garden Corey Smith 3/23, Fri @ 7pm Cowboys San Antonio
San Antonio Symphony Nancy Zhou Returns 3/23-24, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Ken-David Masur, Conductor Majestic Theatre Cher La Bas Cajun Band 3/24, Sat @ 8pm Anhalt Hall Honeybrowne 3/24, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Robert Earl Keen 3/24, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Charlie Robison 3/24, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dance Hall The Arts at Coker Don Irwin 3/25, Sun @ 3pm Coker United Methodist The Doobie Brothers 3/25, Sun @ 7pm Majestic Theatre
Rodney Hayden 3/23, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dance Hall
Musical Offerings Music on the MOve 3/26, Mon @ 6pm & 8pm San Antonio Museum of Art
Rob Baird 3/23, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store
UTSA Guest Artist Series Nancy Zhou 3/26. Mon @ 7:30pm Recital Hall @ UTSA
Tuesday Musical Club Nareh Arghamanyan 3/27, Tue @ 2pm Laurel Heights United Methodist The Cavender Toyota Music Series Hudson Moore with Jonathan Garcia 3/28, Wed @ 8pm County Line BBQ IH-10
Carver Community Cultural Center Black Violin 3/30, Fri @ 8pm Jo Long Theatre
Don Irwin 3/31, Sat @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater-Kerrville
Reckless Kelly 3/30, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall
The Hit Men 3/31, Sat @ 7:30pm Brauntex Theatre New Braunfels
Weldon Henson 3/30, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dance Hall Jon Wolfe 3/30, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store
Casey Donahew Band 3/31, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store
Bob Schneider 3/31, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Max Stalling & McKay Brothers 3/31, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dance Hall San Antonio Chamber Music Society Vienna Piano Trio 4/1, Sun @ 3:15pm First Unitarian Universalist
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Mid-Texas Symphony America the Beautiful David Mairs, conductor Amanda Brooms, soprano 4/1, Sun @ 4pm Jackson AuditoriumSeguin Jerry Jeff Walker’s Texas Bash 4/1, Sun @ 7pm Gruene Hall The Fab 5 4/6, Fri @ 7:30pm Brauntex Theatre New Braunfels Ray Wylie Hubbard 4/6, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Rosie Flores 4/6, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dance Hall Micky & The Motorcars 4/7, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Billy Joe Shaver 4/7, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dance Hall The Cavender Toyota Music Series Two Tons of Steel 4/11, Wed @ 8pm County Line BBQ - IH-10
USAF Band of the West Fiesta in Blue 4/12-13 Thu-Fri @ 7pm Laurie Auditorium Trinity University Thomas Michael Riley’s Music Fest 4/13-15, Fri @ 6pm, Sat & Sun @ 1pm Luckenbach Dance Hall Billy Currington 4/13, Fri @ 7pm Cowboys San Antonio Year of Jazz: Tribute To Parisian Jazz 4/13, Fri @ 7:30pm Coates Chapel Southwest School of Art Gary Allan 4/13, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store San Antonio Symphony Bach, Handel & Vivaldi 4/13-14, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Patrick Dupre Quigley, conductor Majestic Theatre Jeff Griffith 4/14, Sat @ 8pm Kendalia Halle Zack Walther Band 4/14, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall
30 On The Town | March-April 2011
Fredericksburg Music Club James Dick 4/15, Sun @ 3pm Fredericksburg United Methodist Olmos Ensemble Chords of Hope 4/15, Sun @ 3pm First Unitarian Universalist Demented Fest 4/15, Sun @ 4pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Bruanfels Youth Orchestra of San Antonio Spring Celebration 4/17, Tue @ 7pm Jo Long Theatre @ The Carver The Cavender Toyota Music Series Cody Johnson 4/18, Wed @ 8pm County Line BBQ - IH-10 San Antonio Symphony Fiesta Pops 4/20-21, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Troy Peters, conductor Majestic Theatre Jim Curry: Tribute to John Denver 4/21, Sat @ 7:30pm Brauntex Theatre New Braunfels
Tony Booth & Chris Potter 4/21, Sat @ 8pm Anhalt Hall Nitty Gritty Dirt Band 4/21, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Eddie Vedder with Glen Hansard 4/25, Wed @ 7:30pm Lila Cockrell Theater The Cavender Toyota Music Series Cody and Willy Braun of Reckless Kelly 4/25, Wed @ 8pm County Line BBQ - IH-10 Camerata San Antonio Crossroads 4/26, Thu @ 7:30pm Kerrville First Presbyterian 4/27, Fri @ 7:30pm Boerne First United Methodist 4/29, Sun @ 3pm Christ Episcopal San Antonio Bordertown Bootleggers 4/27, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dance Hall Asleep at the Wheel 4/28, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dance Hall Ray Price 4/29, Sun @ 3pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater-Kerrville
Music at St. Mark’s Fiesta Concert 4/29, Sun @ 4pm St. Mark’s Episcopal Steve Earle featuring Allison Moorer 4/29, Sun @ 7pm Majestic Theatre
On Stage UIW Theatre Arts The Tempest 3/1-3, Thu@ 7pm, Fri-Sat @ 8pm The Coates Theatre S.T.A.G.E – Bulverde Closure 3/1-3, Thu-Sat @ 8pm (Dinner optional @ 6:30pm) Kraus Haus The Overtime Theater Sleepers Wake 3/1 & 3, Thu & Sat @ 8pm 3/8-11, Thu-Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 3pm 3/15-24, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Hill Country Arts Foundation Sex Please, We’re Sixty 3/2-3, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Elizabeth Huth Coates Theatre-Ingram
Fredericksburg Theater Company Godspell 3/2-4, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm, Sun @ 2pm Steve W. Shepherd Theater San Pedro Playhouse Superior Donuts 3/2-11, Fri-Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 2:30pm Cellar Theater Hornsby Theatre Company A Raisin in the Sun 3/4 & 11, Sun @ 6pm Josephine Theatre Boerne Performing Arts TAO: The Art of Drumming 3/4, Sun @ 7:30pm Boerne Champion HS Auditorium Herb Keyser & Bett Butler Present Geniuses of American Music 3/5, Mon @ 7:30pm (Billie Holiday & Fred Astaire) 4/2, Mon @ 7:30pm (Danny Kay & Ethel Merman) Josephine Theatre March-April 2011 | On The Town 31
Harlequin Dinner Theatre And The Beat Goes On 3/8-4/21, Thu-Sat @ 8pm (Dinner @ 6:15pm) Jump Start Performance Co. I’ll Remember You 3/9-25, Fri-Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 3pm Sterling Houston Theatre @ Blue Star Cameo Theatre @ Spaghetti Warehouse Mamma Mia, That’sa Murder! 3/10 & 24, 4/14 & 28 Sat @ 6:30pm Spaghetti Warehouse Gloria Sanchez as Liza Minelli 15 Minutes..and Then Some 3/11. Sun @ 2pm 3/15, Thu @ 7:30pm McNay Art Museum Cirque du Soliel: Quidam 3/14-18, Wed-Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 3:30pm & 7:30pm Sun @ 1pm, 5pm & 7:30pm Freeman Coliseum San Pedro Playhouse My Fair Lady 3/16-4/14, Fri-Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 2:30pm Russell Hill Rogers Theater
Cameo Theatre The Elephant Man 3/16-4/14, Fri-Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 3pm ‘Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3 3/17-18, Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2:30pm Brauntex Theatre New Braunfels Hill Country Arts Foundation The Spitfire Grill 3/23-31, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm, Sun @ 2pm 4/13-21, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Elizabeth Huth Coates Theatre-Ingram
Allegro Stage Company Cabaret 3/29-4/1, Thu-Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 2pm 4/12-14, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Palmetto Center for the Arts Northwest Visa College Woodlawn Theatre Legally Blonde 3/30-4/29, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm San Pedro Playhouse Cries That Bind 4/6-5/6, Fri-Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 2:30pm Cellar Theater
Fredericksburg Theater Company The Foriegner 4/13-29, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm, Sun @ 2pm Steve W. Sheperd Theater The Overtime Theater For the Love of an Anesthesiologist 4/13-4/28, Thu-Sat @ 8pm 4/29, Sun @ 3pm 5/3, Thu @ 8pm 5/5-12, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Cameo Theatre Dirty Blonde 4/14-5/6, Fri-Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 3pm
Can’t Nobody Tell It Like I Can 3/24, Sun @ 6pm Little Carver Theatre
Circle Arts Theatre New Braunfels Arsenic and Old Lace 4/12-29, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm
Carol Burnett: Laughter & Reflection – Audience Q&A 4/15, Sun @ 7pm Majestic Theatre
Magic Mania 3/24, Sat @ 8pm Zumbro Lounge @ Cameo Center
Carver Community Cultural Center Mystical Arts of Tibet 4/13, Fri @ 8pm Jo Long Theatre
Playhouse 2000 Do Not Go Gentle 4/20-5/3, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm, Sun @ 2pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater-Kerrville
Cadillac Broadway in San Antonio Billy Elliot the Musical 3/28-4/1, Wed & Fri @ 8pm Thu & Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm & 7:30pm Majestic Theatre
Trinity U. Theatre Arts Cloud Nine 4/13-15, Fri-Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 2:30pm 4/18-21, Wed-Thu @ 7pm, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Stieren Theater
UIW Theatre Arts Fiction 4/20-22, Fri-Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 2pm 4/26-28, Thu@ 7pm, Fri-Sat @ 8pm The Coates Theatre
32 On The Town | March-April 2011
Opera Opera Piccola of San Antonio Cosi Fan Tutte 3/2-4, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm, Sun @ 2pm 3/9-10, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm 3/16-18, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm, Sun @ 2pm Josephine Theatre
Dance Synergy 2012 3/3-4, Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Jo Long Theatre @ The Carver Backstage at the McNay: Two Takes on Carmen 3/8, Thu @ 6:30pm Blackburn Patio / Brown Gallery McNay Art Museum Carver Community Cultural Center Luna Negra Dance Company 3/9, Fri @ 8pm Jo Long Theatre Ballet San Antonio Off Center 2012 3/23-24, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Lila Cockrell Theatre
Guadalupe Cultural Center Alma de Mujer featuring Miguel Vargas and Guadalupe Dance Company 3/23-25, Fri-Sat @ pm Sun @ 3pm Guadalupe Theater San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet Dance Kaleidoscope 4/21, Sat @ 7:30pm Jo Long Theatre @ The Carver San Antonio Stomp Fest 4/28, Sat @ 6:30pm Jo Long Theatre @ The Carver
Children’s The Magik Theatre If You Take a Mouse to School 3/1-24, Tu-Thu @ 9:45am & 11:30am Fri @ 9:45am, 11:30am & 7pm Sat @ 2pm (No performance 3/10) Children’s Fine Arts Series Are You My Mother 3/9, Fri @ 6:30pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre March-April 2011 | On The Town 33
TheatreWorks USA Fancy Nancy 3/28, Wed @ 10am Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater-Kerrville The Magik Theatre Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type 3/30-5/5, Tu-Thu @ 9:45am & 11:30am Fri @ 9:45am, 11:30am & 7pm Sat @ 2pm (No performances 4/27-28)
Comedy Chris Kattan & Friends 3/1-3/4, Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Ron Feingold 3/1-4, Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club
Godfrey 3/9-11, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Peter Berman 3/14-3/18, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club The Whiskey Brothers 3/14-18, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club 8th Annual Love & Happiness Comedy Show featuring Mary J. Blige 3/16, Fri @ 8pm Illusions Theater @ The Alamodome
Bill Maher 3/4, Sun @ 7pm Majestic Theatre
Sinbad 3/16, Fri @ 8pm Majestic Theatre
Kristen Key 3/7-11, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club
Steve White 3/21-25, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
34 On The Town | March-April July-August 2011 2009
Gabriel Rutledge 3/21-25, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club
Ryan Stout 4/11-15, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Pauly Shore 3/28, Wed @ 7:30pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Patti Vasquez 4/11-15, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club
Darryl Rhoades 3/28-4/1, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Erin Foley 3/30-4/1, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Kyle Erby 4/4-5, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Rory Scovel 4/4-8, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Sheryl Underwood 4/6-7, Fri-Sat @ 7pm & 9:15pm Rivercenter Comedy Club
Janet Williams “The Tennessee Tramp” 4/18-22, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Cash Levi 4/18-22, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Mike Epps 4/21, Sat @ 7:30pm Lila Cockrell Theater Raj Sharma 4/25-29, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Jay Lafarr’s Old Time Comedy Burlesque 4/25-29, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club
On Exhibit ARTPACE Hudson (Show) Room Tony Feher Thru 4/29 Window Works Judith Cottrell Thru 4/29 International ArtistIn-Resident New Works: 12.1 Adam Pendleton James Sham Florian Slotawa Jeffrey Grove, curator Opens 3/21 BIHL HAUS ARTS Fantastic Voyage New Fiberworks by Lucia LaVilla-Havelin 3/24-5/5 The Scribbling Cure by Roberto Borazz Book launch & poetry reading by Jim LaVillaHavelin 4/19, Thu @ 7:30pm
BLUE STAR CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER
40 Years of Texas Folklife Festival Memories Thru 8/26
The Texas Sized Print, A Public Art Piece (Blue Star Lab) Thru 3/8
Spring Break on the Back 40 3/12-16
Cornelia White Swann: Spaces in Between 3/1-3/24 Passage to the Future: Art from a New Generation in Japan 3/1-5/5 Guillermina Zabala: Juanito 3/1-5/5 INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES Griff Smith’s Texas: A Retrospective through the Lens & Images of Texas Highways Thru 3/25 Texas Contemporary Artists Series: Henry Catenacci Thru 6/24 Timeless Texas Toys Thru 8/5
A Maverick’s Texas 3/12-6/17 Texas Photographers: Descriptions of China 4/7-5/27 McNAY ART MUSEUM Adolf Dehn’s Selected Tales of Guy de Maupassant Thru 5/6 Drawn Forth: Contemporary Drawings from the Collection Thru 5/6 Andy Warhol: Fame and Misfortune Thru 5/20 An El Greco Rediscovered Thru 5/20 Baroque to Bauhaus: Designs from the Tobin Collection Thru 6/10
MUSEO ALAMEDA Revolution & Renaissance: Mexico & San Antonio 1910-2010 Thru 3/18 Prehispanic Art in Western Mexico Thru 3/18 SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN Amazing Butterflies Thru 3/25 SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART San Antonio Collects: African American Artists Thru 5/6 The Chinese Art of Cricket Keeping: The Ernest K.H. Lee Collection Thru 6/15 Imagenes del Pueblo: Spanish Popular Graphics from the Permanent Collection Thru 6/28
March-April 2011 | On The Town 35
SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART
Miscellaneous
Texas Draws: Collaborative Continuous Drawing 3/1-4/29
First Friday Art Walk 3/2, 4/6 Southtown
Vanessa Garcia Briede: Spiritual Milk for the American Babe 3/1-4/29 Texas Draws II 3/1-4/29 WITTE MUSEUM Opening the Witte Wardrobe: 85 Years of Collecting Textiles Thru 3/25 Out of the Vault 85 Years of Collecting at the Witte Museum Thru 4/29 Witte Through Time: 85 Years and Still Growing Thru 5/26 Darwin: How One Man’s Theory Turned the World on its Head Thru 9/3
Fete du Cuvee 3/3, Sat @ 7pm Bright Shawl 5th Annual Luminaria 3/10, Sat / 6:30pm-12am HemisFair Park Fountain Plaza San Antonio Highland Games & Celtic Music Festival 3/31-4/1, Sat / 9am-6pm Sun / 11am-5pm Helotes Festival Grounds Poteet Strawberry Festival 4/13-15 (Kevin Fowler, The Quebe Sisters, Marty Stuart, David Lee Garza y Los Musicales, Brandon Rhyder, Clay Walker & more) Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream 4/4-8, Wed-Thu @ 7:30pm, Fri @ 1:30pm & 7:30pm Sat @ 11:30pm, 3:30pm, 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm & 7pm The Alamodome
36 On The Town | March-April July-August 2011
Fiesta® San Antonio 2012 4/19-29 – 11 days, 100 events For info: www.fiesta-sa.org Boerne Wild West Day 4/21, Sat / 10am-5pm Enchanted Springs Ranch
Chris Knight Courtesy chrisknight.net Page 28 (L-R) San Antonio Brass Courtesy sabrass.org
Fiesta Arts Fair 4/21-22, Sat / 10am-6pm Sun / 11am-5pm Southwest School of Art
Red Priest Courtesy redpriest. bandzoogle.com
Night in Old San Antonio 4/24-27, Tue-Fri, 5:3010:30pm La Villita
Renée Fleming Photo by Andrew Eccles
13th Annnual A Taste of the Northside 4/25, Wed / 5:30pm10:30pm Club at Sonterra King William Fair 4/28, Sat @ 10am
Photo Credits Page 26 (L-R)
Bowfire Courtesy Boerne Performing Arts
Page 29 (L-R) Lila Downs Courtesy liladowns.com Camerata San Antonio Photo by Greg Harrison
Page 30 (L-R)
Rockbox Theatre Courtesy rockboxtheatre. com
Roger Creager Courtesy liveatfloores.com
Cory Morrow Courtesy liveatfloores.com
Hunter Hayes Courtesy liveatfloores.com
Laticia Honda-Rosenberg Courtesy hondarosenberg. de
Mary Ann Wydra Alamo Metro Chorus Photo by Greg Harrison
Ken-David Masur Photo by Greg Harrison
Max Stalling Courtesty maxstalling.com
Page 31 (L-R)
Page 35 (L-R)
Nancy Zhou Courtesy The Arts at Coker
Vienna Piano Trio Courtesy viennapianotrio. com
Honeybrowne Courtesy liveatfloores.com
Page 32 (L-R) Robert Earl Keen Courtesy liveatfloores.com Charlie Robison Courtesy liveatfloores.com Doobie Brothers Courtesy Majestic Theatre Musical Offerings Courtesy musicalofferings. com Page 33 (L-R) Nareh Arghamanyan Courtesy Tuesday Musical Club Black Violin Courtesy Carver Community Cultural Center
Jerry Jeff Walker Courtesy jerryjeff.com The Fab 5 Courtesy thefab5.net Tao: The Art of Drumming Courtesy cami.com
Page 36 (L-R) Billy Elliot the Musical Photo by Michael Brosilolw Cirque du Soleil Quidam Photo by Matt Beard Costumes: Dominique Lemieux Š 2011 Cirqu du Soleil Mystical Arts of Tibet Courtesy Carver Community Cultural Center Carol Burnett Courtesy Majestic Theatre
Page 34 (L-R)
Page 37 (L-R)
Reckless Kelly Courtesy recklesskelly.com Jon Wolfe Courtesy liveatfloores.com
Luna Negra Dance Company Courtesy Carver Community Cultural Center
Bob Schneider Courtesy liveatfloores.com
Sinbad Courtesy Majestic Theatre
March-April 2011 | On The Town 37
38 On The Town | March-April 2011
Culinary Arts 40-46
March-April 2011 | On The Town 39
Stephan Pyles and Sustenio at Elian Hotel Resort and Spa By Chris Waters Dunn Photography courtesy of the hotel
O
ne of the focal points of the sumptuously sleek interior of Stephan Pyles’ new restaurant, Sustenio, located in the Éilan Hotel, is the prodigious communal table in the center of the main dining room. It can be reserved for a group of 20, but it is also available on a first-come, first-served basis, creating a shared dining experience that harkens back to earlier times when people gathered around the family table to share a meal.
said his inspiration to include a communal table in the restaurant came from memories of his family’s Truck Stop Café in Big Spring, “where they treated guests the same as family,” he said.
It is symbolic of the career of Stephan Pyles—impressive and innovative, yet linked to something worth holding onto from the past. The fifth-generation West Texan
The James Beard Award winner didn’t start out to be a chef; he was a voice and piano major at East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University—Commerce). “I
40 On The Town | March-April 2011
Perhaps this is the key to Pyles’ success—that he has never forgotten his roots, both as a Texan and as a “founding father” of Southwestern cuisine. “You gotta dance with the one that brung ya’,” he said with a grin.
have a love for all things musical,” said Pyles, though cuisine of France prepared with American ingredients.” he now limits his performances to playing his piano at home and singing in the shower. Inspired by chefs such as Larry Forgione at An American Place, Pyles began creating innovative dishes such He said his interest in the culinary arts was piqued as Colorado Lamb with Texas Pecans and Garlic, and by a trip to France after graduation; there, he had Catfish Mousse With Crayfish Sauce. He also developed his first taste of haute cuisine—it was a career- an all-American wine list—a novel idea at the time. changing experience. Pyles said he began to delve deeper into the foods After working various jobs at two Dallas restaurants, and flavors he had eaten growing up, such as chiles, Pyles said he received “an incredible opportunity” to tomatillos and tortillas—ingredients that were work in the Great Chefs of France Cooking School at right at home at his family’s Truck Stop Café. Pyles, the Robert Mondavi Winery. There, he was chef’s however, transformed these elements in a way that assistant to legendary chefs such as Paul Bocuse, made them just as at home in an upscale restaurant Michel Guerard, Jean and Pierre Troisgros, Alain Chapel in Dallas or on the cover of Gourmet Magazine. and Gaston Lenôtre. He also formed a close working Dishes such as Texas Black Buck Antelope With relationship and friendship with Julia Child. Pyles said Pasilla-Tamarind Sauce and Sweet Potato Tamales, those associations greatly influenced his later work. Squash Blossom Soup With Candied Lime, Blue Corn Polenta With Oysters and Ancho Cream, and Pecan In November 1983, Pyles opened his first restaurant, the Soufflé With Bourbon Butter forever changed the iconic Routh Street Café. “I had an absolutely French nation’s perception of Texas cuisine. foundation,” he said, but he was eager to embrace a new food trend sweeping the country known as “New Awards, accolades, bestselling cookbooks, and American Cuisine,” which he describes as “la nouvelle television shows followed. Even a young Bobby Flay January-February March-April 2011 | On The Town 41
made a pilgrimage to Dallas to work at Routh Street Café. Pyles looks back at the role he played in creating the culinary phenomenon which came to be known as “Southwestern cuisine,” and said, “It was serendipitous but had everything to do with my childhood.”
to Modern Southwestern cuisine “is looking deeper into indigenous ingredients while peeling back layers of history.” Having lived and worked in Shanghai and Thailand, Gilbert sees a definite link between Asia and the Americas and utilizes those flavors in dishes such as Red Snapper Tamal With Sixteen restaurants and a couple of decades later, Thai Curry Masa. Notwithstanding, he said local Pyles is still exploring new creative directions. His sourcing will be a priority at Sustenio. “We will do current culinary compass has turned east toward as much of that as possible,” he said. influences from India, the Middle East and Spain—all of which, Pyles pointed out, had a major influence on Of all the honors Pyles has received over the years, the cuisines of the New World. “I focus on places that perhaps his greatest was to be recognized by the offer authenticity to the style I do,” he said. international hunger relief organization, Share Our Strength, as Humanitarian of the Year in 2000. He has also looked south for inspiration. Sustenio “We’ve always had poverty in this country,” he said, features a Peruvian ceviche bar that will offer patrons “but not always hunger.” Pyles calls it a “late-20th eight to 10 kinds of ceviche, as well as a panoramic view century phenomenon,” where people in America are of the kitchen, which is equipped with everything from malnourished yet struggling with obesity. He also a wood-fired grill to high-tech CVap ovens, capable of is a driving force behind “No Kid Hungry,” a program micro-managing the preparation of menu items such dedicated to ending childhood hunger in America. as Sustenio’s 18-Hour Braised Thunder Heart Ranch Pyles said everyone must all remember that “one in Bison Short Rib. four children is at risk in Texas.” Pyles also has enlisted the creative talents of David That is something a man whose heart still burns with Gilbert as executive chef. Gilbert said his approach the heat of the West Texas sun isn’t likely to let us forget. 42 On The Town | March-April 2011
March-April 2011 | On The Town 43
Culinaria: Wine & Culinary Arts Festival By Ginger McAnear-Robinson
I
n San Antonio, locals and visitors alike will find plenty of activities to enjoy and certainly an array of restaurant choices. Rather than spending a considerable amount of time driving from place to place, one organization brings it all together with the best restaurants in town, paired with tasty beverages and unique venues. This organization is known as Culinaria and the events are taking place soon in a venue near you.
Culinaria is set for May 16-20, with additional events throughout the year, including the newest event from last year’s festival, the 5K Wine Run, March 24 at The Shops at La Cantera. Last year’s event was popular among local residents and those visiting San Antonio. After making the 5K journey around 44 On The Town | March-April 2011
the shops, runners and walkers gather for food, wine and beer. The Wine Run capitalizes on the fact that many foodies and even chefs are choosing to be healthier through food choices and exercise. Of course, while the Wine Run may appeal to a very specific audience for the festival, each day during the week of May 16-20, attendees will find something a bit different, with the same constants: amazing food, wine and a showcase of what San Antonio has to offer. The festival week once again begins with Sip, Savor and Shop, May 16 at The Shops at La Cantera. It’s a chance to seek festival fashion through models on display for specific events and shopping incentives at participating retailers.
On May 17, the festival will feature Winemaker Dinners, a Tequila Dinner and the newest event on the schedule: a food truck event presented by H-E-B. Food trucks continue to appeal to a growing audience, and many local chefs are in on the ac tion. Here, some of the more popular food trucks will gather in one place for attendees to stroll and sample wine, shopping and live enter tainment. Friday, May 18, may be the end of the work week, but for Culinaria, it signals the start of a weekend full of activities, beginning with the popular luncheon at Becker Vineyards. The Beckers play host to three local chefs, each taking one course of the meal and pairing it with the festival’s guest winemakers for the week. The result is an afternoon that is tasty, informative and the perfect way to kick off the weekend.
May 19 will feature seminars, which are still in the works, but a little hint says that there might be a famous food photographer involved in one and a woman who really knows her wine for another. To conclude the day: the Grand Tasting. The name says it all. This Saturday night spectacular features the absolute best of restaurants in town and the culmination of the wines featured throughout the festival. Live entertainment – and room for dancing this year – with a silent auction all set against the backdrop of the San Antonio River Walk make this the event to attend.
The only way to follow an evening of grandeur is to kick back and relax Texas-style. And the best way to do that is to enjoy Culinaria’s backyard barbecue, also known as Burgers, BBQ and Beer. San Antonio chefs enjoy their own spin on burgers and barbecue, and attendees have the chance to sample all of the goodness. Live entertainment at the Pearl For a bit more action, the evening festivities Amphitheater and eclectic shopping are the best include the Best of Mexico event. Special guest ways to complete this relaxing afternoon. chef Susanna Trilling will return to work with local chefs on an event that reflects tastes from For more information and specific details, south of the border. The event also highlights including ticket information, times and locations, the winners from the tequila competition and visit www.culinariasa.org or call the Culinaria delivers wine as part of the package, too. office at (210) 822-9555. March-April 2011 | On The Town 45
46 On The Town | March-April 2011
Festivals & Celebrations 48-58
March-April 2011 | On The Town 47
Luminaria Celebrates Five Years
Highlights Original Creative Works with Focus on Theme of Light By Missy Schultze Photography courtesy ArtGives.org
A
rts lovers from across Texas will gather from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. May 5 for the fifth annual Luminaria, which has become San Antonio’s largest single-day art event, attracting more than 310,000 attendees in 2011. 48 On The Town | March-April 2011
The unique art event will take place for one night on the grounds of HemisFair Park with never before seen artistic creations. Last year, the footprint for Luminaria tripled, allowing ample room for artists’ works to be featured throughout HemisFair Park. The enlarged
footprint will remain the same for Luminaria 2012.
community by celebrating the arts, and recognizing and advancing artists’ careers. We are really bringing “Luminaria is San Antonio’s signature art event because that mission back to the forefront of the event this it showcases local artists in a way that involves the year,” Rosen said. “Luminaria 2012 will enrich our entire San Antonio community as well as regional, city’s artistic offerings with a wide array of talent, national and even international audiences,” Mayor not only from San Antonio, but across the country.” Julián Castro said. “On this fifth anniversary, we are committed to providing an extraordinary experience As part of this year’s event, artists were selected by that highlights the creative culture of our city.” six adjudicators from outside the San Antonio region who are highly respected in their chosen fields. Th e eve nt in c l u d e s th e co l l a bo rati o n of m ore than 80 ar tists and nonprofit ar ts organizations, Luminaria was the brainchild of former San Antonio spo tli g ht in g s i x a r ti sti c di sci pl i n es: d ance, Mayor Phil Hardberger, who launched the event in lite ra r y ar t s, m e di a a r ts, mu si c, th eater and 2008. Modeled after similar festivals in Paris, Madrid v is ua l ar t s. Lu mi n a r i a a l so featu re s t wo and Toronto, Luminaria offers a free, family-friendly pa r t i c i p ato r y ar t a rea s fo r ch i l dren , op en experience featuring live performance stages, bet wee n 5 p. m . an d 7 p.m. streetscape art, light installations and more. Luminaria 2012 is under the leadership of Richard Rosen, who is serving as artistic director. Mellissa Marlowe, 2011 steering committee member for theater, and Chris Sauter, curator for the 2011 visual arts sector, are serving as associate directors.
Luminaria 2012 is presented by Rackspace Hosting and is also sponsored by the City of San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs, theFund, Creative Civilization, NuStar Energy, CE Group, Bud Light, Valero, H-E-B and Argo Group US.
“Luminaria began as a way to foster a sense of For more information, visit www.luminariasa.org. January-February March-April 2011 | On The Town 49
Fiesta 2012 ®
By Anne Keever Cannon Photography Jon Alonzo
F
...iesta is just weeks away. You can see the signs all around the Alamo City. Shoppers are stopping at the Fiesta Store for posters, T-shirts and, of course, the latest pins and medals. Like the first flowers of spring, Fiesta wreaths are starting to blossom on doorways. And 100 local nonprofit organizations are putting the final touches on their Fiesta event plans.
athletic programs and much more. So the Fiesta San Antonio Commission encourages you to spend a little extra, knowing that you’re helping your neighbors. With a record 108 events, the city’s “Party With a Purpose” has grown too big to fit everything into just 11 days. In fact, the first official Fiesta events take place the first weekend in March—and two of them are new!
Fiesta San Antonio 2012 kicks off officially at 5:30 p.m. April 19 with Fiesta Fiesta at the Alamo. The Fiesta 2012 features six first-time activities. You can get details on these and all the other events at www. celebration runs through April 29. fiesta-sa.org. New this year: As always, the goal of Fiesta is to raise funds to help San Antonio residents. The money goes toward • The San Antonio Lutheran Coronation, March 3, scholarships, education, the arts, health programs, Scottish Rite Auditorium. This is an old event, dating 50 On The Town | March-April 2011
to 1958, but it’s making its debut as an official part musicians’ performances and view the works of West of Fiesta. Side artists. • Síclovía (a partnership with Fiesta), March 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., on Broadway from Mahncke Park to McCullough Avenue. Go play in the street! Enjoy fun fitness activities as you walk, skate or bike along the 2-mile route. • UTSA Roadrunner Spring Football Fan Fest, April 15, Alamodome. This free event features the new Roadrunners football team and head coach Larry Coker.
All the old favorites will be on hand as well. Some traditional events have new addresses, though. • The Coronation of the Queen of the Order of the Alamo has moved from Municipal Auditorium. The queen, princess and duchesses will walk up the ramp this year at the Majestic Theatre, April 25 at 8 p.m. • The WEBB Party, presented by the San Antonio AIDS Foundation, is moving to the Lambermont Estate at 950 E. Grayson St.
• Best Little Hoedown in Texas, April 21, 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m., Freeman Coliseum. This event brings a countrywestern flavor to Fiesta with local and out-of-town • Athletes who want to take part in the Fiesta Mission Western bands, barbecue and more. 10K Run should jog to the Alamo Heights Swimming Pool at 250 Viesca for the April 21 event. • Fiesta Wildflower Bike Ride, April 22, Retama Park, Selma. The routes range from 23 miles to100 miles. • Young runners and their parents will find the April Sponsor Morgan’s Wonderland will host a companion 21 Zeta Phi Beta Fiesta Track Meet at Roosevelt High event at the park in the morning. School, 5110 Walzem Road.
• Best of the West!, April 22, Our Lady of the Lake • Another favorite, Fiesta in Blue, has a new venue, University. Free admission. Visitors can taste foods Edgewood Theater of Performing Arts, 607 S.W. 34th from 15 featured West Side restaurants, enjoy local St., and will take place April 21 and 22. March-April 2011 | On The Town 51
As you attend Fiesta events this April, be on the Photo Credits: lookout for recycling bins to dispose of plastic, glass or aluminum containers. You’ll be taking Page 50 part in Fiesta Verde, helping reduce the amount of garbage trucked to landfills. Lauren Holt, Miss Fiesta® San Antonio 2011, responds to cries of “show us your shoes!” during the Battle of Taking your own refreshments to one of the Flowers® Parade. The parade, the foundation event of big parades? Don’t drop your waste on the Fiesta® San Antonio, first took place in April of 1891. street. Find recycling and trash bins (the city will be providing lots more than in previous Page 51 years), or “pack it in, pack it out.” That is, carry your empties back to your car. And please obey The “ringleader” bows to the crowd from the Brighton the “No Smoking” signs along the routes of the Center’s circus-themed float in the Texas Cavaliers River Parade, Battle of Flowers Parade and Fiesta River Parade. The parade is one of more than 100 Flambeau. The amended city ordinance now bans official events of Fiesta® San Antonio. smoking during the parades within the public right of way or on city property. Page 52 Want up-to-the-minute Fiesta news? Become a Band members give it their all at the Battle of FiestaSA Facebook fan or follow Fiesta on Twitter. Flowers® Band Festival. Local high schools have And you can text FIESTA to 45384 to access a free been competing in the event since 1935. mobile Fiesta website. 52 On The Town | March-April 2011
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31st Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival May 15-20 By Jaun Tejeda Photography Courtesy Guadalupe Cultural Center
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an Antonio celebrates conjunto music as the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center presents the 31st Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio 2012 at the Guadalupe Theatre and Rosedale Park May 15-20. Conjunto is an original American musical ensemble 54 On The Town | March-April 2011
and style of music that was created by the TexasMexicans during the early to mid-1900s which utilizes the button accordion and bajo sexto guitar as its principal instruments. It is a unique musical synthesis that combines German/European and Mexican/American instruments and rhythms such as polkas, waltzes and huapangos, with other
national and international musical influences that Castillo, a blind musical prodigy and accordionist include blues, rock, jazz, Colombian cumbias and from San Antonio. The documentary is being Cuban boleros, among others. produced and directed by Guillermina Zabala and Enrique Lopetegui, who also will be present. The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center created the Tejano Conjunto Festival to preserve and promote conjunto On May 16, there will be a “New Directions in music, to honor its pioneering artists, to present the Conjunto Music” night that features the Grammybest in the genre, and to foster a better understanding nominated, Los Angeles-based fusion band La and appreciation for Chicano music and culture. Over Santa Cecilia, plus San Antonio conjunto punk band the years, the festival has become a cultural institution Piñata Protest, and Houston’s Nick Gaitán and the for the city of San Antonio and a popular destination Umbrella Man. The 31st Anniversary Gala Dinner for conjunto music lovers who travel from all over the and Dance honoring this year’s inductees into the world to hear the best in the genre. Conjunto Music Hall of Fame will be held May 17. The 31st Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio 2012 kicks off with three days of events at the Guadalupe Theatre, beginning with a free seniors conjunto dance on May 15 that features the music of the Conjunto Kingz de Flavio Longoria with Rachel Longoria. On May 16, there will be a free special preview screening of Juanito’s Lab at 7 p.m. Juanito’s Lab is a new documentary on Juanito
For the May 18-20 weekend, the festival moves outside to Rosedale Park, where 26 of the best conjuntos will be performing, including fivetime Grammy Award-winner Flaco Jiménez, and Conjunto Music Hall of Famers Mingo Saldívar, Los Dos Gilbertos, Bene Medina, Los Pavos Reales, Salvador García and Eddie “Lalo” Torres, Santiago Jiménez Jr., and the “Queen of Conjunto,” Eva Ybarra. March-April 2011 | On The Town 55
The one-of-a-kind lineup also showcases Texas musicians, including two-time Grammy winner Joel Guzmán, Boni Mauricio, Los Fantasmas del Valle, Los Texmaniacs, Rubén De la Cruz, Los Monarcas, Los Hermanos De León, Los Tremendos Cinco and Lobo IV. Making their Conjunto Festival debut will be Rio Jordán, featuring Juanito Castillo, Albert Zamora, Impozzible, Conjunto Prestigio, Susan Torres y Conjunto Clemencia, Crystal ‘n’ the Crew, Los Conjunto Kidz, La Familia Mauricio and Los Padrinos. Dwayne Verheyden from Montford, Netherlands, will return to perform with Los Texmaniacs and Flaco Jimenez. Other Tejano Conjunto Festival highlights include a poster contest, workshops, CD release party, food and beverage booths, accordion raffles, conjunto student recitals and plenty of dancing and fun for the entire family. For a schedule of events, visit www.guadalupe culturalarts.org or call (210) 271-3151.
• • • • • • • •• • • •• • • • Photo Credits: Page 54 Joel Guzman and Sarah Fox Photo by Philip Gould Page 55 La Santa Cecilia Courtesy lasantacecilia.com Page 56 (Above) Mingo Saldivar GCC File photo (Below) Flaco Jimenez GCC File photo 56 On The Town | March-April 2011
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Visual Arts
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Bill FitzGibbons: Sculptor of Light By Julie Catalano Photography Greg Harrison
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s unthinkable as it now seems, renowned Marmon/Mok Architecture on Daystar Plaza, now sculptor and public ar tist Bill FitzGibbons at the entrance to the airpor t and retrofitted almost didn’t come to Texas. with LED lights. “It was a ver y nice transition going from not having a job at the ar t institute “I had visions of Texas being like Dallas and to working on public ar t,” he said. Houston, and was not real anxious to move down here,” said the soft-spoken, modest executive Public ar t is where FitzGibbons has stayed, director of Blue Star Contemporar y Ar t Center and where he so obviously belongs, creating (bluestarar t.org). But like many others before site -specific ar t that has earned him a long and since, he and wife Ann “fell in love with it. list of accolades, the most recent being named We really liked the bicultural aspects, the great State Dimensional Ar tist of 2012 by the Texas character of the city, and downtown was a ver y Legislature. engaging place for pedestrians.” San Antonians and visitors can see his stunning Lucky for us, the Memphis-born ar tist made “Light Channels,” aluminum sculptures and his way here in 1988 from Alaska where he was hundreds of LED lights installed at the I-37 head of sculpture at the Visual Ar ts Center of underpasses at Houston and Commerce streets; Anchorage. “ They had a ver y progressive public Day Star Archway, a 40-foot tall archway and ar ts program,” he said, calling it “a ver y interesting walkway at the San Antonio International time to be in Alaska.” Thanks to the oil pipeline Airpor t; and most recently, the changeover from boom of the 1970s, FitzGibbons received several traditional to more than 300,000 LED holiday public ar t commissions in Fairbanks, Juneau and lights on the River Walk, helped by his son, Sean, Homer, as well as Anchorage, creating outdoor who works full time for him at FitzGibbons’ sculptures in a “challenging” environment. “It 15,000-square -foot Lone Star District studio. In was a real learning experience.” all, the prolific ar tist has received more than 30 public ar t commissions in five countries. Then the oil crisis hit. An invitation to apply for the position of head of sculpture at the As Blue Star ’s executive director and guiding spirit now-defunct San Antonio Ar t Institute at the for 10 years, FitzGibbons never stops looking for McNay brought FitzGibbons to his new home. ways to extend its reach. “Even though we have Once again, the timing was for tuitous. The about 100,000 people that come through here demise of that institution coincided with San ever y year, there’s a whole bunch of people that Antonio’s burgeoning interest in public ar t, don’t. So it ’s always been impor tant to me to go and FitzGibbons received a commission at the out into the community and bring contemporar y San Antonio International Airpor t, working with ar t to places other than Blue Star.” FitzGibbons March-April 2011 | On The Town 61
curates an annual exhibition at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, along with other exhibitions around town. “By getting out into the community, instead of 100,000 people seeing the work, we have hundreds of thousands,” he said. These days, FitzGibbons has his sights set even higher – or far ther, to be more accurate. Blue Star ’s “international strategy,” he calls it, will focus on creating relationships with organizations and ar tists in other countries. “It ’s a way not only to bring international ar tists to San Antonio, but also to get San Antonio ar tists into venues or residences in other countries.” The first program is with the Icelandic Cultural Exchange, and potential projects are in the works for Florence and Berlin. In keeping with this international initiative, the first exhibition of Contemporar y Ar t Month is entitled “Passage to the Future: Ar t From a New Generation in Japan.” The exhibition features paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs and video works by 11 Japanese ar tists and runs from March 1 to May 5. Married for 30 years this May to Ann, a top real estate agent, FitzGibbons has two other children: Ian, a contractor, and Kelly, who is applying to medical school. Wearing two hats as artist and administrator has its challenges (“It’s two fulltime jobs”), FitzGibbons travels extensively and just recently returned from the India Art Fair in New Delhi. He’s especially enthused about a new clinic project for University Health System where, as one of only two artists working on the exterior, he will be lighting and programming LED lights for the building’s crown, calling it “the most exciting project I’m working on in San Antonio.” Is there one even more exciting we should know about? Turns out there is. “ Tr ying to light a glacier in Iceland.”
• • • • • • • • • • • • • The official kick-off par ty for Contemporar y Ar t Month is Thursday, March 1, 2012, 6-9 p.m at Blue Star. contemporar yar tmonth.com
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Artistic Destination:
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Andy Warhol’s ‘Fame and Misfortune’ on View at the McNay By Julie Catalano Photography Courtesy McNay Art Museum
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“
n the future, everyone will be world famous for 15 minutes.”
Not even Andy Warhol – who uttered this spoton prophecy more than 40 years ago – could have foreseen the media frenzy of our celebrity obsessed culture, rife with tabloid-style publications, television shows devoted entirely to entertainment “news,” and of course, the ubiquitous Internet with its scandalous real time updates on anybody who’s anybody. Which – as Warhol predicted – is just about everybody. But it’s an obsession that Warhol – one of the most controversial, prolific, and celebrated artists of the 20th century – would have embraced and celebrated with glee, and now one that art lovers and pop culture enthusiasts can share. Warhol’s twin obsessions of celebrity and tragedy are the prominent themes of “Fame and Misfortune,” on view at the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio through May 20, 2012. Born Andrew Warhola in Pittsburgh in 1928, the future pop icon displayed early artistic talent coupled with a penchant for collecting pictures of movie stars and dreaming of being world famous himself. It was a combustible combo that fueled his entire life, beset with its own fame, wealth, success, and ultimately, tragedy. “He had a vision of getting out and being a star,” explains Eric Shiner, director of the Andy Warhol Museum in Warhol’s hometown, which loaned all of the works in the McNay exhibition. Shiner worked on the groundbreaking and exclusive exhibition – it’s the only one of its kind in the region – with the McNay’s René Paul Barilleaux, chief curator/curator of art after 1945. The show features more than 150 objects in all media depicting Warhol’s recurring themes of pop culture and celebrity: legendary entertainers, world leaders, and luminaries in the worlds of art and filmmaking, juxtaposed with jarring images of death and disaster. For Warhol, “you can’t separate his life from his art,” says Barilleaux, adding that Warhol has influenced every generation of visual artists since his death more than 25 years ago. “He was the Prince of Pop.” Warhol may be best known for his iconic Campbell Soup can paintings – borne of his early work in
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commercial art and the world of advertising – but his interests were incredibly diverse, while never straying too far from his first loves: “He loved beautiful people and beautiful things,” says Shiner. He collected both, surrounding himself with the likes of Liza Minnelli and Bianca Jagger, among others, making the scene at Studio 54, and introducing one of the first “reality stars,” the doomed socialite Edie Sedgewick who later died of a drug overdose in 1971. Warhol himself was consistently in the public eye, making news while making art. The blonde wig he wore when he started losing his hair, says Shiner, was an homage to one of his most famous subjects, Marilyn Monroe. “He identified with her.” Three Marilyns (1962), painted after her death, is just one of the stunning paintings of Warhol’s beautiful people. Liza Minnelli, Princess Diana, Michael Jackson, Natalie Wood, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Elizabeth Taylor are also represented as a few of his celebrity subjects. But beauty wasn’t the only subject that fascinated Warhol. Warhol infuses many of his most gruesome subjects with pastel colors, turning them instantaneously into pop art. One of the most striking is Little Electric Chair (1964-65) at Sing Sing, done in cotton-candy pastels with the ominous word “Silence” on a nearby sign. Another, Skull (1976), is at first glance a painting of a human skull. A closer look reveals the silhouette of a baby’s head hidden in the shadow, representing birth and death in one image. Death is as inescapable in many of Warhol’s works as it is for all of us, and Warhol met his own untimely end when a routine gallbladder operation turned into his worst nightmare. “He was deathly afraid of doctors and hospitals,” says Shiner, and had to be coaxed into allowing what turned out to be an uneventful surgery. The ensuing fatal infection ended his life at age 58. Artist, author, editor, filmmaker, drenched in the celebrity he craved and ultimately ending in a death as tragic and senseless as many of his subjects, Warhol’s breathtaking interpretations of fame and (mis)fortune hold up a mirror to our own obsessions – and guarantee that Warhol’s fifteen minutes will indeed last forever. For more information, mcnayart.org March-April 2011 | On The Town 67
Photo Credits: Page 64-65 Andy Warhol, The Last Supper, 1986. Screen print and colored graphic art paper collage on HMP paper, 23¾ × 3 in. The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh; Founding Collection, Contribution The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc., 1998.1.2124. © 2011 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc./Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Page 66 Above: Andy Warhol, Liza Minnelli, 1979. Acrylic and screen-printing ink on linen, 40 × 40 in. The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh; Founding Collection, Contribution Dia Center for the Arts, 1997.1.10a. © 2011 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc./Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Below: Andy Warhol, Little Electric Chair, 1964–65. Acrylic and screen-printing ink on linen, 22 × 28 in. The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh; Founding Collection, Contribution The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc., 1998.1.14. © 2011 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc./Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Page 67 Above: Andy Warhol, Marilyn, ca. 1967. Acrylic and screenprinting ink on paper, 36 × 36 in. The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh; Founding Collection, Contribution The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc., 1998.1.2350. © 2011 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc./ Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Below: Andy Warhol, Self-Portrait, 1964. Acrylic, metallic paint, and screen-printing ink on linen, 20 1/8 × 16 1/8 in. The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh; Founding Collection, Contribution Dia Center for the Arts, 2002.4.20. © 2011 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc./Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Page 68 Above: Andy Warhol, Statue of Liberty, 1986. Acrylic and screen-printing ink on linen, 72 × 72 in. The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh; Founding Collection, Contribution The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc., 1998.1.345. © 2011 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc./Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Below: Andy Warhol, Skull, 1976. Acrylic and screenprinting ink on linen, 72 1/8 × 80½ in. The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh; Founding Collection, Contribution Dia Center for the Arts, 2002.4.31. © 2011 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc./Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York 68 On The Town | March-April 2011
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Beauty is Art by Cassandra Yardeni
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s we celebrate contemporary art in this issue, I think of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s famous words, “Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art.” Taste, beauty and art are ever-present in San Antonio, as local museums and galleries work tirelessly to showcase the very best collections for their art-loving, beauty-seeking patrons.
beloved traditions. The highlight of this year’s exhibition and inspiration for the Witte’s 2012 Fiesta pin is the gown worn by Marcella Leanora Heard Billups, Princess of the Glory and Grandeur of France in the 1993 Court of the Napoleonic Empire. The gown features sparkling gold bees with gilded trim and a deep purple velvet backdrop.
On display at the Southwest School of Art through April Kicking off their annual Fiesta gown exhibit in royal order 29 is Texas Draws II, a statewide biennial of drawing by is the Witte Museum’s Designed for Royalty: Staging the a selection of Texas’ most acclaimed artists, including Coronation, on display from April 19 through August 26. Daniel Adame, Anne Allen, Stacy Belfein and many In addition to the bejeweled Fiesta gowns, the exhibit more notables. As part of Contemporary Art Month, a features scale models and designs for the coronation Collaborative Continuous Drawing in the Navarro Lobby stage as well as the designs for the gowns, granting visitors Gallery will be featured during the run of the exhibition. behind-the-scenes access to the Order of the Alamo This community art project puts the paintbrush in your Coronation, one of the Alamo City’s most legendary and hand, as the public is encouraged to participate and add March-April 2011 | On The Town 71
to the mural-sized drawing. Following in the tradition of the surrealist movement in the early 1920s, this collective drawing will feature elements of surprise and unexpected juxtapositions of image and technique. In addition, SSA features local artist, Vanessa Garcia Briedé’s mixed media and fiber art works in Spiritual Milk for the American Babe. Briedé repurposes found objects like cabinets and books with thread, beeswax and cotton muslin; the result is a thought-provoking juxtaposition of historical context and nostalgia, coming together to challenge definitions of feminine identity. The exhibit will be on display through April 29. It’s a Fantastic Voyage at Bihl Haus Arts, an exhibit that incorporates bundled, knotted and woven fibers and embroidered fabrics with found materials to form untraditional structures adapted from medical and scientific sources. Artist Lucia La Vila-Havelin eschews literal interpretation for more fantastical creations vaguely reminiscent of campy 60s sci-fi films (hence the title of the show). t is an official Contemporary Arts Month exhibition and runs through May 5. The Institute of Texan Cultures’ Texas Contemporary Artists Series exhibitions showcase the talents of some of Texas’ most talented artisans. Common to all of their work is the bold vision and Texas-sized exuberance, which ITC has dubbed the “quintessence of Texan culture.” True to form Blue Star Contemporary Arts Center serves up a unique blend of local and international contemporary art this month, with their Passage to the Future: Art From a New Generation in Japan exhibition, on display from March 1 through May 5. The exhibition is presented through a partnership with The Japan Foundation and focuses on art produced in Japan at the beginning of the 21st century, when major shifts in the economic and political landscape ushered in artistic refocusing on more personal, intimate areas of life in lieu of global issues. The collection presents paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs and video from eleven rising Japanese artists who are responding in a similar way to the current state of the world.
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Rounding out the contemporary art on the town is the McNay’s Andy Warhol: Fame and Misfortune, an exhibition exclusive to the museum and San Antonio. The display is comprised over more than 150 objects in various media, drawn from the expansive collections of the Andy Warhol Museum in the artist’s hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Examining Warhol’s lifelong obsession with
fame and disaster, the works juxtapose icons of popular culture, legendary entertainers, art world luminaries and world leaders with images of suicides, auto accidents, skulls and an electric chair. This diverse and provocative range of paintings, drawings, prints, photographs and film spans three of the artist’s most prolific decades, beginning in the mid-1950s and continuing through 1986, the year prior to Warhol’s death. The exhibit will be on display through May 20. With works ranging from contemporary art with a Texas twang, to Texas-sized textiles on display this season, even Mr. Emerson would find inspiration in the artistic offerings around town.
• • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 70 Andy Warhol, Self-Portrait, 1986. Acrylic on HMP paper, 401/8 × 301/4 in. The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh; Founding Collection, Contribution The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc., 1998.1.2191. © 2011 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc./ Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Page 71 Andy Warhol, Mao, 1973. Acrylic, crayon, and screenprinting ink on linen, 50 × 42 in. The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh; Founding Collection, Contribution Dia Center for the Arts, 1997.1.23. © 2011 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc./Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Page 72 (Above) Texas Draws II Exhibit (Below) Fantastic Voyage Exhibit Lucia La Vila-Havelin Photo Ansen Seale Page 73 (Above) Designed for Royalty: Staging the Coronation Exhibit (Below) Ladonnagiovane Courtesy Henri Cattenacci
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Literary Arts
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Book Talk:
EUSEBIO DIAZ:
Board President, Gemini Ink Story and Photo by Jasmina Wellinghoff
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s the grants manager for the K ronkosk y Charitable Foundation, Eusebio Diaz was well acquainted with the work of Gemini I nk , San Antonio’s independent literar y center whose mission is “to nur ture writers and readers and build communities through literature and the related ar ts.”
ED: I’ve always been an avid reader, big on the literary arts and arts in general, so I felt it would be a good fit with my interests, and they obviously thought that I could help them. I knew about their work from my time with the Kronkosky Foundation, and I knew that Gemini Ink has always been a good performer in terms of their mission and programs.
The nonprofit was one of the recipients of the foundation’s financial support. But when Diaz left that job to become program director of the Baptist Health Foundation, which focuses exclusively on health care, he was approached by Gemini Ink’s artistic/executive director Rosemary Catacalos about joining her organization’s board. That was 20 months ago. Today, he is the board president during a time of transition as Catacalos has announced her desire to retire after leading the center for almost nine years.
JW: How did you see the organization’s role and impact in the community? ED: They have a unique mission in the literary arts, and in San Antonio, you really can’t separate the literary arts from the issues of literacy. Now, there are a lot of literacy programs in the city but Gemini Ink is unique in that it elevates literacy to the level of literary arts and in that sense it stands out in the community.
J W: W h a t d o yo u t h i n k h a ve b e e n G e m i n i Gemini Ink offers a variety of programs, including I n k ’s m a j o r a c c o m p l i s h m e n t s d u r i n g R o s e fee-based workshops, free readings by prominent C a t a c a l o s’ t e n u r e ? writers, readers’ theater performances and Writers in Communities, which sends professional writers ED: I think she opened up the literary arts to people to schools, senior living facilities and other who had never had opportunities to explore them settings to work “with students of all ages.” and never thought of themselves as capable of writing or of their lives as interesting material, folks We thought it would be a good time to chat with Diaz who never thought they could express their feelings about the past and the future of the organization and thoughts. Gemini Ink programs have given these that many in the community hold dear. people opportunities to express themselves. That’s been pretty powerful. I am referring to programs JW: Were you excited to be asked to join the for disadvantaged youth, for instance (part of the Gemini Ink board? Writers in Communities program). March-April 2011 | On The Town 77
Getting young people to read and write is a great thing. My daughter, for example, had such a hard time reading; never wanted to read. I bought lots of books for her and read with her but I failed to get her interested. Then she star ted a popular series of books for adolescents – I am not going to say which one – and it got her to read. Now she loves to read and loves to write, too. She’s no different than a lot of kids out there. And, you know, for some kids who may think “reading is not for me” or “I can’t write,” (the youth programs) are a way to give them some confidence that they have something to say and writing is the way to express that.
(founder) Nan Cuba and Rose have done. Our job now is to bring in an executive director who can continue that legacy. We are also interested in recruiting new board members. We need to have a broad diversity of members, not just in terms of ethnicity and gender but in terms of a variety of backgrounds. Next year, I would like us to revisit the strategic plan for the next five years, but it will have to come organically not just from the board but from staff and the community, too. It should be a group effort.
As a board, we are supposed to serve the organization, yes, but our role is a lot bigger than JW: Any other accomplishments? that. The primary function of the board is to provide oversight for the public. Each nonprofit is a public ED: One major recent highlight, since I joined the entity; dollars that a nonprofit has are considered board, was getting Caroline Kennedy as the first public dollars so we are then charged with the speaker of our inaugural Breakthrough Thinkers stewardship of the organization and its mission. series. She came here to discuss the book of poems she selected and compiled that she felt pertained JW: How’s the search for a new director going? to her development as a woman and women in general (“She Walks in Beauty, A Woman’s ED: We have a good mix of both local and national Journey Through Poems”). The Breakthrough applicants, 36 applicants so far. The deadline Thinkers program was developed in the past two is June. One of the things we are looking for is years to present individuals who are conceptual experience in the nonprofit sector. I feel that’s the innovators who can add something new to the most important thing. public discourse. JW: Are you a writer? JW: Gemini Ink offers classes in various literary disciplines through its University Without Walls ED: (laughs) I’ve written a little bit but I wouldn’t program. However, most of those are short consider myself a writer. I consider myself a reader. sessions of only a few hours instead of sustained You know, for each writer you have to have at least efforts over a number of weeks that would help 100 readers. writers develop their craft. When did that change occur and why? JW: If you could think of a dream program that you would like Gemini Ink to offer, what would it be? ED: I can’t really speak to that. Those decisions were made before I joined. I think the staff tries ED: Maybe a large literary festival. to respond to the needs of the community as best as they can. Perhaps those longer courses require more of a commitment from the attendees and that may limit participation.
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JW: As a board member and leader, what do you see as the board’s priorities right now?
Mr. Diaz’s comments have been edited for reasons of space and clarity. To learn more about Gemini Ink
ED: The first thing we will need to do is to make sure visit www.geminiink.org that we continue to build on the great work that 78 On The Town | March-April 2011
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Getting an Early Start on National Poetry Month By Claudia Maceo
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ational Poetr y Month is commemorated ever y year in April, but who says we can’t get star ted a bit early. By including March in an “extended National Poetr y Month,” nine weeks become available to celebrate the poetic talents of San Antonians young and old, Texans near and far, voices in Spanish and English, from today and ages past! Here’s a look at highlights over the two-month period. The Young Pegasus Poetry Contest kicks things off at Luminaria: Arts Night in San Antonio on Saturday, March 10. For info: www.luminariasa.org.
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Readings organized by Gar y Parrish keep things going on March 14, 21 and 28 ( Wednesdays) at Hilton Palacio del Rio Hotel in conjunction with SMART (Suppor ting Multiple Ar ts Resources Together) as a par t of Contemporar y Ar t Month. For the third year, the Poetr y on the Move contest celebrates submissions of ten young poets and ten adult poets with winning poems displayed on VIA buses. If you are not (yet) a bus rider, you will be able to see a bus on display at Luminaria. Featured poets, along with university and jazz poets, are scheduled for “on the move”
appearances at venues like The Twig Book Shop thanks to organizer Jim Lavilla-Havelin. Dave Oliphant, a leading Texas poet, professor, and translator (published by Br yce Milligan of Wings Press) will read at The Twig from 5-7pm on April 13. Organized by Mobi Warren, Words for Birds poetr y will once again take flight for the fifth year at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center on April 15 from 1-3pm. Keep your eye on the San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs website, www.sahearts.com, for more information regarding the specifics of Luminaria, Poetry on the Move, and other poetry events like the Sun Poet’s open mic events at Barnes and Noble across from North Star Mall, and Awaken the Sleeping Poet at Barnes and Noble on 281 at 1604 and The Twig at the historic Pearl Brewery. Saving perhaps the best for last, after reading many nominations and careful consideration, the very first San Antonio Poet Laureate will be announced on April 3. An honorary position, the poet laureate will serve a two-year term. While Texas has awarded this title for several decades, no other city in Texas has recognized or celebrated its poets in such a way before now. Undoubtedly, some celebrations are being planned that will ring out the good news on April 3, celebrations that will contribute in color ful and articulate ways to the poetry marathon San Antonio style!
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 80 (Left) Dave Oliphant Courtesy www.southparkclassof57 (Right) Mobi Warren Courtesy Gemini ink March-April 2011 | On The Town 81
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Valero Texas Open April 19-22 By Toni Piazzi Photography courtesy Golf San Antonio
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n 1922, Jack O’Brien, a noted San Antonio newspaperman, launched a professional golf tournament with a singular goal: to use the event to attract winter “snowbirds” to San Antonio, then a small city with big dreams of becoming a major tourism destination. And so, the Texas Open was born. It is unlikely that O’Brien’s vision extended 90 years, or that he could have predicted that the Valero Texas Open would grow to be the top charitable event on the PGA TOUR. But his vision of San Antonio as a tourism destination has come true, and San Antonio has become a player in the world of golf in great part because of the impact of the Valero Texas Open. Fast forward 90 years. San Antonio is the country’s seventh-largest city and one of the top travel destinations in the United States. The Valero Texas Open, the fifth-oldest tournament in professional golf, is achieving its goal to be a leader on the TOUR’s charity leader board. The tournament has been hosted on the city’s oldest public golf course, Brackenridge Park Golf Course, as well as the newest jewel, TPC San Antonio and JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa. As a spectator, you can help write a chapter in the incredibly rich, vibrant history of the Texas Open and San Antonio. Your attendance April 19-22 will celebrate nine decades of professional golf “Deep in the Heart of Texas.” Open Experience. Saturday of tournament week, April 21, has been designated as Celebration Party Day. The day begins with a past champions’ celebration tee shot, followed by a past champions’ breakfast. And since you can’t have a birthday party without cake, the Valero Texas Open is partnering with C.H. Guenther to offer the Pioneer Brand Celebrity Cake-Off. Internationally known chef Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes will serve as the featured celebrity judge and will design the official 90th celebration cake. The day’s excitement will draw to a close with a celebration concert. Visit the website, valerotexasopen.org, to register for the celebration sweepstakes and your chance to win the grand prize, the Ultimate Valero Texas Open Experience. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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2011 Valero Texas Open winner Brendan Steele
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