San Antonio Magazine March/April 2025 by San Antonio Magazine

LAKECHARLES, LOUISIANA

ExploreLakeCharles,wheretherich ﬂavorsof Cajunand Creolecuisineblend seamlesslywithvibrantlocalculture. Situated between Houstonand NewOrleans,Lake Charles,affectionatelyknownas Louisiana’s Playground,is adestination wherevisitors canindulgeinhigh-stakescasinoaction, unwindonserenelazyrivers,andimmerse themselvesinlivelyculturalevents.

LakeCharlesis celebratedforitsexceptional cuisine,servinguplocalfavoriteslikeseafood gumbo, boiled crawﬁsh &shrimp,andsmoked boudin, all enriched with Southern hospitality. Diveinto the relaxedatmosphere by exploring downtown’suniquediningandshopping options,orimmerse yourself in the artsat thecity’smuseumsandgalleries. Experience the beautyof the outdoorsalongthe Creole NatureTrailAll-American Road,or enjoy thewatersbytaking asunsetkayak tour.

MeetLinda– shE's apro at standup paddleboarding, kayaking, andswimming,infusingeverymoment withpurejoy.Thisishowshe packsforjoyin LakeCharles.Howwill you?

Andwhen it comes to entertainment, LakeCharles knowshowtothrow aparty, featuringeverythingfrom free live music bythelake to spectacularnationalactsat casino resorts. In LakeCharles, Louisiana, you’reinfor an unforgettable experience wherethe goodtimes rollonandon!

To discovermoreand startplanning yourtrip,visit UnpackYourJoy.com

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UNLOCKYOUR POTENTIAL, EXPAND YOURFUTURE

At St.Mary’s University,education goesbeyondtheclassroom. Through academicexcellence, hands-onlearning and asupportivecommunity,weprepare studentstothinkboldly, leadconﬁdently andcreate alastingimpact. Discovera universitythatequipsyouwiththeskills, connectionsandexperiencetothrivein yourcareerandbeyond. TheCatholicand Marianist University www.stmarytx.edu

“My educationat St.Mary’shasprepared menotjustacademicallybutalsoin understandinginterpersonalskills. Ilearnedhowtomakeconnectionsin yourworkbetweendifferentﬁeldsand howtonetworkwithothers.”

Nadia Abdulbaki(B.A.’24)

CO NTENTS

FE ATURES

64 TippingPoint ThewomenleadingtheNCAA Men’sFinalFourlocalteam.

70 VyingfortheCrown Mrs.SanAntonioBrooke Iglesias’pursuitofMrs.Texas.

74 Siempre Selena Tejanoicon’sinfluenceremains 30yearsafterherdeath.

IN THE LO OP

14 Culture Celebratetheinbetweennessof ContemporaryArtMonth.

16 PersonofInterest

MelissaZarb-Cousinmanages themagicatMagikTheatre.

20 History Fiesta’sbeautifulbeginningat TheBattleofFlowersParade.

32 EatHere Now Chooseyourownadventure atIsidoreatPullman Market.

34 Imbibe

PinkSharkswimmingwith rosyhues anda secretspot.

24 Tastemaker StellarserviceearnedMixtlithe OutstandingHospitalityaward.

26 Travel Bostonbeckonswithnew nonstop flightfromS.A.

96 ‘Bloom’ Stoptotake in LeticiaHuerta’s giantflowersculptures.

On the cover BirdBakeryFounder ElizabethChambersbalanceslife with acupcakeineachhand. WardrobebyJulianGold. Dress: AguaBougainvillea,Agua byAguaBendita.

Shoes: Chic65inSlateSatin byBlackSuedeStudio. Hairandmakeup: AlyssaGarcia PhotobyMarkSobhani.

SHAKEOFFTHESLEEPIESFROMANEXTENDEDWINTER.SPRINGISHERE,ANDITIS PACKEDWITH things to do.

Thisissue’scover storycelebratesWomen’s HistoryMonth in Marchbyrecognizingfiveincrediblerisk-takerswhoaremakingwavesinSanAntonioandbeyond.Their stories, recountedwithinthese pages, will come to lifeatour firstevent of theyear— DreamBig: WomenShapingSanAntonio,onMarch19attheSanAntonioBotanicalGarden.Youdonotwant to miss thenetworkingand engaging conversation amongNicolaBlaque, ElizabethChambers, JenniferHwa Dobbertin,Stephanie Guerra andAnne Krause.I invite youtojoinus.

Many incredible womenand theiramazing accomplishments arefeatured, covertocover,in thisissue:

• TheSan AntonioLocal Organizing Committee, or SALOC, host team planning the2025 NCAA Men’sFinal Four events.

• Lauren Beckmanand HaileyPruitt, recipients of the2024Michelin GuideTexas OutstandingService Award.

• BrookeIglesias, anathleteand Mrs. SanAntonio whoispursuingthe Mrs. Texastitle.

• Melissa Zarb-Cousin, managing director at MagikTheatre,whose storyhas come full circle. Don’tmisstheentireWomentoWatchprofilesection.Andyouwillalsowanttoreadaboutthe enduringlegacies ofthewomenwhoorganizedthefirstBattleofFlowersParade,which ledtothe city’s 11-day Fiesta,and themagic that Tejano legend Selena still wields as we commemorate the 30th anniversaryofher death.

Enjoythe many celebrations of this festiveseason.

JenniferMcInnis Editor-In-Chief &GeneralManager jennifer.mcinnis@sanantoniomag.com

@sanantoniomag

MA RCH/APRI L2 025 VO L. 21 |N O.2

ED ITORIAL

Editor-In-Chief

GeneralManager JenniferMcInnis

Editor JanWaddy

Contributing Writers

AmandaAlcorn-Hunter BeccaHensley JimKiest SallieLewis

DeborahMartin MelissaRenteria KenRodriguez

PollyAnna Rocha MikeSutter

EdmundTijerina

Copy Editors JaundreaClay GaryFulghum NancyFloeckWilson

ART

ArtDirector AdriánAlvarez

Contributing Photographers RonaldCortes JoMandoCruz RenéGuzman MarkSobhani

BU SINESSOPERATIONS

Publisher MarkMedici

AD VERTISING

ChiefRevenue Officer KateWeber

Senior MarketingDirector SaraBryant

Directorof MarketingRevenue MaxinePittman

Events Director LaurenSposetta

DI GITAL

Audience Producers AbigailIm AbigailStewart

CI RCULATION

Audience Development Director TomNork

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©Copyright:SanAntonioMagazineispublishedbytheSanAntonioExpress-News. Theentire documentofSan AntonioMagazineis ©2025bythe SanAntonioExpress-News.Noportionmaybereproducedinwhole or in part by anymeans,includingelectronicretrievalsystems, withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofthe publisher. Opinionsexpressedinthismagazinearethoseoftheauthoranddonotnecessarilyreflectthoseofownershipor management. Editorialoradvertisingdoesnotconstituteadvice butisconsidered informative.San Antonio Magazineislocallyoperated.

BY DEBORAH

IN TH EL OOP

An2021archivalpigment print issewnontohandcraftedtextile in this artworkby JosieNorris, oneofthe featuredartists.

Curating Connections

WithContemporaryArtMonth’sPerennial Showcase,MarisaSage celebratesartistictransformationand‘the alchemy’ ofmoments

EWMEXICO-BASEDCURATORMARISA

Sage hasadmired SanAntonio’s artscene fora long time.

“I amalways utterlyenthralled andimpressedbythe artiststhatare making workinSanAntonio,”saidSage,directorofthe University ArtMuseumatNew Mexico State University.“It’soneoftherichestartscenesI’ve seen in America.”

Afew yearsago,she undertook adeep dive intothescenehere.Shearrangedtostayinone of theapartmentsthatArtpace maintainsfor

itsresidency programs.And ArtpaceDirector RileyRobinsongaveher alistofstudios she mightwanttocheck out.

“I visited25artists in twoweeks,”she said. “And it wasamazing.Since then,I’veworked with afewoftheartists Isawduringthattime.”

Andsowhenthe boardfor Contemporary ArtMonth invitedher to curatethis year’s Perennial exhibition,itwasan instantyes.

“WhenCAMapproachedme,Iwaslike,oh, my god, anotherchanceofseeing what ended up beinga wholedifferent subsectionof art-

CONTEMPORARY ARTMONTH

contemporaryartmonth.org ContemporaryArtMonth promotesthe national profileofcontemporaryart inSanAntonioeachyear since 1986.

ists,” said Sage,45.

ThenativeNew Yorker hascurated more than150shows throughout hercareer,showcasing worksbyartists from around the world. Shesaidworking with CAMput some artistsonher radarshe mightworkwithin future exhibits.

ThePerennial is oneofthe centerpiece events forCAM.The annual event, whichbeganin1986andhastakenplaceinMarchsince 2010,celebratesthe city’s contemporary art scene. It includesexhibitions, artist talks, film screenings andotherevents.

Foracompletescheduleofthisyear’sofferings,visit contemporaryartmonth.org.

Outsidecuratorsworkingindependentlyof CAMshapethePerennialeachyear.Theideais to geta freshperspective on theworkthatis beingproducedacrossBexar County.

Sage’stakeonthescenewillbeshownatthe UTSASouthwestCampus. Featured artistsincludeBrittany Ham, JosieNorrisand Bella Martinez.

AsSagevisitedstudiosandchattedwiththe artistsabout theirwork, atheme slowly emerged.

“Almostevery single oneofthematsome point— andI wroteitdownmultipletimes in this sketchbook IhadwhereIwastakingnotes —said‘inbetween,’”shesaid.“Theysaid,‘I’min betweenamedium,’‘I’minbetweenamoment in my life,’‘I’minbetween abodyofwork.’

“Withinthatcamethatideaofthe experimentsthathappeninthosetimes,thealchemy of that moment.”

Theconcept,which includes theideaof transformation,isbroadenoughfortheexhibit to featurea wide rangeofwork.

“Weascuratorscan very oftenget tothis very,verytight conceptthatpulls everything curatoriallytogether,”Sagesaid.“Butwiththis, there’sthisslipperinessinthesewaysinwhich weslideinbetweentheseconceptsthatisreally open andattractive andalluring.” ★

As anoutsidecurator, MarisaSagebrings afresh perspective.

Behind theCurtainsWith MagikTheatre’s Melissa Zarb-Cousin

Managingdirector’s missionis to inspirethenextgenerationofart lovers

agik TheatreManagingDirectorMelissa Zarb-Cousinhasakeensenseoftheresponsibilityshe andthe rest of thefolks at the children’stheater have in shapingthe way youngaudiences view theater.

M“A child comesin, thisis theirfirst time beingexposedtothe arts or at leasttothe performing arts,andI wantthemhookedfromthatmoment,”saidZarb-Cousin.“We have theresponsibilitytocultivatethenextgenerationofartslovers, so we’vegotta getitright.

“That’swhy we don’tcompromiseonquality. Thatisessential. Justbecauseit’sashow forchildren doesn’tmeanweget an outintakinga backseat in quality.”

Shewill mark hersecondanniversaryasmanaging director this summer. Sheoversees thebusinesssideof thingswhileArtisticDirectorAnthonyRunfolatendsto therest.

Herpathtothisjob beganwhenshe wasa kid. Zarb-Cousin, 39,got herfirst tasteofthe performing arts in thefourthgrade.Her mombroughthome the castalbumfor“ThePhantomoftheOpera,”andasalittle girl,she wasinstantly captivated.

“There wassomething aboutthe musicand theexpression,” shesaid. “I learnedthe wholething andI wouldperform it withouthavingany contextabout performance in general, just an instinct thing.”

Shewenttothe NorthEastSchoolof theArts, whereshe metAriel Rosen, thedaughterofMagik founderRichard Rosen. Theteensclicked rightaway andremainbestfriendstothisday.Theyspentalotof timehangingoutatMagik,includinginterningthere duringsummercamps.Theyalsowereabletostagean all-girl productionof “The Miraculous SaintJoan” in thespace.

“Wethoughtwewereallsocool,comingintoaprofessionaltheatertodoashow,”shesaid.“Thatwasreally thestart of allofit. Magikhas been apartofmylife sincethen.”

Shehasplayedanumberofrolesinthespaceincludingonstage.She alsoserved as executiveassistantto RichardRosen forfiveyears.While shewas doingthat, shewas earninga master’s degree in nonprofitmanagement from OurLadyofthe Lake University.

“Ultimately, itinspired me to go on thepaththatI foundmyselfon,”she said.“To come andbring everythingI’velearned andmyexperiencebacktowhere it startedisbeyondmeaningful.”

She’salsogratefultohelppreserveRichard Rosen’s legacy.The theaterismarking its30thanniversarythis season,andshe’smindfuloftheneedtomakesureithas asolidenoughfoundationsothatitlastsatleastanother 30 years.

“It’snot lost on me theresponsibilitythatI have,not onlyfortheRosensandthatlegacy,butforthecityofSan Antonioand thechildreninour community,” shesaid. “It’sa lot.”

“It’s notlost onmethe responsibility that Ihave...for the cityofSan Antonioandthe childreninour community. It’s alot.”

Shenowfeelscomfortableenoughinthejobthatshe isgettingbackonstage.ShewillplayLadyCapuletinthe SanPedro Playhouse’sproductionof“Romeoand Juliet”thissummer.

Knowingexactly what performers need is helpful.

“Itonlyservesmeasa leader,” shesaid. “I thinkit’s easy totake forgranted theworkofartists,but forme, that’s always topofmindand apriority. That’s somethingthatlends tothemagic of Magik.” ★

Otto’s IceHouse Taps Into BreweryLore

Houston restaurateur makes SanAntoniodebut withbeerjointnamedafternotorious Pearlfounder

Atlonglast, Otto Koehlerishavinghis dayin thesun —oratleast as thenamesakeofchef andrestaurateurLeviGoode’s newest concept, whichopens this AprilinSan Antonio’sHistoric PearlDistrict.

Atongue-in-check homage to thelegendarily adulterous founder ofPearlBrewery,Otto’sIceHouse,a casual restaurant andbar —and Goode’srestaurantdebut in San Antonio—willbelocatedatPearlat 111NewellAve.

While theluxurious symbolof Pearl, HotelEmma,was namedfor Otto’s audaciouswife, Emma,who presided over andled thebrewery to greatsuccess afterOtto wasshot to deathbya jealouslover (also calledEmma), Otto’s IceHouse,a beer joint, will standinwhimsical contrast across theriver.

Jokingly,itprovidesa missing backstorytoPearl,where so much of thedistrict’ssoulorraisond’être stemsfromthe brewery, itshistory andSan Antonio’scolorfulpast.

Goode’scleveraddition tothe popularneighborhood,shadedbya decades-oldoaktree,willbeconvivialinmood,a placetoconfabulate with friendsand relax. With reimaginedice housechic, Otto’s will offerSouth Texascomfort food as interpretedbyGoode, athree-time JamesBeard nominee.

Expect satisfying favoritessuch as Fritopie,nachos,street tacos, bratwurstona bunand —inhonor of Otto’s heritage —Germansoft pretzels.Dinerscanwashitalldown with cold beer andrefreshingcocktails.Sip micheladas,honeysuckle cocktails andDamnGoodeMargaritas, to name afew.Ortotruly connect with Otto’s memory,slurp Otto’sLastShot(areferencetotheLothario’s untimely demise), alibation sure to encouragea fun-loving Otto vs.Emmamindset.

“I love Texasand Ilovea good story, andOtto’s is an opportunity to payhomagetoboth,”LeviGoode saidin apress release. “Ice houses andthe Pearlare quintessentially Texan, andOtto Koehler’sstory is toorichnot totell. Thisis averyexciting opportunity, andmyteam

LeviGoode,president and chefofHouston-based Goode Co.

andI can’twaittoopenour doors andwelcome folksin.”

Levi Goodeisa fifth-generation Texanwho leadsHouston’s iconic,family-owned GoodeCo. He overseeseverydetailofthe more than 46-year-oldcompany, includingits 11 restaurants, popularlivemusic venueand bustling

catering operations.His twonew solo side-by-side venues,Credenceand Sidebar, have been drawingcrowds. CustomersatOtto’s IceHouse cananticipatethe same friendly service, creative food anddrink,and magnetic atmosphere.

“Otto’s IceHouse is afun ad-

dition tothePearl neighborhood andwecan’t wait to seeSan Antonioembrace itslore, welcoming spirit andrefreshing menu offerings,”saidMesha Millsap,CEO of Pearl. “Withits blendofhistory andhospitality, it’s sure to become acherished part ofourlocal tapestry.” ★

The casual Otto’s IceHousewill be locatedatPearlat 111 Newell Ave.

Blooming Beginning

The city’s annual “party with apurpose”likelywouldn’texist without thegood intentions of agroup of patrioticwomenwantingtohonor thestate’s militaryheroes.

Theinaugural BattleofFlowers Parade in 1891,which featured floats adornedwithflowers,waspatternedaftercelebrationsinMexico andFrancethatparadefounder EllenMaury Slaydenadmiredduringhertravels.Theevents involved“flowerbattles”withparticipantstossingfresh flowersincelebration.

Slaydenproposedthe idea of afloralthemed parade to honorthose whofoughtat thebattlesoftheAlamo,GoliadandSanJacinto.Sheenlistedthehelpofotherwomenactive

in thecommunityto help with herproject,accordingtonewspaper archives.

Thewomen,needingtoraise fundsto pull offthe parade,organized as an official groupand choseElizabethKampmannas chairwoman.The all-womangroup,which becameknownastheBattleofFlowersAssociation, coordinatedthe logisticsofthe parade andsecured donationsfromthe business community.

ThefirstparadewassetforApril20,1891,in frontofthe Alamo. Thedatecoincided with PresidentBenjaminHarrison’striptoTexas, andApril21markedthe55thanniversaryofthe BattleofSanJacinto,records show.

Heavyrains forced organizers to push back

theparadetoApril 24,and thestormsalso caused ashortageofflowers.The women, determined to keep thetheme of theirevent vibrant, went to surrounding communities for more flowers.

About15,000 attended thefirst Battleof FlowersParade, whichincludedhorse-drawn carriages decoratedwithfresh flowers. Today, theparadedraws about350,000 alongits 2.6mileroute,andabout2.5millionviewerswatch

TOP: Amemberoftheroyalcourt participates duringtheBattle of FlowersParadeinApril 2019.

LEFT: KateElizabethCavendar, duchessofAlluringStyle,Hattie Elizabeth Brazelton,duchessof OpulentEmbellishments,and ElizabethLeaRasmussen,duchess of LegendaryCosmic Jewels, pass along AlamoStreetin2012.

thelivecoverageontelevision.

Theevent to honormilitaryheroeshas evolvedintoone of thelargest paradesin theU.S.Itisthecountry’ssecond-oldest parade andthe largestrun entirely by women volunteers.

Andthe parade that startedwhat’sbecome thecity’sbiggest party—11days of festivals,parades, coronations, concerts andshows —has ledtopopulartraditionsinthecity.Fiestamedals,shoeboxfloatsandbrightlydecoratedFiestahatsarebelovedcustomsoftheannualparty.

Thepopular Fiesta phrase,“show us your shoes”startedata BattleofFlowers Paradedecadesagowhenrevelers urgedtheFiestacourt atopthefloatstoflashtheirfootwear—usually decoratedcowboybootsorsneakers— worn undertheir elaborategowns.

Fiesta gotits “party with apurpose”monikerbecause of itsnonprofit focus, with many of Fiesta’s more than100official events servingasthe sponsoring organizations’ top fundraiser of theyear.

Amulti-dayeventthatbenefitsmanyofthe city’snonprofitsandbringsthecommunitytogether to partakeinfun traditions is certainly notwhatthefoundingmembersoftheBattleof Flowersgroup envisioned.

Giventhe women’spatriotic andcivicminded nature though,the “party with apurpose”islikelysomethingthatwouldhavethem tossing flowersincelebration.

2025 APRIL

POETRY National Month

BE THE ADVOCATE

“Iknowfir life-changing—no rewa difference. like you

-Ste CA Volunt

-Stephanie Shokrian CASA Volunteer Advocate Volunteer Today!

“I know firsthand that becoming life-changing—not just is the most rewarding, ke a differe r someone you to step up.”

Thousands of County’s foster e system face uncertainty a advocat sistent adult, ensuring thei d in court, school, a munity. We with professionals, and advocate for each child’s best future.

At Discovery VillageStoneOak,weare thrilledtoannounceournewname,which reﬂectsourunwavering commitmenttoprovidingexceptionalseniorlivingservicesinSanAntonio. Whileournamemaybechanging,our core valuesanddedicationtoupholdinghighstandardsofcareremainﬁrmlyintact.Joinusonthisexcitingnew chapter,where traditionandexcellencecometogethertocreate atrulyexceptionalseniorlivingexperience.

BY JOHN GRIFFIN

TH EG OODLIFE

At Your Service and Beyond

MeetthewomenbehindMixtli’s Michelinrecognition

HENMICHELIN RECENTLYHONORED Texasrestaurantsforthefirsttime, only oneplace inSanAntonio earnedacovetedstarrating:Mixtli, theSouthtown destinationknown forits progressive take on Mexicancuisine.But the guidebook’spraisedidn’tstopthere.Aseparate awardwenttotherestaurant’sHaileyPruittand LaurenBeckmanforprovidingthebestservice in thestate.

When theirnames were announced, “we were both in shock,”saysPruitt, acertified sommelierwhoheadsthe wine program while BeckmanservesasMixtli’smaster mixologist.

Both areknown to theirregular customersfor presenting drinks that complement chefsDiego Galicia andRicoTorres’selevated culinarycreations.Theycan be seen each eveningtalking with diners aboutwhat they’reservingandwhyitwaschosen.Itcould be themineralityinanOloroso sherry that enhances ascallopceviche or azero-proof drinkthatmixes pricklypear, nopal, mint andlimeina waythatsparklesfrommore than asplashofmineral water.

Butthey’requicktopointoutthattherestaurant’s stellarservice goes beyond thecreationof memorablefood-and-drink pairings.Several of thecourses in each themed tastingmenu, say, couldbepresented by thechefs whoprepared them.So,“thisawardgoestoeverypersoninthe building,”Pruittsays. “Everyoneinthe room has

MIXTLI

812 S.AlamoSt. Forreservations,visit restaurantmixtli.com

somethingtodowiththeservice.”

By andlarge,San Antonioisn’t knownfor providingexceptional service. In acityburgeoningwithorder-at-thecounter eateries, evensit-downrestaurantscansometimesfeel impersonaland“transactional,”Beckman says.TheMixtliteamworkshardtomakesure everyonefeelswelcomethemomenttheyenterthe door.“We trulycarefromthe bottom of ourhearts,”she adds.

Some newcomersdon’t know what to expect from theirinitial visit. Eating at Mixtli isn’tcheap.It’snot fast food.A meal cantake severalhours as yousup on theentiremenu, in whicheachcourseispresented witha shortstoryabouttheingredientsortheinspirationbehindthedish.Reservationsarenecessary,and customerspay onlineinadvance fortheir meal.But don’tworry.The staffis readytoput youatease.

“Wedon’twantpeopletobeintimidated,” Beckmansays. “But some arealmostvisibly nervouswhentheycomein. We want totake that pressure off.”

ThestaffatMixtlirecognizethateverycustomerisdifferent,and they’velearned to make sure theirservice matchestheir individual diners’desires.Theypayattentionto thewayspeoplebehaveand reactaccordingly.Thenthey’llcommunicatewitheachother eventhesmallestdetailsthey’venoticedinan efforttomaketheeveningseamlessforeveryone. Thegoalistodothatwithout thecustomers “knowing allthese moving partsgoingonbehindthe scenes,” Beckmansays.

BothwomenpraisedthechefsforthefreedomandtrusttheyhaveexperiencedatMixtli.“This(award)isvalidationforthem,thateverything they allowedustodowas right,” Pruitt says.“They’vealwaystrusted us.”

Forget fads.Pruittand Beckmanbringa bold senseofcreativitytotheir respective programs in ways that reflectand bolsterthe innovative cuisine. Pruitt hasbuilt Mixtli’s winelisttoincludebottlingsfromaroundthe worldand thebestthatMexicohas to offer. She’salsolauncheda growingwineclub. Beckman, meanwhile,has focusedoncreatinga sustainablebar programthatincludes innovative drinks,bothalcoholic andnon.

“It’snotabouttrends,”Beckmansays,addingthatthe restaurant’s mission is to broaden itsheiraudience’sexpectationsand palates,while making everyone feel at home. ★

Lauren Beckman

BY BECCA HENSLEY

Beantown Beckons

LetDelta’s newdirectflight whisk you to Boston

WhenDelta announceda direct flight between SanAntonio and Boston,a collectivecheer rang outacross theland. Whetherit startedatBoston’s storiedFenwayParkor eruptedfromSpurs-lovingsportsenthusiasts at Frost Bank Center,nobodywill know forsure. Butbothmagnificent cities,each knownfor itshistory,uniqueculture,gastronomyand sportsteams, areoverjoyed withthisopportunitytoexploreeachother’s metropolis’bountiful milieus withoutpesky flight changes. Launched in November,the once daily,year-roundflightshavebeena majorsuccess —attracting both leisureand business travelers. Readytoplanthattripto Beantown?We’ve gotthe skinny.

AboutBoston

ThesiteoftheBostonTeaPartyandPaulRevere’s ride,Boston teemswithfourcenturies of history. With cobblestonedstreetsinBeaconHill, statelyVictorian Brownstonesin Back Bay, abridgeacross theCharles River thatleadstoHarvard,first-in-classmuseums, whalewatchingand famous sportsteams that includethe RedSox,the Celticsand the Bruins,thisNew Englandgem offers somethingfor everytraveler.

Do

TheFreedom Trail

A2 1⁄2 -mile,red-bricked paththat winds throughsomeofBoston’s oldest neighborhoods, thelegendary Freedom Trailconnects16nationally importantsites,each cherishedfor itspivotal part in RevolutionaryWar history. Alongthe trail, museums, churches,graveyards, meetinghouses, historicmarkersandashiprecounttheirsignificantroles.

TheBoston Commons

Consisting of 50 leafyacres downtown, theBoston Commons,the oldest park in the UnitedStates,servesastheportaltotheFreedomTrail. Tranquil andrelaxing, it boasts gardens, aduckpondwithswanboats,a

frog pond,picnicnooks, aburial ground,statues galore,a carousel and an outdoor performancespace.

WalkingTours

Highly walkable,Bostonlends itself to explorationbyfoot. Chooseanexcursionthatfitsyourinterests,whether culinary,historicalorghostlyinnature. ToursbyLocals, GetYourGuide and BostonGhostsstandoutassomeofthe bestservices.

IsabellaStewartGardinerMuseum

Built to mirrora Venetian palazzo, thisintimate museum grew from aprivate collection. It features worksbyTitian,Degas,Botticelli, Rembrandt, Sargent andmanymore. Stop forlunch at Cafe G, setina glass-enclosed,Renzo Piano-designed atrium.

WhaleWatching

SetsailinBostonHarbor. Notonly will yousee thegrand cityscapefrom thewater,but you’ll have thechance— in season (May to October) —togapeat whales.Pairyourcruisewitha visitto theaward-winning NewEngland Aquarium,whichshowcasesseals,penguins, fish galore —and more.

Nosh

Bostonbrandishesacharacteristic gastronomy that includes Boston creampie,Bostonbaked beans, lobster rolls,oysters,clamchowder and beer,but it also boaststop-notchcontemporarychefs whopresent arange of cuisines.

ForBenjaminFranklin vibes, get thee totheWarrenTavern,near the

DEPARTING TEXAS

Dallasto Fiji

It’s aboonforTexans who previouslyhadtotravelto theWestCoasttozoomto Fijiwithoutchanging planes.InDecember,Fiji Airwaysbegandirect flightsbetweenDallasand Fiji, afast 13 hours nonstop.Knownforits affabledenizens,stunning beachesandlush environment,Fijidefines paradise.Stayat Jean-MichelCousteau Resort,builton 17 acresof landonalongthepeaceful watersofSavusavuBay.

SanAntoniotoMonterrey Volaris,anultra-lowcost airline, begannonstop flightstoMonterrey, Mexico,inNovember.With OldTown,theMuseumof ContemporaryArt andthe Macroplaza,theworld’s fifth-largestsquare, Monterreyhasmuchto offervisitors.

Bunker Hill Monument.A placetorefuel since1780— initsoriginalbuilding,completewithlow-slungceilings— thisCharlestownpubservesoldschool comfortfood,suchasbreadcrumbtopped, bakedNew Englandhaddock.

TryParker’sRestaurantattheOmni Parker Hotel, theoldestoperating hotelinthe United States,for twolocal specialities: Boston creampie and Parker Houserolls.Not only hasthe hotelhostedmyriadfamousguests, its kitchengavebirthto both delicacies.

Chow down on chowderatLegal Seafoods, afamily-run affair that dates back to 1950.Servedatnearlyevery presidential inauguration since1981, theclam-rich dish features an unexpected difference-maker: salt pork.

Gobbleupbivalvesand lobsterrolls at diminutive NeptuneOysterlocated in Boston’s NorthEnd.

Asta,inBackBay,celebratesfieldto-table cookerywitha Scandinavianmeets-French perspective. Inventive, chef-driventastingmenuschangedaily andshowcasethebountyoftheregion.

Stay

Boston hasloads of noblehotels, butfor somethingluxurious with alittlewhimsy, optfor TheLiberty,a Luxury CollectionHotel.Ensconced in the bonesofthebygoneCharlesStreetJail, whichoncehousedBoston’smostnotoriouscriminals,itliesatthe foot of Beacon Hill. Playfully reimagined with elements such as preservedjailcellsin itsrestaurant, it also incorporates regionalism— such as carpetsthatreference NewEngland crewel work.Don’t miss Alibi,itsbuzzy cocktail bar.

Be Yourself —and Make aStatement

Thisseason,individualityandsustainability areall the rage

Asspringand summerapproach,individuality, newmaximalismanda return to personal style areonthe rise.

Usethe following fashiontipsasa guideasyou coordinate your daily fashionaesthetic.Althoughfashion cangofullcircle,thisspring/summer brings aflash of hope andseduction, so letyourinnervoice roar.Yourindividualityiswhatisimportant.Alwaysremember,youweartheclothes; theclothes do notwearyou.

Thisyear,weareseeingevenmore slow fashion. Thisis notconsidereda trendbut asustainable part of daily living. Many internationaland local brands willincreasesustainable practices,such as usingbiodegradable fabricsand presenting redesigned andupcycledpieces. With thatbeingsaid,the’70sareback!(Did

Above:By searching vintage clothingshops forthehotlooks —dramatic animalprints, for example —you’ll addflairtoyour wardrobeaswell as shop sustainably.

Left:Expectto seefringeand sustainable fabricsthis season,justlike in 2006atthe EthicalFashion Showin Paris.

theyever leave?)

Therewillbea lotofdrama in clothing in allits forms; including fringe of allcolors, lots of exotic animalprintsand partydressstyles.A freshvibeofromance will be seen in exquisitestripes,frommicro-thinto wide.Thiswill alltranslateto ornate, lavish andover-the-top— atrue senseofa very chic,Parisianlook. Thinkone-of-akindcapes,ruffled feathers,high-neck lace tops,transparent materialsand lots of pearls in allforms —evena peep-toe shoe.

Themixingofunexpectedprints andgemssuchasbrocade jackets, embellishedtextureddressesand gemstone-encrusted pumpsare all goingtoscream, “Expectthe unexpected!”

In addition tothestaplepiecesalreadymentioned,goahead andpull outthatvintagetrench coat.Oversize

trenchcoats will be trendy allyear long.Morethanlikelyyou already have afew of thesefantastic pieces in your closet.Sonotonly will yousave moneythisspring,butyouwillbesupportingthe sustainablesideoffashion. Vintagepiecesare always interesting becausetheyarerare and unique,and they canadd so much charactertoa daily wardrobe.

Fashioniscircular, andfinding additional accent pieces at localvintage stores will addflare.Wewillsee more statementeyewearandcuff bracelets. Allofthiscan go sophisticatedand modern,aswesaw in the late ’90s,socialitestyle.Dress theway youfeel.Wemay notfeel ourbesteveryday,but beinga conscientious dresserwill change theway youfeel throughout theday.

Overall, spring/summer2025offers avibrant palette of choicesfor thoselookingtorefresh theirwardrobe while embracingindividuality andsustainability. Consider incorporating theseelementstocreatea unique fashionstatement andset your owntrend.

Remember,trendsare short-lived, butfashion senseisfor life.

EA T+ DRINK

ISIDORE

221NewellAve. 210-756-7359

isidoresatx.com

EATTHIS

• Gulf oysters

• Porkchop

• Ribcap

Much More Thana Steakhouse

At Isidore,anyadventureyouchoose will be adelight

THINKOFISIDOREAS APLACEWHERE youcanchooseyourownadventure.

Youwantachophouse?Isidore offersatender,juicy,deeplyflavorfulporkchop, adelightfulrib capfromFloresville-based Peeler Farmsand an entire menu sectionofartisan-raisedbeef.

Lookingfor afarm-to-table temple?Check outthehousemadeblackberry vinegarmignonettethat transforms Gulf oystersorthe rangeofpickling, fermenting andaging throughout themenu.

Or whatabouta stylishspottoenjoyor learnabout aterrificwinefromTexas?The four-courseTexas wine menu will change the wayyou look at this state’sofferings.

Withanindustrialyetwarmdesign,aroster of strong dishes anda relaxedyetelegantservice,it’salready aterrificrestaurant. It hasthe potentialtoevolveintoone of thebestrestaurantsinthe city.

Partofthereasoncomesfromitslocation inside thePullman Market,where it can sourcefromthevariousvendorsandtheoth-

er restaurants. Most notably, thebeefand poultrycomefromthe butcherprogram at thePullmanMarket,sothefeatureditemson themenuchangeoften.

“We’ll take wholesectionsofproteins, rib loins, chuckloins,we’ll trim them down ourselves,”saidChefdeCuisineIanLanphear.“If there’sanexcessproduct at anyother space, we trytoutilizethat.”

As anotherexample,the whey that came from thehousemade mozzarella at thepizza andpasta spot Fife andFarro goes into avinaigrette or making amilk skin forother dishes.Orleftoverbreadbecomeskombucha starteroraminos.

Then thereisLanphear’sforagingprogram.

“Oneofthebigpillarsweliketofocusonis usinga lotofwildingredients,”hesaid. Amongthem: lichen, Texasblack persimmons andall kindsofherbs.

Thesetechniquesfit perfectlywithLanphear’sexperience. Earlyinhis career,he workedwithMichaelSohocki,thechef-philoso-

pherwhoseRestaurantGwendolynchangedthe waymanySan Antonianslooked at theirfood.

Later, Lanphear opened hisown foraging-forward pop-up,Naibor. Nowhe’susing thoseskills withtheEmmer&Ryegroup,whoseflagshiprestaurantinAustinreceivedaGreenStarforsustainabilityfromtheMichelinGuide.

Whenyougo,makesuretoasksommelier SarahBacinichfor recommendations.She worksfroma wine listcurated by Emmer& RyewinedirectorAliSchmidtand happily explainshowaTexaswinewillpairbrilliantly with adishand howitemphasizesdifferent flavor notesthanone from France or Italy.

Isidorestarted atasting menu with Texas wine pairings,and Lanphear said it’s likelyto expand.

“The wine programand cocktail program aimtoshowcaseTexas produce,”Lanphear said.“We’retryingtomovethe needle to get to wherewewanttobeand really focuson making avoice.”

Indeed,letthisteamshowyousomeofthe best of what this statehas to offer. ★

Fora Unique NightOut,Think Pink

PinkShark doesn’tgiveyou any choice buttosurrender to the rose-colored glasses.

This downtown barisawash in itsnamesakecolor.A bright accent wall, every page of themenu. Everything everything,for that matter. Thelight fixtures arefittedwith pink-blastingbulbs that wash theentireroom in ablushyhue.

Theplayfulness at Pink Sharkdoesn’t end inpastels.OnarecentSundayafternoon,asextetofladiesadorned in sparklycowboyhats took turnsposingfor photos in abrightneon (pink, of course)circleequippedwitha bench inonecorner.Inanother,theysaddledupona pair of graffiti-plastered sharks securedtothe floor with giantsprings likefever-dream mechanical bulls. Yee-haws couldbeheard as hats,pursesand bodies went flying.

This quirky hotspotisthe creationof San AntoniocoupleAmberHernandezandJessica Marinez.Openedin2022,PinkSharkispartof aminibarempirethetwohavebuilt,including thepopular musicvenue PicksBar on North Loop 1604 andthe sports barSoreLoser just around thecornerfromPinkShark on CommerceStreet.

“We have worked in variousbarsoverthe lastdecadeindowntownSanAntonioandfeel that we needed alivelyspace that offers avarietyofentertainment optionsaswellaselevated versions of classiccocktails thatareapproachable,” Hernandezsaidofthe concept earlylastyear.

Just don’tbesurprised if your frozen margaritaisservedina towering plasticcup shaped likea cowboy bootor if therum and tequila-spikedSharktail comesina shark’s head with an umbrella poking from itsfanged mawand acurly strawsprouting from its nose.You canhaveanold-fashioned,daiquiriornegroni if youmust, butwhere’s the funinthat?

Despiteall appearances, Pink Sharkpresentsa surprisingly relaxedspace to watchthe game,chatwithfriends,takeadvantageofhappy hour dealsorenjoy anibblefromitstidy menu featuringoysters,pizza-style flatbreads, an arugulasalad or even asoothing grilled cheesewitha bowl of tomato soup during the earlyshift.

Atnight,thevibeturnsalittlemoreboisterouswitha pulsingdance beat on thefloor,occasionally provided by aliveDJ. Youmay spot

the bar’shypeman,dressedina head-to-toe, full-body furry outfit (alsopink),pumping up thecrowd inside or patrollingthe waters outside forwould-becustomers.

Ifyoutimeyourvisitright,youmayevenbe able to scorea tarotcardreading or somenew bodyartduringthemonthlyZodiacPartyheld everysecondSaturdaywhenapop-uppiercing andtattooartistsetsupshop.

ForaskitschyandglitzyasPinkSharklooks onthesurface,she(almost)keepssomesecrets to herself, as well.

Anarrowhallway on thebacksideofthe room leads,seemingly, totherestrooms. Acuriousvendingmachinethatappearstobepeddlingliquorbottles anchorsthe endofthe hall. Breakonthrough totheother side,and you’ll find theBackRoom.

Thismoreintimatespacehasatouchofthe secrecyand exclusivityofa speakeasydecked outin’70svintage vibe.Ofcoursethere’sa glimmeringshark-shapeddiscoballoverhead.

This auxiliary barhas itsown menu,comfortable seatingand alittletableside buttonto push fortequila shot service.

Thenexttimeyou’recravingauniquenight outonthe town,think pink,y’all. ★

PinkSharkownersAmberHernandezandJessicaMarinezdesigned aVictorWembanyama prayercandle, whichcandoubleas aCollinsglassfor cocktails.

Pink Shark offers aglitzyand kitschy vibein downtownSanAntonio

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Making Dreams Reality

Meet ﬁvewomen whodare to dreambig.Theyhaveovercome obstaclesand setbacks to make theirmarkonSan Antonio.

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TwoWorlds, OneDestiny

Lattoia Masseymeets Chef NicolaBlaque

BY MIKE SUTTER

Lattoia Masseyisa chef,a mother,anArmyveteran,a wife,a business owner. Andshe’s aculinarysuperstar,recognized by theMichelin Guideandnominatedfor aJames Beard Awardfor herSan AntoniorestaurantThe Jerk Shack.

Butwedon’t know Lattoia Massey.

We know herbyanother name:ChefNicolaBlaque. Is it an alias, anom de guerre,a celebrityflex? No.The name beganasa solution to aproblem fora youngcaterer andprivate chef trying to grow herclientele. Theproblem is onefamiliartoBlack women in business: “I gotmorecallbacks as Nicola than Lattoia.”

Alot more.Whenthe CulinaryInstitute of Americagraduatechanged herwebsite to Chef Nicola Blaque —drawing on herrealmiddlenameand astylized last name to honorher race —her business jumped from 30 meal prepsa week to more than athousand.

It wasa hard lesson, aconfirmationthatyou don’tget anywherewithout goingsomewhere first. Andshe’s been there.

Before theJames Beardnominationfor Best Chef Texasin 2023,beforethe triumphant openingofFreight FriedChicken at thePearl food hall last year,and before theMichelin Guide’sBib Gourmand recognitionofJerkShack in November for“good food at moderate prices,”therewas a5-year-oldJamaicangirlwho arrivedinAmerica,unsureofher placeina culturethatdidn’t know howtoclassify her.

It wasa culturethatchasedawayher Jamaicanaccent,then wonderedwhether shewas “Jamaicanenough” to open ajerk chickenrestaurantonSan Antonio’sWestSidein2018. It wasa culturethatlefther longingtofitin.She joined theArmyat18, andwithin100 days of basictraining, shewas standing on the sandsofIraq. Then Kuwait,thenAfghanistan.

From that crucible came theleadershipskills of astaff sergeant. Andsomething else:a foundation to call herown.She met andmarried anotherstaff sergeant,CorneliusMassey. Together, they’reraising threechildren. Theirson C.J. attendsCambridge University,and theirsocialfeedsare consumed withtheir3-yearoldson Champion anddaughterCypress, who’s2.

Champion is alreadyfamiliarwiththe kitchenlife, in away. Hismotherwas pregnant with him, cookingatthe original Jerk Shackbeforeitmoved to amodernspace near SeaWorld in 2022. Thekitchen at that former taco jointonMatyear Street wasso smalland so hotthateventouchingthe appliances left amark.

“I hadburns on my stomach,”she said.“So Iwould go tothe doctor,and they’re, like, ‘You really need to stop cooking.’And I’m, like, Idon’t have achoiceright now.”

Butasthe chef herselfwill tell you, thehardtimes shaped her, buttheydon’t define her. What definesher noware possibilities. FreightFried Chickenwill be part of thenew terminal at San AntonioInternational Airport, apoeticmanifestation of Freight’s mission to honorthe Southern Blackwomen whosoldfried chickentotrain passengers. Andthe wheelsare turningonanotherconcept she’snot yetready to unveil.

To understand herjourney is to understand theJamaican axiom: “Out of many,one people.” She’sa name in theMichelin Guide. She’sJamaican, American,San Antonian.Mom,wife, vet, boss. SheisChefNicolaBlaque, andshe is Lattoia Massey. One andthe same. ★

Sweet Return forBakery Boss

Elizabeth Chambers hopestohelp othersheal with her newshow,‘Toxic’

BY JENNIFERMCINNIS

BirdBakeryfounder ElizabethChambersisanentrepreneur, aTVpersonality, amom,and recently,she’s returningto herrootsasa journalist.

Shedescribes herselfasdie-hardAngeleno, butSan Antonio will always be home.Thatiswhy sheopenedBirdBakery on Broadway in 2012,nearwhere hermotherhad ashopand her grandmotherowned acateringcompany.

“Thatismyhappy,happy place,”she says of spending time behind thecounter.“Seeing people that knew my grandmother andseeing people that know my know my mom, it just trulyfeels like home.”

While Chambers knew shealwayswantedtoopena bakery,it wasa series of cancellationsthatled hertopivot.

“I hadthree showsthatwerecanceledwithintwoweeks, andI thought, ‘Well, my minorismarketing,and at leastI know in marketingthatifI want to change something,I can,’and TV,you canshowupevery dayand do thebestjob youcan possiblydo, and. thereare amillion reasonswhy youcould be canceled,” shesaid. “I didn't feel likeI wasevergoing to do meaningful television or journalismagain.”

Shehas expanded Bird Bakery locationsinDallasand Denver, andshehasplans to open in Austin andHouston.She also opened ababyBirdBakery in GrandCaymanwhile shewas living throughthe COVID-19 pandemic.

“Itwas so beautifulwhile Iwas goingthrough adivorce, becauseI hada huge support system there, andthere wasno paparazzi allowed,”Chamberssaid. “Itwas so greatfor my healingprocess.”

Aftermorethanfouryears in GrandCayman, it wasbecominghardertotakeonprojectsfor work in thepost-COVIDworld. So,she andher twochildrenmoved back to LosAngeles only months before thedevastating wildfiresforcedthemtoevacuate. Thankfully,their home wasnot damaged.

During thedivorce from actorArmie Hammer, shemadeit herlifemission to soften thetraumafor herand herchildren. Shespoke with family separation therapists alloverthe world.

“Inthisprocess of mitigating trauma formychildren, Ibecame so fascinated aboutpatterns, abouthistory,about generationalfamily trauma,” shesaid.

TheUniversityofTexas at Austin graduate returnstoher early career in journalismwithher newshow, “Toxic,” whichwill air on InvestigationDiscovery andstreamonMax in May. Shehosts eightone-hourdocumentary-style episodes.A second season is approved.

“It’sreally,really powerful andsomeofmyfavoriteworkI’ve ever done,” shesaid. “I don’twanttoplaya journalistonTV.I want to find thepeople, andI want totell thestories,and Iwant to be in thefield.And nothingcould replacethat. So to have this show,which is literally my dreamshow, andyou know,be able to help people.

“I want everysinglepersontowatch everyepisode andsay, ‘AmI in this relationship?Ismysisterinthisrelationship?’ Thereare so many redflags thatarejustreally textbook when it comestounbalanced, coercive,abusive relationships.”

Powerhouse of Flavors

Jennifer HwaDobbertin is reshaping theconceptof Asian American cuisine

BY POLLY ANNA ROCHA

JenniferHwa Dobbertin hasbeen aforce in SanAntonio’sculinaryscene sinceshe entereditmorethana decade ago, buther path to thecheflifeand herhit restaurant,BestQualityDaughter, werenot straightforward. Initially hesitant at theideaofworking in restaurants, the chefembraced herpassion forfood during hertimeabroad in her20s.

“I grew up in arestaurant. Both of my parentsare in the industry,and my grandparents areinthe industry,butI went to college anddid everything to stay outofthe industry,” Dobbertin said.“Then aftercollege,I movedabroad to Bangkok.”

Dobbertin wasa teacher, then agraduatestudent in Thailand,where shefellinlovewithfoodover thecourseofabout sixyears.FromBangkok,she traveled alloverAsia, with stints in Singapore, Hong Kong,Cambodiaand Laos.Her travelswere informed by what sheate,and thoseflavors lingeredevenafter shereturnedtothe states.

In 2011,Dobbertin wasbackinSan Antonio, workingbriefly in thenonprofit sector before making thejumptoprofessional kitchenwork.

“I wasreally brokeand also kind of burntout with thenonprofit world. Ihad always been drawntocooking, andthatwas when TheMontereywas having itsmoment, andI lived right next door,” shesaid.

It waskismet. Shegot startedasa linecook at TheMonterey, andfromthere,moreopportunitiescame. Soon,she was collaborating on thefirst iterationofHot Joyand then cofounding TenkoRamen at Pearl. It wasatthispoint that the chef yearnedfor somethingdifferent.

“I startedBestQualityDaughteronmyownwhen Iwas running Tenko, when Iwas getting really antsytodosomething that wasfemale-forwardand female-focused.I wanted to claim my space, so Istarted BQD as apop-uponmyownwith some otherAsian American womeninSan Antonio, andthatevolved into thebrick-and-mortar,”Dobbertin said.

That female-forward approach hasremainedcentral to Dobbertin’s restaurant conceptand to herethos as botha restaurateur andanadvocatefor social causes.Shehasspent threeyears on theboard forPlannedParenthood in South Texas, whereshe serves as secretaryand hasled thechargeona number of fundraisers.

“I’m equally as proudofmyself, if notmoreproud of myself, forthatwork,”she said.

Afterearning herthird James BeardAward nomination for Best QualityDaughter, Dobbertin is readyfor thenextbig project, acocktail-forwardconcept fittingly namedfor James Beard’schildhood chef andmentor, JueLet.The barisinits earlystages, butwedoknowit’ll have allthe styleand creative touchofits predecessor.

“We’ve been workingreally hard on this project, andit’s been somethingthatI’vebeen thinking aboutfor years,”Dobbertin said. ★

PuroPinche with aPassion

StephanieGuerrashares thepulseofSan Antonio

BY SALLIELEWIS

Stephanie Guerra is amulti-hyphenate Latina entrepreneur, contentcreator,communicationsconsultantand marketing whiz,aswellasa self-proclaimed“SanAntonio evangelist.”

Growingup, some of herearliest memories took shapein Market Square,where herparents worked in thehistoricplaza’s curioshops.

“I thinkmylovefor SanAntonio anddowntownstarted there,”she said.“Igot to seehow colorful thecitywas,withits papelpicadoand Mexicanimports,and allthe Fiesta events.”

Today, themultigenerational AlamoCitynativehas dedicatedher professional lifetothe placeshe calls home.In2010, shefounded Puro Pinche,anonlineplatform that shares thecity’slocal talent andcurrent events withthemasses.

“I startedPuroPinchebecause Inoticed people wouldcallSan Antonioboringorsleepy, andI knew that wasn’t thecase,”she said.“Ireally wanted to give others aplatformand free resourceto find outwhatwas goingonhere.”

As shecelebratesher15th anniversarythisyear, Guerra is deservedly proudofthe impact she’smadeand continuestouse hervoice forgood,beitonher Friday eveningKSATsegmentsor throughher buzzing socialmedia presence.

“There’s no oneright waytoget involved in your city,” she said,“butI’m coming at it from afun andpositive,entertainment andculturalpoint of view.”

Over theyears,Guerra hasalsoorganized events across San Antonio, from musicfestivals to theannual MuertosFestat Hemisfair, while partnering with localbrandsand businesses such as H-E-B. Regardless of what she’sdoing or whoshe’s workingwith, she’salwaysmotivated by aspiritofconnection.

“I’m aconnector,and Ilovebeing able to meet people behind thesceneswho make everything come to life,”she said of thebartenders, chefs, musiciansand artistsshe’s crossed pathswith. “I wouldn’t be whereI am nowifI didn’t have those relationships.”

Guerra’s latest gigasthe director of marketingand communicationsatthe SanAntonio LocalOrganizingCommitteeisarguably herbiggest to date as sheenergizes thecommunity forthe upcoming NCAA Men’sFinal Four throughdigital ads, billboards, radio, TV andsocialmarketing.

“Our role is to getlocalsinvolvedinthe funand free fanevents becauseweknowthata ticket to thegames is notineveryone’s budget,and ticketsare hard to come by,”she said.“That’s my job… partnering with community organizations, mediaoutlets and really making sure everyone knowstheycan come totheseevents during FinalFourweekend.”

TheMen’s FinalFouristhe second-largest sporting eventin thecountry afterthe SuperBowl, with an economic impact of more than $400 millionprojected forthe citythis year.

“All I’ve ever knownishow to showcase SanAntonio andmakeour city shine,”Guerra said.“Thisis aboutbeing apartofsomething that does so much andputsmoney back into thelocal community,which feelslikea really good opportunity.” ★

Soaring Even Higher

Called to service, Anne Krause is building abrighter Texas

BY SALLIELEWIS

Whenitcomes to SanAntonio movers andshakers, Anne Krause hasearneda well-deservedspotatthe topofthe list. Born in NorthCarolinaand raised outsideChicago,Krausefound herway to Texasduringflight training aftergraduatingfromthe AirForce Academy.

Servicewas instilledinher at an earlyage,thankstopeople likeher grandfather, aB-29pilot, andgreat-uncle,a B-24 pilot, andithas remained ahallmarkofKrause’sillustriouscareer.

“Peopleoften ask, howdid yougofromflyingairplanes to beingonThe Thunderbirds to running anonprofit?” shesaid. “Honestly, when you’re calledtoservice,it’swhatyou do.”

Today, shecontinues to give back in hernew role as the senior vice presidentofdevelopment at Texas2036. Thestatewide nonprofit, nonpartisanpublic policyorganization, which wasfounded by Dallasattorney TomLuce, is dedicatedtobuildinglong-term,data-driven strategies to secure Texas’ prosperity forthe future.

“WhenTom became awarethatour population andeconomy wasgoing to grow tremendously between nowand our bicentennial in 2036,hewasalarmedthatwemight getcaught unaware, becausewhenpeoplemovetoTexas,they’re not bringing things liketheir teachers,their energy or theirwater with them,” Krause said.“While we welcome newTexanswith open arms,wehavetobepreparedfor that influx,the demand on infrastructure andother things we counton.”

At Texas2036, Krause’s focusisspearheadingdevelopment effortsand securing fundingthrough philanthropic investment.“Ifeel fulfilledknowing Iammakinga differenceand get tremendous satisfaction that theworkI’m doingnow improves thelives of over 30 millionpeople,”she said proudly. “The policyissues vary from legislativesession to legislativesession, butwewanttomakesurewe’re securing abrighterand strongerfuturefor allTexans.”

Over theyears,she hasbeen awardedcountless accolades, from aMeritorious ServiceMedal from herAir ForceThunderbird team to TheSan AntonioBusinessJournal’s 2023 Woman of theYearand Women’sLeadershipAward.One of hermost meaningful rolesincludedserving as theco-founder, president andexecutive director of theHemisfair Conservancy, whereshe wasinstrumentalinhelping open CivicParkatHemisfair.

“Justtohavebeenpartofthatismorerewardingthananythingonmyshelf,” shesaid. “Ittook alotof people in San Antonio, includingvisionaries,philanthropists andelected officials, allpullingtogethertoaccomplisha legacy that will benefitthe city forgenerations to come.”

Outsideofwork, Krause is awifeand mother to five children,along with amentortocountless others.

“The mantra that’s always guided me hasbeen making the path widerand smootherfor others,” sheshared, smiling. “I thinkthat’sa critical thingthateveryoneneedstosignupfor.” Beyond that,she said,“Just be excellent.Stopthe dramaand bringyourbestselftowork. Be ateammate,bethoughtful, and things tend to work themselves out.” ★

BIG DREAM

PANELDISCUSSION+HAPPYHOUR+NETWORKING

March19thattheSanAntonioBotanicalGarden

PANELISTS

•Nicola Blaque,JerkShack

•Elizabeth Chambers,BirdBakery

•JenniferDobbertin,Best QualityDaughter

•StephanieGuerra, PuroPinche

•AnneKrause, Texas 2036

Join SanAntonioMagazine foraspirited eventand afabulouslineup of powerhousewomensharingtheir secretstosuccess,triumphs,andinspiration to keepchasingtheirdreams.

BUYTICKETS

Women to Watch

I In honor of Women’s History Month, San Antonio Magazine proudly presents Women to Watch a showcase of the dynamic, trailblazing women shaping our community These visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers are redefining inddustries, breaking barriers, and inspiring the next generation. Through their stories, we celebrate not just their achievements but the passion and resilience that fuel their success Join us in recognizing these powerhouse women as thhey share their journeys, ambitions, and impact on San Antonio and beyond.

Fran Yanity

ForFranYanity, Presidentand COOof ThePMGroup,growing up withoutfemale mentorsinbusinessshapedherleadership philosophy.“Imakemyselfavailable to help people andtry to make it easier forthose who comeafter me,” shesays.“There’senough successtogoaroundfor everybody.”

Yanity has builtanadvertisingpowerhouse wherespecialty marketingservicesconverge under oneunified group. Under her leadership, ThePMGroup hasachieved remarkable,sustainedgrowth by delivering measurableresultsacrossall marketing channels.Anaward-winning, allinhouseteambased inSanAntonio handles everythingfromtraditional mediatoevents, allowing clients to work directlywithlocal experts forall of theiradvertisingneeds.

ThePMGroup’s dedicationtocommunity impact also stands out. Throughmany fundraisingevents, thecompany raises over $2millionannuallyfor organizationslike UTSA, SoldiersAngels,and Blue Cares. With acommitmenttoexcellence,community andanunwaveringfocus on mentorship, Yanity continues to reshapeSan Antonio’s advertisinglandscape.

Rachel Reuter

Rachel Reuter is theowner of Reuter LawGroup PC. Rachel receivedher Bachelor of Arts from theUniversityof Texasin1993 andher JurisDoctorate from St.Mary’sUniversity, School of Law, in1997. Rachel Reuter is BoardCertified in Family Lawbythe TexasBoard of LegalSpecialization. With over20 years of experience,she establishedReuterLaw Group, PC as aboutiquefamilylaw firm specializingindivorce andchild custodydisputes.

Rachel has worked hard to establishher reputation andthatofReuterLaw Group in theSan Antoniocommunity. Herexperiencedemonstratesa dedication to professionalism,ethics, andservice.

Understandingthateachclienthas differentneeds,ReuterLaw Groupwas createdasa premierfamilylaw firm dedicated to providingindividualized attentiontoeachclient.She hasbuilta team that remainscommitted to helping thosewhoneed it most.Withintegrity, creativity,diligence andpassion, her team at Reuter LawGroup fights fortheir clients andhelps themcome up witha plan that worksbestfor theirfamily.

KayHarig ,CEO/Owner

KayKayO’Brien,VPofSales

JennessGoughCoelho VPofBusinessDevelopment &Marketing

WomentoWatch: TheVisionary Leadersof OfficeSource,Ltd.

In thedynamic worldofcommercialfurniture anddesign,OfficeSource, Ltd.,led by CEO/Owner KayHarig andher daughters, KayKay O’Brien, VP of Sales, andJennessGough Coelho,VPof BusinessDevelopment &Marketing,isredefining leadership with purposeand creativity.Proudly 100% woman-owned andbased inSanAntonio since2003,OfficeSource, Ltd. thrivesunder their collaborativevision.

KayHarig has transformedOfficeSource, Ltd. into atrustedpartnerfor ergonomic andstylish office solutions,leveraging herstrategicinsight anddedicationtoclientrelationships. KayKay O’Brien brings expertise in largeprojectsand government work,blendingproduct design with space planningtocreatetailoredsolutions. JennessGough Coelho drives clientengagement, fosteringmeaningful relationshipsthatexpandthe company’sreach acrossdiverse industries. Together,thispowerhousetrioexemplifies innovationand leadership,deliveringinspiring workspaces forcorporateoffices, healthcare, education, government,and hospitality.

Under their guidance,OfficeSource, Ltd. continues to elevatethe standard forworkplacedesign, provingthattrueleadership liesincollaboration andempoweringothers.

SanAntonio is luckytohavethese trailblazers settingthe standard forexcellence andcreativity in business. Keep your eyes onKay, KayKay, andJenness—there’s no stoppingthis powerhouseteam! www.officesourceltd.com OfficeSourceLtd.

AngelinaElle Melendez

From over19 yearsofmilitaryservice to capturingthe warriorspiritinevery womanshe photographs, AngelinaElleMelendezhas always beenin thebusinessoftransformation. As the founder of Elle Rosegold Studio andcreatorof the Glory& Glamour®experience,she turnsportrait sessions into journeys of self-discoveryand empowerment.

“Every womandeservestosee herselfasart,” Angelinaoften says, andher work is living proofofthisbelief.Inher warm,invitingstudio, Angelinacreates more than just magazine-worthy portraits– she craftsvisualdeclarationsofworth andbeauty. Herlenscapturesthe grace of military membersbeyondtheiruniforms,the softness beneath firstresponders’ strength,and the fire that drivesentrepreneursforward.Eachimage becomesa mirrorreflecting herclients’hidden depthsofconfidence andpower.

Throughhersignature styleofglamour,branding, andempowerment photography, Angelina transforms howwomen seethemselves. Her missionextends beyond thecamera: shehelps writenew chapters in women’sstories, wherethey finallysee themselves as they trulyare –bold, radiant, andabsolutelyunstoppable.

ElleRosegold Studio

Aspire Fertility San Antonio

AspireFertilitySanAntonioisincredibly proudtobeledbyfouroftheTopFemale PhysiciansintheSanAntonioarea.Ledby Dr.UrsulaBalthazar,Dr.AimeeBrowne,Dr. CourtneyFailor,andDr.JenniferKnudtson, Aspire’steamofwomenarededicated toprovidingcompassionatecareand achievingoptimalresultsforallpatientson theirfamily-buildingjourneys.

WorkingcloselywiththeLabDirector,Aspire’s powerhousefemalephysiciansplanand overseetheentirefertilityprocess.Theyuse theirknowledgeandpassionforwomen’s healthandreproductivemedicinetohelp couplesachievetheirdreamsofhavinga baby.

DoctorsBalthazar,Browne,Failor,and Knudtsonhavebeenhonoredwithnational andlocalSanAntonioawardsandactively participateinreproductivemedicine organizationsincludingtheAmericanSociety forReproductiveMedicine(ASRM)andthe SocietyforReproductiveEndocrinologyand Infertility(SREI).Additionally,Dr.Brownehas beennamed a2025CastleConnollyTop Doctor.Thisprestigioushonorrecognizesher dedicationtoprovidingexceptionalfertility careandunwaveringsupporttoherpatients.

Withmorethan60yearsofcombined experience,Aspire’sphysiciansarelisted amongthebestfertilityprovidersinthe UnitedStatesandarecommittedtocreate abetterfertilityexperienceforeverypatient.

AspireFertilitySanAntonio https://www.aspirefertility.com/san-antonio-texas @aspirefertilitysanantonio

SanAntonio AreaFoundation

NADEGE SOUVENIR

FindingJoy in Philanthropy: Nadege Souvenir Leadsthe SanAntonio Area Foundationintoa NewEra

When NadegeSouvenir took thehelmasCEO of theSan Antonio Area Foundation last April, shebrought more than just adistinguished resume of philanthropicexperience and legalexpertise –she usheredinaleadership philosophy centeredonauthenticity andjoy.

“Early in my career as acorporate litigator,I thoughtleadershiphad to be formal anda bit authoritarian,”Souvenirreflects. “But Ireally begantostepintomyown when Irealizedthat theverythings Iwas trying to squash about myself were actually my superpowers.”

Thosesuperpowers include an approachable demeanor, aquality that hasservedher well in SanAntonio’s relationship-driven culture.

Though she’sonlybeeninthe role fornine months,Souvenir hasalready experiencedthe city’s celebrated warmth firsthand, from chance encounters with neighborstomeaningful professionalconnections.

“San Antonio is averyrelationalcommunity,and people areopentostartingthose relationships from moment one,”she says. “Sucha warm and authenticwelcome helpsmakethisnew placefeel like home sooner,whichallowsmetoshowup differentlyinmyleadership.”

This relationship-centeredapproachaligns

perfectlywiththe Area Foundation’s mission as it celebrates its60thanniversary, having grantedover$809milliontocommunity causes, including$105millioninscholarships. Under Souvenir’s vision, theAreaFoundationaimsto be theepicenterofphilanthropyfor arapidly growingSan Antonio whilefocusingonclosing opportunity gaps forthose whoneed it most.

“Wewantpeopletoknowthe Area Foundation canbeapartnerin so many ways,”Souvenir emphasizes. “Weworkwithdonorstobuild and preserve theirlegacies, partnerwithnonprofits doingcriticalcommunity work,and collaborate with leadersacrosssectors to tackle bigissues.”

Hergoalistoensurethatthe Area Foundation growsalongside SanAntonio,buildingan endowmentrobustenoughtoaddressboth currentneeds andchallengesthatmay arise decades from now.

“Community foundationsare intended to exist in perpetuity,” sheexplains. “I’m thinking about howtoset up thepersonsitting in this chair 75 yearsfromnow forsuccess.”

With Souvenir’s joyful leadership styleand deepcommitmenttocommunity impact,the Area Foundation’s next chapterpromisestobe transformative forSan Antonio.

Kristi Clark,MD

Compassionate Care.Visionary Leadership. AHealthier Future.

Dr.KristiClark isn’tjusta physician—she’s atrusted confidante, dedicated leader,compassionate internal medicinephysician andadriving forceinshaping thefutureofprimary healthcare.Asthe President &CEO of HealthTexasPrimary Care Doctors,Dr. Clarkbringsovertwo decades of experience,blending compassionate patientcarewithvisionary leadership. Guidedbythe belief that true successliesin makinga meaningful impact,Dr. Clark’scommitmentextends beyond theexamroom. Shenavigatesthe complexities of healthcare administration,ensuringpatients receive thehighest levelofcarewhileleadingwithintegrity, stewardship, andinnovation.

Dr.Clark’s unwavering commitmenttopatients is deeply rooted in abeliefencapsulated by RalphWaldo Emerson, “Toleave theworld abit better,whether by ahealthy child, agarden patch,oraredeemed social condition; to know that even onelifehas breathed easier becauseyou have lived-thatistohave succeeded.” ForDr. Clark, successisn’t aboutpersonal accolades butthe profound impact on others’lives, shapingher patientcareand leadership.

Beyond medicine, Dr.Clark’s interestsare as diverseas herapproachtohealthcare, includinga ferventpassion forthe historyofpiracy, from ancienttimes to the presentday. This eclecticinterest reflects hervibrant imaginationand diverseintellectualpursuits,inviting adeeperconnectionwithher patients, providersand associates. Whetherattendingtopatients one-on-one or shapinghealthcarestructuresbehindthe scenes,Dr. Clark’sdedicationremains unwavering.She embodies aholisticapproachtohealthcare, blendinginnovation with HealthTexas’ core values of compassion,integrity, stewardship, andsynergy to pave theway forabrighter, healthier future.

HealthTexas.org

KIRSTEN CARABIN

KirstenCarabinhasneverbeenonetotake theeasyroad.Shehasbeenpracticinglaw forover30years,building apersonalinjury ﬁrmfromthegroundup.Sheco-founded anotherwellknownLawFirminSanAntonio thatisstillusinghersurname.Foryears, shefoughtforpeoplewhohadbeenhurt— listeningtotheirstories,standingupto insurancecompanies,makingsurenoone wasleftunheard.Then,inanunexpected turn,shesteppedawayfromlawandinto theworldoftrucking.

Mostwouldn’ttrade acourtroomforan oilﬁeld,butKirsten isn’tmostpeople.She spentyearslearningtheindustry ﬁrsthand, masteringtheinsandoutsofcommercial trucking.Whenshereturnedtolaw,she broughtthatknowledgewithher.Now, when aclientcomestoherafter atrucking accident,sheknowsexactlywhatquestions toask,whattolookfor,andhowtoholdthe rightpeopleaccountable.

Herworkhasneverbeenjustaboutcases— it’saboutpeople.That’swhyCarabinLaw operates24/7,makingsureclientshave accesstohelpwhenevertheyneedit.It’s whyshestartedhercharity, “Together WeWillRise,”usingpartofherearnings tosupportpeopleintheCarabinLaw communitywho ﬁnd themselvesstruggling.

Kirstenhasalwaysbelievedinstandingup fortheunderdog,inputtingpeople first,and in finding creativesolutionswhereothers seedeadends.Andifyouever findyourself inheroffice,youwon’tjustget afierce advocate—youalsoget avisitfromBoots, the firm’sever-faithfulpoodlemascot,who neverfailstooffer alittleextracomfort.

Carolyn Leeper

Originally from theMidwest,Carolyn has called SanAntonio home forover adecade.Carolynbeganher careerin corporatecommunications before making ashift to work in animal care.Becoming an entrepreneur wasanunexpectedtwist in herprofessionaljourney,butonethat she has fullyembraced.

Theideatostart TheFarmacy Botanical Shoppecamein2018after herhusband, Ben, hadbacksurgery.Carolynwas lookingfor amorenaturalway to manage Ben’spainpost-surgery,andafter trying afew CBDproductstheywereimpressed with howmuchCBDhelped with Ben’s recovery.Afterexperiencingthe positive impactsofCBD forthemselves, thecouple decidedtostart ahempwellnessbusiness to help people andpetslive their best lives, naturally.

Usingher background in journalism and marketing, Carolynhelpedbuild The FarmacyBotanical Shoppe into oneof SanAntonio’s most trustedsources for premium quality,effective hemp wellness products. TheFarmacy hasa pet-friendly retail storeinNorthwest SanAntonio andoperatesa popularsame-day,discreet delivery service.Because of herbusiness, Carolynhas been able to continue making apositive impact in theanimal community by volunteering andmaking donationstolocal rescue groups.

210.840.5233 farmacybotanical.com

Rebekah Yanase

Sage FXFoundation and Construction Women

In atraditionallymale-dominated industry, it takesa pioneering spirit to standout— andthat’sexactlywhatdefinesRebekah Yanase. Whenfacedwiththe unimaginable challenge of losingher husband, Sage,last year whilecaringfor newborntwins,she discovered adeterminationshe neverknew shehad.Steppinginasthe newowner of Sage FX Foundation andConstructionin SanAntonio,Rebekah hastackled every obstacle with remarkablecourage and tenacity,determined to showher daughters— andall youngwomen—thatit’spossible to thrive in anyprofession, no matter how unconventional.

At theheart of Sage FX is acommitment to honest,dependableservice,anapproach that hasearnedthe companycountlessloyal clients andglowing reviews. ForRebekah, however, buildingstrongfoundations goes beyond five-starratings; it meansdelivering true peace of mind, from theinitial consultation to the finalhandshake.

Though herjourney hasbeenextraordinary, Rebekahviews it as away to continue herlate husband’svisionand forge astablefuturefor their children. “Growing this companyisn’t just aboutprovidingfor my children,”she says. “It’salsoabout leavinga legacyfor Sage.” Resilient,driven, andguidedbythe future she envisions,Rebekah Yanase is undeniablya WomantoWatch,redefiningwhatitmeans to buildstrongfoundations in theAlamo City.

Wells, vice president of event development for San AntonioSportsand executive director of the San AntonioLocal Organizing Committee.

ThePower of Sport in SanAntonio

Women leadingthecity’s charge to the NCAA Men’s Final Four

BY SALLIELEWIS

San Antoniomay be hostingthe 2025 NCAA Men’sFinal Four April5-7,but behind thescenesand away from the spotlight,it’sthe womenwho aremaking theshots.

Jenny Carnes is thepresident andCEO of SanAntonio Sports,the city’s 40-yearsstrong sports commission,without which shesaysthe FinalFourevent wouldnot happen.

“The backbone of this wholeoperation starts with us,fromthe bidall theway to paying thebills when this is over laterin thespring,”she said.

Carnes grew up in Uvalde andmoved to SanAntonio to play basketball andtennis on scholarshipatthe University of the IncarnateWord. Aftergraduation, she beganworking full time at SanAntonio Sports andhas been aleaderatthe organization ever since.

“Our mission is to transformthiscommunity throughthe powerofsport,” she

Elena

said.“Thepower of sportreally means somethingtomepersonally becauseI wouldn’t be in my joborwhere Iaminlife if notfor growingupplaying sports.Toget to impact kids in ourcommunity andgive them opportunitiestheymight nototherwise have,that’swhy Ilovethisjob.”

ElenaWells worksalongside Carnes as thevicepresident of eventdevelopment for SanAntonioSports,inaddition to serving as theexecutive directorof theSan AntonioLocal Organizing Committee, or SALOC.

Though notanathlete,Wells haslong beenenamored by theculture of sports, with itscamaraderie andcommunity spirit.

“WhenI wasgrowing up,I hadasthma andcertain things that kept me from participating,but Ireallywantedtobeinvolved anda part of ateam,”Wells said.She laterearneda scholarshipthrough UTSA’s athletic department andbecamethe business managerfor theschool’s trackteam before landinga jobatthe city’s sports commission.

Theduo is nowplanning SanAntonio’s fifthMen’s FinalFourand says thecityisa naturalhostfor thejob.

“Froma FinalFourperspective,the centerpieceofthe bidishavinga domed stadium,”Wells explained, adding that the Alamodome, alongwiththe city’s walkabilityand easy access tothegamefacility, are unique value-adds.“Ourother strength is ourteam; SALOCbringspartnerstogether andletsusoperate as onevoice andentity.”

Some of thosepartnersinclude thecity of SanAntonio,VisitSanAntonio,and host institutions such as theUniversityof TexasatSan Antonioand theUniversityof theIncarnate Word,all of whichworkwith theNCAAtoplanand host thetournament.

Thefirst weekendofApril, more than 100,000 visitors will descendondowntown,inaddition to an estimated100,000

to 200,000 locals.The economicimpact of this year’s eventisprojected to be roughly $440 million, with astaggering $300 million in direct spending in thecommunity.

“Beyondthe dollars spentthatweek,it’s themedia exposure that probably hasa greatervalue,” Carnes said.“Since basketball season tippedoff in November,every

outlet that carries college basketball has been talkingabout theroadtoSan Antonio. During eventweek,we’re goingtobe allovereverythingnationallyand internationally;it’sadvertising thecitycan’t buy.”

Thetournament’sarrivalbringswithita wide slateoffreefan events andcommunity outreach initiatives.

“Basketballisactually thesmallest part of this,” Wells said.“It is theheadliningact, buteverythingthe NCAA brings with them from an ancillary perspectiveisfor the community andtheir fans to enjoy.”

Already, therehavebeen well over 100 activationsand events across thecity, many of whichhavebeen ledbythe popularFan

JennyCarnes ispresidentand CEO of SanAntonioSports. “To get to impact kids inour community and givethem opportunitiesthey might nototherwisehave, that’swhyI lovethisjob,” shesays.

Jammobile pop-up truckwhere fans can hone theirshootingskills andsnapselfies with thechampionshiptrophy.

Oneofthe most impactfulinitiatives is theReadtothe FinalFourprogram taking placeinthird-grade classroomsacross San Antonio. Establishedtosupport the NCAA’sdedicationtoeducation,the program hasmadea significantimpactsince it debutedatthe2016 Men’sFinal Four in Houston. Theprogram’s goal is to getkids excitedabout reading, with theschools having thehighest averagepercentageof minutesreadadvancing into around as if they were in theNCAATournament. The winningschoolgetsa $5,000 library makeover credit fromScholastic, whileclose to 15,000 booksare givenawaytokids throughout thecommunity.

TheNCAAisalsoworking in partnershipwiththe SanAntonio Sports SchoolParksProgram to restoreits third city project. Thanks to thegenerosity of community partners,thisyearthe Rayburn Clubhouse— aformerelementaryschool turned Boys andGirls Club —will receivea newgymnasium andHVACsystem, and irrigatedsportsfield on itscampus.

As theFinal Four weekendnears,locals andvisitorsalikehavea lottolook forward to,including musicand fanfestivals,anda floating peprally on theriver with thefour participatingteams’bandand cheer squads.

This year,the NCAA will also invite the public to afreeTip OffTailgateinCivic Park at Hemisfair. Forthe firsttimeever, giantscreenswill broadcastboththe Men’s andthe Women’sFinal Four gamestothe public.

“There’s somethingfor everybody,” Carnes said.“It’s hard to geta game ticket andthe ticketsaren’tcheap,but youcan come be afan andexperiencethe whole atmosphere allweekendatnocost.”

StephanieGuerra,SALOC’s director

of marketingand communications,has been instrumental in beamingthatmessage across thecity, andlikeCarnesand Wells, sheisproud to be apartofthisyear’sfemale-led team.

“I love that SALOC’sleadershipisall women,”she said.“It canbea very motivatingexperiencetoworkwithpeoplewho look likeyou andwho understand things from adifferent angle.”

Carnes agrees.“Ithink it’s really cool that womenarerunning theMen’s Final Four,” shesaid, adding that thetrend is one that’s transcending theAlamo City.“The people that ranthe HoustonFinal Four two yearsago andthe PhoenixFinal Four last year were female.I trulythink planning the

eventisall aboutorganization, beingdetailedand beingabletopullinthe right people to do thesamething.Weall know that womendothatbetterthanmen forthe most part,sothat’smytheory.”

Though thebuildup to this four-day eventhas been yearsinthe making,when it’s done on April8,Carnessays, sheand herteammates will continue to roll up their sleeves andget down to business.

“Yoursportscommission doesn’tgo away when theFinal Four does,” shesaid. “Whileit’s thebiggest thingwedo, it only comesaroundevery eightto10years,sowe will continue to work hard to make this community abetterplace throughthe transformational powerofsport.” ★

2025 NCAA MEN’SFINAL FOUR

Visitfinalfoursanantonio.com/events formoredetails.

NCAAMen’sFinalFourFanFest PresentedbyCapitalOne: Eventwill featureinteractivegames,celebrity appearancesandautographsessions. Fanscanhavetheirphotossnapped withtheNCAADivision IMen’s BasketballChampionshiptrophyand pickupofficialMen’sFinalFour merchandiseandsamplesfromNCAA partners. Freefor12 andyounger; ticketsstartat$10.April4-7atthe HenryB.GonzálezConventionCenter NCAAMarchMadnessMusicFestival PresentedbyAT&T,CapitalOneand Coca-Cola: Topmusicalperformances willbeannouncedinMarch. Free.April 4-6inTowerParkatHemisfair,801E. CésarChávezBlvd.

Reese’sMen’sFinalFourFriday: Fans willhave achancetowatchopenteam practicesandenjoyentertainment, culminatingintheReese’sNABC All-Star Game. Free.April 4atthe Alamodome

Men’sFinalFourRiverRally: Fanscan linetheRiverWalkfor afloatingpep rallyastheteams’bandsandcheer squadswindtheirwaytothe Rivercenterlagoononbarges. Free. 11a.m.April 5ontheRiverWalk

NCAAMen’s Final FourDribble Presentedby Buick: Thousandsof childrenwillreceive aT-shirt anda basketballtodribble 1milethrough downtownstreetsforfreeentrytoFan Fest. Freewithonlineregistration. 10a.m.April 6atTravisPark,301E. TravisSt.

Men’sFinalFourTip-offTailgate presentedbyNissanatCivicPark: Fanscanenjoywatchparties,teampep rallies,musicandinteractivegames, plusfoodandbeverages. Free.April4-7 at 210 S.AlamoSt.

ChampionshipRiverParade: Celebrate theNCAAchampionsasthewinning teamfloatsdowntheRiverWalkto ArnesonTheatertoreceivetheNABC ChampionshipTrophyinfrontoffans. Free.April 7at418 VillitaSt.

With over 30,000sqft. ofballroomspace,the Boeing Centerat TechPort is thepremierlocation inSan Antoniofor galas,corporate events, tradeshows,celebrations,fundraisingandmore. Forbookinginquiriescontact,KimberlyChaney at privateevents@asmtechport.comor210-985-0375

ATHLETE, ACTRESS ANDASPIRING MRS. TEXAS

BrookeIglesiasswaps CrossFitfor crownsinpursuit of pageantrydreams

BY KENRODRIGUEZ

Meet BrookeIglesias, former actressand accomplished athlete, Type Apersonality andmotheroftwo.A big dreamerwithnobeauty pageantexperience, shehopes to become the next Mrs. Texas.

Aformercollege cheerleader,Iglesiasis taking aleap, usingBrazilianjiujitsutoshape herplatform, BRAVE: Bold ReactionsAllow VariousEscapes.The acronymfitslikea sash. Iglesias,35, graces localeventsasMrs.San Antonio, atitle wonthrough application. In July,she submitteda two-page form anda headshot totheMrs.America pageantsystem. Tendayslater,she received areply: “Congratulations!Weare thrilledtoinform youthatyou have been accepted as acontestant forthe 2025 Mrs. Texaspageant.…”

Heldin CorsicanaMay 2-4, theMrs. TexasAmerica pageantisexpectedtodraw twodozen contestants. Many will compete with considerable pageantexperience. AsidefromIglesias, few, if any, will be making theirdebut.

Inexperience places herina challenging

position.Competing in pageant-obsessed Texasmay heighten thetension formany. Butnot forIglesias, a2008graduateofChurchill High School.“I’mexcited,”shesays.

In Texas, “pageantry is likea female versionof football,”saysKaliTripp, aformer Nebraska pageantdirectorwho is mentoring Iglesias.“Youare notgoing to seea national pageantwithout Texasinthe finals.It’sits ownkindofsport andhas itsown following.”

Texasholds hundreds of pageants each yearandhas produced10 Miss USAwinners, themostofany state. Intothis tradition-rich worldsteps Iglesias,5-foot 3-inches of grit andgrace,the personificationofher platform:BRAVE.Oncea CrossFit athleteand coachinAustin, Iglesias left theplyometrics andpowerlifting of that sportfor thechoke holdsand hipbumpsweepsofjiujitsu. At129 pounds,shehaswonor placed second in multiple women’scompetitionsinMasters1 (ages30-35).

Herpassion forjiujitsuextends beyond competition. Iglesias hassupported San AntonioPoliceDepartmentdetective Joe Brownwithdefensive tactic seminars at

BrookeIglesiasusesBrazilianjiujitsutoshapeher Mrs. Texas platform —BRAVE: BoldReactions AllowVarious Escapes.

theSan AntonioPoliceAcademy training center.And shehas launched herown self-defenseseminar. “Mylearningand journeywithjiujitsuinspiredmyBRAVE platform,” shesays.

Lastspring,Iglesiasdid a180,spinning outofsingleleg takedownsand into high heels, hair andmakeup. “I wasinthe fitness industry for10years,” shesays. “I was wearing Lulu pantsandno makeup.I never didmyhair.”

Alight bulb moment triggeredchange. While speaking with Tripplastspring, Iglesias,a blue-eyedblond,saw pageantryina newlight.Contestants want to make adifference.Somewanttochangethe world. Iglesias recalls:“Isaid, ‘Waita second.I want to do it. Do youthink Icould do it?’”

Trippdidn’tthink so.She sawIglesiasas an athlete, adevoted wife andsportsmom. Theirsonscompetedonthe same baseball andflagfootball teams. “I told hera couple of times, ‘I don’tthink pageantryisfor you, ’” Trippsays. “But shekeptbringingitup. The best part aboutBrookeiswhenshe decidesto do something, shejumps in.”

Trippjumpedin, too. ShehelpedIglesias withtheapplicationfor Mrs. SanAntonioand beganadvisingoneverythingfrom etiquette andsocialmedia to personal style andwalking in heels. “It’snot tellingsome-

onewhattodoorsay,” Trippexplains. “It’s trying to help themexpressthe best parts of themselves.”

Before applying forMrs.San Antonio, Iglesias prayed.Was this crazy, out-of-the-blue idea from God? Or wasither own? Iglesias wanted to be sure.She wanted thesameassurance that once ledher to startBreak Down the Walls,a ministry to help womenimprove their relationships. Iglesias waited afew weeks. Her answer came in awaveofpeace.

In August,she attended theMrs.Americapageant in LasVegasandworeher Mrs. SanAntonio sash.“People were wantingto take pictures with me,” Iglesias says.“AndI wasabletoshare honestly aboutGod and my platform.That’swhenitstarted to become surreal.”

She’sbeen on themoveeversince, speaking at events,sharing herstory.Asa cheerleader andcommunicationsmajor at Southeastern University in Florida, Iglesias fellinlove withtheaterand film and performedasPrincessAuroraatDisney World. AftermovingtoAustin, shelanded smallparts in such filmsas“My All-American”and “Everybody WantsSome,”and appeared in commercials.

Sevenyears ago, sheand husbandEric Iglesias relocatedtoSan Antonio. Brooke helped rebrandher father’s clinic,which led

to thefulllaunchofhis establishedantiagingand regenerative medicine practice. While assistingher father,Brookeset aside acting andher ministry andstarted jiujitsu. Sheearneda blue belt andaspires to become ablack belt.

Soon afterleaving herfather’spractice, life took anotherturn. ShebecameMrs.San Antonioand beganpreparing forthe Mrs. Texaspageant.

In December,Brookeinspiredwomen at Breathe3Wellness, apilatesand wellness studio.She spokeabout hercareerasan athlete, then stepping into azoneofthe unknown.

“I relatedtothatand otherwomen did, too,”saysstudioowner MicheonCahill. “We tend to stickwithwhatweknow. Brookeis buildingconfidence, showingthatyou can putyourselfina position whereyou arenot thebestatsomething,but whereyou canstill learnand grow.I don’tthink Iwould ever do apageant.But Iwouldliketoput myself out theremore.”

Sometimes, when youlet go of the familiar, thefamiliarcomes back in another form.Onceanaspiringactress, Brooke letgoofone dreamonlytofindherself back on astage.

“Thisisthe best role Icould ever play,” shesays. “Myself.” ★

THE TIMELESS INFLUENCE OFA TEJANO LEGEND

Selena’smessageofempowerment lives on30 yearsafterher death

BY MELISSA RENTERIA

Christina Martinez fondly recalls thenumberone thingshe’d ask herfathertobuy on weekend tripstothe pulga

Hercassette tapesofSelena yLos Dinos, worn outfromfrequentlistening, needed regularreplacement.

“Thatwas oneofthe things Iwould ask foronthe regular,”Martinezsays. “Thenit wasthe CDs, andI’d wear thoseout,too.”

Selena,whoseshocking murder 30 years agomadeheadlines beyond theTejano musicworld,still resonateswithfans throughher musicand herrepresentation of strong womanhood andthe Mexican American culturethatshapedher.

Like Martinez,who wasa 12-year-old KazenMiddleSchool studentwhenSelena died,Becky Garcia wasanadolescentwhen

Martinez nowlistens to Selena on music streamingservices, butthe wayshe listens to theTejanosinger’smusic hasn’t changed theway it makesher feel.“It’s just so impactful,”she says.“It will neverget old.”

thesingerwasat theheightofher fame. Selena’s musicfilledGarcia’schildhood home —inher bedroom,where she’dtry to emulatethe singer’s makeup stylewith itemsshe’d sneakawayfromher mom, and in thebackyard, whereshe andher cousins danced to “BidiBidiBom Bom” and“Baile Esta Cumbia”atfamily barbecues.

Garcia andother Selena fans,especially thosewho were teensand adolescentswhen thesingerwas topping thecharts,sayshe representedMexican American girlsand

theneighborhoodsand households wheretheygrewup.

“She wasone of us,” Garcia says aboutwhatmadeSelenastand out from othersingers shealsolistened to regularly. “I liked Janet Jackson andPaula Abdul. Istill do.It’sjust notinthe same way. It couldn’t be. Selena wasa mexicana,likeme. Everything shedid,everythingshe sang,said, wore hadmoremeaning.”

Monica Cardenas,who showsher fondness forSelenawitha rose tattooonher rightcalf, was9 when Selena died in 1995.The SouthSide native says shecan’t remembera time that Selena’s musicwasn’ta part of herlife.

Forher,the tattooofa rose encircled by astylized Sdoesn’t justsymbolizethe late Tejano icon.Italso represents what thelatesinger meanstoher.

“She wasahead of hertime,” Cardenas says emphatically.“Shewas singingabout beingyourown person, beingstrong, nottakingcrap when alotof songsseemedtobe aboutwanting aguy andhopinghe liked you.”

Thesong“LaLlamada,”which captures apost-breakupcallwitha womandemanding theman stop callingbecause sheknows he lied andcheated,isa greatexample of “how awoman needstodoit,” Cardenassays.

Anotherofher favoritesis“No Me Quedas Más,”which tells ofa womanconceding theman sheloves doesn’tshare heraffectionsoshe’s moving on.“Don’twaste your energy,” Cardenas says.

Thesesongs,she says,represent thestrengthofwomen whowon’t be mistreated andwon’t be pining for someonewho doesn’tlovethem. And, Cardenasadds,Selenaperformingthesesongswitha stage presence “soboldshe didn’t needa spotlight”onlyaddedtotheir message of empowerment.

Martinez says sheadmires the waySelena“embraced herfemininity”and was“curvyand accepted it.” Thatattitude combined with her typicallylargeearringsand signature redlipsmadeSelenaspecial,she says.

“WhenI thinkofwhata beautiful youngLatinalookslike, Ithink of her,”Martinezsays.

Fans saythe girlswho witnessed Selena’s rise to fame arenow mothersand grandmothers whohave passedontheir admiration forthe singer.The resultis anew generation of fans —particularlyteengirls andyoung women— whohave grownuplistening to Selena and

SelenaQuintanilla-Pérez

Selena wasa mexicana,like me.Everything she did, everything she sang,said,worehad more meaning.”

BeckyGarcia

admiring herstyle yearsafter the singer’s passing.

“I have nieces whoare younger than 10 whowanttobeSelenafor Halloween,” says Abby Moreno,who thinks thereasonisbecause of the funstylesthe singer wore andbecauseshe “looked likeus.”

Sometimes, Selena’s influence isn’tobvious.

ForToniJimenez,one of two sistersbehindChica Beauty,online SanAntonio-based cosmeticsbusiness with amission to upliftwomen, theparallels between theconfidence Selena displayedonstage andher company’s“GetItChica”empowerment messagebecameclearer after talkingtoyoung women.

Jimenezand hersisterMei-Lon oftenspeak to business andwomen’s groups,including thosetargeting youngwomen with talesofsuccess andpursuingdreams. Theyoung womenare excitedtohearstories about“goingafter adream”and seeing howother womenachieved theirgoals,Jimenez says.

“I feel likemaybe that’s what Selena didfor alot of us.Shehada dreamofmakingmusic andhavinga singingcareer, andshe went forit,” Jimenezsays, adding that many MexicanAmericanwomen are raised to be humble andnot promotethemselves.

“Wehad Selena asan exampleof success. Ithink that’s whywekeep bringing herupall thetime, because thereisn’t anyone else likeher.

“Her storyneedstobetold,” Jimenezsays.

As theanniversaryofSelena’s untimely passing hits on March31, fans likelywill be thinking aboutthe singer,her musicand theinfluence shestill yields.There likelywill be talk of what couldhavebeen, what othermusic shewould have created andwhere hercareer wouldhave takenher.

“I thinkshe’s stayedencapsulated forusasa 23-year-old, andbecause of that,for so many of us,she’s our mija andwefeelprotectiveofher. We mournher likewewould family,” Martinez says.“Ithink she’sone of thoseanchors forus.”

Camp Championshascreated atraditionof excellence since1967. This beautifulcamp on Lake LBJoffersfantasticactivitiesand thebesttrainedcounselorsthatyou expectfroma top overnightsummercamp.However, itis their developmentalfocusonbuilding strong kids that mostdifferentiates CampChampions from othertopcampsin Texas.

newfriends, andbringtheirideastolife.

TEXASLIONS CAMP

texaslionscamp.org 830-896-8500

TexasLionsCampoffersfun, connection, anda truesenseofbelonging forchildren withspecial medical conditions.Whether it’sforyourchildor thewhole family,there’sa sessionwaiting! Createlastingmemoriesandmeetotherswho understandyourjourney.

ScantheQRcode tolearnmoreandapply today!

Established1949 in Kerrville,TX.

Lookingtokeepyourdancer movingandgrowingthis summer?ClassActPerformingArtshas anexciting lineupforallagesandskilllevels.

Themeddancecampsarepackedwith creativity and movementwhetheryourchildisreadytodefygravity at“Positively Wicked,”setsailonanadventure at “Moana’sIslandJourney,”orexplore theirinner royal at“PrincessAcademy.” (ScanQRcode formore!) TechniqueandPerformanceintensives areavailable for moreexperienceddancerstotake theirskillsto thenextlevel.

CampsandintensivesavailableJune 4- July9.

THEWITTE MUSEUM wittemuseum.org

Explore,cookanddiscoverattheWitte’ssummer campsforkids6-12withhands-onactivitiesin nature, science,andhistory.

Monday -Friday|8:30a.m.- 3:30p.m.

From$325 members |$375non-members

CookingUpHistory |June16-20

STEAM-Powered |June23-27

DefenseDetective |July7-11

Art-Venture| July14-18

DinoExplorers |July21-25

ScanQRCodetoRegister

Camp Championshas createda traditionofexcellence since1967. This beautifulcamponLakeLBJ oﬀers fantasticactivitiesand thebest-trainedcounselors that youexpectfroma topovernight summercamp. However, itis theirdevelopmental focuson building strong kids that most diﬀerentiatesCampChampions from othertop campsinTexas.

info@campchampions.com • 830-598-2571 775CampRoad, Marble Falls,TX78654 www.campchampions.com

ST MARY’S UNIVERSITY

St. Mary’sUniversity,theoldestCatholicuniversityin Texas,offers avarietyofsummercampsdesigned to engageand inspirestudentsinacademics,thearts sportsandemergingfields. SummercampsatSt.Mary’sallowmiddleandhigh schoolstudentstoexploreSTEM,healthcare, businessandthearts. TechCampsintroduce students togamedevelopment,droneprogrammingandcyber security,whiletheJAMPPre-MedicalandCareer Explorations Campsofferinsightintohealth care careers.

Forthose interested inthearts, theUniversity offers BandCamp,OrchestraCampand MusicalTheatre Camp, where studentsrefinetheirtalentsunder expert instructors.

UNPLUG.EXPLORE.GROW.

Nestledintheheartofthe TexasHill Country, Mo-Ranch SummerCampoffers kidsan unforgettableadventureinnature—ﬁlled with outdoor activities,teamwork, and spiritualgrowth.

Activitiesinclude:

Swimming |hiking| canoeing| ropescourses, campﬁres &more!

Friendship&Faith:

Awelcoming environmentwhere kidsbuild conﬁdenceand lastingbonds.

Lookingfor afun,educational, andhealthy summer experienceforyour child? Summer At TheAcademy offers250+classes ledbytop teachers,artisans,and coaches. From sportsand STEM to art, leadership,cooking,and coding, there'ssomethingforeveryinterest.Don’tmiss thisexcitingopportunityto keep your child engagedand learningallsummer long!

Forinformation,visit www.sa-academy.org/summer

YMCA OF GREATER SAN ANTONIO

ymcasatx.org/programs/camps/ summer-day-camps

Discovertheultimatesummeradventure atYMCA SummerCamps!With excitingactivitieslike swimming,sports,arts,andoutdoorexploration,kids buildconfidence,friendships,andlifelong memories. Ourexperiencedstaffensures asafe, inclusive, and engagingenvironmentwhereeverychildthrives. Designedforfun andpersonalgrowth,oursummer daycampskeep kidsactive, learning,and making new friendsallsummer.Giveyourchilda summerof adventureand laughter—register todayatyourlocal YMCA!

SAINTMARY’SHALL smh.org/summer

Summer attheHall 2025is here!Saint Mary’s Hallinvites campers toan unforgettable summer filledwithhands-on learning,exciting new camps, and meaningful connections. Guided by our motto,“To Knowand Be Known,”campers willexplorethings likeSTEM,athletics,history, andtheartsthroughdynamic partnerships with topSan Antonioorganizations. Withexpert instructorsandengaging experiences, your child willgrow, discover,andthrive in afun,enriching environment.Joinusfor asummerlike noother!

7 WeeksofDay Campsfor Ages 3-18

7Weeks of DayCamps forAges3-18 June 2—July 25, 2025 25,2025

Registration Begins March3

issatx.org/language-camps/

During the summer months,theInternational School ofSanAntoniooffersweeklylanguage immersion campsinChinese,Spanish,Russian, andFrench.Campersgettoplaysports,learn howtocook,createart,and testscience experimentsall whileimmersedin aforeign language. Whetheryourchild wants tolearna newlanguageorjust practice whileschool is out, ISSAsummercamps area greatwaytolearn

CampStewartforBoys: TraditionalSummerCamping since1924

Camp StewartforBoysandHeartO'the Hills for Girls(ages6-16), arebrother/sister campsat separatelocationswiththesamedates and rates. Thesefamilyownedand operated camps consist ofcharacter building,worldwide enrollment,friendship, instruction-orientedfun, andover40unforgettableactivities. We grow kidsbetter! Join us forOpenHouse on March15, from 10am to4pm.

HeartO’ theHills SummerCamp forGirls: TraditionalOvernight CampforGirls 6-16

THEUNIVERSITYOF TEXAS AT SANANTONIO

utsa.edu/camps/

UTSAoffers summerprogramsfor kids,teens andadultsontopicssuchasscience, engineering,architecture,sports,music,writing, languageandculture.Somecamps areday-long, others last aweekortwo.But each of ourcamps offers participantsthe chance to have fun, make friendsand learnsomething new.

Science, engineering,andarchitecturecamps

Sports camps

Liberalarts camps andmore!

SANANTONIOBOTANICAL GARDEN

camp@sabot.org

210-536-1434

sabot.org/learn/kids-classescamps/

Experience thewonders ofnature at Camp at theSan AntonioBotanical Garden!Campers will delveintothe worldofplantsthroughengaging activities, interactivegames,creativerecipes, andexcitingexperiments.Options areavailable formorning,afternoon,orfull-daysessions! Campsbegin June 9and runweeklythrough July 25.

EVENT LISTINGS

BY JIMKIEST

March

“MichaelTracy:TheElegyofDistance”: ArtistMichaelTracy,whodiedinJulyathis homeinthebordertownofSanYgnacio,had hisfirstbigmuseumexhibitin 1971 atthe McNay.Hisbold,oftencontroversial work, whichtouchedonborders, violence, Catholic iconography,Mexicancultureandthe environment,wouldfind anationalaudience inlateryears.In afull-circleturn, Tracy chosemanyoftheworksforthistwo-decade surveybeforehisdeath. ThroughJuly26, McMayArtMuseum,mcnayart.org.

Sunset: Spoon,theacclaimed Austin rock band,andindiedanceactSantigoldwill headlinethisnew,two-daymusicfestivalat St.PaulSquare.Alsoonthebillarerapper WarrenG.of“Regulate”fameandpopduo Aly &AJ. March7-8,TheEspee, theespee.com.

“TheGreatGatsby”: The Los Angeles-basedWorldBalletCompanyhas transformedF.ScottFitzgerald’sclassic novelinto adanceproductionwithcostumes and ascoreinspiredbythemusicoftheJazz Age. March 12,MajesticTheatre, majesticempire.com.

TejanoMusicAwardsFanFair: Thisannual eventis amustforfansofTejanomusic, withmorethan 100Tejanoandconjuntoacts playingon multiple stages.Performersat thisyear’sfanfairincludeMichaelSalgado, Siggno,JayPerez andStefaniMontiel. March 14-16,Hemisfair, tejanomusicawards.com.

BudLightSt.Patrick’sRiverParades& Celebration: GetanearlystartonSt. Patrick’sDaywith aweekendofeventsthat includedyeingtheSanAntonioRivergreen, entertainmentandfloatingparades. There will bebagpipes. March15-16,LaVillita HistoricVillage,RiverWalkandMuseum Reach,thesanantonioriverwalk.com.

BrewsologyBeerFest: Wanderthrough centuriesofTexashistory,fromdinosaursto theWildWest,whilesamplingcraftbeer from Texasandnationalbreweriessuchas SpindleTap,Freetail,LonePint, GreatNotion and TheDrownedLands. March 15,Witte Museum,brewsology.com.

AnjelahJohnson-Reyes: Former“Mad TV”castmemberandTacoCabana pitchwomanAnjelahJohnson-Reyesis aSanAntoniofavorite.Shehosted“HA Festival:TheArtofComedy,”anHBO Maxspecialthatfilmedherein2020. March22-23,Majesticand Empire theaters,majesticempire.com.

MonarchFest: Thistwo-dayfestival celebratesthecolorfulbutterfliesthat passthroughSanAntoniotwice ayear ontheirmigrationbetweenMexicoand thenorthernU.S. March22-23,San AntonioZoo,sazoo.org.

“Romeo &Juliet”: TheSanPedro Playhouseisbringingback ShakespeareintheParkwiththe Bard’stragictaleofstar-crossed lovers.Ifit’s aclearnight,theenvious moonwillbeonview,sickandpalewith grief,asRomeogazesonJuliet. March 25-30,SanPedroSpringsPark, sanpedroplayouse.org.

TaylorTomlinson: Stand-upcomic Tomlinson’slate-nightshow“After Midnight”isreliablyfunnywhile keepingviewersuptodateonstrange stuffhappeningonline.Inherlatest Netflixspecial,“HaveItAll,”shegets intodating,intrusivethoughtsandthe perfectionofHughJackman. March28, MajesticTheatre,majesticempire.com.

April

Missionsseasonopener: The Missions,SanAntonio’sminorleague affiliatefortheSanDiegoPadres,open their2025seasonwith athree-game homestandagainsttheAmarilloSod Poodles. April4-6,NelsonWolff Stadium,milb.com/san-antonio.

TheFinalFour: MarchMadness returnstoSanAntoniowiththeFinal Fourandnationalchampionshipgames oftheNCAAmen’sbasketball tournament.Inadditiontothehoops, therewillbeplentyofhoopla,including afanfest,freeconcertsand pep rallies. April5-7,Alamodome,Hemisfairand otherdowntownvenues, finalfoursanantonio.com.

CécileMcLorinSalvant: Miaminative SalvanthaswonthreeGrammysfor jazzvocalalbumoftheyear,most recentlyforher2015 album “ForOne to Love.” ShereceivedaMacArthur Foundationgeniusgrant in 2020for “bringinghistoricalperspective,a renewedsenseofdramaandan enlightenedmusicalunderstanding” to songsoldandnew. April 12,Carver CommunityCulturalCenter, thecarver.org.

SanAntonioBookFestival: Thegoal ofthisfreefestival,accordingto organizers, is tobringbooksalive throughreadings,paneldiscussions andsalesandsignings.Participants thisyear includeaward-winningSan AntoniopoetNaomi ShihabNye; PulitzerPrizefinalistKarenRussell, whosenewnovel “The Antidote” is out in March;andNewberryMedal-winning picturebookauthorMattde la Peña. April 12,CentralLibraryandUTSA Southwest Campus, sabookfestival.org.

“MadamaButterfly”: OperaSan Antonio’sspringproduction is Puccini’s classictaleofloveandbetrayal, highlightedbyCioCioSan’ssoaringaria “Unbel di vedremo.” April17and 19, TobinCenterfor thePerformingArts, tobincenter.org.

EasterEggs-travaganzaCelebration: SearchforEastereggsandmeetthe EasterBunnyandTori the Tower. There will alsobeeggdyeing,face painting, amoonbounce, apettingzoo, acoloringstationandmore.EggHunt will beatnoon, 2p.m.and 4p.m. Event is 11 a.m.-5p.m.,Tower of theAmericas. TicketsareviaEventbrite.

Santana: CarlosSantana’s2021album wastitled“BlessingsandMiracles,” wordsthatareanaptdescriptionofthe opportunitytoseetheguitar legendon hisOnenessTourin arelatively intimatevenue.HeplayedWoodstock, forgoodness’sake,andhasmadea lasting impactonrockmusicwith songssuchas“OyeComoVa,”“Evil Ways”and“Smooth.” April22, Majestic Theatre,majesticempire.com.

Diana Krall: Jazzpianistandsinger DianaKrall’sconcertstendtowrap bothstandards,suchas“I’veGotYou UnderMySkin,”andsinger-songwriter classics, likeLeonardCohen’s“Famous BlueRaincoat,” in herintimate embrace.Hermostrecentalbumis “ThisDreamofYou,”releasedin2020. April24,Majestic Theatre, majesticempire.com.

BranfordMarsalisQuartet: SaxophoneplayerMarsalis, amember ofNewOrleans’firstfamilyofjazz, acquiredhouseholdnamestatusasthe leaderofJayLeno’s“TonightShow” bandfrom 1992to 1995.That’salso aboutthetimehestartedrecording withhisquartet, whichincludespianist JoeyCalderazzo,drummerJustin FaulknerandbassplayerEricRevis. April25,CarverCommunityCultural Center, thecarver.org.

May

SanAntonioPhilharmonic: ViolinistElenaUriosteandcellist ZlatomirFungwilljointhe Philharmonicfor aprogramthat includesBrahms’Double ConcertoforViolinandCelloinA minor. May2-3,MajesticTheatre, saphil.org.

PostMalone: DallasCowboys andRaisingCane’sfanandnewly mintedcountrystarPostMalone isreturningtoSanAntonioonhis 2025stadiumtour.Alsoonthe billarecountrystarJellyRolland rootsmusicianSierraFerrell. May 7.Alamodome,alamodome.com.

TejanoConjuntoFestival: Formorethan40years,the GuadalupeCulturalArtsCenter’s signatureeventhascelebrated andhelpedtopreserveconjunto, auniqueAmericanmusicborn inSouthTexas. May 15-18, GuadalupeTheater, RosedalePark, guadalupeculturalarts.org. ★

LettheFun Begin

BY JIMKIEST

Withthe NCAA Men’sFinal Four taking up allthe oxygenearlyinApril andEasterfallinglateinthe month, Fiesta organizers decidedtopush thestart of thecity’sbiggest partytoApril 24.Thatmeans that for perhapsthe firsttimeinits history, thecitywidecelebration will runintoMay— andalmostbumpintoCinco de Mayo.Mas Fiesta!Here’swhenseveral of Fiesta’s signatureeventswill be happening:

FiestaOysterBake

April25-26atSt.Mary’s University

Enjoyoysterseverywhich wayyoucanimagine.Plus, twodaysoflivemusicon fivestages.

TexasCavaliersRiver Parade

April28attheRiverWalk

Thisnighttimeriverparade featuresKingAntonioand benefitslocalchildren’s charities.

ANightinOldSanAntonio

April29-May2atLaVillita

Fournightsoffoodandfestivitiesthatcelebrate SanAntonio’sdiverseculturallegacy,benefiting theConservationSocietyofSanAntonio.

BattleofFlowersParade

May 2downtownSanAntonio

Thethemeoftheparadethatstarteditallin1891 is Melodiesin Bloom —A TexasSerenade.

FiestaFlambeauParade

May 3downtownSanAntonio

Fiesta’sfinalbigeventisitspremierenight paradeoflights. Thefullscheduleisavailableatfiestasanantonio.org.

BY DEBORAH MARTIN

TheGallery:

PiecescanbefoundinBlossomPark,15015 Heimer;Brazos PocketPark,800Chihuahua;Eisenhower Park,19399N.W. Military;Mario FariasPark, 1012 Leal;MudCreek Trailat McAllisterPark, 13102Jones MaltsbergerRoad;Southside Lions, 3100Hiawatha; TezelRoadCity Facility, 6644Tezel;and theRiverWalkPublicArtGarden, 802RiverWalk.

TheWork: “Bloom”

ARTISTLETICIAHUERTA’SFANCIFULFLOWERSCULPTURES REACH TOWARD thesun in parksacrossthe city.

Theseries, titled “Bloom,” is part of thecity’spublic artprogram.Itbegan with three12-foot-tallflowers plantedatthe trailhead of theMud Creek Loop in McAllisterParkin2019. Each wasmadeof metalpiecesdesignedtosuggestgiantbicycleparts,anodtothecyclistswho ridepastthem.Theyalsoevokespecificwildflowersthatcanbefoundinthat park.

Visitorsweresotakenwiththegiantblossomsthatthecity’sDepartment ofArts&CulturecollaboratedwiththeParksandRecreationDepartmentto plantadditional pieces in otherspots.