Big Business for San Antonio 2008 NCAA Men's Final Four ®
Alamodome, April 5 & 7 By Angela Rabke
arch Madness® is here. This month, 65 hopeful college basketball teams compete for a coveted spot in the 2008 NCAA Men's Final Four® tournament, but this year, there will be two winners. That's right-while one winning team will be determined over the next few weeks, the other winner is clear: San Antonio.
"For one weekend, we are the center of the sports world. The front page of sports sections all over the world mention San Antonio, and that is an advertisement to visit and to invest in our city.” - Pat Frost C ITYP AGES
chairman San Antonio Local Organizing Committee
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The actual Final Four tournament lasts only a few days, but preparation for the 2008 event at the Alamodome began years ago, when the San Antonio Sports Foundation and city leaders agreed to aggressively bid on large sporting events that would directly affect the local economy. The San Antonio Local Organizing Committee (SALOC) was formed to respond to these bids, and since then, San Antonio has established a reputation for hosting high-quality events like the Final Four with great success. In 1998 and 2004, the Alamodome was home to the NCAA Men's Final Four, and in 2002, San Antonio hosted the NCAA Women's Final Four (slated to take place here again in 2010.) So what is it that makes San Antonio such a good fit for the NCAA Final Four, and what does it mean for the local economy? Mike Sawaya, director of convention sports and entertainment facilities for the city of San Antonio, believes that the Alamo City offers something that few, if any, other cities can offer: attractive hotel inventory within walking distance of a high-class facility. "For the NCAA, crowd control is a big issue. We have a visitor-friendly infrastructure here, with downtown hotel inventory that ties everything together and makes it easy to walk to venues." Pat Frost, who chairs the SALOC, agrees. "One thing that puts us at the top of the list is 10,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of a dome facility." (Dome facilities are a requirement of the NCAA.)
Why does the city work so hard to secure these contracts? The two-fold answer is income and exposure. The last time the Alamo City hosted the Final Four, there were 51,000 visitors with an estimated economic impact of $55 million. Early projections for the 2008 event put spending in the $80 million range, says Dr. Susan Blackwood, executive director for the San Antonio Sports Foundation. "Guests, teams, coaches and fans for every NCAA team come to the host city for the Final Four. The spending is significant, and the exposure is beneficial. No one can underestimate that this is televised in more than 200 countries." Frost also emphasizes the media exposure. "For one weekend, we are the center of the sports world. The front page of sports sections all over the world mention San Antonio, and that is an advertisement to visit and to invest in our city." Janet Holliday serves both professional and volunteer roles in planning "The Big DanceŽ," which is the music and entertainment festival surrounding the tournament. As chairman of the special events committee for SALOC, and as president and CEO of the CE Group, which produces "The Big DanceŽ," she is immersed in the event. "Not only is having the NCAA Men's Final Four a huge positive for San Antonio and our image nationally, but it's also a huge win for many local businesses whose services make the entire experience fun. The NCAA believes in hiring local companies to make the magic happen‌from The CE Group, to the caterers, barricade providers, entertainers, printers and many more local resources. Bottom line is everyone wins when the NCAA spends its dollars locally - months before the visitors descend on the city." The optimism extends beyond those who are instrumental in planning the event. Representatives of restaurants, hotels and retail spaces in the downtown area share their enthusiasm. Oro Restaurant is located in the historic Emily Morgan hotel, and executive chef Shane Bruns welcomes the crowds. "It will have a great impact on the downtown area and local restaurants. What's really great for Oro is that we are attached to the hotel-our bar will definitely see a lot of traffic, and our restaurant will capture many visitors."
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Rivercenter Mall, located on the River Walk, has established itself as headquarters for ESPN's live broadcast during the event, and officials there look forward to the crowds. "Four years ago, the impact was really great. ESPN will set up in the lagoon area again and broadcast live for the duration. It's a really cool place for people to hang out and watch the games when they are away from the Alamodome," says Jennifer Green, leasing manager for the mall. "Our stores usually offer special merchandise, and licensed vendors offer game merchandise." At every level, the enthusiasm is apparent. The 2008 NCAA Men's Final Four means big business for San Antonio. Let the games begin. M A RC H 2 0 0 8
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"It will be a vibrant, mixed-uuse neighborhood, filled with traditional and new uses, accessible by pedestrians, bikes and public transit. It will be woven into the fabric of the river, the near West Side, King William and downtown." Mike McGlone principal Alamo Architects
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By M.D. Kinkade Photo Doug Jacobson
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small, graffiti-scrawled office with a large window and broken door stands out like the ugliest duckling at a swan reunion. A chain-link fence separates the rubble-strewn former used-car lot from its South Flores Street neighbors. It seems to quietly watch as the warehouses, buildings and industrial spaces between Durango Boulevard and Cevallos Street are transformed into lofts, living spaces and art galleries. It's only a matter of time before the useless abandoned lot is swept up in the growing development of SoFlo, San Antonio's newest downtown neighborhood. Would-be urban dwellers who don't want to pay premium prices for luxury addresses in the city center are increasingly looking to carve their niche out of SoFlo's long-dormant existing buildings and spaces. "There is a tremendous stock of quirky underutilized structures and empty sites just waiting for creative inspiration and the urban pioneering spirit," says Mike McGlone, a principal at Alamo Architects. His firm recently relocated to SoFlo from the King William District. The firm revitalized 14,000 square feet of existing space - and even recycled much of the materials - to create a building that is part homage to the industrial past and part picture of things to come. With city and county offices to the north and an emerging art scene to the south, SoFlo has the potential to be one of San Antonio's unique addresses.
SoFlo development got a kick-start in 2003 when artist, developer and noted local philanthropist Linda Pace opened Camp Street Lofts at South Flores and Camp streets (shown above). The district's proximity to King William, the Blue Star arts compound and the emerging Southtown scene - and the abundance of available space for transformation - has enticed a host of developers to put their mark on the area.
Judson Candy Factory Lofts are coming soon from Sweet City Living. M A RC H 2 0 0 8
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"It reminds me, in a way, of the gritty urbanity of the SoHo and Tribeca areas of lower Manhattan in the '70s and early '80s where people were living and working in lofts above steel shelving manufacturers or rag merchants, and eating and drinking at the local neighborhood tavern or Chinese restaurants," McGlone says.
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Photo Doug Jacobson
Interior of a camp street loft available through Ann Van Pelt Phyllis Browning Co. M A RC H 2 0 0 8
Whiddon Development Co. is building luxury townhomes near South Alamo, while an Austin developer is converting the 93-year-old Peden Iron and Steel Co. building to upscale condominiums. Whiddon also redeveloped a 1925 fire station as two 2,500square-foot condos. San Antonio developer Dan Markson is planning marketrate apartments in a 10-acre tract of urban industrial space near Cevallos Street. Even the long-empty Judson Candy Co. - a unique space that has had many suitors but no buyers since closing in the 1990s - is being developed as loft spaces. SoFlo's bohemian vibe comes from a growing arts scene, including a cluster of art galleries known collectively as the South Flores Arts District. Six up-and-coming arts complexes make up the district, including Gallista, Fl!ght, Lonestar Studios, One9Zero6, Salon Mijangas and Triangle Project Space. Because the arts center straddles South Flores Street and Lone Star Boulevard, the district may take the name Lone Star Arts District in the future. And the art scene is growing. For example, Bill FitzGibbons, executive director of Blue Star Contemporary Art Center, along with his wife Ann, are working with the city to develop a mixed-use space featuring artist spaces and condos at the intersection of South Flores and Lone Star. Alamo's McGlone sees SoFlo as a unique feature on San Antonio's downtown profile. "It will be a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood, filled with traditional and new uses, accessible by pedestrians, bikes and public transit. It will be woven into the fabric of the river, the near West Side, King William and downtown," he says. "It has the opportunity to be San Antonio's first real 'new neighborhood.' " With prices ranging from $145,000 to about $600,000, SoFlo is affordable for suburban dwellers interested in city living and urban dwellers looking for a change. But SoFlo faces the same challenges other downtown developments have faced. The retail and services common to most suburban neighborhoods haven't established a significant foothold in the area. The solution, McGlone says, lies in the build-it-andthey-will-come theory. "In the short term, (SoFlo) needs more residents. More residents will create the demand for more local retail and services at the scale of a traditional pedestrian neighborhood."
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If more residents are the key to long-term success, SoFlo is well on its way. Lofts, condominiums and townhomes are sold before they are finished, and more are being built every day as people tune in to the vibe coming from San Antonio's new neighborhood. "There is a tremendous energy and enthusiasm about the place," McGlone says. "Being a part of it at the beginning is very exciting. And I believe that there is a place for everyone." M A RC H 2 0 0 8
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Jason Mills as "The Phantom," and Sara Jean Ford at Christine DaaĂŠ. Photo - Joan Marcus M A RC H 2 0 0 8
By Sara Selonga
he Phantom of The Opera" has returned to the Majestic Theatre through March 23, and with 32 performances scheduled, it promises to thrill thousands of theatre-goers over the course of its onemonth run. Based on the classic novel "Le Fantôme de L'Opéra" by Gaston Leroux, "The Phantom of the Opera" tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it. He falls madly in love with Christine, an innocent young soprano, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and by employing all of the devious methods at his command. Jason Mills heads the 36-member company as the Phantom, with Sara Jean Ford playing the role of Christine and Greg Mills portraying Raoul. Also featured are Kim Stengel and Kimilee Bryant sharing the role of Carlotta Giudicelli.
The Sleeper
In its third extended San Antonio run (once at Municipal Auditorium and now for the second time at the Majestic), "Phantom" is a must for all who appreciate musical theater. In addition to creating theatrical excitement, the show also serves as a financial catalyst. Kirk Feldmann, executive director of Arts Center Enterprises, the company which manages the Majestic and the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, says, "Mega-musicals such as 'The Phantom of the Opera' and 'Disney's The Lion King' act as huge economic generators to the downtown business district."
San Antonio's Department of Economic Development calculated a $22 million impact for the six-week engagement of "The Lion King" in spring 2006, bolstered by the draw of theatergoers from across the region, Feldmann says. "It's very gratifying to see the new life that the Majestic has helped to bring back to Houston Street since the theater was restored in the late '80s."
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Chinese Poles Photos- Al Seib © 2005 Cirque du Soleil, Inc..
Saltimbanco Troup Artists.. M A RC H 2 0 0 8
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Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, directed by Harold Prince and produced by Cameron Mackintosh in conjunction with the Really Useful Theatre Company, "Phantom" is the longest-running musical in Broadway history, with more than 8,350 performances at the time of this writing. January 6 marked the 20th anniversary of its continuous run in New York. Following "Phantom," the Majestic will play host to "Paul Rodriguez and the Latin Kings of Comedy" on April 12 and Michael Flatley's "Lord of the Dance" April 15-16. "The Wedding Singer" takes the Majestic stage beginning April 30. Because of "Phantom," the San Antonio Symphony will move to Municipal Auditorium to perform "Music of Led Zeppelin" on March 7. This special pops performance will feature conductor Brent Havens and vocalist Randy Jackson. In April, the symphony returns to the Majestic April 4-5 with a solo performance by former concertmistress Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio. Beethoven's Fifth, conducted by James Gaffigan, will highlight the classical offering April 11-12. Tiempo Libre rounds out the month for the symphony with pops performances April 18-20 during Fiesta速 San Antonio. Other noteworthy performances coming up include "Cirque du Soleil: Saltimbanco" at the AT&T Center for seven shows March 12-16; "Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour" with eight performances at the Alamodome March 19-23; Chris Rock's "No Apology Tour" at Municipal Auditorium March 26; Dianne Reeves in concert at Trinity University's Laurie Auditorium March 29; Juanes at the AT&T Center April 5; the Carver's presentation of "Gershwin on Broadway" at the Jo Long Theatre April 12; and Avril Lavigne at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater April 27. Also scheduled are performances of "Peter Pan" at the Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater in Kerrville March 11-12; the opening of "Crowns" at San Pedro Playhouse March 28; "Meet Mark Twain" featuring Donald King Cowan at Texas State University as a part of the Solo Artist Series April 18; and "Man 1, Bank 0" with Patrick Combs at the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre in New Braunfels April 26.
Cast members off Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour.. Photo - Feld Entertainment
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Chris Rock: No Apolgies Tour coming to Municipal Auditorium. Photo - LiveNation.com
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Dianne Reeves at Laurie Auditorium March 29. Photo - KRTU-FM 91.7
One last note: Six Flags Fiesta Texas won Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Award for Best Theme Park Shows in the Country for an amazing ninth year in a row. Entertainment at the park this season includes "Blast Fever" (new brass and percussion show), "Groovin' at Rockville High" (exploring the '70s), "Platinum Country," "Genuine Country" and a brand-new offering, "Country Rocks!"
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Mini-M Monorail traveling through IBM M Pavilion in front off Tower off the Americas.. M A RC H 2 0 0 8
Colorfful unifforms worn by HemisFair hostesses UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures will join the city of San Antonio and other HemisFair partners April 6 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of HemisFair '68, the event that put San Antonio on the map. In conjunction with the HemisFair Commemoration Ceremony and in celebration of the museum's 40th anniversary, admission to UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures will be free to all guests on April 6. The museum will revive some of the spirit of HemisFair with a retrospective exhibit, "HemisFair 1968: San Antonio's Introduction to the World." The year-long exhibit captures a snapshot of a significant era in local and national history through photos, testimonials and rarely seen video and artifacts. UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures opened as the Texas State Exhibits Building, a featured pavilion of the sanctioned World's Fair, and has since taken its place as San Antonio's cultural experience museum. HemisFair was an enormous cultural event, welcoming performers and exhibitors from around the world, as well as forward-thinking companies that developed technologies that would change our lives.
Los Voladores (fflyers)) jumped from 150 feet with their ankles tied to ropes wound around a pole
"We've received calls asking if we still need items for the exhibit," said Mock. "These artifacts have stories and significance associated with them, and the people who wore these uniforms have fond memories of their days at HemisFair." The exhibit will include photos of downtown prior to the urban renewal project that transformed a neighborhood into the grounds of HemisFair Park. While HemisFair was not without critics, many San Antonians credit the event as heralding the city's modern era. HemisFair defined the city's skyline with the Tower of the Americas. It called for an arena that became home to the San Antonio Spurs. It facilitated the construction of a convention center that established the city as a crossroads for business and a bridge into Central and South America. More importantly, HemisFair established San Antonio as a tourist and cultural destination, an identity that continues to define the city to this day. UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures is located at 801 S. Bowie St.
"We had the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement - it was a socially and politically charged atmosphere," explains Shirley Mock, museum researcher. "The fashion, the arts, the music of the time reflected that. I really don't think we could recreate such a set of circumstances today."
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Through community outreach and cooperation, the museum has received a number of artifacts on loan for the exhibit, including Ladybird Johnson's dress and a recording of her speech from HemisFair's opening ceremonies. The exhibit will feature the extravagant costumes from performers including the popular Spanish flamenco dancers and the colorful uniforms worn by the hostesses.
The IBM M Pavilion M A RC H 2 0 0 8
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Portrait head of a boy. Roman (Julio-C Claudian), early-m mid 1st century A.D. Marble. Gift of Gilbert M. Denman, Jr.
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Next page: Statue of a woman. The Hellenistic Period, 323-3 31 BC. Greek, 2nd century B.C. Marble. Museum Purchase: Grace Fortner Rider Fund M A RC H 2 0 0 8
arcus Aurelius is back! In 2002, the San Antonio Museum of Art closed the Blackburn and Denman galleries of Greek and Roman art and moved the majority of that collection into storage, to accommodate the construction of the Lenora and Walter F. Brown Asian Art Wing directly above. With that move, one of the region's most important and beloved assemblages of ancient art objects was temporarily removed from display, including the towering marble statue of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius from the famous British Lansdowne collection. Jessica Powers, Ph.D., the museum's Gilbert M. Denman Jr. Curator of Western Antiquities, has spent the first 18 months of her tenure there developing a new vision for the display of these precious objects. On March 2, the Greek and Roman collection triumphantly returns to public view. The new installation is arranged thematically, rather than in a strict chronological order, to help visitors make cultural and artistic connections between key pieces. More than 600 objects, including statuary, coins, jewelry and vases, will be supported by extensive label information and accompanied by maps, timelines and wall text explaining important aspects of the collection. The reinstallation will create two culturally distinct galleries, with the Greek collection in the Blackburn Gallery, and the Etruscan and Roman collections in the Denman Gallery. In the Blackburn Gallery, the Greek vases are now organized in thematic groups based on their imagery and the role they played in Greek society. One section, for example, will be devoted to representations of the hero Herakles and his Labors, while others will address cultural topics such as the symposium (the Greek male drinking party), and funerary practices. Another part of this gallery contains objects from the Bronze Age (3000-1000 B.C.) A selection of Greek jewelry and coins are also on display.
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The Denman Gallery -- with its 30-foot cathedral ceiling, one of the most dramatic spaces in the museum - will open with the Marcus Aurelius statue and showcase areas devoted to Etruscan art, Roman portraiture, Roman funerary sculpture and mythological sculpture. The mythological sculptures encircle a fragment of a mosaic-displayed on the floor, as it would have been seen in antiquity-that illustrates the Battle of the Lapiths and the Centaurs. The San Antonio Museum of Art is located at 200 W. Jones Ave. By Leigh Baldwin M A RC H 2 0 0 8
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By Jamie Striebeck
e see them along the River Walk during the holiday season, lighting the way. Known as luminarias, each consists of a brown paper bag weighted down with sand and illuminated from within by a burning votive candle. These little lanterns have played a distinct role in the culture of San Antonio for hundreds of years. Therefore, it is not by accident that the name for the city’s new arts night, designed to shed light on all creative arts, is Luminaria. Named by George Cisneros of the Urban-1 15 Group, the initial event will be held on Saturday, March 15. The citywide celebration is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., with central downtown festivities planned from 6 p.m. to midnight. An unprecedented collaboration of artists and nonprofit organizations will come together for this one day and evening to celebrate the dynamic vitality of San Antonio’s creative spirit. Performance stages, storefront exhibitions, art lighting, alley galleries and a fireworks finale will highlight Luminaria. Modeled after the successes of Nuit Blanche in Paris, Noche Blanca in Madrid and Looptopia in Chicago, Luminaria will be the first celebration of its kind in Texas. Mayor Phil Hardberger says, “We’re in a position to pull off a celebration of this magnitude because of the exceptional creative talent in the city. Luminaria offers a stage to show the world the breadth and depth of San Antonio art.” Marise McDermott, president and CEO of the Witte Museum and Luminaria Committee Chair, adds, “The response by artists and organizations wanting to participate in this inaugural event has been overwhelming.” For all who appreciate the creative arts, Luminaria will prove to be a unique opportunity, a packaged sampling of diverse disciplines. Events, times and places can be found by visiting www.luminariasa.com.
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Luminaria will be presented by the City of San Antonio and the Office of Cultural Affairs in conjunction with AT&T, Cola, NuStar and Reata Real Estate Services. Coca-C
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By Lisa Cruz Photo Doug Jacobson
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Gewandhaus Children's Choir at nine. Masur has been featured as both a singer and choral conductor around the world. "Singing in a chorus is what stuck with me and comes naturally, although I didn't assume I would be in music when I grew up," Masur said. However, music was always a part of his life. He played the drums in high school, both for school and in a rock band. He began playing the trumpet in a jazz band and played all through his first years in college. He served as principal trumpet of the Columbia University Orchestra and of the National Youth Guild Orchestra. When he was first asked to conduct an orchestra, he declined, saying that was his father's specialty and that he always liked playing an instrument. Friends, however, persuaded him to conduct a rehearsal. The conducting bug bit, and he co-founded and became the first music director and conductor of the Columbia University Bach Society Orchestra and Choir. Masur added that he was a terrible conductor who initially conducted "more with personality than technique." That technique has certainly improved, with reviews often describing his conducting as brilliant and commanding.
Ken-David Masur's only knowledge of San Antonio stemmed from our beloved basketball team. But at the ripe old age of 30 and with a resume speaking to the diversity for which the symphony was looking, he shined in auditions and quickly became the top choice. "Ken Masur distinguished himself during the audition process as an incredibly talented, energetic and charismatic conductor, and we felt very strongly he would be a great fit for San Antonio and the symphony," said symphony vice president and general manager David Filner. San Antonio was an extreme shift for Masur, who had been living with his wife in Berlin, Germany. Since accepting the position, he and his wife have moved to downtown San Antonio and have begun to enjoy the much sunnier weather and embrace the culture. He explained that he was looking for the opportunity to live in a diverse city that offered an opportunity to grow as a musician and have an impact on a community. "I was looking for a place where I felt I could help the goal of the organization and bring music to people who don't normally experience this type of music," Masur said.
"So far he has exceeded our expectations and has really embraced all aspects of the music scene in San Antonio," Filner added. "Besides doing a great job conducting the orchestra just about everywhere in town, he has been great with kids, audiences and a variety of different types of guest artists." "The first time I met the (San Antonio) orchestra was when I auditioned," Masur said. "We had 30 minutes to go through all the music we were assigned. The style selections were vastly different, but what surprised me was that the orchestra could play so many different styles very well, and that's not a given thing." Speaking with reverence and awe, Masur said he felt welcomed by everyone and saw a true sense of community among the orchestra. He learned of the struggles they had faced together as an orchestra and was humbled to be welcomed into the family so quickly.
"So far he has exceeded our expectations and has really embraced all aspects of the music scene in San Antonio. Besides doing a great job conducting the orchestra just about everywhere in town, he has been great with kids, audiences and a variety of different types of guest artists." - David Filner
vice president and general manager San Antonio Symphony
Masur's youthful enthusiasm for his craft makes him well-suited for his role as chief liaison for the symphony's children's outreach programs. "What's exciting is that all the children who attend our Young People's Concerts are being encouraged to be open and explore their world, including the world of music," Masur said. "The kids understand the power of music, and we receive great feedback from them."
Masur never intended to be a classical music ambassador or orchestra conductor, although some might say it was genetic. Masur's father is Kurt Masur, the acclaimed former conductor of the New York Philharmonic and current conductor of the Orchestre National de France.
Masur becomes very passionate when discussing the power of music, and he is striving to make the symphony a familiar place for everyone. "Young professionals nowadays don't have the opportunity to have real experiences that let our sincerest emotions come out, and the wonderful thing about going to a symphony concert is seeing real people playing unamplified music," he said. "It's about you listening to somebody speak on their instrument and then listening to someone talk about what they heard and their experience."
Ken-David Masur began his musical training on the piano at the age of six and joined the legendary
Masur added that he didn't grow up with an orchestra that could play such a wide variety of music, and "people should feel confident in San Antonio that there is something for everyone."
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he San Antonio Symphony, known to rock out with Three Dog Night, swing with Benny Goodman, and play the best of Bach, Brahms and Beethoven in the same week, is not your typical orchestra. So, when the symphony went searching for a resident conductor who could direct Young People's Concerts, family concerts, pops and other community concerts, naturally a well-trained musician with the personality and versatility to match San Antonio was the ideal.
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april 2008
Felix Padron wants to take a walk. “I need to get out of the office,” he says, upon greeting me at the Office of Cultural Affairs at the Alameda Theatre. As we head for a favorite café on a spectacularly beautiful morning, Padron talks about the state of the arts in San Antonio. “Most people don’t really know what we do,” says Padron, who is eager to talk at length if it will help to bring everyone up to speed. As executive director, Padron oversees a staff of 11 at the OCA, which provides financial support to San Antonio nonprofit arts and cultural organizations through its funding program in three categories: multidisciplinary, visual arts and performance. This means almost everybody from Jump Start to Blue Star to the San Antonio Symphony benefits from the OCA and its partners, in what Padron describes as a “renaissance” of the arts in the Alamo City. Aware that we’ve been teased by the R-word before, Padron is quick to point out that “the city council we have today is very supportive, as opposed to the councils of a decade or so ago.” It’s the M-word – money – that will ultimately make the difference. “The city has invested more than $60 million in the arts over the past 10 years. We’ve been able to increase public funding by more than 200 percent since 2005. That’s pretty phenomenal.” The ripple effect on private funding has been pretty phenomenal, too. Agencies, he says, are “raising on their own anywhere from three to five dollars for every dollar we fund.” And there’s big money on the artistic horizon – if the voters agree. On May 10, the bond initiative A.C.T. – Athletics, Culture, Tourism – will make $100 million available to transform the venerable Municipal Auditorium into a state-of-the-art performing arts center.
The blueprint for the city’s cultural rebirth is a 100-plus-page document called “The Cultural Collaborative: A Plan for San Antonio’s Creative Economy” that debuted in 2005. Padron says “it’s not a plan for the OCA; it’s a plan for the community. Its real success is measured by the type of partnerships that are established and how effective those partnerships come together to create a success story.” One of those success stories is an innovative program called Creative Capital, a weekend workshop for selected local artists on the business of art, sponsored by the Department of Economic Development. Another is the Fall Arts Festivals, a group of wildly popular events such as Fotoseptiembre, Mariachi Vargas and the International Accordion Festival. Padron is unabashedly excited about the agency’s collaboration with the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau in a strong working relationship that, he says, “never really existed before.” On the subject of cultural tourism, Padron adds: “If the people here have a passion about the arts, visitors will feel that passion, and that’s when transformation happens.” Speaking of passion, program after program, statistic after statistic, plan after plan pours nonstop out of Padron, with one particularly ambitious one emerging from the pack: Luminaria, the first annual citywide celebration of the arts held in March, dreamed up by staunch arts supporter Mayor Phil Hardberger and patterned after Noche Blanca in Madrid and Looptopia in Chicago. “We are only the second city in the country to create this event,” says Padron.
Listening to Padron, the idea of an artistic renaissance for San Antonio doesn’t seem so farfetched. “I see the city as having the potential to become a major arts and cultural center as it was in the 1920s and 1930s,” he says. He returns repeatedly to the theme of partnerships, the support of city leaders and the input of the artistic community itself, saying, “We can’t do it alone.” But he also returns to a creative philosophy born from his artistic roots: “It’s the individual artist that really changes things. They’re the ones who go out on a limb.” april 2008
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Padron is a success story on his own. Born in Cuba, he was 10 when his family moved to New York. A painter by training, he received his B.F.A. from the School of Visual Arts, got into the “stable” field of administration, but dreams of the time when he can spend more time painting. “I work 12 hours a day, I’m always on call, and am feeling the need for more balance.” He holds up his PDA, saying, “Don’t ever get one of these.”
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By Sara Selango
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I'm an organizer, a person who creates spreadsheets to track all kinds of things in a neat and orderly manner. I might be the only human on the planet who thinks "Excel-ing" is an art form. Call me methodical, call me systematic, but when asked to write this article, my first reaction was to go to my computer for a columnsizing session which eventually led to an efficient display of great performances from an absolutely overloaded April agenda. Truth be known, April is a shower of shows, more than anyone could ever possibly see. For a performing arts patron like me, it comes down to a matter of selection. april 2008
After inputting all available information for the month, a story idea popped right off the page. Instead of just cataloging and categorizing events in boring fashion, the thought occurred to me to generate my own "wish list calendar," a logical progression of presentations to attend over the four weeks that make up this particular month. What a brainstorm! Since Mondays and Tuesdays are performance-light at best, I chose Wednesday through Sunday as my week, so to speak. If only I had the time and money to grace the entire list that follows with my presence, I would be a happy camper!
Week One starts by kicking back at the County Line to the music of Max Stalling on Wednesday, April 2. The next evening finds me in Boerne, front and center for "Ghost of a Chance" at the Boerne Community Theatre April 3. Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio, former San Antonio Symphony concertmistress, is my ticket of choice for Friday, April 4, when she returns for a solo performance with the orchestra at the Majestic. Saturday night, April 5, is set aside for Juanes at the AT&T Center, and my afternoon on Sunday, April 6, is occupied by "Crowns" at San Pedro Playhouse. Pretty good start to the month, wouldn't you say? Week Two features a return to the County Line for Brandon Rhyder on Wednesday, April 9, followed by "Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical" the next evening, April 10, at the Cameo Theatre. James Gaffigan conducts the San Antonio Symphony just for me on Friday, April 11, and features Beethoven's Fifth, my favorite. Jo Long Theatre at the Carver is where I'll be on Saturday night, April 12, for "Gershwin on Broadway," with Sunday evening, April 13, reserved for Paul Rodriguez and "The Latin Kings of Comedy" at the Majestic. It's a great week of country, comedy and classics. Week Three gets off to a big-time start with Michael Flatley's "Lord of the Dance" at the Majestic on Wednesday, April 16. Next up is a short drive north to New Braunfels for "Driving Miss Daisy" on Thursday evening, April 17, at the Circle Arts Theatre. Following this is a bit longer drive to San Marcos to see "Meet Mark Twain" at Texas State University on the evening of Friday, April 18. Two Tons of Steel plays John T. Floore Country Store on Saturday night, April 19, and I'll be there. Tiempo Libre rounds out my week the next afternoon at the Majestic with the San Antonio Symphony Pops. What a diverse collection of shows! They're all over the map, literally. Week Four gets under way with "The Star-Spangled Girl" by Neil Simon at Fort Sam's Harlequin Dinner Theatre on Wednesday, April 23. A quick trip up the road to Kerrville is next on Thursday, April 24, for Camerata San Antonio's "Big Strings II" at the First Presbyterian Church. Cedric the Entertainer fills the bill on Friday, April 25, at the Majestic, while the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre in New Braunfels holds my Saturday evening entertainment April 26 with "Man 1, Bank 0," a one-man show by Patrick Combs. The week is topped off on Sunday, April 27, with Avril Lavigne at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. At this point, there is only one evening left to discuss. Wednesday, April 30, brings with it the opportunity to see "The Wedding Singer" at the Majestic. This scenario, as laid out from Week One through Week Four plus one day, equals 21 outstanding performances. April really is a shower of shows, so please feel free to use my "wish list" as your plan. After all, it is extremely well organized.
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The Wedding Singer- Photo Phil Martin
For a complete listing of dates, times and venues for upcoming shows, check out the Arts & Entertainment section in this issue of CityPages.
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Phhotographhy Courtesy of Fiesta® San Antonio C ITYP AGES
Fiesta San Antonio is not only the city’s biggest festival (and one of the biggest and best in Texas), but also a very dynamic celebration. Throughout its 117-yyear history, Fiesta has never been the same two years in a row.
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It began in 1891 as the Battle of Flowers. In April of that year, San Antonio women staged a mock fight to commemorate the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto. The event was so successful that it quickly became an annual celebration. Before long, other events were taking place at the same time: a carnival, balls, children’s fetes, coronations and more. And the event had a name—several names, actually. It was called simply Carnival, then Spring Carnival, then Fiesta San Jacinto. Some of the earliest activities sound familiar to us because they’re still going on:
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- The Order of the Alamo crowned its first queen in 1909. - The first King Antonio was chosen in 1915. The Texas Cavaliers took over the tradition in 1927. - Carnival rides and midways have been a Fiesta tradition since the early 1900s. - The first Pilgrimage to the Alamo was an impromptu march April 21, 1918. Organizers cancelled official Fiesta events during World War I. But Battle of Flowers members and thousands of other San Antonians walked to the Alamo, long known as the shrine of Texas freedom. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas began formal pilgrimages in 1925. Other events came and went over the years. In the 1920s, a Trades Parade featured floats sponsored by local businesses. The San Jacinto Association (a precursor to the Fiesta San Antonio Commission) sponsored an orphans party for many years. San Antonians and visitors have enjoyed hot-air balloon races, synchronized swimming, bowling tournaments, barbershop quartet concerts and sailboat regattas. As more organizations scheduled activities, Fiesta lengthened. It’s been a 10day celebration since 1970, when 27 events took place. This year, celebrants can choose from among 103 festivals, athletic events, exhibits, conferences, dances, parades and more. Every one of them is sponsored by a local nonprofit organization or military unit. For many, Fiesta never ends, because various groups serve the community throughout the year. So what makes Fiesta 2008 different from all those that have gone before? First, look for the carnival in a new location: parking lot C at the Alamodome. It’s a bigger space, with $5 parking available in the next lot. In addition to the rides, food and games, there will be free music concerts and other special shows. Three new nonprofit organizations are offering events this year: Fiesta de los Niños, April 19, sponsored by Port San Antonio, 143 Billy Mitchell Blvd. A children’s parade will kick off the festivities. The event includes children’s rides and games, food booths and live music. Free admission. Fiesta Nueva, April 20, sponsored by St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 502 E. Nueva. The event features a mariachi service, live music, children’s games and rides, and the crowning of “King Gallo.” Free admission. Sculptors Dominion Exhibit, April 19, 20, 26 and 27, sponsored by Sculptors Dominion International Inc. at the Villa del Carmen, 11354 Vance Jackson Road. About 70 sculptors will showcase their work on six landscaped acres. Statues range from life-sized to 30 feet tall. Admission is $20. One existing event is adding something new. The Rey Feo Scholarship Committee invites the public to La Noche del Rey, the coronation of the “ugly king,” at 6:30 p.m. April 18 at Main Plaza. After he’s crowned, Fernando Reyes, El Rey Feo LX, will lead people to a reception down the street. The coronation is free. Admission to the reception is $35 per person. Another event is moving. The April 20 Sticky Wickets Croquet Tournament, sponsored by Blessed Sacrament Academy, is to take place at the Red Berry Mansion on the Lake, 856 Gembler Road. General admission is $10. Who knows what Fiesta San Antonio will look like in the future? Which nonprofit groups will join the Fiesta Commission? Who will become one of Fiesta’s 75,000 volunteers?
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Fiesta Carnival moves to Alamoddome
One thing is certain: Fiesta San Antonio will continue to bring city residents and visitors together to celebrate our amazing history, culture and diversity.
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By Paloma Cortez
“Main Plaza is truly the heart of our city. By restoring it and making it a place where people want to spend time, we honor the roots and traditions of San Antonio.” -Phil Hardberger Mayor City of San Antonio Before the emergence of gigantic shopping malls and streams of towering highways, San Antonio’s energy thrived in downtown Main Plaza. A stage to San Antonio’s early history of commerce and culture, Main Plaza became the heart of San Antonio. Although time and rapid suburbanization have subdued this once-lively hub, the city of San Antonio along with the Main Plaza Conservancy have actively set out to revive the spirit of Main Plaza. On April 13, the city prepares to open its two-year redevelopment project and celebrate downtown’s continual revitalization. “Main Plaza is truly the heart of our city,” said Mayor Phil Hardberger. “By restoring it and making it a place where people want to spend time, we honor the roots and traditions of San Antonio.” Set beside the backdrop of historic San Fernando Cathedral, the celebration will begin with a community mariachi Mass led by Archbishop Jose H. Gomez. Following the Mass, visitors will enjoy jazz music and performances by Henry Brun and the Latin Playerz. The official opening ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a blessing by the Archbishop. Speakers at the ceremony will include Mayor Phil Hardberger, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, Father David Garcia and Bruce Bugg of the Tobin Endowment. Refreshments and activities for children also will be part of the festivities.
“Some of the things architecturally we have done are to enhance the comfortableness of [Main Plaza],” said downtown operations director Paula Stallcup. Attractive landscaping and unique stonework benches create an inviting retreat in the middle of downtown. Visitors also may enjoy an artistic display of five groundlevel, interactive fountains provided by a $2 million donation from the Tobin Endowment. Free high-speed wireless Internet, quaint food kiosks and direct access to the River Walk are just some of the modern conveniences made to the enhancement of Main Plaza. “Mayor Hardberger’s vision is that this redevelopment will really energize the area around the cathedral and toward Market Square. In fact, the goal is to create an area stretching from downtown and the River Walk west to Market Square so visitors and residents alike can experience a more streamlined experience,” said Mayor’s Office communications director Rebeca Chapa. Main Plaza will become an outdoor stage for concerts, art shows and other cultural events. The plaza also is expected to attract tourists as well as locals with a wide range of community activities and holiday celebrations throughout the year. Following nightfall, a soft glow will reflect off the historic buildings surrounding the plaza, becoming an inviting space in the midst of downtown even after dark. “Main Plaza is the historical heart, center of the city. It was from this square that San Antonio grew and became one of the principal cities of its time. As such, it’s literally drenched in history,” said Chapa. Birthed in the heart of San Antonio, Main Plaza nourished the early beginnings of the city. From welcoming the early Spanish settlers of the Canary Islands in 1731 to becoming the center for San Antonio’s commerce and faith, Main Plaza’s energy and vitality continue to resonate throughout the city today. “Just because of its sheer location, [Main Plaza] is in the heart of the city,” said Stallcup. “Main Plaza has its history. We need to make sure its history is told.” april 2008
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Opening Celebration Planned for April 13
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Not only will this provide an opportunity for aspiring chefs in San Antonio to gain access to a world-class culinary education, but over time, it could have an elevating influence on the culinary scene in the Alamo City. In fact, several of the students from that first graduating class are already doing just that. Charles Large, for example, recently was appointed chef de cuisine at the RK Group, one of the most prestigious catering and eventplanning organizations in San Antonio. His job includes studying trends and new directions in cuisine, and working with clients to tailormake menus for events that can be served to as many as 11,000 people. Looking back at his culinary education, he said, "I was at a juncture in my career. I wanted to say, 'Now, I'm serious.' " He believes going to culinary school gave him that credential and much more. "I still hear all the chefs in my head," he said. "You always have to be prepared, calm, don't lose your cool, care about your appearance, and always have a professional attitude." But most importantly, he is passionate about what he does. "I care about the food people eat in San Antonio."
By: Chris Dunn
Shelley Grieshaber - director off education / Culinary Institute off America San Antonio Campus
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The Center for Foods of the Americas, located on the site of the former Pearl Brewery, was established in 2005 as a nonprofit culinary school through the efforts of Silver Ventures and the Goldsbury Foundation. Invaluable input was given by top culinary professional Shelley Grieshaber, who was hired as director of education. From the beginning, the CFA worked closely with the Culinary Institute of America, utilizing its curriculum and instructors. Classes commenced March 7, 2006, and the following Oct. 6, the first graduating class of 12 students received their Culinary Arts Certificates.
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A lot has happened since then. May 16, 2007, Kit Goldsbury, Texas philanthropist and chairman of the school, and Tim Ryan, president of the Culinary Institute of America, announced a new relationship between the two institutions. Goldsbury endowed the schools with the largest single gift in the history of culinary education: $28 million dollars, $20 million of which would be earmarked for scholarships, plus an additional $7 million to complete the facility here, making San Antonio one of only three campuses in the country that is part of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. april 2008
Charles Large - cheff de cuisine / RK Group
Cynthia Rodriguez is exemplary of the kind of dedication it takes to succeed in a culinary career. She was a single, working mother and attended culinary school while simultaneously maintaining a full-time job. "I was working 14 hours a day, seven days a week." But her hard work and long hours were rewarded when, toward the end of her studies, she was hired by the school as a teaching assistant. Once given that opportunity, she has made herself indispensable, preparing meals, mentoring new students and staying to close the school every night. She plans to further her education by attending the main campus of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. Looking back at her time at the CFA, she said, "I would take nothing for the experience -- it's the greatest thing that ever happened to me." These are just a few examples of the impact the Culinary Institute of America and its graduates are having on San Antonio. Remember, the next time you're at a restaurant or at a catered event and enjoy a special meal, it may well have been prepared by a chef who studied at the CIA SA.
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Cynthia Rodriguez - teaching assistant / Culinary Institute off America San Antonio Campus
Charles Large First Graduating Class - CFA/CIA chef de cuisine, RK Group
Susan Johnson is now the executive chef at Trinity University. Her duties include planning the menus and overseeing the food preparation for meals served to the school's president, vice president, board of directors, and distinguished speakers and visitors. At the time she was interviewed, she was working on an event which will honor former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. She said she's constantly reminded of something an instructor, Master Chef Dieter Doppelfeld, kept repeating to her culinary class in his memorable German accent: "We will continue to try to make everything really, really, really good."
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Chauncey Stephernson works at Biga on the Banks and, on his days off, operates a personal chef service. He plans menus, buys ingredients, prepares and delivers meals to clients who want to have better nutrition and eat at home but are too busy to achieve it by themselves. His dream is to expand his chef service into an areawide business by hiring young graduates of CIA San Antonio to work with him.
Susan Johnson - executive cheff / Trinity University april 2008
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Artist and executive director of the Blue Star Contemporary Art Center, Bill FitzGibbons is an ambassador of San Antonio to the international art scene. On this cultural front, an intersection of the local and the global, FitzGibbons brings together the collaborative efforts of artists, writers, architects, educators and city officials. In his installations and light sculptures, FitzGibbons revitalizes public spaces with the effect of spectacular celebratory light. Throughout his career he has exhibited in England, Scotland, Sweden, Finland, Germany, New York and Alaska.
"Light Channels," by Bill FitzGibbons, located below Interstate 37 at Houston and Commerce streets. How do you deffine successfful public art? Successful public art informs its environment with a spirit that transforms a place into an aesthetic and engaging experience. When I develop an idea for a public art project, the site is critical and so are the needs and desires of the individuals who will experience the space. Site-specific art is only successful to the extent that it can engage a viewer in a compelling and sublime way.
How do you see your public artworks in relationship to San Antonio's public mural tradition?
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The muralist tradition in San Antonio helped foster a tremendous pride in the community as it did in Mexico and in other major U.S. cities like Los Angeles and Chicago. Both the mural tradition and my work is a celebration of space. Although more non-objective, my artwork aims to engage the community in a celebratory way.
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Which one off your projects has best succeeded in celebrating public space? "Light Channels" below Interstate 37 at Houston and Commerce streets seems to be a successful site-specific installation. The illuminated underpass is not a high-profile place like the historic buildings and airports I made work for. Here, LED lights were integrated into a dark and neglected place. I was able turn that kind of environment around, from being dreary and scary to becoming a dynamic space.
For Luminaria, the city's arts festival, was it a challenge to work with the Alamo's iconic faรงade? The concept of "Alamo Lights" was to present the public a light sculpture installation that would allow them to experience the iconic symbol of Texas independence and pride in an entirely new way. This light sculpture installation was created in a respectful manner with the contemporary overlay of LED color. Accompanied by the San Antonio Symphony, the performance and the light sequence created a vibrant event.
"Alamo Lights" was presented during Luminaria, the city's arts festival
Do you see your two careers as one project? In some ways, I view my position at Blue Star not unlike Joseph Beuys's concept of "social sculpture." He felt that all people are artists and all actions can be framed as art. I view Blue Star as a performance and installation. Instead of there being a strong dichotomy between two professions, it is really an amalgam of my philosophies. One is manifested by public art commissions and the other manifested by creating aesthetic experience through exhibitions, artist workshops and outreach.
Two important changes have occurred recently.. Your airplane wings at the San Antonio International Airport have been re-iinstalled, and the Blue Star Contemporary Art Center is in the process off expansion.. Do you think you deserve a break?
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[Laughing] Well, you know, I think that change is a source of my energy. I am looking into several promising public art projects. Currently we are looking forward to the first large-scale contemporary Japanese photography exhibition, "Counter-Photography: Japan's Artists Today." In conjunction with the exhibition, the artists will be presenting workshops for our new and exciting education program.
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In addition, we are looking forward to having a new building for Blue Star, which will be the gateway to the Mission Reach of the new and expanded River Walk. We are in the midst of an international search for architects and are hoping to break ground within two and a half years.
What are your next projects? For the longer term, I am working with a cultural center in Germany to curate an exhibition of Texas artists in Berlin. It is based on the concept of "Texas Uprising," where regional artists installed sculptures at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, UTSA and St. Paul's Square. "Berlin, Texas" will open by 2010.
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Photo by: Doug Jacobson
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Mona Lowe has been a force to be reckoned with on the San Antonio commercial property management scene for years. Thanks to the success of Reata Real Estate Services, a brokerage company and sister company to Reata Property Management Inc., Lowe has had the opportunity to bring her management expertise and vision to prestigious projects such as the Alamo Quarry retail destination and the Houston Street redevelopment. Reata Real Estate Services' business model was designed to develop a professional real estate environment that allows for flexibility and entrepreneurial freedom. It was that business model that became the springboard for the creation of the "innovative culture" of Reata Property Management Inc., with Lowe as the president. A multimedia artist who serves on boards as diverse as the Downtown Alliance and the Mind Science Foundation, Lowe's interests aren't limited to her portfolio. "I strongly believe in integrating community and cultural initiatives with commercial real estate goals because it is good for business and the city's cultural life," she said. Lowe also was instrumental in the nurturing of downtown public events such as ArtPace's Chalk it Up! and the Houston Street Fair and Market. As Mayor Phil Hardberger has noted, San Antonio is entering a "Golden Age" where urban development, public and contemporary art, and community initiatives are flourishing. While many of San Antonio's citizens are only just now embracing a modern, urban sense of the city, Lowe is already looking to the future and thinking globally. She sees recent city events and developments such as Luminaria, the Museum and Mission Reach River Walk expansions and River North as a way of "entrenching ourselves in who we are" and "getting a strong foothold in our culture." All the better to prepare for a future where a strong local identity will be vital, she said. "We retain our individuality, but are gaining a sense of our position in the world." Lowe has just returned from the internationally acclaimed Harvard University Business School Executive Education program, an intense week of living in residence halls and spending 12-hour days in real-estate seminars and case-study projects. Of the 75 executives present, only 25 were from the United States. "What I noticed right away," said Lowe, "was that no matter where my colleagues were from - Dubai, Russia, Japan - they all knew of San Antonio." So much for San Antonio's famous inferiority complex. Lowe likened the city to a "conference center for the Americas" - central to the two continents not only geographically, but spiritually. "Most of the great cities of the 21st century are no longer Western cities - China, Japan, even the Middle East have moved into the forefront. But San Antonio is breaking through."
"I agree with his views that the search for a sense of 'community' and 'place' is well under way in our very own city," added Lowe. "We will see more activity in our center and the desire by our citizens to have the 'cachet' of an urban Zip code."
Mona Lowe at The Palm on Houston St.. As San Antonio's business and community leaders set aside an often-divisive past and become more collaborative, Lowe sees Reata Property Management not only as a top-notch management service provider but also serving as San Antonio's "goto" conduit and facilitator for the next big ideas. "There's no greater joy than getting all the best people together for the right project," she said. Spoken like a true innovator. Most importantly, Lowe understands the profound shift happening in the way we work and live as citizens of the information age. For Lowe, cities will continue, as in the past, to attract the most innovative, inventive and creative talent and those workers will take up the challenge to create this new social context that combines work and play.
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San Antonio shaking off the dust of sleepy centuries and embracing a new multicultural, open-minded sense of its own vision is right in line with the rest of the cutting-edge cities of the world. Lowe recently met with Alex Krieger, chair of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design and a principal of Chan Krieger & Associates, and heard him lecture. According to Lowe, Krieger noted that "the tide of public opinion is shifting ... urban locations seem to attract a sizable portion of the population engaged in the new economy -- in the fields of technology, biomedicine, new media, and hospitality and entertainment." In his view, today's America is experiencing a city revival, a remarkable trend that is actually happening across the globe.
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Alteza atop the Grand Hyatt Hotel.
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Vidorra on Center Street near St. Paul Square. It won't be long before the 9-foot scale reproduction of the Grand Hyatt hotel is parked in a dark closet somewhere. After all, Fernando Gonzalez doesn't need it. He has the full-sized model outside his window. Not long ago, Gonzalez and his sales team used the model to sell luxury living high above the city in Alteza, the residential development starting at the Grand Hyatt's 25th floor. The planned development was little more than a construction site and metal framework. Now the Grand Hyatt is part of the San Antonio skyline, and visual aids are not required to make the sale. "We have had great velocity (of sales) throughout the building," said Gonzalez, Alteza's marketing director. "Now that it's open, it sells itself." Alteza's opening is a seminal moment in the city's development. If the 1993 renovation of the Majestic and Brady buildings was a promise of San Antonio's urban future, 2008 is shaping up to be the year when developers deliver on that promise in grand scale.
"San Antonio hasn't had new, high-rise luxury condominium development in 20 years," said Angela Rinehart, a sales and marketing manager for the 20-story Vidorra on Center Street. "Now residential development in downtown is fantastic. We have more choices today than ever." M AY 2 0 0 8
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From cozy lofts on South Flores Street to towering luxury living spaces, a new San Antonio cityscape is emerging from the construction sites dotting the downtown footprint. Would-be urbanites waiting to stake their claim on their own piece of downtown are moving in, forever changing the city's heart.
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The Broadway at Hildebrand and Broadway.
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The sights, sounds and smells of the 37th annual Texas Folklife Festival will take over your senses the moment you walk through the gates. Whether you're a returning guest or a first-ttime visitor, the convergence of more than 40 ethnic groups into one giant cultural celebration will, no doubt, amaze you. You may find yourself listening to live Afro-C Caribbean music, while weaving demonstration. eating some Peruvian tamales and watching a Lithuanian finger-w The energy radiating from engaging performers and enthusiastic crowds may very well infuse you with a communal feeling - a feeling that "We all belong."
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This sentiment of kinship and cultural understanding, the inspiration behind this year's festival theme, was also the driving force behind UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures' production of the first Texas Folklife Festival in 1972. Today, the festival is a self-ssustaining, well-ooiled machine that draws visitors from all over the United States. It has received national recognition and numerous awards, and established itself as one of the premier cultural events in San Antonio and Texas. It is also the anchor event of UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures.
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But decades before the accolades -- before summer travelers came in droves to the festival and before participants realized the tremendous impact the festival had on preserving their culture and customs -- the festival, like many events, had a humble beginning. Perhaps most remarkable in the festival's trajectory is that many participants who attended the fledgling 1972 festival and helped launch TFF into what it is today continue to entertain and delight festival-ggoers 37 years later.
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Join your children in a game of Belgian bowling, and then take them over to the Medina County 4-H Club's Corn Shuckin' Booth, where visitors have been learning the pioneer skill of corn shuckin' for 36 years. Your kids can test their corn shuckin' skills at the Medina County Fair Association's Corn Shuckin' Championship. The fastest shucker wins the prize! Afterward, they can test their watermelon seed-spitting ability at the Luling Watermelon Thump. What could be better than taking home both the shuckin' and the seed-spitting trophies? The three-day celebration runs from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. June 13, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 14, and from noon to 7 p.m. June 15 at UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures. Ticket and general information is available at www.TexasFolklifeFestival.org or from the event information line, (210) 458-2390. Advance tickets go on sale at all H-E-B locations May 1. Come with a hearty appetite and expect to be delighted by the entertainment and shopping at the biggest cultural A group off Klompen dancers in all ages celebration in Texas. As you stroll to one of the 10 entertainment stages this year, you can take in a performance from the Ballet Folklorico de San Antonio, a TFF veteran organization and one of the 50 ethnic dance groups participating in the festival. You can also see the Flemish Folk Dancers of the Belgian American Club of Texas. If you can't get enough traditional folk dancing, keep your eyes peeled for the Lebanese Folk Dancers of St. George Maronite Catholic Church. These dancers always enchant the crowd with their national heritage dance, the dabke, and their choreographed belly dancing Lebanese style.
A perfformer from the Arathi School off Indian Dance
The musical entertainment continues when you catch a performance by Harrell Sutherland and his band, the San Antonio Pipes and Drums. Sutherland, who plays the bag pipes, and his family, who play alongside him, have performed at the festival since day one. Don't miss their hilarious Bonnie Knees contest, where men from the audience join kilt-wearing men on stage, rolling up their jeans to have their knees judged by women! In the mood for some genealogy? The Scottish Society of San Antonio, another original cast member, sets up a genealogy display with books and 200 miniature shields to help visitors trace their Scottish ancestry. This organization also has a delicious food booth, so be sure to check out their shepherd's pie and their shortbread, a very traditional Scottish cookie.
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Several other veteran organizations offer mouthwatering food. Try some Belgian waffles, sausage and rice pudding from the Belgian American Club of San Antonio, taste some Wendish noodles from the Texas Wendish Heritage Society, indulge in some Lebanese shish kebabs from St. George Maronite Catholic Church, and satisfy your taste buds with German food from the New Braunfels Wurstfest Association. After treating yourself to some gyro from St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, satisfy your sweet tooth with their baklava. Want to learn to make sauerkraut and wine? The Kendall County Community booth is the place to be! M AY 2 0 0 8
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By Sara Selango
Scene from "The Wedding Singer"
The month of May holds great promise for attendees of performing arts in San Antonio and the surrounding area. This particular 31-dday period offers live theater presentations in all shapes and sizes, classical music opportunities at every turn, rock 'n' roll gigs galore, plus a plethora (I've always wanted to use that word) of comedy acts, dance productions, C&W concerts y mucho mas. I'm talking a ton of super shows that can ably fill so many of your nights on the town!
Hannu Lintu conducts San Antonio Symphony Classical 13 on May 6-17.
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Here's my first example. This article comes out on May 1, which means "The Wedding Singer" is in the midst of a run that lasts only through Sunday, May 4. Take my advice and make a beeline to the box office so Robbie and Julia can take you back to 1985, courtesy of this Majestic musical.
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Bowfire performs at the Majestic and at the Cailloux.
Other May theater treats include "Honky-Tonk Laundry," "The StarSpangled Girl" and "MidLife! The Crisis Musical" at Steven Stoli Playhouse, Harlequin Dinner Theatre and Cameo Theatre, respectively. Then there's "Sideshow" at the Vex, "State Fair" at San Pedro Playhouse and "Neil Berg's 100 Years of Broadway" (touring company) at the Brauntex in New Braunfels. "The Tempest," this year's Shakespeare in the Park offering, rounds out a busy schedule! Check the Arts and Entertainment section of this magazine for dates and times of all theater events.
Live music is still another story. Spanish Harlem Orchestra kicks things off May 1 at the Empire. The San Antonio Symphony follows up with 11 performances during the month, including four free Cinco de Mayo concerts, a side-by-side joint-venture with the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio, and two evenings each of Classical Concerts 12, 13 and 14. The weekend of May 30-31 marks the final performances under the baton of musical director Larry Rachleff. Two more exciting evenings come compliments of Bowfire; first at the Majestic on May 12, followed by the Cailloux in Kerrville on May 15. Pink Martini also pops into the Majestic for one night only, May 19.
Jazz aficionados can look forward to Peter White at El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel on May 25, Divas at The Witte as a part of the museum's Sunday Jazz series, and "Return to Forever 2008 Tour" at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on May 31, featuring Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Al De Meola and Lenny White.
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The country and western genre is represented in May by standouts such as Tracy Lawrence and Aaron Watson at Cowboys San Antonio, Gary P. Nunn and the Marshall Tucker Band at Gruene Hall, and Pat Green at John T. Floore Country Store. Rockers can take in Pat Benatar with Neil Giraldo at Municipal Auditorium May 18 and Iron Maiden at Verizon on May 21. From the miscellaneous category comes the National Acrobats of Taiwan with two shows at Laurie Auditorium May 3 and 4.
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Pink Martini comes to the Majestic May 19. M AY 2 0 0 8
To put a cap on the month, allow me to say viva to the incredible ensemble music created by button accordion and bajo sexto. It's scheduled to be exuberantly celebrated at the 27th Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival from May 6-10, with the majority of festivities taking place at Rosedale Park. So, is it just me, or has San Antonio truly become a significant player in the performing arts arena? Now to post-May highlights. Taking the summer months as one big package, please note that it wouldn't be wise to miss "Monty Python's Spamalot" at the Majestic from June 17-22 or San Antonio Opera's "Tosca" at the Lila Cockrell in late June. Featured upcoming shows at the Verizon are Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Journey with Heart, Rascal Flatts and Boston with Styx. Isolated one-nighters at the Majestic include funnyman Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias June 13; Earth, Wind and Fire July 11; Ron White of Blue Collar Comedy Tour fame July 26; and Beatles knock-off "1964 The Tribute" Aug. 9. As a closing thought, when I researched 2008-09 performing arts seasons already announced, they really impressed. For example, the Broadway Across America series starts with "The Color Purple" and ends with "Wicked." In between are "Avenue Q," "Tuna Does Vegas," "Cats," "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and "Frost Nixon" starring Stacy Keach. The San Antonio Symphony announced its upcoming season of 14 classical concerts, six pops (Doc Severinsen, Holiday Pops, A Broadway Tribute, Fiesta Pops and more), and two special concerts, one featuring "The Music of Pink Floyd" and the other a recital by violinist Joshua Bell. San Antonio Opera joined the group with its season of "Carmen" in September, "The Mikado" in March and "Il Travatore" in June 2009. Six shows are already on the schedule for the San Antonio Chamber Music Society in 2008-09. Check their Web site for specifics. Finally, find Kerrville Performing Arts Society on the Internet for seven great shows presented in a wonderful theater.
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I encourage you to buy tickets and be entertained in May and beyond. There's so much to see and do.
Monty Python's Spamalot opens in June. M AY 2 0 0 8
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At a time when hordes of San Antonio homeowners and businesses can hardly move out to Loop 1604 fast enough, the term “downtown revitalization� seems almost an oxymoron. Not so, says Ben Brewer, president of the Downtown Alliance/San Antonio, who is determined to put the central business district front and center when it comes to considering viable places to live, work and play. A look at the long-tterm calendar is indeed promising: a new performing arts complex at the Municipal Auditorium, a new municipal office building, new fire and police headquarters, a new transportation hub and a street trolley system, to name a few.
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An architect by education and training, the Houston native became involved with the then-D Downtown Owners Association in 1988, when the group approached him about becoming executive director. But Brewer had his own architectural firm and could agree only to split his time between the two. When the part-ttime gig turned into a full-ttime passion, Brewer phased out his private business, and a downtown advocate was born.
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Brewer then set about revamping the organization to be “more representative of the downtown constituency.” This meant opening the doors not only to property and business owners, but also renters, professional firms, associations, individuals and “anybody who wants to support the downtown area.” The group hosts the innovative Urban Renaissance Luncheon Series, the popular and self-described “edgy” Urban Spaces Tour, and the annual BEST awards, which honor people, places, and organizations that have made significant contributions to the area. This year’s winners included the Museo Alameda (Best New Cultural Venue), the Staybridge Suites at St. Paul’s Square (Best New Construction Project) and the Synergy Studio of yoga/dance/Pilates at the Pearl Brewery redevelopment district (Best Place to “Move”). “We’re very similar to a chamber of commerce,” says Brewer, “with a specific focus on downtown.” To that end, the group has been involved in numerous planning initiatives over the last 20 years, including transportation, zoning, design and development projects, along with representing the membership’s interests with elected officials and government. They also oversee Centro San Antonio, a public improvement district where “Amigos” in three categories (ambassador, maintenance and streetscaping) provide services ranging from giving directions to sweeping sidewalks to installing plants on street corners.
The timing for a rebirth of downtown couldn’t be better, says Brewer, with the New Urbanism movement gaining momentum in these times of skyrocketing fuel costs, the green movement and a desire “to return to preWorld War II traditional neighborhood developments.” Downtown San Antonio as a neighborhood? Absolutely, says Brewer. “Next to hotel development, downtown residential development is probably the other hottest area right now.” That demand, he says, is coming from young, urban-minded professionals, empty nesters, downtown office workers and those looking to downsize. Brewer predicts that in the next seven to eight years, as many as 3,000 new residential units will be built downtown. And the renewal will further “spill out” in the form of the ambitious River North project – the $70 million mixed-use, mixed-income improvement in downtown’s northern sector – that he sees as a “phenomenal opportunity” for a sustainable, walkable community in the heart of San Antonio. “Where a pedestrian is as welcome on the streets as a car, where people can use public transportation, or ride bikes, where buildings create intimate atmospheres, and the residents themselves become the eyes and ears to create a safe environment.” Inspired by Portland’s old Pearl warehouse district, Brewer believes that the concept is translatable to the Alamo City – if the proper planning is in place. “They transformed an existing infrastructure into an amazing place with 8,000 new residential units, great restaurants, a Whole Foods, and a street trolley running right through it.” Brewer says doing things right from the start is key. “You’re trying to envision where you want to be 15 or 20 years from now.”
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Where Brewer wants to be sounds like a little bit of heaven: living and working in a historic town center or one of the surrounding areas (“Tobin Hill, Southtown and King William are important allies”), walking or biking to work, sharing a safe, sustainable community, and hoping to lure locals downtown for more than the occasional special event. He admits that the “greatest physical obstacle” continues to be parking, fueled by an innate resistance to public transportation. “Texans are so attached to their cars,” says Brewer. “I guess that stems from everybody at one time having their own horse.” june 2008
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Every year, San Antonio’s warm summer nights pulsate with energy during Fiesta Noche del Rio in the downtown Arneson River Theater. Vibrant aqua, pink and yellow skirts glide through the moist night air as Mexican Folklorico dancers create a colorful expression to traditional mariachi ballads. Music and dance from Spain and Argentina are also performed artistically and exude the passion and culture from their native countries. Celebrating its 52nd season, Fiesta Noche del Rio is the oldest outdoor musical production of its kind in the United States. Its conception in the 1950s achieved much recognition with legendary performances by “San Antonio’s First Lady of Song,” Rosita Fernandez. Dressed in dazzling and extravagant costumes, Rosita set the stage for the Fiesta’s unique and spectacular show. In her honor, city officials dedicated the Rosita Bridge in 1982 which crosses the San Antonio River to the Arneson Theater. As an established event by the Alamo Kiwanis Club, proceeds from Fiesta Noche del Rio help fund numerous local children’s charities in San Antonio, such as Respite Care of San Antonio and Any Baby Can.
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“Fiesta Noche del Rio has lasted primarily because it is a high-quality production that showcases the cultural diversity of our city to locals and tourists alike,” said 2008 Fiesta Noche del Rio chairman Art Vega. “Many of the tourists who come to San Antonio have already heard of the show, and it’s on their must-see list. Locals come to the show to hear great Latin music, including a full mariachi group. Many of the locals are also following a tradition of bringing their kids to the show for the first time, as they were brought to the show by their parents years before. People who come to the show also recognize that the proceeds from the show benefit local children’s charities, which is a good thing.” San Antonio native Elizabeth Sanchez-Lopez has returned to lead this year’s array of songs and dances inspired by the traditions of Mexico, Spain, Argentina and Texas. Throughout the show, live Latin rhythms and exuberant performances help draw out the flavors of all that is San Antonio. “Expect a high-quality production that includes dancing, singing and flamenco guitarists … People are surprised to find themselves dancing with their partner to romantic Latin music or listening to the wonderful music of a flamenco guitarist, or just watching the cast dance the tango,” said Vega. For more information about Fiesta Noche del Rio, visit www.alamokiwanis.org or call 210-226-4651. june 2008
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Even though San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the country, despite the national reputation of the Spurs and regardless of the fact that the Alamo City is home to some of the nation’s largest businesses, the rest of the country, it seems, has designated San Antonio as the place for Fiesta, siestas and Mexican food. Forward-thinking local leaders envision a different type of reputation for San Antonio: a city that creates international buzz as a destination, certainly — but beyond that, a city with a quality of life and a sense of community that draws locals to the same urban center that attracts tourists in the first place. The passing of the four A.C.T. For San Antonio proposals in May followed recent voting trends that demonstrate that the Alamo City is ready for change. “Last year, voters passed the largest city bond proposal in the city’s history, and we closely collaborated this year with the county in developing complimentary projects that reflect the needs and desires of our residents,” said San Antonio city manager Sheryl Sculley. “The passing of these proposals is another example of voters expressing confidence in their community.”
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Each of the four A.C.T. proposals addressed an area for improvement within the community. The most popular proposal, for $125 million in improvements to the San Antonio River, passed with 75 percent of the vote. Sonny Collins is president of the San Antonio River Foundation, an organization that raises money in the private sector to augment public funding for the entire 15-mile stretch of river. “We are very excited about the extension (of the ‘visitor tax.’) The money raised in this election will primarily affect the Mission reach of the river, which extends from Blue Star Arts Complex through the missions.” Funding from the proposal will help enable the creation of a series of “Mission Portals.” These will tie the missions directly to the river again (in the 1960s, the river’s path was altered slightly for flood control), create learning opportunities and, ultimately, create “the most beautiful, first-class, 13-mile linear park you have ever been to in your life.”
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As the river and downtown area transforms and becomes more accessible to locals, it follows that interest in urban living will increase. River North is what planners are calling a high-density urban master plan with anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 residences. River North will be located around the urban reach of the river, which is already funded and under construction. Advocates for River North celebrate the passing of the performing arts portion of the proposal as an impetus to help move the process along. Ben Brewer, president of the Downtown Alliance, reinforces Nelson Wolff’s vision of a theater district, and the conviction that the Municipal Auditorium (which is in close proximity to the proposed River North development) is the perfect anchor for such a district. Felix Padron, executive director for the Office of Cultural Affairs, agrees. Padron is confident that visitors and locals will benefit from improvements to performing arts facilities. “The approval of the venue tax supporting a new performing arts center reinforces the fact that the arts are important to our citizens and to our quality of life. A new performing arts center, dedicated to local organizations such as the symphony, opera and others, gives them a place they can call home and allows them to plan their seasons collectively and more effectively. In the end, it will enhance their profiles in the community.” While most easily agree that the creation of a cultural district, new amateur sports facilities and river improvements will enhance the quality of life in San Antonio, there were some who hesitated over the proposal for improvements to the AT&T Center and Freeman Coliseum. Perhaps the image of a world-champion basketball team doesn’t leave much room for improvement, but the Spurs are not the only group that benefits from the planned upgrades.
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The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, which shares the AT&T Center, is renowned nationally as “Rodeo of the Year,” and pours millions of dollars into education for local youth pursuing agriculturally related endeavors. “The passing of the venue tax is welcome news for those that volunteer for and participate in the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo,” says Keith Martin, executive director. “We are proud to share the AT&T Center, and the slated improvements will only serve to help our organization raise more money for kids. Additionally, the improvements to the barns and to the Freeman Coliseum will enhance the comfort of the visitors, the exhibitors, the livestock and the volunteers that spend so many hours on the grounds.” The proposed changes will take some time to complete, but if planners are on the money, San Antonio will quietly redefine itself as an international destination that is known as much for its art, culture, natural beauty and historical resources as it is for its excellent Mexican food. june 2008
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Bicycle: Electra Amsterdam Yellow Tulip with Shimano Nexus 3 speed internal gearing. Courtesy Blue Star Bike Shop in King William Neighborhood,210.212.5506
OK, so I’ll admit…the first time I got on my new Electra Amsterdam (aka the Yellow Tulip) in a skirt was a little like the first time I rode my kiddy bike without training wheels, only decades later. For those of you who regularly ride motorcycles, scooters, bicycles and the like, you’re probably shaking your head right now, but you have to understand that you are not talking about a normal human being here – you’re talking about a bonafide klutz.
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So here were my options – bike or feet. Now, I love to walk, don’t get me wrong. But walking to the grocery store? Give me a break. You apparently haven’t ever tried carrying a gallon of milk, a dozen eggs, some ground beef and a carton of OJ an entire mile. Walking to a date? I tried that, too, and here’s how the evening turned out: My date asked me if I was going through menopause, at which point I said, “No, you twit, this is San Antonio, and it’s freaking hot outside! Duh!” Needless to say, there wasn’t another date. Actually, there wasn’t even that date. And walking to work? I think not. Talk about the risk of a hot-flash misunderstanding.
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Like many other people, I used to be a suburbanite who lived among the rolling hills and beautiful views north of 1604. Like an imbecile, I spent an hour every morning just getting to the intersection of 1604 and 281. And that was only half the battle since I worked downtown. I might as well have lived on Mars and traveled via spaceship for as long as it took me to commute to and from work. april 2008
One morning, about seven months ago, after six cups of coffee (yes, I stopped at Starbucks twice during my drive to work as I was gulping it like Gatorade), no breakfast, and the delusion that I called my life, I found myself escaping it all. Yes, I was the maniac who got out of my car, walked to the driver’s window of every stopped vehicle in front of me, shouting, “Why do you have to live here? I’ve got to get to work downtown! Move outta my way!” There was only one soul brave enough to respond back. What I heard that day, among the rumbling engines and fancy premium gasoline fumes, struck me: “Why don’t you just move downtown, you moron, and spare the rest of us your insanity?”
So that, my friends, is how I got on the Electra today. I packed up my SUV with all my things, moved into a 1,100-square-foot downtown loft, and traded in my big, honkin’ gas-guzzler for a Mini Cooper and my multi-gear Amsterdam. I am no longer the village idiot – I am the trendy downtowner with my car and my bicycle in the same parking space. Now I wake up at 8 a.m., well-rested and prepared to attack the day. I can now actually enjoy the hot, steaming water from my shower as it pours down my back. I get dressed, gather the paperwork for my 9.30 a.m. meeting, put it in my uber-darling Tory Burch Spring “T” tote and get on my way.
Relaxed and serene, I can handle anything these days – well, almost anything. This morning as I was bebopping down Crockett Street with my Starbucks in one hand and the other hand confidently taking control of the steering, a small stray dog came out of nowhere. Unprepared for this travesty, I swerved to miss him and, well, the rest is history. I now have a new dog named Davy, a skinned knee and an espresso macchiato-colored skirt! And for all of you who got a view this morning of all my girlishness, I hope you got a good laugh, but please don’t post a video on YouTube.
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My commute to work lasts all of eight minutes, and that includes the time my Yellow Tulip and I spend taking the elevator down to street level from the parking garage and the stop for my heavensent, skinny three-shot espresso macchiato with dos Splendas.
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By Sara Selango
Dust off your gold and platinum cards because it's time to buy season tickets! The 2008-09 season is set to explode onto the scene with Arts San Antonio's presentation of the legendary Tony Bennett Sept. 5 at Municipal Auditorium. Broadway Across America follows up immediately with a blockbuster week of "The Color Purple" starting Sept. 9 at the Majestic. Still another highlight of opening month is San Antonio Opera's "Carmen" with three performances Sept. 26-28 at the Lila Cockrell. At that point, the season is officially off and running!
Albers Trio - Photo courtesy alberstrio.com
On the classical front, the San Antonio Symphony has announced a season of 14 classical concerts, six pops shows and two special events under the guidance of Christopher Seaman, artistic advisor. Guest conductors include the likes of Christoph Campestrini, Christian Knapp and Choesi Komatsu. Orli Shaham, Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, Sarah Chang and Andrew von Oeyen are but a few of this year's distinguished guest artists. Pops shows feature Doc Severinsen, Five By Design and Pink Martini, plus themed presentations such as "Holiday Pops," "Bravo Broadway" and "Fiesta Pops." A couple of exceptional one-nighters, "The Music of Pink Floyd" and "Joshua Bell in Recital," round out the season. The Color Purple - Photo Paul Kolnik
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Carmen Cusak as Elphaba in Wicked - Photo Joan Marcus
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After Tony Bennett, Arts San Antonio's diverse season continues with "Break: The Urban Funk Spectacular," Vienna Boys Choir, "Drumline Live" and Ballet Hispanico with the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra. Other shows in the Broadway Across America series are "Avenue Q," "Tuna Does Vegas," "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," "Frost Nixon" and the much-anticipated "Wicked." Specials to their subscription season are "Cats" and "Jesus Christ Superstar." San Antonio Opera offers patrons the opportunity to see "Cavalleria Rusticana" featuring Andrea Bocelli, "The Mikado" and "Il Trovatore" during their upcoming season. Check the Web for complete details. j u ly 2 0 0 8
Three other classical music organizations are primed for great seasons, as well. San Antonio Chamber Society, Tuesday Musical Club and Musical Bridges Around the World have hot performances on tap, such as TMC's opener with Carter Brey and Christopher O'Riley, and their closer featuring Jon Nakamatsu. Also on their calendar is Lady Jeanne Galway with Zephyr Trio. Musical Bridges brings Lilya Zilberstein, the talented Russian pianist who appeared with the symphony two seasons ago, back to town. She tops the bill in one of five Musical Bridges shows for the year. As is customary, the San Antonio Chamber Music Society has woven together a super season of performances, with Emerson String Quartet getting things started and the Albers Trio concluding their schedule. Four additional groups show off their musical skills in between. Unannounced in the chamber music arena at the time of this writing is Camerata San Antonio. Check their Web site for season information as it becomes available. While online, look up season highlights for Symphony of the Hills and Mid-Texas Symphony, too.
Five By Design - Photo courtesy fivebydesign.com
Continuing on, I encourage you to take a short trip north to Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre in downtown New Braunfels, where you will be thoroughly entertained throughout the performance year by live shows such as "Simply Sinatra with Steve Lippia," "Neil Berg's 101 Years of Broadway," "Three Redneck Tenors," Sentimental Journey Orchestra, the Diamonds, Asleep at The Wheel and more. Several other shows at this venue are yet to be announced, so stay tuned.
Doc Severinsen and El Ritmo de la Vida Photo courtesy San Antonio Symphony
A bit further up the road and to the west in Kerrville, the Kerrville Performing Arts Society offers up a six-show series that includes opening night with the San Antonio Symphony followed by "Drumline Live," "Tango Fire," Synergy Brass Quintet, "Neil Berg's 101 Years of Broadway" and The Five Browns. All of this should be enough to keep you busy, and quite entertained, for the entirety of Season 2008-09, but there's more. I haven't even touched on local theater, but I will.
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To that end, please allow me to direct you to the San Antonio Theatre Coalition and their incredible Web site that catalogues virtually all community theater happenings. It's www.satheatre.com. Maintained and constantly updated by Diana Brown, this site not only lists current and future performances but also give links to approximately 30 member theaters so you can keep track of their season schedules. And if you decide to become a SATCO member, you'll save big at the box office. Your gold and platinum cards will thank you. Get your season tickets. The time is now. s ac i t y pag e s . c o m
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Dining on the San Antonio River has changed a lot since Alfred F. Beyer founded Casa Rio in 1946. These days, you can enjoy food ranging from sushi to barbeque, classic French to Tex-Mex, Asian to Latin fusion. There is truly something to satisfy the taste of everyone. For locals as well as visitors, dining on the River Walk is well worth the trip. For example, Little Rhein Steakhouse, established in 1967 by Frank W. Phelps, has received the Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence consecutively for more than a decade. General manager Moe Lazri pairs the extensive selection of wine with equally impressive classic steakhouse fare served on a picturesque, terraced patio. 231 S. Alamo St. Next door is its sister establishment, Fig Tree Restaurant. The restaurant has received the DiRoNa Award for culinary and hospitality excellence every year since 1998. Entrees such as Beef Wellington and Tournedos Rossini, as well as desserts such as Bananas Foster and Baked Alaska, point to a classical French influence. Escoffier would be proud. 515 Villita St.
Achiote River Cafﾃｩ at The Grand Hyatt Citrus at Hotel Valencia
Biga on the Banks At Biga on the Banks, multiple-James Beard Award nominee Bruce Auden seamlessly fuses the flavors of Tex-Mex, Asian and Mexican cuisines into dishes which emphasize seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The result is the highest Zagat rating of all River Walk restaurants. Auden's background in classical French technique guarantees harmony in an ever-changing, eclectic menu. The International Center, 203 S. St. Mary's St. Boudro's Texas Bistro features cuisine focused on our regional heritage. The Caesar salad dressing reveals a touch of chipotle; the Gulf oysters are "chili" fried; the Chicken Breast Chop is accompanied by guacamole risotto. Libations include a high-octane Texas Tea which, due to the proximity of the river, should only be imbibed by good swimmers with designated drivers. 421 E. Commerce St. ﾃ…enar Hotmex/Coolbar is exactly what the name implies -- a hot spot with a cool atmosphere. The modern dﾃｩcor is not that of a typical San Antonio Mexican food restaurant and neither is the food. Owner Lisa Wong, who also owns the venerable Southtown eatery Rosario's Restaurant y Cantina, offers not only Tex-Mex favorites, but also has been known to venture into Mexican classics such as Crepas de Huitlacoche, Cabrito en Chile Ancho and Cochinita Pibil. 146 E. Houston St.
Joe Cosniac brings 37 years of culinary experience to river dining with three distinctive restaurants that have one thing in common -- what customers want. Paesanos River Walk, 111 W. Crockett St., offers legendary favorites such as Shrimp Paesanos, a decadently rich dish of sauteed shrimp served in a velvety lemon butter liaison. Zuni Grill, 223 Losoya St., which makes one of the best salsas in town, offers an extensive menu of Southwestern cuisine served on a riverbend patio shaded by towering cypress trees. Rio Rio Cantina, 421 E. Commerce St., is a muy muy good place to go on the river to find a unique fusion of California and Tex-Mex cuisines, including several healthy vegetarian dishes that spare the meat but not the flavor. Great tourist destinations attract great hotels, and great hotels boast great restaurants. Two examples of this are Las Canarias at Omni La Mansión del Rio, 112 College St., and Pesca on the River in the Watermark Hotel and Spa, 212 Crockett St. Both restaurants are overseen by executive chef John Brand, whose culinary resume includes Little Nell in Aspen, Colo., and the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. Las Canarias, recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award, focuses on the finest regional ingredients impeccably served in sumptuous surroundings. At Pesca, Brand emphasizes "lifestyle cuisine" rather than typical "spa cuisine," offering an innovative, healthy menu that emphasizes sustainable seafood. Housed in Hotel Valencia, Citrus is to fine dining on the river what a spritz of lemon is to an avocado -- it makes something already great even better. The pure, minimalist décor of the restaurant invites you to focus on the food, as well you should. Chef Jeffrey Balfour has managed to integrate French, Asian and Texan influences to create a New American cuisine that is as artistically presented as it is prepared. 150 E. Houston St. Another standout hotel restaurant is Las Ramblas in Hotel Contessa, which specializes in Spanish and regional American classics cuisines. In addition to the extensive regular menu, executive chef Derek Fontenot and chef de cuisine Jeffery Wiley offer a daily asado (rotisserie roasted) selection of beef, lamb, pork or veal. 306 W. Market St. Achiote River Café rises to the challenge of being situated in a grand hotel -Grand Hyatt San Antonio, no less. Executive chef Jeff Axel has created an ambitious Pan Latino menu, which includes Caribbean, Central and South American, as well as local, influences. The restaurant is decorated in a modern Latino style and offers stunning river views from the patio. The creatively concocted mojitos or the ancho chile flourless chocolate torte are reason enough to return, but add to that everything in between. 600 E. Market St.
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And finally, no article about fine dining on the river would be complete without mentioning Le Rêve. True, Andrew and Maureen Weissman's "jewel box" is situated above the level of the river, but the modern French cuisine, prepared a la minùte, is also above the level of most meals you will ever experience. The 2008 Zagat survey voted Le Rêve the No. 1 restaurant in San Antonio; Gourmet magazine chose La Reve No. 6 on its list of America's top 50 restaurants for 2006. 152 E. Pecan St.
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april 2008
The San Antonio Museum of Art has two new reasons to step into their airconditioned art galleries this summer. Just in time for the 2008 Olympic Games, San Antonio will host a large-scale retrospective of sports photography's most famous moments. "Visions of Victory Presented by Mutual of Omaha" is on view in the Cowden Gallery June 14 to Aug. 17. Photography and sports have evolved hand-in-hand for more than 100 years. The idea of stopping time - glimpsing motion itself in its infinite forms - applies equally to viewing athletics and to creating photographic images. The two worlds, those of the athlete and the photographer, come together in the special exhibition that highlights such inspiring and iconic sports moments as Neil Leifer's Sports Illustrated cover of Mohammed Ali standing triumphantly over a defeated Sonny Liston, the U.S. hockey team's victory over the Soviets at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, and Secretariat's gallop to a Triple Crown victory in the 1973 Belmont Stakes. Photographers include celebrity-snappers like Herb Ritts and Annie Leibovitz, as well as David Burnett (a globetrotting photojournalist recently named one of the "100 Most Important People in Photography" by American Photo Magazine).
At SAMA: (left) Mel Levine, New York City Marathon, 1982 (above) Harold E. "Doc" Edgerton, Golf Drive by Densmore Shute, 1938 In a second summer exhibition, master painter George Bellows (18821925) captured similar sports subjects - he was especially well known for a controversial series on boxers - while working in a completely different medium. In "The Powerful Hand of George Bellows: Drawings from the Boston Public Library" exhibiting in the Focus Gallery, visitors are exposed to this leader of the Ash Can School - a group of early 20th-century American artists known for their gutsy, realistic depictions of everyday life. Considered the most important collection of Bellows' graphic art in the United States, the exhibition sets a new standard for recording the history and significance of the artist's drawings. "The Powerful Hand of George Bellows" reveals the full range of Bellows' graphic art: quick sketches in the field to be used later in the studio, finished compositions intended for publication in popular magazines, commissioned illustrations for short stories and serialized novels, preparatory drawings for lithographic editions, and intimate portraits of friends and family.
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In addition to these two special exhibitions, SAMA is celebrating Contemporary Art Month in July and reopening its Greek and Roman galleries. Admission is free every Tuesday from 4 to 9 p.m., courtesy of the JPMorganChase Foundation. For more information, log on to samuseum.org. j u ly 2 0 0 8
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By Edward Hayes, Jr.
San Antonio's Contemporary Art Month, a grassroots tradition that began 23 years ago in the Blue Star Art Complex, will be celebrated in July. Since 1985, national and international interest in San Antonio as a platform for contemporary art has grown exponentially. Artist Robert Tatum, who in 1994 appropriated the acronym to form CAM, a not-ffor-pprofit organization to further centralize, fund and plan Contemporary Art Month, states, "Last year, 94 private studios, foundations, galleries and institutions and more than 500 local, national and international artists participated in CAM." Tatum projects those numbers to rise in 2008. What is certain this summer is that July is still the time to get up to date on progressive art in the River City's progressive spaces. Citywide exhibitions and events in museums, art galleries, artists' studios and coffee shops will be celebrating the vitality of San Antonio's productive art community. Join San Antonio in mapping its contemporary cultural geography by visiting these Contemporary Art Month highlights:
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President Ricardo Romo and Dr. Harriett Romo of the University of Texas at San Antonio and the department of art and art history are announcing the opening of New Art/Arte Nuevo, a juried exhibition at the UTSA 1604 Campus. The selected artists from a competitive pool of applicants were chosen for addressing multiple traditions and avant-ggarde approaches. Gallery director Dr. Scott Sherer is adamant that the show is "critically, culturally and aesthetically indicative of the breadth of the arts community in the region." The show's jurors and curators are Texas artists Benito Huerta and Kathy Vargas. New Art/Arte Nuevo opens July 2, from 6 to 8 p.m.
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At Blue Star: (above left) Justin Boyd, Shotgun Series: The Grey Mix, 2001-2 2008, DVD and box set (above right) Kathy Vargas, From the Innocent Age series, 2007, hand colored gelatin silver prints (opposite page) John William Keedy, Epithet 41C, 2007, light jet print, 12 x 18" j u ly 2 0 0 8
The late Linda Pace's nonprofit art institution, Artpace, continues strong with its highly acclaimed artist-in-residence program. Every two-month residency cycle welcomes three artists: one from Texas, one national artist and a third international artist. For Contemporary Art Month, New Works: 08.2, curated by Lauri Firstenberg, director and curator of LAXART, Los Angeles, selected Houston artist William Cordova, Mark Bradford from Los Angeles and Marcos RamĂrez ERRE from Tijuana, Mexico, for the group show. Celina Emery of Artpace says, "All three are well-known in the international art world - each has been included in past Whitney biennial exhibitions - and we are very excited for them to be working here in San Antonio." New Works: 08.2 opens July 10 at 6 p.m. Arpace is located on 445 North Main Avenue. At the Southwest School of Art and Craft, 300 Augusta St., catch the Nomadic Gallery if you can. Kathy Armstrong curates a 24-foot-long rented Ryder truck by converting it into a traveling gallery. On July 17, the truck will visit the school's Ursuline Campus, and on July 18 it will park on the Navarro Street Campus. Organizers and exhibiting artists are Ryder Richards, Piotr Chizinski and Jon Whitfill. Nomadic Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also visiting San Antonio is an exhibition from the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Chicago. The Smithsonian's Museo Alameda exhibits Escultura Social: A New Generation of Art from Mexico City. Pop, conceptual and political boundaries of art are approached by the 15-plus artists. Curated by Julie Rodrigues Widholm for the MCA, Escultura Social, or "Social Sculpture," includes site-specific, performative and ephemeral projects in addition to video, photography and installations. The exhibit opens at the Museo Alameda, 101 S. Santa Rosa St., on July 31. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In the cradle of Contemporary Art Month's birthplace, the Blue Star Contemporary Art Center will exhibit CAM 23: Playing With Time. Curator of contemporary art for the San Antonio Museum of Art David S. Rubin brings a comprehensive exhibition of new media and time-based arts. About the 20-plus artists, Rubin says, "The list includes both well-established and emerging artists who are bonded by their content - an interest in time as a subject or element in their art."
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Well-known artists are Rolando BriseĂąo, Catherine and George Cisneros, Suzanne Paquette, Chris Sauter and Kathy Vargas. Emerging artists are Aaron Forland and John William Keedy. CAM 23: Playing With Time expects a large audience on Independence Day, which is also July's First Friday. For a complete listing and calendar of Contemporary Art Month exhibitions and events, visit http://camsanantonio.org. s ac i t y pag e s . c o m
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Although Tony Bennett may have left his heart in San Francisco, he's also left thousands of loyal adoring fans in San Antonio, too, since playing The Alamo City two years ago. But ever the crowd pleaser, Bennett's coming back to town, so fans need wait no more to hear their favorite velvet crooner. For this dashing legendary entertainer, popular with music lovers of all ages, will put on a tux, turn on the charm and cut a classy figure on stage when he takes the mike. Ready to dazzle with glittering jazz standards and his classic American hits, Bennett will grace the Municipal Auditorium stage in an Arts San Antonio presentation on Friday, September 5, at 8 p.m., and tickets are going fast.
Today, with 15 Grammys under his belt, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and over 50 million records sold worldwide and platinum and gold albums to his credit, Bennett still enjoys an illustrious career that has spanned nearly six decades. And with a grace and panache befitting the class he exudes, Bennett looks back on the thrill of it all with a grateful heart and a twinkle in his eye. C ITYP AGES
So CityPages felt lucky to catch Bennett between shows during his current international tour to ask what it feels like to be on top of the world.
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Photo by Paul Drinkwater
What a good life Bennett has - how great must it be, and how extraordinary it is that Bennett, who turns 82 just two days before his San Antonio performance, still has the looks, the charisma and the voice to make women swoon. With a sense of style that George Clooney probably studies and Cary Grant likely admired, Bennett, a New York native and international household name still has that special something - a cachĂŠ of class as subtle and enduring as soft harmony, and a fullblown talent so boldly recognizable that Bob Hope saw it instantly and shoved him toward stardom back in 1949.
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Tony Bennett: Well, thank you for saying that. I think you have to love what you do in order to be a success at it, and even as a child I always loved performing for my family. Every Sunday afternoon, all the relatives would get together and myself, my brother John and my sister Mary would entertain them. They would all be in a circle around us, and every week I looked forward to those Sundays — I still look forward to performing, and I still get “butterflies” before going out on stage. Sinatra once told me that was a good thing — the “butterflies” show that you care and you want to put on a good show.
CP: When you think back on the early days of your career, what did it feel like when things really began to happen for you? Were you surprised, or did you somehow always know you were destined to be a singer? Bennett: I certainly had my “scuffling years” but I always knew this is what I wanted to do so I never got discouraged. My big break could have been written by a Hollywood screenwriter: Pearl Bailey saw me perform one night and asked me to join her show at the Village Inn in NYC. Bob Hope came down to see Pearl and took a liking to my performance and asked me on the spot to join his show at the Paramount Theater. The next thing, I am backstage at the Paramount with Bob Hope! CP: I read that your original stage name was Joe Bari but that Bob Hope talked you into changing it. Is this true? Bennett: Yes, we were backstage at the Paramount, and Bob thought the name “Joe Bari” wasn’t a good choice, so he asked me what was my real name. I told him, “Anthony Dominick Benedetto,” and he said, “That’s too long for the marquee,” and he came up with the Americanized version of “Tony Bennett.” So the first time I ever heard the name Tony Bennett was when Bob went out on stage at the Paramount Theatre and introduced me that way to the audience! CP: When you recorded “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” did you have a sense, a feeling, at that moment that you’d just recorded something very special, even life-cchanging? Bennett: “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” was truly a grass-roots effort. Ralph Sharon, my magnificent pianist and musical director for so many years, had found the song in a drawer and brought it with him on the road as we were going to perform in San Francisco for the first time, and he thought it might be good to add that song in for those appearances. We actually rehearsed the song for the first time in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and the bartender who was listening to it said, “If you record that song, I will buy it.” So I performed it at the Venetian Room at the Fairmont Hotel, and it got a very good reaction, so Columbia put it on the B side of a record that they were putting out — the A side was a beautiful song called “Once Upon A Time.” After a few weeks, this groundswell of support c i t y pag e s m ag a z i n e . c o m
happened for “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” and in the end it became the hit, as well as my signature song. CP: What do you think it is about you and your music that attracts the young people of today as much as it did their parents? Bennett: My philosophy has always been to have a “hit catalogue,” not a “hit song,” so I always have picked songs that I felt were timeless and very well crafted by master songwriters such as the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, Duke Ellington. I had to fight early on in my career not to record novelty songs that would just be a quick hit and then completely forgotten, and I learned early on to always sing to everyone, not just one demographic group.
CP: You are a gifted painter, as well as a talented singer. Is it possible to explain the connection between your gifts in both of these arts? Bennett: I have had two passions all my life — singing and painting. I studied art in school and paint every day. For me, having two art forms to work with allows me to stay in a creative zone all the time without getting burned out. Singing is very public and extroverted [- while painting is just you and the canvas, so the two things balance each other in a very positive way. I sign my paintings “Benedetto” which is my family name — it means “Blessed One” in Italian, and I feel very blessed to have been able to make a living doing the two things I love most — singing and painting. CP: I’m told you have a fabulous apartment overlooking Central Park in Manhattan, not so very many miles from where you grew up in Queens. What is it you love most about New York City? Bennett: What can you say, it’s the Big Apple! CP: What is a typical day like in your life when you’re not on the road? Bennett: I always try to get some painting done in my art studio, my wife, Susan and I love to walk in Central Park, and we enjoy the great restaurants New York City has to offer. CP: What kind of music do you listen to at home? Bennett: I love jazz music. It has always been first with me. CP: What has been the biggest kick, the biggest thrill of them all. Bennett: The thrill for me is knowing that at the end of a performance the audience has forgotten all their own problems they might have been thinking about early in the day — and they are just enjoying themselves and having a good time. CP: Thanks for sharing your thoughts with our readers. We look forward to your visit on September 5. Here's to the good life and may the best be yet to come.
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CityPages: You are one of the most beloved entertainers of all time, with fans from all walks of life, all over the globe. To what do you attribute your timeless, tremendous success?
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By Julie Catalano
august 2008
Photography Doug Jacobson
The next time you attend a show at the Majestic Theater or the Charline McCombs Empire Theater, pay attention to the man behind the curtain. As principal and executive director of Arts Center Enterprises Inc., Kirk Feldmann may not be pulling levers or setting off puffs of smoke onstage, but as a 27-year veteran of the venue management industry, he has had to pull off some pretty amazing feats -- like helping to bring cherished historic theaters back to glorious life and making sure they stay that way.
"We" would include Feldmann's partners Allen Becker, Barry Lewis and Gary Markowitz, who - along with Anderson - have more than 100 years of collective experience in redevelopment and professional management. The team will have the opportunity for more fun when they redevelop the Katrina-ravaged Saenger Theater in New Orleans, and a possible new project in Brooklyn. Over the years, the team has managed and developed the Chicago Theater, Mud Island Amphitheater in Memphis and others.
Feldmann's road to the Alamo City began in Vienna, Austria, where he was born to a Foreign Service diplomat and his wife, both theater lovers. "As a child, I had opportunities to travel and see shows in and around New York," he says. Feldmann remembers vividly seeing "Godspell" at D.C.'s Ford's Theater at 13. "I had my first taste of champagne that night."
In addition, Feldmann notes, "I am proud that ACE has been able to provide San Antonio with a first-class theatrical operation that delivers top-quality entertainment in a business model that doesn't require any drain on the city coffers. We anticipate our 5,000th performance by the end of this year and our 5 millionth patron." This successful mix of business and arts resulting in self-sustainability is unique to the field, he adds, but not unattainable by anyone with the same determination to foster industry relationships and find investment-minded civic leaders. "A lot of it is common sense and experience," he says. "It's not like we have some copyrighted, super-secret plan."
The spell had been cast, and in college, Feldmann was the guitarist and de facto manager of a band, "negotiating with bar owners for payment, something like $50 and a case of beer." His first historic venue was the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C., where he was box office treasurer before being hired away by current ACE partner David Anderson in 1983. Coming to San Antonio "was tremendously exciting." Feldmann recalls. "It was an opportunity to really become involved in operating this beautiful historic landmark." Arts Center Enterprises was formed in 1989 when the Majestic had its grand reopening after a $4.5 million renovation. A subsequent re-do in 1996 delivered stage and dressing room expansions, new rigging, new orchestra shell, storage space, freight elevator and hydraulic lift.
The project here involved taking three historic buildings - the Majestic, the Empire and the Brady Building - that were not only built at three different times (1929, 1914 and 1895, respectively), but also built at three different elevations. "The complexities of dealing with interconnecting these three with a common power plant, HVAC, sprinkler systems, electrical systems, at all different levels, was fun." Really? Feldmann pauses. "Looking back, we certainly had times when we thought this was never going to work, but now, it was terribly fun, because it was a complicated problem and we found our way through." c i t y pag e s m ag a z i n e . c o m
Feldmann says the Broadway Across America series will continue to work on booking long-run shows like "The Phantom of the Opera," which drew 65,000 attendees, and "The Lion King," which generated more than $22 million in economic impact for the city. The tornado of activity that makes up Feldmann's job seems overwhelming overseeing operations and maintenance of treasured buildings, dealing with stars and their handlers, even occasionally tearing a ticket or two during the crush of sold-out performances. It's fitting that the highlight of the upcoming season is "Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz," opening June 2009 for a four-week run. "We anticipate we will sell literally every available seat for every performance. It is white hot." Does he get pre-show butterflies? He laughs. "You know, I do. And I can't really explain why." A minor glitch, to be sure, always overcome by "the show must go on." That courage, plus a big heart, a sharp brain and a safe home, has helped Kirk Feldmann find his pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. august 2008
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Now a nationally recognized expert in renovation and operations, Feldmann says that historic renovation "is a very tricky process." Along with the nuts and bolts of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, restoration involves dealing with "historic rehab agencies on the local level, then up the ladder to the state level and the national level, with all sorts of rules that you have to follow." The Majestic is a National Historic Landmark (there are fewer than 2,500 in the United States) and - with its twinkling night sky and Spanish Moorish architecture - one of the few remaining atmospheric fantasy movie palaces in the country.
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Southtown is the aptly named area south of downtown, along the commercial corridors of South Alamo, South St. Mary's and South Presa streets. Nestled in between the King William Historic District, the Blue Star Arts Complex area and Lavaca, the city's oldest existing neighborhood, it's home to the First Friday Art Walk, a monthly event featuring locally made artwork. By Susan A. Merkner
Azuca neon lights up the night. Since revitalization efforts began there in 1991, Southtown has grown - not geographically but in terms of housing, entertainment and commercial development - as more San Antonians adopt the neighborhood slogan: Southtown, Where Arte es Vida. "There are so many great things happening here. We have a lot of new development going on at the present time," says Juan Gutierrez, executive director of the Southtown Mainstreet Alliance. "In the next two to three years, we anticipate a population explosion in this area, with an additional 18,000 to 20,000 people expected to move here." Above: "Vespa in SoTo" by Gilbert DurĂĄn, 36"x48" - Giclee on Canvas. Below: Interior of Rosario's Mexican CafĂŠ y Cantina.
The Blue Star Arts Complex was the initial economic generator for the area. Arts often are a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization, Gutierrez says. "Lots of artists used to live here, but real estate got too expensive. Many of them still work here but live elsewhere. The workforce that lives here is very creative. We have a high concentration of architects, graphic designers, marketing people, visual and performing artists and clothing artists."
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Most new development now is occurring on South Presa Street, because South Alamo Street is saturated, Gutierrez says. New restaurants and housing units are expected to draw people to the area, which already has a reputation as an artists' colony thanks to the nearby Blue Star Arts Complex and the availability of real estate that allows individuals to live in the same building where they work. "We are a community of choice, undoubtedly. It's so convenient to walk out your front door and be at a restaurant quickly. There's a variety here, from tacos to cordon bleu, at your doorstep." Already a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly area, Southtown hopes "to connect the dots with the downtown area and draw pedestrian traffic from the River Walk," Gutierrez says.
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Stephen Yndo, commercial real estate agent and past president of the board of directors of the Southtown Mainstreet Alliance, sees a variety of buyers interested in living and working in the neighborhood. "The typical buyers are pre-retirees, empty nesters. Their children have gone off to college. They are hipsters, worldly types, tired of the suburbs. Another big group is retired people, age 65 and older, who want to move back into the city. There are also a number of young professionals, 30 to 40 years old, childless, highdollar executive types from some of the city's largest corporate employers and some who own their own businesses. Finally, there are families with children, encouraged by recent improvements within the San Antonio Independent School District, including Bonham Elementary, which has a Spanish-immersion program, and Brackenridge High School." Yndo points to a number of new residential projects expected to come online later this year and early in 2009. One of the largest is a Neighborhood Revitalization Project at the site of the former Victoria Courts public housing on the south side of Durango Boulevard. According to the San Antonio Housing Authority, which is overseeing the project, the Victoria Commons development includes three communities: Refugio Place apartments, 300 Labor St. between Santos and Refugio streets, with one-, two- and threebedroom apartments built over private parking, Artisan Park Townhomes, east of Labor Street, between Refugio and Leigh streets, with 120 two- and three-story homes ranging from 1,260 square feet to 1,981 square feet, and the Durango phase, the plans for which still are being finalized. Yndo says other projects also are in the works, including six garden homes on Madison Street, construction of 84 urban lofts at the Judson's Candy Factory at 831 S. Flores St., and 130 residential units planned by the Lifshutz Companies for the Big Tex Grain site south of the Blue Star complex. As for parking, Yndo is philosophical. "In the 20 years I've been here, it's never been that big of an issue. First Friday is one night a month. It's not that big a deal." Indeed, some might find the search for a spot part of Southtown's appeal. Lisa Wong, owner of Rosario's Mexican CafĂŠ y Cantina, says with a laugh, "It adds to the excitement of coming here, knowing you'll have to hunt for a parking space." Sixteen years ago, Lisa moved her popular restaurant to its current location at 910 S. Alamo St., from a site two blocks farther south. "Like most destinations, Southtown has had its peaks and valleys. But there has definitely been an improvement from the early days. Right now is a peak period. New restaurants are opening, which is great," she says. For people who want to live closer to the central city, Southtown is a convenient place. According to Wong, "Southtown has always been an attraction. The close proximity to your workplace is just an added value."
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Gini Garcia of Garcia Art Glass, photo Al Rendon.
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Bull riding in front of The Alamo? In another first for San Antonio, real riders atop real bulls brought heart-pounding rodeo action to downtown San Antonio, courtesy of Houston Street Fair & Market. The afternoon of Saturday, June 28 found curious locals and tourists watching full grown, rank bulls kicking their back legs high into the Texas sky while brave cowboys' hung on for dear life with a hand free and dirt flying. All of this was staged with the venerable Alamo as its backdrop.
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San Antonio's special events director Tonya Drake was delighted with the overflow crowds that packed the bleachers and encircled the arena for all three performances. As each rider gave the go ahead nod and tons of bull exploded out of the chute, onlookers collectively counted to eight under their breath. Cheering and yelling punctuated by gasps and heartfelt applause echoed throughout Alamo Plaza as each cowboy raised his hat overhead after a successful ride. Cantankerous bulls threw a couple of riders into the crowd and chased rodeo clowns up and over fences more than once which convinced skeptics that this was indeed the real deal. august 2008
This may well be the first of many similar projects for Houston Street Fair & Market, the monthly event founded by Mayor Phil Hardberger. "Although initially slated as a 'once in a lifetime experience,' overwhelming praise for the event may well warrant an encore," according to Ms. Drake. "Everyone had an opportunity to get face to face with bulls and bull riders. It was a true success and we look forward to working with C4 Productions in the future." It is no small feat to host a rodeo in Alamo Plaza without a hitch. Houston Street Fair & Market planners deserve a few hats thrown in the air for this one. Houston Street Fair & Market is always scheduled for the last Saturday of each month. The fair welcomes local artists, entertainers and food vendors to participate. Booths are available through the City of San Antonio. The Houston Street Fair & Market is a family community event and free to the public. story & photo by Greg Harrison cpEVEntphotos.com
Museo Alameda at Market Square
By Analisa Farias
A working model from "The Genius of Leonardo" at The Witte
With summer in full swing and "staycations" ever increasing in popularity, there is no better time than now to immerse yourself in "no cost culture." Whether you are exposing your children to the arts for the first time, visiting with a large group, or rekindling a romance with art, be sure to join the thousands of San Antonians taking advantage of free admission times at the San Antonio Museum of Art, the McNay Art Museum, the Witte Museum and the Museo Alameda.
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Drop by SAMA from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays to cash in on this great deal. "Offering free admission once a week, especially in the late afternoon and evening, allows the San Antonio Museum of Art to reach new and important audiences. We're so grateful to the JP Morgan Chase Foundation for underwriting our free Tuesdays program," said Dr. Marion Oettinger, the Betty and Bob Kelso Director, San Antonio Museum of Art. "We schedule much of our programming for Tuesday evenings, including films, lectures, mediation and sketching in the galleries classes, to take advantage of our great crowds." With such intriguing exhibits, it's no wonder that visitors are turning out in droves.
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Jorge Gonzalez's Camarena Sin Titulo from "Myths, Mortals and Immortality" at Museo Alameda.
Running until Aug. 31, "The Powerful Hand of George Bellows: Drawings From the Boston Public Library" highlights the works of the country's most accomplished lithographer. Bellows made significant contributions to American landscape painting and portraiture, but is best known for several controversial boxing images.
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Sports enthusiasts will be enthralled by gripping images from "Visions of Victory," running through Aug. 17 and presented by Mutual of Omaha. It is a collection of more than 100 images from around the world by such notable photographers as William Henry Jackson, Annie Leibovitz and David Burnett. Originally organized for presentation at the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, the exhibition here will coincide with the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Make your way over to the McNay from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays and on the first Sunday of every month from noon to 5 p.m. Now through Aug. 24, you can catch a glimpse of "American Art Since 1945: In a New Light." Presented in the new Jane and Arthur Stieren Center for Exhibitions, it features works from the McNay's collection of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures and photographs. Also showing until Aug. 17 is "The Ballets Russes at 100: Treasures From the Tobin Collection." It's the McNay's renowned collection of more than 100 costumes, prints, books and original theater designs.
Retrato de la nina Delfino Flores by Diego Rivera at The McNay Be one of the privileged few to view these treasures before they are shared with the rest of the world. Supported by Frost Bank Charitable Foundation, Bolner's Fiesta Products and Martha Landsman, Free Tuesdays at the Witte Museum can be enjoyed from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. "Free Tuesday has become a tradition at the Witte Museum, with about 55,000 people coming annually. We see families grow up here, coming for a picnic dinner in the park and a visit to the museum. We are very proud of being the 'first museum' for many generations. Our generous donors make it possible for the Witte Museum to serve the broader community through Free Tuesday," said Marise McDermott, Witte president and CEO. While at the Witte, see "Mummies: Unwrapping the Past." Take a glimpse into history and discover how people lived in ancient Egypt. Hands-on activities such as pyramid building make this exciting exhibit fun for the whole family. If you're willing to spend a few dollars, let the Witte transport you into the "magical world of Leonardo Da Vinci's mastermind machines, built from his original drawings."
The gift of no cost culture has been given, opportunities have been presented and masterpieces are on display in our own back yard. It's up to us to accept the generosity of these museums and their benefactors, and to share a visit to each one with family and friends. c i t y pag e s m ag a z i n e . c o m
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As if you didn't have enough options, the Museo Alameda, the "official state Latino museum of Texas," is free all day on Sundays and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Showing in the Smithsonian Gallery, "Myths, Mortals and Immortality: Works from Museo Soumaya de Mexico" sheds light on issues that characterize Mexican art throughout the years. "Of Rage and Redemption: The Art of Oswaldo Guayasamin" is a collection of more than 40 works that cover issues ranging from peace and war to human compassion. The collection reflects sentiments regarding Guayasamin's Latin American roots as well as issues on a global level.
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Alice, A Rock Opera - Photo courtesy magiktheatre.org
Photo by Paul Kolnik By Sara Selango Oprah Winfrey's "The Color Purple," the first show in this year's Broadway Across America lineup at the Majestic Theatre, launches performance season 2008-09 in grand style. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker (more than 5 million copies sold), "The Color Purple" first came to life on the silver screen with Stephen Spielberg's 1985 cinematic adaptation in which Oprah played the part of Sofia. With this in mind, it's not surprising that she became involved in the stage musical as co-producer of the work with Scott Sanders. From September 9-14, you'll have eight opportunities to take it in; evenings Tuesday through Sunday, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday. A personal aside: I think some shows, more than others, are meant to be seen in incredible atmospheric theaters like the Majestic. This is one of them.
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Continuing with live theater, local offerings include "Alice, A Rock Opera" with Becky King at Magik Theatre (written by San Antonians Wink Kelso and Richard Rosen in 1973), "Chicago" at the Woodlawn, "The Sunshine Boys" at Harlequin and "Hattitude" at the Josephine. Have I put in my plug for local theater lately? There's some great stuff being done in the city, so please take time to support these folks. Moving right along, other highlights include both the male and female versions of "The Odd Couple" at the Vex, "Forbidden Broadway" takes the stage at Cameo , and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" opens at San Pedro Playhouse." Check your local listings (satheatre.com) for days and times.
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Photo courtesy Majestic Theatre september 2008
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Switching subjects, Georges Bizet's "Carmen," the story of opera's ultimate femme fatale, is coming to the Lila Cockrell Theatre. Probably the most beloved opera of all time, "Carmen" is being presented by San Antonio Opera and runs Sept. 26-28. Other performances this opera season include "Cavalleria Rusticana," featuring Andrea Bocelli in November, "The Mikado" in March and "Il Trovatore" next June. September is a great month for concerts. Tony Bennett appears at Municipal Auditorium in an Arts San Antonio presentation on Sept. 5, followed by Enrique Iglesias at the AT&T Center on Sept. 6. Toby Keith plays the Verizon on Sept. 7 and the Eagles fly in for one performance only at the AT&T Center on Sept. 8. Mavis Staples comes to town for the Carver's annual Cavalcade of Stars at Sunset Station on Sept. 18. Carlos Santana performs at the Verizon on Sept. 19, and country legend Ray Price sings at John T. Floore Country Store on Sept. 27.
Carlos Santana - Photo by Alan Silfen
Classical offerings are highlighted by season openers for Musical Bridges Around the World with "Les Bonbons Pour le Violin" featuring violinist Emmanuel Borok and pianist Anya Grokhovski-Michaelson at McAllister Auditorium on Sept. 7; Camerata San Antonio's "Romantic Beginnings" in Kerrville, Boerne and San Antonio on Sept. 11, 12 and 14 respectively; and San Antonio Chamber Music Society's presentation of the Emerson String Quartet on Sept. 28. Texas Public Radio brings Christopher O'Riley and the popular NPR show "From the Top" to Laurie Auditorium on Sept. 13. I haven't forgotten about the San Antonio Symphony. Their season doesn't start until October, so check their Web site for details.
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Just for laughs, let me conclude with comedy. Robert Schimmel does seven shows at Rivercenter Comedy Club Sept. 17-21; and last, but certainly not least, Seinfeld plays the Majestic, twice. Catch his act on Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. september 2008
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Alondra de la Parra Photo courtesy SA Symphony
By Lisa Cruz Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, "Take a music bath once or twice a week for a few seasons. You will find it is to the soul what a water bath is to the body." The San Antonio Symphony will provide ample opportunity to soak in a tub of harmonies this season beginning with the season-opening concerts Oct. 3 and 4, featuring "a fabulous pianissimo," according to the New York Times, pianist Orli Shaham and the symphony's newest family member, Christopher Seaman. Seaman joined the symphony as its artistic advisor in January and has helped create a distinctive and diverse repertoire for the 20082009 season that is expected to stretch the musical talents of the orchestra and broaden audiences' appreciation of classical music. A vibrant musical architect, Seaman is also entering his 11th season as the music director of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, where he has helped broaden the audience base and nourish new talent.
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In preparing the upcoming season, Seaman said, "I wanted to select programs that represent music from all periods," adding that he wanted to create programs with a good balance of both familiar pieces (from legendary composers) and unfamiliar pieces (from contemporary composers) that will be right for the audience and the orchestra.
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Seaman is providing a musical umbrella for the symphony by overseeing the planning of the 2008-2009 classical subscription season, overseeing musician auditions and providing advice on artistic matters. Seaman also will conduct three concerts this season. september 2008
David Filner, symphony vice president and general manager, explained that "as artistic advisor during the current search for a new music director, one of Maestro Seaman's most important roles will be to help provide consistent artistic leadership and a unifying artistic vision. His input on programming will help to ensure a cohesive, interesting and exciting season for the orchestra and audiences alike. Additionally, I am sure that the three weeks of classical concerts he will conduct will be musical highlights of the season." In addition to his many accolades, Seaman received the Eastman Luminary Award from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester in 2007 for his work in supporting music and the arts across the United States and within the greater Rochester community. "Developing a symphony season is much like creating the perfect meal. It takes the finest ingredients, a fabulous chef and a great presentation," explained Seaman. "The San Antonio Symphony has some of the finest musicians in the world and is bringing fabulous guest artists next season. The guest conductors are world-renowned, and combined with the enduring repertoire of Brahms, Beethoven and Rachmaninoff, we will create a perfect feast." A gourmet buffet of music will be laid out in October, starting with Seaman and Shaham opening weekend, followed by an Oct. 11 special performance of the "Music of Pink Floyd" at the Municipal Auditorium. Austrian conductor Christoph Campestrini takes the helm to conduct the San Antonio Symphony and the San Antonio Symphony Mastersingers in a program featuring the works of Johannes Brahms and Gustav Mahler on Oct. 17-18. Following Campestrini is a vibrant, young conductor from Mexico City, 27-year-old Alondra de la Parra. De la Parra is the founder and artistic director of the New York-based Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas, and according to a June 1 New York Times article, she became the youngest member on the board of trustees for the Latin Grammy Awards this past May. De la Parra will conduct a compilation of Latin and Russian works at the Majestic Theatre Oct. 24-25. cpEVEntphotos.com
Closing out October and opening the Symphony Pops Series is Doc Severinsen and "El Ritmo de la Vida" at the Majestic, Oct. 31-Nov. 2. The trio will join the symphony to perform classical Spanish music, American and Latino ballads along with movie music. The symphony continues to combine the new with the traditional throughout the season, including a performance by renowned conductor and violinist Scott Yoo, followed by a presentation of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker in partnership with Arts San Antonio and Ballet San Antonio.
Doc Severinsen and El Ritmo de la Vida Photo courtesy SA Symphony
The symphony revives its traditional holiday season concerts in December with Handel's Messiah, Holiday Pops and the New Year's Eve favorite, A Night in Old Vienna. 2009 promises even more variety with sounds from Mariachi Campa単as de America to violinist Joshua Bell, violinist Sarah Chang and Pink Martini, among many others. For more information on the symphony's 2008-2009 season, visit www.sasymphony.org or call the box office at 210-554-1010.
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Sarah Chang - Photo courtesy SA Symphony
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By Charlie Jarrell San Antonio is widely recognized as a city that avidly celebrates its unique sights, sounds, flavors and traditions. The city-coordinated Fall Art Festivals calendar of events offers many wonderful opportunities to sample the rich cultural life that drives the heartbeat of this colorful city. Most of the events began as grassroots efforts and expressions by individual artists and organizations. They now define the creative, artistic and cultural character of San Antonio. FOTOSEPTIEMBRE USA Sept. 1-30, Citywide This annual international photography festival is a unique, eclectic, month-long celebration of the photographic arts. Dozens of exhibits showing traditional photographs, digital images, photography-based works, photographic installations, funky camera and alternative processes are presented in galleries, museums, art centers and other exhibition spaces in San Antonio, the Texas Hill Country, and in the festival's Web galleries. All exhibits are free and open to the public.
Dave Brubeck will appear at Jazz'SAlive Photo courtesy Milken Family Foundation
Jazz'SAlive Sept. 20-21, Travis Park Celebrating 25 years of jazz in the park, Jazz'SAlive presents the best of local, regional, national and international jazz musicians in a free, two-day outdoor festival in San Antonio's beautiful Travis Park downtown. Local acts perform in the afternoon, and national artists are showcased in the evening. Jazz'SAlive also hosts the Starlight Salute Gala and the Jazz'SAlive Champagne Brunch; both at the historic St. Anthony Hotel. Jazz'SAlive is organized by the City of San Antonio and the San Antonio Parks Foundation. All concerts are free and open to the public. International Accordion Festival Oct. 10-12, La Villita Celebrate the local sounds, regional rhythms and global grooves of accordion music from around the world. Come on out and zydeco, polka, tango and two step! Enjoy performances, workshops, open mics and jam sessions on multiple stages with the finest accordionists from across the planet. The festival kicks off on Friday night with a moonlight concert at Arneson River Theatre. The festival is open to the public and admission is free all day Saturday and Sunday.
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Chango Spasiuk - Photo courtesy Douglas Manger
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European Film Festival Sept. 8-11, Santikos Palladium IMAX The Fifth Edition European Film Festival is organized by the European Film Festival Corp. and presents 25 recent films at the Palladium IMAX, Interstate 10 West and Loop 1604. The festival sponsors and participants include the consulates of France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain and Switzerland, the City of San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs, the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the San Antonio Department of International Affairs. The co-organizers are Santikos Theatres and the UTSA Department of Modern Languages. Admission is free.
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Mariachi Vargas de TecalitlĂĄn - Photo courtesy Cynthia MuĂąoz
Día de los Muertos Nov. 2-3, Citywide Observed on Nov. 2 with exhibits and events continuing throughout the month, Día de los Muertos is a colorful flurry of traditional and contemporary festivities that celebrate ancestral remembrance and harvest season rituals from Central Mexico's indigenous cultures. Organized since 1978 by Centro Cultural Aztlán, with altars and exhibits on display all over the city, Día de los Muertos is a mainstay of San Antonio's folklore and a vivid expression of its cultural heritage.
New World Wine & Food Festival Nov. 5-9, Citywide Enjoy five full days of fun, food, wine and more as the best of the best is compared and contrasted in this food and wine spectacular. Dive into your choice of events from a hip, happy hour to a black-tie evening to a familyfriendly casual event that promises to be fun for all. You can simply gather with old friends or make some new ones at one of the most exciting events of all -- the New World Grand Tasting. Whether your style is casual or formal, the New World Wine & Food Festival has an event to suit your tastes and your budget. Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Nov. 30-Dec. 6, Citywide The 14th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza is a week-long mariachi music festival that attracts thousands to the Alamo City. The event includes a mariachi-inspired art exhibit, student mariachi serenades on the River Walk, workshops, mariachi group and vocal competitions, and it culminates with a concert featuring the world-renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. Now in its fifth generation, the group is producing a CD each year bringing their discography to more than 60 CDs. Mariachi Vargas' music is also in approximately 200 films and music videos. The group is known for recording with Luis Miguel on his Grammy Award-winning CD "Mexico en la Piel," for touring with Linda Ronstadt and for being featured in the nationally aired PBS special "Mariachi: The Spirit of Mexico."
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The Fall Art Festivals calendar is coordinated by the City of San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs. Most events are free and open to the public. For more information on Fall Art Festivals, visit the website at www.fallartfestivals.com or call the Office of Cultural Affairs at 210-207-6960. september 2008
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Urban redevelopment - this phrase is coming to define San Antonio in the 21st century. We've seen it all in the last few years - the hotel boom, the Museum and Mission Reach expansions of the River Walk, high-rrise condominiums and warehouse lofts, and new cultural experiences like the Museo Alameda and the Briscoe Museum of Western Art. Developers, architects, urban planners, donors and citizens are bringing the heart back into downtown San Antonio. And this makes Andres Andujar very happy. Andujar is vice-ppresident and architecture sector leader of Parsons, a design, management, engineering, and construction company with offices worldwide. An urban renewal pioneer, Andujar worked to revitalize an aging Houston Street into one of the city's most energetic thoroughfares, and was the visionary behind the new River North district, which will encompass the businesses and residences that support the Museum Reach of the River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art and the new performing arts center. An international traveler recently returned from a five-ccity tour of Europe, Andujar has always brought his expansive, cosmopolitan sensibility to one of the nation's sleepiest cities. Now San Antonio is waking up. I checked in with Andujar to see what's next.
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Andujar sees the city through the lens of the original 1990s master plan, with a core tourism district in the center and four quadrants to the north (River North), south (Southtown, SoFlo), east (Sunset Station and historic neighborhoods) and west (Market Square).
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As someone known for loving authenticity and community in his urban planning, Andujar is diplomatic about the tourism trade. He is actively working on a few hotel projects downtown, and feels we need more hotel rooms to compete with convention cities like San Diego and Chicago, and also to accommodate a growing drive market. He calls this a "plastic" success - 10,000 visitors a night are walking around downtown, absorbing what we have to offer but not adding to it. He'd still like to see more downtown residents and local businesses as permanent foundations, providing character to the city, so we're less reliant on attractions, conventions, and seasons. If not in the city core, that is indeed happening to the south and east. Andujar is delighted with the residential transformation going on in historic neighborhoods like King William, SoFlo, Highland Park and Dignowity Hill, where older homes being renovated are sitting side by side with glossy new lofts repurposed from factory buildings. Restaurants and bars are local success stories, not national chains, and young, creative businesses are moving in. To the north of downtown, Andujar is finally seeing his River North plan come to fruition, with the city now taking an active lead in executing the master plan Andujar worked on for years. "The city could have started it," he laughs, describing the excellent leadership now on board and the quality team the city has put together. The recent decision by AT&T to relocate some downtown staff to Dallas doesn't faze him either. "It's a brand new opportunity," he says. "All of the things that were attractive and a plus for AT&T for so long will be a plus for someone new." Competing with hotel rooms, Andujar does feel San Antonio needs a lot of growth in downtown office space. He hopes that spaces opening up on the River Walk will attract corporations that might be perfect fits for the city. The success of the commitment to the new performing arts center along the river, anchored in the historic Municipal Auditorium, soothes the soul as well. Andujar also has his sights on a new project with new potential. He is currently researching the Market Square area, home to the new Museo Alameda and the Alameda Theatre, Christus Santa Rosa Hospital, UTSA's downtown campus, the Mercado and the new Vistana high-rise apartment development. It's this new residential opportunity that's key. Space in the Vistana is for rent only, making it attractive to young professionals working at the hospital or university. Other complexes and "student housing" are under redevelopment too. With a creative class starting to live and work in Market Square, the cultural offerings will step up as well. While Market Square lacks the advantage of river improvements, it will have a significant new anchor - the federal courthouse planned for the area. As part of the Excellence in Architecture program, the building is ensured to have a signature style and be a monument of beauty for which the city can be proud.
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"What can we dream of?" Andujar asks as we discuss Market Square (a question you feel he asks frequently). How about transforming San Pedro Creek, currently a concrete culvert, into a palatial pedestrian park? Santa Rosa was originally a palm tree lined boulevard with grassy medians; transforming it back would connect the area all the way back to King William. The beautiful IGN Depot, renovated by the City Employees Federal Credit Union in the 1970s, could be returned to its former glory as a terminus for mass transit from Round Rock, as a transfer station for VIA, as a new Greyhound bus station. Andujar feels the area could improve seven-fold in the next ten years. Investors, keep an eye on it. According to Andujar, it's the next big thing. c i t y pag e s m ag a z i n e . c o m
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When Paul Beard accepted the position of managing director of San Antonio's historic Pearl Brewery in June, he was setting a new course after a 30-year career dedicated to creating and running venues that showcase the world's leading performers. Beard's ability to shape venues that delight artists and audiences alike is a skill honed over time - first in his home state of Wisconsin, during eight years with the Madison Civic Center, then in West Palm Beach, Fla., where he oversaw development of the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.
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But he's best known for his 15 years as managing director of the Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, where he guided the design, construction and successful operation of one of the country's most acclaimed performance halls. Bass Hall is known as the "crown jewel of downtown Fort Worth," both for the beauty of its classic European opera house-inspired design and its success as a bustling multi-purpose facility hosting 300 performances a year. In the process, Bass Hall became a symbol of successful urban revitalization, supporting the nearby Sundance Square entertainment district.
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Colleagues across the industry have been quick to acknowledge Beard's success. Pebbles Wadsworth, director of the University of Texas Performing Arts Center, noted in a 2007 article in Facility Manager magazine, "Paul is simply one of the brightest arts businessmen I know ‌ a visionary but at the same time very, very practical. He has a sense of humor, even about himself." october 2008
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While he surprised the performing arts world with the announcement that he was departing Bass Hall, Beard says he's not leaving the creative community behind in coming to Pearl, which he describes as an emerging culinary and cultural destination. "What I'm looking forward to at Pearl is working with the kind of creative, entrepreneurial partners the project is attracting," he says. "Although Pearl is still in its early stages, it's exciting to see what's taking shape, thanks to the creativity and energy of those who have come on board with the project." Beard's penchant for surrounding himself with creative partners extends to his family life as well. Wife Lisa Davis is a singer who has also carved out a career doing commercial voiceover work. Teenage daughter Madeline has been a regular in school productions. Son Jake is beginning a career developing computer applications with a firm in Montreal, Canada. While Beard has enjoyed exploring San Antonio on biking excursions, the family is also finding outlets here for its creative energies. Lisa has joined the UTSA chorus that will perform with Andrea Boccelli in an upcoming San Antonio Opera production, and Madeline lost no time landing a part in Alamo Heights High School's upcoming production of "Pride and Prejudice." Beard is also re-connecting with a circle of creative friends developed over 30 years in the performing arts world, several of whom count San Antonio as home. Two longtime friends include former Arts San Antonio Director Frank Villani, now Cultural Affairs Manager for the City of San Antonio, and Margaret King Stanley, who before her retirement was one of the leading performing arts presenters in the region. "Paul is so knowledgeable, a real professional," said Stanley, who first met Beard at annual meetings of the International Society for the Performing Arts.
"He did just an outstanding job in Fort Worth developing the Bass Performance Hall, which is one of the most successful and most audience-friendly performing arts centers in the country. "We're very fortunate to have an expert like Paul here in San Antonio," she added. "I'm sure we'll benefit from his expertise not only at Pearl, but in many other ways that will be an advantage for the city."
"The vision for Pearl is to become a gathering place, an urban setting to live, eat, play and learn, all on the banks of the San Antonio River," Beard says. "For someone who's always savored the creative challenge of taking an idea and giving it shape, this is an extraordinary opportunity to work with like-minded partners to bring the vision to life." c i t y pag e s m ag a z i n e . c o m
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A true collaborator, Beard is enthusiastic about the support his performing arts contacts and experience provide as he immerses himself in a new type of creative environment. Far from leaving the artistic community behind, Beard says that Pearl is simply another type of venue that will showcase a broader variety of creative talent.
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