San Antonio Current — May 31, 2023

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in this issue

San Antonio Current

Editor-in-Chief: Sanford Nowlin

General Manager: Chelsea Bourque

Editorial

Digital Content Editor: Kelly Nelson

Contributing Arts Editor: Bryan Rindfuss

Food and Nightlife Editor: Nina Rangel

Staff Writers: Michael Karlis, Brandon Rodriguez

Contributors: Abe Asher, Noah Alcala Bach, Ashley Allen, Ron Bechtol, Danny Cervantes, Daniel Conrad, Macks Cook, Brianna Espinoza, Kiko Martinez, Mike McMahan, M. Solis, Karly Williams, Caroline Wolff

Editorial Interns: Christianna Davies, Dalia Gulca

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Events Manager: Chelsea Bourque

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Social Media Director: Meradith Garcia

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37 Music

Rollin’ in the Doe Veteran singer-songwriter John Doe’s folk trio playing San Antonio’s Echo Bridge

Critics’ Picks

17 Feature Calendar Picks

Events including the Pride River Parade, the Public Theater of San Antonio’s Footloose and the Bonsai Weekend make it clear that summer is here.

25 Arts

Practical Magic

Bad Takes

Beware “Good Samaritans” who deal in violence and vigilantism

CityScrapes

Thirty years later, it should be clear the Alamodome wasn’t a winning bet for San Antonio

Southtown Raid

A staffer for Councilman Mario Bravo repeatedly asked a city department about McIntyre’s Southtown before police swept in

17 Calendar Calendar Picks

A peek inside Gem and Glenn Hotvet’s witchy Southtown emporium Déjà Vu Esoterica

29 Screens

Strength in Numbers

Screenwriter and San Antonio native Marcella Ochoa marching on front lines of WGA strike

31 Food Summer Sipping

These cocktails create a perfect remedy for San Antonio’s scorching heat

Scorched Earth

Seasonal fruits and vegetables on the grill make for perfect summer cookouts

Hot Dish

On the Cover: Summer has come to San Antonio, which means fun events, cool cocktails, backyard grilling and more. Design: Samantha Serna.

Julian Ledezma

vote for your favorite people, places, & things to do around San Antonio! may 22 - june 25

That Rocks/That

HAs of press time, the Texas legislative session was poised to wind down without passage of any significant cannabis reform legislation. The Texas House passed bills to expand the state’s medical marijuana program and decriminalize possession of small amounts of weed, but neither was allowed to be debated in Lt. Gov. Dan

Patrick’s Texas Senate

A bill to change the process for initiating Animal Care Services investigations and protect the identities of people who report dangerous dogs passed the Texas Legislature last week and is headed to the desk of Gov. Greg Abbott The Ramon Najera Act, named for the 81-yearold veteran killed in a San Antonio dog attack earlier this year, will allow Animal Care Services to open investigations without an affidavit or sworn statement.

HA San Antonio teacher is under investigation for allegedly telling two students to “go back to Africa” after they declined to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. The teacher, who works at Hobby Middle School, has been placed on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation. The father of one of the students who declined to stand told KENS-TV that “only a racist mind would go to tell a Black person to ‘go back to Africa.’”

Bexar County last week moved to secure three new affordable housing projects ahead of looming changes to a development incentive program proposed in the Texas Lege. County commissioners sealed deals last week with developers under the current incentives, which offer full property tax exemptions for 75 years in exchange for renting half the units they build to people who make up to 80% of the area median income. — Abe Asher

Melting down over Pride Month with U.S. Rep. Chip Roy

Assclown Alert is a column of opinion, analysis and snark.

In his latest anti-woke tantrum, U.S. Rep. Chip Roy earlier this month threatened to slash the defense budget because he’s pissed that the Air Force — in common with myriad other federal agencies and consumer brands — is recognizing Pride Month.

Roy, a Republican whose district includes parts of San Antonio and Austin, told Fox News he wants the GOP to yank its support for a must-pass military funding bill after he saw an Air Force memo detailing the branch’s LGBTQ+ Pride Month.

“What’s next, rainbow uniforms during pride month [sic]?” Roy said in his statement to the cable network. “The Air Force and Defense Department sanctions this ridiculous use of taxpayer dollars and then expects members of Congress who represent Americans who are livid about this stuff to green light an $800 billion plus DOD budget. If DOD doesn’t put a stop to these kinds of divisive — and frankly embarrassing — DOD events, Republicans should pull support for this year’s [National Defense Authorization Act].”

Roy, a former staffer for U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, is no stranger to anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and political bomb-throwing.

Last December, the congressman blasted the 12 GOP senators who voted in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act as “stupid or deceitful.” He also tried to adjourn the House rather than

allow a vote on aid to Ukraine.

The Air Force’s “ridiculous use of taxpayer dollars” that’s got Roy’s panties in a wad?

A May 3 memo cited by Fox News shows that the branch allows base commanders to plan “appropriate” activities to celebrate Pride Month at their installations. Roy’s office reportedly provided Fox with a flyer showing that Robins Air Force Base in Georgia will hold a “Pride Game Night,” a Unity in Diversity Color Run and a panel discussion on LGBTQ+ history.

“During this time, we celebrate the progress we have made towards inclusivity, commemorate the contributions of LGBTQ+ Americans, and recognize the obstacles they have faced and overcome along the way,” Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Alex Wagner and Diversity and Inclusion Director Marianne P. Malizia wrote in the memo shared by Fox.

The only thing “divisive” and “embarrassing” to see here is another outburst by Roy, a career assclown who’s racked up way too many appearances in this column. — Sanford

Nowlin

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s political career is hanging in the balance, with a Texas House committee last week filing 20 articles of impeachment accusing him of breaking the law and abusing his office. The full Texas House is expected to convene Saturday — after the Current’s press time for this issue — and will vote whether to send the matter to trial in the Texas Senate. A simple majority is needed to set up the Senate trial.

A bill requiring public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments died in the Texas House last week. Senate Bill 1515, approved in the state Senate on a party line vote last month, didn’t get a vote on the House floor before a final deadline. The bill would have required classrooms to display a copy of the Commandments at least 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall as part of an ongoing effort to center public life around conservative Christianity. —  Abe

Asher

— The ACLU of Texas aftertheTexas Legislature passed a bill allowing unlicensed chaplains to serve in public schools

A Kendall County jury last week found Kendall Lauren Batchelor guilty of intoxication manslaughter in the death of 48-year-old David Belter on a Texas highway last June. Batchelor, the daughter of car dealer Ken Batchelor, also had methamphetamines, cannabinoids and opiates in her system at the time of the crash, according to authorities. She’s facing between two and 20 years in prison.

YOU SAID IT!

“The same Texas politicians trying to control what students think by banning books and censoring curricula now want to dictate what students worship.”

Twitter @RepChipRoy

Courtesy Photo Texas Attorney General’s Office

Beware “Good Samaritans” who deal in violence and vigilantism

BY KEVIN SANCHEZ

Editor’s Note: Bad Takes is a column of opinion and analysis.

Three years ago, a Minnesota cop murdered George Floyd in broad daylight. The officer knelt on the back of the Black man’s neck for more than nine minutes as bystanders pleaded with him to stop.

Early this month, a former Marine killed another Black man, Jordan Neely, on a New York subway. The veteran put the man in a chokehold for more than nine minutes.

Their crimes? Floyd allegedly bought cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill. Neely, who was homeless and had a history of mental illness, allegedly shouted and threw garbage at commuters.

Neither deserved to die.

Information about the most recent tragedy is still developing. But are the facts in the two cases sufficient to explain the gaping difference in the public reaction?

Save for a few extremists on the margins, Floyd’s murder was met with near-universal revulsion and condemnation. Fast-forward three years, and the legal defense fund of Neely’s killer has received some $2 million in donations, while Republican presidential candidates fall over one another to praise the former Marine as a “Good Samaritan”

Rev. Al Sharpton, who delivered Neely’s eulogy, noted that the homeless 30-year-old spoke about being hungry. “A Good Samaritan helps those in trouble, they don’t choke them out,” Sharpton said.

When a 60 Minutes correspondent asked Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison what motivated the murderer of George Floyd, he zeroed in on the power dynamic wielded by the police officer.

“What we saw was the crowd demanding that he get up,” Ellison said, “and he was staring right back at them, defiantly, ‘You don’t tell me what to do. I do what I want to do. You people have no control over me. I am going to show you.’”

We’ve witnessed the deadly consequences of similarly defiant stances over and over ever since — from the refusal to mask up during a pandemic to the refusal to pass common-sense gun control or refrain from storming the Capitol.

Ours is plainly neither a culture that prioritizes mercy, nor one that treats violence as a last resort. Hollywood revenge porn from Dirty Harry to Jack Reacher can attest to our sick romance with vigilante

figures.

“We train our boys to be killing machines, then prosecute them when they kill!” President Trump exclaimed on Twitter in 2019 before pardoning several convicted war criminals and Iraqi civilian-massacring Blackwater mercenaries.

In April, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott promised to pardon an Army sergeant who’s now serving 25 years in prison for shooting and killing a Black Lives Matter protester in Austin. This legislative session, Texas Democrats warned that proposals to deputize ordinary citizens as border protection units would create “vigilante death squads.”

Perhaps we ought to count our blessings that Texas’ state leaders didn’t praise the El Paso shooter, who killed 23 Walmart patrons with a legal version of an AK-47, as a “Good Samaritan” for trying his best to repel — in the words of his online manifesto — “the Hispanic invasion of Texas.”

Vigilantism finds less bloody expressions as well. A viral video viewed more than 12 million times this month caught a Dollar General employee ramming her car into an alleged shoplifter on a bicycle.

“Who the fuck you think you are stealing shit from my store?” the Dollar General worker asked, retrieving spilled merchandise from the pavement.

“You don’t live the fucking life I live,” replied the bicyclist. “If it was your people, you wouldn’t be trippin’.”

Need we add the shoplifter was Black? Consider how many on the Right responded when a Black po-

lice officer killed an encroaching Jan. 6 rioter named Ashli Babbitt. Trump labeled him a “thug” and called Babbitt, who was breaking into the Chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives as members were evacuated, an “innocent, wonderful, incredible woman.” Other Republicans mourned her as a martyr.

Evidently, a pale complexion can help one spot a Good Samaritan.

Many on social media cheered the Dollar General employee’s reckless endangerment of another human being over a bag of cheap crap, with the original poster of the clip writing she “deserves a raise.”

That much is true.

“Dollar General made $2.4 billion in profits last year and paid its

CEO over $183 million since 2015,” tweeted Warren Gunnels, staff director for Sen. Bernie Sanders, who chairs the Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee. “Half of its workforce makes less than $18,000 a year. Over 7,000 of its workers make wages so low they’re forced to rely on food stamps and Medicaid.”

In fact, the ram-happy employee later admitted she’d been living out of her car. Even the homeless can appoint themselves public avengers against the poor and desperate, while the fat cats fart through silk.

Homelessness may prove a relatively easy problem to solve compared to the ethical challenge of becoming a good neighbor. But the illusion of safety offered by vigilante violence is no substitute for genuine social security.

Shutterstock / Johnny Silvercloud

for San Antonio

BY HEYWOOD SANDERS

Editor’s Note: CityScrapes is a column of opinion and analysis.

In a recent press release, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg praised one of our city’s prominent fixtures as a “valued asset that has put our community on the map, time and again, and improved our quality of life on so many levels.”

So, what was Nirenberg praising in such effusive terms? The Spurs perhaps, with their record of national championships? The South Side’s Toyota plant, with its high-paying jobs and promise of a growing local automotive industry? The UT Health medical school that spurred the creation of the Medical Center and our booming health care industry?

Nope. None of those.

Instead, that boon to our “quality of life” — the one that put San Antonio “on the map,” no less — is the Alamodome. Yes, our Dead Armadillo aside Interstate 37. The mayor’s impressive assessment came in a press release from San Antonio’s Convention and Sports Facilities Department celebrating the 30th anniversary of the dome’s opening.

In time for that celebration, the city commissioned an impact study from local economist Steve Nivin. You may recognize him as the same economist who’s produced innumerable city-funded impact studies of large gatherings we use to tap the state’s Event Trust Fund or the guy who authored the economic impact studies of the proposed downtown streetcar and the 2018 city charter amendments.

Nivin’s Alamodome study — the result of a host of assumptions and multiplications — puts an impressive number on the cumulative “economic impact” of the domed stadium: almost $4 billion over its 30-year life. Of course, any number — even one’s annual salary — multiplied by 30 is going to look big. But Nivin assumed that nearly half of the attendees at dome events, after excluding local high school graduations, were visitors.

That means half of the folks at the Monster Jam, the Bad Bunny concert, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and Disney on Ice hailed from out of town, got hotel rooms and spent money on their trip. A bit generous perhaps.

Still, the truly relevant question for us today isn’t how big an “economic impact” number someone

can come up with for the Alamodome. It’s whether the dome really delivered on all those grand promises from January 1989 when San Antonians voted to spend almost $200 million in sales tax dollars on a “multipurpose convention and sports facility” with the dulcet tones of Henry Cisneros’ rendition of “Come Dome with Me” ringing in our ears.

First, there was that “multipurpose convention and sports facility” moniker. Everyone in town knew the reason Cisneros and other community leaders pushed for a 65,000-seat stadium was that was the magic number the NFL demands for a stadium. It was really, absolutely about getting San Antonio an NFL team.

Even so, Cisneros and other promoters insisted that even without big-time football, the dome would be a great deal. It would attract lots of new conventions and move sleepy San Antonio “into the big-leagues of convention-center cities,” according to Steve Moore, then-head of the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau. Of course, the dome did manage to attract an occasional convention. Some may recall the visit of the Lutheran Youth or Narcotics Anonymous.

But, at the time, I argued that most meeting planners wanted to hold their events in a convention center, not on the floor of a domed sports stadium. As a result, we’d have to expand San Antonio’s convention center anyway, I pointed out. Lo and behold, even before the dome opened, the city commissioned a study of an expansion of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, which was used to justify spending many more millions in public dollars in the hopes of attracting visitors.

Then there’s local boosters’ infatuation — perhaps “delusion” would be a more appropriate term — with luring the NFL to San Antonio. The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce put together an assessment that we were the natural home for an

NFL expansion team. Except the league decided that Charlotte and Jacksonville were better prospects.

Failing that, we became convinced we were going to show the Houston Oilers so much love when they held their training camp here that the team would decide to relocate. Needless to say, that didn’t work out. Them, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, we thought that we were so nice to the New Orleans Saints that they’d choose to stay. Again, nope.

So, as we mark the 30th anniversary of the dome, let’s finally wake up to the reality that we’ve been waiting for that bus to arrive for three decades. It’s just not coming.

And one final note on the latest “economic impact” analysis we were gifted. It puts the total job creation by the dome at 1,108. Interestingly, the 1989 economic impact study offered up by the Greater Chamber and authored by economist M. Ray Perryman put the job forecast at a far rosier 6,000.

You’d think, 30 years on, some politicos in town would be capable of dealing with reality. Yet it may well be that this whole “on the map” business is about something else entirely.

A bill pushed by city leaders to create a “project finance zone” around the HBG Convention Center is making its way through Texas Legislature right now — we’ll see if it slides through by the end of the session, which occurs just after this column’s deadline.

That zone would generate some $473 million in tax dollars over the next 30 years to renovate and expand both the convention center and the Alamodome. After all, we need to compete with other cities. Plus, it would attract new and bigger conventions to town.

Sound familiar?

Only this time San Antonians don’t get to vote on it. The lawmakers in Austin do.

Heywood Sanders is a professor of public policy at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Thirty years later, it should be clear the Alamodome wasn’t a winning bet

Shutterstock / Felix Mizioznikov

Southtown Raid

followed up by calling the Deputy City Manager to ask what was going on.”

A staffer for

Councilman

Mario Bravo repeatedly asked a city department about McIntyre’s Southtown before police swept in.

BY MICHAEL KARLIS AND BRANDON RODRIGUEZ

Despite Councilman Mario Bravo’s denial that his office initiated a raid last month on a Southtown bar, emails obtained by the Current show that one of his staffers repeatedly contacted code enforcement officials to raise questions about that nightspot a few weeks earlier.

The revelation comes as St. Mary’s Strip and Southtown business owners allege that Bravo’s District 1 office is unfairly targeting bars and restaurants in the popular entertainment areas to appease downtown-area neighborhood associations. Tensions between neighbors and businesses in those two areas are strained over concerns about noise, parking, crime and litter.

“I believe very much that staffers in the District 1 office are pushing Development Services and the City Manager’s Office to do all this sort of stuff,” restaurant and bar owner Chad Carey told the Current. “To hassle us with code enforcement, to pursue this residential-only parking permit thing, to exacerbate

the Noise Ordinance Task Force.”

Carey owns the Strip’s Little Death, Rumble and Paper Tiger, along with Southtown’s Hot Joy.  Bravo didn’t respond to multiple interview requests for this story. However, he has said in the past that he works to represent both residents and businesses in downtown’s District 1.

Carey and others have pointed to the Friday, April 28 police raid of sports bar McIntyre’s Southtown, 1035 S. Presa St., as an egregious city overreach.

As many as 15 San Antonio police officers swept into the bar to respond to complaints that it over-served patrons and provided drinks to underage customers, according to an eyewitness.

On May 2, Carey tweeted an accusation that the District 1 office issued the complaints that led to the raid. Bravo denied it.

“Specifically saying so right now: We didn’t play a role and we were surprised to learn that this happened,” said Bravo in a tweet replying to Carey. “I spoke with one of the owners of McIntyre’s today and

Even so, records obtained by the Current show that District 1 Director of Zoning and Planning Anisa Schell — a former Tobin Hill Community Association officer  — peppered city staffers with requests for documents, certificates and permits related to McIntyre’s.

According to records obtained by the Current, Schell sent six emails from March 20-28 to San Antonio Planning and Land Development Manager Kristie Flores seeking details about the Southtown bar.

Schell initially requested a copy of McIntyre’s certificate of occupancy, citing a complaint from the Lavaca Neighborhood Association about loud music and alleged overcrowding at the venue.

“They told me that they felt the business was operating a nightclub and had outdoor amplified music,” Schell wrote to Flores.

The Lavaca Neighborhood Association didn’t respond to interview requests from the Current, and Schell referred inquiries to District 1’s communications staff.

In the March email exchange, Flores informed Schell that McIntyre’s had the appropriate zoning to operate as a bar and tavern, meaning it’s allowed to sell food and alcoholic beverages and to host live entertainment.

According to documents, the city mailed notices to 45 property owners within 200 feet of McIntyre’s pri-

Facebook / McIntyre’s Southtown

or to giving it that zoning designation in 2020. Three returned in favor; none came back in opposition. The Lavaca Neighborhood Association returned its notice in favor of the zoning change, the paperwork shows.

The scrutiny over how Bravo’s office is dealing with strife between residents and business owners comes as he seeks reelection in a June 10 runoff against political novice Sukh Kaur, an education consultant who took roughly 34% of the vote to Bravo’s 26%.

St. Patrick’s Day

According to the emails obtained by Current, Schell sent a March 25 inquiry to Planning and Land Development’s Flores about a St. Patrick’s Day event held at McIntyre’s.

“Apparently McIntyres had a large event in their parking lot on St. Patrick’s Day,” Schell wrote in that email. “They set up a large canopy over their parking area and had several hundred customers there with amplified music outdoors. For an event of this type, would they need any special permits or is this allowed?”

It’s unclear from Schell’s email whether Bravo’s office received complaints about the event. When Schell referred the Current to District 1’s communications staff, she specifically declined to comment on what prompted her to ask Flores about the St. Patrick’s Day gathering.

In her response, Flores told Schell that McIntyre’s had the appropriate temporary permit to hold such an outdoor event.

Regardless of whether Schell intended to create trouble for McIntyre’s with her multiple inquiries, Carey alleged Southtown and St. Mary’s Strip businesses saw an uptick in interactions with city staff after Bravo was elected in 2021.

“We also started getting Code Enforcement coming through,” Carey said. “Code Enforcement comes through [saying], we want to review your COO, we want to review the information on your building permit, we want to see what is permitted under your zoning designation — and that is coming from the District 1 office.”   Indeed, those are among the same questions Schell asked staffers to look up regarding McIntyre’s in her email exchanges.

Aaron Peña, owner of the St. Mary’s Strip mainstay Squeezebox, said he’s also seen a significant uptick in visits

from city personnel since Bravo was sworn in two years ago.

“I mean, I had no problems the last six years of operations at Squeezebox, and the last two years have been continuous harassment, from whether it be Code Enforcement to TABC — any of those avenues for somebody who understands how to work and basically exploit bureaucracy,” he said.

A partner in another St. Mary’s Strip nightspot agreed that city scrutiny increased after Bravo took office. The person, who asked not to be named for fear of political blowback, said Schell’s history as a neighborhood association activist raises questions about her ability to play fair with bars and restaurants.

“She seems determined to make it difficult for businesses to function on the Strip,” the partner said.

15 officers

McIntyre’s management declined comment on the late April raid. However, a witness, who asked that their name be withheld due to concerns about keeping their job, told the Current the incident occurred after an undercover agent reported the establishment for over-serving patrons and providing drinks to minors.

In a letter to the Current, Assistant City Attorney James Kopp acknowledged that San Antonio Police Department personnel took part in a Friday, April 28, raid at McIntyre’s.

However, Kopp said the department filed an injunction with the Texas Attorney General’s Office to withhold additional details of the raid. Police officials did so due to ongoing litigation and in an effort to protect undercover agents’ identities, he added.

None of Schell’s email inquiries about McIntyre’s mention underage drinking, over-serving patrons or other alleged illegal activity. Even so, it’s not lost on Carey that the police raid on the bar happened so soon after her multiple inquiries about it.

“We are absolutely at odds with the City of San Antonio on just about every front. Parking. Noise. Code enforcement. SAPD criminal enforcement,” Carey said. “So, all of this [comes back] to this McIntyre’s raid. Why did that happen? Vice and SAPD don’t go out randomly looking to kick ass. That’s not them responding to a noise complaint from someone in the neighborhood about the sports game being too loud.”

We all went as kids and found out what kind of metal we were made out of and we endured Earth, wind, and fire. Resulting in a metal you can’t buy, borrow, or steal. Only earned blood, sweat, and tears. That is the finest metal ever made, The Vietnam Veteran.

02.25

ART ‘BIG LITTLE STAGE’

The McNay Art Museum’s “Big Little Stage” offers a peek into the set design process for live theater productions. The new exhibition showcases a striking variety of maquettes — or scale models — of stage setups through the ages, which range in medium from simple cardboard, newspaper and watercolor to robust wood, plexiglass and stainless steel. Some works date back to the 19th century, such as Hanging Gardens of Babylon (1860) by Victor St. Leon, but 21st century renderings, such as Joel Steinberg’s La Périchole (2013), also will be on display. In this atmospheric exhibition, visitors can even step inside and move around inside an enchanting full-sized set inspired by Steinberg’s La Périchole maquette. “Big Little Stage” will be on view through February 2024 and is included with museum admission. $10-$20, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m., June 1-Feb. 25, 2024, McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 824-5638, mcnayart.org. —

Wolff

FRI | 06.02

SPECIAL EVENT

JOSH GATES LIVE!

Explorer Josh Gates, the host of Discovery Channel’s Expedition Unknown, has traveled the world to gain insight into its greatest mysteries: disappearances, biblical enigmas, lost cities, mythical creatures, hidden treasures, the paranormal and modern legends such as the D.B. Cooper hijacking. Archaeology degree and insatiable wanderlust in tow, Gates has trekked to more than 100 countries, from Egypt to Antarctica, and visited some of the most remote spots on the planet, from the jungles of Papua New Guinea to the mountains of Bhutan. As an occasional Ghost Hunters guest and former host of Destination Truth, the globetrotter also knows how to tell a story. Gates will delve into anecdotes about his expeditions and off-the-grid hijinks in a show that promises to be thrilling, hilarious, suspenseful and insightful. $29.50-$99.50, 8 p.m., H-E-B Performance Hall, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — Dalia Gulca

SPECIAL EVENT

BONSAI WEEKEND

The San Antonio Bonsai Society is bringing its centuries-old craft to the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Established in 1973, the Bonsai Society is dedicated to promoting participation and enjoyment of bonsai, the Japanese art of growing, shaping and pruning miniature trees. The group will show off a variety of bonsai species, including some available for purchase. Members also will provide demonstrations and answer questions for those with questions about cultivating miniature landscapes. $16-$18, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.4 p.m. Sunday, San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place, (210) 536-1400, sabot.org. — Christianna

Davies

Reminder:

Although live events have returned, the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us. Check with venues to make sure scheduled events are still happening, and please follow all health and safety guidelines.

Caroline

© William Dudley / Courtesy of McNay Art Museum Shutterstock / iHumnoi

Courtesy Photo / Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

Edward Hernandez

Palascak

THU | 06.08

DRAG DRAG OUT LOUD

This all-inclusive 21-and-over drag show kicks Pride Month into high gear with a star-studded lineup that includes some of San Antonio’s best performers. Expect to see Miss Gay South Texas USofA Newcomer Mehgan Iman Dlux, Tezla Rawze, KylieGorgeous Dlux, Anita Dlux and Aysia Rawze and more turning heads. Attendees are also in for standout performances, amazing costumes and, naturally, plenty of ribald fun. $15, 8 p.m., Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club, 618 NW Loop 410, (210) 541-8805, improvtx.com/sanantonio. — DG

FRI | 06.09 -

SUN | 06.11

DANCE

RIVERDANCE 25TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW

The iconic Riverdance troupe will shuffle into the Alamo City for a three-night stint to commemorate its 25th year on the global stage. Perhaps unbeknownst to many of its American fans, the international dance sensation debuted during the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest with a seven-minute performance. Its fleet footwork elicited a standing ovation, followed by a swarm of media attention. By 1995, co-creators John McColgan and Moya Doherty had developed Riverdance into a full-length show. Since then, the group has toured more than 40 countries and performed for some 25 million people, bringing Irish culture to United States and beyond. The show’s true 25th anniversary fell in April 2020, just after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Riverdance is finally celebrating with this North American tour. The Majestic Theatre describes this year’s show as a “reinvention” of the Riverdance audiences know and love. However, it also references previous iterations as a nod to longtime fans, who have come to expect ornate

FRI | 06.09 -

SUN | 06.25

THEATER FOOTLOOSE

The Public Theater of San Antonio will kick off its summer lineup with the heartfelt and high-energy musical Footloose, featuring classic songs such as “Holding Out For A Hero” and the infectious title track. The play is an adaptation of the oh-so-’80s film hit that featured Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer and Sarah Jessica Parker in star-making roles. Footloose follows Chicago native Ren McCormack (Russell J. Scott) who finds himself in the throes of culture shock after moving to the rural Midwestern town of Bomont. Bearing the weight of supporting his single mother after his father abandoned the family, Ren uses dance to heal from his trauma. However, he soon discovers that the domineering religious congregation of Bomont — spearheaded by the self-righteous Reverend Shaw Moore (E.L. Jones) — has banned both rock music and dancing. Ren immediately launches a crusade against Moore’s stringent rules, drawing in the support of a handful of classmates, including Ariel (Jaeden Riley Juarez), the cleric’s rebellious daughter. Vastly outnumbered and violently harassed, Ren and his friends stop at nothing to win back their rights to self-expression. Directed by Laura Michelle Wolfe Hoadley and Claudia de Vasco, with music direction by Jaime Ramirez and choreography by Tanesha Payne, the Public’s production brings all of Footloose’s passion and momentum from screen to stage. A complete schedule of special performances — including community engagement nights, ASL-interpreted performances and relaxed presentations — is available on the theater’s website. $15-$45, 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Public Theater of San Antonio, 800 W. Ashby Place, (210) 733-7258, thepublicsa.org. — CW

costumes, spellbinding set design, moving orchestral arrangements and — most of all — groundbreaking choreography from the veteran troupe. $35 and up, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St., (210) 226-3333, majesticempire.com. — CW

SAT | 06.10

SPECIAL EVENT

BUD LIGHT PRIDE RIVER PARADE & CELEBRATION

San Antonians are here, they’re queer, and they’re parading down the River Walk — very likely covered in glitter — as a part of the Second Annual Bud Light River Parade and Celebration. Kicking off Pride Month, the event will begin at La Villita’s Arneson River Theatre with an afternoon of live music from Studio AVI, Live Oak Singers and Shonnie Murrell & Funk Potion #9 alongside DJs, impersonators, dancers and more. La Villita’s Historic Village will also host a wide variety of vendors from 1-5 p.m. The river parade itself, featuring more than 17 Pride-themed

floats, will have two evening showings. The first, from 4-5 p.m. on the downtown stretch of the River Walk, will serve as the closing event for the Celebration festival at La Villita. The second procession, from 7-8 p.m. on the Museum Reach, will serve as an encore performance for additional community members. Free, 1-8 p.m. San Antonio River Walk, thesanantonioriverwalk.com. — Macks Cook

Courtesy Photo / LOL Comedy Club

Courtesy Photo / The Public Theater of San Antonio

Courtesy Photo / Majestic Theatre Julian Ledezma

SUN | 06.11

SPECIAL EVENT

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE: COSMIC ADVENTURES

Aerospace engineer Tracy Drain will shine a light on the dark, vast mysteries of outer space in Cosmic Adventures, the latest of Nat Geo Live’s speaker series to come to the Tobin Center. Drain will share stories from working at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, including tales about the Kepler mission to search for planets beyond our solar system, the Juno mission to explore Jupiter and the Psyche mission to investigate one of the largest objects in the asteroid belt. Audiences will learn about the depths of space and about the importance of aerospace engineers in discovering its secrets. Expect insights which only those behind the scenes at NASA usually get to see. $15-$45, 2 p.m., H-E-B Performance Hall, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — CD

TUE | 06.13

FILM SPACE JAM

This piece of ’90s nostalgia pairing hoops legend Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny ended up being the second-highest grossing basketball film of all time — a real feat considering the whole thing started out as a Nike shoe commercial for the Super Bowl. The plot combines live action and animation to tell a story about Looney Tunes characters teaming up with Jordan in a basketball match against invading aliens — all to prevent the cartoon squad from being enslaved as amusement park attractions. The soundtrack also went platinum six times over. The mix of groundbreaking animation, infectious ’90s tunes and Jordan’s star power suggests Space Jam’s legacy will survive for years to come. (Forget the 2021 sequel attempt that deflated on arrival.) Free, 8:30 p.m., Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St., (210) 212-9373, slabcinema.com. — DG

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Ryan Lannom - NASA - JPL

Practical Magic

A peek inside Gem and Glenn

Hotvet’s witchy Southtown

emporium Déjà Vu Esoterica

BY BRYAN RINDFUSS

Married business partners Gem and Glenn Hotvet are arguably best known locally as the mad scientists behind K23 — the psychedelically inclined DIY music venue they launched in 2014.

Named after a mystical scent Tom Robbins conjured in his 1984 novel Jitterbug Perfume, that project extended beyond the confines of their compact midtown space to the tune of memorable events such as the Psych del Rio festival at the Arneson River Theatre and the Astral Projection concert series at the Scobee Education Center & Planetarium.

“Music is my first and truest love,” Gem Hotvet said of the K23 years. “Hosting Gary Wilson was a dream come true. The Planetarium? Mind-blowing. It was a mind blow that they said yes to the meeting, much less letting me do my scumbaggery there.”

After three successful years, the duo shelved K23 in 2017 to focus on other endeavors.

“We kind of realized there’s not really a lot of money in art and music in San Antonio — not the way I wanted to do it,” Gem explained.

Upon weighing their options, the Hotvets decided to take a gamble on a retail concept built around Gem’s longstanding interest in the occult. Inspired by travels and visits to “woo-woo” shops in New Orleans and beyond, the couple began plotting their own foray into the genre. Delayed slightly by the dire retail landscape of the pandemic, their Déjà Vu Esoterica opened its doors in October of last year in a lovingly restored 1920s-era house in Southtown.

Witchy but entirely approachable, Déjà Vu offers a unique hybrid that encompasses metaphysical wares, tarot readings and handcrafted works by local artists — including jewelry by Andrea Sepulveda, runes and foraged bone assemblages by Sage Cove, ceramics by Elyse Cano, woven altar cloths by Josh Yurcheshen and flight-ready brooms by Sisterwolf.

Expanding on the shop’s welcoming vibe, Déjà Vu also hosts First Friday gatherings with readings and aura photography, and social nights at nearby watering hole Lowcountry.

“My real goal is to make opportunities for people to connect,” Gem said of the shop’s social programming. “A lot of people the first few months, when they would come in, it just felt like they wanted friends. I’m blessed to

have a wonderful group of friends around me that all have their different interests and talents — but we all have this common thread. So, I just wanted to open that up so that more people could find their friends.”

We recently caught up with Gem Hotvet via Zoom to chat about all things Déjà Vu — from candle magic and the life lessons of the tarot to Instagram scammers and a mysterious “haunted artifact” on display in the shop.

When did you become interested in the occult?

When I was in fifth grade, we were assigned this book called The Egypt Game. It was a murder mystery, and I honestly don’t remember how it ended. What I remember is that these children were sneaking into the back of a junk shop and making offerings to this bust of Nefertiti. When I read it, something went off in my mind. So, I became extremely interested early in life. With Satanic Panic and whatnot going on, there was a lot that I did not have access to as a kid. But as a teen, my sister and I would go to Crystal Forest across from Ingram Park Mall. I got my first tarot deck there, started working with pendulums and hanging out with animists when I was 18, and went to my first sweat lodge. I just started opening my mind to what the potentials and

possibilities are.

How did the idea for Déjà Vu Esoterica come about?

Well, Glenn and I got married 10 years ago. And during our honeymoon in New Orleans, we went to these little shops that are just cute as shit. With the experience that we both have, [we figured] a store would be totally doable for us one day. So, it just started off as a pipe dream. … We looked at the experiences from our travels. Because every time I travel, I’m gonna go find a little woo-woo shop to pop into. I’ve been to shops all over the country — East Coast, West Coast, middle of the country, all over. So, it just seemed like something that I had the requisite experience for.

How has the response been so far?

The response has been good, but I’m also from here. San Antonio is a tough nut to crack. But I think [it helps] when you’re from here and you know the people and you understand the spirit of this area. My spiritual practice is working with the Virgin of Guadalupe. She is the land, she is the birds in the air, she is the water in the river, she’s everything. … When you’re working with the land and being respectful of the fact that 27

Brandon McKelvey

25 community goes down to the little bugs on the ground, it seems like it’s all going to flow.

Your website mentions an inclusive selection of products. How do you balance the offerings out? I started out heavy in the areas that I have experience in — I’m deep into candle magic. I’ve been doing that since I was a kid and tarot since I was a teenager, but really strongly for the past seven or eight years. As far as herbs and incense and stuff, I’ve just brought in the things that I know I use. And as people come in, I ask them, “What’s your practice? What are you into? What’s drawing you here?” And if they ask for special things, I bring in special things. My approach is 100% about providing for community — because you can buy anything on the internet.

What do you sell the most of?

People love the tumbles, honey. Everybody collects rocks, even if you don’t believe that they do anything mystical. They’re still super cool. Little kids come in and we have this nine-foot-long thing of tumbles and it’s all different kinds of stones. The little kids light up. It’s so delightful to see them having a good time. We’re doing really well with the body oils, bath salts, candles. Just stuff for witches.

Let’s talk about the divination services. Who’s doing the readings?

The first little while I was doing all the readings. I am very happy to have people helping me now. I’ve got a big group of friends who are all readers. The first reader that I brought on was not a personal acquaintance, just a dude that comes into the shop. He’s a delight. He’s an architectural historian named Nicholas Fuqua. … But I just let people email me and if they seem cool, then we can meet up. And if they give me a good reading, we can talk about them coming on. Have you ever had a reading done?

I have not. However, I did receive some pushy messages from one of your Instagram scammers wanting to sell me a reading.

Psychic Network. … Many folks have experienced the same joy, grief, satisfaction, growth, disappointment or frustration that I have. Tarot holds all this wisdom from the myths, archetypes, wise people from generations past — and many symbols that illustrate the human experience. It is the best tool for healing that I have ever known for myself. After spending my life unraveling the lessons that it has to offer, I feel honored to be able to help others access it for themselves.

Are most of your readings tarot-based?

new magic wand, they’ll know exactly where to go. Are there any areas of the shop you’re planning to develop?

We are adding more space for jewelry because we want to bring more local jewelers in. There’s a whole bare wall that’s gonna be filled with shelves [for jewelry]. The only thing on the wall [now] is the haunted artifact that we have in the shop.

What’s the haunted artifact?

Déjà Vu Esoterica

Yeah, they duped my whole account. I follow lots of metaphysical accounts so I’m well aware that this is what they do. They steal all your photos. They follow people. … But when you follow them, they message you because then they have the door straight open to your DMs. This is a huge, prevalent problem across Instagram that they’re doing nothing about. … And [the scammers] don’t ever read for you. They just block you the minute they have your money.

11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

A lot of the readings we have are tarot-based. I’m doing Le Petit Lenormand, which is another oracle system. It’s just better for material-world things. … We have a palm reader, Hailey Johnson, who is also a Vedic astrologer. She comes down from New Mexico when the weather’s good. She’s extremely talented. And we have a Jungian dream analyst, Leigh Baldwin, who’s phenomenal.

Thursday-Sunday

1236 S. St. Mary’s St., dejavuesoterica.com.

Anything else you’d like people to know about Déjà Vu Esoterica?

What would you say to someone who discredits divination as mumbo jumbo?

Divination is never going to tell you anything that you don’t know — I’m not that kind of reader. Honey, if I could pick lottery numbers, I wouldn’t be doing this. [I’d be] living on a mountainside somewhere. And I’m certainly not telling anybody that I can tell you unknowable things. This is not Miss Cleo’s

We got by with a little help from our friends. I’ve known Reggie De La Garza of Shangri-La Homestead forever. And we’ve known Mike Long of Long House Builders for years. They were the team that helped us make the shop beautiful. When people walk in the door, it’s audible gasps. What I told Reggie is that I want opulence. I want to disarm people with beauty. I want them to walk in and just forget [their troubles]. And she aced it. The statement that I hear from people over and over, especially from people visiting San Antonio, is: “We don’t have anything like this where I’m from.” My main mission with the shop is to supply the discerning magic practitioners of San Antonio. I want to make people go on a whim. If they want a

Okay, so there is this cast-iron gate that Reggie and I found when we went to Architectural Antiques one day and it’s breathtakingly beautiful. It has all of these willows and little lambs sleeping under the willows. It’s so beautiful that it made me sick to my stomach when I saw it. And so I bought it. When it came in, we were in the process of renovating. And there was some activity that started happening around the shop. There was a fan that would click on by itself all the time. … There was a book that got thrown off the shelf with extreme force. There was a little elephant that fell down when that happened, and it broke the front legs off because it hit the ground hard as shit. And then the last thing that happened was this whole shelf of taper candles got swept to the floor. And so we had to talk it out with the spirits. The architectural historian that reads for us asked me where I got it. [When I told him] he said, “Ah, I think that came from a graveyard, probably where children are buried.” And so we put it together. There was a lady who came in, she’s a regular. She walked in and said, “I feel some playful energy. There’s playful spirits in this house.” [We made some] offerings and were like, “Hey, you’re protected. You’re safe. No one’s gonna do anything to you. I’m gonna leave you candy on the altar if you’re good. But you’ve got to chill this rambunctious energy.” Nothing has happened since then.

Brandon McKelvey

vote for your favorite people, places, & things to do around San Antonio! may 22 - june 25

Strength in Numbers

Screenwriter and San Antonio native Marcella Ochoa marching on front lines of WGA strike

BY KIKO MARTINEZ

Screenwriter Marcella Ochoa (Madres) was working in the international publicity department at Sony Pictures Entertainment in 2007 when the Writers Guild of America (WGA) began a strike that lasted 100 days and cost the California economy more than $2 billion.

“It was so horrible having to drive into the studio because I felt so bad for everyone picketing outside,” Ochoa told the Current during a recent interview. “Now, it’s so interesting being on the other side of the strike as a writer.”

It’s been nearly a month since the WGA began its 2023 strike. Ochoa, who as a child attended St. George Episcopal and Locke Hill Elementary School, has been on the front lines with her fellow writers demanding salary increases, residuals from streaming platforms, regulations on how artificial intelligence can be used and more.

As a WGA captain, Ochoa manages the schedules of about 30 team members on the picket line in Southern California. She also answers questions from the members, guides them through the negotiation process and relays information about developments in the strike.

“I was honored when they reached out to me to be a captain,” she said. “We’re a support system for each of our team members because this is a time of anxiety.”

Ochoa grew up understanding how vital labor unions such as the WGA are to working people. As the granddaughter of farmworkers, she saw how the collective voice of a community could create change by promoting economic equality.

“I come from a family who has always supported unions,” Ochoa said. “I think it was embedded in our blood. It’s something we’ve been fighting for all our lives.”

We caught up with her to discuss writers’ feelings on the picket lines, the strike’s effect and misconceptions about what it means.

Are people on the picket line talking about how long they think this strike is going to last?

One of the hardest things about the strike is the unknown. We just don’t know. Everyone is amazed at how much more solidarity and

unity there is from the other unions than there was during [the 2007 strike]. It’s so incredible. I think what’s different this time is that social media is such a big influence. I think there’s a way for us to get [our message] out there and keep it out there. It’s not fading away.

What are the emotions like on the picket line? Are people hopeful? Frustrated?

It’s a mix of emotions. I think it’s frustrating that the studios would rather shut down Hollywood than negotiate. The statements the studios have been putting out are definitely frustrating. [The WGA] is really trying to make things work but the studios won’t even negotiate on some of our biggest demands. We didn’t want to strike, but we had no choice. We want to be writing our TV shows and films. We want to get back to work. Still, there’s a sense of community and pride. We are strong in numbers.

Do you think people are beginning to understand that this strike is not just affecting writers and studios, it’s affecting everyone?

We get it in LA and New York, but I think outside of that, people don’t understand. It’s not just writers who are affected when a production shuts down. Actors, costume rental stores, restaurants that supply food — everyone is affected. That’s what’s devastating. We don’t want to see that. We’re fighting for our livelihoods against these billion-dollar

studios and streaming companies.

What’s a common misconception about the strike?

People think all writers are super successful, and that we have tons of money. Studios are shrinking down writers’ rooms and paying writers less. It’s difficult for writers to maintain a livable career. This is not a hobby. This is our career. I think sometimes people forget that.

Do you think AI is going to take writers’ jobs in the future?

I think that is where the industry could go. That is really scary. So, that’s why we’re trying to regulate it now. Studios don’t even want to have that conversation. I think AI can be used as a tool and help with research, but it shouldn’t write or rewrite a script. One of the things we’ve been saying is that AI doesn’t have generational trauma. AI is not a person of color. How can it write in our specific and diverse voices? That’s impossible.

As you’re picketing, have any ideas come to you for a script based on the strike? (Laughs.) Nothing has come to me yet. It’s funny because some people are like, “Maybe we’ll find love on the picket line.” So, maybe someone will write about that. I’m sure projects will come out of [the strike] just like they came out of the pandemic. Perhaps I’ll come up with something down the line, but right now my brain is mush.

Courtesy Photo / Marcella Ochoa

titorita

A DELICIOUS TWIST ON A FAN-FAVORITE

2 OZ TITO’S HANDMADE VODKA

1⁄2 OZ ORANGE LIQUEUR

2 OZ LIME JUICE

1⁄4 OZ AGAVE

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a glass with or without fresh ice.

Garnish with a lime slice.

Pro-Tip: If you like it salty, use a glass with a salted rim.

Summer Sipping

These cocktails create

a

perfect remedy for San Antonio’s scorching heat

BY NINA RANGEL

There’s no better way to cool off and savor the dog days of a Texas summer than with a refreshing cocktail in hand.

Whether you opt for the tang of freshly squeezed lemons, the sweetness of ripe strawberries or a luscious mango-and-pineapple blend, summertime fruit is perfect for muddling and juicing for a boozy libation.

Though fruit is typically the star of a hot weather-worthy cocktail, don’t forget about fresh herbs. Freshly picked mint, thyme and basil add depth and fragrance to fruit-forward cocktails. What’s more, lemongrass boasts a natural ability to deter mosquitoes. Double-duty herb, anyone?

Here are four summer-ready cocktail recipes to kick off the sizzling season, whether you plan to spend it reclining by a sparkling pool, whisked away to a sandy beach paradise or just enjoying the cool air conditioner while parked on your couch. We even included a zero-proof option for non-alcoholic, yet flavorful, hydration.

Cheers To You

Shared by Mercedes Garrett, CEO of San Antonio mobile bartending business Raise the Bar Inc., this sparkling tipple relies heavily on the tartness of fresh lemon made into a simple syrup. We suggest adding a sprig of fresh thyme if you have it on hand.

2 ounces vodka or gin

3 ounces lemon serum (see recipe below)

Sparkling water

Shake spirit of choice with lemon serum and ice, then strain over fresh ice in a rocks or Collins glass. Top with sparkling water.

Lemon Serum

2 cups sugar

2 cups water

Juice of 2 lemons

Bring all to a boil. Cool and store.

Bourbon Peach Smash

A bourbon smash is the quintessential summer cocktail for whiskey lovers, but the addition of freshly muddled fruit takes it up a notch, especially if you’re using uber-local Texas peaches — and you should be, because Hill Country peach season begins right about now and runs through mid-August. This reci-

pe calls for a ginger beer topper, which adds a refreshing, slightly spicy note.

1/2 ounce simple syrup

Half a large peach, diced

3-4 large mint leaves

2 ounces bourbon

Splash of ginger beer

Fresh mint and peach slice for garnish

Add peaches, mint leaves and simple syrup to the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Gently muddle to release the peach juices and mint oils. Note that over-muddling the mint will cause it to become bruised and bitter. Add bourbon, fill the shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and a peach slice.

Watermelon Daiquiri

The term “daiquiri” is usually reserved for the lime-forward cocktail staple served on beaches all over the globe. This slightly sweeter watermelon version from Food & Wine Magazine uses fresh watermelon and agave syrup to create a “rum drink for margarita lovers,” replete with a salted rim.

One 2-pound seedless watermelon, chopped

2 1/2 ounces white rum

1/2 ounce fresh lime juice

1/4 ounce agave nectar

Kosher salt and watermelon slice for garnish

Process chopped watermelon flesh in a blender until smooth, about 45 seconds. Pour processed watermelon through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a medium bowl and discard solids. Chill juice until ready to make drinks. Salt half the rim of a chilled coupe glass. Fill a cocktail shaker with white rum, lime juice, agave nectar, and 1.5 ounces watermelon juice. Shake vigorously with ice until well-combined. Strain into coupe glass, and garnish with a watermelon slice.

Zero-Proof Basil Lemonade

Basil and lemon sing together in most culinary applications — think pesto, pasta and sorbet — so it’s no surprise that the combo also lends itself to a refreshing summer sipper. Sweetened with just a touch of honey, this recipe can easily be made ahead for pool or porch parties. Allowing the mixture to infuse for 30 minutes to an hour before straining creates a stronger basil flavor.

8 lemons, juiced

4 ounces honey

8 ounces packed fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish

24 ounces cold water

Lemon slices and basil leaves for garnish

Place lemon juice, honey and basil in a blender and whir them together until very smooth. Pass through a strainer into a pitcher or large jar and add water. Chill until ready to serve, then do so over ice, garnished with lemon slices and basil leaves.

Pexels / Augustinus Martinus Noppé

Scorched Earth

Seasonal fruits and vegetables on the grill make for perfect summer cookouts

BY NINA RANGEL

Grilling is often associated with sizzling steaks, juicy burgers and charred chicken, but the world of outdoor cooking extends far beyond meat.

Many vegetables also undergo a magical metamorphosis on the grill, benefitting from a smoky flavor and a delightfully charred exterior. Our summer Sunday Funday events aren’t complete without some kind of pepper, squash or mushroom kissed with fire from the grill, and charred edamame or shishito peppers offer difficult-to-top fireside snacking.

Fruit shines on the grill too. Our personal favorites — especially for poolside noshing — are pineapple and watermelon, caramelized to perfection and sprinkled with lime juice and salt. Grilling fruit intensifies its sweetness and helps release natural juices.

Fruits with pits, such peaches, plums, apricots and nectarines, peak at different times throughout the summer, so you’ll legitimately never be without an option for a fresh grilled dessert that’s as easy as adding a drizzle of honey and sprinkle of cinnamon after a quick sear.

Other non-meat offerings for the grill, such as marinated tofu or tempeh, take on a smoky, flavorful profile that adds serious depth to plant-based dishes. For those who simply must grill up a meat-forward main course, we suggest grilled avocado, mashed and spread onto a burger bun for a little smoky fattiness in place of mayo. Trust us on this one. This summer, you can diversify your grilling repertoire by exploring non-meat ingredients with suggestions from San Antonio chefs. We asked five culinary pros for their ideas on what kinds of nonmeat grillables make for great summer cookouts. One chef even offered up a quick recipe.

Chef Teddy Liang

Chef-consultant, Conversa Elevated, Gather Brewing Co. and more

“Grilling feta! It’s meaty, fatty, and you can add even more flavor with a light marinade. It’s great for summer on a light beet or Mediterranean salad, but you can also add it to a kebab. Personally, I’ve had a craving for grilling pork belly with some grilled kimchi. Funky, but it offers a lot of umami flavors.”

Chef James Moore

Chef-consultant, The Creamery

“I like doing a fruit crumble on the grill. Berries tossed in lemon juice, sugar, corn starch, a little butter. Throw it in a cast-iron skillet and top with the crumble mixture: half oats, half flour, brown sugar and butter cut into that. Set it on the rack above

the grill, so it’s off the direct heat, and it picks up a really badass smokiness. That also works for rhubarb, peaches, berries, cherries. For savory options, people really underestimate throwing a sandwich on really crusty bread on the grill. Turkey and provolone, throw a brick on top of it, press it a little. Fucking delicious.”

Chef Jesse “Kirk” Kuykendall

Ocho at Hotel Havana, Milpa

“Grilled sweet plantains with rum, topped with marshmallows, chocolate and crushed graham crackers. My weakness for bananas Foster combined with camping s’mores is the highlight of the night when grilling is concerned. With butter-brushed sweet plantain halves, rum-soaked marshmallows, abuelita’s chocolate syrup and crushed graham crackers.”

Chef Paul Petersen

Bar Loretta

“I have been known to grill up romaine, bread and some roma tomatoes for a backyard Caesar salad

dressed with grilled fresh anchovies. [Dress the romaine with] a little olive oil, salt and pepper. And use real-deal parmesan.”

Chef Robbie Nowlin

Arrosta, Allora, Maverick Texas Brasserie

“I love grilling Texas peaches! I like to buy mine when they are a little firm to the touch, so that they hold up to the grill. I simply cut them in half, remove the pit, brush with extra virgin olive oil, season with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper and onto the grill they go! A nice little char from the grill enhances their natural sweetness. I love serving them with a whipped vanilla mascarpone dip.”

Chef Robbie’s Vanilla Mascarpone “Dip”

3 ounces mascarpone cheese

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup heavy cream

Mix well with a whisk to combine. Chill and serve with grilled Texas peaches.

Flickr_Mike McCune

NEWS

Grady’s Bar-B-Q has shuttered all of its San Antonio locations after more than 70 years in business. Company officials didn’t provide a reason for the closure but said they’re trying to find work for as many former employees as possible.

Adults-only bar and grill Lucy Cooper’s will open a new location on the city’s Far West Side “any day now,” according to chef-owner Braunda Smith. 8403 TX-151, Suite 101, lucycoopers.com.

The building that formerly housed Beto’s Alt-Mex will reopen as hacienda-style Mexican restaurant La Malinche later this summer. 8142 Broadway.

Jewish diner The Hayden will open a North Side location on June 3 and continue to operate its original Broadway location. 10003 N.W. Military Highway, Suite #2115, (210) 600-3598, thehaydensa. com.

The former site of long-running Japanese restaurant Fujiya will be demolished after a May 16 fire. It was the third blaze at the building in two years.

Area Shipley locations will give away free glazed donuts on National Donut Day, Friday, June 2.

OPENINGS

Hybrid bar-cafe-hair salon Head Space is now open in the Lavaca neighborhood, slinging coffee, eats and salon services. 109 Playmoor St., headspacesatx.com.

The Nest Cafe is now open, offering Alamo City boba fanatics another spot to enjoy tapioca pearls. 6903 Blanco Road, (210) 444-9596, thenestboba.com.

Beloved taco spot Taquería Datapoint has reopened with a new look after a 2020 fire forced it to close temporarily and serve from a mobile kitchen. 4063 Medical Drive, (210) 975-8495, taqueriadatapoint.net.

Florida-based Seasons 52 grill has opened at Alamo Quarry Market. It offers a low-calorie menu plus a wine list with 52 varieties, including options available by the bottle, glass or in tasting flights. 255 E. Basse Road, Suite 1400, (210) 5266525, seasons52.com.

Irish pub Francis Bogside has reopened in new St. Paul Square digs, bringing a bold look to the East Side culinary destination. 1170 E. Commerce, (210) 274-2977, francisbogside.com.

Brandon Rodriguez

Francis Bogside

Rollin’ in the Doe

Veteran singer-songwriter John Doe’s folk trio playing San Antonio’s Echo Bridge

BY BILL BAIRD

Musician, songwriter, author, actor, punk icon.

John Doe serves as an inspiring example of an artist who has remained vital over decades by expanding his vision and trying his hand at new things.

One of those new things, Doe’s folk trio — which is filled out by a standup bassist and drummer — will play Sunday, June 4, at Echo Bridge, one of San Antonio’s must unconventional performance spaces. Bryan Wheeler will open the outdoor show, which has presale tickets due to its limited seating.

As part of the seminal LA band X, Doe helped create the West Coast’s explosive late ’70s and early ’80s punk scene, as depicted in the documentary The Decline of Western Civilization. He’s since published two books chronicling that chapter of his musical life: Under the Big Black Sun and More Fun in the New World, both named for X albums. Doe also branched out into film, grabbing starring roles in the 1987 art-film classic Border Radio, later reissued by the Criterion Collection, and 1989’s delightfully cheesy Road House, before racking up more than 60 film and TV credits. His latest movie, a remake of the noir classic DOA, is currently playing festivals.

Doe’s post-X musical trajectory led him into Americana and songwriting that explores a quieter kind of chaos. Fables in a Foreign Land, Doe’s new album with fellow trio members bassist Kevin Smith and drum-

mer Conrad Choucroun, was released by Fat Possum Records.

The Current talked with Doe by phone about his move to Austin, his Roadhouse role, bro country and a lot more. The interview was edited for space and clarity.

You’re playing the Echo Bridge, a spot I love.

I was taken with the location and the whole idea. Plus, this folk trio that I’ve been doing would be perfect there because that was designed to do in an acoustic setting.

Will you be playing tracks from your album with the trio, FablesinaForeignLand?

I’m playing tracks from everything I can get away with.

When I think about X, part of what makes that band so special is the harmonies. They’re untrained and almost country in a way. Did you grow up listening to country music?

Just by osmosis. Nothing that X did, except try to stay a band, was calculated. There are plenty of bands that are calculated, even if they don’t seem to be. We did things that felt right. We came up with a hybrid. It was country-influenced but it was never A + B = C.

Of course, you’re an artist, you’re responding instinctively and intuitively. Yeah. But it didn’t have to be. We couldn’t have been more influenced by, uh, Kiss or

something. (Laughs.) Early on, I was influenced by all the things someone my age was influenced by — whether it was AM radio, the rise of Motown. But I looked into who Hank Williams was and looked into Chicago blues. Moving to California, being friends with Phil and Dave Alvin [of roots rockers The Blasters], all their musical history. [X guitarist] Billy Zoom as well. That all helped.

Unfortunately, country music is not very well defined now. Maybe it’s the evolution of genres mixing. But Kevin Smith, who’s going to be playing in the trio, said, ‘Have you heard this guy who won the CMT awards named Jellyroll?’ And I said, ‘No.’ It was ... I don’t know what it was. It was Post Malone does country music. Although I think I like Post Malone better, and he has more to do with the spirit of country music than this guy.

I don’t want people to be separate, but if it’s gonna be a hybrid, I want to be able to feel something of whatever individual strains were brought to the hybrid. If that makes sense.

There’s a moment in Decline of Western Civilization where somebody says, “Punk music is folk music because it’s just people saying what’s on their minds.”

We’ve said that in the past. Folk music is for folks.

Music of the people.

I listened to folk music when I was a kid. I don’t think my parents really listened to the songs. They saw the record is by Pete Seeger — he seems to be a pretty good guy. But the songs are all written by Leadbelly and Woody Guthrie and Cisco Houston — very questionable characters ... in a good way.

Have you seen the film Chulas Fronteras, which documents the Tejano and conjunto scene in South Texas?

Reminder:

Although live events have returned, the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us. Check with venues to make sure scheduled events are still happening, and please follow all health and safety guidelines.

Courtesy Photo John Doe

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music

Yes, that’s one of my favorite films! Les Blank was a genius. I love the fact that San Antonio has never lost its Mexican influence. It’s always been the main focus of the culture. It’s pretty rewarding. I do a version of “Cancion Mixteca” (a song from the film) that I learned from Harry Dean Stanton.

Have you heard the iconic San Antonio singer Lydia Mendoza?

Yes! Found out about her on a postage stamp. She’s in Chulas Fronteras making tamales. Fucking awesome.

I have to ask about this. You were an actor in Road House. That movie was such a staple of my childhood. I refer to that movie as the most expensive B-movie ever made. You have no idea how surreal that was.

How’d you get involved?

I went in and auditioned. The director liked the way I yelled when I was supposed to get my nose broken.

You were related to Ben Gazzara in the film?

I was his nephew. The degrees of separation between him and me and

[legendary director] John Cassavetes were not lost on me. Patrick Swayze was a particularly generous and hardworking leader. That was the main thing that I took away from that experience. When you have a leader that shows up prepared, ready to work hard, then everybody else is inspired. I’ve been in some other situations where the leader is not, and it’s no fun.

Are acting and music two different parts of your brain?

No, it’s all part of the general creativity, and I’m lucky enough to get to do more things than most. You just focus whatever creative abilities you have. I did a lot of, uh, on-the-job learning. (Laughs.) It was never a secret desire. It

just happened. I give [director] Allison Anders a lot of credit for that. She put me in this movie called Border Radio That was the first “real movie” I’d ever done. And it went on from there.

You moved to Texas?

I’ve been in Austin for six years. I’ve been coming to Austin since 1980, played with the Big Boys a dozen times at least. Played with The Dicks, Scratch Acid. I knew the Butthole Surfers but never played with them. And, of course,

Alejandro [Escovedo], and Jon Dee Graham was on my first solo record. My wife Krissy is a native Texan and we just decided to move.

Do you think Texas music is a stron-

ger strain because it’s created in a more conservative, repressive atmosphere?

I guess. That’s like saying the “Latino vote is a block.” There’s no such thing as Texas music. There’s stuff I don’t get at all, like bro country, and then people like Terry Allen, who defy all definitions. He and I wrote a song on my latest record.

There’s a lot of those first-name, last-name guys that nobody knows outside of Texas, but they can draw 3,000 people in small towns. And that’s awesome. It’s truly regional music. I may not understand the music ... but I’m for it. Probably wouldn’t agree with their politics but whatever. You gotta live and let live.

But yes, some types of Texas music have to fight harder. I think being an underdog can motivate you. There’s a lot of space here, and you have to fill that up. Whether it’s the Flaming Lips coming from where they came from or The Dicks or Roky Erikson. Space is good.

$25, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, June 4, The Echo Bridge, 2617 Texas 536 Spur (under the Mrs. Frank W. Sorrell Bridge), echobridge2.eventbrite.com.

Fat Possum Records

Wednesday, May 31

critics’ picks Erykah Badu

Clan of Xymox, Curse Mackey, A Cloud of Ravens, DJ Kill

Born in the Netherlands circa 1981 from a trio of singers, Clan of Xymox went on to define the currently hot darkwave genre. Tellingly, its first records were released on 4AD, the most ethereal label of them all. Despite numerous lineup changes over its four decades of existence, the band frequently releases new music. Curse Mackey — former frontman of San Antonio industrial legends Evil Mothers — is among the show’s opening acts. $25$100, 7 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx. com. — Mike McMahan

Thursday, June 1

Nina Diaz, Polly Anna, Misogyn Bluu

When hometown heroes Girl in a Coma hit the skids a few years back, guitarist-vocalist Nina Diaz scooped up the indie-rock half of its sound and birthed a solo career. Since then, she’s put out both original material and an extensive series of covers focused on the ’90s, the decade that most obviously influenced her. Expect to hear songs from Diaz’s most recent release, I Could Be You, You Could Be Me. Also expect her to be flying solo for this gig, accompanied only by her guitar and her trusty loop pedals. $10-$60, 8 p.m., Brick at Blue Star, 108 Blue Star, (210) 262-8653, brickatbluestar.com. — MM

Jay Wheeler

Reggaeton and trap sensation Jay Wheeler grew up in Puerto Rico, where he built a following on social media and earned the nickname “La Voz Favorita.” From there, he never looked back. Wheeler broke into the Billboard Latin Top 5 with “La Curiosidad” in 2020 and has racked up critical praise for his emotional honesty, particularly his openness about being bullied in school. The performer made big waves at this year’s SXSW and even earning big praise from the Boomer bible itself, Rolling Stone $52-$152, 8 p.m., Freeman Coliseum, 3201 E. Houston St., (210) 226-1177, freemancoliseum.com. — MM

Friday, June 2

IAMX

The enigmatic Chris Corner, a founder of ’90s electronica outfit Sneaker Pimps, has moved on to a unique genre mashup with his solo project IAMX. Dark electronica and haunting lyrics blend with burlesque-style theatrics, making Corner’s new schtick a feast for the senses. IAMX is touring in support of its latest release Fault Lines¹ which delves into BDSM with tracks including “In Bondage” and “Radical Self-Love.” $30-$200, 8:30 p.m., Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com.— Danny Cervantes

Sunday, June 4

starsdontmeananything, Blood Skid, Shirley Temple, just fine Albuquerque, N.M.-based starsdontmeananything is bringing its headbanging brand of screamo to town with assistance from San Antonio bands Blood Skid, Shirley Temple and just fine — the last of which also appears averse to capitalization. Shirley Temple and Blood Skid make hardcore their own. Shirley Temple adopts a sinister, almost possessed sound, while Blood Skid leans toward the kind of heavy metal that begs for a mosh pit. Meanwhile, just fine boasts a Midwest emo sound with twinkling guitars and vocals that toe the line between speaking and

screaming. $10, 8 p.m., Snake Hill Social Club, 1522 E. Grayson St., (210) 446-7596, www.instagram.com/snakehill.satx. — Dalia Gulca

Thursday, June 8

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals

Ryan Adams will bring his heartfelt lyrics and heartbreaking sound to newish Alamo City venue The Espee. The reunion of Ryan Adams with The Cardinals comes after they disbanded in 2010 so he could pursue his solo work. The newly constituted band features founding drummer Brad Pemberton and funk legend Don Was of Was (Not Was) on bass. In March, Adams and the group released a new single “Dreams of the Working Class,” a bittersweet ode to the everyman. $59.50 and up*, 8 p.m., The Espee, 1174 E. Commerce St., (210) 226-5700, majesticempire. com. — DC

Castle Club, Sex Mex, Gult

Austin-based headliner Castle Club claims to be inspired by everything from psych-pop to heavy metal, but the amalgam sounds surprisingly like crusty punk. San Antonio-based acts Sex Mex and Gult draw upon post-punk inspirations, with the former adding bright synths to create a distinctive heaviness layered over with a poppy feel. Free ($10 minors), 8 p.m., Vice Versa, 123 Heiman St., (210) 977-0566, instagram.com/viceversa.sanantonio. — DG

Saturday, June 10

Rolo Tomassi, The Callous Daoboys, Pound, Postal With a name derived from the gritty crime novel and later film LA Confidential, you’d be forgiven for thinking the band Rolo To-

massi boasts a noir vibe. It assuredly does not. Instead, prepare yourself for a highly experimental mathcore outfit. The band is fronted by the charismatic Eva Korman, whose harsh vocals somehow maintain a feminine edge — unusual for the genre. Recommended for metal listeners seeking something brutal but still off the beaten path. $20-$25, 7:30 p.m., Vibes Underground, 1223 E. Houston St., (210) 255-3833, vibeseventcenter.com. — MM

BONES, Xavier Wulf, Eddy Baker

Underground hip-hop artists BONES, Xavier Wulf and Eddy Baker are united on tour after frequently collaborating as the collective Seshollowaterboyz. BONES, hitting the road for the first time in four years, is known for his experimental take on hip-hop, which has been called everything from emo to cloud rap. Xavier Wulf incorporates similar elements with dark trap. Meanwhile, Eddy Baker was a member of the Raider Klan with Wulf and popularized the Memphis phonk sound. $178 and up*, 7:30 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s, (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — DC

Sunday, June 11

Erykah Badu, Yasiin Bey

Known as the “Queen of Neo Soul,” Texas native Erykah Badu has emerged as a music icon since bursting onto the scene in the ’90s with an intoxicating blend of jazz, funk and R&B. Expect Badu to have the arena grooving to her profound and soul-stirring lyrics. Yasiin Bey, more commonly known as Mos Def, opens with his extensive catalog of solo hits and Black Star, the acclaimed hip-hop duo he formed with Talib Kweli.  $43.95$454, 7:30 p.m., AT&T Center, One AT&T Center, (210) 444-5000, attcenter.com. — DC

Shutterstock / Nikola Spasenoski

EMPLOYMENT

R&D Manager wanted by Vizrt to work in San Antonio, TX. Manages a team of 7 engineers on products, components, & other projects. Coord w/ product owners, product mgmt, & h/ware teams regarding deliverables & scheduling; responsible for the team’s coaching & training as well as the team’s progress, milestones, risks & plans to mitigate them to relevant stakeholders. Reqs: Master’s Deg in Comp Sci or related & 1 yr exp in job offered or in s/ware engg, or Bach’s Deg in Comp Sci or related, & 5 yrs of post-baccalaureate progressive exp in field & 1 yr in job offered or in s/ware engg, or any other qualifying combo of edu, training, or exp. Reqs 1 yr of exp using C++, C# & WPF. Apply online at https://www.vizrtgroup.com/careers/. Use job code: 03152023.

Computer Support Specialist (San Antonio, TX) Weno Exchange LLC. Provides technical assistance. Virtualization experience. Installs and manages Linux/Windows VMs, computing/ storage/network hardware and software. Reviews assessments and mitigates security risks. 3 yrs. exp. Mail resume to Weno Exchange, 2025 Guadalupe St., Ste 260, Austin, TX 78705