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sacurrent.com • January 20—26, 2016 • CURRENT 7
IN THIS
FIRST WORDS
1
On “No Longer ‘Arresting the Problem Away,’ Chief McManus Describes SAPD’s New Approach for the Homeless” // Isaac Equality Brown: I hope SA take a very close look at this, after the act of trying to fine people for helping the homeless. I would look on this act with scrutiny. Make sure it is done right SA. [sic] On “Intolerance Grows as Bashing Muslims Goes Mainstream in the Race for the White House” // Joyce Townsend: Thank you for sharing your stories and your family’s stories. We need to understand hate speech has consequences, whether it’s a vitriolic Pres candidate or a local hate-filled bigot. [sic] On “City Council Votes to Give Mayor Ivy Taylor Free Ride on Housing Authority Ethics Complaints” // Loyd Hawkins: The ethical answer would have been for Taylor to recuse herself from appointing commissioners to SAHA, not City Council giving her a free pass for ethics violations. Looking forward to next election. Taylor and my city councilman (who voted to give Taylor the free pass) have to go. On “Surprise, the Oakland Raiders Are One Step Closer to Not Moving to San Antonio” // Orlando Kell: Let’s move on already this topic is more tired than Keith Richards’s liver. • Send your thoughts, comments or kudos to letters@sacurrent.com 19
37
ISSUE Issue 16_03 /// January 20-26, 2016
10
NEWS
Newsmonger So, how about those Raiders? // Rape at county jail // Texas transitions toward progress
27
16
CALENDAR
Our top picks for the week
SCREENS
A Brief History of African-American Film MLK holiday! A celebration in film
ARTS + CULTURE
The Art of Growing Up So, about this adult coloring craze … Living Out Loud Kinky Boots star J. Harrison Ghee talks drag, acceptance and the “Lola lifestyle”
Chemical Dependency Smoking synthetic marijuana is dangerous but common for the homeless
31
22
37
FOOD
43
NIGHTLIFE
Next Gen Mex Give the cazuelitas at Viva Villa a chance
Golden Touch Smoke Shack owner does it again with The Pigpen
San Anto Screens Are these three films worth your time and money?
Big Breakfast Downtown’s got a new, but familiar, breakfast spot at Big Bob’s
In the Can Busted Sandal is the third SA brewery to go metal
47
58
MUSIC
Monterey Pops The longest-running jazz festival makes a stop at the Carver Over the Hill Local radio beacon ups the ante for its 40th Aural Pleasure Albums we love (and hate) this week
ETC.
Savage Love Jonesin’ Crossword Freewill Astrology This Modern World
ON THE
COVER Bust out those colored pencils, markers or crayons and have a little stress-free coloring sesh. Illustration by San Antonio-based graphic designer Chris Ramirez courtesy of Blue Star Coloring Art direction by Sarah FloodBaumann
8 CURRENT • January 20—26, 2016 • sacurrent.com
sacurrent.com • January 20—26, 2016 • CURRENT 9
NEWS
•Don’t expect to see the Raiders play in the Alamodome anytime soon. The team’s owner wants a new stadium.
NEWSMONGER So, How About Those Raiders? // Rape at County Jail // Texas Transitions Toward Progress The Grand Bargaining Chip After a two-decade drought, the NFL is returning to the City of Angels. Last week, NFL owners approved a deal that will bring the Rams back to Los Angeles from St. Louis, where the team moved to in 1995. What could this possibly mean for San Antonio? Well, if you’ve lived here for even a short amount of time and have paid any attention to Alamo City news media, you’ve probably heard that Mark Davis, owner of the Oakland Raiders, might move the team to San Antonio. That talk sort of died down when Davis submitted a plan to move the Raiders to LA, which didn’t work out as the Rams got the ball and a first down in the nation’s second-largest TV market. Even before the vote last Tuesday, the Raiders-might-move-to-San Antonio talk was heating up with a video story by Bleacher Report staffer Jason Cole. Cole 10 CURRENT • January 20—26, 2016 • sacurrent.com
MARK REAGAN/@210REAGAN
said three sources told him that Davis bought a parcel of land between San Antonio and Austin where he can build a stadium if the Raiders don’t move to LA, or if Oakland doesn’t give him what he wants, which is a new stadium. Well, guess, what? Davis likely won’t move to any city that doesn’t provide taxpayer subsidies to build a new stadium. However, when you’re trying to convince someone to do that, it’s good to have a bargaining chip like the Alamo City to use as leverage in negotiations. Preying on a Prisoner While the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office punishes offenders by locking them up in the county jail, it also must ensure that those prisoners are kept safe while doing time. Soon-to-be former deputy Erick Montez is accused of violating that responsibility in a despicable fashion. He is accused of forcing a female inmate to have sex with him on December 27 in a transport van at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center parking lot. He is charged with two felonies: sexual assault and violating the civil rights of an inmate. Sheriff Susan Pamerleau called his alleged actions disgraceful. “We have a responsibility to protect an
estimated 4,000 inmates who are housed in the Bexar County Adult Detention Center,” she said in a statement. “What Montez is accused of doing is a disgrace. He didn’t just violate this woman, he violated the public’s trust and the badge that hundreds of our deputies wear with pride every day. We will not tolerate this sort of behavior.” This is not the first time a law enforcement official has been accused of raping someone. There’s former San Antonio Police Department officer Jackie Neal, who was accused of handcuffing and raping a woman in the back of his squad car. Neal avoided an aggravated sexual assault conviction last November by pleading no contest to improper sexual activity with a person in custody. Then there are SAPD officers Alejandro Chapa and Emmanuel Galindo, who were arrested by Live Oak police last September. They are accused of official oppression, compelling prostitution and aggravated sexual assault. Live Oak Police Department investigators accuse the men of conning four women into joining “investigations” and requiring that they sign a contract saying they would do anything, including have sex and be paid for their work. There were no investigations. As for Montez, the sheriff’s department is asking “anyone who may have been victimized by Montez ... to come forward by calling our tip line at 210-335-TIPS (8477).” Texas Transitions to Equality Ripple effects from the historic Supreme Court ruling striking down Texas’ draconian same-sex marriage ban continue to make positive waves in the Lone Star State. The Dallas Voice reports that the state is issuing amended birth certificates for transgender residents in the state, and allowing them to seal their old birth certificates. Dallas attorney Katie Sprinkle told the paper the state started issuing the corrected documents two weeks ago. When San Antonio-based U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia ordered Attorney General Ken Paxton and the Texas Bureau of Vital Statistics to issue corrected death certificates for samesex couples, his ruling also required the state to update its policy for reissuing amended birth certificates to trans men and women, the Dallas Voice reported. mreagan@sacurrent.com
BEXAR-O-METER Checking the temperature of events in Bexar County and beyond
POWERBALL Someone in Olmos Park is a million dollars richer OPTING OUT No campus carry at Trinity University THE SHOPS AT RIVERCENTER The renovated Joske’s building reopened Monday FREE RIDE City Council votes 8-2 to give Mayor Ivy Taylor a pass on an ethics violation TED CRUZ Lawsuit filed to determine whether he’s a naturalborn citizen DEATH SENTENCE Cop-killer Mark Anthony Gonzalez faces the ultimate punishment ALAN RICKMAN Beloved actor who played Severus Snape dies of cancer
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NEWS
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
Smoking synthetic marijuana is dangerous but common for SA’s homeless MICHAEL MARKS/@MICHAELPMARKS
Amy has long blonde hair. She wears a pink leopard-print top and blue jeans with deep pockets. One blue cloth rosary hangs around her neck, a brown one wraps around her wrist. She’s shoeless, and her feet are grimy. Blood has crusted around the rim of one of her big toenails. She has a deep cut above her left eye that’s still healing. Instead of a scab, a small ball of dead skin has formed abnormally in the middle of the wound. Amy is homeless, and she’s trying to sell me synthetic marijuana outside the Pik Nik Foods convenience store on Commerce Street. The going rate is about $5 for a joint or $40 for a bag, which is roughly enough for five joints. Our potential transaction ends when I tell her I don’t have any cash. Amy, unconvinced that I was a reporter and not a cop, wouldn’t tell me her last name. She says that she and her boyfriend sell two to three bags of synthetic marijuana a day, almost exclusively to other homeless people. She started selling the drug instead of panhandling, which police seldom allow in the Downtown area. And while she’s aware of some of the risks, they haven’t stopped her from smoking synthetic marijuana “all the time.” “If you have seizures you’re not supposed to smoke it,” Amy said. “If it’s good shit it puts you to sleep and you pass out.” The problem is, it’s not all good shit. Sometimes it’s bad shit – really bad – and it has the potential to cause serious health problems. Sometimes it’s fatal. Synthetic marijuana isn’t really marijuana at all. It’s often marketed as potpourri or incense, and made out of a plant base that’s then sprayed with a chemical cocktail. When smoked, it’s supposed to emulate the effects of regular weed. Technically, most strains are illegal in Texas, but manufacturers can skirt laws that ban the substance by slightly altering the chemical composition of their spray.
Even as the state has led efforts to stifle synthetic marijuana usage in Texas – notably through a 2015 law meant to cast a wider net for potential chemical compounds – the drug’s popularity among San Antonio’s homeless population has surged over the past year or so. The reasons for this are practical and market-driven. Synthetic marijuana – primarily called Klimax on San Antonio streets but also Kush, Spice, K2 and other names – is cheap, readily available, potent and tough to be prosecuted for. It’s an ideal drug for people with few resources who struggle with mental health issues or substance abuse. “I can make five bucks in five minutes. Then I can smoke something so that I can escape for four hours,” said Brian Clark, assistant medical director of restoration services at the Center for Health Care Services. “I don’t have a dollar to my name, I don’t know where my kids are, I have Hepatitis C or HIV … Why wouldn’t I want to escape? What else do they have to look forward to? It’s a quality buy.” The center primarily treats homeless people and others who are unable to pay for their own care, and Clark’s unit specializes in patients with drug and alcohol problems. Of the roughly 600 patients Clark and his colleagues treated in September 2014, only eight reported using synthetic marijuana. That number shot to 223 by July 2015, and though it’s decreased some since then, Clark claims that usage is still rampant.
depression … This is an escape from all those things that they view as problematic.” Between 2010 and 2015 the Texas Poison Control Network received over 3,500 calls reporting synthetic marijuana exposures. Many of those reports included symptoms such as confusion, vomiting and agitation. More serious symptoms included seizures, hallucinations and tremors. The most common symptom was an abnormally rapid heart rate. Only four of the calls – less than a tenth of a percent – resulted in deaths. Experts say that smoking synthetic marijuana just once can be enough for serious long-term effects. “A lot of times they can have prolonged psychosis, which is very hard to treat. It has changed the chemical structure and the electric system in the brain, so now they have a psychosis similar to schizophrenia,” Miramontes said. “We have a number of cases … that have been very hard to manage. It’s taken up to a year to get themselves in control so they can function in the community. Very horrific damage was caused.” Part of the problem is that the drug’s volatile nature CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 ►
‘He Was a Good Person’ Smoking synthetic marijuana can have serious consequences for the health of its users. But the allure of a cheap, deep high is sometimes too much to resist. “If you’re on Kush, your voices go away. So you can chill, you can sleep, if you have the right dose,” said David Miramontes, medical director for the San Antonio Fire Department. “You don’t feel that pain, that sacurrent.com • January 20—26, 2016 • CURRENT 13
NEWS
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14 CURRENT • January 20—26, 2016 • sacurrent.com
means effects can differ between both users and batches. The lack of quality control makes every toke like playing Russian roulette. “First of all we don’t know what the leaves are, second we don’t know what the drug is. So there’s no quality control, there’s no dose control. You get a 10 milligram Percocet, you know you’ve got 10 milligrams in there. You’ve got no idea with this stuff, that’s why it’s so easy to overdose,” Miramontes said. Tina Pihota believes that’s what happened to her son, Joseph, who died on May 3, 2015 in Lavaca County. Both he and his mother lived in San Antonio then. Tina said her son, 28 at the time of his death, had been smoking lots of synthetic marijuana up until he died. “He smoked it every day, all day, for five months. If he didn’t smoke every 15 to 20 minutes he was getting sick,” Pihota said. “It made him paralyzed, almost motionless like he was stuck in the same position for maybe 15, 30 minutes. It kind of made him dumb, like simple.” Pihota died in the custody of local police after they found him running around in a field and acting erratically, according to the Victoria Advocate. Pihota was a father and struggled with drug addiction in the past. After his death, Tina started a foundation to raise awareness about the drug’s risks and keep kids away from it. “I started [the foundation] to give his death meaning, I wanted to honor him somehow. He wasn’t just a drug addict, he was a good person,” Pihota said. Five Bucks a Joint Pihota said her son would buy synthetic marijuana under the table from local gas stations and head shops. Of the list of over a dozen businesses she’d been told sell it, none were willing to sell to this reporter. Most vehemently denied stocking it, or appeared confused when asked for Klimax or Spice.
“The stores that sell this are very savvy,” Miramontes said. “Bob homeless guy – [they] know Bob. Bob comes every morning and he gets his Kush and his Monster drinks … You go in that same store, you say ‘Hey, I want some Kush,’ the store owner doesn’t know you. They’re smart. They know their population and their base.” Even if a business were to be found selling synthetic marijuana, it’s difficult to prosecute since the tests to verify the legality of the chemical structure can be time-consuming and expensive. Law enforcement may hesitate to commit resources to stop a crime that may not be fruitful. A study conducted by San Antonio Emergency Medical Services showed that most of the psychosis or overdose calls related to synthetic marijuana came from the 78207 ZIP code, which encompasses the area west of Downtown, including Haven for Hope. Sitting on a curb a couple blocks from Haven, Charles Dennis, 53, said he’s smoked synthetic marijuana several times, “just to see what it’s like.” “It’s a different high, but I’d rather have regular weed,” Dennis said. Dennis is a homeless alcoholic who used to roof and remodel houses. He grew up in South Carolina, left school in the 10th grade, and developed a drinking problem shortly afterwards that he’s never been able to shake. Wearing a short, gray beard and pristine, white New Balances, Dennis labored to shuffle through the streets near the new Centro Plaza where homeless people often congregate, asking for change or to buy him a beer. He described the high from synthetic marijuana, which he buys at Downtown gas stations or from other homeless people, as debilitating. “I used to shingle roofs after smoking regular weed,” he said. “I ain’t getting on no roof after smoking Klimax.” mmarks@sacurrent.com
®
sacurrent.com • January 20—26, 2016 • CURRENT 15
CALENDAR
FRI
22
‘The Absorption of Meaning’
FRI-SAT
22-23
Zane to Gate 69 THEATER
Life ain’t easy when you’ve got to save the world, especially when Witty, smart and arguably in a category there’s time travel and sexism involved. all her own, local artist and educator In Zane to Gate 69, Kate Welles is sent Christie Blizard is something of an enigma. back to 1972 to brief secret agent Zane Accomplished yet still somewhat under the on what could very well be humanity’s radar, Blizard built her best-known body last mission; too bad Zane isn’t interested of work by embedding herself in crowds in taking orders from a woman. Packed assembled for Good Morning America with high-stakes sci-fi hijinks, the original and The Today Show — displaying signs emblazoned with such conceptual messages comedy comes to the Alamo City thanks to a collaboration between the Overtime as “The Absorption of Meaning.” Curated and New York-based writer C.J. Ehrlich. by Anjali Gupta, Blizard’s solo show at Sala Diaz incorporates “works that transpose the Edward Wise directs the production featuring actors Zach Salas, Emma Neil, effects of her recent performances into new Jenny Taylor and Steven Mayen. $10forms including related objects, give-away works and a live performance.” Free, 6-9pm, $14, 8pm Fri-Sat, The Overtime Theater, Sala Diaz, 517 Stieren St., (972) 900-0047, 1203 Camden St., (210) 557-7562, theovertimetheater.org. — Murphi Cook saladiazart.org. — Bryan Rindfuss ART
16 CURRENT • January 20—26, 2016 • sacurrent.com
FRI-SUN
22-24
Stage Kiss THEATER
What would be worse than being forced to share a kiss with your ex? Well, sharing a kiss with your ex in front of an audience, of course. In Sarah Ruhl’s Stage Kiss, a pair of ex-lovers are cast in a revival of a 1930s comedy and dramatic tensions abound once their feigned onstage smooches become real. Ruhl reigns as one of America’s most frequently produced playwrights and Stage Kiss remains one of her most accessible plays as it “gets down to the carnal, where everyone lives.” J. Robert Moore directs Renee Garvens, Tyler Keyes and Nick Lawson in The Playhouse’s production. $12-$30, 8pm Fri-Sat, 3pm Sun, The Playhouse, 800 W. Ashby Pl., (210) 733-7258, theplayhousesa.org. — MC
SAT
23
The Soft Moon MUSIC
Oakland’s Luis Vasquez, who records as The Soft Moon, has been making nearly indescribable music for Captured Tracks since 2009. His post-punk roots ascend into a solid trunk of junky thump and noise, before lunging for the heights and branching out into electronic body music, dark wave and spastically lurching rock. For performances, Vasquez brings along a group of co-conspirators that serve as his backing band and help bring his work to further fullness. Saturday, expect Vasquez and company to focus largely on his most recent (and third) LP Deeper, which dropped last year to favorable reviews. $12, 7pm, Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersa.com. — James Courtney
CALENDAR
SAT
23
‘GENDER F♡CK’ ART
Unveiled in Austin to substantial fanfare, local artist and performer Logan Magz’s new multimedia endeavor artfully challenges the staid boundaries of gender and beauty. A creative collab between Magz (self-styled as his drag persona Maxxy Radd), photographer Julián P. Ledezma and filmmaker Hector Bojorquez, the 12-minute project combines embellished photographs and coming-ofage excerpts. Attendees are encouraged to dress in “their interpretation of GENDER F♡CK” for an evening designed to remind that “no matter who or what you are, we are all simply human first.” Free, 8-10pm (screening at 8:45pm), Lucha Art Gallery, 316 N. Flores St., facebook.com/lucha. gallery. — BR
SAT
23
Devin the Dude MUSIC
For time immemorial, musicians have smoked weed as a catalyst for creativity, or at least have used music as an excuse to smoke weed. But Devin the Dude has devoted his entire life to his favorite substance, orbiting around the herb with the devotion of a planet to its green star. A lesser rapper would have dabbed out by this point, but the Dude’s effortless rhyme scheme and off-the-cuff, on-the-couch flow have kept him in the game for almost 20 years. When bud is finally legalized in Texas, expect Devin the Dude to be performing at the celebration concert, with a blunt in hand and new material on his mind. $20, 8:30pm, 1305 E. Houston St., alamocitymusichall.com.— Matt Stieb
MON-TUE
25-26
Postcards from Las Americas MUSIC
Formed in 1994, SA’s SOLI Chamber Ensemble has a rep for lending vigorous interpretations to the pieces, often by living composers, that it presents. Continuing in this contemporary vein, SOLI’s latest show also nods to another of the quartet’s strengths: the celebration of diversity. Catch SOLI in action as they present Postcards from Las Americas, From the Andes to the Rockies, a program of works from across the Americas. There will also be an encore performance Tuesday at Ruth Taylor Recital Hall (7:30pm, One Trinity Place). $10-$25, 7:30pm, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, solichamberensemble.com. — JC
TUE
26
Harlem Globetrotters SPORTS
Hoops fans said farewell to the Clown Prince of Basketball last month when Globetrotters icon Meadowlark Lemon passed away at age 83. Lemon’s no-look passes and half-court hook shots delighted fans through the 1970s, when he retired. Currently celebrating 90 years of hardwood hijinks set to the tune of “Sweet Georgia Brown,” this generation of Globetrotters offers the slick ball-handling, hoops-themed comedy and incredible trick shots that fans have come to expect — not to mention a healthy dose of elevation and the welcome addition of female ballers TNT Maddox and Sweet J. Ekworomadu. $15.25-$155.25, 7pm, AT&T Center, One AT&T Center Pkwy., (210) 444-5000, attcenter.com. — M. Solis
sacurrent.com • January 20—26, 2016 • CURRENT 17
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18 CURRENT • January 20—26, 2016 • sacurrent.com
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CALENDAR NIGHTLIFE
FRI
22
McNay After Dark
FRi-SUN
22-24
Terror Expo
Boasting libations, late-night snacks and live dance tunes courtesy of eclectic, Austin-based cover band Blind Date, the McNay After Dark invites art fans to don their finest “cocktail glam” attire for a top-notch evening benefiting the museum’s Meet the Future Fund for Exhibitions and Education. But if the $100 ticket price doesn’t quite fit the budget, the short-lived “Meet the Future” exhibition presents a more-affordable way to support the museum during its annual “thankyou celebration.” In its second year, the pop-up showcases “intimate monographic presentations” created by six local contemporary artists (Ricky Armendariz, Waddy Armstrong, Larry Graeber, Mira Hnatyshyn-Hudson, Victoria Suescum and Sandy Whitby) for two days only ($5-$10, 10am-5pm Sat, noon-5pm Sun). $100 (includes valet parking), 9:30pm-1am, McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 824-5368, mcnayart.org. — Bryan Rindfuss
Filmmaker George A. Romero (Night of the Living Dead) once said horror movies are a “genre that never dies.” If that’s really the case, this inaugural horror-themed convention might be at the start of a bright and bloody future. “San Antonio has a big horror community,” said Apple de la Fuente, co-founder of the expo. “You can’t neglect the horror fans.” Instead, de la Fuente and his team have filled the event roster with some well-known celebrities, including Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Tobin Bell (Saw), Cassandra Peterson (Elvira: Mistress of the Dark), Sid Haig (The Devil’s Rejects) and Denis O’Hare (TV’s American Horror Story). For three days, horror hounds will be treated to panel discussions, autograph sessions, photo opportunities and more than 100 retail booths manned by vendors hawking everything from toys and collectibles to comic books and art. Word of caution: Stay away from Jason Voorhees (Ken Kirzinger) and his machete and Ian Ziering and his shark-filleting chainsaw. Damn you, Open Carry Texas! $15-45 (one-day pass); $75 (three-day pass); $200 (express pass); 3-9pm Fri, 10am-8pm Sat, 11am-6pm Sun, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 200 E. Market St., (210) 207-8500, terrorexpo.com. — Kiko Martínez
Art
of work by Texas-transplants Charlie Morris and Liz Rodda, is a multidisciplinary affair that employs assemblage as a medium to juxtapose and re-contextualize found items, seemingly random images and crafted elements. In Gallery 4, take in Norwegian filmmaker Bodil Furu’s Landscapes by the Book. From multiple points of view, the video looks at how the landscapes and people in Fron, Norway are altered by development and notions of progress. Meanwhile, in the Project Space, the interactive and deeply imaginative “Gift: An Exquisite Exhibition” draws inspiration from creativity scholar Lewis Hyde’s book The Gift: Creativity and the Artist in the Modern World. Designed to grow and change over time, the exhibition opens with a single artwork by Lawrence Weiner, with subsequent installations on January 14 and 21. $3-$5, noon-8pm Thursday, noon-6pm Friday-Sunday; Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum, 116 Blue Star, (210) 227-6960.
Art opening: “The Multifaceted Brain of an Artist” Designed to “inspire individual
artistic interpretation and expression,” this juried group show and art sale benefits the Foundation for Innovative Research and Scientific Treatment of Mood Disorders (FIRST-MD) and awards one outstanding artist with a $1,500 cash award in memoriam of late psychiatrist Dr. Vivek Singh. Free, 5:30pm Thursday; Brick, 108 Blue Star, (210) 262-8653.
“Art History Goes to the Theatre: Research Secrets of Great Designers”
The McNay presents paintings and sculptures by El Greco, Degas, Monet, Klimt, Mondrian, Ernst, O’Keeffe and others as forms of “cultural shorthand” with unexpected relevance in the realm of theater. $5-$10, 10am-4pm Wednesday, 10am-9pm Thursday, 10am-4pm Friday, 10am-5pm Saturday, noon-5pm Sunday, 10am-4pm Tuesday; McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 824-5368.
”Home on the Range” The Old West — with
its cowboys, frontier life and sublime, untarnished wilderness — has long stimulated the imagination of American artists and writers. Following in this rich tradition, Denton-born, SA-based painter and performance artist Bryson Brooks, 40, has been painting bold, bright and surreal “Westerns” since his college days. Brooks’ latest exhibit “Home on the Range,” collects works from his efforts in this mode. The exhibit — full of whimsy, gold-leafed sunlight and daydreams of our bygone brethren — runs through January 30. Free,
noon-5pm Tuesday-Saturday; AnArte Gallery, 7959 Broadway, (210) 826-5674.
”Lorem Ipsum” The writers, editors and
graphic designers out there may groan at the sight of “Lorem Ipsum” in print, but in the case of New York artist Cordy Ryman, it’s not placeholder or “dummy” text but the title of his new Artpace exhibition that may or may not have something to do with Roman philosopher Cicero’s 1st-century work De finibus bonorum et malorum (On the ends of good and evil). Hailed as “a champion of unabashed visual pleasure,” Ryman creates intriguing — and at times humorous — installations, sculptural objects and wall pieces crafted from such nontraditional materials as reclaimed wood, industrial paints, scrap metal, Velcro and Gorilla Glue. Whether roughly assembled or meticulously executed, Ryman’s works bring to mind a carpenter experiencing a stroke of genius — or possibly madness. One of several shows scheduled in celebration of Artpace’s 21st year, “Lorem Ipsum” runs in tandem with San Antonio artist Chris Sauter’s “Biography Construction Site (Cakes),” an installation that converts the front window gallery space into “a veritable bakery consisting of cakes constructed from cutout sheetrock forms, dummy cakes iced with drywall finishing mud and actual edible baked cakes.” Free, noon-5pm Wednesday-Sunday; Artpace, 445 N. Main Ave., (210) 212-4900.
Winter Shows at Blue Star Winter at Blue Star Blue Contemporary Art brings three exciting new exhibitions, on view through February 7. For starters, “Turn Your Face Toward the Sun,” the Main Gallery’s exhibit
Film
Picasso and Braque Go to the Movies
Produced by Martin Scorsese and Robert Greenhut and directed by Arne Glimcher, the 2008 documentary Picasso and Braque Go to the Movies is a cinematic tour through the effects of the technological revolution, specifically the invention of aviation, the creation of cinema and their interdependent influence on artists Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. With narration by Scorsese and interviews with art scholars and artists including Chuck Close, Julian Schnabel and Eric Fischl, the film looks at the collision between film and art at the turn of the 20th century and helps us to realize cinema’s continuing
influence on the art of our time. Free, 6:30pm Thursday; McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 824-5368.
San Antonio Feminist Film Festival In its
inaugural year, the San Antonio Feminist Film Festival (aka Scene & Heard) hopes to kick-start some serious conversations with the four films screening during its inconsecutive two-night event. On Thursday, SAFFF screens the 2013 doc Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth on the first black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (The Color Purple) and the 2014 “abortion comedy” Obvious Child starring comedian Jenny Slate. “We wanted to pay tribute to women who are making global change,” said La Juana Chambers, SAFFF committee member. “The idea is to commemorate women’s struggles and empower others.” $30, 6-9:30pm Thursday; Alamo Drafthouse Park North, NW Loop 410, (210) 677-8500.
Theater
High School Musical Jefferson High School
presents a family-friendly adaptation of the Disney teen rom-com surrounding jocks, brainiacs, thespians and skater dudes. $7-$9, 7pm Thursday-Friday; Jefferson High School Auditorium, 723 Donaldson Ave., (210) 438-6570.
James and the Giant Peach The Magik
stages David Wood’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s adventurous tale of a young boy who finds himself in the center of a giant peach along with a colorful cast of human-sized insects. $12-$15, 9:45am, 11:30am & 7pm Friday, 2pm SaturdaySunday; Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St., (210) 227-2751.
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On the Edge of Life and Death For one
night only, Gabriel Itzcoatl Luera directs the short, dark plays Niños Santos (about a woman who views a folk legend in a new light after realizing her husband is cheating on her); My Sweet Abandon (following an elderly racist hoping to reverse history); and Flesh And Blood (about two quarreling brothers who discover a hidden truth about their family). $15, 7:30pm Saturday; Brick, 108 Blue Star, (210) 262-8653.
Wild Kratts Live! The Children’s Fine Art
Series brings animated Kratt Brothers Martin and Chris to life onstage as they confront a comic villain and attempt to rescue their favorite invention and the animals of the creature world. $22.50$100, 2pm & 6pm Sunday; Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624.
Words
The Power of Broke The Twig welcomes
FUBU founder, Shark Tank star and best-selling author Daymond John for a reading and signing in support of his book exploring how being broke “can actually be your greatest competitive advantage as an entrepreneur.” Free, 6-8pm Saturday; The Twig Book Shop, 306 Pearl Pkwy, Suite 106, (210) 826-6411.
Comedy
John Heffron Known for his youthful
personality, cynical wisdom and energetic stand-up, Detroit native John Heffron is the season two winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing and the best-selling author of the advice book I Come to You From the Future: Everything You’ll Need to Know Before You Know It. $20, 8pm Thursday, 8pm & 10:15pm Friday-Saturday, 7pm Sunday; Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club, 618 NW Loop 410, (210) 541-8805.
Special Events
PirateFest Swashbucklers of all ages are
encouraged to partake in this free event boasting 30 vendors, pirate entertainers,
costume contests, crafting activities and a “wenchy” fashion show featuring “a bevy of beauties” from Pink Lightning Boutique. Free, 10am-7pm Saturday; Wonderland of the Americas, 4522 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 785-3500.
Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour
SAT., Jan 23rd • 8PM | TICKETS ON SALE NOW: $35
The Truth is Out There: An X-Files Quiz Have you ever seen Elvis in a potato chip? Are you now or have you ever considered yourself a “shipper”? Do you still, desperately, want to believe? If so, put on your tinfoil hat, get caught up on all nine seasons of The X-Files and join Geeks Who Drink for a good oldfashioned UFO party. Quiz winners score a cash prize “to spend on nonfat Tofutti rice dreamsicles.” $5 per player, 6pm Saturday; Sherlock’s Baker St. Pub & Grill, 16620 Hwy. 281 N., (210) 572-9307.
Talks Plus
Trauma Clearing Workshop Geared
for parents, counselors, educators, pastors, physicians, social workers and therapists, this intensive workshop aims to help clear post-traumatic stress, panic, fear, anxiety, anger, phobias and addictions. $99 (register at wfmpeaceclinic.org), 1-5pm Saturday; Heidi Search Center, 4115 Naco Perrin Blvd., (210) 650-0428.
Very Good Girl’s Guide to Very Bad Girl Sex In this sequel to the Good
Girls’ Guide to Bad Girl Sex, attendees will learn how to talk dirty to a partner, touch and tease, introduce toys into a partnership, create the best orgasms and break the rules. $15 (includes $10 in “Kinky Cash”), 7pm Tuesday; Sexology Institute and Boutique, 727 S. Alamo St., (210) 487-0371.
What Every Gardener Should Know about Soil The San Antonio Chapter of
the Native Plant Society presents David Vaughan in a discussion about “the microscopic life teeming in our soils.” Free, 7pm Tuesday; Lion’s Field Clubhouse, 2809 Broadway, (210) 207-7275.
Who in Antiquity Read the Bible? In conjunction with Trinity’s “(Re) Inventing the Bible” seminar series, Brown University professor and author Michael Satlow (Creating Judaism, How the Bible Became Holy) examines “how communities throughout history have created and recreated their Bibles, and how the constantly shifting nature of authoritative texts, collections, and interpretations forces us to reconsider what we mean when we talk about “The Bible.” Free, 6-7pm Wednesday; Trinity University, Stieren Theater, One Trinity Pl., (210) 999-8461.
Ticketmaster:1.800.745.3000 • Carver Box Office: 210.207.2234 • TheCarver.org
BENEFIT CONCERT JAN 30 Concert featuring Tish Hinojosa and A silent auction benefiting the Jireh House GA $25 Call 210-264-2573 or at the door Saturday January 30 6pm - 10PM Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center 723 S Brazos St, San Antonio, Texas 78207
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MARK REAGAN @210REAGAN
SA-based coloring book company feeds nationwide adult coloring craze Typically, when adults act like children, like many so often do, expect trouble. But a new craze crossing the nation has adults putting down smartphones and laptops in exchange for coloring books. Long considered the territory of 2- to 8-year-olds, thousands of grownups around the country are channeling their inner child in a good way, that some say reduces anxiety and stress. Adult coloring has become so popular and mainstream that on Amazon, at the time of this writing, five of the top 20 best-selling books were, you guessed it, adult coloring books. In fact, the second-most popular coloring book on the website, Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Animal Designs ($9.39), is published by San Antonio/Portland, Oregonbased Blue Star Coloring. Founded in March 2015 by Texas A&M graduate Camden Hendricks (CEO), Trinity graduate Peter Licalzi (marketing director) and Portland, Oregon resident Gabe Coeli (editorial director), the company has already sold nearly a million copies of 30-plus coloring books it’s published. Blue Star Coloring’s stress relieving series has even topped the list of Amazon best sellers and has consistently remained in the top 20. The company’s books cover everything from psychedelic designs to animals to anatomy. “That was kind of surreal. It took some hard work, but there was a lot of luck. This all happened early on. There’s a lot
of people who are extremely talented writers, artists and publishers who never get that milestone,” Hendricks said, while sitting at a table with an assortment of markers and colored pencils awaiting eager hands, at Blue Star Coloring’s Alamo City headquarters. “So, yeah, it was really cool, but it’s also humbling in a lot of ways.” Hendricks’ “Aha!” moment came during a conversation with his wife, who is a pediatrician in residency. “She mentioned that they had been talking about coloring and stuff and how it’s stress relieving. They work like 80 hours in a high-stress environment,” he said. “It was already a thing. We didn’t invent it.” However, unlike some of their competitors, artist recruiter Brenna Dominguez says Blue Star Coloring’s designs are all hand-drawn by independent artists. “We have one in Corpus Christi, one in San Antonio, one in Dallas,” Dominguez said of Texas-based artists working with the company. Alamo City artist Abe Vasquez, who is primarily an oil painter, illustrated the first book, Form, in Blue Star Coloring’s upcoming new Master Editions, which are hardback books with higher quality paper that are meant to be displayed like coffee table books. “It’s predominantly our bones and muscles that give us our physical shape so I wanted to present them in the most expressive and tasteful way as I can through the medium of a coloring
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BRYAN RINDFUSS
book,” Vasquez says of Form, which should be released sometime in February. “I hope people enjoy the illustrations and enjoy coloring them in their own way and perhaps learn a bit more about the beauty of our [physique].” While the explosion of all things adult coloring took the country by storm in 2015, like Crystal Pepsi, Surge or parachute pants, trends come and go. That’s something Hendricks said he was cognizant of before deciding to take a foray into the wide world of adult coloring. “People don’t do it because it’s cool or popular, like styles of hair and clothing that go in and out of style. This is something that people can do at home on their own,” he says, adding that there is a large online community of coloring book enthusiasts. While questions like how much he was willing to invest or whether getting into the coloring book business used to weigh on him, seeing that there is a community has reinforced his belief that this isn’t just another trend. “I don’t worry about that at all,” Hendricks said. Ruth K. Chiego, Central Library public services administrator, agrees with Hendricks: Adult coloring is here to stay. “If you told me three years ago that it would take off [I wouldn’t have believed it], but it is very popular,” Chiego says, explaining that she often sees library staffers toting their own coloring books. And the Central Library’s new adult coloring program is already making a splash. The San Antonio Public Library’s fledgling activity time invites adults to relieve tension or anxiety while unlocking their creative potential at the library. “The first time we had it was this past Saturday (January 9) and the second time we had it was yesterday (January 13) and the first meeting, maybe about 15 people showed up, and yesterday it shot up to about 25,” Chiego said. “So we’re anticipating it’s going to be pretty popular.” She believes coloring has become so popular because it provides a break from the technologically saturated 21st century where working professionals are often bombarded with decision after decision for work and home life. “People are so into it because it’s relaxing,” she says. “I’d call it decision fatigue.” That jives with feedback Blue Star Coloring has received from its customers, who have also told them that coloring has helped with a host of remedies, including alcohol recovery, PTSD, getting troubled kids to open up to someone and helping people stuck in hospitals pass time.
From left : Blue Star Colorin g recruiter Brenna Dominguez , CEO Camden Hendricks, marketing dire ctor Peter Licalzi, buisness administrator Cla re Burch.
This all begs the question: Can adult coloring relieve anxiety, stress or any other maladies? Deb Murphy, Texas spokeswoman for the American Art Therapy Association and an art therapist, is skeptical. “Most people default to their own experiences with art when they try to define what I do. These perceptions are most often way off base,” she says. “Adult coloring books, Sudoku, puzzles and the like all serve to calm the anxious or busy mind. [There’s] certainly nothing wrong with that, but [it] has little to do with art therapy.” Murphy said that, hopefully, the good that comes from coloring books, is that people yearn for something more “and find the real pleasure in creating art from their own imagination without self-judgment.” University of the Incarnate Word associate professor of psychology Stefanie S. Boswell, whose thesis and dissertation focused on expressive interventions for grief, said it’s wonderful for individuals to select an expressive approach to coping with a negative effect that fits within their worldviews and lifestyles. “There is a limited amount of research focused specifically on coloring designs; most of the research is on the broader approach of art therapy,” she said via email. “During art therapy, individuals express their thoughts and emotions through their own artistic creations (rather than color designs generated by someone else).” However, a handful of studies that focus on the effects of coloring complex designs find that it’s likely inducing a meditative-like state that can reduce stress and anxiety, Boswell said. But does it really help people who suffer from PTSD or people recovering from alcoholism?
Boswell couldn’t locate any published research. “There is, however, a growing body of research about art therapy for the treatment of PTSD in both children and adults,” she said. “Several of these studies have found different art therapy interventions to be helpful.” But, if coloring has its effect through creating a meditative state, “then the growing body of research on meditation in the treatment of anxiety, depressive, and trauma- and stressrelated [disorders] suggests positive outcomes if coloring were to be studied in these individuals.” Nonetheless, people like coloring. Just like how the Central Library’s Chiego says she notices her staffers toting coloring books to work, and like how most Blue Star Coloring employees have picked up coloring habits since the company’s March 2015 launch, Boswell’s students, too, have a fascination with the coloring craze. “A couple of students with whom I work closely were talking the other day about how many news stories they saw about coloring over the semester break,” Boswell said. “They are both very research-minded so the conversation quickly turned to questions of ‘Is there evidence to support the buzz?’” That’s best left to the experts. As for us regular busy-bodies, we might as well sharpen our pencils and take to our favorite designs, because regardless of the psychology behind coloring, any way to tune out of the smartphone-saturated world for awhile and drift into a stress-reducing state is a good thing. So color away and leave the research and science to the professionals. mreagan@sacurrent.com sacurrent.com • January 20—26, 2016 • CURRENT 23
#colorthecurrent Color these pages for a chance to win prizes! Simply post your finished work to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #colorthecurrent and you’ll be entered in a raffle to win a Blue Star Coloring book of your choice.
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J. Harrison Ghee on Kinky Boots and the art of drag MARCO AQUINO
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Billy Porter originated the role of Lola on Broadway and won the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. What were you able to take away from his performance? I definitely learned from Billy that Lola is a big character. As long as you bring your truth and your honesty to the part, you can’t fail. And I learned to be committed to living the Lola lifestyle full out. What’s the Lola lifestyle? It’s living out loud and being bold,
In his memorable acceptance speech at the 2013 Tony Awards, Billy Porter credits Jennifer Holiday and the cast of Dreamgirls for igniting his own passion for musical theater. What are some of the performances that inspired you to become a singer and an actor? I can remember as a child we had a video of a production of Porgy and Bess that I watched incessantly. Also my favorite movie of all time is The Wiz. So those are definitely movies that have inspired me to do this musical theater life. You once starred in a regional production of The Wiz. What did you think of the recent live NBC version? It was a great adaptation of it. It really was a wonderful production of it. There were some memorable moments and I liked the fresh take on it. CONTINUED ON PAGE 29 ►
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With lyrics and score by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, and a book by Harvey Fierstein, the Tony Award-winning musical Kinky Boots tells the story of an embattled shoe factory owner, Charlie Price, whose chance meeting with a drag queen, Lola, takes the two characters down unexpected paths. The San Antonio Current spoke with actor J. Harrison Ghee (who plays the lead role of Lola/Simon) over the phone in anticipation of Kinky Boots’ sixday run at the Majestic.
GAME DAY: SAT FEB 6, 2016 KICK OFF AT 5:00 PM Tickets: $20 includes game & tailgate after party with live music by Finding Friday to purchase your ticket or for more information contact Brooke Craig - bcraig@alz.org | 210.237.1041
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MATTHEW MURPHY
MATTHEW MURPHY
◄ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27
I know you got your start by doing drag [as your own character Crystal Demure] before being cast in this role. With your experience as a drag performer, what are you able to bring to this role that another actor may not? I’ve been doing drag for five years, so I’ve lived the drag lifestyle; I’ve hosted shows, and events, and parties. So I just have a better understanding of being a drag queen and not just playing one. I’ve done the gigs that have paid me $20 plus tips and I’ve done bigger things as well. I just really understand every aspect of the drag lifestyle. How does Kinky Boots change the way audiences view drag performers? It’s definitely opening the eyes of America. As actors, we always have fun watching the couple in the front row where the man is reluctant to be there, and he doesn’t know what he’s gotten himself into. But by the end of the show he’s up dancing, clapping and cheering because he realizes that these drag queens are just normal people. And he realizes that we have hearts, but we just happen to be wearing makeup and heels — that’s the thing that’s always surprising — people don’t know what to expect, even with just the title alone. What is Kinky Boots? What is this we are about to experience?
you? And how did the show help your father understand what it is you do? Yes, he didn’t know that I had been doing drag for years. We had joked about it [when I got the role] and he said: “Just don’t bring any wigs home.” He’s seen the show twice now and understands that drag is just a part of who I am and is proud of who and what I am … We sat down and talked about it before he even saw the show and I expressed to him that personally it was something that I had creative control over and it was a way for me to express myself and make people think, and to effect change in the world. I happen to choose the medium of drag to do that with. And he understood and respected that. And he understood that it wasn’t something like — that I wanted to be a woman, or that it wasn’t something outlandish. And now he also understands me better as his son, having seen the show. During the show, you transition from drag to male, and back to drag. How exhausted are you after the show? It takes a lot out of you. It’s a matter of just being committed to it and taking the ride for what it is. You definitely have to take extra care of yourself, and I’ve had to learn that lesson, especially traveling, and moving from city to city. We do eight shows per week and then have to move to a different city. So you have to be extra careful and more aware and mindful of your actions on and off stage.
What do you think about shows like RuPaul’s Ultimately, what would you say is the message Drag Race that have made drag so popular in behind Kinky Boots? recent times? To accept people for who they are and what they bring It’s definitely helped people understand drag and to the world. shown drag in a different light. It’s proved that there is such a wide variety of drag and that there are What’s the kinkiest thing you’ve done no limitations to it. There are a lot of negative since you’ve been on tour? attachments that people perceive about drag Kinky Boots Oh gosh, I don’t know… queens and it’s definitely shown that they’re just Jan. 26-31 $52-$155 normal people like everyone else. And that it’s a 7:30pm Tue-Thu You don’t have to answer that. creative endeavor. It’s an art form — it really is — 8pm Fri We keep it pretty kinky on the road. There are and it should be respected as such. 2pm & 8pm Sat 2pm & 7:30pm Sun times after the show we keep on the drag and go I know you recently came out to your father. The Majestic Theatre out and party. That’s the most fun we have: being 224 E. Houston St. able to travel with such an amazing show and being Did having success as an actor who plays (210) 226-3333 majesticempire.com able to experience the gay culture of America. a drag queen make the process easier for sacurrent.com • January 20—26, 2016 • CURRENT 29
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SCREENS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF AFRICANAMERICAN FILM
→ Even MLK had paparazzi.
In honor of MLK Day, here are 6 historic films to view BRETT SEAMANS
In honor of the recent MLK holiday and Black History Month, we've decided to highlight a handful of films that illuminate the AfricanAmerican experience from past to present, films that illuminate the journey from objects of history to subjects capable of telling their own stories and creating colossal works of art and cinema. Body and Soul (1925) • Directed by novelist and filmmaker Oscar Micheaux, the silent Body and Soul tells the tale of a black escaped prisoner (Paul Robeson) who cons a church congregation into believing that he is a preacher, fully intent on bilking his followers of their savings. Micheaux is considered to be the first major African-American filmmaker. Body and Soul is Robeson’s debut. Due to his outspoken criticism of the United States government, Robeson was blacklisted in Hollywood during the McCarthy era, effectively sending him into early retirement. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967) • Stanley Kramer’s controversial flick revolves around a wellto-do white couple who are shocked and awed upon the discovery that their daughter is engaged to a black physician named John Prentice (Sidney Poitier). Gasp! What will the neighbors think? But on a serious note, how will an interracial couple be treated by their surrounding community? By 1967, Poitier had become a mainstream star, successfully crossing the racial barrier that had long existed throughout Micheaux and Robeson’s careers. Poitier’s gentle and articulate presence coaxed the white majority to begrudgingly accept him as a bonafide ambassador of American culture. At the time of filming, interracial marriage was still illegal in 17 states. Poitier should be commended for using his star power to face the pressing social issues of this particular era. Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1971) • This is a seminal gem shot independently in just 19 days because the Hollywood studios were too scared to financially support it. The plot involves Sweetback, a male whorehouse performer with a notoriously large phallus, who escapes from police custody for a crime he didn’t commit and races his way to the freedom of the Mexican border. This Melvin Van Peebles film helped spawn the Blaxploitation film movement. While many filmgoers considered these films to be silly, escapist B-movies, the black militant heroes of these films were a direct response to the passive, conformist demeanor of Poitier’s onscreen characters.
•MLK chilling with Brando. No big deal.
In Blaxploitation, our protagonists didn’t apologize for their race. They weren’t subservient to any person of any color. And they definitely did not put up with racist ideologies of would-be oppressors. For many impressionable viewers, this was the first time they saw their own pent-up frustrations catapulted onto the screen. Menace II Society (1993) • Hailed by some as a controversial portrayal of juvenile antisocial behavior, Menace II Society didn’t seem so controversial to those disadvantaged communities who directly mirrored the film’s stark depictions. In essence, this film is a coming of age tale. The coming of age tales of John Hughes were widely hailed as great cinematic achievements; audiences flocked to these films because they were fun, because they were safe. Because they were white suburban teens who had middle class problems; utter survival was never at stake. And yet, Menace is hardly ever generalized as a coming of age story, even though it explicitly involves two teenagers who are trying to find their place in the world as they transition into adulthood. The violence ripped from national headlines was just too ugly for mainstream audiences to fall behind. It made them uncomfortable. It made them want to shut their eyes and ignore this jolting portrayal of a marginalized community. And that is the problem: Ignorance is bliss. Bamboozled (2000) • As serious as Spike Lee can be, he is no stranger to humor, having made a musical
comedy about the prejudices held between light skin and dark skin African Americans (School Daze). Bamboozled is another Spike Lee comedy, a satire, which challenges the stereotypical portrayals of African Americans that were prevalent in the mass media at the time. The plot chronicles the scheme of a frustrated black producer, trying to get fired, who develops an offensive blackface minstrel television show that instantly becomes a TV ratings phenomenon. Lee’s observations are remarkably well-thought-out and sadly realistic. Although veiled in comedy, this film is a call to action for filmmakers and gatekeepers alike to change America’s skewed view of African-American culture by producing positive and accurate depictions of blacks in all forms of visual media. Selma (2014) • Nominated for two Oscars including Best Picture, Selma chronicles the struggles encountered by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference activists who attempted to march from Selma, Alabama, to the state capital of Montgomery in order to secure equal voting rights for African Americans. However, as the devastating events in Ferguson have demonstrated, it is clear that institutional racial injustice still continues to infest our nation’s façade of equality for all. Despite the downbeat odor of current national events, Selma is an uplifting embodiment of what the joyous human spirit can accomplish when like-minded individuals refuse to give up on their dreams. sacurrent.com • January 20—26, 2016 • CURRENT 31
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SCREENS
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•
Rob Schneider voices the polar bear on a mission.
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (R) • Personally, I couldn’t have made it through 2016 without knowing what Michael Bay thinks about Benghazi. Some people would like you to think that the schlockmeister’s impressions of the incident are all nice and apolitical; star John Krasinski told Stephen Colbert that 13 Hours takes no stand beyond saluting the brave men who tried to save the lives of our representatives abroad. Christ, even the shortest TV clip shows that the picture hews to the Breitbartian fantasy of some sort of stand-down order that ensured the eventual catastrophe. Now millions of viewers are going to swallow this codswallop as fact — and conveniently just in time for a national election. Why didn’t they just title it Citizens United? Norm of the North (PG) • Remember when Heather Graham tried to jump on the Sting bandwagon by revealing to the world that she, too, practices tantric sex — then swiftly clarified that her version of the activity includes frequent breaks to get something to eat, go to the bathroom and maybe even ride out the presidential primary season? It was kind of like that Steven Wright joke about the convenience store that stays open 24 hours, just not in a row. If you’ve been
wondering what Graham has been up to lately, the answer is obvious: Helping Rob Schneider heat up the Antarctic. Graham joins Schneider in the voice cast of Norm of the North, the story of a crusading polar bear who tries to save his home from developers. Sadly, Graham voices one of the human characters, not one of Norm’s so-called “fuzzy sidekicks” (because that would make my job too easy). Either way, the movie is bound to be hours of fun for the whole family. Just not in a row. Ride Along 2 (PG-13) • Now that it’s guaranteed Tim Story will not be remembered as the only director who ever fucked up the Fantastic Four, he’s free to go on with his career. And he’d really like you to remember that — before he turned Galactus into a disembodied cloud — he made the thoroughly respectable Barbershop with Ice Cube. Ever the pal, Cube has allowed Story to ride along with him and Kevin Hart in the second installment of their actioncomedy franchise. Heck, if the movie is a hit, maybe Cube will take them both to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame dinner. Because wouldn’t you love to see Steve Miller trying to explain that one to Ritchie Blackmore? All three films are currently playing in local theaters.
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36 CURRENT • January 20—26, 2016 • sacurrent.com
FOOD
DAN PAYTON
NEXT GEN MEX Don’t miss Viva Villa’s cazuelitas RON BECHTOL
Viva Villa is the Cortez clan’s latest venture in the family compound that is Market Square. Filled with rustic woods, exposed brick, nostalgic photos and a catch-all collection of light fixtures, it’s flashy, fun and more than holds its own with venerable Mi Tierra next door — an institution that has had generations to evolve into a beloved caricature of itself. It’s also helmed by a this-gen family member, Cariño Cortez, who just happens to be a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America-Hyde Park and the kitchens of the equally impressive restaurants of Jean-Georges Vongerichten in New York and Rick Bayless in Chicago. Step right up to the counter and place your order. Unlike other Cortez operations, this one’s quasi-cafeteria style, so if something doesn’t look appealing to you on the line, give it a pass. This is what I should have done with the esquites, the grilled corn that is a staple of street corners all over Mexico. Shaved from the cob long before it was served (this was admittedly toward the end of an evening), the charred kernels were cold, dry and chewy, relieved primarily by a modest dusting of queso fresco and a few bits of cilantro. Green chile con queso comes to you in a clay cup flanked by a raft of chips. The name suggests that chile will dominate — or at least participate equally. You will now have guessed that it doesn’t. There are just a few strands on top of the melted cheese mixture. That mixture, however, is an unexpectedly rewarding blend of sharp cheddar and avocado — smooth, creamy and in need only of a little more thermal heat and the zing of a few more rajitas de chile. This could easily become the perfect bar snack with one of Viva Villa’s craft or Mexican beers on tap or in bottles or cans. (The drink list is otherwise confined to wine and wine-based margaritas.) The strong suit of two visits was decidedly the puerco en chile colorado. Served in a small cast-iron cazuelita, the price ($10.25) may seem a tad steep for a dish without a grain of rice or a smear of refried beans, but the lustrous sauce was deep, dark and magical, the cubes of pork were tender and flavorful in their
•
Give the cazuelitas a chance.
own right, and they were plentiful enough to satisfy. and good regardless, with crisp and salty parts Somewhat less successful were the hongos en chipotle balancing the moister bits. Balance was at the heart of meco. The mecos are normally smokier in flavor than the the excellent puerco al pastor street tacos, too. Here, darker, redder morita chipotles we see more frequently, the contrast to the crusty shaved pork came from the but that smokiness didn’t come through. Instead, the fresh pineapple, onion and cilantro. The street-size corn quartered button mushrooms floated in a kind of tan tortillas are way better than their big sisters, by the way, gravy that was creamy, lightly spicy and pleasant — but understand: This is a DIY effort. The tortillas line the though maybe better over rice than in a tortilla. All bottom of a canasta with the chopped mix ladled over cazuelitas (ribeye and cochinita pibil are among other them, jumbled-nacho style. More than some assembly is possibilities) come with tortillas for your taco-making required. As a reward for my inevitably messy efforts, I pleasure. Convinced that it’s harder to turn out good briefly contemplated a Big Red soft serve … corn tortillas than flour ones, I always go for corn as a I did, however, try the coconut tres leches cake. As test. Though they are said to be made in-house, the de best I can tell, the coconut designation comes from a maiz models I picked for the puerco prove the point. few wisps of the toasted variety adorning the twist of For its part, the flour tortilla cradling my Pancho whipped cream atop this dessert assembled inside a Mercado taco was almost crackery in its plastic container. (If coconut milk is involved, it’s delicacy. Consisting of chopped carne asada not apparent.) Cubes of pretty plain white cake Viva Villa Taqueria fill the cup, and as all the good, milky stuff is on with sliced avocado, grilled onion and beans 905 Dolorosa St. with bacon, the mix may have been missing its the bottom, you are advised to dig deep before (210) 987-8482 advertised queso blanco, but it was flavorful taking that first bite. vivavillatacos.com
The Skinny: Viva Villa adds to the Cortez complex in Market Square with a cafeteria-style operation centered on tacos and cazuelitas. Best Bets: Puerco al pastor street tacos; Pancho Mercado Taco; cazuelita de puerco en chile colorado Cost: $4.50-$10.75 Hours: 7am-9:30pm Mon-Thu; 7am-11pm Fri; 8:30am-11pm Sat; 8:30am-9:30pm Sun
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sacurrent.com • January 20—26, 2016 • CURRENT 37
Authentic Thai Cuisine
Open 7 Days a Week Thank you,
San Antonio for voting
for us !
226 W Bitters Rd #124 • (210) 545-3354 • saebthainoodlesa.com
www.TheStripSA.com corner of Main and Evergreen, just North of Downtown
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$1.75 Domestics and Well Drinks 38 CURRENT • January 20—26, 2016 • sacurrent.com
$2.00 Frozen Margaritas till 9 pm $3.00 Fireball all day and Night
1416 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX78212 (210) 320-5111
FOOD
BIG BREAKFAST
Big Bob’s Burgers is now serving the most important meal of the day JESSICA ELIZARRARAS/@JESSELIZARRARAS JESSICA ELIZARRARAS
Expires 1/27/2016
•Now you can skip the drive-thru at McDonald’s for your sausage biscuit.
Just a short year after opening his third Big Bob’s Burgers, this time off 1604 and Lockhill Selma, chef/owner Bob Riddle is turning his attention to breakfast. No, the San Antonio area won’t be #blessed with an all-new, all-breakfast joint anytime soon, but diners can now enjoy a good ol’ American breakfast at Big Bob’s Downtown (100 N. Santa Rosa St., 210-227-2627) on the ground floor of The Vistana. Riddle, who opened the Hildebrand location in 2011 after closing the original Big Bob’s is back in the kitchen. Don’t expect wild items on this menu. Like his other joints, Riddle is just aiming for solid, no-fuss tasty food. Items include three-egg omelettes — with choice of ham, cheddar, onion, peppers, bacon, tomatoes, sausage, mushrooms or a combination thereof — for $7.99; a breakfast plate ($5.99) with two eggs your way, hash browns and toast or biscuits; short stack ($4.49) or regular stack ($5.99) of pancakes; French toast ($5.99); and biscuits and gravy ($4.99). Breakfast sandwiches start at $2.49 for a sausage biscuit and peak at $5.99 for a Big Bob’s Breakfast sandwich with
scrambled eggs, ham, avocado, bacon and Swiss cheese. The rest of the menu is a mix of yogurt and other morningtype bites and drinks. Note, breakfast is served Monday through Saturday from 5 to 10 a.m., so don’t roll in like I did at 10:10. Riddle graciously allowed me to order. The omelette was filled with diced sausage cubes and fresh-grilled bell peppers and paired well with the seasoned hash browns (and no, Riddle won’t share his secret ratio, but it’s the same as his burger seasoning, so there’s that). The pancakes are nicely grilled and fluffy, but the highlight was definitely the sausage biscuit with egg, which was buttery and fluffy and made me remember trips to McDonald’s as a kid (that, let’s be real, I can’t start replicating now). Your mind won’t be blown with some new gastronomical masterpiece, but that’s not Riddle’s goal. Instead, you’re going to leave with a belly full of tasty fare, a minimal dent on your wallet and plenty of fuel for the remainder of your day. Put down that bowl of Grape Nuts and go. flavor@sacurrent.com
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San Antonio
San Antonio
A Tasty Night Of Local Cuisine, Live Music
& Drink BENEFITING
40 CURRENT • January 20—26, 2016 • sacurrent.com
FOOD
MON
Open Mic & Jam 7-11pm
TUES & THURS
FLAVOR FILE
Karaoke/DJ 6pm- 10pm
Restaurant Week, Oloroso Comeback and More
WED
Comedy Show & Open Mic 7pm-9pm FREE Wine Tastings
JESSICA ELIZARRARAS/@JESSELIZARRARAS
FRI & SAT DAVID RANGEL
Food-lovers who adore dining out are busy eating their way through town as the winter edition of Culinaria’s Restaurant Week runs through this Saturday, January 23, featuring more than 70 participating restaurants. The two-tier system returns with restaurants in Tier 1 offering a $15 lunch and $35 dinner and Tier 2 restaurants offering $10 lunch and $25 • Stone Brewing is taking over Brass Tap. dinner. Both tiers feature three-course menus and restaurants donate $1 or $2 from each lunch or dinner toward Culinaria and its programs. Visit culinariasa.org for menus.
Covered Patio • Beer and Wine Catering & Delivery
HAPPY HOUR 4-7PM
Live Bands 7pm-11pm Like us on
110 N. Crossroads Blvd • 210-732-7300 • CrossroadsBBQSA.com
Ladies Night Every Friday
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Francophiles will want to stop by Folc (226 E. Olmos Drive, 210-822-0100) for a Frenchie Wine Throwdown and dinner on Sunday, January 24 at 5:30 p.m. Two French ex-pats (Fabien Jacob and Mathieu Muckensturm) and wine director Cecilia Barretto will hand-select seven wines as paired with six courses created by chef Luis Colon. Reservations are $95 per person. Flair Restaurant (6462 N. New Braunfels Ave., 210-977-0193) and St. Arnold Brewing Company are teaming up for a five-course beer and dinner event on Tuesday, January 26 at 7 p.m. The beer lineup includes the Elissa IPA, Weedwacker Bavarian Hefeweizen, Santo Black Kolsch, Endeavour Double IPA and St. Arnold’s Pumpkinator as paired with scallops served over white cheddar and pork crackling grits, prime tenderloin medallions and roasted cauliflower risotto and cajeta cheesecake crepe. Lovers of Stone Brewing will want to visit The Brass Tap (17619 La Cantera Pkwy., Suite 2, 210-670-7090) as they host a tap takeover of the beloved California brewery’s best beers on Friday, January 29. Didn’t make it to Oloroso while it was still open in the current Feast space? Don’t fret. Chef Josh Cross will pop in at The Old Main Assoc. (2512 N. Main Ave., 210562-3440) with an “Oloroso Jr.” feast on Sunday, January 31 from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets start at $36 per person and the event will feature à la carte drinks.
210.829.7345 | 1146 AUSTIN HIGHWAY SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209 | TONGSTHAI.COM
eet r st e h t g Featurin ds of Thailand foo
• F U E L • R E S TAU R A N T • P R O D U C E • M E AT M A R K E T •
The Valentine’s Day menus are already rolling in, lovebirds. Dia de Los Enamorados at Ocho at Hotel Havana (1015 Navarro St., 210-222-2008) will feature a threecourse dinner with choice of mushroom soup or lump crab cake starter, rack of lamb, prosciutto-wrapped mahi-mahi or mushroom risotto and choice of chocolate mousse or bananas foster cheesecake. Make those reservations ($150 per couple, includes two complimentary drinks) early for either the 5 or 7 p.m. seating. flavor@sacurrent.com
700 N. ALAMO
210.444.0711 sacurrent.com • January 20—26, 2016 • CURRENT 41
FOR RENT
There can only be ONE!
AT T E N T I O N B A R O W N E R S
BARS FOR RENT OR SALE: 1. 410 Bar 2818 NE Loop 410
2. Turning Point Bar 753 Isom Rd.
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10726 Perrin Beitel Rd
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5042 Sherri Ann Rd
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Where Fantasies Become Realities
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42 CURRENT • January 20—26, 2016 • sacurrent.com
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NIGHTLIFE
JAIME MONZON
•
This bloody mary will turn you into a convert.
GOLDEN TOUCH
The Pigpen’s continues Smoke Shack’s winning streak JESSICA ELIZARRARAS/@JESSELIZARRARAS
Last summer, San Antonio lost a gay-friendly dive in One-O-Six when the bar known for fun mixed drinks and casual atmosphere closed its doors in late June without much notice. Now, five months later, the space is home to The Pigpen, the second venture by Chris Conger of Smoke Shack BBQ. What better place to open a bar than directly behind your already popular barbecue joint? Here’s how The Pigpen shapes up against other area bars.
The Booze • Hooch-hounds and beer lovers will find thirst-quenching libations aplenty. There are 14 beers on draft with local and regional craft commanding a good portion of said taps, including Busted Sandal Brewing Co., Shiner and Karbach Brewing out of Houston. Bloody mary fans should know by now that Pigpen’s is worth every dollar. It’s moderately spicy, plenty tangy (though I would add just another hint of Worcestershire) and you guessed it, topped with a slice of Smoke Shack brisket. To be completely honest, I wanted to hate the bloody and all its gluttonousness. But after ordering it during our weekday visit, I have to admit I’m a total convert. The brisket adds more smoke, while giving the drinker just a quick snack to hold them over. Don’t miss this drink.
Sounds • Turns out it does. Though my bar-buddy and I joined for a happy hour session on hump day, jam bands are slowly being added to the regular lineup. The Smokehouse Guitar Army played last Friday night for some blues and barbecue, which brings me to the food. Bites • Other than the badass bloody mary, and remodeled space, the other main reason patrons will enjoy Pigpen is the Smoke Shack trailer parked in the patio (more on this later). The menu varies, but expect to find barbecue nachos, BBQueso with brisket, smoked wings, brisket/pork/shrimp tacos and smoked chicken salad sliders at prices comparable to the Smoke Shack, so you know it’s good.
Patio • Pleasantly perfect. Think rustic Friendly Spot The ambience • Instead of the dim lights found and you’re halfway there. The addition of the globe at One-O-Six, the Pigpen turns up the lighting to an string lights keeps it charming, while the playground will 11— in a good way. You can take in all the countrykeep the kiddos entertained. It’s a nice addition to the bar fixtures from wooden picnic tables to, Broadway corridor. U.S. of A flag-backed stage and corrugated Barbecue, brisket-topped bloody marys and a The Pigpen metal walls. My favorite addition was the faux- 106 Pershing Ave. cozy urban oasis make up the Pigpen’s appeal. (210) 267-9136 tailgate seating that lines the right-hand side It’ll be hard to beat come springtime when the 3pm-midnight Mon-Thu; of the bar. It doesn’t get more country than patio will surely turn into a hotspot for Alamo noon-midnight Fri-Sat thepigpensa.com that … or does it? Heights bar-goers. sacurrent.com • January 20—26, 2016 • CURRENT 43
CLUB SiRIUS
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YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY
SATURDAY, JANUARY 23RD
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$1 Miller Lite • Dos XX • Bud Light • Shiner & Tecate $2 Margaritas, DJ & More 10141 Wurzbach, San Antonio, Texas 78230 • (210) 877-2100 wurzbachicehouse.com • Corner of Ironside and Wurzbach 44 CURRENT • January 20—26, 2016 • sacurrent.com
628 Jackson St | 210-320-1840
NIGHTLIFE
1304 S. LAREDO ST. SAN ANTONIO, TX 78204
1/19 – 1/23 San Antonio Restaurant Week –
Come to Nectar for a fabulous dinner benefitting a great cause. Nectar is proud to be a part of SARW this January. Course 1: Champagne Spinach Salad Course 2: Lobster Mac ‘N Cheese with Red Dragon cheese and topped with Crispy Serrano Ham Course 3: Chocolate Mousse with Lady Fingers.
IN THE CAN
Busted Sandal Brewing Company can’t stop
214 Broadway NectarSa.com @NectarSAT NOW SERVING SUNDAY BRUNCH • 11 AM-3 PM Web: NectarSA.com
@Nectarsat
1/27 – Wine Pairing, $50
– Join us as we travel to the Basque region and savor some great food and wine. Enjoy 6 wines paired with a 4-course dinner. The Basque region is where Spain and France meet and where the food is made with love. Like them, we will make everything farm to table. The dinner is limited to 20 diners, so please RSVP as soon as possible. Course 1: Cheese Plate Course 2: Seafood dish Course 3 (main) : Braised beef • Course 4: Delicious Chocolate Dessert
Nectar Wine Bar and Ale House
Nectarwinebar
JESSICA ELIZARRARAS/@JESSELIZARRARAS
of designing the can began. Busted Sandal worked with Aaron Mendiola, now with Mad Pecker Brewing Co., to help land on a winning label that was simple but represented the brand and who the brewers are. “That was by far the longest part of the process. You have to nail it when you go to market,” Tamez said. The canning plates donning the laid-back namesake chancla in either a bright forest green or silver, were printed in Toronto, which were then turned into cans at a canning company, and now the small staff at Busted Sandal fills them with beer sporadically. The resulting cans are modest, with nods to both the city’s skyline and the Spurs. Cans were officially on shelves on January 8, though a can unveiling party was held in early December. “Everything we’re doing, we do on site, which is funny because no one would think you can brew beer here, let alone can it,” Tamez said. Pick up a sixer of Busted Sandal’s first two releases at select area H-E-Bs, Gabriel’s and Spec’s. flavor@sacurrent.com
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When it came time to finally distribute its hoppy concoctions, Busted Sandal Brewing Company, based out of the city’s Medical Center area, knew canning was a no-brainer. They followed the examples of Branchline Brewing Company, which was the first brewery in town to can and, of course, Freetail Brewing, which is distributed by Silver Eagle and found just about anywhere great beer is sold. Choosing what beer to can was also simple. According to Roland Tamez, director of marketing and communications for Busted Sandal, the brewery went with their most accessible offerings, the 210 Ale and the Slippery Rock IPA. The former carries a 6.1 percent ABV and pairs with just about anything (from burgers to ceviche), making it a perennial beer to sip whether by a fire or while on the Guadalupe River come spring. “It’s also named after our area code so we wanted to give people something to enjoy and hold in their hand,” Tamez said. The latter he described as a middle of the road IPA suitable for beer drinkers who are trying to dabble in craft. Once the beers were chosen, the matter
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MUSIC
MONTEREY POPS
2410 N. ST MARY’S ST. / ADVANCE TIX - PAPERTIGERSA.COM
Thursday, January 21st Transmission Events Presents
MATTHEW LOGAN VASQUEZ
The Monterey Jazz Festival hits the road
MATT STIEB/@MATTHEWSTIEB
(OF DELTA SPIRIT) W/ A. SIINCLAIR 8:00PM ALL AGES Friday, January 22nd Brooklyn Brewery & Nine Mile Records Presents
•
The eclectic sextet is ready to wow.
From KRTU to the Kennedy Center, the current mission of jazz institutions is to prove that this genere is alive; that the art form’s pulse today is as strong and unwavering as a Jimmy Cobb beat, that Art Blakey Spotify playlists, while enthralling, aren’t the alpha and omega of jazz consumption. The Monterey Jazz Festival is no exception. In the new century, the historic California festival has booked young musicians pushing the art form’s commitment to creativity, while carving out headliner space for hit makers and living masters. Founded in 1958 by radio broadcaster Jimmy Lyons, Monterey quickly became one of the premier jazz festivals in the world — the triple crown, so to speak, is filled out by concerts in Newport, Rhode Island and Montreux, Switzerland. Promising “sophisticated informality,” the nonprofit festival also provides $500,000 each year for jazz education and sponsors a sextet of Monterey vets shredding across America. Imagine if the NBA All-Star starters (plus a sixth man) kept their one-off uniforms and toured the basketball courts of the lower 48. This is the premise of the Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour. A showcase of ridiculous talent and synaptic improvisation, the members of the traveling sextet have each played the summer fest between three and nine times. By last name alone, saxophonist
Ravi Coltrane is the most wellCheeto dust and Netflix queues, known artist of the bunch. The think of Nicholas Payton’s schedule son of the supreme John and Alice and get back to work. Coltrane, Ravi has maintained A man of many genres, guitarist the flawless jazz pedigree of his and singer Raul Midon has the parents. But there’s no room enviable combo of tasteful chops for nepotism on the bandstand and broad, coffee counter appeal. — since his debut as a leader in This is the musician to show your 1997, the saxophonist has been parents if you want to bring them one of the premier voices on his to the Carver on Saturday. instrument. Coltrane’s tone is To extend the metaphor of the warm and bright, a vehicle for NBA All-Stars, pianist Gerald lovely runs and shattering bursts Clayton is the Steph Curry of the of color. To get a sense of his crew — a young, preternaturally charisma, spend some time with gifted player who makes the the 2012 album Spirit Fiction. impossible look easy. With Clayton Rooted in post-bop, Trane and in charge as musical director, gang pop with vitality, indebted expect a wide base for the band to to the staccato storytelling of build on, from swaths of classical Thelonious Monk. texture to the free, midnight-black To call Nicholas Payton a sounds of ’70s jazz icons like Archie trumpeter would be in gross Shepp and Pharoah Sanders. negligence of his prolific and varied On bass is Joe Sanders, a sharp career. The New Orleans native mind who cuts through tough runs a record label (BMF), held a chord changes like warm butter. stint as visiting professor at Tulane A great communicator, Sanders is University and writes elegantly shaping up to be the Ron Carter on the heavily trod intersections of his generation — name a listof race and music. His 2011 topping jazz record from the past album Bitches features Payton decade and there’s a good chance on every instrument, waxing on Sanders provided the low end. love from each position on the Rounding out the rhythm stage. His new album, Letters, is a section is Justin Brown, a double-effort with a tune for each drummer who sounds like a fourgrapheme in the alphabet armed Goro behind the kit. — the trumpet doesn’t even Known for his work with Monterey Jazz show up until “F for Axel NPR hunny and fusion-funk Festival On Tour bassist Thundercat, Brown Foley.” When he does put $35 his lips to his instrument, treats his unexpected fills 8pm Sat, Jan. 23 Carver Community Payton is a jaw-dropper. like Gandalf treats his Cultural Center So, next time you’re appointments, arriving 226 N. Hackberry St. feeling stressed while precisely when he means/ (210) 207-7211 thecarver.org procrastinating in a bed of needs to.
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TRILL SAMMY &DICE SOHO 9:00PM ALL AGES Sunday, January 24th ROCK-N-ROLL BRUNCH!
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Thursday, February 4th Transmission Events Presents
AGENT ORANGE IN THE WHALE 7:00PM ALL AGES Friday, February 5th Do210 & Untapped Fest Presents
NAUGHTY BY NATURE 8:00PM ALL AGES 2410 N. ST MARY’S ST. / ADVANCE TIX - PAPERTIGERSA.COM sacurrent.com • January 20—26, 2016 • CURRENT 47
48 CURRENT • January 20—26, 2016 • sacurrent.com
MUSIC
TRINITY UNIVERSITY
OVER THE HILL KRTU turns 40 and boosts its signal J.D. SWERZENSKI
On the fourth floor of Trinity University’s Richardson Communications Center, just outside KRTU’s Studio B, there’s a small picture posted on a tack-board. Vaguely dated as the mid-’70s, the shot certainly looks like it’s from the time: a wood-paneled studio, dominated by a massive analog sound board and helmed by a young student engineer mustachioed in full Burt Reynolds fashion. It’s a rare glimpse of KRTU’s earliest days, back when the station first went live on January 21, 1976. The studio from the picture is still here, though it’s more of an equipment closet now. Otherwise, there’s not much that hasn’t changed in the 40 years since 91.7 FM hit the airwaves. There’s the sound, which evolved from an eclectic mix of whatever records its DJs could scrounge, to featuring one of the premier jazz formats in the country. There are the station facilities, which, thanks to an AT&T-sponsored million-dollar upgrade in the late 2000s, rank first class among community or college stations. Most noticeable to its listeners is the signal. Starting from 50 watts at its launch, KRTU has slowly but surely upped the power of its rooftop tower, sending its sound out further across San Antonio in the process. Now, at the cusp of their 40th anniversary, the station has announced plans for its biggest upgrade yet: a broadcast tower move that will allow the signal strength to triple from its current 8,900 watts to nearly 32,000 watts. “It was an answer to the community,” General Manager JJ Lopez said. “Most often the community feedback was ‘I’m out in the UTSA area’ or ‘I’m down in the South Side, and I just don’t get you.’” Currently, the station reaches the edges of Bexar County, though plenty of coverage gaps have plagued areas on the outskirts of town. The upgrade will nearly triple KRTU’s range, sending Jazz 91.7 FM from Bandera to China Grove from east to west, and Bulverde to Pleasanton from north to south. While the strengthening of the signal will expand the station’s reception in all directions, moving its broadcast tower to the Medical Center area will most directly affect the city’s Northwest side. “I can’t think of a better contour to have for a college station in San Antonio, so for us the move was a nobrainer,” Lopez says. That KRTU is boosting its signal will no doubt come as long-awaited news to jazz listeners who’ve long suffered through spotty reception in the Alamo Ranch, Boerne and Stone Oak areas. For the KRTU staff, however, the next step involves engaging with these listeners now in range. “One thing KRTU has always done well is to be a San Antonio radio station,” says Operations Manager Emilio Alvarez. “We have hosts from the community, no
•
The station plants a tower as it reaches the top of the hill
syndicated programs and tons of community events. With the tower move, the question on my mind is how do we affect our new broadcast community.” Most KRTU events, including their Sunday Jazz at the Witte, Artpace Rooftop Concert and Skyline Swing series, have centered in the Downtown core. The staff, however, is looking to expand those events outward along with the signal. “I would like us to become a primary voice for those arts and culture organizations that need to be promoted and to get their programming out there. It’s about taking our program outside of center city and bringing with us a lot of our arts partners,” Lopez said. The station does have a celebration planned for the official 40th anniversary date on January 23, though it will be a smaller affair, a “chance for staff, members and students to celebrate by telling some great stories from our history,” says Lopez, who already has his sights set
on a larger celebration, set for October 23. “Our goal is to go live at our new 32,000 wattage on [October 23] and do a ribbon cutting, say our thank you to our members and listeners, and flip the switch.” Plans are also in the works for a community-wide concert featuring KRTU alumni and drummer Gerry Gibbs and his Thrasher Dream Trio to accompany the tower switch. While boosting the signal is among the biggest upgrades in the station’s four-decade-long history, KRTU’s staff is already looking forward. “I think the tower project is significant and quite indicative of the progress of KRTU over 40 years of service,” said Lopez. “From day one, the success of KRTU with each decade and each passing staff has been about education, leadership and technology. This is the critical step that all other upgrades have led to that’s going to take us into the future another 10, 20, 30 years.” sacurrent.com • January 20—26, 2016 • CURRENT 49
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SUN
Bidi Bidi Banda
The strip’s favorite alt-rock venue is going to get a lot more Como La Flor’d this Sunday when Austin’s Selena tribute band, Bidi Bidi Banda, hosts brunch at the Paper Tiger. Presented by Modelo Especial, the show will feature a diverse collection of some of the capital city’s most seasoned and talented Latin musicians who have a passion for playing their respects to the late legend with classy brass and velvety guitar riffs. This is not the collective’s first time showcasing their chamoy-filled chops in the Alamo City. Some of their past performances include Luminaria and Tamales at Pearl. Spear-headed by vocalist Stephanie Bergara, this eight-piece group of refried banditos sets themselves apart from other tribute bands with the modern spin they put on caliente classics like “I Could Fall in Love” and “Baila Esta Cumbia.” Couple this with their infectious onstage presence and long-standing admiration of the Corpus Christi native, a Bidi Bidi Banda performance is a muy perfecto way to wind down any weekend aventura in San Antonio. With Chulita Vinyl Club. $8, 12pm, Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersa.com –Hilary Harty
Wednesday, January 20
American Aquarium & The Black Lillies With songs that feature multiple uses of the words "sad, lonely" and "lonesome," American Aquarium is for country lovers that long for them good ol' days before the likes of Luke Bryan and Florida Georgia Line. In the jaunty "Smokestack Lady," The Black Lillies prove that Americana can pack more punch than KFC's secret recipe. Sam’s Burger Joint, 8pm
Breaking Benjamin "Unplugged"
With lyrics described as "angst-heavy," Breaking Benjamin got the short-end of the stick in the self-parody known as "post-grunge." Even though BB is held in a higher regard than their peers Nickelback and Daughtry, it's safe to say that the group has effectively contributed to the destruction of rock 'n' roll. With Starset. Aztec Theatre, 7pm
Gen-Y Wednesdays: '90s Night Jncos,
flip-up sunglasses-glasses combos, light-up L.A. Gears and professional athletes dressed up like grandmas — what a time to be alive. Drink through the memories with other been-legal-fora-minutes. Amp Room, 7pm
Oh Bleep! Wednesdays Show hump day who's boss by going up (to the rooftop) on a Wednesday with Illenium and Tomsize. Lush Rooftop, 4pm
The Lucky Eejits Despite recently losing
their bassist in a fatal shooting outside a club, Oakland's The Lucky Eejits are still rocking gigs with a faster, more aggressive strand of classic punk rock.
52 CURRENT • January 20—26, 2016 • sacurrent.com
With Signalman and Lemmings. Ten Eleven, 9pm
The Mid-Week All-Vinyl Social The
weekly residency of DJ Tech-neek and DJ EPSR, playing all types of stuff and actually DJ’ing, chicka-chicka-chickas included. La Botánica, 8pm
Thursday, January 21
Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime What's more enjoyable than a Jimmy Buffett cover band? A Sublime cover band, of course. Relive the days of the SoCal group with Badfish, playing ska punk straight outta New England. Aztec Theatre, 7pm
Ken Slavin Trio Like a comedian
careening through a familiar joke, Slavin has incredible control over the pacing, charm and melodic intricacies of the crooner pages of the fake book. Get a cocktail from the liquor wall and let Slavin and co. soothe your modern woes with classic panache. Last Word, 9pm
Liverpool Legends - The Complete Beatles Experience! Hand-picked
by Louise Harrison – sister of the late George Harrison of The Beatles – this Liverpudlian quartet is the only band in the world with a close, direct biological link to the original Fab Four! Now say "Liverpudlian" to your heart's content. Sam’s Burger Joint, 8pm
Matthew Logan Vasquez (of Delta Spirit) On the 2015 EP Austin, Delta
Spirit’s Matthew Logan Vasquez follows the smoke signals of contemplative firestarters Radiohead and Mazzy Star.
MUSIC
Check out the frontman as he completes the second, and last, night of his January residency. Paper Tiger, 8pm
Modern Jazz with Capt. Kirk Covington Quartet With a name like Captain Kirk, Modern Jazz is sure to be a stellar, or in this case interstellar, experience. Luna, 9:30pm
Mötley 2: Tribute to Mötley Crüe Now
that Mötley Crüe is no longer, playing their final show December 31 of last year, the very cleverly named Mötley 2 will fill the gaping hole in your heart with all the spandex, spikes, leather and hairspray you could ever ask for. Amp Room, 8pm
Tera Ferna Sundown Shadows LP Release Kicking off their national tour to support their first full-length album, San Antonio natives Tera Ferna will take their emotional rock to the West Coast. With Lowly Servants and Doral Club. Jack's, 8pm
Thursday JAZZ life Thursday night
jazz starts here. For 15 years jazz of all perspectives has been shared within this intimate space. Carmens de la Calle Café, 7:30pm
Friday, January 22
Billy Joe Shaver Long in the tooth and
short in fingers, Shaver has crafted impeccable tales of good ol' boy debauchery, heartache and humility for decades. He is one of Texas' most brilliant songwriters and the last beacons of a bygone era of foolhardy, headstrong swagger and confidence. The old five and dimer born in Corsicana has, by now, surely become the diamond that lived inside that old lump o' coal. John T. Floore’s Country Store, 8:30pm
Christian Death Although formed in the late
'70s, goth rockers Christian Death never reached the success of gloom and doomers Bauhaus. Probably because their album cover depicted Jesus shooting up heroin, so it's pretty obvious there's a special place in Hell for them — if Hell exists, that is. With The Maension, Annex, Hearts Fail and Encrypted. Korova, 8pm
Friday Nights with Ghostpizza Hip-
hop tastemaker Ghostpizza gets you all TGIF'ed at his weekly showcase of the top hip-hop. Phantom Room, 9pm
Hayes Carll Acoustic Show Woodlands
native Hayes Carll writes Americana with a bite. “Smoking on a cigarette, talkin’ ‘bout the deficit,” he sings on “Another Like You,” showing his conversational ease and quick wit. Sam’s Burger Joint, 9pm
Nina Diaz NPR once gave SA songstress
Nina Diaz some impressive cred as “one
of the two or three most exciting, scarygood vocalists in rock today.” The praise rings true if you cross-reference the video of Diaz singing “Rebirth,” one of the few tunes Diaz has recorded in hi-fi since the hiatus from Girl in a Coma. Come see what all the hype is about. With The Lost Project. 502 Bar, 9pm
Ryan Bingham Bingham’s rollicking
Americana-rock mash ups and his craggy voice translate into a live show that ratchets up the energy level and dynamism of his compositions, accentuating the rock sound in places and dampening it in others. The magnitude of Cowboys may actually play right into the hands of the whiskey-whisperer as his fans are devout enough to silence the place to the point of being able to hear a heart break. Cowboys Dancehall, 7pm
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San Antonio Symphony "Las Américas" Festival: American Cello The rich
diversity of music found in the two Americas, North and South, is distilled into this perfect program featuring music by both North and South American master composers. Featuring works by Jeffrey Mumford, Astor Piazzolla, Leonard Bernstein and John Adams. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 8pm
Sweet Spirit Once a solo project of
Sabrina Ellis that soon evolved into a nine-piece band, Sweet Spirit is fun and energetic enough to make you glad you're not pushing daisies. With Holy Wave and Tinnarose. Paper Tiger, 9pm
Warhead Let that untamed mane fly,
thrash metallers Warhead — who may or may not be named after the explosively sour hard candy — are going to fulfill their duty to the demons of metal to create chaos. With Braindead. Korova, 8:30pm
Saturday, January 23
City and Colour Sounding like the kind of
For some it’s about the music.
For others it’s about the vinyl. musicconnectionrecordstore.com 7121 Hwy. 90 W. Ste. 140, 78227 • 673-2850 • Est 1982
Charlie Brown’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill
JAN 30 DIRTY RIVER BOYS
MARCH 25 & 26 – RANDY ROGERS BAND WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
Join Us for Happy Hour Mon-Fri 2pm-6pm Specials Daily
music you'd encounter over the speaker at mall chain Urban Outfitters, City and Colour is about as hip as alternative country can get — total hipster fodder. With Greyhounds. Aztec Theatre, 7pm
JUNE 12 – HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS
Concert for the Cure Feat. Roger Creager On “River Song,” Corpus
Christi native Roger Creager describes the exquisite hell of toobing on a song that would sound great coming out of a floating radio cooler. Come support the abolition of the disease that just this year claimed David Bowie, Lemmy Kilmister and Alan Rickman, even if you don't know who any of those people are. Cowboys Dancehall, 7pm
Kelly Willis & Radio Ranch With
Karaoke • Trivia Live Music
11888 Starcrest | 210 496-7092 Charlie-Browns.com
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For tickets: liveatfloores.com sacurrent.com • January 20—26, 2016 • CURRENT 53
San Antonio
San Antonio
A Tasty Night Of Local Cuisine, Live Music
& Drink BENEFITING
54 CURRENT • January 20—26, 2016 • sacurrent.com
MUSIC
rockabilly roots and a heartache-meetshonky-tonk voice, Kelly Willis has been labeled a country ingénue. As a new traditionalist singer-songwriter, her tunes effortlessly combine the storytelling and strings aspects of country and the driving force of rock. Gruene Hall, 9pm
Levees EP Release Show Feat. Crown, Femina-X and Fair Coyote If A&R
guys still existed and they were to catch Levees on the day that the competition signed the next Alabama Shakes, the group might be rocketing up the charts faster than you can say "But I don't even like the Alabama Shakes." Limelight, 9pm
Ska Implosion Vol.4 Featuring The
Skatastrophics, The Six Pack Stranglers, Grievance Committee and The Skams, this show promises to be more twotoned and skank-heavy than a brothel of mimes. Korova, 8pm
Trill Sammy and Dice Soho Houston duo
Trill Sammy and Dice Soho spit faster than drive-thru takeout on their breakout banger "Just Watch," (even though the twosome's Bruno Mars/frosted-tips 'dos may steal the spotlight just a little). Paper Tiger, 9pm
Vetter Kids With a fuzzed-out slacker
sound that’s equal parts fun and fuckall, these guys make some seriously righteous rock that sweats and sears and wanes and smolders. With Lout, Naturalist and Benji. Imagine Books and Records, 8pm
Sunday, January 24
Farolito Music Presents Tribute to Los Panchos Witness the majesty and
romance of Mexico's most famous guitarvocal trio. Carver Community Cultural Center, 3pm
Flaw Punch some skinny white kid in the
face, kick someone in the head with your Airwalk while stagediving. Let the Linkin Park-meets-311 rap-rock of Flaw be your soundtrack. Korova, 8pm
Ready Revolution Although I'm sure
they're sick of being referenced as such,
Tejano star Emilio's sons' band, Ready Revolution, have a flair for melody and the melodramatic whoas of aught emo. "Love to Kill a Bomb" is a frolic in a field of lush synths and vocals in the key of "no one truly understands our love, 17-year-old girlfriend." They're cyoot as fuck, too. Sam’s Burger Joint, 7pm
Monday, January 25
Postcards from Las Américas The
second program of the season explores the great music of the Americas, taking the audience on a journey through Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Uruguay, Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The centerpiece of SOLI's program is a new work by Clarice Assad, a Brazilian-American composer of high acclaim in both the classical and jazz worlds. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30pm
Check out fresh daily conent at sacurrent.com
Swing Nite with The Dirty River Dixie Band Put a little jelly in your jelly roll with these throwback vipers. Sam’s Burger Joint, 8:30pm
Tuesday, January 26
Filth North Carolina downtempo
metalheads Filth chop and screw metal into a beat heavy enough to induce suicide by neck-snapping, or sound like an Unsane 45 on 33rpm, pick your analogy. With The Ansible Ruins, Fortunes, Aurorean, Decimate and Havenbrook. Korova, 8pm
Michael J. & the Foxes Led by Michael
Carrillo of Deer Vibes, the Foxes wield a sparse sound opposite to Carrillo’s indie rock orchestra: heartfelt honkytonk. Catch 'em on the last night of their January residency. With Young Valley, Underhill Family Orchestra. 502 Bar, 9pm
So Unloved SA's So Unloved have been a beloved member of the local punk scene for going on a decade now, ripping through Epitaph-inspired numbers with commendable venom. With Blatoidea, Equinox and Prag.
502 Bar 502 Embassy Oaks Drive, (210) 257-8125, 502bar.com Aztec Theatre 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355 theaztectheatre.com Carmen's de la Calle 320 N. Flores St., (210) 281-4349, carmensdelacalle.com Carver Community Cultural Center 226 N. Hackberry St., (210) 207-7211, thecarver.org Cowboys Dancehall 3030 NE Interstate 410 Loop, (210) 646-9378, cowboysdancehall.com Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road, (830) 606-1281 gruenehall.com Hi-Tones 621 E. Dewey Pl., (210) 573-6220, hitonessa.com Imagine Books & Records 8373 Culebra Road, (210) 236-7668, imaginebookstore.com Jack’s Patio Bar 3030 Thousand Oaks Drive, (210) 494-2309, jacksbarsa.com John T. Floore’s Country Store 14492 Old Bandera Road, (210) 695-8827, liveatfloores.com La Botánica 2911 N. St. Mary’s St., vivalabotanica.com Limelight 2718 N. St. Mary’s St., thelimelightsa.com Luna 6740 San Pedro Ave., lunalive.com Lush Rooftop 4553 N. Loop 1604, (210) 858-9028, facebook.com/lushrooftop Paper Tiger 2410 N. St Mary’s St., papertigersa.com Phantom Room 2106 N. St. Mary’s St. Sam’s Burger Joint 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com Ten Eleven 1011 Avenue B, (210) 320-9080, theteneleven.com The Amp Room 2407 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 320-2122, theamproom.com The Korova 107 E. Martin St., (210) 226-5070, thekorova.com The Last Word 229 E. Houston St., #10, (210) 314-1285, thelastwordsa.com The Mix 2403 N St. Mary’s St., (210) 735-1313 Tobin Center for the Performing Arts 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org
sacurrent.com • January 20—26, 2016 • CURRENT 55
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by Dan Savage
I am no longer sexually active, but I have a significant collection of sex toys from earlier years. I’m thinking of getting rid of most of them, and it seems such a waste for them to end up in the landfill. What’s an environmentally responsible way to dispose of dildos? I wish there was a place I could donate the dildos where they could be used again. Many of them are quality silicone types, they’ve never been used on a person without a condom, and they’ve been thoroughly cleaned. I’d be happy to donate them to impoverished dildo users in need, if only I knew where to send them. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Your question comes up frequently, RRR, and there really isn’t a satisfactory answer. In Seattle, where I live, a community tool bank recently opened in my neighborhood—but they don’t collect and lend the kind of tools you’re looking to donate. I’ve heard about dildo graveyards in other cities (spots in parks where people bury their used sex toys), but burying sex toys isn’t environmentally responsible. And while high-quality dildos can be cleaned and safely reused, most people are pretty squeamish about the idea. Which is odd, considering that we routinely reuse actual cocks that have been enjoyed by others—so why not the fake ones? But even if I can’t tell you what to do with your dildos, RRR, I can tell you what not to do with them: Do not ship your used dildos to the anti-government militia currently occupying a federal wildlife refuge in rural Oregon. After militia members asked supporters to send them supplies—via the US Postal Service— their spokesperson complained bitterly about all the dildos they were getting in the mail. So if you decide to put your used dildos in a box and send them somewhere, RRR, please make sure the address on the box doesn’t read: Bundy Militia, c/o Malheur National
Wildlife Refuge, 36391 Sodhouse Lane, Princeton, OR, 97721. I’m 33, blah blah blah, and live in a big city. I’ve been dating an age-appropriate person for a year and a half. Everything seemed fine (great sex, common interests and hobbies, similar work ethic, we even talked about raising children), but my partner is so damn angry and full of hate. Mostly it manifests itself in racism, and I really don’t like it. He says that I “don’t understand,” like he’s gone through experiences that would justify wholesale prejudice against entire groups of people. The passing of David Bowie has accentuated these differences between us. I want to live better and brighter, to love more, but my boyfriend just keeps hating. He’s unrelentingly racist. I shouldn’t have children with him—right? Better to be 33 and alone—right? This racist stuff is a deal breaker— right? DTMFA—right? Racist Anger Gradually Ends Relationship Right. My best female friend is marrying her boyfriend in March and wants to go on a gay bar crawl on the night of her bachelorette party. She says it won’t be a problem because, as a bi woman, she’s part of the LGBT community too and because gay people can get married now. As a gay man, Dan, do you oppose bachelorette parties in gay bars? Queer And Questioning I oppose bachelorette parties in gay bars—or anywhere else, QAQ, and I feel the exact same way about bachelor parties. On the Lovecast, Dr. Robert Garofalo on parenting a trans kid: savagelovecast.com. @fakedansavage on Twitter
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1 Muppet with an orange nose 5 Certain physical measurement, for short 8 “___ first you don’t succeed ...” 12 Short, shrill sound 13 ___ fro 15 “___ arigato, Mr. Roboto” 16 Poultry herb 17 Nomadic mob 18 Class with graphs, for short 19 2015 superhero film reboot with a 9% score on Rotten Tomatoes 22 Iggy Azalea/Britney Spears collaboration, listed on Entertainment Weekly’s Worst Singles of 2015 23 “Mission: Impossible” character Hunt 25 “Full,” at a theater 26 Hatha and bikram, for two 29 Weather map lines 31 Get hold of again 32 Feline tooth 33 President who’s thanked a lot? 37 College in New Rochelle, New York 38 “Oh, yeah!” 39 Santa-tracking defense gp. 40 Paper wounds 41 Canadian vocal tics that aren’t as commonplace as Americans think
42 Doesn’t say outright 44 Little ___ (“Languages for Kids” learning series) 45 Short-lived Rainn Wilson cop show, listed on Yahoo’s Worst TV Shows of 2015 47 Change places with one’s wrestling teammate 50 ___ of Sauron 51 Seafood selections 55 Power shake need 57 Rooster’s morning perch 59 Choir 60 Mix it up (var.) 61 2015 Adam Sandler movie that got an epic ten-minute review/rant from “MovieBob Reviews” on YouTube 62 Much-maligned 2015 reality show which put contestant couples in the titular enclosure (later to be interviewed by therapists)
DOWN
1 Some CDs 2 Nissan hybrid 3 Cones of non-silence? 4 Cattle site 5 Gives a leg up to 6 Sacrificial figure 7 Part of Roy G. Biv 8 Visionary 9 Market research panel
10 Love, in Xochimilco 11 Massive quantity 13 “Yeah, about ___ ...” 14 Prefix meaning “one-tenth” 20 It’s designed to stay up all night 21 “Punky Brewster” star Soleil Moon ___ 23 Trinket in “The Hunger Games” 24 Totally destroy 27 “___ a stinker?” (Bugs Bunny catchphrase) 28 Back twinge 30 Hedgehog of Sega fame 31 “M*A*S*H” character 34 Nutsoid 35 Like craft shows 36 High degree 42 “Messiah” composer 43 In the future 45 Go nuts with a whole season, e.g. 46 “Fantastic” character in a Roald Dahl novel 47 1/16 of a cup, briefly 48 Et ___ (and others) 49 Baby boomer followers 52 Get from ___ (make progress) 53 Doofus 54 Glasses, in comic book ads 56 Hosp. locations 58 Cries of surprise
ETC.
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY by Rob Brezsny ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): The next four weeks could potentially be a Golden Age of Friendship . . . a State of Grace for Your Web of Connections . . . a Lucky Streak for Collaborative Efforts. What can you do to ensure that these cosmic tendencies will actually be fulfilled? Try this: Deepen and refine your approach to schmoozing. Figure out what favors would be most fun for you to bestow, and bestow them. Don’t socialize aimlessly with random gadabouts, but rather gravitate toward people with whom you share high ideals and strong intentions.
a little on the right hand corner, and put a bit more purple in the cloud color.’” Pioneering psychologist Carl Rogers was describing the way he observed the world. “I don’t try to control a sunset,” he continued. “I watch it with awe.” He had a similar view about people. “One of the most satisfying experiences,” he said, “is just fully to appreciate an individual in the same way I appreciate a sunset.” Your assignment, Leo, is to try out Rogers’ approach. Your emotional well-being will thrive as you refrain from trying to “improve” people — as you see and enjoy them for who they are.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): On a clear day, if you stand at the summit of Costa Rica’s Mount Irazú, you can see both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It’s not hard to get there. You can hop a tourist bus in the nearby city of San José, and be 11,200 feet high two hours later. This is a good model for your next assignment: Head off on a stress-free jaunt to a place that affords you a vast vista. If you can’t literally do that, at least slip away to a fun sanctuary where you’ll be inspired to think big thoughts about your long-range prospects. You need a break from everything that shrinks or numbs you.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): The
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): A
More than one-third of all pregnancies are unintended. The two people involved aren’t actually trying to make a baby, but their contraceptive measure fails or isn’t used at all. According to my analysis, you heterosexual Libras are now more prone to this accidental experience than usual. And in general, Libras of every sexual preference must be careful and precise about what seeds they plant in the coming weeks. The new growth you instigate is likely to have far-reaching consequences. So don’t let your choice be reckless or unconscious. Formulate clear intentions. What do you want to give your love to for a long time?
filmmaker working on a major movie typically shoots no more than four pages of the script per day. A director for a TV show may shoot eight pages. But I suspect that the story of your life in the near future may barrel through the equivalent of 20 pages of script every 24 hours. The next chapter is especially action-packed. The plot twists and mood swings will be coming at a rapid clip. This doesn’t have to be a problem as long as you are primed for high adventure. How? Take good care of your basic physical and emotional needs so you’ll be in top shape to enjoy the boisterous ride.
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): The city of Paris offers formal tours of its vast sewer system. Commenting at an online travel site, one tourist gave the experience five stars. “It’s a great change of pace from museums full of art,” she wrote. Another visitor said, “It’s an interesting detour from the cultural overload that Paris can present.” According to a third, “There is a slight smell but it isn’t overpowering. It’s a fascinating look at how Paris handles wastewater treatment and clean water supply.” I bring this up, Cancerian, because now is a favorable time for you to take a break from bright, shiny pleasures and embark on a tour of your psyche’s subterranean maze. Regard it not as a scary challenge, but as a fact-finding exploration. What strategies do you have in place to deal with the messy, broken, secret stuff in your life? Take an inventory. LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): “When I look at a sunset, I don’t say, ‘Soften the orange
future is headed your way in a big hurry. It may not be completely here for a few weeks, but even then it will have arrived ahead of schedule. Should you be alarmed? Should you work yourself into an agitated state and draw premature conclusions? Hell, no! Treat this sudden onrush of tomorrow as a bracing opportunity to be as creative as you dare. Cultivate a beginner’s mind. Be alert for unexpected openings that you assumed would take longer to appear.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22):
unplanned adventure, even though we may flinch when you unleash it. You inspire us and also make us nervous as you respond to changing circumstances with unpremeditated creativity. I expect all these issues to be hot topics in the coming weeks. You are in a phase of your cycle when your improvisational flourishes will be in the spotlight. I, for one, promise to learn all I can from the interesting detours that result from your delight in experimentation.
they peck themselves out of their eggs, they are well-coordinated, vigorous enough to hunt, and capable of flight. Right now I see a resemblance between them and many of you Aquarians. As soon as you hatch your new plans or projects — which won’t be long now — you will be ready to operate at almost full strength. I bet there won’t be false starts or rookie mistakes, nor will you need extensive rehearsal. Like the moundbuilders, you’ll be primed for an early launch.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19):
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20):
Capricorn world-changer Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested and sent to jail on 29 different occasions. His crimes? Drawing inspiration from his Christian faith, he employed nonviolent civil disobedience to secure basic civil rights for African Americans. He believed so fiercely in his righteous cause that he was willing to sacrifice his personal comfort again and again. The coming months will be a favorable time to devote yourself to a comparable goal, Capricorn. And now is a good time to intensify your commitment. I dare you to take a vow.
You are not purely and simply a Pisces, because although the sun was in that astrological sign when you were born, at least some of the other planets were in different signs. This fact is a good reminder that everything everywhere is a complex web of subtlety and nuance. It’s delusional to think that anyone or anything can be neatly definable. Of course it’s always important to keep this in mind, but it’s even more crucial than usual for you to do so in the coming weeks. You are entering a phase when the best way to thrive is to know in your gut that life is always vaster, wilder, and more mysterious than it appears to be on the surface. If you revere the riddles, the riddles will be your sweet, strong allies.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): The birds known as mound-builders are born more mature than other species. As soon as
THIS MODERN WORLD by Tom Tomorrow
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): I was a rock musician for years, which meant that I rarely went to bed before dawn. I used to brag that my work schedule was from 9 to 5 — 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., that is. Even after I stopped performing regularly, I loved keeping those hours. It was exhilarating to be abuzz when everyone else was asleep. But two months ago, I began an experiment to transform my routine. Now I awake with the dawn. I spend the entire day consorting with the source of all life on earth, the sun. If you have been contemplating a comparable shift in your instinctual life, Scorpio —any fundamental alteration in your relationship to food, drink, exercise, sleep, perception, laughter, love-making — the next few weeks will be a favorable time to do it.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): You Sagittarians are often praised but also sometimes criticized for being such connoisseurs of spontaneity. Many of us admire your flair for
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