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ON THE TOWN
January/February 2011
Faryl Faryl Greller Greller Lewis Lewis Fisher Fisher Asian Asian Festival Festival Francois Francois Maeder Maeder Luckenbach, Luckenbach, Texas Texas The The Renaissance Renaissance Guild Guild SA SA Stock Stock Show Show & Rodeo Plus Plus 88 Additional Additional Articles Articles
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Features Exciting Times 10 January & February Are Jam-Packed With Exceptional Live Performances
Front Cover Photo: Lang Lang – Courtesy of San Antonio Symphony
The Renaissance Guild: A Decade of Dreams
Performing Arts Cover Photo: Wicked – Photo by Joan Marcus
Opening in Early 2011 Museums and Art Center Brim with New Exhibits
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Francois Maeder of Crumpets 64 Restaurant & Bakery: 30 Years and Counting San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo February 3-20
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Asian Festival at ITC A Century of Chinese Culture in Texas
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February Film Festivals From JCC and GCAC
From First Taste to Boot Camp at CIA
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Events Calendar Cover Photo: Complexion Contemporary Ballet – Courtesy Carver Community Cultural Center Visual Arts Cover Photo: Greg Harrison Culinary Arts Cover Photo: Greg Harrison Festivals & Celebrations Cover Photo: Greg Harrison
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Literary Arts Cover Photo: © Photowitch / Dreamstime.com
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Eclectics Cover Photo: Greg Harrison
Lair Creative, LLC would not knowingly publish misleading or erroneous information in editorial content or in any adv appear under any circumstances. Additionally, content in this electronic magazine does not necessarily reflect the view mances and exhibits, it is recommended that all times and dates of such events be confirmed by the reader prior to at
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Contributors
Departments Box Office: Lesser Known Cinematic Gems
January-February 2011 Events Calendar
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James M. Benavides
Marlo Mason-Marie
Julie Catalano
Susan A. Merkner, Copy Editor
Thomas Duhon Chris Dunn
Portfolio: The Art of Faryl Greller
Pinch Pennies & Dine Well: Four Steps Is All It Takes
Book Talk: Lewis Fisher Journalist and Publisher
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Dana Fossett Greg Harrison, Staff Photographer Steven G. Kellman
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Artistic Destination: Let’s Go To Luckenbach, Texas
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Picture This: On The Town Profiles From Year Two
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Mikel Allen, Graphic Designer Angela Rabke Sara Selango Claudia Maceo-Sharp Manuel Solis
Michele Krier
Shannon Huntington Standley
Christian Lair
Tom Trevino
Kay Lair
Jasmina Wellinghoff
On The Town Ezine.com is published by Lair Creative, LLC 14122 Red Maple San Antonio, Texas 78247 210-771-8486 210-490-7950 (fax)
vertisement in On The Town Ezine.com, nor does it assume responsibility if this type of editorial or advertising should ws or opinions of the management of Lair Creative, LLC. Since On The Town Ezine.com features information on perforttendance. The publisher assumes no responsibility for changes in times, dates, venues, exhibitions or performances.
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Performing Arts 10-26
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Exciting Times January & February Are Jam-Packed With Exceptional Live Performances! By Sara Selango
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.e are living in exciting times when it comes to live entertainment in San Antonio and the surrounding area. It seems every week is jam-packed with outstanding selections. In writing this column on an on-going basis, my intention has always been to highlight the availability of great performances, a task that has become more difficult simply due to increased volume. But who’s complaining, certainly not me.
of months of the year include Shostakovich 5 Jan. 28-29 featuring pianist Lilya Zilberstein, Tchaikovsky Festival Pro-Am Jan. 30 and Two For Guitar with Ricardo Cobo Feb. 11-12. Lang-Lessing will conduct each of these Majestic Theatre concerts. SA Symphony Pops performances to look forward to in January and February are Cirque de la Symphonie at the Majestic Jan. 1415 and Simply Sinatra with Steve Lippia at Laurie Auditorium on the campus of Trinity University Please allow me to start this outpouring of Feb. 25-26. Resident Conductor Ken David-Masur information by mentioning the return of Sebastian leads the orchestra on both occasions. Lang-Lessing to conduct the San Antonio Symphony Jan. 7-8. Those of us who attended Other symphonic and chamber ensemble opening night last September and were wowed by performances of note include violinist Charles his performance, welcome him back for the rest Yang’s appearance with Mid-Texas Symphony at of this season and more to come. He is a special Oakwood Baptist Church in New Braunfels Feb. 19, talent for all to enjoy. On the heels of his return Symphony of the Hills’ concert featuring Daniel is the long-awaited appearance Jan. 12 of Lang Rodriguez, the singing New York City policeman, Lang, considered to be the finest pianist in the Feb. 20 at Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater in Kerrville, world today, with Lang-Lessing and the orchestra, and several different presentations by Camerata also at the Majestic. Zero in on some tickets to San Antonio at Travis Park United Methodist this one before they are gone. Other classical Church Jan. 23 followed by Feb. 17-18 and 20 in performances by the symphony in the first couple Kerrville, Boerne and San Antonio, respectively.
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Musical Bridges Around the World also offers two opportunities starting with Lilya Zilberstein and the Israeli Chamber Project at McAllister Auditorium Jan. 23, while trumpeter Nicolas Payton is next up on Feb. 20 at the same venue. Pianist Ryo Yanagitani is still another choice at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Jan. 23, as is Scott Kluksdahl in a Tuesday Musical Club performance Jan. 25. Fans of SOLI New Music Ensemble can enjoy their concerts Jan. 24 at Gallery Nord and Jan. 25 at Ruth Taylor Recital Hall on the Trinity University campus. Cypress Strings Quartet is also featured with its Jan. 30 performance for San Antonio Chamber Music Society at Temple Beth El. Still more highlighted performances include Arts San Antonio’s presentation of pianist Mariangela Vacatello at UTSA Recital Hall Jan. 18, Johnny Mathis at the Majestic Jan. 19, Equinox Jazz Band at the Brauntex in New Braunfels Jan. 22, followed by Adbacadabara: The Ulitimate Abba Concert Feb. 5, Mel Tillis Jan. 22 and Boz Skaggs Feb 18 at Gruene Hall, Vince Gill at Laurie Auditorium Jan. 26 in an Arts San Antonio performance, Neil
Berg’s 101 Years of Broadway presented by Kerrville Performing Arts Society at Champions High School auditorium in Boerne Feb. 17-18 and Vienna Boys Choir from Arts San Antonio Feb. 19 at the new and improved Lila Cockrell Theatre. Also on stage at this time of the year at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo are the likes of Reba McEntire, Kevin Fowler, Lady Antebellum, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, MercyMe, Clay Walker, Styx, Bill Engvall and Martina McBride. Two-week rodeo festivities span the dates Feb 3-20 at the ATT Center. Switching to the Broadway stage, Legally Blonde arrives at the Majestic Jan. 18 and stays for eight performances through Jan 23. As the adverts say, it promises to be one Elle of a show! Next up is a super-biggie. Mega-musical Wicked returns to San Antonio for a 17-day run of 24 performances Feb. 16 to March 6. See what happened in the Land of Oz before Dorothy dropped in. Wicked is a must-see, or maybe even a must-see twice. In addition to the regular Tuesday-Friday evening
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performances and two shows each on Saturday Ballet Jan. 25, both presented at Jo Long Theatre by and Sunday, Wicked offers a Thursday matinee. the Carver Community Cultural Center. Now I ask you, how cool is that? Spreading out to include Austin, Corpus Christi, Community theater also shines in the early part Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley adds a ton of of the year with old favorites Mame at San Pedro exciting live performances to the discussion. Playhouse, A Streetcar Named Desire at Rose Theatre Austin is where you’ll want to be in January and Company, Steel Magnolias by the Renaissance February to see shows such as George Strait with Guild at Little Carver Civic Center, Gypsy at Circle Reba McEntire and Lee Ann Womack at Frank Erwin Arts Theatre in New Braunfels, Arsenic and Old Lace Center Jan. 14, Al Jarreau in a One World Theatre by Playhouse 2000 in Kerrville, Ten Little Indians presentation at Riverbend Centre Jan. 16, Dixie’s at Harlequin Dinner Theatre and Little Women by Tupperware Party on stage at Rollins Studio Theatre the Fredericksburg Theater Company. Joining at the Long Center Jan. 25-30, Cocktails with Larry them on stage in the next couple of months are Miller at the Paramount Jan. 27, The Italian Girl Unnecessary Farce at Sheldon Vexler Theatre, in Algiers from Austin Lyric Opera at Michael and The Cure: The Vampire Musical at the Woodlawn Susan Dell Hall at the Long Center Jan. 29 and Theatre, Romantic Fools at the Cameo, All Good Feb. 2, 4 and 6, Lewis Black’s In God We Rust at the Things at the Overtime Theater and The Dixie Swim Paramount Feb. 3, The Capitol Steps Feb. 5 at Dell Club at Boerne Community Theatre. Hall, Kodo Drummers Feb. 16 and Gladys Knight Feb. 18 at the Paramount and violinist Anne Akiko In the world of opera, San Antonio Opera presents Meyers with the Austin Symphony Orchestra at Marriage of Figaro at the Lila Cockrell Theatre Feb. Michael and Susan Dell Hall at the Long Center Feb. 4-6. Outstanding dance performances include Tango 18-19. I can’t stop this lengthy listing yet because Buenos Aires Jan. 7 and Complexions Contemporary Blue Man Group takes the stage at Dell Hall Feb.
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22-27, Jerry Seinfeld brings laughter to Bass Hall Feb. 25, and the Chieftains play Riverbend Centre for One World Theatre, also on Feb. 25.
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It is also imperative to mention that Moody Theater, the new home of the long-running Pages 10-11 public television show Austin City Limits, opens in February. To celebrate, big-name bookings WICKED: A New Musical include Willie Nelson, Steve Miller Band, Styx and The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz Diana Ross. Natalie Daradich and Vicki Noon Photo by © Joan Marcus Appearances by Riverdance, Cirque du Soleil: Alegria, Vienna Boys Choir and Jerry Seinfeld top the Corpus Christi entertainment calendar in Page 12 (L-R) January and February. Laredo also features Cirque du Soleil: Alegria, while the Rio Grande Valley WICKED: A New Musical offers Riverdance, Cirque du Soleil: Alegria, The The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz Color Purple, Legally Blonde, All Shook Up and many Natalie Daradich and Vicki Noon more exceptional performances. Check the events Photo by © Joan Marcus calendar in this magazine for specific details. Sebastian Lang-Lessing That’s a bunch of stuff. End of discussion. Get some Music Director San Antonio Symphony tickets and go. Photo by Marks Moore
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Legally Blonde: The Musical Photo by Carol Rosegg © 2010
All Shook Up Courtesy cb-pr.com
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Lang Lang Photo courtesy San Antonio Symphony Cats Photo by Joan Marcus
Gladys Knight Courtesy gladysknighgt.com The Color Purple Photo by Scott Schuman Larry Miller Courtesy larrymillerhumor.com
Anne Akiko Meyers Photo by Anthony Parmalee
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Mariangela Vacatello Courtesy Arts San Antonio
Complexions Contemporary Ballet Courtesy complexionsdance.org
Lewis Black Courtesy Majestic Theatre
Johnny Mathis Courtesy Majestic Theatre
Dixie’s Tupperware Party Courtesy The Long Center
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The Renaissance Guild: A Decade of Dreams By Julie Catalano
aul Riddle Jr. and Danielle King may be the only co-founders in town who never set out to cofound anything. Luckily for San Antonio theatergoers, however, the talented pair chose to answer when opportunity knocked. The result was the Renaissance Guild, a black theater company that turned 10 years old in 2010 and whose next decade promises to be even more dynamic and inspired.
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performing members of Hornsby Entertainment, a local black theater company headed by Kathy Hornsby. All was going swimmingly, with the trio appearing in various productions, when Bright pulled the other two aside to tell of her dream to start a new theater company, one that would take black theater in San Antonio to what she called “the next level.”
Sitting in the Jo Long Theatre at the Carver Community Cultural Center, the courtly Riddle and effervescent King talked about how their paths first crossed in the late 1990s, when they – along with fellow actor and director Latrelle Bright – were
“We said,’ That’s a great idea, Latrelle, we’ll help you with it,’ ” Riddle said. But Bright said she didn’t want help, he added. She wanted the three of them to strike out on their own. King said after the initial shock wore off, “We said, let’s go for it.”
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The Renaissance Guild was formed in 2000, with a mission – according to therenaissanceguild.org – to feature “traditional plays with non-traditional casting,” and a belief that “the black experience reaches far beyond the boundaries of the subject of oppression.”
first Alamo Theatre Arts Council (ATAC) award for cast member SkudR Jones, best supporting actor in a drama. An ambitious production of Stephen Schwartz’s Godspell followed in 2002 at the Alamo Street Theatre.
The nascent group “started slowly – we didn’t just jump up with a full season,” Riddle said. They began performing little plays in local bookstores. Their first big break came with their production of Harold Pinter’s Betrayal at Jump-Start Theatre in San Antonio (directed by Bright and starring both Riddle and King), and then Lawrence Fishburne’s Riff Raff at the Continental Cafe. The latter brought them their
Other productions included the critically acclaimed Raisin the Sun – directed by Renaissance Guild board member Antoinette Winstead and for which they won six ATAC awards – and Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity held this past Christmas and directed by King. The very popular Steel Magnolias first produced in 2007 is coming back Feb. 4-20. Their current season ends with The Wiz from July 8-24. January-February 2011 | On The Town 21
Open auditions are held for every show.
another one this summer. “We want to provide a different venue for them, and different choices,” One of the biggest milestones was the guild’s move he said. “They don’t always have to play football or last year from Jump-Start to the Carver Community basketball or be cheerleaders. So far, the community Cultural Center. Their first full production at the has embraced our move to this area.” Little Carver Civic Center was August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, which arts critic Deborah King enthusiastically concurred. “There are so Martin of the San Antonio Express-News called a many children who don’t even know that theater “do-not-miss-it affair.” is an avenue they can explore. We want to cultivate that love and passion, both right here in this These days, Riddle and King breathe a little easier neighborhood and all over San Antonio. You can about what they had gotten themselves into (Latrelle be the next Bernadette Peters, you can be the next Bright left in 2005 to pursue a master’s degree in great Broadway star. I like to think of us as dreamdirecting at the University of Memphis) and have weavers. We help motivate people to believe that settled into an easy rhythm of working together – he anything is possible.” And if anybody should know as president, she as treasurer – to continue presenting that, it’s Riddle and King. the best quality productions they can, given the constant financial challenges to a nonprofit arts For more information on the Renaissance Guild’s group. “Have you seen the holes in our pockets?” King 2011 season, summer youth theater camp, and said with a laugh. The group relies on show revenues internships, visit therenaissanceguild.org or call and private donations. “We have not had a grant yet,” 210-656-0349. she added. “That needs to change.”
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Besides obtaining funding, their goal is to some day become the Carver’s resident theater company. Riddle said it would give them a solid base from which to continue community outreach, particularly to youth. The Renaissance Guild held its second summer theater camp last year for children 12-18, and they anticipate 22 On The Town | January-February 2011
Photo Credits: Page 20 – Paul Riddle, Jr. and Danielle King Page 21 – Scene from Rumors Page 22 – Cast of Black Nativity
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Box Office:
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Lesser Known Cinematic Gems By Tom Trevino
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he 83rd Annual Academy Awards are just around the corner, and while the excitement surrounding the event sometimes can be intoxicating, it also can overwhelm some lesser-known cinematic gems. Here then, is a list of 10 films you may have missed from the last few years. Catch them on DVD or Blu-ray. Lymelife (2008) It’s quirky and rich, with an original presence that elevates it to cinematic transcendence. But that’s what you get when you mix a complex yet relatable story with a talented cast which includes Alec Baldwin, Cynthia Nixon, Timothy Hutton and a couple of the Culkin siblings. This is indie at its best. Tyson (2008) You may detest the sport of boxing, and especially its marquee villain Mike Tyson, but this 90-minute documentary by James Toback will captivate you and make you question everything you thought you knew about both subjects. It’s beyond insightful, and a revelation for the fighter and the audience. Tell No One (2006) Aromatic perfume, fine wine, Dijon mustard; the French are awesome when it comes to exporting great things, and this film (originally Ne le dis à Personne) is no exception. This mystery and thriller revolves around a lost love and an anonymous email that changes everything. So good, there’s an American remake in the works. But see the original which features Kristin Scott Thomas, even if you hate to read subtitles. This one is well worth it.
miss this tale of two brothers trying to make it big and leave their lackluster lives behind. Far from being a straight drama, lead actors Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal perfectly capture the rich, sometimes comedic proclivities that make family, well, family. That, and an unforgettable version of I Want You to Want Me make this a film a must-see. Moon (2009) Strange, and strangely circular, this Sam Rockwellcentered sci-fi movie may start off stark and lonely, but soon turns into something bigger than itself, with the lead character delving into the roots of his purpose and existence right in front of his (and our) eyes. Compelling, dark and oddly engaging. Plus, robots! American Teen (2008) If you have a teenager anywhere near your orbit, you need to see this film. This documentary may start off like a feature-length episode of an MTV reality show, but soon enough it develops a richness all its own that will make you genuinely care for each one of the five teenagers featured. Director Nanette Burstein does a fantastic job capturing the best and worst of emotional high school drama. Rent it and weep. Waitress (2007) Another quirky, independent feature that was the essence of writer, director and actor Adrienne Shelly, who was murdered before its release. It’s the smalltown story of a woman (Keri Russell), a diner, pies, love and pregnancy. Plenty of eclectic characters (including Andy Griffith) in this folksy, light hearted, original work.
Rudo Y Cursi (2008) Away We Go (2009) The United States seems to be the exception when it Never expected John Krasinski (from The Office) and comes to embracing soccer, but that’s no reason to Maya Rudolph (from Saturday Night Live) to have such 24 On The Town | January-February 2011
good chemistry and be able to carry this movie about a young, expecting couple looking for the perfect place to settle, but they do just that. Director Sam Mendes puts his unique, airy stamp on this story which is accented by a moving soundtrack featuring some haunting melodies by Alexi Murdoch. Don’t know who he is? You will soon enough.
here is so rich and well executed that it defies and redefines the genre. An American version was released in 2010, but the Scandinavian original (titled Låt den Rätte Komma In) is superior in every way.
The Burning Plain (2009) Kim Basinger and Charlize Theron have especially strong performances and anchor this story that weaves in and out of family drama and torrid affairs, with a surprise you may never see coming. You will never pass through a sleepy border town again without wondering what may be going on just below the surface.
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Let the Right One In (2008) From the very beginning of this film, which features nothing more than the sound of falling snow, it’s clear that director Tomas Alfredson had something greater in mind than a typical horror movie, and what he does
(The opinions stated here are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher).
Photo Credits: Top Left: Away We Go Maya Rudolph / John Krasinski Courtesy rottentomatoes.com
Top Right: Lymelife Alec Baldwin / Timothy Hutton Courtesy rottentomatoes.com
Bottom Left: Tell No One Kristin Scott Thomas / Francoise Cluzet Courtesy revolvergroup.com
Bottom Right: Waitress Kerri Russell / Andy Griffith Courtesy rottentomatoes.com
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Events Calendar 28-50
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January-February 2011 Events Calendar Music Notes Emory Quinn Free Fireside Series Presented by IPAC Dodge and Y-100 1/6, Thu @ 8pm John T. Floore Country Store Luke Bryan 1/7, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio San Antonio Symphony: New World Symphony 1/7-8, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor Majestic Theatre RockBox Theater in Fredericksburg 1/7-2/27, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 4:30pm & 8pm Sun @ 1:30pm San Antonio Rose Live 1/7-2/28, Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 2pm & 7:30pm Sun & Mon @ 7:30pm Aztec Theatre
The Cedarsqueezers 1/7, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Ruby Dee & The Snakehandlers 1/8, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store The Gourds 1/8, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Johnny Mathis 1/9, Sun @ 6pm Majestic Theatre Timeless Tunes: The Stories and Songs by the Almost Patsy Cline Band 1/10, Sun @ 2pm & 6pm Elizabeth Huth Coates Theatre at Hill Country Arts Foundation, Ingram San Antonio Symphony: Lang Lang & Lang-Lessing Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor Lang Lang, piano 1/12, Wed @ 7:30pm Majestic Theatre
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Brandon Rhyder Free Fireside Series Presented by IPAC Dodge and Y-100 1/13, Thu @ 8pm John T. Floore Country Store San Antonio Symphony: Cirque de la Symphonie 1/14-15, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Ken-David Masur, conductor Majestic Theatre Jake Hooker 1/15, Sat @ 8pm Anhalt Hall Spring Branch Max Stalling 1/15, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Mariangela Vacatello UTSA Guest Artist Series Arts San Antonio Presentation 1/18, Tue @ 7:30pm UTSA Recital Hall Main Campus
Micky & The Motorcars Free Fireside Series Presented by IPAC Dodge and Y-100 1/20, Thu @ 8pm John T. Floore Country Store NOFX 1/21, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Backstage Live Sean McConnell plus The Dirty River Boys 1/21, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Equinox Jazz Band 1/22, Sat @ 7:30pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels Mel Tillis 1/22, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Camerata San Antonio: The Camerata Recital 1/23, Sun @ 3pm Matthew Zerweck, violin Joseph Liccardo, piano Travis Park Methodist Church
Lilya Zilberstein and the Israeli Chamber Project Musical Bridges Around The World Presentation 1/23, Sun @ 3pm McAllister Auditorium San Antonio College
San Antonio Symphony: Shostakovich 5 1/28-29, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor Lilya Zilberstein, piano Majestic Theatre
Ryo Yanagitani Music from St. Mark’s Presentation 1/23, Sun @ 4pm St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
Cory Morrow 1/29, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store
Ozzy Osbourne 1/24, Mon @ 7:30pm AT&T Center
Rodney Crowell: Chinaberry Sidewalks Tour 1/29, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall
SOLI Chamber Ensemble: Concert Two – Middle East Journey 1/24, Mon @ 7:30pm Gallery Nord 1/25, Tue @ 7:30pm Ruth Taylor Recital Hall Trinity University
San Antonio Symphony: Tchaikovsky Festival Pro-Am 1/30, Sun @ 3pm Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor Majestic Theatre
Scott Kluksdahl Tuesday Musical Club Presentation 1/25, Tue @ 2pm Laurel Heights Methodist Church
Fidelis Quartet Fredericksburg Music Club Presentation 1/30, Sun @ 3pm Fredericksburg United Methodist Church
Vince Gill An Arts San Antonio Presentation 1/26, Wed @ 7:30pm Laurie Auditorium Trinity University
Cypress Strings Quartet with Amit Peled San Antonio Chamber Music Society Presentation 1/30, Sun @ 3:15pm Temple Beth-El January-February 2011 | On The Town 29
Youth Orchestra of San Antonio Presents Opera Festival 1/30, Sun @ 4pm Majestic Theatre Jimmy Eat World with David Bazan & Band 1/30, Sun @ 7pm Backstage Live San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Kevin Fowler 2/3, Thu @ 7pm AT&T Center San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Toby Keith 2/4, Fri @ 7:30pm AT&T Center San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Lady Antebellum 2/5, Sat @ 1pm & 7:30pm AT&T Center Adbacadabra: The Ultimate ABBA Concert 2/5, Sat @ 7:30pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Allstar Weekend 2/6, Sun @ 1pm AT&T Center
Musical Evenings at San Fernando Cathedral: Romantic Virtuosos Musical Bridges Around The World Presentation Jeff Garza, horn Joseph Tappia, piano Mark Cheikhet, violin 2/6, Sun @ 6:30pm San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Reba McEntire 2/8, Tue @ 7pm AT&T Center San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: MercyMe 2/9, Wed @ 7pm AT&T Center Music As A Weapon 5 with Distrubed and Korn 2/9, Wed @ 7pm Alamodome Texas A&M Wind Symphony & the Jim Cullum Jazz Band 2/9, Wed @ 7:30pm Municipal Auditorium San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Randy Rogers Band 2/10, Thu @ 7pm AT&T Center Robert Earl Keen 2/10, Thu @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville
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San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Train 2/11, Fri @ 7:30pm AT&T Center
Chris Knight plus Whiskey Myers 2/12, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store
Esther Kim Rohe Classical Series Presentation 2/11, Fri @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville
San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Steel Magnolia 2/13, Sun @ 1pm AT&T Center
Eleven Hundred Springs 2/11, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store San Antonio Symphony: 2 For Guitar 2/11-12, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sebastián Lang-Lessing, conductor Ricardo Cobo, guitar Majestic Theatre San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Easton Corbin 2/12, Sat @ 1pm AT&T Center San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Clay Walker 2/12, Sat @ 7:30pm AT&T Center Tom Teboe Band 2/12, Sat @ 8pm Kendalia Halle
The Cloverleaf Quintet Benissimo! Music Productions Presentation 2/13, Sun @ 3pm McNay Art Museum Solemn Evensong Music from St. Mark’s Presentation 2/13, Sun @ 4pm St. Mark’s Episcopal Church San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Ramon Ayala 2/13, Sun @ 7:30pm AT&T Center San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Gary Allan 2/14, Mon @ 7pm AT&T Center Ricardo Cobo UTSA Guest Artist Series 2/14, Mon @ 7:30pm UTSA Recital Hall Main Campus
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San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Styx 2/15, Tue @ 7pm AT&T Center
Less Than Jake 2/15, Tue @ 7pm Backstage Live Olmos Ensemble 2/15, Tue @ 7:30pm First Uniterian Universalist Church of San Antonio
San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Miranda Lambert 2/16, Wed @ 7pm AT&T Center
San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Blake Shelton 2/17, Thu @ 7pm AT&T Center
Neil Berg’s 101 Years of Broadway Kerrville Performing Arts Society Presentation 2/17-18 Thu-Fri @ 7:30pm Samuel V. Champion HS Auditórium Boerne
Camerata San Antonio: Brahms and Friends Ilya Shterenberg, clarinet Jeff Garcia, horn Ertan Torgul, violin Ken Freudigman, cello Melinda Lee Masur, piano 2/17, Thu @ 7:30pm Kerrville First Presbyterian Church 2/18, Fri @ 7:30pm Boerne First United Methodist Church 2/20, Sun @ 3pm Travis Park United Methodist Church San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Martina McBride 2/18, Fri @ 7:30pm AT&T Center Boz Skaggs 2/18, Fri @ 9pm Gruene Hall San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Eli Young Band 2/19, Sat @ 1pm AT&T Center Mid-Texas Symphony: Stars at Night 2/19, Sat @ 7pm David Mairs, conductor Charles Yang, violin Oakwood Baptist Church New Braunfels
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San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Josh Turner 2/19, Sat @ 7:30pm AT&T Center Vienna Boys Choir Arts San Antonio Presentation 2/19, Sat @ 7:30pm Lila Cockrell Theater Bobby Flores & Yellow Rose Band 2/19, Sat @ 8pm Anhalt Hall Spring Branch Mario Flores & The Soda Creek Band 2/19, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Nicholas Payton Musical Bridges Around The World Presentation 2/20, Sun @ 3pm McAllister Auditorium Steven Glaser Fredericksburg Music Club Presentation 2/20, Sun @ 3pm Fredericksburg United Methodist Church Symphony of the Hills: Daniel Rodriguez – Singing New York Policeman Dr. Jay Dunahoo, conductor 2/20, Sun @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville
Eluveitie 2/21, Mon @ 7pm Backstage Live San Antonio Symphony: Simply Sinatra with Steve Lippia 2/25-26, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Ken-David Masur, conductor Steve Lippia, singer Laurie Auditorium Trinity University Granger Smith 2/25, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Immortal 2/26, Sat @ 8:30pm Backstage Live San Antonio Symphony & Youth Orchestra of San Antonio: Side by Side @ the Movies 2/27, Sun @ 2:30pm Ken-David Masur, conductor Troy Peters, conductor Laurie Auditorium Trinity University
On Stage Let’s Misbehave! The New Cole Porter Musical Allegro Stage Company production with the Cameo Theatre 1/1-2, Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Cameo Theatre
Performance Part 26 1/8, Sat @ 7pm Jump Start Performance Co. Sterling Houston Theatre at Blue Star
A Streetcar Named Desire 1/14-29 Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm The Rose Theatre Company
Arsenic and Old Lace Playhouse 2000 Presentation 1/14-29, Thu-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville
And Then There Was One (aka Ten Little Indians - an Agatha Christie Murder Mystery) 1/14-2/12 Thu-Sat @ 8pm (Dinner @ 6:15pm) Harlequin Dinner Theatre
All Good Things 1/14-2/12 Thu-Sat @ 8pm (2/4, Fri – No Show) (1/30, Sun - Matinee @ 3pm) The Overtime Theater at Blue Star Legally Blonde Broadway Across America Presentation 1/18-23, Tue-Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm & 7:30pm Majestic Theatre
Mame 1/21-2/20, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Russell Hill Rogers Theater San Pedro Playhouse The King 1/22, Sat @ 7pm Jo Long Theatre at Carver Community Cultural Center You Say Tomatoes (Benefits Bexar County Justice Center) 1/26, Wed @ 7:30pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre
January-February 2011 | On The Town 33
Gypsy 1/27-2/27, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Circle Arts Theatre New Braunfels The Adventures of Captain Cortez and the Tri-Lambda Brigade: A Serial Space Comedy 1/28-29, Fri-Sat @ 10pm The Overtime Theater Murder Mysteries Dinner Theatre Cameo Theatre and Fools Productions Presentation 1/29, 2/12 & 26, Sat @ 6:30pm Spaghetti Warehouse Romantic Fools 1/29-2/28 Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Cameo Theatre Unnecessary Farce 2/3-27, Thu @ 7:30pm Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Sheldon Vexler Theatre The Dixie Swim Club 2/4-19, Thu @ 7:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Boerne Community Theatre Jurassic Farce 2/4-19, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm The Rose Theatre Company
Steel Magnolias The Renaissance Guild Presentation 2/4-20, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 4pm Little Carver Civic Center Vanities 2/4-3/6, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Cellar Theater San Pedro Playhouse Sunday 2/11-13, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Jump Start Perfomance Co. Sterling Houston Theatre at Blue Star The Cure: A Rock Vampire Musical 2/11-3/13, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm (2/14, Valentine’s Show – Mon @ 7:30pm) Woodlawn Theatre Life x 3 2/11-13, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm 2/17-19, Thu @ 7pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm Coates Theatre University of the Incarnate Word
Wicked: The Musical 2/16-3/6, Tue-Fri @ 8pm (2/17 & 3/3, Thu @ 2pm additional matinees) Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm & 7:30pm (3/6, Sun @ 2pm only) Marrying Terry 2/17-3/6, Thu-Sat @ 8pm (dinner @ 6:30pm) Sun @ 3pm (lunch @ 1:30pm) S.T.A.G.E – Spotlight Theatre & Arts Group, etc. Bulverde The Bacchae 2/18-26, Wed-Thu @ 7pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Stieren Theater Trinity University Little Women 2/18-3/6, Thu-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Steve W. Shepard Theater Fredericksburg
Adelina Anthony in La Hocicona Series: An Original X-X-Xicana Comedic Triptych of Scandalous Almost Maine Proportions 2/12-27, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm 2/25-27, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Sun @ 3pm Elizabeth Huth Coates Jump Start Theatre at Hill Country Arts Performance Co. Foundation, Sterling Houston Theatre Ingram at Blue Star
34 On The Town | January-February 2011
Secret Garden UTSA Lyric Theatre Presentation 2/25 & 27, 3/4 Fri @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm Buena Vista Theater UTSA Downtown Campus The Overtime Comedy Hour 2/25-3/26 Thu-Sat @ 8pm (3/4, Fri – No Show) The Overtime Theater at Blue Star
At The Opera Marriage of Figaro San Antonio Opera Presentation 2/4-6, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Lila Cockrell Theater
The Dance Tango Buenos Aires Carver Community Cultural Center Presentation 1/7, Fri @ 8pm Jo Long Theatre Complexions Contemporary Ballet Carver Community Cultural Center Presentation 1/25, Fri @ 8pm Jo Long Theatre
Standup Andrew Kennedy 1/1, Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Mitch Fatel 1/1-2, Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Willie Barcena 1/5-9, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Jim Short 1/19-23, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Rick Gutierrez 1/19-23, Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Sun @ 8:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Paul Varghese 1/27-30, Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club
Dan Davidson 1/5-9, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club
Felicia Michaels 2/2-6, Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Andres Fernandez 1/12-16, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club
Rodney Laney 2/2-6, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club
Ralph Harris 1/13-16, Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Lewis Black: In God We Rust 2/4, Fri @ 8pm Majestic Theatre January-February 2011 | On The Town 35
San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Bill Engvall 2/7, Mon @ 7pm AT&T Center Iliza Schesinger 2/10-14, Thu, Sun & Mon @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Love & Happiness Comedy Show with Frankie Beverly & Maze with Earthquake 2/12, Sat @ 7pm Municipal Auditorium
Barney Live in Concert: Birthday Bash 1/11, Tue @ 3pm & 6:30pm Joe Freeman Coliseum Anne of Green Gables Children’s Fine Arts Series Presentation 2/11, Fri @ 6:30pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre If You Give a Pig a Party 2/16-3/26, Tue-Fri @ 9:45am & 11:30am Fri @ 7pm, Sat @ 2pm Magik Theatre
Reno Collier 2/17, Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
On Exhibit
Mario DiGiorgio 2/24, Thu @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
International Artist-InResidence New Works: 10.3 Henning Bohl Roy McMakin Adam Schreiber Curated by Michael Darling Ongoing
Andy Kindler 2/25-26, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
For The Kids Pecos Bill – A Texas Tall Tale 1/7- 2/3, Tue-Fri @ 9:45am & 11:30am Fri @ 7pm, Sat @ 2pm Magik Theatre
ARTPACE
Hudson (Show)Room Matthew Ronay: Between The Worlds Thru 1/2 Window Works Leonardo Drew Thru 1/2
36 On The Town | January-February July-August 2009 2011
Hudson (Show)Room Gabriel Vormstein: The Teeth of the Wind and the Sea 1/13-5/1 Window Works Joshua Bienko 1/13-5/1 BIHL HAUS ARTS Falling by Carol A. Cisneros 1/14-2/12 On and Off Fredericksburg Road Studio Tour 2/19-20
Spanish Young Art: The New Generation 1/6-2/5 CENTRO CULTURAL ATZLAN Celebración a La Virgen de Guadalupe Thru 1/21 Segundo de Febrero 2/2-28 GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER La Mezcla/The Mixture Curated by Ethel Shipton 1/28-3/5
BLUE STAR CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER
INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES
Libby Rowe: Selections from Pink Thru 1/1
Buffalo Soldiers: Discovering Heritage on the Texas Frontier Thru 1/3
Crossovers: Materials and Metaphors Thru 2/12 Angelina Mata: Creatures Thru 2/12 Marilyn Lanfear: What is Lost/What is Found/ What is Remembered Thru 2/12
Play: An Interactive Exhibit for the Whole Family Thru 1/9 Soldadera: Mociuaquetzque de la Revolución Mexicana -Valiant Women of the Mexican Revolution” Thru 1/16
January-February 2011 | On The Town 37
Leaving Home, Finding Home: Texan Families Remember the Revolution Thru 6/4 World Heritage Photo Panels From Japan: Two Thousand Years of Legacies 1/15-3/13 Texans Head to Foot 1/29-5/1 Texas Contemporary Artists Series: Luis M. Garza 2/5-6/19 INSTITUTO CULTURAL DE MEXICO Neo-Mexicanism, a New Configuration: Mexican Art of the 1980’s’ Curated by Teresa Eckmann Thru 2/22 Rocío Maldonado: ‘Nature Human Nature’ Thru 2/22 Javier de la Garza: ‘Climate Change’ Thru 2/22
Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism Thru 1/16 Calder to Rauschenberg Gifts of Jeanne and Irving Mathews Thru 1/16 Curtain Up The Classics Operas, Ballets, Musicals, Plays Thru 1/17 Joey Fauerso: Four Animations Thru 2/13 Texas Watercolors in the McNay Collection Opens 1/26 San Antonio Draws: A Survey of Contemporary Drawings Opens 2/2 Artmatters 14: Sandy Skoglund: The Cocktail Party 2/16-5/8 New Image Sculpture 2/16-5/8 MUSEO ALAMEDA
McNAY ART MUSEUM You’ve Got Mail: The Greeting Cards of Richard Anuskiewicz Thru 1/2
Revolution and Renaissance: Mexico and San Antonio 1910-2010 Thru 7/15
38 On The Town | January-February 2011
SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN George Schroeder: Art In The Garden Curated by Bill FitzGibbons Thru 3/30 SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum Thru 1/9 Tierra, Libertad y no ReEleccion! Photography from the Mexican Revolution Thru 2/13 No Escape: The Photographs of the Brothers Moniel Klint Thru 2/13 Moctezuma’s Table: Briseno’s Mexican and Chino Tablescapes Thru 2/13 SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART Art for Giving Thru 1/8
Mark Menjivar: You are what you eat Thru 2/27 Art from Architecture Villa Finale – Off Site Thru 4/19 Ann Matlock: Journeys 1/20-2/26 WITTE MUSEUM Art in the Yard: Insect Innovations Thru 1/2 Backyard Monsters: The World of Insects Thru 1/2 Beautiful Bugs: Specimens From the Witte Museum Collection Thru 1/2 1910: A Revolution Across Borders Thru 2/27 Porfirio Salinas: Painting South Texas Thru 3/20
Jon Eric Riis: Oracles Thru 1/27
Amazon Voyage: Viscous Fishes and Other Riches Opens 2/5
Leigh Anne Lester: Beautiful Freaks Nature’s Bastards Thru 2/27
Water in Motion: Past, Present and Future of the San Antonio River Opens 2/5
Miscellaneous First Friday Art Walk 1/7 & 2/4, Fri / 6-9pm Southtown / Blue Star / King William Taste of CIA Cookbooks: Gourmet Meals in Minutes 1/8, Sat / 9:30am-2:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery
U.S. Army All-American Bowl 1/8, Sat @ 12pm Alamodome Taste of CIA Cookbooks: Soups for All Seasons 1/15, Sat / 9:30am-2:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery Monster Jam 1/15-16, Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Alamodome
Harlem Globetrotters 1/25, Tue @ 7pm AT&T Center Taste of CIA Cookbooks: Bistros and Brasseries 1/29, Sat / 9:30am-2:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery Mexican Cuisine Boot Camp: Appetizers and Hors d’Oeuvre 1/31-2/1, Mon-Tue / 7am1:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery
Mexican Cuisine Boot Camp: Puebla and Oaxaca 2/2-4, Wed-Fri / 7am1:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo AT&T Center 2/3-20 Asian Festival Institute of Texan Cultures 2/5
January-February 2011 | On The Town 39
NFL Players Association Game: Texas vs. The Nation 2/5, Sat @ 1pm Alamodome Taste of CIA Cookbooks: Chocolates and Confections 2/12, Sat / 9:30am-2:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery Taste of CIA Cookbooks: Spain and the World 2/26, Sat / 9:30am-2:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery Austin Santaland Diaries 1/1-2, Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Whisenhunt Stage Zachary Scott Theatre Tango Buenos Aires 1/6, Thu @ 8pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Intergalactic Nemesis 1/8, Sat @ 8pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center George Strait, Reba McEntire and Lee Ann Womack 1/14, Fri @ 7pm Frank Erwin Center University of Texas
Austin Shrine Circus 1/14-17, Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 11am, 3:30pm & 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm & 6pm Mon @ 11am & 3:30pm Cedar Park Center Austin Symphony Orchestra: Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s “Beyond The Score” 1/14-15, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Peter Bay, conductor Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Patton Oswalt and Friends 1/15, Sat @ 8pm Paramount Theatre Al Jarreau One World Theatre Presentation 1/16, Sun @ 7:30pm Riverbend Centre Ayn Rand’s “Anthem” 1/18-23, Wed-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm & 8pm Rollins Studio Theatre at The Long Center Joe Satriani 1/19, Wed @ 8pm Paramount Theatre Barney Live in Concert Birthday Bash! 1/20, Thu @ 3pm & 7pm Frank Erwin Center University of Texas
40 On The Town | January-February 2011
The Parker Quartet 1/20, Thu @ 8pm McCullough Theatre University of Texas Stephanie J. Block Austin Cabaret Theatre Presentation 1/20-22, Thu-Sat @ 8:30pm (door at 7pm for dinner) Kodosky Lounge The Long Center Take 6 1/21, Fri @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre Dixie’s Tupperware Party 1/25-30, Tue-Thu @ 7:30pm Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm & 7pm Rollins Studio Theatre at The Long Center Sweet Thunder: Duke and Shak 1/26, Wed @ 7:30pm Paramount Theatre Bang on a Can All-Stars with Special Guest Glenn Kotche 1/26, Wed @ 8pm Bass Concert Hall University of Texas Glenn Kotche 1/27, Wed @ 8pm Bass Concert Hall University of Texas
Red Hot Patriot 1/27-2/6, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm 2/8-3/13, Tue-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Kleberg Stage Zachary Scott Theatre Cocktails with Larry Miller 1/27, Thu @ 8pm Paramount Theatre Harlem Globetrotters 1/28, Fri @ 7pm Frank Erwin Center University of Texas Last Comic Standing 1/28, Fri @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre Dave Mason 1/29, Sat @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre Reduced Shakespeare Company: The Complete World of Sports (Abridged) 1/29, Sat @ 8pm B. Iden Payne Theatre The Italian Girl in Algiers Austin Lyric Opera Presentation 1/29, 2/2, 4 & 6 Sat, Wed & Fri @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center
January-February July-August 2010 2011 | On The Town 41
Paragon Orchestra: The Mark of Zorro 1/30, Sun @ 4pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Anton Nel Jessen Series Presentation 1/30, Sun @ 4pm Gates Recital Hall University of Texas Bates Hall
The Capitol Steps 2/5, Sat @ 8pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Emanuel Axe Texas Performing Arts Presentation 2/10, Thu @ 8pm Bates Recital Hall University of Texas
Christopher Titus: Neverlution 2/1-5, Tue-Sat @ 8pm The State Theatre
Austin City Limits Live: Imagination Movers 2/10, Thu @ 6pm The Moody Theater
Ladysmith Black Mambazo 2/3, Thu @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre
An Evening with Nora Ephron 2/10, Thu @ 8pm Paramount Theatre
JC Penny Presents Rascal Flatts with Luke Bryan and Chris Young 2/3, Thu @ 7:30pm Cedar Park Center Lewis Black: In God We Rust 2/3, Thu @ 8pm Paramount Theatre Jazz at the Crossroads 2/4, Fri @ 8pm Paramount Theatre Austin Civic Orchestra Winter Concert 2/5, Sat @ 7:30pm Alma Thomas Theater Southwestern University Georgetown
Fiction 2/10-4/10, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm & 7pm Whisenhunt Stage Zachary Scott Theatre Jerry Jeff Walker 2/11, Fri @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre Austin City Limits Live: Cody Canada and The Departed 2/11, Fri @ 8pm The Moody Theater Amos Lee 2/11, Fri @ 8pm Paramount Theatre
42 On The Town | January-February 2011
La Sylphide Ballet Austin Presentation 2/11-13, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Great Organ Series: Scott Davis 2/13, Sun @ 4pm Bates Recital Hall University of Texas Austin City Limits Live: Willie Nelson 2/13-14, Sun-Mon @ 8pm The Moody Theater George Winston 2/13-15, Sun @ 7pm Mon-Tue @ 7:30pm One World Theatre Kodo Drummers 2/16, Wed @ 8pm Paramount Theatre National Theatre of Scotland: Black Watch 2/16-20, Wed-Fri @ 8pm Sat-Sun @ 2pm & 8pm Bass Concert Hall University of Texas Austin City Limits Live: Robyn with Diamond Rings and Natalia Kills 2/17, Thu @ 8pm The Moody Theater
Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Healthy Heroes 2/17-20, Thu @ 7pm Fri @ 10am & 7pm Sat @ 10:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm Sun @ 1pm & 4:30pm Frank Erwin Center Arturo Sandoval 2/18, Fri @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre Gladys Knight 2/18, Fri @ 8pm Paramount Theatre Austin City Limits Live: Los Amigos Invisibles with Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue 2/18, Fri @ 8pm The Moody Theater Austin Symphony Orchestra 2/18-19, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Peter Bay, conductor Anne Akiko Meyers, violin Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Healthy Heroes 2/18-19, Fri @ 7pm Sat @ 10:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm Frank Erwin Center University of Texas Keiko Matsui 2/19, Sat @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre
January-February 2011 | On The Town 43
Trombones de Costa Rica 2/19, Sat @ 7:30pm Jessen Auditórium University of Texas
Austin City Limits Live: Steve Miller Band 2/24, Thu @ 8pm The Moody Theater
Hangover Ball with Reckless Kelly 1/1, Sat @ 8pm Brewster Street Ice House
Austin City Limits Live: Styx 2/19, Sat @ 8pm The Moody Theater
Jerry Seinfeld 2/25, Fri @ 7pm & 9:30pm Bass Concert Hall University of Texas
The Spazmatics 1/7, Fri @ 8pm Brewster Street Ice House
Vienna Boy’s Choir 2/20, Sun @ 4pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center
The Chieftains A One World Theatre Presentation 2/25, Fri @ 8pm Riverbend Center
Starling Distinguished Violinist Series: William Preucil with Arthur Rowe 2/21, Mon @ 7:30pm Bates Recital Hall University of Texas Miro Quartet with Colin Currie 2/22, Tue @ 8pm Bates Recital Hall University of Texas Blue Man Group Broadway Across America and Texas Performing Arts Presentation 2/22-27, Tue-Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm &7:30pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Austin City Limits Live: Gipsy Kings 2/23, Wed @ 8pm The Moody Theater
The Hair Show starring Chaka Khan 2/26, Sat @ 7pm Frank Erwin Center If You Give a Mouse a Cookie & Other Story Books 2/27, Sun @ 2pm & 4:30pm Paramount Theatre John Pizzarelli 2/27, Sun @ 6pm & 8:30pm One World Theatre Austin City Limits Live: Diana Ross 2/27, Sun @ 8pm The Moody Theater
Silent Laughter 1/7-10, Fri-Sat @ 7pm Sun @ 2pm Harbor Playhouse Riverdance Broadway in Corpus Christi Presentation 1/12, Wed @ 7:30pm Selena Auditorium at the American Bank Center Al Iman Shrine Circus 1/21-23, Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 1pm & 7pm Sun @ 2pm & 6pm American Bank Center Arena Destino Corpus Christi Live! Presentation 1/22, Sat @ 7pm Performing Arts Center Texas A&M Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi
Mike Epps and Friends 1/22, Sat @ 8pm Selena Auditorium at the American Bank Center
Disney Live! Mickey’s Magic Show 1/1, Sat @ 2:30pm Selena Auditorium at the American Bank Center
NBC’s Last Comic Standing Tour 1/30, Sun @ 8pm Selena Auditorium at the American Bank Center
44 On The Town | January-February 2011
Legacy of Floyd Cramer Featuring Jason Coleman Corpus Christi Live! Presentation 2/4, Fri @ 7pm Performing Arts Center Texas A&M Corpus Christi Brazilian Guitar Quartet Cathedral Concert Series Presentation 2/4, Fri @ 7:30pm Corpus Christi Cathedral Music as a Weapon 5 with Disturbed and Korn 2/8, Tue @ 6pm Old Concrete Street Amphitheater Play It Again, Sam 2/11-3/6, Fri-Sat @ 7pm Sun @ 2pm Harbor Playhouse Opera Latte featuring Artists from Houston Grand Opera Sparkling City Light Opera Presentation 2/13, Sun @ 2pm Private Home-Salon Performance Cirque du Soleil: Alegria 2/17-2/20, Thu-Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 3:30pm & 7:30pm Sun @ 1pm & 5pm American Bank Center Arena
Vienna Boys Choir Cathedral Concert Series Presentation 2/18, Fri @ 7:30pm Corpus Christi Cathedral
Cirque du Soleil: Alegria 2/2-6, Wed-Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 3:30pm & 7:30pm Sun @ 1pm & 5pm Laredo Energy Arena
Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra Subscription No. 4: Meet The Orchestra 2/19, Sat @ 8pm John Giordano, conductor Nancy KingSanders, clarinet Performing Arts Center Texas A&M Corpus Christi
Rio Grande Valley
Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Healthy Heroes 2/22-23, Tue @ 4pm & 7:30pm Wed @ 10:30am, 4pm & 7:30pm Selena Auditorium at the American Bank Center Jerry Seinfeld 2/24, Thu @ 7pm & 9:30pm Selena Auditorium at the American Bank Center Joel Osteen 2/25, Fri @ 7:30pm American Bank Center Arena Laredo Harlem Globetrotters 1/27, Thu @ 7pm Laredo Energy Arena
Riverdance Broadway in McAllen Presentation 1/11, Tue @ 7:30pm State Farm Arena Hidalgo Monster Jam 1/14-16, Fri @ 7:30pm Sat & Sun @ 2pm & 7:30pm State Farm Arena Hidalgo Legally Blonde Broadway in McAllen Presentation 1/24, Mon @ 7:30pm McAllen Civic Center Auditorium Harlem Globetrotters 1/26, Wed @ 7pm State Farm Arena Hidalgo Paragon Orchestra: The Mark of Zorro The Arts Center Signature Series Presentation 1/28, Fri @ 7:30pm The Arts Center Brownsville January-February 2011 | On The Town 45
Valley Symphony Orchestra: A Night at The Movies 1/28, Fri @ 8pm Peter Dabrowski, conductor McAllen Civic Center Auditorium Barney Live In Concert: Birthday Bash! 1/30, Sun @ 2pm & 5pm State Farm Arena Hidalgo Tchaikovsky Piano Trio Valley Symphony Orchestra Presentation 2/5, Sat @ 8pm STC Cooper Center Theater The Color Purple Broadway in McAllen Presentation 2/7, Mon @ 7:30pm McAllen Civic Center Auditorium Cirque du Soleil: Alegria 2/9-13 Wed-Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 3:30-m & 7:30pm Sun @ 1pm & 5pm State Farm Arena Hidalgo
Valley Symphony Orchestra & Chorale: Winter Concert 2/18, Fri @ 8pm Peter Dabrowski, conductor McAllen Civic Center Auditorium All Shook Up The Arts Center Signature Series Presentation 2/22, Tue @ 7:30pm The Arts Center Brownsville
Photo Credits Page 28 Ruby Dee and the Snakehandlers Courtesy liveatfloores.com Lang Lang Courtesy San Antonio Symphony Brandon Rhyder Courtesy brandonrhyder. com Max Stalling Courtesy maxstalling.com Page 29
The McAllen Symphonic Band: Bullets & Broadway 2/15, Tue @ 7:30pm Civic Center Auditorium McAllen
Page 30 SOLI Photo by Kemp Davis Scott Kluksdahl Courtesy parkerartists.com Vince Gill Courtesy Arts San Antonio Cory Morrow Courtesy liveatfloores.com Page 32 Cypress String Quartet Courtesy cypressquartet. com Troy Peters Courtesy yosa.com
Page 34 Charles Yang Courtesy mtssymphony. org David Mairs Courtesy mtssymphony. org Vienna Boys Choir Courtesy Arts San Antonio Mario Flores Courtesy liveatfloores.com Page 35
Kevin Fowler Courtesy cmt.com Randy Rogers Band Courtesy randyrogersband.com Page 33 Robert Earl Keen Courtesy robertealkeen. com
Mariangela Vacatello Courtesy Arts San Antonio
Eleven Hundred Springs Courtesy liveatfloores.com
Lilya Zilberstein Courtesy schmidtart.com
Chris Knight Courtesy liveatfloores.com
46 On The Town | January-February September-October 2011 2010
Ertan Torgul Courtesy San Antonio Symphony
Nicolas Payton Courtesy nicolaspayton. com Legally Blonde Photo by Carol Rosegg Page 36 Wicked Photo by Joan Marcus Tango Buenos Aires Courtesy Carver Community Cultural Center
Complexions Contemporary Ballet Courtesy Carver Community Cultural Center Ralph Harris Courtesy ralphharris.com Page 38 Rick Gutierrez Courtesy stateofcomedy. com Lewis Black Courtesy Majestic Theatre
Segundo de Febrero Exhibit Courtesy centroculturalaztlan. com
Julio Galán, Los cómplices (The Accomplices) 1987, oil on canvas, 190 x 230 cm./ 75 x 90.5”. Ramis Barquet Collection. Courtesy Instituto Cultural de Mexico
Page 39 Coffin of the Lady of the House Weretwahset, Reinscribed for Bensuipet Containing Face Mask and Openwork Body Covering New Kingdom, ca. 12921190 B.C.E. Wood, painted (fragments a, b); Cartonnage, wood (fragment c; cartonnage (fragment d) 25 3/8 x 19 11/16 x 76 3/16 in. Courtesy San Antonio Museum of Art
Iminente Caida del Ciego No Escape: Photographs of the Bothers Montiel Klint Courtesy San Antonio Museum of Art Jon Eric Riis Sacred Heart Coat (eight layers) 2005. tapestry woven silk and metalic thread with crystal beads, 44” x 22” x 3” Courtesy Southwest School of Art
January-February 2011 | On The Town 47
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Courtesy SA Stock Show & Rodeo
Larry Miller Courtesy larrymillerhumor. com
Page 40
Anton Nel Courtesy antonnel.com
Asian Festival Photo by James Benavides
Capitol Steps Courtesy Long Center
George Strait Courtesy georgestrait.com
Page 44
Al Jarreau Courtesy oneworldtheatre. com The Parker Quartet Courtesy parkerquartet. com
Emanuel Ax Courtesy emanuelax.com Jerry Jeff Walker Courtesy jerryjeff.com
Page 42
Gladys Knight Courtesy gladysknight. com
Stephanie J. Block Courtesy stephaniejblock. com
Anne Akiko Meyers Photo by Anthony Parmalee
48 On The Town | January-February September-October 2011 2010
Page 45 Keiko Matsui Courtesy oneworldtheatre. com Miro Quartet Courtesy miroquartet.com Page 46 Blue Man Group Courtesy Long Center Reckless Kelly Courtesy recklesskelly.com River Dance Photo by Joan Marcus Destino Courtesy destino3.com
Page 47 Jason Coleman Courtesy corpuschristilive. com Legally Blonde Photo by Carol Rosegg The Color Purple Photo by Scott Suchman All Shook Up Courtesy cb-pr.com
January-February 2011 | On The Town 49
50 On The Town | January-February 2011
Visual Arts 52-62
January-February 2011 | On The Town 51
Opening in E
MUSEUMS AND ART CENTERS B
By Shannon Huntington Standley
T
Bastards—genetically modified flora and fauna, through plastics and drawings. Then, find out what America is chewing on through You Are What You Eat, a photographic look into the nation’s refrigerators by Mark Menjivar. Don’t miss Ann Matlock’s Journeys, opening Jan. 20, and Art From Architecture, on view through April 10, featuring varied interpretations of the architecture of Villa Finale by Southwest School The Southwest School of Art boasts three new of Art artists. exhibits on view through Feb. 27, all capturing the vast range of contemporary art. Oracles features Five new exhibitions are gracing the walls of Blue works by Jon Eric Riis, considered to be among Star Contemporary Art Center for the new year, America’s leading master artists working in fibers. through Feb. 12. Crossovers: Materials and Metaphors Be among the first to see a brand-new body of work features well-known artists Ivano Vitali and Joan by On Leigh Anne Lester in Beautiful Freaks/Nature’s Hall. This exhibit is the first in a series of international 52 The Town | January-February 2011 he holidays have passed, and as you dive into 2011, make some time to stop by San Antonio’s art and cultural institutions for an incredible lineup of new exhibits and events. Start the new year with new traditions—make supporting the vibrant art scene of San Antonio one of your top priorities.
Early 2011
BRIM WITH NEW EXHIBITS
initiatives between Blue Star and other international artist communities. What is Lost/What is Found/What is Remembered features the work of Marilyn Lanfear, who is known for utilizing wood, stone, paper and lead to create visual stories inspired by her Texas family.
Cristina Canas, Oscar Carrasco, Carles Congost, Cristina Lucas, Fernando Sanchez Castillo, Pablo Perez Sanmartin and Angel Hernandez Tuset.
The Institute of Texan Cultures is stepping right into the new year with Texans: Head to Foot. Opening Jan. 29, this exhibit features famous Texans’ shoes, hats Creatures features the work of San Antonio fashion and accessories, including items from Claudia Taylor designer Angelina Mata, who has created sculptures “Lady Bird” Johnson, David Robinson, Dan Rather, using fabric remnants from the past decade. The George Strait and many more. From champion Consulate General of Spain in Houston and Blue Star athletes to politicians, get a glimpse into what makes LAB present Spanish Young Art: The New Generation, these celebrities real through personal possessions. featuring eight artists working in different mediums, Opening Jan. 15, World Heritage Photo Panels From on view through Feb. 5. This exhibit reveals a new Japan: Two Thousand Years of Legacies is an exhibition generation of young artists, including Javier Arce, of more than 60 January-February photos of Japan’s 2011world | On Theheritage Town 53
sites, co-hosted with UTSA’s East Asia Institute. ITC’s nod to the Mexican Revolution, Leaving Home, Finding Home: Texan Families Remember the Mexican Revolution, takes an in-depth look at these families’ triumphs, contributions and challenges. You don’t want to miss the 2011 Asian Festival, this year celebrating the Year of the Rabbit, with food, music, cultural performances, fashions and crafts on Feb. 5. Bihl Haus Arts has announced this year’s On and Off Fredericksburg Road Studio Tour, an art adventure taking you into studios and out to see public art in San Antonio’s historic neighborhoods. The fourth annual event is Feb. 19 and 20, touting more than 70 area artists at 50-plus locations, including a new, large presence of young, emerging artists who join veterans on the tour, such as Danville Chadbourne, Rolando Briseño, Angel RodríguezDíaz and Jane Madrigal. Taking place in San Antonio’s famed Deco District, along a section of the celebrated Old Spanish Trail Auto Highway, the two-day event features leisurely self-guided tours that offer the rare opportunity to interact with artists in their work space.
54 On The Town | January-February November-December 2011 2010 54 On The Town | September-October 2010
All aboard! The voyage down the largest river in the world is happening at the Witte Museum. Opening Feb. 5, Amazon Voyage: Vicious Fishes and Other Riches takes visitors on an exciting journey through the diverse ecosystems, the vicious creatures known as the Seven Perils and the amazing people who inhabit the Amazon River. This journey is alive! Visitors also will have the opportunity to watch live piranha feed, try to spot the camouflaged stingrays in their sandy tanks, crawl into an underwater viewing tunnel of a tetra fish tank and see several other species of live fish. Complementing this exhibition and also opening Feb. 5 is Water in Motion: Past, Present and Future of the San Antonio River. See how the Amazon River compares to our very own River Walk jewel. On display through Feb. 22 at the Instituto Cultural de Mexico is Neo-Mexicanism: A New Configuration, an exhibition of large paintings by key figures of the Neo-Mexicanismo movement. Thirty-three works are included from public and private collections in Mexico City, Cuernavaca, Monterrey, Aguascalientes, Santa Monica and New York City. Twelve artists are included: Alejandro Arango, Mónica Castillo, Javier
de la Garza, Julio Galán, Enrique Guzmán, Rocío Maldonado, Dulce María Nuñez, Georgina Quintana, Eloy Tarcisio, Rubén Ortiz Torres, Germán Venegas and Nahúm B. Zenil. Additionally, Rocío Maldonado and Javier De la Garza are featured with individual exhibits of recent works in mixed media, drawing and painting that take a marked departure from the neo-Mexicanist style. Dr. Teresa Eckmann, assistant professor of contemporary Latin American art history at UTSA, served as curator for the exhibit.
The Cocktail Party, opening Feb. 16. Skoglund’s sculptural installation was recently acquired for the McNay’s collection and re-creates a typical suburban American cocktail party using the snack food Cheez Doodles as surface material.
The Museo Alameda’s commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Mexican Revolution will be on view through July 15. Revolution and Renaissance: Mexico and San Antonio 1910 – 2010 explores the evolution of art and culture in Mexico from 1910 to The McNay Art Museum is rolling in four exciting 1968, particularly highlighting the parallel of cultural exhibitions for the new year. Starting it all off on changes happening in San Antonio within the same Jan. 26 is Texas Watercolors in the McNay Collection, a years. The show includes paintings, sculptures and display of landscapes, portraits and still lifes by the decorative art objects by many of the most famous Watercolor Gang—San Antonio artists whose works Mexican artists of the 20th century, including Diego are local favorites. San Antonio Draws: A Survey of Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Roberto Montenegro Contemporary Drawing, opening Feb. 2, surveys and José Guadalupe Posada. what contemporary San Antonio artists are currently doing with various drawing media. On Feb. 16, New This is your last chance to see the San Antonio Image Sculpture will highlight emerging and mid- Museum of Art’s Tierra, Libertad y No Re-Elección career artists who use unorthodox materials to re- and No Escape: Photographs of the Brothers Montiel create ordinary items from daily life. Filling out the Klint, both on view through Feb. 13. However, there new schedule is ARTMATTERS 14: Sandy Skoglund: are two must-see programs taking place in the new
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year as well. Music at the Museum XI, on Jan. 31, will feature a performance by musicians from the San Antonio Symphony and the opportunity to be one of the first people in San Antonio to meet the symphony’s new maestro, Sebastian Lang-Lessing. A limited number of VIP tickets will be sold to a special post-concert dessert with the new conductor. On Feb. 5, the 14th Annual Mays Symposium returns with Romanticism, Revolution and Republican Ideals: Landscape Architecture in the New World. Don’t miss this sensational speaker panel: Sense and Sensibility: Landscapes of the Age of Reason, Romanticism and Revolution by Elizabeth Browning Barlow Rogers, M.A.; Inside Outside: Between Architecture and Landscape by Anita Berrizbeitia, M.A.; Wilderness by Design: Landscape Architecture and National Parks Service by Ethan Carr, Ph.D.; and The Art of City Making: Landscape, Architecture and Urbanism by Mario Schjetnan, Ph.D.
schedule of shows replaces them. Things move fast around here.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits Pages 52-53 Texans Head to Foot Ladybird Johnson’s shoes Institute of Texan Cultures Page 54 (L-R) Javier de la Garza, Aparición de la papaya (Appearance of the Papaya), 1989. Oil on canvas 182 x 90 cm. / 71 ½ x 35 ½ in. Mauricio Fernández Garza Collection Photography Libby Rowe. Instituto Cultural de Mexico
Before you know it the winter will have passed and all of these incredible exhibitions and events will Fernando Andrade, Asi es la vida have passed as well. Get up and get out to these 2010. Acrylic on wood, 24 x 24 in. fine San Antonio institutions before an entirely new Bihl Haus Arts
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Kiel Johnson Costume Courtesy of the Artist McNay Art Museum Page 55 (L-R) Stacy Parten Pandora Lamp 2009. Acrylic 18 x 8 x 8 in. Bihl Haus Arts Ángel Rodríguez-Díaz, Spellbound/Hechizado 2006. Acrylic & oil on canvas 36 x 24 in. Bihl Haus Arts Kiel Johnson Survival Vest Courtesy of Maxwell Davidson Gallery McNay Art Museum
Page 56 (L-R) Alejandro Arango, La batalla (The Battle), 1986, oil on canvas, 160 x 200 cm./63 x 79 in. Private Collection. Photography Pedro Hiriart y Valencia. Instituto Cultural de Mexico Julio Galán, Me quiero morir (I Want to Die), 1985, oil on canvas, 132 x 187 cm. / 52 x 73.5 in. Guillermo Sepúlveda Collection Instituto Cultural de Mexico World Heritage Photo Panels from Japan : Two Thousand Years of Legacies, “Jan. 15 – Mar. 13 Image: 07 – Himeji-jo Castle ©Kazuyoshi Miyoshi/PPS Institute of Texan Cultures
James Avalos, Campos Taco Soup Cans. Painted metal, 2010. Each can: 35 in. h x 24 in. dia. Bihl Haus Arts
Michael Frary American, 1918-2005 Untitled, Watercolor on paper Gift of Amy Freeman Lee in honor of Blanche and John Palmer Leeper 1990.134 McNay Art Museum
Jose Guadalupe Guadiana Mexican, born 1929 Cannas 1978 Watercolor on paper Gift of Alicia and Jose Guadalupe Guadiana, 2004.1 McNay Art Museum
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Portfolio:
The Art of Faryl Greller By Michele Krier Photography of Faryl Greller by Dana Fossett
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aryl Greller looks forward to naptime--as all young mothers do--only it’s not for her. When her 16-month-old son hits the pillow, she primes her canvas and brings nap time to life. Greller’s recent 18-piece collection, on exhibit at Local Coffee on East Sonterra Boulevard, is about the dreams we all have for ourselves and our families. At this same exhibit Greller also featured signature works from her other collections, including the Vintage Signature Series. Her work also will be exhibited through January at Pigtails and Crewcuts on East Basse Road. In her paintings, Greller visualizes her son’s world while he sleeps. “I like to think that his dreams are filled with colors, shapes, toys, music and watermelon,” she adds with a laugh about his favorite food.
San Antonio where she lived before her early career took her to Washington, D.C., and to Dallas, where she met her husband. The couple lived in Phoenix before he began working here as a veterinary ophthalmologist at South Texas Veterinary Specialists. “San Antonio feels like the right place for us now,” Greller says. Her family lives here, and she had her first exhibit at Lisa Ortiz’ Gallery Ortiz in 2003. “Coming back to San Antonio as an adult with a family is a whole new experience. I grew up surrounded by art. My mom (Lainey Cohen Berkus, co-founder of The CE Group) inspired me with her love of painting and sculpture.
“My first art was coloring on the walls,” Greller confesses. “My mom was a huge influence behind my artwork and who I am as a person. Now when I am Her first exhibit in five years comes when Greller and painting and discovering new ideas and designs, I call her husband have established their family life back in her because I value her perspective on art so much. January-February 2011 | On The Town 59
It’s really great that I can turn to her and brainstorm ideas with her.” An article in the Dallas Morning News some years ago kick-started Greller’s artistic career with phone orders. The success of her early work inspired her to form Designs by Faryl (www.designsbyfaryl.com), a collection featuring Greller’s pop-culture inspired women on canvas, totes, gift-wrap bags and anything else that fit the “bag lady” concept. Her first two series, “Leading Ladies” and the “Perfect Ten,” are about women who made a difference in her life growing up in a single-parent house. “My mom and her amazing friends left a huge impact on me,” Greller says. “I was thinking when I first started painting women, my art truly reflects my life. My first work was about women who inspired me. Now as a mom, I want to paint things that inspire me now. My ‘It Takes a Village’ painting is about the people in our community. So many people have helped us. ‘Dream World’ is a collage of my son’s favorite things.” This one is different, Greller says, because, “nap time is when everything’s possible. I put my creative energies into the paintings. What you see is my interpretation of what he thinks about at night when he closes his eyes. Babies are so inspiring. We’re trying to make them laugh because it’s so sweet to hear the laughter. That’s where my series on silly faces came from--like a little diary of where I am in life--it’s fun to do.” Greller uses acrylic and puffy paint on canvas and on her colorful bags, which she still does, along with commissioned works. “It’s really a joy doing my art. There are so many other elements to my life that I can focus on and create,” Greller says in explaining her source of inspiration. “There’s really nothing stronger than love.” And how apropos that just in time for Valentine’s Day, Greller is designing a Valentine bag in her heart series. These will be available through her website. Greller’s signature Valentine’s Bags premiered when she first painted them for her bridesmaids. This gift of “love” caught on and soon other brides wanted them for their bridesmaids. Men caught on, too, and purchased these heart totes for their moms, wives, sweethearts and children. Greller also features Silly Face Bags for ladies and little boys and girls. Silly Face 60 On The Town | January-February 2011
Bags started as a bag to carry toys. Soon these bags were stuffed with books, pajamas and lunches. Moms started buying them for themselves, too, as gym bags as well as swim, ballet and gym bags for their children. Although she’s had other exhibits of her work over the years, Greller is excited about a new exhibit at Galeria Ortiz Contemporary on McCullough which will be on view through Jan. 15 with her five-piece collection, Silly Faces. Prices for her work vary, with her “Nap Time” series canvases running from $125 to $500, and her bags averaging about $100. In addition, she creates customized stationery and has become a sought-after painter of customized nurseries. She painted her son’s room and was delighted with his excitement for “Blueberry” the cow and “Cherry” the dog. “I love to work with parents and grandparents, and help design nurseries which reflect the dreams they have for their children and grandchildren.” And what happens when nap time is over? Greller says, “I’ve always loved animals. In the future I might do an animal series.”
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 60 (Above) Adventures With Daddy Nap Time Series (Below) African Queen Vintage Signature Series Page 61 (Above) Faryl, Self Portrait Vintage Signature Series (Below) It Takes a Village Nap Time Series January-February 2011 | On The Town 61
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Culinary Arts 63-72
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Francois Maeder of Crumpets Restaurant & Bakery: 30 Years and Counting By Chris Dunn Photography Greg Harrison
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his year marks the 30th anniversary of Francois Maeder’s award-winning Crumpets Restaurant & Bakery, an enduring testimony to one man’s determination to bring quality classic Continental cuisine to San Antonio. “The key is being consistent,” says Maeder, “people knowing they’re going to have good food.” Maeder says of equal importance is a consistent menu. “We’re not one of those restaurants that is trendy and believes in changing the menu all the time,” he says. Instead, Maeder focuses on dishes guests know they can enjoy visit after visit, year after year, such as the Trilogy, a toothsome threesome of tenderloin of beef, lobster and rack of lamb, or the Chicken Chasseur (enrobed in a classic “hunters” sauce of wine, tomatoes and mushrooms). There are even some unexpected specialties, such as the low-cholesterol Ostrich Filet or Calves Liver sautéed with shallots or apple. Maeder says the essence of his food is “flavor, freshness, served warm.” “I’m not the guy who piles food six inches high above the plate or sprinkles stuff all around,” he says. “It takes time to prepare a plate; and if you have to spend a lot of time decorating and arranging, half the time it gets to the table and it’s cold.” Maeder, a native of Geneva, Switzerland, came to San Antonio after a decade of working in restaurants
in Canada, where, he says, “By December, you’re already tired of shoveling the snow.” In 1978, he was drawn to San Antonio by both a business opportunity and the area’s mild winter climate. “They didn’t tell me about August,” he says, shaking his head. The business opportunity was the Alamo Fish Market and Bakery, an ambitious, multistory restaurant at the corner of St. Mary’s and Commerce streets that featured fresh seafood, an oyster bar and a Continental bakery known for its outstanding croissants. “We were way before our time,” he says, “the river was not very popular then.” In 1980, he was hired to assist with opening Crumpets Restaurant & Bakery, which was located at that time on Broadway, in Alamo Heights. It turned into a full-time job, and after three years, Maeder says, the owners “made me an offer I couldn’t refuse to buy the restaurant, so I bought it.” In 1997, he purchased the current location, at 3920 Harry Wurzbach. The restaurant is nestled in a park-like setting under a profusion of live oaks; wall to wall windows in the high-ceilinged dining rooms offer spectacular views of decorative ponds and running waterfalls. There is seating for 125 guests inside and an additional 80 on the patios. The atmosphere is casual, yet upscale, the kind of place that would be equally appropriate for lunch January-February 2011 | On The Town 65
or a romantic dinner, Sunday brunch or a special occasion. A harpist provides music on Sundays, and a duo regularly performs on Fridays and Saturdays. Maeder continues to operate a bakery within the restaurant, which offers European-style cakes and baked goods such as croissants, French pastries, coffee cakes and gourmet cookies. “Most of the stuff we sell in the bakery today is preorder,” he says. “We sell lots of cake.” The bakery relies on “old-style recipes,” says Maeder, a reflection of his European roots. For example, in lieu of manufactured icings, which he refers to as “plaster of Paris,” his bakery uses homemade “Swisstype butter cream.” In addition to operating a restaurant and bakery seven days a week, the seemingly indefatigable chef also hosts wine dinners, offers special holiday menus and, since 1987, has teamed up with Terlingua-based Far Flung Adventures to accompany groups ranging in size from five to 24 on a three-day, 20-mile white-water rafting experience through the awe-inspiring Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park. Maeder and his staff provide participants “campground haute cuisine,” including dishes such as mushroom-stuffed wild quail, New Zealand rack of lamb, and prickly pear strawberry trifle, as well as the requisite white linen tablecloths, china, crystal, wines, ports, cognac and live music necessary to sustain one while on safari. The trip is listed in National Geographic’s “100 Best Vacations to Enrich Your Life.” Maeder says the logistics of such an undertaking can be challenging. “This past weekend, the water was extremely low. There is a place called the rock slide—it can be a serious rapid at high water, but at low water, it is a maze of going between house-size rocks,” he says, adding, “It’s kind of fun.” Perhaps, this illustrates what it takes to be a multidecade success in the restaurant business. Maeder, like all restaurateurs, has faced more than his share of “house-size rocks” over the years, but he always manages to keep on sailing.
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Pinch Pennies & Dine Well:
Four Steps Is All It Takes By Marlo Mason-Marie
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he beginning of a new year is a good time to organize your thoughts on how to save mucho money on quality dining. Anyone can clip a pizza or burger coupon, but it takes a dedicated person to actually formulate a strategy for pinching pennies and dining well. I am that dedicated person, and I’m willing to share a few secrets. Here are four steps involved in the process.
their offers. Here are a few to check out. * Groupon * Living Social * Yollar * KGB Deals * Restaurant.com * EverSave * Urban Delight * Tippr In addition, I suggest purchasing an Entertainment Book and an Enjoy the City Book if it is available where you live. Also, a membership to your local PBS television station usually comes complete with a bountiful two-for-one restaurant program. Local commercial television and radio stations have “deal” programs, as well. And there’s more.
Peruse The Internet has proven to be a gold mine for discount dining opportunities. Peruse it and use it. Don’t be afraid to join the various services available on the net that offer daily deals. There are many of them so the best-case scenario is to Signing up for individual restaurant email clubs open an email account specifically for receiving causes a barrage of incredible deals to come your 68 On The Town | January-February 2011
© Oleksiy Mark / Dreamstime.com
way ranging from free appetizers to free lunches or dinners on your birthday and anniversary. Joining costs nothing and the savings are super over the course of time. Every program mentioned here offers 50 percent off or more. Plan An overwhelming number of offers will arrive on your computer each day. It is imperative not to buy for the sake of buying, but rather to have a plan. Know what you want to accomplish by using these programs. For example, I enjoy evenings of live entertainment and want to dine near various venues prior to performances, so I look for
restaurant deals that fit this part of my lifestyle. I am also a grandparent which means I’m always on the lookout for places my 9- and 5-year-olds will enjoy while I save. Lunch with friends also tops my list. Finding excellent restaurants that offer reduced prices for these culinary rendezvous makes it possible for me to pick up the tab every now and then. You can go broke buying every deal that comes down the pike. Money doesn’t grow on trees. Get a plan. Purchase It’s fun to buy a discount dining deal, but as with everything else in life, you have to find a place to January-February 2011 | On The Town 69
put it. In most cases, once you’ve purchased an offer on the internet, you’re sent an email with a link that allows you to print it on an 8.5-by11-inch sheet of paper. Stacking it loose-leaf next to your computer with all the rest of your stuff is a bad idea. The least you should do is get a three-ring binder and a set of A-Z dividers and file each one alphabetically. An additional measure is to create an Excel spreadsheet where you can enter each deal with its expiration date and fine print stipulations, if any. Be smart and take this part of the purchasing process seriously. Think of it like this: If you let a $50 gift certificate (that you bought for $25) expire because of poor organizational skills, you loose twice. You loose your financial investment and the opportunity for a prepaid lunch or dinner. When it comes to coupons from entities like the Entertainment Book or Enjoy the City, you may choose to leave them in the books or remove just the ones you want to use. If you choose the latter method, which is my preference, you will need to establish a filing system. A three-ring binder with plastic-covered pages works well for displaying the individual coupons. Your purchases become your inventory. Organize and enjoy! Partake I am continually amazed at the caliber of restaurants participating in discount dining programs. I would venture a guess that involvement has become a necessity based on the competitive nature of the business. For whatever reason, I must admit I do appreciate the opportunity to dine at establishments that I might not have been able to afford if it were not for reduced pricing. With this in mind, and out of courtesy to the restaurant and service staff, I always leave a gratuity based on what the check would have been without the discount. To me, fine dining plays a major role in how I define “the good life.” Perusing, planning and purchasing can be a bit of work, but the end result is worth it. Bon appetite!
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© Petr Jilek / Dreamstime.com
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Festivals & Celebrations 74-86
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San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo February 3 - 20 By Angela Rabke Photography Courtesy SA Stock Show & Rodeo 74 On The Town | January-February 2011
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nce upon a time, Texas was looked upon as a state full of fearless cowboys, industrious farmers and cattle-rich ranches. Of course, Texas is still viewed in the same manner, but city-dwellers find themselves removed from the rural roots that we
Texans revel in. Thank goodness the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo rolls through every February to remind us of our roots! As much as any other local event, the stock show January-February 2011 | On The Town 75
and rodeo exists for the sake of kids and families, and provides more than two weeks of world-class entertainment that is suitable for all ages, all while offering an important learning opportunity for those who attend. Two weeks might sound like a long time, but it will take that to explore the grounds, which are teeming with activities such as a carnival, livestock shows and auctions, shopping, exhibits and live music…all with a connection to the event’s focus on youth and agriculture. New visitors will be shocked to notice that when the Spurs move out, and the dirt moves in, the AT&T Center and the stock show grounds are transformed into a rural wonderland! The rodeo, which continues to be recognized as the best in the business, brings an entirely new set of athletes to San Antonio from all over the world—human and animal athletes. The bull riders, barrel-racers and ropers who make the trip to this rodeo are top echelon contestants. Only the best in the business qualify to compete for San Antonio’s $1 million purse, and it is exciting to watch. “The cowboys and cowgirls that compete in our rodeo are at the top of their game. We’re always honored to host them, and we do everything we can to make San Antonio their home away from home,” said Pam Rew, an assistant executive director for the rodeo. The affection appears to be mutual: every year, members of the PRCA (Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association) vote to select “Rodeo of the Year,” which is the equivalent of a national championship in the rodeo world. And each year, for the past six years, San Antonio has been selected as the large indoor rodeo of the year, making it the only rodeo besides Rodeo Houston to win for as many consecutive years. For those who may be lukewarm about the actual rodeo, it does not hurt that each of the 21 performances ends with a lineup of musical acts that appeal to country and western music lovers, plus a few special nights dedicated to Norteno, Christian and pop acts. The 2010 show brings Reba McIntire, Train, MercyMe, Toby Keith and many more. The rodeo is continuing its program, called “the star experience,” that allows individuals to purchase a ticket to watch the concert performance from the actual dirt in the rodeo arena— up close and personal! There might be some who would be surprised to find a rodeo taking place in the heart of the nation’s seventh76 On The Town | January-February 2011
largest city, but location might be one aspect of the event’s success. Rodeo planners have access to all the amenities of the AT&T Center, which they share with the Spurs, the support of 5,000 volunteers and the enthusiasm of a city that embraces cultural events. The weather in February can be unpredictable, but it seems that more often than not, it is perfect. For families with young children, the stock show grounds are an ideal place to visit and provide more than one full day of activity and entertainment. During the week, the grounds are active but not heavily crowded, and children can experience multiple petting zoos, the largest junior livestock show in the world, carnival rides and pig races. “Little Hands on the Farm” is a new exhibit that allows youngsters to explore the world of agriculture by helping with “chores” on the farm. Adults enjoy acres of unique shopping opportunities and the types of food that are found only on fairgrounds: kettle corn, funnel cake and the famous fajitas that volunteers grill nonstop throughout the event. “Every year, we work hard to bring back the traditions that people have come to love, but we also work hard to provide new exhibits. We try to provide a little something for everyone,” Rew said. The volunteers roaming the grounds serve as a reminder that over the course of San Antonio’s favorite February activity, the 1 million-plus visitors to the stock show and rodeo can feel great knowing that their money is going to a great cause. Hundreds of young people show their animals in hopes of winning a space in the auctions-where supportive businesses and individuals purchase the prize-winning animals, and dedicate the proceeds to the students’ educations. Additionally, money is distributed through scholarships, grants, endowments, show premiums and the calf-scramble program. Since its inception, the stock show and rodeo has raised more than $96 million for Texas youth. Additionally, the education this event provides for the general public is an invaluable reminder of our roots. Tickets to the rodeo can be purchased online at sarodeo.com, ticketmaster.com, at the AT&T Center Southwest box office, any Ticketmaster location or by calling 1-877-63-RODEO. The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo is a volunteer organization that emphasizes agriculture and education to develop the youth of Texas. For more information, visit www.sarodeo.com. January-February 2011 | On The Town 77
Asian Festival at ITC
A Century of Chinese Culture in Texas By James M. Benavides Photography courtesy Institute of Texan Cultures 78 On The Town | January-February 2011
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hinese tradition, including the annual celebration of the Lunar New Year, has been passed down from generation to generation. The tradition continues Feb. 5, when the Institute of Texan Cultures hosts the annual Asian Festival. It’s a custom that has survived persecution, war, and nearly 100 years.
in 1910, the Chinese found themselves caught in the crossfire. In 1916, Pancho Villa raided Columbus, N.M., for supplies. In response, the United States sent Gen. John Pershing on a punitive expedition to pursue and capture Villa. Unwilling to turn over a folk hero, Mexico proved hostile to the American campaign. With little support from the Mexican people, Pershing’s forces found an unexpected ally in the Chinese, who provided services, supplies and intelligence to American forces. Villa swore, very openly, to hang every “Chino” in Chihuahua.
San Antonio’s Chinese community traces its origins to the 1870s and the construction of railroads across Texas. After completing the railways in the 1880s, Chinese laborers found themselves the victims of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and a series of laws that closed immigration to the United States and segregated the Chinese as non-citizens. After pursuing Villa for nearly a year with no success, the punitive expedition was recalled. However, Many Chinese left Texas and took up residence the departure of American forces would have left in Northern Mexico, where political unrest was the Chinese vulnerable. To protect the people who growing. When the Mexican Revolution broke out provided material aid to his expedition, Pershing
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petitioned Congress, and in 1917, won the right to bring 527 Chinese to San Antonio. “Pershing’s Chinese” quickly integrated into the community and Public Law 29, signed in 1921, granted them the right to remain in the United States. Chinese Texans had become leaders in business and community. They established the San Antonio Chinese School in 1922, teaching Chinese language, calligraphy, philosophy and literature. Fraternal organizations, business alliances and social clubs strengthened their sense of community, pride and nationalism. Ancient traditions, including the Lunar New Year, were passed to new generations. Nearly 25 years ago, a Chinese family reunion, coupled with the Lunar New Year, transformed into a community-wide celebration. It integrated Texas’ many Asian cultures, becoming today’s Asian Festival, enjoyed by all San Antonians, regardless of culture or walk of life. The 2011 Asian Festival is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Institute of Texan Cultures. The event showcases the many cultures of Asia, including the Indian subcontinent and the islands of the Pacific. The day-long celebration features music, dance, food, demonstrations, craft vendors and other activities. Admission: • Advance: Adult (13 and older) $8, Child (6-12) $5 • Gate: Adult $10, Child $5 • Children 5 and under, free • Group rates available for groups of 20 or more, in advance only; $6 per person. • Advance tickets available at ITC Store. Keep watching TexanCultures.com for online sales. The Asian Festival is made possible by a grant from the Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation and the support of HEB, Frito-Lay and Wells Fargo. The Institute of Texan Cultures is located on the UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, 801 E. Durango Blvd., a short distance from the Alamo and the River Walk. For more information, call 210-458-2300 or visit TexanCultures.com.
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February Film Festivals From JCC and GCAC T he Barshop Jewish Community Center and the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center offer outstanding film festivals in mid- and early February, respectively. The JCC’s five-day event takes place at the Bijou Theatre, while the Guadalupe’s four-day celebration is on screen at the historic Guadalupe Theatre.
Jews, as fans, commentators, owners and players. Like most of the nine other films showcased in the festival, it is screened for the first time in San Antonio. With a broad mandate to share the best in world cinema as long as it makes some connection with Jewish culture, history or values, the festival is an 10th Annual JCC Jewish Film Festival eclectic mix of fiction and nonfiction from the United Feb. 12-16 States, Israel, Argentina, Poland and Russia. In Within By Steven G. Kellman the Whirlwind, Emily Watson portrays poet Evgenia Photos courtesy Barshop Jewish Community Center Ginzburg, sentenced to 10 years in a Stalinist gulag. Set in rural Argentina early in the 20th century, Putting together an exciting, coherent series from Camera Obscura is the radiant story of a plain woman releases that happen to be available can be hit or whose life is transformed through photography. A miss. But in its 10th season, the annual JCC Jewish Film Film Unfinished combines raw footage of the Warsaw Festival hits a grand slam. Its opening night feature, ghetto shot by Nazis with other material to create Jews and Baseball, is a fascinating account of the a riveting examination of how memory, history and curious attraction the national pastime has exerted on film are constructed. 82 On The Town | January-February 2011
All films are screened at the Bijou, the catered theater at the Wonderland of the Americas Mall. General admission is $8 per person or $70 for a package that includes one ticket to each film. Tickets may be purchased at www.jccsanantonio.org, by calling 210302-6820 or at the Barshop JCC, at the intersection of N.W. Military Highway and Wurzbach Parkway.
Cristina Ibarra’s Love and Monster Trucks, and a free youth screening that showcases San Antonio’s next generation of filmmakers.
For its 33rd edition, CineFestival has embraced the theme Aztlan in Focus showcasing the works of U.S. Latino filmmakers. Standout films by San Antonio directors include Eva Longoria-Parker’s 33rd Annual CineFestival en San Antonio Latinos Living the American Dream, Pablo Veliz’s Feb. 3-6 Cartoneo y Nopalitos, and a special screening of By Manuel Solis Efrain Gutierrez’s 1979 classic Run, Tecato, Run. Photography courtesy Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center International showcase films include Curaçao’s Boys of Summer, Bolivia’s Mamachas del Ring, and Peru’s CineFestival en San Antonio, the nation’s original Academy Award-nominated Undertow. and longest-running Latino film festival, returns to the silver screen Feb. 3-6 at the historic and newly For more information, visit www.guadalupeculturalarts. renovated Guadalupe Theater. org or call 210-271-3151. CineFestival curator Manuel Solis is available at cine@guadalupeculturalarts.org. CineFestival 2011 spotlights the best in Latino cinema including features, documentaries, shorts The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) and animation, along with experimental and nonprofit organization founded in 1980 to preserve, youth works. In addition to screenings, the four- promote and develop the arts and culture of the day festival includes workshops, panels, industry Chicano/Latino/Native American people for all ages mixers, musical performances, after-parties and and backgrounds through public and educational gala celebrations. Other highlights include the programming in six disciplines: dance, literature, Texas Legends program featuring the early of works media arts, theater arts, visual arts and music. of Robert Rodriguez, a staged reading of filmmaker January-February 2011 | On The Town 83
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Literary Arts 88-94
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Book Talk:
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Lewis Fisher Journalist and Publisher Story and photography by Jasmina Wellinghoff
LF: When I left the newspaper business, I wrote the book Saving San Antonio for the Conservation Society. They wanted it to be on the history of the society but I said, let’s do a history of the historic preservation movement in San Antonio and go back before the society started After leaving the business in 1993, he used his and bring it up to today. The idea was that historic knowledge and his finely honed research skills to write preservation was the key to the tourism industry here, a number of books about his adopted city, starting with which, of course, is one of the top industries in the city. Saving San Antonio: The Precarious Preservation of a Heritage, which was commissioned by the Conservation The key claim of the Conservation Society was Society and took three years to complete. supposedly the saving of the San Antonio River, so I went looking for some documentation on that and In 1996, Fisher returned to publishing, only this time found that there was none. The story we were all told he chose books. So far, his Maverick Publishing Co. was that the river was going dry and that it was going has issued 40 general-interest nonfiction titles on San to be paved over by the downtown businessmen until Antonio and Texas, covering everything from local the ladies of the Conservation Society stepped in to history to Texas wineries and the rebirth of South save it. I ended up going through the microfilms of the Austin. The latest arrivals include a guide to Hill Country San Antonio Express-News covering many years – it towns, a book about Texas breweries and a coffee- took three months to do it – and came up with a whole table-type softcover titled The River Spectacular: Light, different story. I found that the society not only did not Sound, Color and Craft on the San Antonio River, which save the river, but the river had been saved some 20 focuses on the artworks along the River Walk. years before. The first citizens’ movement to beautify the river banks dates back to 1904, and in 1914, the city In addition to Saving San Antonio, Fisher’s other works dedicated its first completed river park. Among other include River Walk: The Epic Story of San Antonio’s River, things, I found an article in the Architectural Record which received the 2007 Benjamin Franklin Award from 1919, five years before the society was even for Best Regional Book from the Independent Book formed (in 1924), praising the city for its intelligent Publishers Association. preservation of the river as a park though downtown.* During 21 years of publishing San Antonio suburban weekly newspapers, including the popular North San Antonio Times, Lewis Fisher probably learned more about the Alamo City than just about anyone else in town.
We talked to Fisher in his cozy home office suite in Alamo Eventually, I uncovered a lot of other information that Heights. made me realize that San Antonio had not really been properly written about in book form. Other cities had JW: Tell us a little about your decision to go into book regional publishing companies that did nonfiction publishing. books but the opportunity seemed particularly great January-February 2011 | On The Town 89
in San Antonio because of the continuing market, the continuing flow of people coming in wanting to learn about the city. Because of that self-renewing market, it seemed that well-written, well-produced books on San Antonio would be a good growth area to be in, and so I got in. JW: This naturally leads to my next question. What else have you discovered about San Antonio that was more myth than truth? LF: Quite a few things. The Alamo, for instance, was the first building west of the Mississippi saved strictly for the purpose of historic preservation but it wasn’t saved by Clara Driscoll. (as was generally believed). She was 2 years old at the time. It was actually saved by the state in 1883. The state of Texas provided the money to buy the Alamo church. Then when Clara Driscoll came along, she loaned money to save what we now know as the long barracks. And then more was saved later, and even now, we are still adding pieces to that property. That’s just one other thing that you would think would have been better defined. JW: So how did we end up with those half-truths? LF: People were not keeping track of things. People were telling stories. JW: How did the Conservation Society react to your findings? LF: I have 1,400 footnotes in that book; everything is thoroughly documented. I have not heard any complaints. JW: Was Saving San Antonio the first book published under the Maverick Publishing name? LF: No, that was before I started my company. It was published by Texas Tech University Press. My first book for Maverick Publishing was on the San Antonio River. It was called Crown Jewel of Texas, which I revised 10 years later and put in additional information. (The title changed to River Walk.) Right after that I did a photographic history of the city and then my next one was on the San Antonio Missions. A lot was lost and forgotten about saving them, too. All three are written as general-interest books that will appeal broadly, not just to San Antonians but also to visitors. So for the first three years it was just me. At that point, we started 90 On The Town | January-February 2011
adding other authors, and we became pretty much a traditional publishing company. JW: What are your best-sellers? LF: That would be the book on Texas wines, The Wine Roads of Texas (by Wes Marshall). We sold more than 15,000 copies of it. Another one is The Biker’s Guide to Texas (by Dorothy Waldman). Fifteen thousand is a good number for a small publisher. You can get in trouble if you over-reach (with a very large printing) because bookstores can return unsold books for full credit. Then you are stuck with all those books.
generation or so. On the other hand, you miss the thrill of the deadline, the challenge of pulling everything together on a subject of immediate interest and following the story as it’s developing, as well as the camaraderie of the newsroom. JW: What’s the biggest challenge for a small publisher? LF: Picking the right material so that your company remains profitable. Distribution can be a challenge, too, but once you have those channels established and people trust you, that part takes care of itself. JW: Are you researching or writing a new book right now?
JW: Most of what you publish is about San Antonio. Are there aspects of the city that you would like to see LF: Yes, but I have gone kind of rogue because I am writing covered that have not been explored yet? a book on the Civil War in Virginia. My grandfather’s family was from there. Over the years I uncovered the LF: Probably. But we must be careful. Ours is a narrow story of how and why they became Union loyalists and niche between a popular commercial press and the how they got through the war and stayed friends with academic presses that focus on works of a more their Southern neighbors. However, they never joined narrow interest. We had a number of submissions that the Union army or the Southern army for that matter. I would have loved to publish but the topics were so After the war they became fairly prominent. They are a narrow that the books wouldn’t sell enough copies to rather interesting cast of characters. make them profitable. JW: Would you like to see your company grow? JW: Do you worry about running out of interesting San Antonio topics? LF: Yes, within limits. I am in a comfort zone right now where I don’t have to worry about paying rent to someone LF: Well, it doesn’t really matter because there’s else or salaries to office staff, and if my wife and I want to always a need for new editions. David Green, who has take a trip I can still keep up with business via e-mail. If done a splendid job on Place Names of San Antonio, you expand too much, that would be much harder to do. has just finished his third edition, for instance, and Regional companies in Texas have had a rather checkered that one will be coming out shortly. The River Walk history. It’s a very precarious business to be in. book is currently in its second edition. Again, it’s that self-renewing market we mentioned earlier. For I had an opportunity to merge with a larger publisher and example, Mission San Jose offers several of our titles did not choose to do so. For one thing, I wouldn’t have and when they sell, new people come in from all over been able to write as much and, for another, I wouldn’t the country, and they need more copies. have been the sole decision-maker. Also, I wouldn’t have the flexibility that I have now. This is working too well JW: Do you see yourself as a chronicler of local history? now to take the risk of messing things up. FL: Well, I think just by what I’ve done, I am, though I think of myself more as a journalist – you have an assignment, you work on it for a time, then you move to another and * The long, convoluted story about what to do with the then another. river that caused problems both by flooding and going JW: How does your current work compare to being a dry is told in detail in Fisher’s book, River Walk. newspaper publisher? Fisher’s comments have been edited slightly for space and LF: Your product is a lot more permanent. Put a book clarity. For more information on Maverick Publishing titles, on a shelf, and your work will be up there for at least a go to www.maverickpub.com.
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From First Taste to Boot Camp at the CIA By Claudia Maceo-Sharp
B
y attending classes at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), you can learn to prepare dishes the quality level and creativity of which you might only be able to get at restaurants. Learn to titillate your brain and your palate with colors, textures, aromas and, of course, flavors. There is nothing covert about the CIA! No need to go undercover to learn to cook delicious and exotic meals, of South American origin, for example. As with any self-help attempt, begin simply. Take a “First Taste” class at the CIA beginning in January and February (then again in May or June). Learn to prepare South American ceviche and risotto (many Italians immigrated to South America) and Brazilian carnival food. Classes include chef demos, tastings and recipes to take home. The cost of the classes, $39.95, can be applied to future learning endeavors, such as three-hour Saturday morning “Taste of CIA Cookbooks” classes on a wide range of topics, or week-long “Boot Camp” courses that serve as intensive training in many culinary arts, such as pastries or Latin cuisine. For culinary professionals, professional development courses are available for continuing education on topics such as fundamental baking, classic cuisines of Brazil, and Peruvian cuisine, to name a few. Don’t need formal classes? You do-it-yourselfers can cruise the cookbook shelves at the Twig for CIA cookbooks and brandish CIA utensils and heft their pans at Melissa Guerra’s Tienda De Cocina next door to the institute at Pearl. Increase your chance of success using tried-and-true recipes and cookware. When in the area, try out the Culinary Institute Bakery and Café, opening in January.
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Eclectics 96-106
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Artistic Destination:
Let’s Go to Luckenbach, Texas By Julie Catalano
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ew places can hit the jukebox button in your brain like Luckenbach, the tiniest dot on the Texas map made famous by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson singing its praises in 1977. Chances are that once you hear the opening strains, Waylon and Willie and the boys will have taken up permanent residence in your head until another song comes along to boot them out. There’s something about this miniscule Texas town (population, 1) that stays with you even longer than the tune, and the regulars are hardpressed to come up with anything other than the word “magic.” Cynics might claim it’s a marketing marvel – a congruence of people, place and opportunity that turned into a literal treasure for entrepreneur-minded types – while others say
hogwash: Luckenbach is every bit as unpretentious as it seems. Located on 10 acres, about 10 miles southeast of the Hill Country town of Fredericksburg, Luckenbach was established as a trading post by German immigrants in 1849. It grew into a post office, general store, dance hall, blacksmith and school, and was actually quite the hotspot of Gillespie County until it began to deteriorate sometime around the mid-20th century. Local cowboy, folklorist and reporter Hondo Crouch bought the town in 1970 with a couple of business partners, saving it from ruin. The tiny hamlet became a big draw for country-western enthusiasts, bikers, musicians, nature lovers and anybody looking to, as the song says, get back to January-February 2011 | On The Town 97
the basics. In Luckenbach, that means beer, food and the biggest draw of all – the music. “We have live music here every day but Christmas,” said Virgil Holdman, whose business card says simply, “ The Store Guy.” He’s also head of security and assistant manager of the bar, and claims that Luckenbach is “like an addiction. When you come here, you keep coming back. We get a lot of repeat customers, especially from overseas. I talk to Europeans literally every single day.” For first-timers, the two main questions are: Is this all there is? Is Willie Nelson here? The answers are yes and no, respectively. ( Willie’s famed Fourth of July picnic was held in Luckenbach from 1995 to 1999.) Pictures of the countless weddings held under the half-century-old cypress tree dot the walls of the store chock-full of coffee mugs, wine glasses, metal signs, bandanas and of course their best-selling T-shirts (“Everybody’s Somebody in Luckenbach”). On the grounds, in the bar, or anywhere there are chairs and guitars, jam sessions are a given, where local pickers play and sing for audiences of everyone from bankers to bikers. The monthly dances at the historic dance hall feature regional and national talent. Every year, thousands of music fans make the trek to the town’s legendary festivals celebrating everything from the mud daubers’ return in the spring to the Texas Hat Festival to the Ladies Chili Cookoff. On Jan. 29, the fourth annual Blues Festival begins at 2 p.m., featuring nonstop music until midnight. Headliner Marcia Ball, the Band of Heathens, Seth Walker, Mingo FishTrap and more are scheduled. The Annual Hug-In and Valentine’s Ball takes place Feb. 12, with music by Gary P. Nunn. Call toll-free 888-311-8990 for ticket prices. In the end, along with campfires and cookouts, dancing and dominos, Luckenbach aficionados say that it really comes down to an indefinable quality, what some call “a Texas state of mind.” “ The people here are wonderful,” said Jimmy Lee Jones, who tended bar from 1992-2002 and left to pursue a music career, touring with Willie 98 On The Town | January-February 2011
Nelson, Merle Haggard, Ray Price and others. He stays closer to home now, but still plays Austin, Fort Worth, Conroe and Luckenbach, which he describes as “magical. It’s a place you can go and leave your worries behind. Everybody plays together and everybody has a good time.”
Photo Credits: Page 96 Luckenbach General Store Photo by Robbyn Dodd
Page 97 Tommy Alverson and Holdman agrees. “It’s a lot of fun. If you love people, Gary P. Nunn this is a good place to love them at. All walks of Photo by Robbyn Dodd life sit together here. It makes for a small world.” It doesn’t get any smaller. So kick back, relax, Page 98 listen to the pickers and some homespun poetry. Doug Moreland Take a swig from an icy longneck, tuck into some Photo by Robbyn Dodd barbecue, pick up some kitschy souvenirs and Page 99 before you know it, ain’t nobody feeling no pain. Luckenbach Dance Hall For more information, visit luckenbachtexas.com. Photo by Jim Fox January-February 2011 | On The Town 99
Picture This: On The To two. Thanks For Letting
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own Profiles from Year g Us Tell Your Stories.
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Photo Credits: Page 100 Top: L-R Marguerite McCormick Founder / Director Children’s Chorus of San Antonio March-April 2010 Photo: Cynthia Clark and Hector Pacheco Story: Sharon Garcia SOLI New Music Ensemble March-April 2010 Photo: Kemp Davis Story: John Clare Felix Padron Executive Director Office of Cultural Affairs March-April 2010 Photo: Greg Harrison Story: Julie Catalano Bottom: L-R Tim Gette Former Executive Director Institute of Texan Cultures
March-April 2010 Photo: James Benavides Story: James Benavides W.B. “Bill” Thompson Artist March-April 2010 Photo: Dana Fossett Story: Leigh Baldwin Albert Paley Sculptor March-April 2010 Photo: Paley Studios Story: Kyla McGlynn Page 101 Top: L-R Jason Dady The Lodge Restaurant, Bin 555, Tre Trattoria, Two Brothers BBQ Market March-April 2010 Photo: Greg Harrison Story: Chris Dunn Dr. Herbert Keyser Author, Physician and Lecturer March-April 2010 Photo: Jasmina Wellinghoff Story: Jasmina Wellinghoff
Sebastian Lang-Lessing Music Director San Antonio Symphony May-June 2010 Photo: Marks Moore Story: Lisa Cruz Bottom: L-R Ana Montoya Artist, Gallery Owner May-June 2010 Photo: Greg Harrison Story: Sharon Garcia Lisa Wong Rosario’s Mexican Café y Cantina, Acenar Hot Mex / Cool Bar May-June 2010 Photo: Greg Harrison Story: Chris Dunn Brian Strange Don Strange Catering May-June 2010 Photo: Greg Harrison Story: Julie Catalano Page 102 Top: L-R
Naomi Shihab-Nye Poet, Anthologist, Novelist May-June 2010 Photo: Jasmina Wellinghoff Story: Jasmina Wellinghoff Lainey Berkus and Janet Holliday CE Group May-June 2010 Photo: Greg Harrison Story: Susan A. Merkner Colleen and Bruce Barshop Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club, Rivercenter Comedy Club July-August 2010 Photo: Cynthia Clark and Hector Pacheco Story: Suede Tallichet Middle: L-R Ken-David Masur Resident Conductor San Antonio Symphony July-August 2010 Photo: Greg Harrison Story: Lisa Cruz
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Dr. William Chiego Executive Director McNay Art Institute July-August 2010 Photo: Greg Harrison Story: Angela Rabke Janet Campbell Artist July-August 2010 Photo: Provided Story: Susan A. Merkner Bottom: L-R Bruce Auden Biga on the Banks, Auden’s Kitchen July-August 2010 Photo: Dana Fossett Story: Chris Dunn Tanji Patton Good Taste With Tanji July-August 2010 Photo: Greg Harrison Story: Julie Catalano David Kellaway Managing Director The Culinary Institute of America - San Antonio July-August 2010 Photo: Greg Harrison Story: Chris Dunn Page 103 Top: L-R Susanna Nawrocki Twig Book Shop July-August 2010 Photo: Jasmina Wellinghoff Story: Jasmina Wellinghoff Pistol Packin’ Paula World Champion Gun Twirler Enchanted Springs Ranch July-August 2010 Photo: Greg Harrison Story: Michele Krier
Kathy Miller Founder / Executive Director Children’s Fine Arts Series September-October 2010 Photo: Dana Fossett Story: Susan A. Merkner Middle: L-R Kaitlin Hopkins Musical Theater Director Texas State University September-October 2010 Photo: Chandler Prude Story: M. Yvonne Taylor Brenda Kingery Artist September-October 2010 Photo: Dana Fossett Story: Sharon Garcia Matthew Drutt Executive Director Artpace September-October 2010 Photo: Greg Harrison Story: Julie Catalano Bottom: L-R Candace Andrews Managing Director San Antonio Botanical Garden Society September-October 2010 Photo: Greg Harrison Story: Diane Powell Harry Benson Photojournalist September-October 2010 Photo: Gigi Benson Story: Janis Turk John Brand Las Canarias Restaurant, Ostra Restaurant September-October 2010 Photo: Greg Harrison Story: Chris Dunn
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Page 114 Top: L-R John Besh Luke on the River Walk Besh Restaurant Group September-October 2010 Photo: Ditte Isager Story: Janis Turk
Bottom: L-R Mark Bohanan Bohanan’s Prime Steaks & Seafood November-December 2010 Photo: Greg Harrison Story: Chris Dunn
Diana Lopez Teacher, Writer, Young Reader’s Novelist September-October 2010 Photo: Jasmina Wellinghoff Story: Jasmina Wellinghoff
Alicia Guadiana La Fonda on Main November-December 2010 Photo: Dana Fossett Story: Pat Mozersky
Ben Brewer Downtown Alliance Centro San Antonio September-October 2010 Photo: Greg Harrison Story: Angela Rabke
John Pippin Novelist November-December 2010 Photo: Jasmina Wellinghoff Story: Jasmina Wellinghoff
Middle: L-R Jack Orbin Stone City Attractions November-December 2010 Photo: Greg Harrison Story: Julie Catalano Vanessa Lacoss Hurd Executive Director San Antonio Children’s Museum November-December 2010 Photo: Dana Fossett Story: Angela Rabke Clif Tinker Artist November-December 2010 Photo: Cynthia Clark and Hector Pacheco Story: Michele Krier
Page 105 Top: L-R Faryl Greller Artist January-February 2010 Photo: Dana Fossett Story: Michele Krier Francois Maeder Crumpets Restaurant & Bakery January-February 2010 Photo: Greg Harrison Story: Chris Dunn Lewis Fisher Author, Historian January-February 2010 Photo: Jasmina Wellinghoff Story: Jasmina Wellinghoff
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