March/April 2009 Issue

Ezine.com

ON THE TOWN

March-April 2009

John Toohey Spring Stages Eclectic Exhibits The Art of Brad Braune Fiesta速 San Antonio New Restaurants Diana Barrios Trevi単o Plus 10 Additional Articles

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Features John Toohey

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Shaping Arts San Antonio’s Future

Spring Stages

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Variety Spices Up Our Entertainment Lives

Eclectic Exhibits

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Set for May 5-9

4 On The Town | March-April 2009

Los Barrios – A Labor of Love

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Pinch Pennies and Dine Well

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Valero Texas Open

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May 14-17 at La Cantera 34

March-April 2009 Events Calendar

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Spring Awakening

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Saturday, March 14

28th Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival

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It’s the Tasteful and Frugal Thing to Do

Changes for the Better Every Year

Luminaria: Arts Night in San Antonio

New Restaurants

An Interview with Diana Barrios Treviño

MOSAIC Art Program at Blue Star

Fiesta® San Antonio

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They Keep On Coming

Art and Culture Options Run the Gamut

Alex Rubio: Artist and Teacher

24th Annual Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival

Romance Blooms in Springtime on the River Walk

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 att

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Contributors

Departments Box Office: At The Movies in March-April

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Anne Keever Cannon

William Mills

Portfolio: The Art of Brad Braune

22

Paloma Cortez

Angela Rabke

Accolades: Bettie Ward

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Chris Dunn

Blair Russell

John Dyer

Gabriella Scott

Picture This: The Photography of John Dyer From Conjunto – The Book

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Thomas Duhon, Artist

Sara Selango

Greg Harrison Front Cover Photo © Mkm3 | Dreamstime.com

Christian Lair

Performing Arts Cover Photo © Focusphoto | Dreamstime.com

Marlo Mason-Marie

Visual Arts Cover Photo © Fenghui | Dreamstime.com Culinary Arts Cover Photo © Innershadows | Dreamstime.com Festivals & Celebrations Cover Photo Jon Alonzo Miscellaneous Cover Photo Gerry Lair

Shannon HuntingtonStandley

Cathryn Le Vrier

Juan Tejeda Libby Tilley

Susan A. Merkner, Copy Editor

Carolyn Williams

Gerry Lair – Publisher 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 perfortendance. The publisher assumes no responsibility for changes in times, dates, venues, exhibitions or performances.

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6 On The Town | March-April 2009

Performing Arts 8-16

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8 On The Town | March-April 2009

John Toohey

Shaping Arts San Antonio’s Future

By Angela Rabke Photography Greg Harrison

O

ne could assume that San Antonio’s largest presenting organization might have a hard time finding a leader with the unique qualifications to run its program, consisting of a wide range of musical offerings as well as classical and world dance. The arrival of John Toohey in January as the new executive director of Arts San Antonio signals that the search is over.

The term “presenting organization” might be unfamiliar to some. In this case, it defines an organization that selects performers from outside the San Antonio area and brings them here to perform, as well as working with local artists to enable them to perform in ways that usually might not be possible. Arts San Antonio is considered the premier performing arts presenting organization in South Texas. In the past year, Arts San Antonio collaborated with Ballet San Antonio and the San Antonio Symphony to perform The Nutcracker, invited Ballet Folklorico de Mexico to perform, and hosted the Southwest Guitar Festival — each presentation entirely unique and all world-class offerings.

John Toohey, who is now responsible for this programming, has spent his entire life immersed in the arts. As a college student, he studied bassoon and demonstrated an early knack for leadership in arts programming when he founded and managed the Boston University Chamber Orchestra. His professional experience, in mostly nonprofit organizations, has taken him all over the country, working with some of the best musicians and dancers in the world. Most recently, Toohey served as managing director of the Texas Ballet Theater. Prior to that, he served as the managing director of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. He also has held positions as marketing director for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the East Connecticut Symphony Orchestra.

All traveling considered, Toohey has resided primarily in Texas. His travel, experience and a desire to continue to

elevate local arts offerings is especially helpful given the range of performances that Arts SA and Toohey bring to San Antonio. Toohey draws on experience working with dancers and musicians, and notes that dance is a big part of the programming. “We try to fill a niche that addresses programming that is not otherwise provided in the city. We find ourselves presenting a lot of dance — classical dance and world dance, with Ballet Folklorico, or dance groups from Asia and Europe.”

Toohey is happy with the course that Arts San Antonio has been on, and is excited about continuing the positive direction. “I would like to continue the tradition of diversity in programming and accessibility that has already been established, and to further develop things I hope to increase the variety of offerings and organize things in such a way that we can successfully introduce the concept of season tickets and subscriptions, which would help make the organization more financially stable.”

As someone who became interested in music and the arts early in life, Toohey is also enthusiastic about the impact that his new organization has on arts education.

“We are significantly committed to education in the arts.

We oversee the ARts TEach program in pubic schools and invite students to performances free of charge as part of our mission.”

Planning is currently under way for the summer and fall performances presented by ASA, with plans to announce the lineup in early spring. It is Toohey’s hope that people will see diversity in those offerings. “We go pretty far afield to identify artists that we will bring in.

The variety is wonderful.”

For more information on Toohey and Arts San Antonio, visit www.artssanantonio.com.

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Spring Stages Variety Spices Up Our Entertainment Lives

By Sara Selango

an Antonio is a very entertaining place. Exciting live performances are announced almost every day in our fair city. I’m acutely aware of this fact because Ticketmaster knows my e-mail address, as do most performing arts organizations around town.

As one big collective group, they keep me informed and make it easy for me to pass along helpful information to you. For example, I received an e-mail a while back heralding the upcoming Face 2 Face Tour with Elton John and Billy Joel.

S

Theatre, One Night of Queen at the Majestic on March 6, Defending the Caveman at the Empire March 6-7, Five

By Design: Club Swing – a symphony pops presentation March 6-8, Cheech and Chong: Light Up America at the Majestic March 13-14, Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway at the Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater in Kerrville on March 15, The Mikado at the Lila Cockrell Theatre March 20-22, Menopause, The Musical at the Empire March 26-29 and April 2-5, and violinist Sarah Chang in a Majestic evening with the symphony March 27-28.

In the mid ‘90s, John and Joel came to San Antonio and literally blew the doors off a packed house at the Alamodome. The atmosphere generated by these legendry piano men that evening was simply electric. I know because I was a face in the crowd. On Saturday, March 21, at the AT&T Center, they’ll have the opportunity to encore their previous effort, and we are the lucky ones who’ll get to see them try. Note to self: Buy tickets.

In April, I plan to see An Evening With Patti Lupone and Mandy Patinkin at the Majestic on April 5, The Ten Tenors in Kerrville on April 6, Frost Nixon – a Broadway Across America touring show starring Stacy Keach at the Majestic April 7-12, High Hair & Jalapeños through April 19 at the Cameo Theatre, Asleep at the Wheel in New Braunfels at the Brauntex on April 24, The Pajama Game at San Pedro Playhouse through April 26, and pianist Jon Nakamatsu in a Tuesday Musical Club presentation on April 28.

Securing ducats to other shows over the next couple of months is a great idea, as well. In March, my personal list includes Pump Boys and Dinettes at the Harlequin 10 On The Town | March-April 2009

I realize my selections are all over the place, but that’s just me. I’m a little bit country and a little bit rock ‘n

roll…not to mention a little bit classical and a whole lotta Broadway. I like opera and comedy, too. Thank goodness San Antonio offers a continuous variety show for patrons like me.

been to a symphony concert in forever, get up and go. If classical isn’t your cup of tea, pick a pops. If you pass on opera because most are sung in foreign languages, please note that The Mikado, coming in late March, will be sung in English. If you think Menopause, The Musical is a show Variety is a good thing. If you find yourself in a rut when only women enjoy, think again. Without reservation I can it comes to live performance choices, I encourage you to say that most men who are dragged to a performance exit it immediately. Maybe it’s time to expand your ho- laugh their proverbial buns off. Try something new and rizons and enjoy an eclectic assortment. If you haven’t different. Variety spices up our entertainment lives.

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Stepping down from my soap box, I do want to mention that there are many more wonderful shows scheduled during the spring months. Prime examples include comedian Jeff Dunham at the AT&T Center on March 5, Clay Walker at Cowboys San Antonio on March 6, pianist Lorie Line at the Jo Long Theatre on March 8, pianist William Wolfram with the symphony March 20-21, Jerry Jeff Walker’s Texas Bash at historic Gruene Hall on April 5, and the symphony’s Fiesta Pops featuring Mariachi Campanas de America and Guadalupe Dance Company at the Majestic April 17-19. For a complete listing of all goingson in and around San Antonio, consult the March-April Events Calendar in this ezine.

12 On The Town | March-April 2009

Photo Information Page 10 – Frost Nixon by Carol Rosegg Page 11 – (Above) The Albers Trio courtesy alberstrio.com (Below L to R) Sarah Chang

by Cliff Watts, Jon Nakamatsu courtesy Tuesday Musical Club, William Wolfram

by Steve J. Sherman Page 12 – (Above) Menopause, The Musical courtesy gfourproductions.com (Below L to R) The Mikado courtesy San Antonio Opera, Cheech & Chong courtesy Majestic Theatre, Defending The Caveman courtesy Ivy Presents

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14 On The Town | March-April 2009

Box Office:

At The Movies in March-April

By Blair Russell

M

y wife and I really enjoy taking a two-hour vacation from the ups and downs of everyday life by going to a theater and enjoying a movie. There is something really special about two tickets, popcorn, a couple of sodas, previews and a feature film. Since we’ve known each other for more than 40 years, we’ve had the opportunity to share many great cinematic moments. Translated, that means we’ve seen a lot of movies in our four decades together. And we plan to see many more. We are big fans of the big screen.

The month continues for us with Race to Witch Mountain which opens on Friday the 13th. We’ll organize the grandkids, load up the minivan and go to this Disney remake of the 1975 original film which starred Kim Richards and Ike Eisenman. Ironically, they are in this redo as well some 34 years later. The big name here, however, is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

The following week features a double-feature, so to speak. Duplicity, starring Julia Roberts and Clive Owen, and Knowing with Nicolas Cage, both open on March 20.

With this in mind, here’s the 411 on the movies we plan Closing out March is another “take the grandkids” outto see in March and April. We’ve compiled our list based ing to see Monsters vs. Aliens. Reese Witherspoon leads on previews, reviews and online research. Here are our the cast in this one. flick picks.

April shows real promise with stars such as Rachel McMarch starts off with the opening of Watchmen on the Adams, Russell Crowe and Helen Mirren sharing the 6th, starring Jackie Earle Haley. Haley plays the dual role screen in State of Play, Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey of Walter Kovacs and Rorschach, the latter being a comic Jr. paired in The Soloist and Rene Zellweger starring in book masked vigilante who investigates the murder of Case 39. Opening dates are April 17 for State of Play and an ex-superhero. In doing so, he reunites many of his April 24 for The Soloist. Debut day in April for Case 39 is old colleagues, all of whom are former superheroes, and still listed as “to be determined.” gradually unveils a conspiracy with links to their shared past and to catastrophic consequences for the future. I A couple of young superstars also have films opening in am not a caped crusader aficionado, nor is my wife, but April. Miley Cyrus stars in Hannah Montana: The Movie Jackie Earle Haley is a San Antonian, and we’re going to starting on the 10th, and Zac Efron (High School Musisee this movie. You’ll remember him from his child actor cal x 3 and Hairspray) gets top billing in 17 Again, which days as Kelly Leak, the cigarette-smoking, motorbike- opens April 17. Brownie points with the grandkids are riding, home run-hitting centerfielder in The Bad News an absolute certainty.

Bears. And, if you keep track of movie awards, you’ll remember he was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild That’s 10 movies, 10 trips to the concession stand and Award and an Academy Award for best supporting actor lots of fun. Take your own trip to Tinseltown and say for his portrayal of Ronnie J. McGorvey in the 2006 film hooray for Hollywood by seeing a movie soon. There’s a Little Children. theater near you!

Photo - © Jgroup | Dreamstime.com

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16 On The Town | March-April 2009

Visual Arts 18-28

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E clectic Exhibits 1bd Q^T 3e\debU ?`dY_^c Be^ dXU 7Q]ed

By Shannon Huntington Standley

1

s the seasons change, so do the exhibits on view view through May 3, showcases 10 new paintings from at the museums and galleries of San Antonio.

Wiley’s multinational “The World Stage” series.

Artpace begins the new season with its international artist-in-residence exhibit New Works: 09.1, featuring works by artists Richard Grayson, Christian Tomaszewski and Sterling Allen, on view March 19 through May 17. Grayson, from London, will present video and multimedia works to combine scientific research methods, technology and interviews. Brooklyn artist Tomaszewski remakes the spaces, props and moods of David Lynch’s “Blue Velvet,” mimicking the characters and analyzing details. Recent drawings and sculptures by Austin artist Allen follow a three-step process of assessing sound, shape and image in the context of emotional response.

Kehinde Wiley: The World Stage: Africa, Lagos ~ Dakar, on 18 On The Town | March-April 2009

Bettie Ward began an embroidery series 12 years ago as personal work about lost love. Her new work, exhibited in Bettie Ward: Optimism and Horror, is on view at Blue Star Contemporary Art Center through March 15. Her new work portrays her take on almost every issue for which she has deep feelings—all addressing the questions that will affect the world and mankind. The layered mixed-media paintings in McKay Otto: Never Self Ever, on view through March 15 as well, call into question reality and perception, inviting the viewer to visually journey into another dimension. Also on exhibit through March 15 is The Jewel of a Visionary Architect: The San Antonio Botanical Conservatory by Emilio Ambasz. Beginning

in April, Blue Star features exhibits by Danville Chad- the McNay is presented in two parts with 19th and early bourne, Anne Ferrer, Joel Carreiro, Roberta Cohen and 20th Century prints and late 20th Century and contemporary prints.

Rex Hausmann.

During the first decades of the 20th Century, Czech artists stayed abreast of current trends by traveling to Paris and other European capitols. An example of a Czech artist who benefited from this is seen in Jaroslav Malina: Paintings and Designs, on view through March 8 at the McNay Art Museum. This exhibition features more than 85 paintings, theater designs and posters from the mid1960s to the present. The McNay is presenting a twopart exhibition of the AT&T Collection through May 17.

Close to 100 works are on view in American Concepts and Global Visions/Selections. The first part, Contemporary Paintings and Sculpture, is comprised of paintings, sculpture and large-scale works on paper. The second part, Masterworks of Photography, boasts classic blackand-white imagery, color photographs and alternative approaches to the photography medium. Friends of the McNay are celebrating their 50th anniversary, and to mark the occasion, an exhibition of highlights of Friends’ contributions to the McNay is on view through June 8.

Fifty Years of Printed Masterpieces: Gifts from the Friends of

Step outside and enjoy the San Antonio Botanical Garden’s Art in the Garden: Horizons, by Steinunn Thórarinsdóttir on view through June, and Art in the Garden: Myth, Magic and Mysteries by Susan Budge, on view through July. See the cast-iron life-sized figures by Thórarinsdóttir along the Texas Native Trail and the striking ceramic sculptures by Budge in the Lucile Halsell Conservatory.

The San Antonio Museum of Art opens Marcia Gygli King: Botanical Paintings. On view through April 12, this retrospective honors the San Antonio and New York resident, featuring an array of exotic botanical species.

Perspectivas Populares, on view through July 10, is an exhibition of folk art, focusing on five 20th Century artists in SAMA’s permanent collection. In 2004, Ry Cooder hired San Antonio artist Vincent Valdez to paint a mural on a vintage 1953 Chevy ice cream truck, which took 19 months to complete. Vincent Valdez: El Chavez Ravine, on view March 14 through Aug. 2, reflects the late 1950s displacement of the Los Angeles Chicano community March-April 2009 | On The Town 19

by the developers who built Dodger Stadium. Alongside Valdez’ work is Zoe’s Room, where artist John Hernandez was inspired by childhood stories such as Aesop’s fables and Mother Goose to create a composition of earlier sculptures as well as new work, including wall paintings and drawings.

The Southwest School of Art & Craft has a full calendar for the new year. New paintings are reflecting indigenous energies through Estevan Arredondo: Pencil Sounds, on view through March 29. Marcia Gygli King: Spontaneous Combustion, on view through March 29, reflects a different facet of the artist’s work from those on view at the San Antonio Museum of Art; and Osamu Watanabe: My San Antonio, through March 29, features recent color photography by the SSAC student. A trade portfolio from the China Sanbao International Printmaking project, Zou Ba: Let’s Go, includes work by SSAC department chair Margaret Craig and is on view through March 31. Ruth Buentello, artist and instructor for the SSAC Young Artist Programs, presents a solo exhibition of new paintings April 16 through June 21; and the All School Exhibition 2009, April 16 through June 21, showcases outstanding recent works in a variety of media by artists, teachers and students at SSAC. The Institute of Texan Cultures is hosting the first exhibit in UTSA’s Texas Contemporary Artists Series, featuring Luis Valderas. On view through March 29, this exhibit features 12 works including El Sur Pacific—1945, an inlaid woodcut inspired by the stories Valderas’ father told about his experience serving in the South Pacific in World War II. ITC’s celebration of the 40th anniversary of HemisFair is on view through April 5. HemisFair 1968: San Antonio’s Introduction to the World is an opportunity to stroll down memory lane and experience the celebration of diversity and the promotion of international unity.

The Witte Museum is peeking inside the human body with Genome: The Secret of How Life Works, on view through May 25. This exhibit looks into the microscopic world of DNA and unlocks the secrets of our genes. Wild, Wild West: True Stories and the Arena, on view through Aug. 23, demystifies pioneer life in the American West as well as American Indians, presenting real-life stories of Western heroes, as opposed to those re-enacted in Wild West shows. The 60th annual Texas Watercolor Society Exhibit, on view March 7 through March 22, draws hundreds of entries from throughout the United States. The Witte hosted the annual TWS exhibitions from 1950 until 1970. Queens and Crowns: Fiesta’s Royal Traditions, April 4 20 On The Town | March-April 2009

through Sept. 7, honors the 100th anniversary of the Order of the Alamo. The highlight of the exhibit is the dress and train worn by Helena Guenther, Queen of the Court of Carnival of Flowers in 1911—the earliest royal robes in the Witte’s collection.

The options for art and culture run the gamut this spring and, as always, a world-class level of exhibitions are right here in the Alamo City.

Photo Information Page 18 Kehinde Wiley Three Wise Men Greeting Entry Into Lagos, 2008 Courtesy of the artist and Deitch Projects Artpace Page 19 Luis Valderas El Sur Pacific – 1945 Texas Contemporary Artists Series UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures Page 20 (Top to Bottom) Al Held Vorcex III 1984, arylic on canvas American Concepts and Global Visions: Selections from the AT&T Collection Contemporary Paintings and Sculpture McNay Art Museum Vincent Valdez El Chavez Ravine San Antonio Museum of Art Otto Mueller Five Yellow Nudes 1912, Lithograph Gift of the Friends of the McNay, 1964.12 Fifty Years of Printed Masterpieces: Gifts from the Friends of the McNay McNay Art Museum Page 21 (Top to Bottom) John Hernandez Living Eye Zoe’s Room San Antonio Museum of Art Marcia Gygli King Vase with Pinata Paper, 1980 acrylic and paper discs on paper Southwest School of Art and Craft March-April 2009 | On The Town 21

22 On The Town | March-April 2009

Portfolio:

The Art of Brad Braune

By Gerry Lair

I

had occasion recently to meet Brad Braune, a paint- work. After graduating from high school, he attended er whose work I have admired since 1981. I became a Texas Tech University, where he majored in architecfan of his subtle, subdued painting style when I first ture and also studied art and painting. In his words, saw his watercolor of a Texas Longhorn with a single “My formal art training didn’t began until college because Hico was a town of 900 stringed balloon that served people with a Class B school as art for the inaugural Texas Folklife Festival poster. I was system where the only elec“A dusty, rural, West tive courses offered were sold at first glance and only wish I had purchased the Texas-ranch feeling evolved in my Spanish and typing.” poster back then. Rumor has work. This soft, muted approach Upon graduation in 1974, he it that in 2009 a signed copy gave my paintings uniqueness, accepted a position with the goes for thousands of dollars, if you can find a seller. a stand-alone quality. I call the San Antonio Development Agency as an architect and style Post-modern Western.” moved to the Alamo City.

That particular painting was From 1975 through 1978, my introduction to this San – Brad Braune Brad also worked with CerAntonio artist who spent his Painter and Teacher na, Garza, and Raba, as well early years in Abilene, Hico as with the prestigious San and Lubbock. Brad lived in Antonio firm of Ford, Powell, Abilene until he was 13 and spent a major portion of his childhood years working and Carson, where he had the opportunity to work with and painting with his maternal grandmother, Maybell world- renowned architect O’Neil Ford.

Hutchins. As a ceramist and primitive Texas painter, she Beginning in 1979, he began painting as a full-time proundoubtedly shaped his future avocation. fession. During the years that followed, his work was In his early teens, Brad’s family moved to a ranch near exhibited in numerous museum and gallery exhibitions, the small Texas town of Hico. Without question, ranch and he participated in a series of competitions where life served as a strong visual inspiration for his later he regularly won awards. In developing his style, Braune

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drew upon the experiences and settings with which he was most familiar. He recalls: “A dusty, rural, West Texasranch feeling evolved in my work. This soft, muted approach gave my paintings uniqueness, a stand-alone quality. I call the style Post-modern Western.”

Having returned to San Antonio from his tenure in New York City, Brad continues to paint and exhibit his work throughout the country and abroad. “At this point in my life as an artist, I still enjoy going to work to see what’s going to happen when I pick up a paint brush.

The inspiration to create remains in me. But now, I also The festival poster, commissioned in 1981, catapulted receive great personal satisfaction from teaching behis career to a new level of critical success. Braune adds: cause I have three decades of knowledge to contribute.”

“What most folks don’t remember is that I didn’t create Braune teaches watercolor painting at two art schools, the cow with balloon painting for the Institute of Texan the Coppini Academy in San Antonio and the Majestic Cultures, but rather for a private company. That com- Ranch Arts Foundation in Boerne. pany also commissioned Jesse Trevino to do poster art for Fiesta® San Antonio the same year. 1981 marked the If you are a Brad Braune fan like me, visit his Web site at first time posters were offered by each of these festivals.” www.bradbraune.com to view available original waterThe aforementioned image of the Longhorn with a yel- color paintings, giclee prints, lithographs, posters, notelow balloon tied to its horn became a familiar symbol cards and mini prints. of the nationally recognized annual folklife event. Only one edition of 3,000 posters was printed.

Brad Braune Images Page 24 – (L to R) It was during this same period that Brad moved to New York City where he lived and worked for several years, regularly returning to San Antonio, where he kept a studio. In 1984, he was commissioned by Robert Joffrey and the Joffrey Ballet to create a painting for Jamboree

by Gerald Arpino. The ballet had its world premiere in San Antonio in June 1984, and its New York premiere at Lincoln Center in March 1985. He also created the original scenic backdrop for the cult play A Tuna Christmas by Joe Sears, Jaston Williams and Ed Howard. In 1991, Brad was commissioned by the Institute of Texan Cultures to create a painting for a Texas Folklife Festival poster to commemorate the 10th anniversary of his original. This painting later hung in the U.S. embassy in Moscow.

24 24 On On The The Town Town || March-April March-April 2009 2009

Page 22 – Cow, Cactus mini-print, 8” x 10” Page 23 – (L to R) Cows Closer original painting acrylic wash on canvas 2004, 34” x 34” Bird’s Eye Series, #9 original painting watercolor on paper 2006, 20” x 16” framed 28” x 24” Joe limited edition giclée print edition of 50 signed and numbered prints 1997, 15” x 11” hand-deckled edge, no border

Branding limited edition giclée print edition of 50 signed and numbered prints 1997, 15” x 11” hand-deckled edge, no border Bird’s Eye Series, #10 original painting watercolor on paper 2006, 20” x 16” framed 28” x 24” Vanishing Point limited edition giclée print on canvas edition of 50 signed and numbered prints 2004, 15” x 12

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Alex Rubio Artist and Teacher:

MOSAIC Art Program at Blue Star

By Gabriella Scott

A

lex Rubio’s subject is life on the West Side of San Antonio. A bona fide Chicano artist and an electrifying storyteller, Alex honors and keeps alive, with a memory at once photographic and visionary, the symbols, icons and characters of his roots. The dilapidated storefronts, the lively streets of the “barrio,” the custom low-riders (“ranflas”), the “batos,” flamboyantly attired symbols of urban bravado, the mystical visions populated by the hybrid offspring of religion and superstition --all are suffused with that mischievous mix of humor and subversion that Latin people use to filter a paradoxical and disappointing experience. His graphic expressionism emphasizes the soulful nature of his subjects in the hot-hued layers of paint and the wiry muscularity of his figures, emanating kinetic energy and graffiti-like exuberance.

Rubio’s Chicano identity is no posturing gimmick -- it is grounded in the present and the personal, rather than in some rhetorical past dug up by academics. He impersonates the vicissitudes of those youths he is reaching out to: having grown up on the San Antonio West Side, he began his career at the age of 13, “tagging” the walls of his housing project. He was recruited by muralist and youth leader Juan Hernandez from the Community Cultural Arts Organization and thus began his training in drawing, painting and mural composition.

Throughout his career, he sought to extend the same

26 On The Town | March-April 2009

support received from his mentors to other promising talents: Vincent Valdez and Ruth Buentello are two local artists who he mentored and who have achieved national recognition. Along with his artistic production, Rubio established a long trajectory as an educator through various venues, including a long-running experience teaching art to inmates at the Bexar County Detention Center. This led him to envision programs aimed at enhancing the value of art as social service and art as a viable profession.

Having pondered the benefits of formal apprenticeship programs of the past, in which aspiring art students were gradually exposed to all aspects of the art process, from the most basic to the most advanced, Rubio coordinated, through local universities and under the sponsorship of Blue Star Contemporary Art Center, an apprenticeship program in his studio in the Blue Star Complex. In this dynamic work space, fine arts students leave their personal expression behind and engage in a disciplined, guided effort to help materialize Rubio’s visions in painting and print. At the end of their apprenticeship, they will have mastered through repetition many vital skills such as building, stretching and priming a canvas, transferring drawings to larger scale or layering paint for maximum luminosity.

Also at Blue Star Contemporary Art Space, Rubio is studio manager of the MOSAIC art program, where he teaches high school students academically tested art techniques and time-tested work ethics. Enrolled students gather daily for lessons and are guided through various techniques to produce designs that will be converted into mosaics and finally installed as mural compositions in public art projects. Rubio also addresses the lack of career orientation available to art students through the “Business of Art� seminars held at the Blue Star gallery, coaching aspiring and developing artists on the steps to follow to maximize career success.

An award-winning, nationally acclaimed visual artist, Rubio does not isolate himself in self-preservation or in the singular pursuit and development of his aesthetics. In this new age of responsibility, he channels his creative leadership and unique experience into the community by protecting an endangered culture from the avian flu of cultural assimilation and by scouting, nurturing and inspiring a new generation of artists.

(Left) Alex Rubio, (Right) MOSAIC Art Program Students Photography courtesy Blue Star Contemporary Art Center March-April 2009 | On The Town 27

28 On The Town | March-April 2009

Festivals and Celebrations 30-42

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March-April 2009 2008 30 On The Town | September-October

Fiesta® San Antonio Changes for the Better Every Year

By Anne Keever Cannon Photography Jon Alonzo

F

iesta® San Antonio has delighted residents and visitors since 1891. Fiesta has staying power because it’s an ever-changing festival, and it gives back in a big way to the community it calls home.

What began as a single event—the first Battle of Flowers—more than a century ago will feature 108 activities over 11 days in 2009.

We still enjoy some of the same Fiesta favorites that enchanted our ancestors. The Battle of Flowers Parade was joined in 1909 by the first coronation of the Order of the Alamo. That organization celebrates its centennial April 22 when the queen of the Court of the Century is crowned.

The San Antonio Woman’s Club first celebrated Fiesta with a flower show in 1913. Look for beautiful fresh blossoms once again April 22 and 23 at the club’s headquarters, 1717 San Pedro Ave. The Oyster Bake began 93 years ago as a private party for St. Mary’s University alumni. It’s been an official Fiesta event since the ’70s. Nowadays it raises hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for the school and its students. This year’s event is April 17-18.

The Daughters of the Republic of Texas started the Pilgrimage to the Alamo in 1925. This year’s silent march takes place April 20. The Texas Cavaliers crowned their first King Antonio in 1927, and they’ll do it once again April 18. The San Antonio Conservation Society began hosting A Night in Old San Antonio in 1937. You can sample food and music celebrating the city’s diversity at La Villita April 21-24. The Cavaliers’ River Parade is a relative newcomer, dating to 1941. The parade where the floats really float casts off April 20.

Over the decades, many other Fiesta events have come and gone. The Cotton Ball, the Trades Parade, the Orphans Party, the Children’s Fete and Semana Alegre are no more. We no longer cheer on synchronized swimmers or champion rifle teams. Model airplane flying has been replaced by the Fiesta Blast Model Rocketry Meet (April 18 at Clark High School).

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Many families have strong Fiesta traditions. They go to the same events every year, even sit in the same seats. But the 102 nonprofit organizations that “do” Fiesta encourage everyone to try out one or two different attractions every year.

There are always new attractions. This year, for example, El Consejo de los Reyes Feos Anteriores (former Rey Feos) jump-starts Fiesta with a golf tournament April 13—four days before the official kickoff. The San Antonio Youth Centers will serve Chips ’n’ Salsa April 18. The San Antonio Municipal Band performs a concert April 26.

Sometimes events return. The San Antonio Symphony is back to perform Fiesta Pops April 17-19. After a one-year hiatus, the Sons of the Republic of Texas Alamo Chapter again presents This Hallowed Ground at the Shrine of Texas Freedom.

Events themselves evolve. Rolling Hills Academy has transformed its Colores de Fiesta gala into a fashion show set for April 18. The Women’s Soccer Association is welcoming co-ed teams to its April 18-19 tournament. A new company, Wade Shows, is bringing the Fiesta Carnival to the Alamodome’s Parking Lot C April 15-26.

And the Fiesta® San Antonio Commission is offering a bigger, better opening of the whole celebration—Fiesta Fiesta at the Alamo. The block party starts at 5 pm April 16 at Alamo Plaza.

Look for music, song and dance on multiple stages; booths selling food, beverages, Fiesta merchandise and tickets; and a section devoted to pins and medals. The evening will end with fireworks around 10 pm For the full Fiesta schedule, go to the official Fiesta Web site, fiesta-sa.org.

As always, every official Fiesta event is sponsored by a local civilian nonprofit or military organization. Their staffs and volunteers work for many months on their Fiesta participation. The funds they raise go right back into the city in the form of general services, scholarships, education, ministries, health care, national defense and more.

So here’s a final idea to make your Fiesta very special— become involved with one of those groups! Volunteer to help our Fiesta member organizations help you!

Photo Information Page 30 – The Lutheran Queen Page 31 – Fernando Reyes: El Rey Feo LX, Young Charro Page 32 – Clown at Battle of Flowers Parade, Parade Float Participant September-October 32 On The Town | March-April 2009 2008

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Luminaria: Arts Night in San Antonio Saturday, March 14

By Libby Tilley

L

uminaria 2009 is an ambitious undertaking with over 1,000 artists and more than 40 nonprofit organizations representing every major discipline in the arts, from dance, theater, poetry readings, and music to painting, sculpture, film, and multi-arts projects. “Last year, San Antonio showed the world the depth and intensity of our creativity at the first Luminaria,” said Mayor Phil Hardberger. “This year’s event should be even better, with more artists, more visitors and an amazing display of vibrant art, music, dance, poetry and performance.”

Luminaria 2009 is San Antonio’s second annual all-day and evening-long celebration of the city’s artists, musicians, performers and cultural organizations. “Luminaria is an astonishing illustration of how dedicated working artists are in their gifts to San Antonio. We are grateful to Mayor Hardberger in his celebration of the arts and we are thrilled with how many artists will be showcased,” said Marise McDermott, Co-Chair of Luminaria Steering Committee.

A free celebration of the arts overseen by San Antonio’s creative leaders, the event provides visitors and residents with a unique opportunity to revel in the city’s wealth of traditional and innovative cultural expression presented on stages, in theaters, galleries, and on the streets of downtown San Antonio.

Luminaria 2009 will provide a comprehensive showcase of talent and creativity on a larger scale than any other city in the United States. The central celebration will be held downtown from 6pm until midnight. Performances on a variety of stages and streetscapes will include symphonic, operatic, jazz, blues, ballet, international dance, hip hop, DJ, laser lights, and film.

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The streets of downtown will have an electrically charged atmosphere and an element of interactivity and discovery. The event footprint is extended this year to include seven performance stages with the spectacular fireworks finale. Luminaria will bring together diverse audiences throughout San Antonio for an engaging and educational experience.

Throughout the day visit artist studios, museum, galleries and artist spaces that will have exhibits on view along with art activities and creative performances throughout the city of San Antonio. An official calendar of events, along with specific performances and exhibition information is available for download at www. luminariasa.org.

Luminaria 2009 is made possible by: Bank of America, City of San Antonio, Ford, Valero, HEB, The Tobin Endowment, Anheuser-Busch, Silver Eagle, NuStar, Coca-Cola, KCI, Stumpf Farrimond, P.C., theFUND, Office of Cultural Affairs, San Antonio Express-News, San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Clear Channel Outdoor, Q101.9, Zurich Properties, VIA, Bromley, Cultural Alliance of San Antonio, The CE Group, S.M.A.R.T., World Audio and Lights, OLOL Department of Visual Arts and San Antonio Filmmakers. Luminaria is produced by the artists of San Antonio.

All photos shown are from Luminaria 2008 Courtesy of www.luminaria.org

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28th Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival Set for May 5-9

By Juan Tejeda

T

he Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center presents the first festival dedicated to conjunto music, and over the years 28th Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival en San it has become the premier event for this genre in the world.

Antonio 2009 May 5-9 at the Guadalupe Theatre Other highlights of the 28th Annual Tejano Conjunto Fesand Rosedale Park. tival include workshops on the button accordion and bajo The festival begins with a free Seniors Conjunto Dance at sexto, inductions into the Conjunto Music Hall of Fame, the Guadalupe Theatre from 9-11 am Tuesday, May 5, fea- conjunto students’ recital, publication of the TCF program turing the music of Conjunto Music Hall of Famer Eddie magazine Tonantzin, food and beverage booths, accordion “Lalo” Torres y Anita Paiz y su Conjunto, with a special pre- raffle, and plenty of dancing and fun for the entire family at sentation by Salvador García.

Rosedale Park.

From 7 -9 pm Wednesday, May 6, at the Guadalupe Theatre, there will be a CD release party to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first live recording that was released on cassette, The Best of the 8th Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival, 1989. This cassette is being released for the first time in a mastered CD format and includes performances by conjunto greats Narciso Martínez, Valerio Longoria, Tony de la Rosa, Mingo Saldívar, Roberto Pulido, Esteban Jordán jamming with Queen Ida, and others. There also will be a CD released that was recorded live from last year’s festival, The Best of the 27th Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival, 2008.

Thursday through Saturday, May 7-9, the festival moves to Rosedale Park with 20 of the best bands in conjunto music performing, including the return of the “Accordion Wizard” Esteban Jordán, plus Grammy Award-winners Joel Guzmán and Sunny Sauceda. Friday and Saturday feature “Puro Conjunto Pesado” (pure, heavy conjunto music), with Conjunto Music Hall of Famers Rubén Vela, Mingo Saldívar, Oscar Hernández, Los Dos Gilbertos, Eva Ybarra and Bene Medina.

Other conjunto standouts that will be performing are Cuatro Rosas, Ricky Naranjo y Los Gamblers, Los Cuatro Vientos, with special presentations by Jesse Borrego, Johnny “El Brujo” Cruz, Ricardo Guzmán Jr. and Los Hermanos Deleon.

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center began the Tejano Conjunto Festival in 1982 with the goals of preserving and promoting conjunto music, that original American musical ensemble and style of music that was created by the Mexican-American people in Texas; to honor and present the best in conjunto music; and to foster a better understanding and appreciation for Chicano music and culture. It was the

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For a complete schedule of events and workshops, visit www.guadalupeculturalarts.org, or call 210-271-3151.

Photo Information (Below) Joel Guzman and Sara Fox Photo courtesy Guadalupe Cultural Center (Right) Sunny Sauceda Photo ©2008 by Lefty Ray Chapa

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38 On The Town | March-April 2009

24th Annual Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival

By William Mills

I

n the summer of 2008, an article in The New York Times profiling 31 places to go in the summer gave the Texas Hill Country top billing, and it compared the region to Tuscany or the south of France. A big part of that rating came from the Hill Country’s numerous wineries, a host of vibrant music festivals and some of the most delicious food in the country. And, it is a strong possibility that the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival, this year in its 24th, was at least partially responsible for this designation.

The festival is one of the country’s largest epicurean events, bringing in thousands of people to enjoy and celebrate the multicultural, culinary and agricultural achievements of the Lone Star State. It will bring some much-deserved attention to Texas wineries, vintners, restaurants and chefs. The festival, which will be held April 16-19, will feature 50 wineries and 60 restaurants at several events taking place throughout the Hill Country.

One of the major events this year is the Stars Across Texas Grand Tasting on Friday, April 17. The grandiose Long Center in Austin will serve as its location. It will showcase a variety of Texas’ celebrated chefs and restaurants from San Antonio as well as Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and the Hill Country. Among the chefs featured will be John Brand from the romantic, relaxing and graceful fine dining of Las Canarias; Tomme Johnson from The Grill at Leon Springs with its varied menu including French, Italian and German dishes; Jeffery Balfour from Citrus at Hotel Valencia on the River Walk, serving its eclectic American cuisine ranging from seafood to beef to wild game; Jason Dady from the Italian- and French-influenced restaurant The Lodge in March-April 2009 | On The Town 39

Castle Hills; and David Bull from the restaurant serving American cuisine in San Antonio’s four-star St. Anthony Hotel. They will bring their best dishes to bear while plenty of winemakers provide samplings.

The festivities at this year’s Wine and Food Festival also will include Texas Culinary Masters on Thursday, April 16, the opening day of the fest, at the Four Seasons in Austin. Locally renowned chefs Elmar Prambs, John Tesar, Tyson Cole and Paul Petersen, along with desert-maker Naomi Gallego, will be presenting exciting and delicious culinary adventures to tempt the palate.

Wines from the Moet Hennessey portfolio will accompany the tasteful performance. The following day, wine enthusiasts will have a chance to enjoy Red, White and New in the Victorian Room at the Driskill Hotel in Austin where they will be treated to a tasting of “anything but Cabernet” from guest wineries. There also will be a chance to meet winemakers in a one-on-one atmosphere and taste their latest creations. The wine house Diageo is bringing its Mini Swirlwind tasting to Austin’s Malaga on Saturday. It’s a great chance to taste the flavors of some of California’s top wineries and get a plate of tapas while you’re at it.

The festival will close with one of its biggest events, Sunday Fair, which will combine Texas restaurants and chefs with Texas and guest wineries, all while live music is playing as festival-goers stroll through the vendor tents. It will end the events on Sunday with a triumphant note.

Photo Information Page 38 Chef Paul Petersen of the Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas Page 39 Chef Jeffrey Balfour of Citrus at Hotel Valencia in San Antonio Page 40 (Top) Chef David Bull of the St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio (Bottom) Chef Jason Dady - The Lodge Restaurant, Bin 555, Tre Trattoria and Two Bros. BBQ Market in San Antonio All photos courtesy of Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival 40 On The Town | March-April 2009

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42 On The Town | March-April 2009

Culinary Arts 44-54

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New Restaurants They Keep On Coming!

By Paloma Cortez

S

an Antonio’s hefty appetite continues to be satisfied by a steady stream of new restaurants. Residents of the Alamo City find themselves welcoming popular establishments made famous by nationally acclaimed chefs, follow-up endeavors by some favorite local eateries, and even an upscale chain or two.

Here are some of the most notable.

Cohen. The duo, previously matched at La Mansion and Watermark Hotels, offers a casually elegant restaurant where sophisticated dishes such as Osso Bucco featuring braised veal shank share the menu with a griddled ham and gruyère cheese panini.

Channeling meals shared by gauchos (Brazilian cowboys) over an open fire pit, Chama Gaucha Brazilian SteakKnown for bringing authentic Parisian flavors to Olmos house in Stone Oak delivers a truly authentic upscale Park, chef-owner Damien Watel has opened two estab- Brazilian dinner experience. Using the traditional South lishments on Stone Oak near 281. Ciel, a more contempo- American method of churrasco, different types of meat rary version of his famous Bistro Vatel, features intelligent are prepared rotisserie style and served to diners on skewand thoughtful menus with dishes such as veal tenderloin ers. Look for the restaurant’s sizeable neon sign a block paired with truffle cream and the harmonious combina- off 1604 behind Rio Mambo Tex-Mex y Mas. tion of pear and gorgonzola. Right next door is the more Patrons of Mesón European Dining may continue to encasual Ciao2, a double take of Ciao Lavenderia. joy the unique French flavors created by Dominican native Brasserie Pavil, now open on 1604 at Huebner next to and chef-owner Martin Cuevas, but now at a new location.

Roaring Fork and Wildfish Seafood Grill, is the creation of Cuevas has moved his restaurant from De Zavala at IH-10 hotel developer Patrick Kennedy and executive chef Scott to new digs in the Waterford Shopping Center on 1604 in

New Restaurants

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the Stone Oak area, a high-traffic address that promises One of the highlights from the coming-soon category is Il to attract even more epicureans to what has been one of Sogno, the newest venture from Andrew Weissman, chefthe city’s best-kept culinary secrets. owner of the renowned Restaurant Le Rêve. Located in the Full Goods Building at historic Pearl Brewery near the Frederick’s Bistro on Huebner and Northwest Military Culinary Institute of America, Il Sogno (The Dream) will Highway lends a more relaxed atmosphere than its coun- offer a multi-star Italian dining experience coupled with terpart, Frederick’s in Alamo Heights. Owner Frederick a relaxed setting like those found in the trattorias of Italy.

Costa recreates the same favorite fusion of French and “The Dream” is scheduled to begin this summer.

Indochina cuisine in a more laid-back atmosphere.

Others in the building stages as I write are local favorites Now sharing its warm and friendly hospitality with guests Stonewerks Big Rock Grill and The Lion and Rose Pub, is Scuzzi’s Italian Grill, located on the north side of 1604 both opening soon at The Rim on IH-10 at 1604. just east of The Rim. This sister restaurant to Pompeii Italian Grill on Nacogdoches serves an impressive, extremely A trio of restaurants is also on the front burner across the interstate at The Shops at La Cantera. Chef-owner Ken flavorful menu for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Rathburn will share his take on “gourmet backyard cuiRuby Tuesday, recognized for its family atmosphere sine” with San Antonio diners when he opens Jasper’s and “Simple Fresh American Dining” (as it says above the at La Cantera, the fourth restaurant in Texas bearing this door), has settled into the Alamo City off Evans Road and name. Yard House Bar & Grill, a favorite among southern Californians, will also make its way to this shopping 281 with the first of five expected openings. mecca, along with Brooklyn-based Grimaldi’s Coal Brick On the downtown front, Zocca Restaurant and Bar is Oven Pizzeria, known for its coal-fired brick oven cookthe newest addition to the Westin Riverwalk, having re- ing since 1905. placed Caliza Grille, the hotel’s original restaurant. Guests at Zocca may choose to dine inside this beautiful new Eddie V’s, created by owners Guy Villavaso and Larry Foles, eatery, or outside on the patio adjacent to the San Anto- gets set to join their already well-known Wildfish Seafood nio River. Rustic Italian cuisine is complemented here by Grille and Roaring Fork restaurants in San Antonio. Coming to Quarry Place either later this year or in early 2010, a substantial wine selection.

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Eddie’s V’s will feature Gulf Coast and American cuisine served with the same style and quality as its counterparts.

You may have noticed that construction is under way at the lagoon area of Rivercenter Mall in the downtown area.

This large-scale remodeling effort will eventually bring with it the opening of as many as four upscale restaurants.

For now, the only announced new restaurant resident is Fogo de Chão, a nationally acclaimed Brazilian steakhouse. It’s scheduled to fire up sometime this summer.

As a final thought, Liberty Bar owner Dwight Hobart plans to introduce an upscale version of his famed restaurant on the grounds of St. Benedicts Condominium Complex on South Alamo in the King William area. Word has it; he’s leaning toward calling this new establishment Calastica.

Photo Information Page 44 Brasserie Pavil Photo by Michael Wilson Photography Page 45 (Left to Right) Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse Jasper’s Photos courtesy of the restaurants Page 46 (Upper Right) The Fork @ Ciel / Caio2 (Below) Ciel Photos courtesy of the restaurants

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48 On The Town | March-April 2009

Los Barrios: A Labor of Love

An Interview with Diana Barrios Treviño

By Chris Dunn Photography Greg Harrison

T

he restaurant was surprisingly busy for 3 p.m. on at weekday, but then again, this was La Hacienda de los Barrios, where the crowd is a testimony to the food, and the food is a testimony to the family behind it.

overseeing daily operations, as well as marketing, development and public relations. Her husband, Roland, “handles everything that people don’t see, all the machines, equipment, the ordering, maintenance, teaching our staff… and if he has to cook, he’ll cook. He is also our meat expert.”

I was there to interview Diana Barrios Treviño – successful restaurateur, award-winning cookbook author, television celebrity, wife and mother of three, and Even her sons, Jordan, 18, Evan, 14, and Diego, 9, help daughter of the late Viola Barrios, who founded the Los out. “They have no problem strapping on a plastic Barrios Restaurant dynasty in 1979. apron and getting in there because I’m right there with them, or my husband, or all five of us,” she said. The While we sat on the restaurant’s expansive patio and boys are particularly enthusiastic about washing dishtalked, I noticed Diana kept an eye on things, pausing es, perhaps because it involves a high-pressure water from time to time to greet a customer or to give in- hose in close proximity to siblings. structions to one of the staff.

When asked about the now-famous, nationally televised “Puffy Taco Throwdown,” when she bested celebrity chef Bobby Flay, Diana said one of the most memoIndeed, Diana spent much of her childhood at Los Barrable moments was when her mother couldn’t resist rios Restaurant on Blanco Road. “Being there was like going to Flay’s rescue after observing the way he was being at our house,” she said. “We celebrated everymaking his puffy tacos. “She just went over there, saything there, every occasion, every birthday, every grading, ‘I’ve got to help him.’” Diana later received a mesuation. It truly is our home.” sage from Flay that said, “Thank you so very much. This is my favorite event. Your children are adorable, but It was there her mother taught her the essentials of your mother is priceless.” running a successful restaurant: “taking care of your customers and using quality ingredients,” she said, adding, “My mother had an amazing work ethic… She Diana credits cooking shows for the interest in the taught us how to work.” food industry that “has exploded on the scene in the last 10 years.” She said, “I believe a lot of it has to do Diana said her mother’s “amazing example” is reflected with the Food Network, which has done so much to in the dedication of everyone involved in Los Barrios educate people, to entice them, to allow them to try Enterprises. Her brother, Louis, is president and C.E.O., new things, to not be intimidated or inhibited.”

“Yeah, it’s a lot of work,” she laughed. “But it’s in your blood.”

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According to Diana, “Mexican food -- the Tex-Mex that San Antonio has become known for -- stayed very traditional for decades and decades before everybody’s palate started really questioning and being inquisitive and wanting to broaden.”

She pointed to the many cultural influences in addition to those of Mexico that led to the development of the city’s unique Tex-Mex cuisine.

“I believe when the Spanish were here and the Native Americans were here, they both brought something to the table -- the corn, the chiles, the squash, potatoes, all kinds of things that the Spanish didn’t know, the Native Americans taught them, and vice-versa.”

She said San Antonio in turn put its own spin on all of those influences.

“Why did we spin it?” she asked.

“We used what we had available in our area.”

I mentioned one of my personal TexMex favorites, “like using Longhorn cheese on enchiladas.” “Yes,” she said, “and some restaurants still do.”

Diana indicated that ingredient substitution and experimenting with recipes is the natural way in which dishes evolve. “People are always approaching me and saying, ‘What do you think about this? I took one of your recipes and I kind of changed it up…’, and I say, ‘I love it,’ cause that is truly how new recipes are created.”

As our conversation came to a close, I asked Diana if she had any special goal for the future. She thought for a moment, and said, “To continue with what my mom started.” I couldn’t think of a better one.

Photo Information Page 48 – Diana Barrios Trevino shown on the patio at La Hacienda de los Barrios Page 50 – Diana with the puffy tacos that beat Bobby Flay on Throwdown, his Food Network show 50 On The Town | March-April 2009

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Pinch Pennies and Dine Well It始s the Tasteful and Frugal Thing to Do

By Marlo Mason-Marie

52 On The Town | March-April 2009

I

n 2002, I invested $25 and became a member of the 837 Club at The Palm. Joining was a win-win situation because I was promised a $25 gift certificate from the restaurant to offset my initial financial outlay, plus the opportunity to receive all benefits offered by the club from that day forward. I couldn’t lose. It almost seemed too good to be true.

Now years later, I can tell you that this was the most incredible $25 expenditure of my life.

Return on investment has been totally astonishing, starting with receipt of the aforementioned $25 gift certificate that zeroed out my membership fee. That was just the beginning of the extremely gratifying, money-saving relation-ship I’ve enjoyed with this qualityy restaurant organization ever since..

For example, I’ve received seven complimentary three-pound lob-ster dinners from The Palm, one perr birthday from 2002 to 2008. This particular freebee is a big-time,, major-league perk! Membership p does have its privileges.

As a member, all of my purchases at the restaurant are tracked with each dollar spent equaling a point in my 837 Club account. When the accumulated total reaches 750, I am given the option to cash in for a $50 gift certificate to any Palm location nationwide. Or if I choose to let it ride, I can continue to build points for even larger reokwards in the future. There is no bookk d to t do d is i hand h d keeping involved on my part. All I’m asked the server my 837 card when paying the tab. It couldn’t be easier.

Every December, I also receive a tasty holiday gift from the restaurant in the form of three $25 gift certificates, one each to be used in January, February and March.

Needless to say, I haven’t added up the total dollars saved through my involvement with the 837 Club, but

I guarantee it’s a substantial number. This is just one of the ways I save on upscale cuisine. Call me frugal, and call me smart.

Prior to writing this article, I surfed the Palm’s Web site to make sure nothing had changed since I joined seven years ago, and nothing had. An investment of $25 still gets you in and opens the door to tremendous culinary savings. Go for it without hesitation.

McC McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood Res Restaurant offers a similar program.

The They call it their Preferred Guest Me Membership. It too is a $25 investme ment that comes complete with ma many of the same bells and whistle tles as the 837 Club. In Texas, you ca can find McCormick and Schmick’s lo locations in Austin, Houston and D Dallas. I’m hoping a location in Sa San Antonio is coming soon.

A Also in Houston is Smith & Wollenssky, a superb steakhouse whose fl flagship location is at 49th Street aand Third Avenue in New York C City. S&W offers membership in SSmith’s Founders Club for $50.

W When you join, the restaurant imm mediately doubles your money b by sending you a $100 Rewards C Card valid at all locations except N NYC. Talk about instant gratificati tion! You spend $50 and they give yo you $100! As a birthday bonus, SSmith & Wollensky serves a comp plimentary bottle of their private re reserve wine with the purchase of yo your meal for two. Smith’s Founders Club members receive priority reservations service to all locations, as well.

As you can see, it is entirely possible to pinch pennies and dine well. Everything I’ve outlined here costs $100.

The moment you join these clubs, you’re $50 ahead. Savor the thought.

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Miscellaneous 56-76

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56 On The Town | March-April 2009

Accolades: Bettie Ward Emphasizes Benevolence in Her Art and in Her Support of Local Artists

By Susan A. Merkner

S

an Antonio artist Bettie Ward gives her time, energy and creativity to the arts community as a cofounder of the Artist Foundation of San Antonio because, she says, “It’s the right thing to do.”

artists, not even through the National Endowment for the Arts” (with a few exceptions, and Ward predicts NEA funding will expand under President Barack Obama’s administration).

Ward’s work is featured in an exhibit at the Blue Star Con- The local Artist Foundation’s $5,000 grants are awarded temporary Art Center, entitled Optimism and Horror, for the creation of new, original work. Last year’s recipients included those working a collection of embroidery and paintings, which contin- “Without an active arts community, there in classical singing, theater ues through March 15 in the is no quality of life in a contemporary set and costume design, and other creative fields. In the main and middle galleries. Her city. But with a lively arts scene, past three years, the foundaworks in the exhibit emphasize something happens to your community tion has given away more than tenderness, she says. “It’s not $200,000, much of which was – it grows and flourishes.” just risqué or erotic. I’m trying raised by small private parto bring forth in all my work a - Bettie Ward ties, Ward says. Other funding sense of love and sensitivity.” co-founder Artist Foundation of San Antonio comes from the Cultural ColThe embroideries, produced by a group of women in San Miguel de Allende under laboration of the City of San Antonio, the Tobin FoundaWard’s direction, have taught her “to think and respond, tion and other sources. to consider at length and take action, and they have “There are lots of artists working with the Artist Founshown me what is real,” she says. dation,” Ward says. “They give very generously of their Ward started painting as a high school student and did time because they feel a commitment to improving the abstract work because that was the most progressive art quality of life in our community. Artists in all media are of the time, and she wanted to be on the leading edge. meeting each other in the format of a community. It’s a “Everything in Texas was so backwards then,” she says. really great thing to bring people together this way and “My teacher told me that the only way to be successful see what can grow out of that. It makes our community more amiable.” was to make paintings of bluebonnets.”

As an adult, Ward’s life became more about survival, and being a painter was her route to raising three sons alone. She created abstract art for years and was able to make a living. “Then this narrative thing just kind of occurred,” Ward says, and she “fell into the embroidery by accident.”

Ward co-founded the Artist Foundation of San Antonio three years ago with Patricia Pratchett under the Arts San Antonio umbrella to provide support to those working in the performing arts, visual arts, media arts and literary arts. “Previously, no grants had been made to individual Photo by Todd Johnson

Why is the native San Antonian passionate about giving back to her community? “My parents and grandparents took charity work seriously,” Ward says. “They were very active community volunteers. They served as chairs of the Chrysanthemum Ball, the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, and the Alzafar Shrine Horse Show. I saw all that growing up. I’ve always been interested in leadership in some way and in giving back to my community.

It’s a good thing.

“Without an active arts community, there is no quality of life in a contemporary city. But with a lively arts scene, something happens to your community – it grows and flourishes.”

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VALERO TEXAS OPEN May 14-17 at La Cantera

By Cathryn Le Vrier

G

olf San Antonio and Valero Energy Corp. bring the Valero Texas Open to the Resort Course at La Cantera for the 15th year with events starting on Monday, May 11, and ending with the final putt on Sunday, May 17. As a San Antonio tradition since 1922, the tournament holds the distinction of being the oldest PGA TOUR event in Texas as well as the third-oldest in PGA TOUR history. In addition to bringing th e PGA TOUR’s brightest stars and CBS and the Golf Channel’s audiences to San Antonio, the Valero Texas Open delivers a positive economic impact to the city and helps the city’s tourism industry by promoting San Antonio as a golf destination.

sponsors, spectators and volunteers get involved in the PGA TOUR and the Valero Texas Open. Since 1997, more than $32 million has been donated to charity as a direct result of the tournament.

But the tournament’s most significant and lasting impact comes in the form of significant annual contributions to charity. This commitment to charity is the cornerstone of the competition, and one of the major reasons why

Not only with there be plenty of action inside the ropes, there will be activities for all ages, all week long at the Valero Texas Open. The fun kicks off on Thursday, May 14, and as the competition gets under way on the course,

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And now with a move into the spring and the PGA TOUR regular season, an even stronger field of players is expected to vie for this year’s increased purse of $6.1 million (the winner’s share being $1,098,000).

Last year’s winner, 2007 Master’s Champion Zach Johnson, won the Valero Texas Open in his first start at La Cantera.

so does the fun in the Pepsi Pavilion. All spectators can enjoy a variety of interactive games and activities. Youn and old alike can participate in simulated contests, play video games, have their photos taken and more.

Thursday evening, immediately following play, spectators can ramp up for the weeken d by attending a concert at the Lion’s Den facility presented by The Lion and Rose Pubs. The Lion’s Den is a cozy retreat perched on the bluff just off the ninth green. The unique décor, comfort and charm of an authentic British pub make the Lion’s Den the perfect place to gather with friends and family. It’s just a short stroll from the main spectators’ entry way and its festive atmosphere makes this one place you won’t want to miss.

There will be a free picnic lunch for children, live entertainment, games and a chip ‘n’ putt contest to raise money for local charities. Also on Saturday, the Valero Texas Open is crafting plans to celebrate Armed Forces Day on site during tournament.

After the final putt on Sunday, May 17, the 2009 Valero Texas Open champion will be presented with a trophy during closing ceremonies. The festivities will take place immediately following play on the 18th green. There will be brief remarks by the champion to mark the tournament’s conclusion.

Don’t miss out on any of the action! Visit www.golfsanantonio.org for more details and ticket information.

Saturday, May 16, is Aquafina Family Fiesta, scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the La Cantera driving range. (For schedule information...see next page) March-April 2009 | On The Town 59

2009 Valero Texas Open at a Glance Dates:

May 14-17

Title Sponsor: Valero Energy Corporation Tournament Format:

72-hole, four-day official PGA TOUR event

Tournament Course:

The Resort Course at La Cantera

Purse:

$6.1 million $1,098,000 winner’s share

Defending Champion:

Zach Johnson

Charity

More than $32 million donated since 1997

Involvement:

2008 Results = $8.5 million

2009 Special Events:

Concert On-site Thursday, May 14

Aquafina Family Fiesta

Saturday, May 16

Photo Information Pages 59-60 Gallery at 2008 Valero Texas Open

60 On The Town | March-April 2009

Page 61 Zach Johnson – Winner 2008 Valero Texas Open Photos courtesy Golf San Antonio

March-April 2009 | On The Town 61

March-April 2009 Events Calendar Taking The Stage Sob Choke LOVE II: Electric Boogaloo!

3/1-7, Thu @ 8pm Fri @ 9:30pm Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 2:30pm The Overtime Theatre Pump Boys and Dinettes – A Musical Revue 3/4-4/11, Wed-Sat @ 8pm Dinner @ 6:30pm Harlequin Dinner Theater Dearly Beloved 3/5-15, Thu-Sat @ 8pm (6:30pm dinner option) Sun @ 2:30pm (1pm lunch option) S.T.A.G.E. – Spotlight Theatre Arts Group, Etc. – Krause House in Bulverde Defending the Caveman 3/6-7, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 5pm & 8pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre Brilliant Traces 3/6-14, Thu @ 7:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Boerne Community Theatre

No. 5 3/6-15, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Cellar Theatre San Pedro Playhouse Comedysportz 3/6-27, Fri @ 7:30pm The Overtime Theater m(dot)e(dot) - A Life Experiment / A Ranch Home in Manhattan 3/7-15, Fri-Sun @ 8pm Jump Start Performance Co. Next Stage Improv 3/7-28, Sat @ 10pm The Overtime Theater Borders and Walls Attic Repertory in Residence at Trinity University Presentation 3/12-14, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Attic Theater - Ruth Taylor Theater Twelfth Night The Classic Theatre San Antonio Presentation 3/19-29, Wed-Thu @ 7pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 3pm Jump Start Performance Co.

62 On The Town | March-April 2009

High Hair & Jalapenos 3/19-4/19, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Cameo Theatre Alone Together Again 3/20-4/5, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Elizabeth Huth Coates Theatre Rapunzarella White: A Mix-Up Off-Broadway Fairytale Musical 3/20-4/12, Fri-Sat@ 7:30pm Sun @ 3:00pm Woodlawn Theatre The Pajama Game 3/20-4/26, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Russell Hill Rogers Theatre San Pedro Playhouse, Menopause, The Musical 3/26-29, 4/2-5 Wed-Fri @8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre A Place to Stand 3/27-4/5, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Watson Fine Arts Center Theatre – St. Philips College

On Golden Pond 4/2-22, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Circle Arts Theatre – New Braunfels The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) The Company Theatre Presentation 4/3-4 & 10 / Big Apple Room - Little Italy Fri-Sat @ 8pm 4/5, OrderUp / Sun @2:30pm 4/11, Arneson River Theatre @ 8pm Frost Nixon Broadway Across America Presentation 4/7-12, Tue-Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm & 7:30pm Majestic Theatre TopDog / Underdog 4/10-5/10, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Cellar Theatre San Pedro Playhouse Love, Sex and the IRS Fredericksburg Theater Company Presentation 4/17-5/3, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm The Steve W. Shepherd Theater

The Misanthrope 4/18-26, Wed-Thu @ 7pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Stieren Theatre – Trinity University Angel Tree 4/22-5/23, Wed-Sat @ 8pm Dinner @ 6:30pm Harlequin Dinner Theater

Music Notes Musical Evenings at San Fernando Cathedral Musical Bridges Around The World Presentation 3/1 & 4/5, Sun @ 7pm Slipknot with Coheed, Zambia & Trivium 3/1, Sun @ 7:30pm Freeman Coliseum Zephyr Trio – Featuring Lady Jeanne Galway Tuesday Musical Club Presentation 3/3, Tue @ 2pm Laurel Heights United Methodist Church The Cardinals 3/4, Wed @ 8:30pm Majestic Theatre Two Tons of Steel Cavender Cheverolet’s Music Series at The County Line 3/4, Wed @ 8:30pm

For the Young and Young at Heart: Symphony of the Hills 3/5, Thu @ 7:30pm 3/8, Sun @ 2:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater – Kerrville Gordon Lightfoot 3/5, Thu @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Clay Walker 3/6, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio One Night of Queen 3/6, Fri @ 8pm Majestic Theatre The Subdudes 3/6, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Five By Design: Club Swing San Antonio Symphony Pops Ken-David Masur, conductor 3/6-8, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Lila Cockrell Theatre Brandon Rhyder 3/7, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Lorie Line 3/8, Sun @ 3pm Jo Long Theatre

Romance and Humor Olmos Ensemble Presentation Anne Epperson, piano Linda Poetschke, soprano 3/10, Tue @ 7:30pm First Unitarian Universalist Church Kyle Park Cavender Cheverolet’s Music Series at The County Line 3/11, Wed @ 8:30pm

Aviv String Quartet San Antonio Chamber Music Society Presentation 3/15, Sun @ 3:15pm Temple Beth-El Hunt Family on Tour 3/15, Sun @ 6pm Jo Long Theatre Mozart’s Solemn Vespers San Antonio Mastersingers John Silantien, conductor 3/16, Mon @ 7pm Basilica of Little Flower

Premios a la Musica Latina 3/12, Thu @ 8pm Majestic Theatre T.I. 3/13, Fri @ 8pm Municipal Auditorium Beat! Beat! Drums!

Alamo City Men’s Chorale 3/13 & 15, Fri @ 7pm Sun @ 3pm Travis Park United Methodist Church Jesse Dayton 3/14, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway Kerrville Performing Arts Society Presentation 3/15, Sun @ 2pm & 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater

Soley SOLI SOLI Chamber Ensemble 3/16, Mon @ 7:30pm Gallery Nord 3/17, Tue @ 7:30pm Ruth Taylor Recital Hall @ Trinity Micky & The Motorcars Cavender Cheverolet’s Music Series at The County Line 3/18, Wed @ 8:30pm Pat Green 3/20, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio Wade Bowen 3/20, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

March-April 2009 | On The Town 63

Roger Creager 3/20-21, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Beethoven and Sibelius San Antonio Symphony James Judd, conductor William Wolfram, piano 3/20-21, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Elton John & Billy Joel: Face 2 Face Tour 3/21, Sat @ 7:30pm AT&T Center Sentimental Journey Orchestra 3/21, Sat @ 7:30pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre – New Braunfels

Jason Boland & The Stragglers Cavender Cheverolet’s Music Series at The County Line 3/25, Wed @ 8:30pm Leon Russell 3/27, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Sarah Chang San Antonio Symphony Andrew Grams, conductor 3/27-28, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Randy Rogers Band 3/28, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Charlie Robison 3/21, Sat @ 9m John T. Floore Country Store

Gary Claxton 3/28, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall

Future Stars III San Antonio Symphony Ken-David Masur, conductor 3/22, Sun @ 2:30pm Laurie Auditorium @ Trinity

The Trumpet Shall Sound Mid-Texas Symphony David Mairs, conductor Andrew Gignac, trumpet 3/29, Sun @ 4pm Jackson Auditorium @ TLU

Taste of Chaos Featuring Thursday 3/22, Sun @ 4:30pm Lonestar Pavilion at Sunset Station

LoneStarMusic Awards Show 3/29, Sun @ 8pm Gruene Hall

Lil Wayne 3/25, Wed @ 7pm AT&T Center

Ramsey Lewis Trio 4/3, Fri @ 8pm Laurie Auditorium

64 On The Town | March-April 2009

Roger Plays Rachmaninoff San Antonio Symphony Chosei Komatsu, conductor Roger Wright, piano 4/3-4, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Majestic Theatre .38 Special 4/4, Sat @ 5pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio James Carter Organ Trio 4/4, Sat @ 8pm Jo Long Theatre The Doc Marshalls 4/4, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall An Evening with Patti LuPone and Mandy Pitinkin 4/5, Sun @ 7pm Majestic Theatre Jerry Jeff Walker’s Texas Bash 4/5, Sun @ 7pm Gruene Hall

Jazz Meets Classical XVII Musical Offerings Presentation 4/11, Sat @ 7pm Instituto Cultural de Mexico 4/13, Mon @ 7pm San Antonio Museum of Art 4/14, Tue @ 7pm Witte Museum Nickelback with Seether and Saving Abel 4/14, Tue @ 7pm AT&T Center Fiesta Pops: Pride of San Antonio San Antonio Symphony Pops Ken-David Masur, conductor Mariachi Campanas de America Guadalupe Dance Company 4/17-19, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Majestic Theatre White Ghost Shivers 4/18, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall

The Ten Tenors Kerrville Performing Arts Society Presentation 4/6, Mon @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater

The Albers Trio San Antonio Chamber Music Society Presentation 4/19, Sun @ 3:15pm Temple Beth-El

Cory Morrow 4/10, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio

Ryan Bingham Cavender Cheverolet’s Music Series at The County Line 4/22, Wed @ 8:30pm

Haus Musik with Bass: Rossini, Lanner & Dvorak Camerata San Antonio Presentation 4/23, Thu @ 7:30pm First Presbyterian Church of Kerrville 4/24, Fri @ 7:30pm Boerne United Methodist Church 5/3, Sun @ 3pm Travis Park United Methodist Church Asleep At The Wheel 4/24, Fri @ 7:30pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre – New Braunfels Los Lobos 4/24, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Gary Claxton 4/25, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Jon Nakamatsu Tuesday Musical Club Presentation 4/28, Tue @ 7:30pm Travis Park United Methodist Church Springtime Music for Winds and Strings Olmos Ensemble Presentation 4/28, Tue @ 7:30pm First Unitarian Universalist Church Stoney LaRue Cavender Cheverolet’s Music Series at The County Line 4/29, Wed @ 8:30pm

All-American Music Symphony of the Hills 4/30, Thu @ 7:30pm 5/3, Sun @ 2:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater – Kerrville

Opera The Mikado San Antonio Opera Presentation 3/20-22, Fr-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm

The Dance Off Center Ballet San Antonio Presentation 3/6-7, Fri-Sat @ 7pm Jo Long Theatre Tango Argentino Las Americas Letters Series Presentation 3/21, Sat @ 8pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre Dance Kaleidoscope 2009 San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet 4/25, Sat @ 7:30pm Jo Long Theatre

Stand Up Ben Creed 3/4-8, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:45pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Jeff Dunham 3/5, Thu @ 7:30pm AT&T Center

Bob Biggerstaff 3/11-15, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:45pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Cheech & Chong: Light Up America 3/13-14, Fri @ 7pm Sat @ 7pm & 9:45pm Majestic Theatre Todd Paul 3/18-22, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:45pm Rivercenter Comedy Club B. Santiago 3/25-29, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:45pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Eddie Gossling 4/1-5, Wed-Thu & Sun@ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:45pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Barry Friedman 4/8-11, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:45pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Rahn Ramey 4/15-19, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:45pm Rivercenter Comedy Club March-April 2009 | On The Town 65

For The Children If You Give a Mouse a Cookie 3/3-21, Tue-Thu @ 9:45am & 11:30am Fri @ 11:30am & 7pm Sat @ 2pm Magik Theatre Rainbow Fish Children’s Fine Arts Series Presentation 3/9, Mon @ 9:45am 11:45am & 6:30pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre Mufarro’s Beautiful Daughters Children’s Fine Arts Series Presentation 3/24, Tue @ 9:45am, 11:45am & 6:30pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre Roxaboxen 3/31-4/18, Tue-Thu @ 9:45am & 11:30am Fri @ 11:30am & 7pm Sat @ 2pm Magik Theatre Disney On Ice: Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Adventure 4/9-12, Wed-Thu @ 7:30pm Fri @ 1:30pm & 7pm Sat @ 11am, 3pm & 7pm Sun @ 3pm Alamodome

The Dinosaur Musical 4/28-5/30, Tue-Thu @ 9:45am & 11:30am Fri @ 11:30am & 7pm Sat @ 2pm Magik Theatre

Miscellaneous

Golden Dragon Acrobats / Cirque D’Or Encore Performing Arts Series Presentation 4/18, Sat @ 2pm & 7:30pm Evans Auditorium Texas State University – San Marcos

Danville Chadbourne 4/2-6/7 Anne Ferrer 4/2-6/7 Joel Carreiro 4/2-6/7 Roberta Cohen 4/2-26

Home and Garden Show 3/1, Sun / 11am-6pm Alamodome

On Exhibit ARTPACE

INSTITUTO de MEXICO

2009 Night of Artists Sale 3/7, Sat / 5-10pm Skyroom @ UIW

International Artist-In-Residence New Works: 09.1 Richard Grayson Christian Tomaszewski Sterling Allen 3/19-5/17

The Turn of the Gyre: Exhibit by Teresa Velazquez Thru 3/15

Hudson (Show)Room Kehinde Wiley The World Stage: Africa, Lagos ~ Dakar Thru 5/3

El Nino Fidencio from Espinazo, Nuevo Leon Thru 6/14

Red Dress Fashion Show and Health Fair 3/10, Tue / 11am-1pm University of the Incarnate Word World Famous Lipazzaner Stallions 3/29, Sun @ 3pm & 6pm AT&T Center Ebony Fashion Show 3/29, Sun @ 5pm Jo Long Theatre 12th Annual Susan G. Komen San Antonio Race for the Cure 4/4, Sat @ 7:30am Alamodome The Sculptor Invitational 4/4-26, Sat-Sun / 11am-5pm Villa del Carmen Sculptor Garden

66 On The Town | March-April 2009

BLUE STAR CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER Bettie Ward: Optimism and Horror Thru 3/15 McKay Otto: Never Self Ever Thru 3/15 The Jewel of a Visionary Architect: San Antonio Botanical Conservatory

by Emilio Ambasz 3/5-15

Rex Hausmann 4/30-6/7

Migración - Migrante by Diana Calvillo Thru 3/15

McNAY ART MUSEUM Jaroslav Malina: Paintings and Designs Thru 3/8 American Concepts and Global Visions: Selections from the AT&T Collection - Contemporary Paintings and Sculpture Thru 5/17 - Masterworks of Photography Thru 5/17 Fifty Years of Printed Masterpieces: Gifts from the Friends of the McNay Thru 6/8

MUSEO ALAMEDA Caras Vemos, Corazones No Sabemos: The Human Landscape of Mexican Migration 3/4–5/10

Susan Budge: Art in the Garden – Myth, Magic and Mysteries Thru 6/15

Phantom Sightings: Art After The Chicano Movement 3/13-6/14

Marcia Gygli King: Botanical Paintings Thru 4/12

SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN Steinunn Thórarinsdóttir: Art in the Garden Horizons Thru 6/15

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART

Vincent Valdez: El Chavez Ravine 3/14-8/2 Zoe’s Room 3/14-8/2 SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART & CRAFT

Perspectivas Populares Thru 7/09

Estevan Arredondo: Pencil Sounds Thru 3/29

Imagenes de Mexico: Select Photographs from the Permanent Collection Thru 8/09

Marcia Gygli King: Spontaneous Combustion Thru 3/29

Osamu Watanabe: My San Antonio Thru 3/29 Zou Ba: Let’s Go Thru 3/31 Contemporary Handweavers of Texas 3/18-28 SHARE: Students Help Art Reach Everyone 4/2-4 Ruth Buentello: Solo Exhibition 4/16-6/21

March-April 2009 | On The Town 67

All School Exhibition 2009 4/16-6/21 UTSA’s INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES Texas Contemporary Artists Series: Luis Valderas Thru 3/29 HemisFair ’68: San Antonio’s Introduction to the World Thru 4/5 In His Own Words: The Life and Work of Cesar Chavez Thru 4/19 Fiesta Remembrances 4/14-6/28 Scenes of Texas 4/23 8-/25 WITTE MUSEUM Genome: The Secret of How Life Works Thru 5/25 Wild, Wild West: True Stories and the Arena Thru 8/23 60th Annual Texas Watercolor Society Exhibit 3/2-29 Queens and Crowns: Fiesta’s Royal Traditions 4/3-9/7

Festivals & Celebrations

Fiesta® San Antonio 4/16-26 Schedule of all events @ www.fiesta-sa.org

San Antonio Spurs vs.

Minnesota Timberwolves 3/17, Tue @ 7pm AT&T Center

Dawn at the Alamo San Antonio Living History Association Presentation 3/6, Fri @ 6am Alamo Plaza

Fiesta Art Fair 4/18-19, Sat-Sun / 10am-5pm Southwest School of Art and Craft

San Antonio Rampage vs.

Peoria Rivermen 3/18, Wed @ 7pm AT&T Center

First Friday Art Walk 3/6 & 4/3, Fri / 6-9pm Southtown / Blue Star / King William

Pro Sports

San Antonio Rampage vs.

Peoria Rivermen 3/19, Thu @ 7pm AT&T Center

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations 3/6-21 River Walk

Praise, Wave and Christian Concert 3/28, Sat / 10am-8pm Sea World of Texas

San Antonio Spurs vs.

Boston Celtics San Antonio Rampage vs. 3/20, Fri @ 7:30pm AT&T Center Grand Rapids Griffins 3/7, Sat @ 7pm AT&T Center San Antonio Spurs vs.

Houston Rockets San Antonio Spurs vs.

3/22, Sun @ 12pm Phoenix Suns AT&T Center 3/8, Sun @ 2:30pm AT&T Center San Antonio Spurs vs.

Golden State Warriors San Antonio Spurs vs.

3/24, Tue @ 7:30pm Charlotte Bobcats AT&T Center 3/10, Tue @ 7:30pm AT&T Center San Antonio Spurs vs.

San Antonio Spurs vs.

Los Angeles Clippers Los Angeles Lakers 3/27, Fri @ 7:30pm 3/12, Thu @ 7pm AT&T Center AT&T Center San Antonio Rampage vs.

San Antonio Rampage vs. Rockford Icehogs Rockford Icehogs 3/28, Sat @ 7pm 3/13, Fri @ 7pm AT&T Center AT&T Center

Fiesta Carnival 4/15-26, Mon-Sun Times Vary Alamodome

San Antonio Rampage vs.

Houston Aeros 3/14, Sat @ 7pm AT&T Center

Remember the Alamo Weekend San Antonio Living History Association Presentation 3/7-8, Sat / 9-5pm Sun / 11am-5pm Alamo Plaza Luminaria: Arts Night in San Antonio 3/14, Sat / 6pm-12am Downtown Fiesta Fest – Houston Street Fair & Market 3/28, Sat / 12-6pm Downtown

68 On The Town | March-April 2009

San Antonio Spurs vs.

Washington Wizards 3/6, Fri @ 7:30pm AT&T Center

San Antonio Spurs vs.

Oklahoma City Thunder 3/31, Tue @ 7:30pm AT&T Center

San Antonio Rampage vs. Iowa Chops 4/3, Fri @ 7pm AT&T Center San Antonio Rampage vs. Iowa Chops 4/4, Sat @ 7pm AT&T Center San Antonio Spurs vs.

Portland Trailblazers 4/8, Wed @ 7:30pm AT&T Center San Antonio Missions vs. Northwest Arkansas Naturals 4/9-11, Thu-Sat @ 7:05pm Nelson W. Wolff Stadium San Antonio Spurs vs.

Utah Jazz 4/10, Fri @ 7:30pm AT&T Center San Antonio Rampage vs. Houston Aeros 4/11, Sat @ 7pm AT&T Center San Antonio Missions vs.

Tulsa Drillers 4/12-14, Sun @ 4:05pm Mon @ 7:05pm Tue @ 11:05am Nelson W. Wolff Stadium San Antonio Spurs vs.

New Orleans Hornets 4/15, Fri @ 7pm AT&T Center

San Antonio Missions vs.

Midland RockHounds 4/23-26, Thu-Sat @ 7:05pm Sun @ 4:05pm Nelson W. Wolff Stadium San Antonio Missions vs.

Frisco RoughRiders 4/27-30, Mon-Thu @ 7:05pm Nelson W. Wolff Stadium

Lorie Line Courtesy Lorie Line Music, Inc.

Cheech & Chong Courtesy Majestic Theatr

Hunt Family Courtesy huntfamilyfiddlers.com

Page 68 (L-R)

Roger Creager Courtesy rogercreager.com

Bettie Ward Photo by Todd Johnson

Page 65 (L-R) James Judd Courtesy San Antonio Symphony

Photo Credits

Ken-David Masur Courtesy San Antonio Symphony

Page 62 (L-R)

Jason Boland and the Stragglers Courtesy The County Line

Defending The Caveman Courtesy Ivy Presents High Hair & Jalapenos Courtesy GL Productions, LLC and The Showbiz Bunch, LLC Menopause, The Musical Courtesy gfourproductions.com Frost Nixon by Carol Rosegg Page 63 (L-R) Gordon Lightfoot Courtesy Majestic Theatre

Golden Dragon Acrobats Courtesy goldendragonacrobats.com

Voch (Yellow) – 2004 Margarita Cabrera William J. Hokin Collection, Chicago Photo courtesy Sara Meltzer Gallery From Phantom Sightings: Art After The Chicano Movement Courtesy of Museo Alameda

Sarah Chang Photo by Cliff Watts Page 66 (L-R) Randy Rogers Band Courtesy randyrogersband.com James Carter Courtesy Carver Community Cultural Center The Ten Tenors Courtesy thetentenors.com

Clay Walker OP Photo

Jazz Meets Classical XVII Courtesy musicalofferings.com

One Night With Queen Courtesy Majestic Theatre

Page 67 (L-R)

Club Swing Courtesy fivebydesign.com

Guadalupe Dance Company Courtesy Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center

Page 64 (L-R)

The Albers Trio Courtesy alberstrio.com

Brandon Rhyder Courtesy brandonrhyder.com

Asleep at the Wheel Courtesy asleepatthewheel.com

Fritillaria (Crown Imperial) Marcia Gygli King, 1998 oil on canvas, 76 x 48” Courtesy of the artist, San Antonio Page 69 (L-R) Tiachinolli (fire) Estevan Arredondo, 2008 pencil and graphite on wood Courtesy of Southwest School of Art and Craft HemisFair ’68: San Antonio’s Introduction to the World Courtesy of UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures Genome: The Secret of How Life Works Courtesy of Witte Museum Fiesta® San Antonio Battle of Flowers Parade Photo by Jon Alonzo

March-April 2009 | On The Town 69

70 On The Town | March-April 2009

SPRING

AWAKENING Romance Blooms in Springtime on the River Walk

By Carolyn Williams

B

efore the humid sizzle of summer, and following the dreary cold days of winter, the fresh spirit of springtime awakens in the Alamo City anew this month.

Here in the heart of Texas, locals and visitors know there’s no better place to go to welcome spring than San Antonio’s own River Walk, the Paseo del Rio. Sturdy branches of ancient trees bud on the banks; and green leaves create a canopy shading walkways along the emerald river. A gentle air of romance and the faint fragrance of sweet, new beginnings beckon when spring fever is in the air.

Whether you’re a local who has been to the River Walk year after year for the lighting of the holiday lights, or whether you’re a first-time visitor, you’ll understand the lure of the River Walk the moment you step below street level to enter this magical world along the water.

With romantic riverside dining, boutiques, cozy bars and palatial hotels with cool lobbies and live music, boat rides under arched bridges and more, the River Walk has everything a couple could want for a weekend, or just an evening, away from the harried pace of everyday life.

Whether you’re indulging in a “staycation” where you stay in your own city and get reacquainted with all it has to offer, drive in from Austin, Dallas or Houston, or fly in from cooler climes for a warm weekend in San Antonio, you’ll find the best place to relax and savor the sights and flavors of this colorful city is in the center of town.

Thousands will attend the upcoming Fiesta River Parade, or the Night in Old San Antonio at La Villita (just above the river), and folks will flock to Fiesta Noche del Rio, which begins again in May at the Arneson River Theatre. Others will come to dine on a river barge for a wedding reception. Some may spend a Saturday shopping at Rivercenter mall and taking in a movie at the IMAX. Lovers will hold hands and find a quiet spot near a waterfall for a sweet embrace. For both young and old, the River Walk is a place of magic and beauty, excitement, fun and peacefulness.

My husband and I recently celebrated my birthday with a special weekend away at the luxurious Watermark Hotel and Spa on Crocket Street at the edge of the River Walk. We enjoyed a spacious suite overlooking the river across from

March-April 2009 | On The Town 71

the equally alluring La Mansion del Rio Hotel, which for many years has been, and remains today, the pride of San Antonio.

When he’s not busy at Pesca on the River, Chef Brand also heads the kitchen at the lovely Las Canarias restaurant at the Omni La Mansion del Rio Hotel, another romantic While at the Watermark, we stayed on the “spa floor” with spot for dinner or even their incredible — and very popuour suite just steps from the hotel’s world-class spa. There we lar — scrumptious Sunday brunch. could enjoy the steam and dry saunas and spacious jet-spa pools and rest in a couples’ lounge or in quiet separate men After dinner, my husband and I went to hear the smooth and women’s resting rooms before being pampered by high- sounds of Jim Cullum’s Jazz Band at the Landing in the ly professional, well-trained masseuses. Last winter I enjoyed Hyatt Regency Hotel. a hot stone massage that warmed me to the bones and relaxed every muscle in my back, but this weekend I opted for a Other romantic River Walk spots include restaurants such deep-tissue massage to knead the stress from my shoulders. as Biga on the Banks or the Fig Tree (with its pretty white The massage was sublime. I lay there listening to my iPod with lights in the trees and a terraced dining area), or the rescucumbers on my eyes and shea butter slathered all over my taurants at the new and trendy Grand Hyatt near the new “grotto” area of the River Walk. body, and I thought,“It doesn’t get any better than this!”

I was wrong, though, for we hadn’t been to Pesca on the Our weekend ended on Sunday with a stop at the Havana River Walk Inn’s Cool Café overlooking a quiet part of the River yet. That’s when we really began to feel spoiled. river. It was a perfect end to a wonderful weekend in a That evening, we were introduced to Executive Chef John place where “romance can blossom any ol’ time” — espeBrand, who created a delectable meal for us of freshly flown- cially in the spring — there on the River Walk. in fish at this lovely River Walk-level restaurant, which features outdoor patio dining and an indoor restaurant with a Photo Information fabulous stone-and-glass fresh oyster bar. Our three-course Page 70 meal was pure perfection; the lobster salad was a perfect San Antonio River Walk concert of flavors and textures, and the flounder was as fresh Photo courtesy San Antonio CVB and light as anything I’ve ever tasted. Chef Brand prides himself in creating recipes using fresh, organic ingredients and Page 71 (Top to Bottom) foods from eco-sustainable sources. Bringing years of expe- Pesca on the River at The Watermark rience to his craft, with a resume that includes the famed The Spa at The Watermark Charles Court restaurant at the glorious five-star Broadmoor Photos courtesy of the hotel Hotel in Colorado, Chef Brand has been at the Watermark for Page 72 less than a year, but already he’s making his mark on the San Biga on the Banks Photo courtesy of the restaurant Antonio food scene and a big splash on the River Walk.

72 On The Town | March-April 2009

March-April 2009 | On The Town 73

Picture This:

The Photography of John Dyer From Conjunto – The Book

By John Dyer

I

fell in love with conjunto music 15 years ago. It was at the Tejano Conjunto Festival that my old friend Juan Tejeda put on at the Guadalupe Theater and Rosedale Park in San Antonio.

My roots are German-Irish, and I’m originally from Montana, but I’ve lived in San Antonio a long time. I didn’t know all that much about this compelling, lively, danceable music I was hearing and seeing. But, I loved the incredibly rich Mexican cultural tradition and its influence here in South Texas.

and drums. The music was basic and clean. Polkas, waltzes, schottisches -- musical rhythms familiar from my German heritage -- but also boleros, rancheras, huapangos and cumbias from Mexico ... a very interesting mix.

The men who play this music (and let’s face it, there are very few women in the man’s world of conjunto) are incredible, mostly self-taught musicians playing unbelievable riffs on the accordion and providing rock-solid rhythm with the other instruments. Most of the conjuntos are composed of working-class folks who play for the sheer love of the music and a very real calling to keep Being a visual type, I was first drawn to the instruments: this pure, roots music alive for future generations. the lead accordion, colorful, lightweight, expressive, with buttons, not keys; a sideman playing this beautiful, hand- Not long after that, I asked Tejeda for a list of 10 to 12 of made, two-tone guitar called a bajo sexto. The accordion the most important conjunto musicians in San Antonio and bajo sexto were accompanied by an electric bass and, using his name, I was able to make appointments

74 On The Town | March-April 2009

March-April 2009 | On The Town 75

The portraits in this book are the ones I was able to get.

And a lot of them are from here in San Antonio, which is a center for the music. Regrettably, there are some giants of conjunto I was unable to get (Narcisso Martinez, Tony de la Rosa, Don Santiago Jimenez) who had passed A couple of years ago it dawned on me that no one had on. But I did manage to photograph several maestros ever done a book of photographs of the conjunto music who have since passed on (Valerio Longoria, Fred Zimscene: the maestros who play the music, the folks who merle, Juan Viesca, Daniel Garces). come to dance to it. I knew I needed Joe Nick Patoski This book could not be definitive. There are young muand Juan Tejeda to write about the music. They know sicians out there right now, making their mark on this everything about it, where it comes from, why it’s immusic, who will deserve to be honored in a book of their portant. I wanted to show myrespect and admiration for own someday. the music and honor the people who perform it.

I dedicated this book to the conjunto musicians, old and From the beginning, Tejeda and I had a time deciding young, who play for the joy of playing the music their who should be in the book. We drew a pretty quick dis- parents and grandparents played or danced to. Not tinction between conjunto (a homegrown South Texas many of them will ever get rich performing this music, roots music) and Norteño (indigenous to northern Mex- but they and we are the richer for it. ico). Both kinds of music share certain qualities but we felt that conjunto is distinctive enough to warrant its own Photo Information overview. There will, of course, be those who differ with Page 76 – (L-R) Joel Guzman, Fred Zimmerle and Flaco Jimenez our choices for portraits. Everyone I talk to who knows Page 77 – Mingo Saldivar about conjunto music has his or her own favorites. It’s not Page 78 – (L-R) Steve Jordan, Los Dos Gilbertos, Lupita Rodela a neutral subject. So much of what makes folks like one musician over another is dependent on whether they go For more info on Conjunto, visit www.dyerphotography.com. to their dances, whether they’re related to them, whether John’s new book, El Vaquero Real: The Original American Cowboy, can be previewed at www.vaqueroreal.com. their parents danced to their music way back when. and take portraits of them. For several years I showed these portraits around. I always got a good response and a lot of interest in who these folks were and what their music was like.

76 On OnThe TheTown Town || March-April March-April2009 2009 76

March-April 2009 | On The Town 77

78 On The Town | March-April 2009