March/April 2013 Issue

Ezine.com

ON THE TOWN

March/April 2013

Broadway x 10 Girl Power! at ITC DiRoNA Deserving David Snyder of Bella Las Casas Scholarships Culinaria Festival Week Tejano Conjunto Festival Plus 10 Additional Articles March/April 2013 | On The Town 1

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Features

Cover Credits

March and April Offer Big Names And Great Performances Get Some Tickets and Go!

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Broadway x 10 14 Cadillac Broadway Series at the Majestic Offers a Double-Digit Lineup David Snyder: Life is Bella

A Time to Celebrate in San Antonio

Front Cover Photo: Million Dollar Quartet Photo by Jeremy Daniel Performing Arts Cover Photo Photo by Greg Harrison

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Culinaria Festival Week: May 15-19 44

DiRoNA Deserving 48

Events Calendar Photo: Spamalot Photo by Scott Suchman

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Girl Power! 60 An ITC Exhibit Celebrating the Girl Scouts’ First 100 Years Top National Western Artists Gather in San Antonio

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32nd Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio: May 15-19 at Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center and Rosedale Park

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Estela Avery: San Antonio River Foundation

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David Lynd: The View From The Hot Tub

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Everything Old Is New Again Estate and Vintage Jewelry One of Spring’s Hottest Trends

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Culinary Arts Cover Photo: Photo by Greg Harrison Visual Arts Cover Photo: Photo by Greg Harrison Festivals & Celebrations Cover Photo: © Ron Chapple / Dreamstime.com Literary Arts Cover Photo: Photo by Greg Harrison Eclectics Cover Photo: Photo by Greg Harrison

Lair Creative, LLC would not knowingly publish misleading or erroneous information in editorial content or in any adv appear under any circumstances. Additionally, content in this electronic magazine does not necessarily reflect the view mances and exhibits, it is recommended that all times and dates of such events be confirmed by the reader prior to at

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Departments

Contributors

In The Spotlight: Las Casas Foundation 18 Scholarship for Excellence in the Performing Arts

Mikel Allen, creative director / graphic designer James M. Benavides

Events Calendar

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Book Talk: Andrew Porter, Fiction Writer and Professor of Creative Writing

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Artistic Destination: Rebirth of the Blues 88 Documentary on 100 Men Hall Premieres In Bay St. Louis, Mississippi Out & About With Greg Harrison Picture This: Fiesta速 San Antonio 2013 OnTheTownEzine.com is published by Lair Creative, LLC 14122 Red Maple San Antonio, Texas 78247 210-771-8486 210-490-7950 (fax)

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Kay Lair Yadhira Lozano

Julie Catalano

Susan A. Merkner, copy editor

Thomas Duhon

Bonny Osterhage

Chris Dunn

Angela Rabke

Mauri Elbel

Ginger McAneer Robinson

Vivienne Gautraux

Sara Selango

Greg Harrison, staff photographer

Juan Tejeda

Michele Krier

Kirk Weddie

Christian Lair, operations manager / webmaster

Jasmina Wellinghoff

vertisement in On The Town Ezine.com, nor does it assume responsibility if this type of editorial or advertising should ws or opinions of the management of Lair Creative, LLC. Since On The Town Ezine.com features information on perforttendance. The publisher assumes no responsibility for changes in times, dates, venues, exhibitions or performances.

Cassandra Yardeni

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Performing Arts

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March and April Offer Big Nam Get Some Tickets and Go!

By Sara Selango

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mes and Great Performances.

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W

hen I first looked at what’s happening in the entertainment world in and around San Antonio during March and April, I was quite impressed. Upon a second inspection of the performance inventory, I found myself motivated to take out pencil and paper to jot down my “gotta see” list. Pardon my improper use of the English language when I say, I gotta see Spamalot at the Majestic and Menopause The Musical at the Charline McCombs Empire on the same weekend in late March. How many times has this happened in the Alamo City, the chance to see two touring shows playing simultaneously? I can only remember one other time, in December of 2010, when Ann: An Affectionate Portrait of Ann Richards with Holland Taylor was at the Empire and 9 to 5: The Musical was on stage around the corner at the Majestic. Menopause The Musical is in town Mar. 23-24 and Spamalot makes a two-performance stop on Mar. 24. Following closely on the heals of these shows is Million Dollar Quartet, Apr. 4-7 as a part of the Cadillac Broadway in San Antonio at the Majestic series.

finishes up its run of Glengarry Glen Ross, as does The Playhouse San Antonio with its world premiere of Roads Courageous. The Woodlawn offers The Full Monty followed by The Producers on their main stage with Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean featured in their Black Box Theatre.

Continuing with great stage stuff, Avenue Q plays the Cameo, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum by Allegro Stage Company is set for eight performances at Palmetto Center for the Arts on the campus of Northwest Vista College and Broadway Divas sings (with supper) at the Harlequin Dinner Theatre. Out-of-towners include Funny Valentines at Boerne Community Theatre, Fredericksburg Theater Company’s Moonlight & Magnolias and Barefoot in the Park by Playhouse 2000 at Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater in Kerrville, to name a few.

Turning to music, an abundance of big names dots the March-April landscape. At the Majestic, see Don Williams, Styx, Willie Nelson, Moody Blues, Foreigner, Chicago, Gypsy Kings and Little Big Town with Community theatre also shines in the third and fourth David Nail. Seek out the Majestic-Empire website months of the year. The Sheldon Vexler Theatre for details. Carrie Underwood is headed our way

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too with The Blown Away Tour at Freeman Coliseum on Apr. 25. C&W biggies appearing at some of the legendary dancehalls in the area in the next two months include Johnny Lee (of Urban Cowboy fame), Casey James (American Idol alum), Robert Earl Keen, Merle Haggard, The Mavericks, Ray Wylie Hubbard and Ray Benson’s Asleep at the Wheel.

In other classical news, San Antonio Chamber Music Society offers David Finckel (cellist) and Wu Han (pianist) in March and the Ebene Quartet in April, with both performances being held at Temple Beth-El. The SAIPC (San Antonio International Piano Competition) Piano Series features Jeffrey Biegel at First Uniterian Universalist in early April while Arts San Antonio gives us the opportunity to see 2 Cellos (Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser) a week later at the Majestic. Also, Tuesday Musical Club brings cellist Darrett Adkins and pianist Jonathan Feldman to the city in April for a concert at Christ Episcopal. Out of town performances in these two months include Four Nations Ensemble for the Fredericksburg Music Club as well as violinist Nancy Zhou appearing for the same organization.

Symphonic opportunities include Pines of Rome

by Mid-Texas Symphony in Seguin and Symphony of the Hills’s If The Shu Fits. Further details can be found in the events calendar of this magazine.

The San Antonio Symphony has a busy schedule in March and April. Pops performances in that time frame are Sounds of Simon and Garfunkel at Laurie Auditorium in the beginning of March and Fiesta Pops in mid-April at the Majestic. Classical performances in March are Fire and Blood, highlighting the talents of violinist Alexandre Da Costa, and The Four Seasons with Cho-Liang Lin as both conductor and violinist. April brings us Verdi’s Requiem with Sebastian Lang-Lessing conducting. All of these classical performances are at the Majestic. FYI, the symphony has announced its 2013-14 season schedule. Highlights include a five-concert Dvorak Festival and a 75th anniversary Funny thing (Jim Gaffigan at the Majestic on Mar. concert featuring violinist Joshua Bell. Check out 20 and George Lopez for three shows at the same the entire season on their website. venue Mar. 28-30), it’s time for me to dance on out

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of here (Arts San Antonio presents The Joffrey Ballet: George Lopez Rite of Spring Mar. 8 at Lila Cockrell and Les Ballets Courtesy Majestic Theatre Trockadero de Monte Carlo Apr. 11 at the Lila too).

Million Dollar Quartet March and April offer big names and great Photo by Paul Natkin performances. Get some tickets and go!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Pages 8-9 Joffrey Ballet: Rite of Spring Photo by Herbert Migdoll

Ana Marie Martinez Photo by Tom Specht Willie Nelson Photo by David McClister Page 12 (L-R) 2 Cellos Photo by Stephan Lupino

Pages 10-11 (L-R)

Menopause: The Musical Courtesy G4 Productions

Carrie Underwood Courtesy carrieunderwood.com

Don Williams Courtesy Majestic Theatre

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BROADWAY X 10 Cadillac Broadway Series at the Majestic Offers a Double-Digit Lineup

By Vivienne Gautraux

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n Jan. 14, I received an email announcing the 2013-14 Cadillac Broadway in San Antonio at the Majestic Theatre series. This is undoubtedly the earliest introduction of a new season I can ever remember. The unveiling seems to come earlier and earlier every year, but don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. To the contrary, what this means is that I now know the next 10 touring Broadway shows in this incredible series at the venerable Majestic, and so do you. Never has this happened in my memory, and the double-digit lineup is quite impressive.

Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins came together for one of the greatest jam sessions of all time at Sam Phillips’ Sun Records in Memphis. This Tony Award-winning musical brings that legendary evening to life. Following Million Dollar Quartet is The Addams Family, playing the Majestic May 7-12.

See the weird and wacky world of Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Lurch and other wonderful characters set to music! It promises to be musical comedy at its best. Closing out the current season is Flashdance: The Musical June 18-23. I’m taking it for granted that you’ve seen the movie, so here’s your chance to see incredible dancing and hear magnificent Three shows remain in the current 2012-13 season music performed live and in living color on stage. and seven more comprise the 2013-14 offering. I personally can’t wait to revisit such numbers as First up is Million Dollar Quartet, on the boards Maniac, Gloria, Manhunt, I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll and, of April 2-7. On Dec. 4, 1956, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee course, Flashdance: What a Feeling.

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The 2013-14 season blasts off with The Book of Mormon from Trey Parker and Matt Stone, creators of the acclaimed television series South Park. This nine-time Tony-winning musical is scheduled for an extended run at the Majestic Sept. 17-29. I suspect you had better get tickets early for this one. Peter and the Starcatcher, an innovative retelling of how an orphan lad became Peter Pan, “the boy who never grew up,” is next to hit the Majestic stage for a one-week run Oct. 22-27. Following this, the national tour of Dr. Suess’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical takes up residence at the big theater Dec. 26-29.

return of Wicked to the Majestic begins March 12 and runs for three weeks, ending March 30. Wicked is “Oz before Dorothy,” a spellbinding production portraying the relationship between Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West who is in fact … green) and Glenda (the Good Witch). I suggest you buy tickets at the beginning of the run and again near the end. You can quote me on this, “It’s so good, you’re gonna wanna see it twice!”

Mark April 29-May 4 on your calendar because that’s when Evita comes to town. This beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical tells the true story of Eva Peron and her rise to power in Argentina, while featuring extraordinary songs such as High Flying Adored and Don’t Cry for Me Argentina. Closing out Another amazing movie now offered on stage is the 2013-14 season of the Cadillac Broadway in San Ghost: The Musical. The ever-lasting love story of Antonio at the Majestic Theatre series is Sister Act June Sam and Molly plays the Majestic Jan. 12-19. The 24-29. Deloris Van Cartier (aka Sister Mary Clarence) March/April 2013 | On The Town 15

goes from screen to stage in this one in a most joyous way. Sister Act features the music of eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken.

That’s Broadway x 10, and quite an impressive double-digit lineup it is!

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(Below L-R)

Wicked Photo by Joan Marcus

Flashdance Photo by Catherine Ashmore

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

(Above L-R)

Photo Credits:

The Addams Family Photo by Jeremy Daniel

Page 14 The Book of Mormon Photo by Joan Marcus 16 On The Town | March/April 2013

Million Dollar Quartet Photo by Paul Natkin

Sister Act Photo by Joan Marcus

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Las Casas Foundation Scholarship for Excellence in the Performing Arts

By Julie Catalano Photography Greg Harrison

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ou have to come and see these kids -- you’re not going to believe how talented they are.” That’s how Kaye Lenox, the newly appointed chief executive officer of Las Casas Foundation, remembers her first exposure to a program that was going to be a big part of her future, although she didn’t know it at the time.

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Her friend and Las Casas foundation president Kathy Rhoads described the scholarship competition – designed to give young singers, dancers and actors a leg up – and urged Lenox to check it out. Lenox finally relented and attended the final auditions one Sunday afternoon. “I was astounded. I was blown away by these kids,” Lenox said.

“These kids” were all senior students from San Antonio area high schools – public, private and home-schooled – with stars in their eyes and dreams in their hearts.

Without a doubt, it’s one of the toughest dreams to nurture – a career in the performing arts – but these young hopefuls had talent, discipline, dedication and passion. The only missing ingredient was the money to further their education and training after graduation.

Las Casas, the Foundation for Cultural Arts, is a nonprofit organization primarily known, in partnership with the city of San Antonio and ACE Theatrical Group, for the extraordinary renovations of two downtown San Antonio theaters: the 2,279-seat Majestic Theatre, built in 1929, and the 856-seat Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, built in 1913.

Each student can compete in only one category. More guidelines can be found at lascasasfoundation.org.

According to the foundation’s executive director Lynn Zalcberg, this year’s 100 applicants will be whittled down to about 32 finalists, none of whom will walk away empty-handed. Awards in each category range from first place of $5,000 (named the Joci in honor of Joci Straus, the founding chair of Las Casas and major fundraiser); second place, $3,000; third place, $2,000, down to “runners-up” of $750 each. There’s also an additional $5,000 overall “best of show” award. For competitors such as Nick Fearon (2011’s first-place dance and overall winner), and Romero Sylvester (2012’s first-place monologue and overall winner), this brought their total to a whopping $10,000 each.

After the two historic treasures were restored to their former glory and then some, “we looked around and said, the theatres are up and running, what do we do now?” said longtime board member Skip Wood, president of The Wood Agency.

Judges are either professionals or college affiliated, Zalcberg said. Former judges include executive directors of the Dramatists Guild and the Broadway League, writer/ director/actor Seth Fisher, Broadway choreographer Robin Lewis, singer Vikki Carr, and former Las Casas competitor Grace Phipps, the 2010 first-place winner While many organizations might have been content to in duet acting and now working in television, film and rest on their well-deserved laurels after fulfilling their commercials in Los Angeles. primary mission, not Las Casas, thanks to the foresight of current board chairman Frank Ruttenberg, who planted “It is really our privilege to be able to assist these the first seeds of the scholarship program in 2005. students,” Zalcberg said. “Some of them have never been on a stage before.” While acknowledging that Wood said, “We thought what we really needed to do not all of them will end up on Broadway or film, she was make certain that we’re building future entertainers said, “our hope is that we have helped to foster a love and performers to use these fabulous theaters, to of the arts for a lifetime, whether you’re on stage or in provide real scholarship help for high school seniors the audience.” who wish to go forward in the performing arts.”

As for Kaye Lenox, how does she describe the program Now in its fifth year, the foundation’s scholarship that has changed the lives of so many young performers? competition has been growing steadily since its She laughed, remembering how Kathy Rhoads never inception, awarding nearly $300,000 in the past four gave up. “I tell everyone, you have to come and see these years. The group is definitely filling a void, Wood said. kids, you’re not going to believe how talented they are.”

“This kind of [scholarship] money just does not exist for the performing arts,” he said. “The places to compete are limited, and most of the grants are very small. This is really an opportunity to help a lot more kids get a lot more opportunities.”

Ticket information on the 2013 performance and awards ceremony May 19 at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre is at lascasasfoundation.org, 210-223-4343.

Auditions are closed to the public.

There are four scholarship categories, all based in theater and musical theater only, with more than $70,000 planned to be awarded in acting (monologue), vocal (solo), duet acting, and dance solo (no en pointe ballet).

Photo L-R: Lynn Zalcberg, Hunter Wulff (2012 scholarship winner), Jocelyn Straus, Skip Wood, Charline McCombs, Kathy Rhoads, Cristina Cintora (2011 scholarship winner) and Kaye Lenox March/April 2013 | On The Town 19

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Events Calendar 22-38

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March-April 2013 Events Calendar Music Notes Don Williams 3/1, Fri @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Larry Joe Taylor 3/1, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Drugstore Cowboys 3/1, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Johnny Lee & The Urban Cowboy Band 3/1, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store San Antonio Symphony Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel 3/1-2, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Laurie Auditorium Rockbox Theater Fredericksburg 3/1-4/28, Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 4:30 & 8pm, Sun @ 2pm Fred Sings!

3/2, Sat @ 2pm Bihl Haus Arts

Casey James 3/2, Sat @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio Texas Independence Day Celebration 3/2, Sat – Brian Burns @ 1pm Doug Moreland @ 3pm Dusty Britches @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Juan Gabriel Canciones del Alma 3/2, Sat @ 7pm Josephine Theatre San Antonio Chamber Choir Songs of Love and Yearning: Brahms and the German Romantics 3/2, Sat @ 8pm St. Mark’s Episcopal Styx 3/2, Sat @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Billy Mata & Texas Tradition 3/2, Sat @ 8:15pm Leon Springs Dancehall

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Gary P. Nunn 3/2, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Max Stalling 3/2/, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Mid-Texas Symphony Pines of Rome 3/3, Sun @ 4pm David Mairs, conductor Ashley Neumann, soprano Jackson Auditorium @ Texas Lutheran University Seguin San Antonio Brass The Thrill of Victory & The Agony of Defeat 3/3, Sun @ 2pm Beacon Hill Presbyterian 3/5, Tue @ 7pm Abiding Presence Lutheran The Brook McGuire Band 3/5, Tue @ 7:30pm Josephine Theatre Greatest Hits Live!

Jason Eady performing Merle Haggard 3/7, Thu @ 7:30pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels

Symphony of the Hills If the Shu Fits 3/7, Thu @ 7:30pm Dr. Jay Dunnahoo, conductor Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville Rodney Hayden 3/8, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Mario Flores & The Soda Creek Band 3/8, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Bart Crow 3/8, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall San Antonio Symphony Fire and Blood 3/8-9, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor Alexandre Da Costa, violin Majestic Theatre The Celtic Sons 3/9, Sat @ 7pm Josephine Theatre Dale Watson 3/9, Fri @ 8pm Kendalia Halle

Almost Patsy Cline 3/9, Sat @ 8:15pm Leon Springs Dancehall Robert Earl Keen 3/9, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Texas Tornados 3/9, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Spring Break Party Roger Creager plus Micky and the Motorcars 3/9, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Gene Watson & Jeannie Seely 3/10, Sun @ 3pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville They Might Be Giants 3/10, Sun @ 8pm John T. Floore Country Store Willie Nelson 3/11, Mon @ 7:30pm Majestic Theatre

Olmos Ensemble Two Trios and a Fun Quartet!

3/11, Mon @ 7:30pm First Unitarian Universalist

Merle Haggard 3/14, Thu @ 8:30pm John T. Floore Country Store

Moody Blues 3/12, Tue @ 8pm Majestic Theatre

Turnpike Troubadours 3/15, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio

Two Tons of Steel 3/12, Tue @ 8:30pm Gruene Hall

Bordertown Bootleggers 3/15, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Ryan Bingham 3/13, Wed @ 8pm Gruene Hall

Cactus Country 3/15, Fri @ 8:15pm Leon Springs Dancehall

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Monte Montgomery 3/15, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Roger Creager’s Texas Fiesta 3/15-16, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Gloriana 3/16, Sat @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio Brauntex Presents Let’s Hang On! 3/16, Sat @ 7:30pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels Jay Hooker & the Outsiders 3/16, Sat @ 8pm Anhalt Hall

Fredericksburg Music Club Four Nations Ensemble 3/17, Sun @ 3pm Fredericksburg United Methodist San Antonio Chamber Music Society David Finckel & Wu Han 3/17, Sun @ 3:15pm Temple Beth-El San Antonio Choral Society On the Red Carpet: Hollywood Movie Classics 3/17, Sun @ 4pm St. George Maronite Catholic Sky Blu of LMFAO 3/17, Sun @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio

Band of Heathens 3/22, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Billy Currington 3/29, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio

San Antonio Symphony The Four Seasons 3/22-23, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Cho-Liang Lin, conductor and violin Majestic Theatre

Aaron Watson 3/29, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall

Mud Dauber / Rock N Billy Chili Fest: Billy Joe Shaver, Dale Watson & more 3/23, Sat @ 12pm Luckenbach Dancehall Rocky King 3/23, Sat @ 8:15pm Leon Springs Dancehall

The Mavericks 3/16, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Stoney LaRue 3/22, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio

Honeybrowne 3/23, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall

Micky and the Motorcars 3/23, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Blackberry Smoke 3/16, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Terri Hendrix 3/22. Fri @ 8pm Little Carver Theatre

Michael Card 3/24, Sun @ 6pm Coker United Methodist

Almost Patsy Cline 3/22, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

SOLI Chamber Ensemble New, Newer, Newest 3/25, Mon @ 7:30pm Gallery Nord 3/26, Tue @ 7:30pm Ruth Taylor Recital Hall @ Trinity University

Bobby McMorris: Got’s Ta B Mo Carefool II 3/16-17, Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 4:30pm Jo Long Theatre @ The Carver

Chilton Vance Band 3/22, Fri @ 8:15pm Leon Springs Dancehall

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Chris Story 3/29, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall The Spazmatics 3/29, Fri @ 8pm Bluebonnet Palace Josh Abbott Band 3/29, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Asleep at the Wheel 3/30, Sat @ 8pm Anhalt Hall Jody Nix 3/30, Sat @ 8:15pm Leon Springs Dancehall Granger Smith 3/30, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Junior Brown 3/30, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Cody Canada & The Departed 3/30, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dancehall

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Romeo Santos 4/4, Thu @ 8pm AT&T Center Camerata San Antonio String Sextets 4/4, Thu @ 7:30pm Kerrville First Presbyterian 4/5, Fri @ 7:30pm Boerne First United Methodist 4/7, Sun @ 3pm Christ Episcopal San Antonio Chris Story 4/5, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Ray Wylie Hubbard’s Grit ‘n Groove Festival 4/6, Sat / 2pm – 12am Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels San Antonio International Piano Competition Piano Series Jeffrey Biegel 4/6, Sat @ 7:30pm First Unitarian Universalist The Arts at Coker Jelani Eddington 4/6, Sat @ 7:30pm Coker United Methodist Josh Peek 4/6, Sat @ 8:15pm Leon Springs Dancehall Asleep at the Wheel 4/6, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall

Randy Rogers Band 4/6, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Voci di Sorelle Harmonia: World Music For The Soul 4/7, Sun @ 3pm St. Luke’s Episcopal Musical Offerings Jazz Meets Classical XXI 4/8, Mon @ 7pm San Antonio Museum of Art 4/9, Tue @ 7:30pm Christ Episcopal Church Tuesday Musical Club Darrett Adkins & Jonathan Feldman 4/9, Tue @ 2pm Christ Episcopal Church Carver Community Cultural Center: Kenny Barron 4/12, Fri @ 8pm Jo Long Theatre Almost Patsy Cline 4/12, Fri @ 8:15pm Leon Springs Dancehall Paul Thorn 4/12, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

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San Antonio Symphony Verdi’s Requiem 4/12-13, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor SA Symphony Mastersingers UTSA Concert Choir Trinity University Choir Ana Maria Martinez, soprano Geraldine Chauvet, mezzo Dimitri Pittas, tenor Lester Lynch, baritone Majestic Theatre

San Antonio Chamber Music Society Ebene Quartet 4/14, Sun @ 3:15pm Temple Beth-El

Euphoria Music Fest 2013 4/12-13, Fri-Sat – Times TBD Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels

KONO 101.1 Presents Chicago 4/16, Tue @ 8pm Majestic Theatre

Thomas Michael Riley Music Fest 4/12-14, Fri-Sat @ 7pm Sun @ 1pm Luckenbach Dancehall Monte Good 4/13, Sat @ 8pm Kendalia Halle Billy Garza Band 4/13, Sat @ 8:15pm Leon Springs Dancehall Copperleaf Quintet Agnus Dei: Reflections for Easter 4/14, Sun @ 3pm Mission Concepcion

Arts San Antonio 2 Cellos: Luka Sulic & Stjepan Hauser 4/14, Sun @ 7:30pm Majestic Theatre Foreigner 4/15, Mon @ 7:30pm Majestic Theatre

Marty Stuart 4/17, Wed @ 7:30pm Brauntex Theatre New Braunfels Lady Legends Tour with Lisa Lisa & Tiffany 4/19, Fri @ 8pm Laurie Auditorium Delbert McClinton 4/19, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Dale Watson 4/19, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Good Girls with Bad Intentions 4/19, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

San Antonio Symphony Fiesta Pops 4/19-20, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Akiko Fujimoto, conductor Guadalupe Dance Company Majestic Theatre Brauntex Presents Greg Bonham: The Voice of Vegas 4/20, Sat @ 7:30pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels

Tony Booth 4/20, Sat @ 8pm Anhalt Hall Cactus Country 4/20, Sat @ 8:15pm Leon Springs Dancehall Fredericksburg Music Club Nancy Zhou 4/21, Sun @ 3pm Fredericksburg United Methodist

San Antonio Symphony Fiesta Baroque 4/21, Sun @ 7pm Akiko Fujimoto, conductor Sayaka Okada, violin Hideaki Okada, oboe San Fernando Cathedral

Almost Patsy Cline 4/26, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Carrie Underwood: The Blown Away Tour 4/25, Thu @ 7:30pm Freeman Coliseum

Rance Norton 4/27, Sat @ 8:15pm Leon Springs Dancehall

Gypsy Kings 4/26, Fri @ 8pm Majestic Theatre

Meyer Anderson 4/26, Fri @ 8:15pm Leon Springs Dancehall

Little Big Town: The Tornado Tour featuring David Nail 4/28, Sun @ 7:30pm Majestic Theatre

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On Stage Hill Country Arts Foundation Love, Loss, and What I Wore 3/1-2, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Elizabeth Huth Coates Theatre Ingram UIW Theatre Arts The Memory of Water 3/1-2, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Coates Theatre @ University of the Incarnate Word Northwest Vista College Drama Department Black Box-er Shorts 3/1-2, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Palmetto Center for the Arts Black Box Theatre S.T.A.G.E A Time To Heal 3/1-2 & 7-9, Thu-Sat @ 8pm (Dinner optional @ 6:30pm) 3/3 & 10, Sun @ 2:30pm (Lunch optional @ 1pm) Kraus Haus – Bulverde Boerne Community Theatre Funny Valentines 3/1-16, Thu @ 7L30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Woodlawn Theatre The Full Monty 3/1-17, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm

The Playhouse San Antonio Roads Courageous 3/1-17, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Russell Hill Rogers Theatre

The Overtime Theater Waiting For Lefty 3/8-23, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun (3/10) @ 2pm (No Show Sat 3/9) Greg Barrios Theater

Arts Center Enterprises Presents Spamalot 3/24, Sun @ 2pm & 7pm Majestic Theatre

The Overtime Theater Sex Party 3/1-23, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun (3/10) @ 2:30pm, (3/17) @ 7pm Little Overtime Theater

Woodlawn Theatre Presents A Fistful of Meatballs Murder Mystery 3/9 & 23, Sat @ 6pm Deco Pizzeria

Cadillac Broadway in San Antonio Million Dollar Quartet 4/4-7, Tue-Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @2pm & 7:30pm Majestic Theatre

A Little Less Conversation…

A Little More Vegas 3/1-26, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Pat Berlet Memorial Theatre @ Carmack Performing Arts Complex

Woodlawn Black Box Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean 3/15-4/7, Fri-Sat @ 7pm Sun @ 3pm Woodlawn Theatre

St. Philips College Theatre A Place to Stand 4/5-14 Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm The Watson Theatre

Sheldon Vexler Theatre Glengarry Glen Ross 3/2-3, Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Barshop JCC

Cameo Theatre Avenue Q 3/16-4/14, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 4pm

The Playhouse San Antonio In Their Shoes 3/6-7, Wed-Thu @ 6pm Russell Hill Rogers Theatre

Geniuses of the American Musical Theatre: George Gershwin Lecture/Concert featuring Herb Keyser and Bett Butler 3/18, Mon @ 7:30pm Josephine Theatre

Harlequin Dinner Theatre Broadway Divas 3/7-4/20, Thu-Sat @ 8pm (Dinner @ 6:15pm)

Menopause The Musical 3/23-24, Sat @ 3pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre

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Woodlawn Theatre The Producers 4/4-5/5, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm Hill Country Arts Foundation Tiger Be Still 4/5-20, Thu-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm (4/7 only) Elizabeth Huth Coates Theatre Ingram Playhouse 2000 Barefoot in the Park 4/5-21, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm, Sun @ 2pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville

Circle Arts Theatre New Braunfels Last Mass at St. Casimirs 4/5-28, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm

The Overtime Theater Masquerade 4/6-5/4, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Greg Barrios Theater

Geniuses of the American Musical Theatre: John Denver& Willie Nelson Lecture/Concert featuring Herb Keyser and Bett Butler 4/8, Mon @ 7:30pm Josephine Theatre Allegro Stage Company A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum 4/11-20, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Palmetto Center for the Arts @ Northwest Vista College

Trinity University Theatre Department The Crazy Locomotive 4/12-14, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm 4/17-20, Wed-Thu @ 7pm 2/22-23, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Stieren Theater

UIW Theatre Arts Italian American Reconciliation 4/19-21, Fri-Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 2pm 4/25-27, Thu @ 7pm, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Coates Theatre @ University of the Incarnate Word

Fredericksburg Theater Company Moonlight & Magnolias 4/12-28, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm, Sun @ 2pm Steve W. Shepherd Theater

The Metropolitan Opera Series: Parsifal (Live on screen) 3/2, Sat @ 11am The Rialto, Cielo Vista 18, Huebner 14 & McCreeles Cinema

Opera

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The Metropolitan Opera Series: Rigoletto (On screen encore presentation) 3/6, Wed @ 6:30pm The Rialto, Cielo Vista 18, Huebner 14 & McCreeles Cinema The Metropolitan Opera Series: Francesca da Rimini (Live on screen) 3/16, Sat @ 11am The Rialto, Cielo Vista 18, Huebner 14 & McCreeles Cinema The Metropolitan Opera Series: Parsifal (On screen encore presentation) 3/20, Wed @ 6:30pm The Rialto, Cielo Vista 18, Huebner 14 & McCreeles Cinema Texas Hill Country Opera & Arts Opera-Pasta-Pizza (with singers from Texas State University Opera Department) 3/21 & 4/18, Thu / 6:30pm8:30pm Broken Stone Pizza Boerne The Metropolitan OperaSeries: Francesca da Rimini (On screen encore presentation) 4/3, Wed @ 6:30pm The Rialto, Cielo Vista 18, Huebner 14 & McCreeles Cinema

The Metropolitan Opera Series: Giulio Cesare (Live on screen) 4/27, Sat @ 11am The Rialto, Cielo Vista 18, Huebner 14 & McCreeles Cinema

Dance The Ballet Conservatory Presents Synergy 2013 3/2-3, Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Jo Long Theatre @ The Carver Arts San Antonio The Joffrey Ballet 3/8, Fri @ 7:30pm Lila Cockrell Theatre Ballet San Antonio Presents Sheherazade 3/23-24, Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Jo Long Theatre @ The Carver Arts San Antonio Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo 4/11, Thu @ 7:30pm Lila Cockrell Theatre Monica Moon 2013 Dance Recital 4/14, Sun @ 6pm Jo Long Theatre @ The Carver

30 On The Town | March/April 2013

Shen Yun 4/14-17, Sun @ 2pm & 7:30pm Mon-Tue @ 7:30pm Wed @ 2pm & 7:30pm Lila Cockrell Theatre San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet Dance Kaleidoscope 4/20, Sat @ 7:30pm Jo Long Theatre @ The Carver

Children’s

The Magik Theater Rapunzel 3/1-30, Tue-Thu @ 9:45am & 11:30am, Fri @ 9:45am, 11:30am & 7pm, Sat @ 2pm Children’s Fine Arts Series Rainbow Fish 3/7, Thu @ 6:30pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre Yo Gabba Gabba! Live: Get the Sillies Out 3/16, Sat @ 2pm & 5pm Majestic Theatre Children’s Fine Arts Series Laura Ingalls Wilder 3/7, Tue @ 6:30pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre The Magik Theater The Velveteen Rabbit 4/10-5/11, Tue-Thu @ 9:45am & 11:30am, Fri @ 9:45am, 11:30am & 7pm, Sat @ 2pm

Super WHY Live: You’ve Got the Power!

4/17, Wed @ 6pm Majestic Theatre

Comedy Rivercenter Comedy Club Collin Moulton 3/1-3, Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Sun @ 8:30pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Chris Bliss 3/1-3, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Justin Worsham 3/6, Wed @ 8pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Chinaman 3/6-10, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Dean Edwards 3/7-10, Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Helen Keaney 3/13, Wed @ 8:30pm

Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Greg Warren 3/13-17, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Felipe Esparza 3/14-17, Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Jim Gaffigan 3/20, Wed @ 7pm Majestic Theatre

Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club John Morgan 3/20-24, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm

Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Cleto Rodriguez 3/27-30, Wed-Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10pm

George Lopez 3/28-30, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Majestic Theatre

Rivercenter Comedy Club Mike Britt 3/20-24, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm

Rivercenter Comedy Club Mike Robles 3/27-30, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm

Rivercenter Comedy Club Justin Worsham 4/3-7, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm

Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Andy Haynes 4/3-4, Wed-Thu @ 8pm

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Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Bryan Callen: Man Class, The Tour 4/5-7, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Shayla Rivera 4/10-14, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Jim Dailakis 4/10-14, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Rodney Laney 4/17-21, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Chris Fonseca 4/17-21, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Kelly Morton 4/24-28, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:30pm

On Exhibit ARTPACE International Artist-In-Resident New Works: 13.1 Tala Madani Adam Putnam J. Parker Valentine Suzanne Cotter, curator Opens 3/21 Hudson Showroom Transitions Thru 4/21 Window Works Leigh Anne Lester Cultivated Divergence Thru 4/21 BIHL HAUS ARTS ICONS: Contemporary Cuban Art by Adrian Rumbaut Opens 4/13 BLUE STAR CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER Scott Martin: Brake Thru 3/30 Lloyd Walsh: Solo Exhibition Thru 3/30 Gary Sweeney: A Forty-Year Overview (1973-2013) Thru 5/11

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BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM Night of Artists Exhibit 3/24-4/28 Jack Guenther Pavilion

McNAY ART MUSEUM

INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES

Leonard Brooks of San Miguel de Allende Thru 5/19

Printed in San Antonio Thru 5/12

Bantu Eyez: Somali Bantu of Texas Photography by Cristina J. Sanchez Thru 3/3

Real/Surreal: Selections from the Whitney Museum of Modern Art Thru 5/19

Texas Contemporary Artists Series: Luisa Wheeler Thru 5/3

The Human Face and Form Thru 5/19

Arte Chihuahua Thru 5/5

Chris Larson: Deep North Thru 5/21

Girl Power !

Thru 7/14 Made in Texas Thru 9/29 Why We Came: The Immigration Experience 3/30-9/29

Fiesta, Fete, Festival Thru 6/9 Majority Rules: A Decade of Contemporary Art Acquisitions Thru 9/15

INSTITUTO CULTURAL de MEXICO

SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN

Sintesis De Nuestra Identidad Nacional Thru 3/31

Sand Sculpture Exhibit 3/8-15

Culturas Mesoamericanas Thru 3/31

Art in the Garden 2013 (In conjunction with Blue Star Contemporary Art Center) Opens 3/22 – on display one year

Estampa Mexicana Thru 3/31

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART

Luminous Impressions: The Operatic and Fantasy Prints of Henri Fantin-Latour Thru 4/7

Entombed Treasures: Funerary Art of Han Dynasty China Thru 4/21

Rostros de Maria: The Virgin as Archetype and Inspiration Thru 4/30

SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART

Artists of SAMOMA from the SAMA Collection Thru 5/26

Julie Speed: Solo Exhibition Thru 4/28

Pasion Popular: Spanish and Latin American Folk Art from The Cecere Collection 4/6-8/18

WITTE MUSEUM Robert J. and Helen C. Kleberg South Texas Heritage Center at The Witte Museum Now Open

Mock/Bite Thru 4/28

Tracy Lynch: Kindred Gestures Thru 4/28

Threads of South America: 2000 Years of Textiles Thru 3/31

Joshua Lee Yurcheshen: Family Thru 4/28

Artists on the Texas Frontier Thru 5/27

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Wanderlust: From German to Texan Thru 6/9 Witte Through Time: 85 Years and Still Growing Thru 8/13 Dinosaurs Unearthed: Bigger. Better.

Feathered.

Thru 9/2 Patriotism and Pageantry: Fiesta Honors the Military 4/18-8/18

Miscellaneous Cine Festival en San Antonio Thru 3/2 Guadalupe Theater Guadalupe Cultural Center William Barrett Travis “Victory or Death” Letter Thru 3/7 Alamo First Friday Art Walk 3/1 & 4/5 Southtown Luminaria 2013 3/9, Sat / 7pm-12am HemisFair Park

Murphy’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival 3/16-17, Sat-Sun / 12pm6pm Arneson River Theatre

Fiesta® San Antonio 4/18-28 Various Locations www.fiesta-sa.org for complete information

Max Stalling Courtesy maxstalling.com

Culinaria 5K Wine & Beer Run 3/23, Sat @ 8am Shops at La Cantera

VIVA Botanica & Plant Sale 4/21, Sun / 10am-2pm San Antonio Botanical Garden

San Antonio Brass Courtesy sabrass.org

2013 Race for Prevention of Child Abuse 3/23, Sat @ 8am Valero Corporate Headquarters Texas Rangers vs.

San Diego Padres Major League Baseball Exhibition 3/29-30, Fri @ 7:05pm Sat @ 1:05pm Alamodome Valero Texas Open 4/4-7, Thu-Sun (all day) TPC San Antonio Defiant Requiem 4/7, Thu @ 7pm Barshop Jewish Community Center Disney On Ice: Rockin’ Ever After 4/10-14, Wed-Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 11:30am, 3:30pm & 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm Alamodome

34 On The Town | March/April 2013

14th Annual Taste of the Northside 4/24, Wed @ 5:30pm Club at Sonterra Courtesy Majestic Theatre

Photo Credits Page 22 (L-R) Don Williams Courtesy Majestic Theatre Johnny Lee Courtesy liveatfloores.com Michael Krajewski Courtesy michaelkrajewski. com Styx Courtesy Majestic Theatre Page 23 (L-R) Gary P. Nunn Courtesy liveatfloores.com

David Mairs Courtesy mtsymphony. com

Page 24 (L-R) Mario Flores Courtesy liveatfloores.com Bart Crow Courtesy liveatfloores.com Sebastian Lang-Lessing Photo by Marks Moore Dale Watson Courtesy liveatfloores.com Page 26 (L-R) Robert Earl Keen Courtesy liveatfloores.com Willie Nelson Photo by David McClister Moody Blues Photo by Mark Owens Two Tons of Steel Courtesy twotons.com Page 27 (L-R) Roger Creager Courtesy rogercreager. com

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David Finckel and Wu Han Courtesy davidfinckelandwuhan. com Terri Hendrix Courtesy terrihendrix.com Cho-Liang Lin Courtesy Opus 3 Artists Page 28 (L-R) SOLI Chamber Ensemble Photo by Kemp Davis Billy Currington Courtesy billycurrington. com The Spazmatics Courtesy thespazmatics. net Josh Abbot Band Courtesy liveatfloores.com Page 29 (L-R) Asleep at the Wheel Courtesy sonicbids.com

Cody Canada and The Departed Courtesy liveatfloores.com

Camerata San Antonio Photo by Greg Harrison

2 Cellos Photo by Stephan Lupino

Randy Rogers Band Courtesy randyrogersband.com

Foreigner Courtesy Majestic Theatre

Page 30 (L-R) Jeffrey Biegel Courtesy jeffreybiegel.com Voci di Sorelle Courtesy benissimomusic. org

Joan Christenson Musical Offerings Courtesy musicalofferings. org

Darrett Adkins Courtesy Tuesday Musical Club

Page 31 (L-R)

Kenny Barron Photo by John Sann

Ana Maria Martinez Photo by Tom Specht

36 On The Town | March/April 2013

Page 32 (L-R)

Chicago Courtesy Majestic Theatre

Marty Stuart Photo by James Minchin

Herb Keyser Courtesy musicaltheatregeniuses. com Page 34 (L-R) Bett Butler Courtesy musicaltheatregeniuses. com Menopause The Musical Courtesy G4 Productions

Spamalot Photo by Scott Schuman

Akiko Fujimoto Photo by Eric Green Nancy Zhou Courtesy fredericksburgmusicclub. com

Spamalot Photo by Scott Suchman

Page 36 (L-R)

Page 33 (L-R)

Million Dollar Quartet Photo by Paul Natkin

Carrie Underwood Courtesy carrieunderwood.com

Les Ballets Trockadero Courtesy Arts San Antonio

Chris Knight Courtesy liveatfloores.com

Shayla Rivera Courtesy shaylarivera.com

Little Big Town Courtesy Majestic Theatre

Jim Dailakis Courtesy jimdailakis.com

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38 On The Town | March/April 2013

November-December 2012 | On The Town 38

Culinary Arts

40-52

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40 On The Town | March/April 2013

DAVID SNYDER Life is Bella ”

I

f I had never opened a restaurant, succeed or fail, I would have been incomplete professionally,” said David Snyder, who after more than 30 years in restaurant and club management finally fulfilled a lifelong dream of establishing his own restaurant: Bella on the River.

By Chris Dunn Photography Greg Harrison “We didn’t want to be purely Italian,” Snyder said. For example, he points to Bella’s Spanish paella, which “has emerged as one of our top-selling menu items.”

Even though much of the inspiration for the food comes from the Mediterranean, Snyder admits he has found inspiration in other places, as well, In only 18 months of operation, Bella has won the including Biloxi, Miss.

2012 Critics Choice Award from the San Antonio Express-News for “Best River Walk Dining,” has been It was there, at White Pillars restaurant, Snyder chosen by San Antonio Magazine as one of the “Top discovered an appetizer called Eggplant Josephine.

10 Best New Restaurants for 2012,” has received the He never forgot it. Years later, while developing the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence, and is on the menu for Bella, Snyder described the dish to his exclusive Texas Monthly Recommended list. executive chef, Sean Fletcher, who reinterpreted it for contemporary San Antonio tastes. And it Snyder said he started his career waiting tables at became an instant hit. the 28-seat D&M Curci’s Harbor Inn in Cocoa Beach, Fla. As the restaurant grew to a 225-seat capacity, Fletcher, who is a Texas Culinary Academy graduate, Snyder’s responsibilities grew, as well. “I was host said, “When you’re researching recipes, you want to for breakfast, waiter at lunch, waiter at dinner and put your own spin on it.” And he did. His unique wine steward,” he said with a grin. take on this Southern classic features rice flour crusted, crisply fried slices of eggplant topped with After joining the U.S. Air Force in 1976, Snyder a spicy Diablo Sauce and Texas Gulf shrimp, covered became a club management trainee at the McGuire with mozzarella, baked, stacked, and smothered Air Force Officers’ Club, followed by a tour of duty with a luxurious Hollandaise sauce. One serving is at Osan Air Base, Korea, where he worked at the rich enough for two to share.

Seoul House Officers’ Club.

Snyder said, “Fletcher has carte blanche to do After a two-and-a-half-year stint at the NCO club what he wants to do,” and added, “a lot of his in Athens, Greece, Snyder was club/restaurant work is more New American than purely European management instructor/director at the Armed or Mediterranean, but he has obliged me in Forces Culinary Upgrade Program, and completed his maintaining the majority of the menu within that 20-year Air Force career as services superintendent cuisine mix.” at Hickam AFB, Hawaii.

The young and energetic chef already has an While stationed in Greece, Snyder took many trips extensive and varied resume, which includes throughout the region and discovered the flavors stints at the Watermark Hotel, Casablanca Grill, Las that influence the “Southern European, mostly Landas, Bohanan’s, Merchants, Ounce Steakhouse Mediterranean” menu at Bella on the River. and Copeland’s of New Orleans. It was at Copeland’s, March/April 2013 | On The Town 41

Fletcher said, he gained valuable experience working in a high-volume corporate operation.

Bella, with its seasonal menu and seating for 45 guests, is quite a change from a highly structured national franchise, and Fletcher relishes the creative freedom it has given him. “My favorite thing is the thing I haven’t made yet,” he said.

Fletcher, along with sous chef Luis Colon and the kitchen staff, prepare a wide variety of small plates, such as Mussels with Tarragon and Mustard Cream sauce, Fritto Misto of fried shrimp and vegetables served with Lemon Aioli, Marinara, and Romesco sauces, Spanish Marcona Almonds and Assorted Greek Olives and a Provence-inspired Pork Pâté served with pickled red onions, caper berries, mustard and crostini.

Main-course highlights range from Fettuccini alla Bolognese to Veal Piccata with artichokes, capers and mushrooms, Chicken Mattone (a deboned roasted half chicken with lemon butter sauce), Texas Redfish with Brussels Sprouts Puree and Orange Carrot Jus, and the highly popular Seafood Paella with Saffron rice, Gulf Shrimp, fresh clams and mussels, chicken and chorizo. Fletcher and Colon also regularly create off-menu items; a current favorite is White Wine Braised Veal Cheek.

Some of the dessert menu items are Lemon and Olive Oil Cake, White Chocolate Blueberry Crème Brulee, and upscale S’mores: graham crackers filled with chocolate mousse, marshmallow, Nutella and caramel. There is also a dessert you’ll find only at Bella: Virginia’s Pistachio Cake, with pistachio icing, pistachios, caramel and shaved chocolate. Snyder said he got the recipe from a family friend and describes it as having a “super-moist texture” and an icing that is “cloud soft.”

In addition to the well-crafted food, Snyder believes Bella’s historic location, roughhewn limestone walls, intimate atmosphere and live jazz piano make it “one of the most unique places in San Antonio.” He said his focus now is “making sure we deliver the food, quality and service that this space deserves.”

Snyder said Bella reminds him of a “mountaintop grotto restaurant that overlooked Naples Bay.” And it’s a beautiful thing he decided to recreate it here.

42 On The Town | March/April 2013

Sean Fletcher Executive Chef

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Culinaria FestivalWeek: May 15-19

By Ginger McAneer-Robinson Photography courtesy Culinaria Wine & Culinary Arts Festival

C

.ulinaria Festival Week, a five-day series of events morning with Culinaria guests. Wake up the senses featuring food, wine and more, runs May 15-19. with his spin on the Mexican tradition of the Saturday morning brunch, or Sabado, featuring food, cocktails New this year, Culinaria will host two nights of and entertainment.

Winemaker Dinners because one just isn’t enough to showcase the amazing talent involved. Rather than Saturday also is dedicated to learning, with seminars limit dinners to wine, guests who prefer beer or spirits and cooking demonstrations throughout the day. The schedule will be announced at a later date. also may find something that speaks to their taste.

The Food Truck Event, presented by H-E-B, is back at Alon Market. A variety of food trucks will cater to many tasty desires. The family-friendly evening also features a movie and, new this year, Vendors’ Row, which will add an eclectic shopping experience to the event.

The Grand Tasting at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center is an elegant event, featuring the best of the best, with small bites prepared by chefs and an array of wines to be shared.

Festival week concludes with the Burgers, BBQ and The end of the work week signifies the day for two of Beer event – and it’s Texas to the core. The outdoor Culinaria’s most popular events: the Becker Luncheon event is designed for the whole family with plenty of and the Best of Mexico. A short, scenic drive out to room for the kids to play. The chefs will be firing up the Becker Vineyards will prove worthy when guests grill to prepare their specialties. are treated to a multi-course menu prepared by four local chefs. The intimate setting also provides A 5K Wine and Beer Run March 23 is designed for guests the chance to hear from some of the week’s health nuts and foodies alike. Runners, walkers and visiting winemakers and to taste their offerings. those who are just there to watch are invited to take Later that evening, the Best of Mexico moves out to part in an array of pre- and post-5K activities. the Shops at La Cantera. Chefs set the stage for a culinary adventure to Mexico without even leaving For more information, including ticket information, the city. This event features live entertainment to times and locations, visit culinariasa.org, or call the Culinaria office at 210-822-9555. Proceeds from this keep participants moving. year’s events will support the group’s latest endeavor, Chef Johnny Hernandez stays busy here at home and the Culinaria Center and Gardens for Food, Nature and across the globe, but he wants to spend a Saturday Agricultural Education.

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ave you ever had a meal so memorable that it ..lingered on the palate weeks, months–– perhaps years––after you left the restaurant?

The high quality of ingredients, skillfully executed techniques and perfectly paired flavors artfully merge together against a canvas of delightful ambiance and impeccable service. Recollecting that epicurean moment likely evokes mouth-watering nostalgia and subconsciously sets the standard for each subsequent dining experience. And if you’ve ever dined at a DiRōNA (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) restaurant, you’ve likely discovered a similar moment.

Less than 800 restaurants across North America have garnered the award, and you have more fingers on your hand than needed to count those in the area that have earned the distinction––San Antonio’s Bohanan’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, Fig Tree Restaurant and its two Ruth’s Chris Steak House locations as well as August E’s in Fredericksburg. For nearly a quarter century, DiRōNA has defined what it means to be distinguished in the dining community, and the restaurants that have earned the distinction are a true testament to their commitment to quality. DiRōNA was founded in 1990 as a nonprofit organization with a mission of raising dining standards throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Its inspection program is both comprehensive and objective––the anonymous process is conducted by an independently contracted company and overseen by a DiRōNA committee to ensure integrity. Eligible restaurants are rated on criteria including quality of physical property, environment and decor, cuisine, beverages and service.

But talking with those who have earned the distinction brings with it an understanding that it’s no easy feat.

It’s a level of perfection that’s close to impossible to achieve––a craft that must be replicated plate after plate, night after night, year after year.

breathe it and we drink it every day.” Take one bite of the tender, treasured Japanese Akaushi beef at Bohanan’s––the only restaurant in the country serving it for three years––and you will believe him. Bohanan credits the award-winning restaurant’s success to his 85 employees who stay true to this concept. “They are the true commodity that we cherish, and we hire them with the notion that our place isn’t for everybody,” he says. “If you don’t want to be the best, and if you don’t want to go over the top for the guests and yourself professionally, it won’t work.” And there is a certain level of pride in believing what in what you do. In a business that attracts diners from all over the world, Bohanan says there is an expectation that is almost impossible to meet. “But we meet it,” Bohanan says. “We shoot for perfection every single day.” For Bohanan’s, the proof is in the accolades. Since opening its doors a decade ago, Bohanan’s has been DiRōNA rated for the past seven years––only because a restaurant must be in business under the same ownership and concept for at least three years to qualify. On an average night, Bohanan’s serves around 200 guests. And one thing is for certain: whether its the lump crabmeat-stuffed jumbo shrimp wrapped in hickory-smoked bacon and broiled to perfection or the chateaubriand for two served with sauce béarnaise, duchesse potatoes, jumbo asparagus and hollandaise sauce, it’s sure to be an unforgettable meal.

FIG TREE RESTAURANT www.figtreerestaurant.com Fig Tree Restaurant, the culinary gem in the heart of La Villita, has been offering exquisite food and ambiance for more than four decades, but it is still capable of whisking its diners away to another place entirely.

“When you are sitting on that patio, you could be anywhere in the world,” says Moe Lazri, president and general manager of Fig Tree, Little Rhein Steak House and Dashiell House. If you don’t believe him, take a seat on Fig Tree’s outdoor villa-style terrace perched above BOHANAN’S www.bohanans.com the San Antonio river and watch as visions of Tuscany or “It is a simple concept,” says Mark Bohanan, executive Provence begin to surface. If you’re in need of worldly chef/owner. “We are the best, and we are going to inspiration, open Fig Tree’s award-winning wine list work every day to be the best. We live it, we eat it, we which features more than 300 selections from just about March/April 2013 | On The Town 49

anywhere––from Chili to New Zealand and France to California. The simple yet elegant vibe continues inside where the cozy house-turned-restaurant provides the perfect creamy linen and fine china backdrop to signature meals such as tournedos rossini with perigourdine sauce. Fig Tree was the first restaurant in San Antonio to earn the DiRōNA distinction in 1998 and has held on to it tightly ever since. “Our standards are the highest––we can not only meet, but we surpass our guests expectations in everything,” says Lazri. “Many guests come from the street and don’t expect to see what is out there overlooking the river.”

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE www.ruthschris.com As Ruth’s Chris founder, Ruth Fertel, used to say: “If you’ve ever had a filet this good, welcome back.”

And this motto still holds true today. “The memory of a great meal stays with you long after the table’s been cleared,” says Kathy Glascock, director of public relations. “That is why we use only the freshest and finest ingredients.” At Ruth’s Chris, quality is not a trend––it is their signature. “We credit our success on the commitment of our restaurant to providing a world class dining experience with the finest prime beef to be found,” she says. Ruth Chris’ steaks are broiled to perfection at 1800 degrees to lock in the juices and served sizzling on 500-degree plates to keep them hot throughout the entire meal. “Ruth’s Chris Steak House epitomizes fine dining excellence in all aspects of the culinary experience, from the quality of our steaks, to the depth of wine offerings, atmosphere and ambiance, consistent presentation, private dining accommodations and of course world class service,” says Glascock. “As a first-time winner of the DiRōNA, the entire Ruth’s Chris family is extremely proud that both San Antonio restaurants have earned this recognition and plan to maintain it for a very long time.”

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AUGUST E’s www.august-es.com “I think what I love most about August E’s is the fact that we source the best food we possibly can, and do so locally as much as possible, without ever over preparing it,” says Dawn Savanh, co-owner and general manager of August E’s. “With a tiny freezer and a 20-by-20 walk-in, we are really all about bringing freshness to the table,” she says. The only DiRōNA restaurant in Fredericksburg makes everything from scratch, and Savanh can rattle off a list of ingredients for any item on the menu. As someone who has sat on the DiRōNA board herself, Savanh knows what it means to earn the distinction.

“One of my primary goals was to get the DiRōNA certification–– DiRōNA seemed to be the marker for

a restaurant that has made it,” she says. “DiRōNA itself doesn’t do the reviews, but they set the standards, which makes it unbiased. DiRōNA evaluators know the difference from a bordelaise, béchamel, or a béarnaise.

You have someone with a skill set evaluating you who can understand what you are trying to do.” One meal at August E’s and there will be no doubt in your mind that the restaurant is deserving of the award. Whether it is the grilled Diamond H. quail stuffed with wild rice, cranberries and house made sausage topped with au jus or the sashimi salad, each bite tastes authentic–– because it is. Executive chef/co-owner Leu Savanh is Thai, has studied under a Japanese sushi master and only works with sashimi-grade fish, mostly flown in from Hawaii and Alaska. While August E’s nouveau Texas cuisine pays respect to classic European prep standards, the kitchen isn’t afraid of adding vibrant twists and borrowing across cultures. “We have six fabulous chefs in the kitchen, and they all have such diverse backgrounds,” she says. “There is such a range of talent. Whether a dish may be French, Thai, German or Mexican, we are doing it with complete authenticity.”

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 48 August E’s Fredericksburg Photo courtesy August E’s Page 50 Fig Tree Restaurant La Villita Courtesy Fig Tree Page 51 (Above) Ruth’s Chris Steak House St Paul Square Photo by Mark Humphries (Below) Ruth’s Chris Steak House Concord Plaza Photo by Mark Humphries

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Visual Arts 54-66

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A Time to Celebrate in San Antonio N

by Cassandra Yardeni

ow in its 28th year, Contemporary Art Month is a cultural institution in San Antonio, bringing out the city’s most imaginative offerings throughout the month of March. Just weeks later, our beloved Fiesta celebration kicks off. The Alamo City shines with everything from Surrealist selections straight from the Whitney Museum to Fiesta medal mania and everything in between. Here is our guide to enjoying Contemporary Art Month and Fiesta on the town!

and surrealism. On display at the McNay through May 19, Real/Surreal features paintings, drawings, photographs, and prints that elucidate how artists—depending on intention and influence—developed degrees of reality in which imagination held more or less sway. Among the notable artists included in the exhibition are Charles Burchfield, Paul Cadmus, Joseph Cornell, Philip Guston, Edward Hopper, Man Ray, Ben Shahn, Charles Sheeler, Yves Tanguy, George Tooker, and Andrew Wyeth. While a basic connection to the observable world underlies realist Blue Star Contemporary Arts Center works, the term realism has many facets. Subverting reality Blue Star kicks off CAM with Gary Sweeney: A Forty-Year through imagination and the unconscious rests at the Overview, a visual valentine to the city that showcases heart of Surrealism. Yet convergences in these different, Sweeney’s work. The California-born artist moved to San even oppositional, approaches encourage new ways of Antonio in 1996 and made an indelible impression on looking at art of the 1920s, ‘30s, and ‘40s in America. Real/ the local art scene through exhibitions and permanent Surreal offers visitors the opportunity to view additional installations, including one at the San Antonio International works by artists represented in the McNay’s collection, Airport. The exhibit is on view through May 11. which includes singular examples from this period by the same artists in the Whitney’s collection.

Also on display at Blue Star is Scott Martin: Brake, a collection that comments on intersections both literal As part of the McNay’s commitment to contemporary and metaphorical. The symbol of a railroad crossing is art, the museum established the McNay Contemporary explored through still image and video, in a variety of Collectors Forum in 2003, a group which acquires colors and processes. According to the artist, “the railroad notable contemporary works in various media each year. crossing is a familiar image of time spent waiting, and Celebrating its ten year anniversary this CAM, MCCF’s even of time wasted, but it has become metaphorically selection for 2013 is a large color photograph by Brazilian significant to me for several different reasons. On one artist Vik Muniz (born 1961). hand, it represents a transition in my process from still photography to video, a place of crossing over from The Human Face and Form is also on display at the McNay; what is familiar to what remains unknown…Once the focusing on the most universal of subjects, the human train has passed, the braking ceases but the observation body, exhibit brings together nearly 40 modern sculptures, continues. The act of stopping creates a perspective that ranging from the early 1800s to the present day. Organized was there before, but not noticed.” by type rather than chronologically or stylistically, the exhibition shows ways that sculptors deal with different Through May 11, Lloyd Walsh: Solo Exhibition will be aspects and moods of the body, from portrait busts and on view at Blue Star. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Walsh other fragmentary forms such as torsos; to full reclining or currently lives and works in San Antonio. Walsh is currently standing figures, as well as human bodies in action. This an Associate Professor of Art at Palo Alto College, and collection is on view through May 19. proudly lends his signature neo-baroque style painting using surreal imagery to the CAM landscape.

In the spirit of Fiesta, the McNay presents Fiesta, Fete, Festival: Selections from the Tobin Collection, on display McNay Art Museum through June 9. The exhibit moves from San Antonio Drawn entirely from the holdings of the Whitney’s to Seville, Venice, Versailles, St. Petersburg, and other collection, Real/Surreal: Selections from the Whitney cities to celebrate some of the world’s great festivals.

Museum of American Art focuses on the tension and overlap Scene and costume designs from the Tobin Collection between two strong currents in 20th-century art: realism reveal that San Antonio’s own Fiesta—from NIOSA and March/April 2013 | On The Town 55

Charreada to the Coronation of the Queen of the Order of the Alamo and Cornyation—belongs to a rich tradition of popular and court celebrations. The exhibition focuses on festivals in Spain, Italy, and Russia: Feria de Abril, with its flamenco dancers and matadors; pre-Lenten Carnevale, with its masked balls; and Shrovetide Fair and Yarmarka (yearly markets), with their fairground amusements.

Full of human drama and local color, festivals inspired modern ballets and operas by Bizet, Ravel, Mussorgsky, Stravinsky, and Verdi.

Institute of Texan Cultures The Institute of Texan Cultures gets into the CAM spirit with its Texas Contemporary Artists Series: Luisa Wheeler exhibit, on view through May 3. A Latin American artist whose unique style embraces the viewer, Luisa A. Wheeler was a self-taught painter; however, she decided to study art as a photographer formally at The University of Texas at San Antonio. She was born in the south border town of Eagle Pass, Texas but raised in Piedras Negras, Coahuila Mexico. Luisa has been a promising artist since her childhood. Working as many hours a piece required, this passionate serene hard-working woman reflects the love and appreciation for Latin culture and tells a story in each of her photographs. “I want the viewer to perceive a strong feeling of life and beauty in each photograph I create,” the artist says of her work.

Beginning March 25 and just in time for its namesake, Fiesta® Medal Mania will be on view at the Institute of Texan Cultures. Colorful medals are a hallmark of San Antonio’s Fiesta®. Said to have began with King Antonio XLIX in 1971, Fiesta® medals trace back even earlier to special coins given out at events. Today, nearly every organization involved with Fiesta® issues its own unique creation. Collecting as many medals as possible each year has become a playful tradition all its own. This year, when someone asks “who’s got the most Fiesta® medals?”

ITC may well be at the top of the list!

A student exhibit featuring the works of Edgewood Fine Arts Academy students will run concurrently with Fiesta® Medal Mania! The high school artists have been challenged to envision the next generation of Fiesta® medals, drawing on Fiesta® past and present, to create their own inspired designs of medals for the future of Texas, San Antonio and Fiesta®.

Don’t miss an interactive immigration experience with Why We Came: The Immigration Experience is a fun way to immerse yourself in the modern-day experience of 56 56 On On The The Town Town || March/April March/April January-February 2013 2013 2013

immigrating. Step onto a life-sized game board and make the journey alongside actual immigrants. Learn the process and understand the motivations, emotions, challenges, and experiences faced by those who create a new life in a new land. Challenge yourself to pass a citizenship test and then share a story of your own family’s saga of becoming Texan. This exhibit opens March 30.

Through May 5, a showcase of work by 18 nationally and internationally recognized artists working and living in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico will be on view in Arte Chihuahua. The exhibit is curated by Arturo Infante Almeida. The exhibition includes a selection of 32 photographic prints and paintings, and five sculptures.

Bihl Haus Arts Bihl Haus goes Cuban this spring with ICONS, a powerful exhibit of paintings and multiples by Cuban artist Adrian Rumbaut. The pieces on exhibit in ICONS form two bodies of work. The first, Contraparte/Counterpart, explores “visual duality” through the super-imposition of the symbolic images and iconic paired portraits of Marilyn Monroe and Ché Guevara, two of the most recognized and commercialized faces of the 20th century. In this work, Adrian fuses the pictorial with the graphic by combining painting and fabric design. In each pair of paintings, the reverse image of the alternate is embedded on the canvas.

In the second, Diagramas Pictóricos/Pictorial Diagrams, the artist questions the rules of pictorial traditions such as composition and equilibrium. In them, iconic-portraits of Marilyn, Ché, Marx, WC Fields, Mickey Mouse, etc., have been cut up and recombined to create new faces, multiplied images that mimic reality itself.

San Antonio Museum of Art In the 1970s, when local exhibition space was scarce for contemporary art, three pioneering young artists formed the San Antonio Museum of Modern Art (SAMOMA).

Founded by Norman Rene Avila, Donjon Evans and George Horner, SAMOMA presented exhibitions, performances, lectures and film screenings from 1976– 79. The exhibition space, strategically named a museum in hopes of attracting grants, operated from two locations in the Alta Vista neighborhood and quickly became a gathering place for local artists and their followers.

In an effort to bring this important part of San Antonio art history to light, Artists of SAMOMA from the SAMA Collection features 37 multiples, limited-edition prints created by SAMOMA artists in 1979. The exhibition also March/April 2013 | On The Town 57

includes pieces by artists who exhibited at SAMOMA and subsequently had their work collected by SAMA: Judy Bankhead, Ron Binks, Rolando Briseño, Larry Graeber, Jim Harter, Marilyn Lanfear, Henry Stein, Kathy Vargas, Robert Willson and Gene Elder, whose Time Capsule containing works by 100 San Antonio artists and writers remains sealed within SAMA’s walls until the Museum’s 2181 Bicentennial. The collection is on display through May 26.

“You’ve never seen anything like this,” says Marion Oettinger, curator of Latin American Art at SAMA and the upcoming exhibition Pasión Popular: Spanish and Latin American Folk Art from the Cecere Collection, on view beginning April 6.

The exhibition features 200 of the nearly 400 works that have been donated to SAMA by collector Peter P. Cecere over the past 10 years. Cecere was a career foreign service officer who collected folk art for more than 50 years. For Cecere, folk art was a passionate pursuit and a means for exploring cultural patterns and social structures of his host countries.

Objects include utilitarian ones such as bowls, oil jars, and bread stamps for personalizing loaves in communal ovens, as well as shop signs, puppets, dance masks, toys, carousel figures, and religious paintings. They are crafted of everything from wood, cloth, and metal, to tin, leather, and cork. “Folk art is ephemeral: the objects are made to use and use up. Even items that were designed to be more permanent are often made from fleeting, inexpensive materials,” says Oettinger. “To find pieces from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries of this caliber is pretty extraordinary.”

Witte Museum Dinosaurs are back at the Witte − and this time they are bigger, better and more feathered than ever!

Dinosaurs Unearthed: Bigger. Better. Feathered…allows curiosities to soar and step back in time to discover the most fascinating creatures to have roamed the Earth.

Experience the world’s largest and most advanced life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, complete skeletons, fossils, hands-on interactives, a paleontological dig site where visitors can unearth fossils as well as the opportunity to explore the most current scientific findings. Created with electronics instead of hydraulics, the animatronic models capture some of the most lifelike motions ever created.

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Walk amongst a life-sized Allosaurus, Dilophosaurus,

Microraptor, Protoceratops, Angustinaripterus, Stegosaurus, Yangchuanosaurus, Omeisaurus, Tuojiangosaurus, Yangchuanosaurus and keep an eye out for “Patty” the Apatosaurus, who at 60 feet long, will meet you in the Witte front yard! Dinosaurs Unearthed highlights the latest discoveries in paleontology, including evidence suggesting some dinosaurs are the ancestors of modern day birds rather than modern reptiles. The story of feathered dinosaurs is an interactive visual spectacle that visitors of all ages can enjoy. The discovery has drawn the fascinating connection between ancient dinosaurs and modern birds. Scientists have found that feathers first evolved as a means of warmth and display and later became specialized to the extent that flight was possible. Don’t miss the feathered Juvenile Tyrannosaurus Rex, Gigantoraptor, Velociraptor, Sinosauropteryx and Confuciusornis! On view through September 2, a trip to the Witte may be the perfect Spring Break adventure.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 54

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ICONS Bihl Haus Arts

(Above) Real/Surreal: Selections from the Whitney Museum of Art McNay Art Museum

Page 56 (Above) ICONS Bihl Haus Arts (Below) Arte Chihuahua Institute of Texan Cultures Page 57 (Above) Fiesta, Fete, Festival Selections from the Tobin Collection McNay Art Museum (Below) Artists of SAMOMA from the SAMA Collection San Antonio Museum of Art

(Below) Pasion Popular Spanish and Latin American Folk Art From the Cecere Collection San Antonio Museum of Art Page 59 (Above) Real/Surreal: Selections from the Whitney Museum of Art McNay Art Museum (Below) Lloyd Walsh: Solo Exhibition Blue Star Contemporary Art Center March/April 2013 | On The Town 59

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Girl Power!

An ITC Exhibit Celebrating the Girl Scouts’ First 100 Years

By James M. Benavides

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century ago, Juliette Gordon Low began something extraordinary at her Savannah, Ga., home. It was March 1912, and she called together what would be the first Girl Scout meeting.

For 100 years, her vision has guided the nation’s premier leadership program for girls.

Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. estimates Girl Scout alumnae number some 59 million women, translating into one in every two American women. Considering parents, siblings, friends or anyone who has ever bought a box of Girl Scout cookies, Girl Scouting’s influence has reached so much further.

On Feb. 22, the Institute of Texan Cultures, in cooperation with Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, opened Girl Power!, an exhibit reflecting on the Girl Scouts’ past 100 years and reaffirming the core values of the organization for the next century.

Girl Scouting’s principles have remained constant since the beginning. Juliette Gordon Low believed that all girls should be given the opportunity to develop physically, mentally and spiritually. What she created brought girls out of the isolation and seclusion of “proper society” March/April 2013 | On The Town 61

and got them outdoors. Girl Scouting opened a world of adventure and possibility.

Girl Scouts are often compared to Boy Scouts as a frame of reference. The two organizations share a common ancestry. Low’s vision for her Girl Scout program was inspired by a meeting with Sir Robert Baden Powell in 1911. Baden Powell is commonly known as the father of the Boy Scouts. Low’s program would empower and engage young women and offer them new experiences and opportunities. Girl Scouts was a pioneering organization and remains so today.

Girl Scouts opened the way for girls to go camping, learn first aid and explore career fields. While community service and social responsibility were emerging concepts, the Girl Scouts already embraced opportunities to improve the community at large. Girl Scouting continues to provide girls with new goals and challenges.

In its early history, the program established the Golden Eaglet award to mark its highest level of achievement.

The Girl Power! exhibit will display an early generation Golden Eaglet award and a 1936 image of Anne Schelpher, San Antonio’s first Golden Eaglet recipient.

The Golden Eaglet evolved into the modern day Gold Award, a final challenge for Girl Scouts. Only a small percentage of girls earn the honor. The Gold Award poses a challenge to change the world by facing an issue affecting the local community.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 60 Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary Patch Page 61 Flag-raising ceremony at Camp Mira Sol circa 1962 Page 62 (Above) HemisFair 1968 Patch (Below) 62 On The Town | March/April 2013

Camp La Jita 50th Anniversary Patch

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Top National Western Artists Gather in San Antonio

By Yadhira Lozano

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.or the past 12 months, nationally recognized Western artists have been hard at work conceptualizing and creating masterful works of art to showcase at the River Walk’s newest addition, the Briscoe Western Art Museum. Sixty-five artists have been selected to participate in the Briscoe’s Night of Artists Art Sale and Exhibition, which kicks off March 23 and runs through April 28.

of the great American West from dreamy landscape vistas, to rugged frontier cowboys, historic missions, and detailed Native American subjects.

More than 200 works on canvas and in bronze will be on display at the Briscoe’s new, three-story Jack Guenther Pavilion, located adjacent to the Arneson River Theatre and La Villita. The range of subjects will reflect the vastness

“The high level of art presented at this year’s Night of Artists is wonderfully diverse in style and range,” said Dr. Steven Karr, the Briscoe’s executive director. “It is a great opportunity to gather these artists in San Antonio on the

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Nationally respected contemporary painters and sculptors include John Coleman, T.D. Kelsey, Veryl Goodnight, Logan Maxwell Hagege, Doug Hyde, Tim Solliday, Kent Ullberg and Xiang Zhang.

eve of the Briscoe’s grand opening this fall. I invite all of San Antonio to preview the Jack Guenther Pavilion during the run of this exhibition and gain a sense of the inspiring exhibitions yet to come.”

and culture of the American West through exhibitions, programs and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage. The exhibition coincides with San Antonio’s largest annual cultural event, Fiesta San Antonio, which brings more than 250,000 visitors to The event includes the presentation of the Briscoe Legacy the Alamo City each year.

Award, given to an artist whose body of work has left a lasting impact on the Western art world. This year’s To reserve tickets to Night of Artists on March 23, call 210recipient is noted Cowboy Artists of America member Bill 299-4499. The exhibition will run from March 24 through Owen. Having grown up in Arizona to an artist mother April 28 at the museum’s Jack Guenther Pavilion, Tuesdays and cowboy father, Owen chronicles the lives and works through Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and is free to the of the contemporary cowboy through his paintings and public. The Briscoe Western Art Museum is at 210 W. Market sculptures. Previous winners include Martin Grelle, Howard St., accessible from the River Walk. For more information, Terpning, Clark Hulings, G. Harvey, Kent Ullberg and Ken visit BriscoeMuseum.org.

Carlson. Awards also include Artist’s Choice, Committee’s Choice and Patron’s Choice.

Photo Credits: Night of Artists marks the largest fundraiser for the museum, with proceeds going to support the institution, which is scheduled for a grand opening this fall. The Briscoe, named in honor of the late Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr., and his wife, Janey, preserves and interprets the art, history

Page 64 Bill Owen, Havin’ A Cool One, oil on canvas, 38x22 Page 65 Kim Wiggins, Crossing Chama River Canyon, oil, 30x24 March/April 2013 | On The Town 65

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32nd Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio

May 15-19 at Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center and Rosedale Park

By Juan Tejeda

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f you’re looking for real, authentic San Antonio TexMex music, then the button-accordion-and-bajosexto-based Conjunto music is where it’s at. San Antonio celebrates Conjunto music during the month of May as the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center presents the 32nd Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio 2013 from May 15-19 at the Guadalupe Theatre and Rosedale Park. This year’s theme is “Conjunto Music: Familia y Tradición.”

Conjunto is that original American musical ensemble and style of music that was created by the Texas-Mexicans during the early-to-mid-1900s which utilizes the button accordion and bajo sexto guitar as its principal instruments. It is a unique musical synthesis that combines German/European and Mexican/American instruments and rhythms such as polkas, waltzes and huapangos, with other national and international musical influences that includes blues, rock, jazz, Colombian cumbias and Cuban boleros, among others.

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The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center created the Tejano Conjunto Festival to preserve and promote Conjunto music, to honor its pioneering artists, to present the best in the genre, and to foster a better understanding and appreciation for Chicano music and culture. Over the years the festival has become a cultural institution for the city of San Antonio and a popular destination for Conjunto music lovers who travel from all over the United States and the world to hear the very best in the genre.

The 32nd Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival kicks off with two days of events at the Guadalupe Theatre, beginning with a free Seniors Conjunto Dance on May 15 that features the music of Santos Soza y sus Estrellas from 10 a.m. to noon. Senior citizens get in free to this always fun and dance-filled morning wakeup that has, for many years, traditionally opened the festival’s musical program.

From 7 p.m.-11 p.m. May 16, the festival presents New Directions in Conjunto Music Night at the theatre, showcasing young squeezebox accordion guns and bands which are pushing the musical limits of Conjunto: Juanito Castillo is a 23-year-old blind accordion wizard that will dazzle guests with his jazz accordion riffs; Los Fabulocos from Los Angeles bring their distinctive Conjunto rock rolas; Thoze Guyz from Roscoe, in West Texas, will be performing some Conjunto country and oldies; and Los Nahuatlatos perform a unique blend of Conjunto, Son Jarocho, huapangos and cumbias.

For the weekend of May 17-19, the festival moves outside to Rosedale Park, where 32 of the best Conjuntos will be performing, along with some special guest presentations that include five-time Grammy Award winner Flaco Jiménez, and Conjunto Music Hall of Famers Mingo Saldívar, Los Dos Gilbertos, Bene Medina, Los Pavos Reales, Salvador García and Eddie “Lalo” Torres, and the Queen of Conjunto, Eva Ybarra. The one-of-a-kind lineup also showcases the best Conjuntos in Texas, including Boni Mauricio, Los DesperadoZ, Los Hermanos Farías, Ricky Naranjo y Los Gamblers, Los Monarcas, Linda Escobar, Los Hermanos Serrata Los Buenos, Los Paisanos de Chalito Johnson, Sunny Sauceda, Mickey y sus Carnalez, Conjunto Baraja de Oro, Rubén Vela Jr., y su Conjunto, and many more. Making their Conjunto Festival debut will be Mando y La Venganza, Impozzible, Tomás Navarro y Conjunto Amable, Los Ángeles del Sur, and the 2012 Big Squeeze Competition winner, Nachito Morales y Los Moralez Boyz.

Other Tejano Conjunto Festival highlights include a poster contest, accordion and bajo sexto workshops, Tex-Mex food and beverage booths, accordion raffles, Conjunto student recitals and plenty of dancing and fun for the entire family in a friendly park environment.

For the complete schedule of events with dates, times, prices and lineup of the bands performing, visit www. guadalupeculturalarts.org or call 210-271-3151.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 68-69 Flaco Jimenez Courtesy Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Los Desperadoz Courtesy Los Desporadoz Los Hermanos Farias Courtesy Los Hermanos Farias Eva Ybarra Courtesy Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Mickey y sus Carnalez Courtesy Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center

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Book Talk:

Andrew Porter, Fiction Writer and Professor of Creative Writing Story Photo

by Jasmina2013 Wellinghoff 72 On and The Town | March/April

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n associate professor in the English Department at Trinity University, Andrew Porter gained national visibility as a fiction writer when his short story collection, The Theory of Light and Matter, won the 2007 Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction. The award included publication by the University of Georgia Press. In 2010, the book was picked up by mainstream publisher Vintage/Random House, which issued a paperback edition, and it has since been translated into several foreign languages including French, Dutch and Korean. Last year, the Random House imprint Knopf published Porter’s first novel, In Between Days, which was named “fictional work of the (2012) year” by the San Antonio Express-News.

companies are publishing fewer collections of short stories than they used to, and because of that the prospect of publishing a collection was fairly daunting.

Most agents I spoke to told me that the only way to sell such a collection was if I had a novel to sell along with the stories, which I didn’t have because I only wrote short stories for years. So I started to look for other ways to get it published. I knew there were competitions for story collections, and one I have always known of was the Flannery O’Connor competition and award. I submitted my stories and was fortunate to win.

JW: How has the publication of that first book changed your life?

AP: Though I had been publishing individual stories for years, having an actual book out in the world changed my life pretty significantly. For one, it put me in contact with a lot of people who I might have otherwise never met, people who invited me to visit their universities or book groups, people who asked me to give readings or participate in interviews … By nature, I’m pretty shy, and talking about my work publicly was a little uncomfortable for me at first, but over time I came to realize that this was ultimately why I was writing in the first place, to reach an audience and to engage with that Prior to being collected in book form, Porter’s short audience on a personal level. stories were published in a variety of literary magazines, including Story, Antioch Review, Epoch, Story Quarterly, JW: You won a lot of critical praise for The Theory of Light the Ontario Review and the Pushcart Prize Anthology. He and Matter but how did the book sell? has been teaching creative writing at Trinity for eight years. We talked to him in his sunny, book-lined office.

AP: For a short story collection, I was very pleased with the sales. Part of the reason it did pretty well is because JW: Considering that fewer and fewer magazines carry it was picked up by Random House and published in short stories, why did you choose the short story format paperback after the original publication by a small to establish yourself as a writer? university press. So, it had kind of a second life.

In both books Porter explores the fragmentation of the suburban family by juxtaposing insightful character studies with a sense of foreboding and suspense, set out against the backdrop of contemporary life. Both books have been widely reviewed by newspapers and magazines across the United States and beyond. The Library Journal said that “Porter’s debut novel grabs the reader and does not let go until the last line,” while Houston Magazine described it as “a stirring page-turner, part Chekov, part Hitchcock.”

AP: My first year in college, I took a course on the evolution of the American short story and that got me really excited about the form. At the end of the course we started reading contemporary short fiction which I had never read before, writers like Ann Beattie and Tobias Wolff. I decided on a whim to take a short fiction writing class and just loved it. What I liked about it was that in a short story the focus is on character; there’s very little plot usually. It’s a brief glimpse into a character’s life but in writing one you want to capture some aspect of that character that resonates.

JW: I am sure you are familiar with Mark Twain’s advice to “write what you know.” Do your troubled, middleclass families reflect what you know?

AP: My stories are not autobiographical, but there are always small pieces of your life and things that you have observed in your writing. That’s probably true for all writers. I did grow up in a suburban neighborhood so in that respect I did draw on the type of world I grew up in, but my own family is not anything like the families that appear in my stories or my novel. It’s a question I get a lot, “Did you grow up in a dysfunctional family?” I didn’t.

But you are right, the mainstream appeal of the form has But I think that the family theme is always interesting. In perhaps diminished, and certainly the large publishing a larger sense, I’ve always been interested in the ways March/April 2013 | On The Town 73

people behave in group situations versus the way they behave in private, and family is a good framework to get to that.

JW: Another literary giant, Leo Tolstoy, famously declared that all happy families are alike and only the unhappy ones are interesting to a writer. I am paraphrasing but that’s the gist of it. Is happiness difficult to write about?

AP: All stories are usually about some type of trouble.

There’s got to be conflict, so happiness is not the focal point. If you wrote a novel about a completely happy family, there wouldn’t be much tension in the story (chuckles). But in writing fiction, there’s got to be a balance between light and dark. You have to have some moments of hope, of optimism, of love, to balance out the darker elements.

JW: Are you a writer who knows where a story is going before starting writing or are you inclined to let it develop as you go?

AP: I always move forward blindly in my writing process. I’ve always believed in Flannery O’Connor’s idea of writing being an act of discovery. You start with a character, you discover a conflict, and you allow the character to determine where the story goes. If I know everything that’s going to happen ahead of time, it takes all the fun out of writing. I like the excitement of not knowing.

JW: Getting published by a major publisher is not easy these days. Tell us how it worked out for you.

AP: When my short story collection came out in hardcover (from U of Georgia Press), it got some nice reviews and attention, and based on that I was approached by a number of agents. I went with Terra Chalberg, who felt she could sell the paperback rights to a big publisher. At that point there was no discussion of a novel, but then it turned out that all the publishers who were interested were also interested in a novel, as I mentioned earlier. So I sold the rights to a novel at the same time I sold the rights to the story collection. My novel was in the early stages at that time. I got a twoyear deadline to finish it.

JW: That was easy!

AP: (laughs) 74 On The Town | March/April 2013

JW: Why did you want to become a writer?

AP: When I entered college I first wanted to be a filmmaker to make character-based films … to answer the kinds of questions that interested me. I found that fiction allowed me to get to some of the answers better than any other form. That’s ultimately what drives me to write.

JW: After you have worked on a tale for a substantial amount of time, whether novel or short fiction, and lived with certain characters for months -- and in some instances on-and-off for years -- is it hard to let go?

AP: It takes me a long time to get to the point when I feel that the story is truly finished, so when I get to that point I am usually ready to let go. Early in my career, I would send out stories to publications before they were really finished, and I knew they were not quite finished but I was eager to build up a publication record. And on a few occasions some of those stories were actually published. I remember having this horrible feeling when I saw them in print. After having that experience a couple of times, I said, “I am never going to do that again,” so I really make sure before I send a story out that I don’t want to change even a comma.

JW: You’ve been teaching for quite a few years now.

How do you teach people to be creative writers?

AP: In many ways you become a better writer on your own. But classes introduce students to the fundamentals of craft and to writers they may not know. And they give them a place to present their work and connect with a community of writers. Student interest is huge. Since I came here, we have hired two more faculty members for the creative writing program and started a minor in creative writing. You can’t teach someone to be John Cheever, but you can guide them along and give them critical feedback.

Ultimately, to become a writer you must really want to do it despite all the setbacks and obstacles, despite all the reasons why you shouldn’t be doing it.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Mr. Porter’s comments have been slightly edited for reasons of space and clarity. His books are available wherever books are sold.

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Estela Avery: SAN ANTONIO

RIVER FOUNDATION

By Angela Rabke Photography Greg Harrison

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.hen Estela Avery began her involvement with the San Antonio River Foundation as a board member in 2008, she took a proverbial dive into the foundation’s beloved cause: the San Antonio River. In two years as a deeply involved board member, she took the mission to heart, to promote educational, cultural, and scientific projects and activities that enhance the conservation, stewardship, restoration, preservation, and enjoyment of the land and water resources of the San Antonio River and its tributaries.

city’s South Side with a strong community impact.

“Confluence Park will be unlike any other space in San Antonio — our classroom will be more than just an ordinary classroom,” Avery said. “It will be an active learning environment surrounded by art, where the beauty matches the form. The park will be something everyone can enjoy and a perfect complement to the natural beauty of the river.”

Located at the confluence of the San Antonio River and San Pedro Creek in the Mission Reach section, the area was for many years an industrial staging In her role today as executive director, she works area. Now, the space is being transformed from to bring that mission to life. The foundation, which pavement to playful park that merges the disciplines was established in 2003, is a driving force behind of art and science. the many artistic, educational and recreational enhancements that make up the San Antonio River “Imagine an interactive water-play area that Improvements Project. incorporates both inspired design and the science of water flow in rivers, one that can be a formal Already, the foundation has improved the Museum artwork as well as a powerful teaching tool about Reach of the river through the commission and the complex dynamics of a living river,” Avery said. installation of 11 notable public art pieces. Work has begun on the pedestrian bridges in the Mission “Imagine a shade structure designed by a sculptor Reach, and the next big project on the foundation’s and a solar power expert, providing a place to bucket list touches on the first sentence of their relax that uplifts and inspires while also generating mission: to promote education through the creation energy for the park,” he said. of Confluence Park. This park, still in the planning process, is much closer to reality thanks to a $1 “Visitors interested in the arts will see science in million gift to its endowment fund from James Avery, a new and exciting light while those interested in the founder of James Avery Craftsman. science will gain greater appreciation for imaginative creativity. This will be Confluence Park.”

With projects both completed and under way in the Museum Reach and other portions of the river, Avery With an 18 month capital campaign beginning this felt strongly that it was time to do a project on the month, Confluence Park is scheduled for completion March/April 2013 | On The Town 79

in 2014. The highly creative Ball-Nogues studio in Los Angeles has been selected to oversee what promises to be a striking design. The L.A. firm uniquely merges the fields of architecture, art and industrial design to create works that address not only architecture, but art and social space as well.

Given the need and desire for experiential classroom experiences, the park cannot open soon enough. “The need is definitely there,” Avery said.

“The San Antonio River Authority is able to reach a number of students each year, but there’s no meeting place, no classroom, no facility that they can use to teach. Confluence Park will fill that gap, and so much more,” he said.

“It will be educational, recreational and functional.

We’re pursuing a design that will allow the park to meet a number of needs and be capable of expansion as programs and opportunities grow.”

There are many opportunities to support the San Antonio River Foundation as it works toward completion of Confluence Park and other projects.

Look for a family event at the site of Confluence Park on April 6. The event will teach kids and adults good stewardship and sustainability. In June, the San Antonio River Foundation hosts Rivertini, an annual fundraiser that showcases martinis from dozens of local establishments. To learn more, visit www. sariverfoundation.org.

“Confluence Park will be unlike any other space in San Antonio— our classroom will be more than just an ordinary classroom. It will be an active learning environment surrounded by art, where the beauty matches the form. The park will be something everyone can enjoy and a perfect complement to the natural beauty of the river.”

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– Estela Avery Executive Director San Antonio River Foundation

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David Lynd: THE VIEW FROM THE HOT TUB

By Michele Krier Photography Greg Harrison

D

avid Lynd remembers sitting in a hot tub with as COO of the Lynd Co. (TLC), a property-management his wife, and saying, “We’re managing 1,100 firm, principal of Lynd Residential Properties (LRP), apartments; we’d be big time if only we had 5,000 a multifamily investment vehicle, principal of Lynd units!”

Development Partners (LDP), a development company, and owner of the Talons professional Arena Football A classic overachiever, Lynd is chief operating officer of the League (AFL) franchise.

Lynd Co., a full-service real estate company specializing Rushing onto the field for their second season, the in acquisition, development, financing, investment and Talons return as Central Division Champions, boasting management of commercial and multifamily, now with an enviable 14-1 season, one of the best in the AFL. The 120 properties and nearly 40,000 units across 15 states Talons, playing teams from San Jose to Orlando, tackle and 40 cities. the New Orleans Voodoo at the Alamodome March 6; all tickets are $5 and benefit the United Way. And the view from the hot tub keeps getting better. “Our vision as a corporation is to have 100,000 units, 50,000 of “We encourage San Antonians to come out for the United our own, with plans to build 12 high-rise towers,” Lynd Way in our community and our hometown football team,” said. That’s on top of the $250 million in annual rent Lynd said. collections he oversees, and the $340 million in equity which purchased or developed nearly $2 billion worth of Strong sports enthusiasts, the Lynd Co., also works closely the Lynd Co.’s real estate over the past five years. Projects with the Spurs Sports and Entertainment group. are active throughout the Southwest and Southeast, and in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania and David and his brother, Michael, president of the Lynd Co., the home base of Texas. took over the family-owned firm from their father, Michael Lynd Sr., who is still involved in the business, which now The key to their corporate success? “Our expertise has 1,100 employees. The brothers spent summers hard enables us to operate properties and make returns for at work at their father’s apartment complexes --mowing, our investors,” Lynd said. Period. painting and learning how to do general maintenance -literally learning the business from the ground up.

Flat-screen monitors in his office feed a constant stream of news and information and, thanks to sophisticated They forged a path of rapid expansion with carefully technology, up-to-the-minute details on rent collections, planned growth. “We want to be at a million square feet leases and renewals. of commercial space that we own and manage -- that’s our five-year corporate plan,” David Lynd said between A Southern Methodist University graduate with a degree two business magazine photo sessions arranged at the in economics, Lynd joined the firm in 1997 and serves St. Anthony Hotel in downtown San Antonio.

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He and his partners bought the St. Anthony as one of their first entrepreneurial forays into the hospitality industry.

The luxury hotel, which recalls New York greats such as the turn-of-the century Waldorf-Astoria, is undergoing extensive renovations, with its grand debut slated for spring 2014.

Home in its early years to oil and cattle barons, the St. Anthony also is famous as the site where Herb Kelleher and his partner doodled out their vision for Southwest Airlines, which, like the Lynd Co., started in Texas more than 30 years ago and quickly took off in the same way the Lynd Co., has been jetting across the United States.

Literally more high-rise rooftops are on the horizon.

“Austin will break ground 18 months from now. Miami opens in 12 months, and Denver high-rise towers will be under way/finished in 24 months,” Lynd said. In his 30s, with an athlete’s muscular build (he excelled at football in high school and regularly works out); he wears suits that suggest custom tailoring.

To celebrate the opening of the firm’s first luxury apartment tower in Chicago, EnV, Lynd brought in the Black-Eyed Peas hip-hop band, instantly emblazing the 29-story residence as the hot new address in Chicago.

Multifamily Executive must have agreed -- honoring EnV with their 2011 “High Rise of the Year” award. Not bad for the company’s first major high-rise project, which has attracted a “Who’s Who” list of Chicago tenants.

The Lynd Co., keeps EnV in the limelight in other ways, such as by sponsoring the popular Wavefront Music Fest at Montrose Beach in Chicago, which drew more than 30,000 people last year. More than 60,000 people are expected to attend this year’s festival July 5-7, which brings beachfront music to sun worshippers who hit the sand for tans and tunes.

Although he has a busy travel schedule, Lynd balances family life with his wife, Angela, and their three children ranging in age from 11 to 18 years. He makes time for charity work, recently serving at the helm of Eva Longoria’s annual Gala for Eva’s Heroes.

The Lynd Co. supports a variety of charities across the country, with corporate employees participating in the Race for the Cure. Given his personal track record, Lynd most likely will cross the Lynd Co.’s finish line ahead of their ambitious five-year goal. How will he raise the bar?

No doubt, by doubling it again.

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EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN

Estate and Vintage Jewelry One of Spring’s Hottest Trends

By Bonny Osterhage Photography Kirk Weddie

F

ashion magazines, bloggers and those in the “fashion know,” are pointing to vintage, estate and antique jewelry as one of the hottest accessory trends for Spring 2013. From delicate, Victorian-inspired pieces to bold, Art Deco looks, it’s all about one-of-a-kind pieces that are as unique as the wearer herself.

about the vendors with whom they do business,” Peñaloza said. Although her business purchases some pieces from dealers, most of the jewelry in the C. Aaron Peñaloza Jewelers Estate Collection is on consignment from their customers.

Timeless or not, it is still a good idea to for the buyer to make sure that a piece is the real thing before investing in it. Each era has some basic characteristics that define it, such as the delicacy and filigree work of the Edwardian era, or the geometric patterns and bright colors of the Art Deco period. Unless a buyer has done extensive research, however, the average person may not be knowledgeable enough to recognize whether or not the piece is authentic and priced fairly. That is why Peñaloza recommends dealing only with those people or companies that have a proven reputation in the estate field.

• Art Deco 1920-1935: Characterized by sharp lines, geometric patterns, bright color contrasts, coral, jade, onyx and amber. Long necklaces and stacks of bracelets prevalent.

“Often, we can tell you the history on a piece,” Peñaloza If you don’t happen to own any family heirlooms, you can said. “Sometimes the back story is as much a selling point still embrace the trend, and without blowing your entire as the beauty of the piece itself.” accessory budget.

Periods of Antique and Estate Jewelry “While the term ‘estate jewelry’ can bring to mind images of costly diamond- and ruby-encrusted pieces, the truth is • Georgian 1790-1831: Characterized by nature themes that “estate” simply means ‘preowned,’ ” said Mary Peñaloza, including leaves, trees, flowers and animals. Used silver, co-owner of C. Aaron Peñaloza Jewelry in the Lincoln gold and lead for setting gemstones and glass.

Heights Shopping Center. “You can find it anywhere from a local flea market to a Park Avenue atelier.”

• Victorian 1831-1905: Characterized by sentimental motifs including hearts, flowers, clasped hands, lockets People who are simply looking for unique and interesting and brooches. Intricate detail, black enamel, jet, garnets items, or items from a specific era, may not be too and seed pearls commonly used. concerned with whether the preowned piece is of any value. In fact, Peñaloza said, most people who collect • Edwardian 1901-1915: Characterized by light and period jewelry (jewelry that is less than 100 years old) do lacy touches. Delicate filigree worked in platinum with so because they love the piece, not because they hope to diamonds, pearls, amethyst and sapphire. make a profit.

• Art Nouveau 1895-1905: Characterized by floating “It’s more like collecting art,” she said. “Plus, these pieces are and sensual themes including flowers and butterflies. timeless and, although they may be getting a lot of ‘buzz’ Elongated lines, feminine and fanciful themes, soft colors this season, the truth is that they never go out of style.” and lovely translucent enamels.

• Retro 1940-1950: Inspired by Hollywood, colorful and bold with rose gold, scrolls and bows and large stones including aquamarine, amethyst, citrine, rubies and diamonds.

• Post Retro 1950-1969: Very diverse with past themes mixed with new designs and reproductions of antique styles. Yellow and white gold, diamonds and sapphires “Even jewelers with years of experience are very selective featured heavily.

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Artistic Destination

REBIRTH OF THE BLUES:

DOCUMENTARY ON 100 MEN HALL PREMIERES IN BAY ST. LOUIS, MISSISSIPPI

By Julie Catalano

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I

n the small Mississippi town of Bay St. Louis, there’s a renaissance in progress – its epicenter a modest structure that hit its peak in the mid-twentieth century, when the sound of blues, jazz, and soul spilled through the doors and windows into the warm Gulf Coast nights. After decades of deterioration, decay, and near destruction by Hurricane Katrina, the building is back.

And so is the music.

On April 13, the story of the 100 Men DBA Hall will be told in a short documentary film that’s been more than a year

in the making. The title, “Call Before Demo: Resurrecting a Legendary Blues Hall,” refers to the three fateful words scrawled on buildings designated for demolition after the killer hurricane. The historic hall was headed for extinction – before California transplants Kerrie and Jesse Loya stepped in, that is. Although the couple had years of experience in renovating properties – they had moved in Mississippi in 2004 partly because of their love of old homes – they had never tackled anything quite like this.

“I lost my mind,” recalls Kerrie, upon seeing the extent of the damage.

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The purchase was finalized in the spring of 2006, and Jesse Loya – historic contractor, composer and musician – began the mind-boggling renovation. Despite initial reservations, Kerrie – a singer/musician/history buff with a background in journalism, marketing, and public relations – soon became intrigued. “I started getting the feeling that there might really be something here, that maybe this wasn’t such a dumb idea after all.”

The hall was constructed in 1922 by the One Hundred Member Debating Benevolent Association (DBA), a group of free black men who incorporated the group in 1894 – as many had in the post-Civil War South – to organize and increase their standing politically, socially, and economically. After changing hands a few times, by post-World War II the hall became a stop on the chitlin’ circuit – a network of venues where African American entertainers who were not allowed in white clubs could perform.

As the rebuilding ensued, the locals started emerging with stories and memories of those glory days, recalling shows by Etta James, Big Joe Turner, Ernie K-Doe, Guitar Slim, Irma Thomas, Percy Sledge, Solomon Burke, and more – Little Milton, Bobby Bland, Joe Tex, Carl Gates and the Decks, and Ike and Tina Turner. And still more.

Incredibly, The 100 Member DBA was considered a state nonprofit still in good standing, and was restarted as a 501(c)3 nonprofit fund of the Hancock Community Development Foundation.

The hall is only one of four stops on the Mississippi Gulf Coast boasting a Blues Trail marker – housed in the original structure, no less. The emotional unveiling took place on June 17, 2011. New Orleans musician, singer and bandleader Deacon John shared his memories of performing there. “He conveyed everything I felt,” says Kerrie. “He said it was like the building came to life. I still get goosebumps from it.”

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Completed in part with a grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission and generous support from the Silver Slipper Casino, the documentary – with original soundtrack composed by Jesse Loya – features interviews with musicians, historians, and people like Louise Nash, whose father was an officer of the 100 Men DBA in 1922.

“With each interview the story gets more and more compelling,” says Kerrie. “I’m not the only one who feels something. It’s like the building is a living entity, eking out bits of information on its own timeline.” And energizing a new generation of musicians (“It’s an indescribable vibe when the place is full of people,” says Kerrie), with recent

concerts by Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Guitar Bo and Ms. Dee, and more. Kerrie has a long wish list, including a future DVD of the film, a possible full-length network documentary, children’s programs, and a “Live at the Hall” CD. Big dreams, “but I think we can do it.”

The documentary will also serve as a marketing tool for Mississippi Gulf Coast and state tourism entities to showcase Mississippi’s unique musical history. “This is not some pristine and shiny place, this is a place that was hip and funky and jammed with dancing people and fantastic performers.” Much of the film “comes from a personal place, how hard it was to renovate, how costly, and how difficult it was. When you hear people describe how incredible it is, how it’s being brought back to life, that’s the most touching thing for me.” Highs and lows aside, she’s positive the best is yet to come. “It’s been a long haul,” she says, “but it’s been a labor of love.”

For more information on the documentary and upcoming concerts, 100menhall.org.

This is a condensed and updated version of an article by the author that appeared in DeSoto Magazine entitled “100 Men Hall: A Stop on the Chitlin’ Circuit,” July 2012, pp. 18-21.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 88

Page 91

100 Men Hall after Hurricane Katrina Photo by Jesse Loya

(Above)

Page 89 100 Men Hall after restoration

by Kerrie and Jesse Loya Photo by Julie Catalano

Historical photo wall inside 100 Men Hall Photo by Julie Catalano (Below) Owner Kerrie Loya Photo by Julie Catalano

Page 90 (Above and Below) Posters from recent 100 Men Hall shows designed in old school style Courtesy 100 Men Hall

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Out & About with Greg harrison 94-99

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Picture This: Fiesta

Our Grand Citywide Celebration. Parades 100 On The Town | March/April 2013

速

San Antonio 2013

s, Festivals, Concerts, Coronations y Mas! March/April 2013 | On The Town 101

images by Greg Harrison

11 Glorious Days and Nights.

April 18-28. Viva Fiesta!

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