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ON THE TOWN
May/June 2011
Lana Lana Duke Duke Art Art In The The Garden Garden Fiesta Fiesta Noche Noche del del Rio Rio Texas Texas Folklife Folklife Festival Festival Cactus Cactus Pear Pear Music Music Festival Festival Javier Javier Flores Flores –– Gabriel Gabriel Ibarra Ibarra Shanon Shanon Peterson Peterson Wasielewski Wasielewski Plus Plus 12 12 Additional Additional Articles Articles
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Features May and June are Loaded with Incredible Live Entertainment!
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If It’s Laughs You Want, It’s Laughs You’ll Get!
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Fiesta Noche del Rio Celebrates 55th Season At Arneson River Theatre Art and Culture Spring Up All Over San Antonio
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Shanon Peterson Wasielewski: Entrusted with San Antonio’s Historic Preservation
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World Famous Bartender Sasha Petraske Brings His Magic to Bohanan’s
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A Summer Tour de Musique: Cactus Pear Music Festival’s 15th Season
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52 40 Years of Texas Folklife 88 Festival Memories
Art in the Garden: Texas Uprising
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Lana Duke Gives Back
Author Book Signing Events Explained
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Tejas Rodeo: San Antonio’s “Best Kept Secret” Offers Authentic Rodeo Action Nearly Year ‘Round
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Top Twenty: 66 Don’t Go Home Without Them
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Q&A with Javier Flores of La Fonda on Main and Gabriel Ibarra of Cappy’s
Lair Creative, LLC would not knowingly publish misleading or erroneous information in editorial content or in any adv appear under any circumstances. Additionally, content in this electronic magazine does not necessarily reflect the view mances and exhibits, it is recommended that all times and dates of such events be confirmed by the reader prior to at
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Contributors
Departments Box Office: Cinema Tuesdays Celebrates 10 Years
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May-June 2011 Events Calendar
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Book Talk: James Brandenburg Counselor, Poet and Poetry Therapist
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Picture This: Hailing a Rio Taxi
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Gary Albright
Kay Lair
Mikel Allen, graphic designer
Diana Marin
James Benavides
Susan A. Merkner, copy editor
Mary Byrd
Bonny Osterhage
Cynthia Clark
Angela Rabke
Thomas Duhon
Al Rendon
Ashley Festa
Sara Selango
Dana Fossett
Claudia Maceo-Sharp
Peabo Fowler
Shannon Huntington Standley
Greg Harrison, staff photographer
Sage Tallichet
Michele Krier
Tom Trevino
Christian Lair
Jasmina Wellinghoff
Cover Credits: Front Cover Photo: Greg Harrison Performing Arts, Events Calendar, Visual Arts, Culinary Arts, Festivals & Celebrations, Literary Arts and Eclectics Cover Photos: Greg Harrison
On The Town Ezine.com is published by Lair Creative, LLC 14122 Red Maple San Antonio, Texas 78247 210-771-8486 210-490-7950 (fax)
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Performing Arts 10-26
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May and June are Loaded with Incredible Live Entertainment! By Sara Selango
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am looking forward to so many performances at San Antonio and area venues in May and June. I’ve made my list, checked it twice and stocked up on tickets. Included in my selections are Rock of Ages with Constantine Maroulis at the Majestic May 5-10, Celtic Woman at the same venue later in the month, Jerry Seinfeld there as well on June 23 and An Acoustic Evening with Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt at the big theater six days later. Also on my A-list are Ann: An Affectionate Portrait of Ann Richards starring Holland Taylor at the Paramount in Austin May 4-8, Doc Serverinsen at Champion’s Auditorium in Boerne May 8-9, Josh Groban in concert at the AT&T Center May 18, Sugarland at the new Illusions Theater in the Alamodome May 27, Defending The Caveman in the capitol city at The Long Center June 17-18 and Jennifer Hudson in an Austin City Limits concert June 28 at the new Moody Theater.
Travis Park United Methodist Church and the May 8 Tchaikovsky Birthday Bash presented by Musical Bridges Around The World at McAllister Auditorium on the campus of San Antonio College. Because of my interest in opera, I’ll be a face in the crowd for Placido Domingo’s concert at the AT&T Center on the first day of June and at San Antonio Opera’s presentation of HMS Pinafore at the Lila Cockrell June 10-12.
That’s my personal calendar of events for May and June. If I could be in two places at one time, and afford more, I would definitely see Willie Nelson with Cory Morrow at Whitewater Amphitheater in New Braunfels on the first Saturday in May, Brandi Carlile at Gruene Hall May 7, Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Selena Auditorium in Corpus Christi May 8 (also at Cedar Park Center in Austin the night before), Cleo Robinson Dance Company at My classical side has me attending Tchaikovsky the Carver May 14, Yanni at the Majestic May 22, Festival concerts at the Majestic with Sebastian Michael Buble June 1 at UT’s Frank Erwin Center in Lang-Lessing conducting the San Antonio Austin and the Oakridge Boys at the Majestic June Symphony May 6 and 7, plus Camerata San 24. Antonio’s contribution to the festival on May 1 at
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But that’s enough about me. At this point please allow me to suggest that you attend San Antonio Symphony concerts at the Majestic featuring cellist Alban Gerhardt May 20-21 and violinst Vadim Gluzman June 3-4 with Sebastian LangLessing conducting on both occasions. You might also cruise up the road a bit to Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center to experience pianist Jon Kimura Parker as he takes center stage with conductor Peter Bay and the Austin Symphony Orchestra May 13-14. Also just north of the city in New Braunfels you can almost see Neil Diamond and Elvis Presley at the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre. That’s right, Nearly Neil: Bobby Bruce’s Tribute to Neil Diamond is scheduled for May 21 and One Night with Elvis starring Donny Edwards rocks the place May 27.
Country Store chips in with performances by Stoney LaRue (May 7), Robert Earl Keen (May 13), Two Tons of Steel (May 14) and Bob Schneider (May 24) to name a few. For more country & western opportunities, like at Cowboys San Antonio and The County Line on IH-10, check the events calendar in this magazine for performers, dates and times.
Changing hats, let’s talk locally-produced community theater. Although I haven’t seen the show, word is Gloria Sanchez’s one-woman performance of Prozac and Cheez Doodles at San Pedro Playhouse’s Cellar Theatre is super-worthy of your attention. It’s there through May 15. Dirty Rotten Scoundrel plays the main stage at the playhouse beginning May 20. Souvenier, at the Cameo Theatre until May 15, has also received rave reviews. Following this, the Cameo welcomes to its stage Circle Arts Theatre of As if this overload isn’t enough to consider in May New Braunfels’ production of Always Patsy Cline from and June, there’s more. I couldn’t conclude this May 21 to June 19. A Fistful of Meatballs, the latest discussion without mentioning that Asleep at the Murder Mysteries Dinner Theatre offering from Wheel, Joe Ely Band, Chris Knight, Kelly Willis and the Cameo, is served up at Spaghetti Warehouse Jerry Jeff Walker appear at Gruene Hall May 6, 7, on selected days in May and June. In addition, 13, 14 and 20-21 respectively, while John T. Floore Harlequin Dinner Theatre goes back in time with
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Legends of the Golden Oldies starting May 12 and performances in Austin. Season 2011-12 on the UT the Woodlawn Theatre presents Miss Saigon from campus features Rain: A Tribute to The Beatles, South June 24 to July 24. Pacific, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Wicked, Mary Poppins and Les Miserables. In the past, both cities Hill country May-June performances include Monky have added “specials” to their subscription series. Business at Boerne Community Theatre, Annie Here’s hoping that’s the case again this year. in Kerrville by Playhouse 2000 at the Kathleen C. Cailloux Theatre, Oliver at the Steve W. Shepard San Antonio Symphony has also announced its Theater in Fredericksburg and Sleeping Beauty at 2011-12 offerings. With music director Sebastian the Point Outdoor Theatre in Ingram. In Austin, Lang-Lessing at the helm for his second season, the Zachary Scott Theatre features August Osage County orchestra will present 14 classical, 6 pops, 4 family followed by the always-fun Hairspray. concerts, 4 young people’s concerts, 8 performances of The Nutcracker performed by Ballet San Antonio, Find your favorites and get some tickets and go! 3 performances of Messiah, a Beethoven Festival and countless community performances. Also Looking beyond May and June, it should be noted included in their season is a special appearance by that many performing arts organizations have Renee Fleming. already announced their 2011-12 seasons. In San Antonio, Broadway Across America features a six- You might also go online and research new seasons show package that includes Mary Poppins, Fiddler for San Antonio Opera Company, San Antonio on the Roof, Les Miserables, Blue Man Group, Billy Chamber Music Society, Arts San Antonio, Ballet Elliot and La Cage Aux Folles. All performances Austin, Austin Lyric Opera, Long Center, Texas will be at the venerable Majestic Theatre. Bass Performing Arts, and more. Concert Hall is home to Broadway Across America
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Photo Credits: Page 10-11 John Hiatt Photo by Jack Spencer Page 12 (L-R) Alban Gerhardt Courtesy albangerhardt.com Brandi Carlile Photo by Jeremy Cowart Mairead Nesbitt Celtic Woman Photo by Agata Stoinska Page 13 (L-R) Constantine Maroulis Rock of Ages Photo by Joan Marcus
Earth, Wind & Fire Photo by Joan Allen Jennifer Nettles Sugarland Photo by Dana Tynan
Yanni Courtesy Majestic Theatre Jennifer Hudson Courtesy jenniferhudson.com
Page 14 (L-R) Jerry Seinfeld Courtesy Majestic Theatre Placido Domingo Photo by Richard Haughton Lyle Lovett Courtesy Majestic Theatre Page 15 (L-R) Mariachi Altenas Courtesy mariachialtenas.com
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Box Office:
Cinema Tuesdays Celebrates 10 Years By Peabo Fowler
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en years after Nathan Cone first hatched the idea with a colleague for Texas Public Radio to sponsor a summer film series, Cinema Tuesdays still is going strong. This summer, movie patrons thirsty for more than the usual summer blockbusters will have ample opportunity to drink in classic and foreign films as they unspool at the Bijou Cinema Bistro in the Wonderland of the Americas (formerly Crossroads Mall).
26), Jean-Luc Godard’s opening salvo in the French new wave, Breathless, (June 7), and Alfred Hitchcock’s gleeful study on cinematic voyeurism, Rear Window (June 21). In addition, Cone has planned a special Saturday afternoon screening of The Muppet Movie for families on June 18. “That’s Father’s Day weekend,” Cone said. “I know I’ll be bringing my kids to that film so they can experience it for the first time on the big screen. It makes the movie all the more special to see it in a theater, rather than on DVD at home, where there’s always a distraction in the room.” The screening of The Muppet Movie will be free for kids 12 and under, and held at the family-friendly Santikos Embassy Theatre, rather than the Bijou Cinema Bistro.
Unspool is the correct term, by the way. In an age of digital technology, Cone still swears by 35mm prints – for now. “I try to avoid projecting a DVD up on screen,” he said. “Sometimes studios try to convince me that it’ll look fine, but the color is less brilliant, the image not as clear as a 35mm print. That’s not to say I have any illusions about print blemishes. But I’ll take scratches and audio pops any day over a dull and blurry image.” This year’s Cinema Tuesdays series opens May 31 and closes Aug. 31. The Cinema Tuesdays lineup is online Despite that, Cone said he sees the future in digital at www.tpr.org/cinema. For the latest news on the technology. “It’ll take a few more years before Cinema Tuesdays series and movie happenings from studios start making official digital archive prints all over, follow @TPRCinema on Twitter. for projection, but I’ve seen new movies projected digitally, and they look great.” The Cinema Tuesdays series is open to the public. Proceeds benefit Texas Public Radio -- KPAC 88.3 FM, His insistence on 35mm prints has made each year KSTX 89.1 FM, KTXI 90.1 FM. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. at more challenging than the last when it comes to the Bijou each Tuesday during the summer. For more tracking down movies, but persistence pays off. This information, visit www.tpr.org, or call (800) 622-8977. year, San Antonio movie fans can enjoy the rarely The series is made possible by Americus Diamond and seen Jason Robards’ comedy A Thousand Clowns, (July Stevens Lighting. 16 On The Town | May-June 2011
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If It’s Laughs You Want, It’s Laughs You’ll Get! By Sage Tallichet
L
aughter is the best medicine, and it’s available in large doses at two very funny places in San Antonio – the Rivercenter and Laugh Out Loud comedy clubs. Rivercenter has been bringing A-list comics to the city for nearly two decades. Folks such as Chris Rock, Jeff Dunham, Carlos Mencia and Larry the Cable Guy have been regulars. Ron White stops by the late show now and then to try out new material. Even Cat Williams has dropped in at Rivercenter for an impromptu midnight set.
remembers choosing between two comics one week. “The booking agent offered us Drew Carey or Jim Carrey — and I hadn’t heard of either one at the time. So we took Drew. They both went on to become huge comedy stars.”
Most of the comics who appear weekly at the two clubs have worked hard and earned national recognition, sometimes at the Aspen, Los Angeles or Montreal comedy festivals, as well as on television, from the David Letterman, Conan, Jay Leno and Chelsea Handler shows to the BET and Rivercenter Comedy Club manager Ben Huerta True TV networks. 18 On The Town | May-June 2011
Laugh Out Loud is becoming a second home to comedians across the country. Pablo Francisco, Pauly Shore, Craig “The Lovemaster” Shoemaker, Maria Bamford, Laurie Kilmartin and Wendy Liebman are set to light up the stage this summer at LOL. Comedian Richard Lewis opened LOL in November 2009, when owners Colleen and Bruce Barshop branched out with their new location at Park North (formerly Central Park Mall) near the airport and North Star Mall.
Thinking of going to a comedy show? Just check out the sanantoniocomedyclubs.com website and choose Rivercenter or Laugh Out Loud. Pull down the calendar menu and click on the comics. Each show offers three comics—the opener, the middle act and the headliner who typically has top-level experience working at clubs across the country.
You can check out their You Tube videos to get a sense of their comedic style. Keep an eye out for big-name acts as those tickets sell fast. This fall brings in top comics including Finesse Mitchell, Alex Reymundo, Shayla Rivera and Axis of Awesome, The duo is proud that in addition to legends such as along with D.L. Hughley in November, fresh from George Lopez, Tommy Chong and Gabriel Iglesias, his CNN gig and Seinfeld guest appearances. they’ve also brought in more than two dozen female comics in the recent past. Anjelah Johnson (famous In addition to nightly comedy shows, the clubs also for her widely imitated Bon Qui Qui routine) got a serve up a variety of food, from appetizers like chips standing ovation the minute she walked into the and salsa or nachos, to fresh salads, grilled burgers showroom. Her huge fan base bought up every or chicken, and dinner fare including chicken-fried ticket, making her shows complete sellouts. Last steaks and grilled rib-eyes. Comic Standing’s Iliza Shlesinger also packed an energy-filled house. Reservations are suggested and can be made at May-June 2011 | On The Town 19
no extra cost with a credit card number over the phone. Tickets also are available online for a slight handling charge or at the door before show time. Parking is easy at Laugh Out Loud with a huge free lot in front of the building. Rivercenter parking is now automated, and the club validates tickets for three hours of free parking. Do family members tell you that you were born to do comedy? Now’s your chance! Open mic night on Tuesdays at Laugh Out Loud features 20-plus comedians each week. The show is free to watch and free to sign up to tell a few jokes. Several of the club openers have been discovered this way. Rivercenter’s open mic opportunity is at 3:30 p.m. Saturdays. If improvisation is more your style, check out the Oxymoron’s, who perform at Rivercenter. Night owls will enjoy a little After Midnight Madness, which is a free, no-holds-barred show every Saturday night at 12:30 a.m. Might be just the thing to lift your spirits with laughter.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 18 D.L. Hughley Courtesy cnn.com Page 19 (L-R) Laurie Kilmartin Courtesy kilmartin.com Wendy Liebman Courtesy wendyliebman.com Page 20 (Above) Craig Shoemaker Courtesy craigshoemaker.com (Below) Shayla Rivera Courtesy shaylarivera.com 20 On The Town | May-June 2011
As Published in Ezine.com
ON THE TOWN May/June 2011
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Fiesta Noche del Rio Celebrates 55th Season at Arneson River Theatre May 13 - August 13 By Diana Marin | Photography Al Rendon 22 On The Town | May-June 2011
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here can you compete in a grito contest and do the Cotton-eyed Joe, all in one night? Only at Fiesta Noche del Rio – the longest-running outdoor musical revue of its kind in the United States. Fiesta Noche del Rio is a professionally produced, fast-paced and colorful musical extravaganza, featuring beautifully costumed dancers and singers with lively music from Mexico, Spain, Argentina and Texas. This year marks the show’s 55th summer season.
century, we have showcased some of the best local talent in this popular outdoor show, including the return of veteran performers. We want to invite everyone to come support the arts while raising much-needed funds for the children of our community.”
Fiesta Noche del Rio is produced annually by the volunteer-run Alamo Kiwanis Club for the sole purpose of raising funds for local children’s charities. Since 1957, the nonprofit group has “We are excited about our 55th season,” said 2011 raised nearly $5 million, and more than 1 million chairman Eddie Guerra. “For more than half a locals and visitors have seen the show. May-June 2011 | On The Town 23
This year’s charities include Respite Care of San Antonio, Any Baby Can, the Children’s Shelter, Children’s Miracle Network and YMCA. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday from May 13 through Aug. 13 at the Arneson River Theatre. Tickets may be purchased at the gate on the night of each performance, online at www. fiestanochedelrio.com, or by calling (210) 226-4651. Tickets also may be purchased at participating H-E-B Business Centers. This year’s cast includes: Elizabeth Sanchez-Lopez, director, choreographer and lead female singer; Andrew Mauricio, lead male singer; and legendary Flamenco guitarist Willie “El Curro” Champion. Dancers include Ernest Antu, Christopher Flores, Kimberly Gutierrez, Brittany Leos, Santiago Ortiz, Yolanda Ribota, Mauricio Rios and Natalie Sonnen. Chorus dancers include Andrew Almond and Bianca Mendoza.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Pages 22-23 Lead vocalist Andrew Mauricio and Fiesta Noche del Rio dancers Page 24 (Above) Legendary Flamenco guitarist Willie “El Curro” Champion and dancers (Below) Fiesta Noche del Rio dancer in full swirl
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As Published in Ezine.com
ON THE TOWN May/June 2011
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Events Calendar 28-44
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May-June 2011 Events Calendar Music Notes Camerata San Antonio: Tchaikovsky Festival 5/1, Sun @ 3pm Travis Park United Methodist Church Hill Country Youth Orchestra Spring Concert 5/1, Sun @ 3pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville Classics 2 Contemporary 5/1, Sun @ 3:30pm & 7:30pm Jo Long Theatre at Carver Community Cultural Center Mariachi Las Altenas 5/1, Sun @ 4pm Aztec Theatre San Antonio Brass: The Brass Goes Pops 5/1, Sun @ 2pm Beacon Hill Presbyterian Church 5/2, Mon @ 7:30pm First Presbyterian Church Kerrville 5/9, Mon @ 7:30pm
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St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church Boerne 5/11, Wed @ 7:30pm Abiding Presence Lutheran Church RockBox Theater in Fredericksburg 5/1-6/26, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 4:30pm & 8pm Sun @ 1:30pm
San Antonio Symphony Tchaikovsky Festival: Winter Daydreams 5/6, Fri @ 8pm Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor Majestic Theatre Asleep at the Wheel 5/6, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall
San Antonio Rose Live 5/1-6/27, Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 2pm & 7:30pm Sun & Mon @ 7:30pm Aztec Theatre
Rob Baird 5/6, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store
Bart Crow Band The County Line Music Series 5/4, Wed @ 6:30pm The County Line – IH10
Willie Nelson with Cory Morrow 5/7, Sat @ 7:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels
Mark Chesnutt 5/6, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio
San Antonio Symphony Tchaikovsky Festival: Pathetique 5/7, Sat @ 8pm Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor Majestic Theatre
Angela Brown Rohe Classical Series Presentation 5/6, Fri @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville
Chrisette Michele 5/7, Sat @ 8pm Municipal Auditorium
Stoney LaRue 5/7, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Joe Ely Band 5/7, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Tchaikovsky Birthday Bash Musical Bridges Around The World Presentation 5/8, Sun @ 3pm McAllister Auditorium Doc Severinsen Kerrville Performing Arts Society Presentation 5/8-9, Sun-Mon @ 7:30pm Champions Auditorium Boerne Mid-Texas Symphony: Pops Concert 5/8, Sun @ 4pm New Braunfels Civic Center SOLI Chamber Ensemble: SOLI Dance Party 5/10, Tue @ 7:30pm Ruth Taylor Recital Hall Trinity University 5/12, Thu @ 7:30pm Blue Star Contemporary Art Center
Whiskey Myers The County Line Music Series 5/11, Wed @ 6:30pm The County Line – IH10
Fredericksburg Music Club: Sabrina Adrian 5/15, Sun @ 3pm Fredericksburg United Methodist Church
Tejano Conjunto Festival Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Presentation 5/13-15, Fri @ 6pm Sat-Sun @ 1pm Rosedale Park
Youth Orchestra of San Antonio: Russian Fairy Tales 5/15, Sun @ 4pm Laurie Auditorium Trinity University
Chris Knight 5/13, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall
Gary P. Nunn 5/15, Sun @ 6pm Anhalt Hall Bulverde
Robert Earl Keen 5/13, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Bobby Flores & Yellow Rose Band 5/14, Sat @ 8pm Kendalia Halle Kelly Willis 5/14, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Kick A Boot Band 5/14, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dance Hall Two Tons of Steel 5/14, Sat @ 9:30pm John T. Floore Country Store Voci di Sorelle: Full Circle - A Life of Love 5/15, Sun @ 3pm St. John’s Lutheran Church
The Power of One Gospel & Comedy Show featuring Yolanda Adams & The Manns 5/15, Sun, 6:30pm Municipal Auditorium Olmos Ensemble: Springtime Winds 5/16, Mon @ 7:30pm First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Antonio Celtic Woman: Songs From the Heart Tour 5/16-17, Mon-Tue @ 7:30pm Majestic Theatre Brandi Carlile 5/17, Tue @ 8pm Gruene Hall Sean McConnell The County Line Music Series 5/18, Wed @ 6:30pm The County Line – IH10 May-June 2011 | On The Town 29
Welcome to the Family featuring Avenged Sevenfold and Three Days Grace 5/18, Wed @ 7pm Illusions Theater At The Alamodome Josh Groban: Straight To You Tour 5/18, Wed @ 7:30pm AT&T Center REO Speedwagon 5/20, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio Weldon Henson 5/20, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dance Hall San Antonio Symphony Beethoven & Mozart 5/20-21, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor Alban Gerhardt, cello Majestic Theatre Jerry Jeff Walker 5/20-21, Fri-Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Chris Young 5/21, Sat @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio Nearly Neil: Bobby Bruce’s Tribute to Neil Diamond 5/21, Sat @ 7:30pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels
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Two Tons of Steel 5/21, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Stacie Collins 5/21, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dance Hall San Antonio Symphony: The Art of Sound 5/22, Sun @ 2:30pm Laurie Auditorium Trinity University Heart of Texas Concert Band: Beyond Our Borders 5/22, Sun @ 3pm Madison High School Auditorium Yanni 5/22, Sun @ 7:30pm Majestic Theatre Camerata San Antonio: Great String Quintets 5/26, Thu @ 7:30pm Kerrville First Presbyterian Church 5/27, Fri @ 7:30pm Boerne First United Methodist Church 5/29, Sun @ 3pm Travis Park United Methodist Church The Band Perry 5/27, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio
One Night with Elvis Starring Donny Edwards 5/27, Fri @ 7pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels Gary Allan with Aaron Watson 5/27, Fri @ 7:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels Sugarland 5/27, Fri @ 8pm Illusions Theater At The Alamodome Thomas Michael Riley’s Tribute to Don Williams 5/27, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dance Hall Reckless Kelly 5/27, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Miss Leslie & Her Juke Jointers 5/27, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Heart of Texas Concert Band: Memorial Day Concert 5/28, Sat @ TBD Wonderland Mall of The Americas Eli Young Band 5/28, Sat @ 7:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels
Angelique Kidjo 5/28, Sat @ 8pm Jo Long Theatre at Carver Community Cultural Center Cactus Country Band 5/28, Sat @ 8pm Kendalia Halle Max Stalling 5/28, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Billy Joe Shaver and Doug Moreland 5/28, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dance Hall James McMurtry 5/28, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Cowboys Dance Hall Music Fest featuring The Randy Rogers Band 5/29, Sun @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio Spazmatics 5/29, Sun @ 7:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels Gary P. Nunn 5/29, Sun @ 8pm Gruene Hall Two Ton Tuesdays with Two Tons of Steel 5/31, 6/7, 14,21,28 Tue @ 8:30pm Gruene Hall
Band of Heathens The County Line Music Series 6/1, Wed @ 6:30pm The County Line – IH10
Johnny Cooper The County Line Music Series Wed, 6/8 @ 6:30pm The County Line – IH10
Placido Domingo 6/1, Wed @ 7:30pm AT&T Center
Motley Crue and Poison with special guest New York Dolls 6/9, Thu @ 7pm AT&T Center
Deftones 6/3, Fri @ 8pm AT&T Center Mike McClure Band 6/3, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store San Antonio Symphony Gluzman Plays Beethoven 6/3-4, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor Vadim Gluzman, violin Majestic Theatre Billy Morgan and The Barnburners 6/4, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Mariachi Las Altenas 6/5, Sun @ 4pm Aztec Theatre Musical Evenings at San Fernando Cathedral: Date with Chopin Musical Bridges Around The World Presentation 6/5, Sun @ 6:30pm San Fernando Cathedral
Concerts Under The Stars with Colao 6/9, Thu @ 7pm San Antonio Botanical Garden Earth, Wind & Fire 6/10, Fri @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Delbert McClinton 6/10, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Luis Miguel 6/10, Fri @ 8pm AT&T Center Doug Moreland 6/10, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dance Hall Mario Flores & The Soda Creek Band 6/10, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Eli Young Band 6/11, Sat @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio
Landon Dodd and the Dancehall Drifters 6/11, Sat @ 8pm Kendalia Halle
The Wagoneers featuring Monte Warden 6/18, Sat @ 9pn Gruene Hall
Sunday Jazz at The Witte: Johnny P and the Wiseguys 6/12, Sun @ 4pm Witte Museum
No Justice The County Line Music Series 6/22, Wed @ 6:30pm The County Line – IH10
Guy Clark 6/13, Mon @ 8pm Gruene Hall
Concerts Under The Stars with Texas Tide 6/23, Thu @ 7pm San Antonio Botanical Garden
Brandon Rhyder The County Line Music Series 6/15 Wed @ 6:30pm The County Line – IH10 Jason Boland & The Stragglers 6/17, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio
Bart Crow Band 6/24, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio The Oakridge Boys 6/24, Fri @ 7:30pm Majestic Theatre
Houston Marchman 6/17, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall
Larry Joe Taylor 6/24, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall
Jamie Richards 6/17, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dance Hall
Almost Patsy Cline Band 6/24, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dance Hall
Wisin y Yandel 6/18, Sat @ 8pm AT&T Center
Bob Schneider 6/24, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store
Amber Digby & Midnight Flyers 6/18, Sat @ 8pm Anhalt Hall Bulverde
Girl Talk 6/25, Sat @ 7:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels May-June 2011 | On The Town 31
The Tejas Brothers 6/25, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Rich O’Toole 6/25, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dance Hall Van’s Warped Tour 6/26, Sun @ 11am AT&T Center An Acoustic Evening with Lyle Lovett & John Hiatt 6/26, Sun @ 7pm Majestic Theatre New Kids On The Block & Back Street Boys with special guest Jordin Sparks 6/28, Tue @ 7:30pm AT&T Center Aaron Watson The County Line Music Series 6/29 Wed @ 6:30pm The County Line – IH10 Chris Isaak 6/30, Wed @ 8pm Gruene Hall Musical Offerings: Jazz Meets Classical XIX 5/16, Mon @ 7pm San Antonio Museum of Art 5/17, Tue @ 7pm Ruth Taylor Recital Hall Trinity University
32 On The Town | May-June 2011
On Stage The Golden Age of Radio Extended Run Players Presentation 5/1, Sun @ 2pm Cheever Downstage II Theatre University of the Incarnate Word Jesus Christ Superstar 5/1, Sun @ 3pm Woodlawn Theatre Sweetest Sounds Gala 5/1, Sun @ 6:30pm Russell Hill Rogers Theater San Pedro Playhouse Souvenir 5/1-15, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Cameo Theatre Prozac and Cheez Doodles 5/1-15, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Cellar Theater San Pedro Playhouse House For Sale 5/5-22, Thu-Sat @ 8pm (dinner @ 6:30pm) Sun @ 3pm (lunch @ 1:30pm) S.T.A.G.E – Spotlight Theatre & Arts Group, etc. Bulverde Frames 5/6, Thu @ 8pm The Overtime Theater at Blue Star
Monky Business 5/6-21, Thu @ 7:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Boerne Community Theatre
ActOne Series XVI Renaissance Guild Presentation 5/20-21, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Little Carver Theatre
Murder Mysteries Dinner Theatre: A Fistful of Meatballs Cameo Theatre and Fools Productions Presentation 5/7, 6/11 & 25, Sat @ 6:30pm 5/20, Fri @ 6:30pm Spaghetti Warehouse
The Decorator 5/20-6/18, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm (no performance on Fri, 6/3) The Overtime Theater at Blue Star
Rock of Ages 5/10-15, Tue-Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm & 7:30pm Majestic Theatre The Irish Curse Attic Repertory Presentation 5/12-29, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Attic Theatre Trinity University
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels 5/20-6/19, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Russell Hill Rogers Theater San Pedro Playhouse Always Patsy Cline Circle Arts Theatre Presentation 5/21-6/19, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Cameo Theatre
Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler Classic Theatre Presentation 5/12-29, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Sterling Houston Theatre at Blue Star
Annie Playhouse 2000 Presentation 6/3-11, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm 6/12, Sun @ 2pm 6/16-18, Thu-Sat @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville
Legends of the Golden Oldies 5/12-6/11, Thu-Sat @ 8pm (Dinner @ 6:15pm) Harlequin Dinner Theatre
Haight Ashbury 6/10-25, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm The Rose Theatre Company
Pirates of Penzance New Braunfels Theatre Company Presentation 6/9-19, Days/ Times TBD Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels Sleeping Beauty 6/10-12, Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm 6/16-25, Thu-Sat @ 8:30pm Smith-Ritch Point Theatre at Hill Country Arts Foundation Ingram
Corpus Christi 6/10-7/10, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Cellar Theater San Pedro Playhouse
The Last Thing You’ll Ever See Jump Start Performance Co. Presentation 6/11-12, Sat-Sun @ 8pm 6/16-18, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sterling Houston Theatre at Blue Star
Oliver 6/24-7/10, Thu-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Steve W. Shepard Theater Fredericksburg
Miss Saigon 6/24-7/24, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm Woodlawn Theatre
Opera HMS Pinafore San Antonio Opera Presentation 6/10-12, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Lila Cockrell Theatre
Dance Pintame El Alma 5/6-7, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Little Carver Theatre
May-June 2011 | On The Town 33
Cleo Robinson Dance Company 5/14, Sat @ 8pm Jo Long Theatre at Carver Community Cultural Center
Barry Friedman 5/11-15, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club
Patti Vasquez 6/1-5, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club
Quenedit Ballet School: Etudes 5/20, Fri @ 8pm Jo Long Theatre at Carver Community Cultural Center
Lucas Molandes 5/12, Thu @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Pablo Francisco 6/3-5, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Inspired National Tap Dance Day 5/21, Sat @ 7:30pm Jo Long Theatre at Carver Community Cultural Center
Comedy JR Brow 5/1, Sun @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Marc Maron 5/13-15, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Greg Warren 5/18-22, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Mark Viera 5/1, Sun @ 8:30pm Rivercenter Comedy
RC Smith 5/18-22, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club
Mike Kosta 5/4-8, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Tina Giorgi 5/25-29, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Andy Gross 5/4-8, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club
Patrick DeGuire 5/25-29, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club
34 On The Town | May-June 2011
Craig Shoemaker 6/9-12, Thu-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club PJ Walsh 6/8-12, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Maurice Bernard 6/15, Wed @ 7:30pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Mike Britt 6/15-19, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Larry Reeb 6/16-19, Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Tim Pulnik 6/22, Wed @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Jim Dailakis 6/22-26, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Jerry Seinfeld 6/23, Thu @ 7pm Majestic Theatre Dov Davidof 6/23-26, Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Brian McFadden 6/29-7/3, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Michael Mack 6/29-7/3, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club
For The Kids Charlotte’s Web 5/3-7, Tue-Fri @ 9:45am & 11:30am Fri @ 7pm, Sat @ 2pm Magik Theatre
May-June 2011 | On The Town 35
The Wizard of Oz 5/4-21, Wed-Thu @ 10am Sat @ 11am The Rose Theatre Company Pippi Longstocking Children’s Fine Arts Series Presentation 5/5, Thu @ 6:30pm Laurie Auditorium Trinity University Pinkalicious 5/13-6/25, Tue-Fri @ 9:45am & 11:30am Fri @ 7pm, Sat @ 2pm Magik Theatre The Three Little Pigs Children’s Fine Arts Series Presentation 6/10, Fri @ 6:30pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre The Theatre Tots Summer Vacation 6/15-29, Wed-Thu @ 10am Sat @ 11am The Rose Theatre Company Phantom of the Alamo 6/29-7/30, Wed & Fri @ 10:30am Sat @ 2pm Magik Theatre
On Exhibit ARTPACE Hudson (Show)Room Gabriel Vormstein: The Teeth of the Wind and the Sea Thru 5/1 Window Works Joshua Bienko Thru 5/1 International ArtistIn-Residence New Works: 11.1 E.V. Day Devon Dikeou Kelly Richardson Heather Pesanti, curator Thru 5/22 Window Works Potter-Belmar Labs 5/12-9/1 Hudson (Show)Room Tracey Moffat 5/12-9/4 BIHL HAUS ARTS The Kitchen Goddess: Suchil Coffman-Guerra Thru 5/14 Golden Rewards 5/20-6/18 Kari Roberts-Sackman: New Paintings 6/24-7/23
36 On The Town | May-June July-August 2011 2009
BLUE STAR CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER Brian Jobe: Blank Tides Thru 5/14 Cathy CunninghamLittle: Breathing Light Thru 5/14 Gregory Elliott: Dam the Torpedoes Thru 5/14 Dirk Lange: Slow Gemini Thru 5/14 Kind of Undisputed: Mat Kubo, Scott Proctor, Tim Schmidt & Troy Stanley 5/5-7/1 Blue Star Red Dot 5/26, Thu @ 7pm GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER Trans/Action Thru 6/25
Texas Contemporary Artists Series: Luis M. Garza Thru 6/19 40 Years of Texas Folklife Festival Memories Ongoing Football: The Exhibit 5/14-9/18 McNAY ART MUSEUM Artmatters 14: Sandy Skoglund: The Cocktail Party Thru 5/8 New Image Sculpture Thru 5/8 George Nelson: Architect, Writer, Designer, Teacher 6/8-9/11 Burgoyne Diller: Abstract Pioneer 6/15-8/28
INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES
A Fine Line: The Woodcuts of John Lee 6/15-9/18
Texans Head to Foot Thru 5/1
MUSEO ALAMEDA
Leaving Home, Finding Home: Texan Families Remember the Revolution Thru 5/1
Revolution and Renaissance: Mexico and San Antonio 1910-2010 Thru 7/15
Manny Castillo: The Painting of a Community Thru 8/31
SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN Art In The Garden: Texas Uprising – Selections from The Texas Sculpture Group Thru 3/1/12
SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART The Missing Piece Thru 7/31 Feria! – Folk Art from Regional Fairs in Latin America Thru 10/9 SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART Magnetic Fields Thru 5/15
Beatriz Fedele: Crossing Nature’s Threshold Thru 5/15
Michelle Belto / Uncommon Elements 6/2-8/13
All School Exhibition 2011 6/2-8/14
WITTE MUSEUM
Teen Studio Extensive Program / Bee Nation 6/2-8/14
A Night at the Museum: Fiesta Trains Inspired by Museums of the World Thru 7/31
Cecilia Hancock / Certificate Student Exhibition 6/2-8/14
Miradas: Mexican Art from the Bank of America Collection Thru 8/21
May-June 2011 | On The Town 37
Amazon Voyage: Viscous Fishes and Other Riches Thru 9/5 Water in Motion: Past, Present and Future of t he San Antonio River Thru 9/5
Miscellaneous Tejas Rodeo Thru 11/19, Sat @ 7:30pm Bulverde Culinary Boot Camp: Mediterranean Cuisine 5/2-6, Mon-Fri / 7am1:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery First Friday Art Walk 5/6 & 6/3, Fri / 6-9pm Southtown / Blue Star / King William Taste of CIA Cookbooks: The Flavors of Asia 5/7, Sat / 9:30am-2:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery Culinaria: Wine & Culinary Arts Festival 5/11-15 Fiesta Noche del Rio 5/13-8/13, FriSat @ 8:30pm Arneson River Theatre
38 On The Town | May-June 2011
Culinary Boot Camp: Techniques of Healthy Cooking 5/16-19, Tue-Fri / 7am1:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery First Taste Cooking Demonstration: Risotto – Classic Skills & Techniques 5/21, Sat / 10am-12:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery Culinary Boot Camp: Grilling & BBQ 5/31-6/1, Tue-Wed / 7am1:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery Taste of CIA Cookbooks: Everyday Grilling 6/4, Sat / 9:30am-2:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery First Taste Cooking Demonstration: South American Ceviche 6/4, Sat / 10am-12:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery Taste of CIA Cookbooks: The Italian Table 6/11, Sat / 9:30am-2:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery
Culinary Boot Camp: Latin Cuisine – South America 6/13-17, Mon-Fri / 7am1:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery Taste of CIA Cookbooks: Spain and the World Table 6/18, Sat / 9:30am-2:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery First Taste Cooking Demonstration: Modern & Traditional Roaster Chicken Recipes 6/18, Sat / 10am-12:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery Culinary Boot Camp: Basic Training 6/20-24, Mon-Fri / 7am1:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Barnum 200 6/29-7/4, WedFri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 3:30pm & 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm & 6pm Mon @ 4pm
Area Highlights Austin Austin Chamber Music Center Performathon 5/1, Sun @ 12pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Disney on Ice: Princess Wishes 5/1, Sun @ 2pm & 6pm Cedar Park Center August Osage County 5/1-5/22, Wed-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2:30pm Kleberg Stage Zachary Scott Theatre Ann Monheit 5/1, Sun @ 6pm & 8:30pm One World Theatre The Robert Cray Band 5/2, Mon @ 8pm One World Theatre Ann: An Affectionate Portrait of Ann Richards 5/4-8, Wed-Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm Paramount Theatre Steve Tyrell 5/5, Thu @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre
May-June 2011 | On The Town 39
Austin City Limits Live: Femi Kuti & The Positive Force 5//6, Fri @ 6:30pm The Moody Theater
The David Sandborn Trio Featuring Joey Defrancesco 5/13, Fri @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre
Celtic Woman: Songs from the Heart Tour 5/22, Sun @ 7pm The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center
Robben Ford 5/6, Fri @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre
Austin Symphony Orchestra 5/13-14, Sat @ 8pm Peter Bay, conductor Jon Kimura Parker, piano Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center
Boney James 5/27, Fri @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre
The Magic Flute Ballet Austin Presentation 5/6-8, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Tower of Power 5/7, Sat @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Beethoven’s Last Night 2011 5/7, Sat @ 8pm Cedar Park Center Je’Caryous Johnson’s Cheaper to Keep Her 5/8, Sun @ 4pm The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center Austin City Limits Live: Jamey Johnson 5/12, Thu @ 6:30pm The Moody Theater Austin City Limits Live: Jackson Browne 5/13, Fri @ 6:30pm The Moody Theater
40 On The Town | May-June 2011
Paramount Theatre Anniversary Gala featuring Smokey Robinson 5/14, Sat @ 6pm Paramount Theatre Austin Civic Orchestra: By Request! 5/15, Sat @ 7:30pm St. Martin’s Lutheran Church Austin Cabaret Theatre: Susan Lubin 5/19-21, Thu-Sat @ 8:30pm Kodosky Lounge at The Long Center Austin City Limits Live: Cracker with Camper Van Beethoven 5/20, Fri @ 6:30pm The Moody Theater Twista with Lee Correta 5/21, Sat @ 8pm Austin Music Hall Sarah Jarosz 5/22, Sun @ 6pm & 8:30pm One World Theatre
Asleep at the Wheel 5/28, Sat-after 6:05pm RR Express game Dell Diamond Michael Buble 6/1, Wed @ 8pm Frank Erwin Center John Waite 6/1, Wed @ 8pm One World Theatre Thomas & Friends Live! 6/1-2, Wed @ 7pm Thu @ 10:30am & 7pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center One-Man Star Wars Trilogy 6/2-5, Thu @ 7:30pm Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm & 7pm Rollins Studio Theatre at The Long Center The Book of Grace 6/2-7/10, Wed-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Whisenhunt Stage Zachary Scott Theatre
The Manhattan Transfer Sarah & Ernest Butler Pops Series Austin Symphony Orchestra 6/3-4, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Palmer Events Center Deftones 6/4, Sat @ 7pm Austin Music Hall Hartman Foundation Concerts In The Park Austin Symphony Orchestra 6/5, 12, 19 & 26 – Sun @ 7:30pm Hartman Concert Park at The Long Center Austin City Limits Live: Beirut with Twin Sister 6/8, Wed @ 6:30pm The Moody Theater Classic Albums Live Performs Led Zeppelin IV 6/9, Thu @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre Austin Cabaret Theatre: Tony DeSare 6/9-10, Thu-Fri @ 8:30pm Kodosky Lounge at The Long Center Austin City Limits Live: Ralphie May 6/10, Fri @ 6:30pm The Moody Theater Acoustic Alchemy 6/10, Fri @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre
Austin Civic Orchestra: Zilker Pops Concert 6/10-11, Fri- Sat @ 7:30pm Zilker Hillside Theater
Defending the Caveman 6/17-18, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center
Austin City Limits Live: Earth, Wind & Fire 6/11, Sat @ 6:30pm The Moody Theater
Hillsong United 6/18, Sat @ 7:30pm Cedar Park Center
Rush: Time Machine Tour 2011 6/12, Sun @ 7:30pm Frank Erwin Center Chelsea Handler 6/12, Sun @ 8pm Bass Concert Hall University Texas Austin City Limits Live: Widespread Panic 6/14-15, Tue-Wed @ 6pm The Moody Theater ‘Til Death do us Part: Late Nite Catechism 6/15-26, Wed-Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 3pm & 8pm Sun @ 3pm Rollins Studio Theatre at The Long Center Austin City Limits Live: Explosions in the Sky 6/17, Fri @ 6:30pm The Moody Theater Dave Koz 6/17, Fri @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre
Jack Ingram 6/18, Sat-after 6:05pm RR Express game Dell Diamond Average White Band 6/19, Sun @ 6pm & 8:30pm One World Theatre Austin City Limits Live: Bootsy Collins 6/19, Sun @ 6:30pm The Moody Theater Austin City Limits Live: Emmy Lou Harris 6/21, Tue @ 6:30pm The Moody Theater Little Feat 6/22, Wed @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre Cedar Park PBR Challenge 6/23, Thu @ 7:30pm Cedar Park Center Hairspray 6/23-8/28, Wed-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm (except 6/19 which is @ 6pm) Kleberg Stage Zachary Scott Theatre
Camerata Tango 6/24, Fri @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre
Danzig 5/7, Sat @ 7pm Old Concrete Street Amphitheater
Cedar Park PRCA Rodeo 6/24-25, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Cedar Park Center
Middle of the Road 5/7, Sat @ 9pm Brewster Street Ice House
Jim Messina 6/25, Sat @ 7pm One World Theatre Strunz & Farah 6/26, Sun @ 6pm & 8:30pm One World Theatre Austin City Limits Live: Jennifer Hudson 6/28, Tue @ 6:30pm The Moody Theater An Acoustic Evening with Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt 6/28-29, Wed-Thu @ 8pm Paramount Theatre Corpus Christi Disney On Ice: Let’s Celebrate! 5/4-5/8, Wed-Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 3:30pm & 7:30pm Sun @ 1:30pm American Bank Center Arena Roger Creager 5/5, Thu @ 9pm Brewster Street Ice House The Spazmatics 5/6, Fri @ 9pm Brewster Street Ice House
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Beethoven’s Last Night 2011 5/8, Sun @ 7:30pm Selena Auditorium at American Bank Center Granger Smith 5/12, Thu @ 9pm Brewster Street Ice House House of Several Stories 5/13-29, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Harbor Playhouse Pat Green 5/13, Fri @ 9pm Brewster Street Ice House Los Lonely Boys 5/15, Sun @ 9pm Brewster Street Ice House Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan 5/21, Sat @ 7:30pm Richardson Performance Hall Del Mar College Tonic 5/21, Sat-after 6:05pm CC Hooks game Whataburger Field
May-June 2011 | On The Town 41
The Metal Shop 5/21, Sat @ 9pm Brewster Street Ice House
Tiesto 5/29, Sat @ 6pm Laredo Energy Arena
A Concert Tribute to our Choir of Angels Cathedral Concert Series Presentation 5/22, Sun @ 6pm Corpus Christi Cathedral
Luis Miguel 6/8, Wed @ 8pm Laredo Energy Arena
Kevin Fowler 5/28, Sat @ 7pm Old Concrete Street Amphitheater Del Castillo 5/28, Sat @ 9pm Brewster Street Ice House Deftones 6/5, Sun @ 6:30pm Old Concrete Street Amphitheater Summer Melodramas 6/10-8/27, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Harbor Playhouse Asleep at the Wheel 6/18, Sat-after 6:05pm CC Hooks game Whataburger Field Laredo Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Zing Zang Zoom Golden Edition 5/12-15, Thu-Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 2:30pm & 6:30pm Sun @ 2:30pm Laredo Energy Arena
42 On The Town | May-June 2011
Wisin & Yandel 6/19, Sun @ 8pm Laredo Energy Arena Rio Grande Valley Mamma Mia Broadway in McAllen Presentation 5/7-8, Sat 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm Civic Center Auditorium McAllen Beethoven and Tchaikovsky - A Piano, Violin and Cello Encounter 5/7, Sat @ 8pm International Museum of Art and Science McAllen South Texas Youth Symphony: Mother’s Day Concert 5/8, Sun @ 4pm UTPA Fine Arts Auditorium Edinburg Noche Flamenca The Arts Center Signature Series Presentation 5/11, Wed @ 7:30pm The Arts Center Brownsville
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Zing Zang Zoom Golden Edition 5/18-22, Wed-Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 3:30pm & 7:30pm Sun @ 1:30pm & 5:30 State Farm Arena Hidalgo Yanni 5/21, Sat @ 8pm Civic Center Auditórium McAllen Luis Miguel 6/9, Thu @ 8pm State Farm Arena Hidalgo Francisco Cespedes 6/18, Sat @ 8pm Civic Center Auditorium McAllen
Photo Credits Page 28 (L-R) Mariachi Altenas Courtesy mariachialtenas. com
San Antonio Rose Courtesy saroselive.com Page 29 (L-R) Sebastian Lang-Lessing Photo by Marks Moore David Mairs Courtesy mtsymphony.org Page 30 (L-R) Whiskey Myers Courtesy whiskeymyers. com Eva Ybarra Courtesy Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Mingo Saldivar Courtesy Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Chris Knight Courtesy chrisknight.net Page 31 (L-R) Robert Earl Keen Courtesy liveatfloores.com
San Antonio Brass Courtesy sanantoniobrass. com
Kelly Willis Courtesy kellywillis.me
RockBox Theater Courtesy rockboxtheater. com
Voci di Sorrelle Courtesy bennisimomusic. com
Troy Peters Courtesy yosa.com
Reckless Kelly Courtesy recklesskelly.com
Page 32 (L-R)
Miss Leslie Courtesy liveatfloores.com
Jason Boland and the Stragglers Courtesy liveatfloores.com
Max Stalling Courtesy maxstalling.com
Oak Ridge Boys Photo by Jarrett Gaza
Page 36 (L-R)
Bob Schneider Courtesy liveatfloores.com
Gary P. Nunn Courtesy liveatfloores.com Mairead Nesbitt Celtic Woman Photo by Agata Stoinska Brandi Carlile Photo by Jeremy Cowart Alban Gerhardt Courtesy albangerhardt. com
James McMurtry Courtesy liveatfloores.com Randy Rogers Band Courtesy randyrogersband.com
Chris Young Photo by Marnie Chavez Two Tons of Steel Courtesy twotons.com Yanni Courtesy Majestic Theatre Page 34 (L-R) Sugarland Photo by Dana Tynan
Joan Christenson Musical Offerings Courtesy musicalofferings. org Page 40 (L-R)
Placido Domingo Photo by Shelia Rock
Rock of Ages Photo by Joan Marcus
Vadim Gluzman Photo by John Kringas
Pablo Francisco Courtesy pablofrancisco. com
Page 33 (L-R) Jerry Jeff Walker Courtesy jerryjeff.com
Page 38 (L-R)
Page 37 (L-R) Luis Miguel Courtesy luismigueloficial. com Cory Morrow Courtesy liveatfloores.com Mario Flores Courtesy liveatfloores.com Brandon Rhyder Courtesy brandonrhyder. com
Tejas Rodeo Photo by Catchit Photos Fiesta Noche del Rio Courtesy Fiesta Noche del Rio Page 41 (L-R) Texas Folklife Festival Courtesy Institute of Texan Cultures Holland Taylor Photo by Harry Langdon
Steve Tyrell Courtesy oneworldtheatre. org Trans-Siberian Orchestra Courtesy trans-siberian. com Page 42 (L-R) Jon Kimura Parker Courtesy jonkimuraparker. com Celtic Woman Courtesy Majestic Theatre Chelsea Handler Courtesy texasperformingarts.org Dave Koz Courtesy oneworldtheatre. org Page 43 (L-R) Emmylou Harris Courtesy oneworldtheatre. org Jennifer Hudson Courtesy jenniferhudson. com Roger Creager Courtesy rogercreager. com The Spazmatics Courtesy thespazmatics. net May-June 2011 | On The Town 43
44 On The Town | May-June 2011
Visual Arts 46-60
May-June 2011 | On The Town 45
Art and Culture Sp All Over San Anton By Shannon Huntington Standley
46 On The Town | May-June 2011
pring Up nio!
May-June 2011 | On The Town 47
A
voyage down the largest river in the world; a walk down memory lane of the festival of cultures; an art bus; an homage to seniors; the fruits from a school of art; the creator of the modern-day living room; and peace exuded through art—these are just a sampling of what can be found in the amazing art and culture scene of San Antonio.
who inhabit the Amazon River. Don’t miss Miradas: Mexican Art From the Bank of America Collection, on view through Aug. 21. Miradas is a unique survey of about 100 works by artists on both sides of the border, American and Mexican. If you have missed any of the past 40 years of the Texas Folklife Festival, UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures has you covered. 40 Years of Texas Folklife Festival Memories, which opened April 30, draws on oral histories, archive video, photographs, posters and memorabilia going back to the festival’s origins. Don’t miss the event live June 10-12. With the University of Texas at San Antonio’s inaugural season of football fast approaching, the institute prepares with Football: The Exhibit, opening May 14. Examine the science, technology, history and culture of football. With hands-on participation from start to finish, visitors can encounter collisions, peripheral vision, reaction times, trajectories and balance.
Fiesta may have come and gone, but you still can get a taste of it through the Witte Museum’s annual Fiesta exhibition. A Night at the Museum: Fiesta Trains Inspired by Museums of the World, on view through July 31, is a selection of 11 gowns and trains from several courts of the Order of the Alamo coronations. The robes were chosen by design elements that were inspired by art and museums. In celebration of this year’s theme, the Witte is displaying artifacts from the permanent collection that complement the artifacts represented in each train. The journey of the largest river in the world, Amazon Voyage: Vicious Fishes and Other Riches, continues through Sept. 5. Go on an exciting journey through the diverse Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Blue Star Contemporary ecosystems, identify the vicious creatures known as Art Center. On May 5, the Blue Star bus will shuttle the Seven Perils and learn about the amazing people patrons between the main campus and the Blue Star
48 On The Town | May-June 2011
Lab to celebrate three events. Texas Biennial: Jade Walker will remain on view through May 14, and Kind of Undisputed featuring Mat Kubo, Scott Proctor, Tim Schmidt and Troy Stanley will be on view through July 1. On the evening of May 5, don’t miss Iron Pour With Jack Gron, which offers the public an opportunity to witness a sculptural process that is normally only accessible in commercial foundries or on a few college campuses. Then kick off summer with three new exhibits opening June 3: Gudjón Bjarnason; Texas Uprising: Selections From the Texas Sculpture Group featuring Bret Baggett, Cathy CunninghamLittle, Joseph Duarte, Garland Fielder, Maria Cristina Jadick, Paul Kittelson, Hans Molzberger and Beverly Penn; and the indoor component of the Texas Uprising by Julia Barbosa Landois.
and includes paintings executed under the guidance of teacher Terry Lopez de Castilla; fiber sculpture produced with textile artist Suchil Coffman-Guerra; a 15-foot portable mural, facilitated by lead artist and muralist Adriana Garcia; and handcrafts and other works. The May opening is in observance of “Older Americans Month.” Each year the Administration on Aging issues a theme for Older Americans Month. The theme of this year’s celebration, “Connecting the Community,” pays homage to the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of our communities.
Summer exhibits at the Southwest School of Art, all opening June 2, boast mediums across the board. The annual All School Exhibition returns for 2011 showcasing outstanding works created Bihl Haus Arts is rolling out their annual exhibition during the past year by faculty, students and that celebrates the “Goldens,” the residents at artists associated with the school; Cecilia Castro Primrose at Monticello Park Senior Apartments, Hancock: Solo Exhibition includes works exhibited where Bihl Haus Arts is located, and in surrounding as the culmination to Hancock’s certificate program communities who are enrolled in the Bihl Haus arts studies in ceramics; Striped Apple: Teen Studio program. Golden Treasures, opening May 21, features Intensive Exhibition features works influenced by artwork created over the past year by the Goldens the music and culture of the Beatles by students in
May-June 2011 | On The Town 49
the teen after-school program; and Michelle Belto: Uncommon Elements is a display of new works from the adjunct faculty member that explores the meeting point of two organic mediums, paper and wax, with added elements of tar and torch. On June 25, Austin ceramist Stan Irvin will highlight his single-fired, thrown and altered vessels through a talk and image presentation.
ends its five-year tour at the San Antonio Museum of Art on July 31. This cutting-edge, contemporary exhibition features works by more than 80 artists representing various countries, giving their perspectives on the Dalai Lama and his endeavors, and exploring the idea of art as a catalyst for peace. On view through August, ÂĄFeria! Folk Art from Regional Fairs in Latin America features works from a variety of fairs in many geographical areas. Regional fairs have been popular for centuries throughout Latin America, providing promising outlets for the sale of locally produced crafts, agricultural products, livestock and more. Most of the fairs are a critical economic development activity for their respective communities. Get a glimpse into the vitality a regional fair provides for a particular community.
You can thank George Nelson for your living room. When Nelson coauthored the book Tomorrow’s House in 1945, he described the now familiar family gathering spot. On June 8, the McNay Art Museum opens George Nelson: Architect, Writer, Designer, Teacher, celebrating the iconic American designer whose ideas yielded numerous classics in American furniture and interior design. The exhibit incorporates more than 120 three-dimensional objects, including benches, cabinets, chairs, clocks, Spanning cultures, countries, topics and mediums, desks and lamps, in addition to historical drawings, the exhibitions available in your own city have photographs, architectural models and films. something for any individual taste. Don’t miss the absolute last opportunity to see The Missing Peace: Artists Consider the Dalai Lama as it
50 On The Town | May-June 2011
Photo Credits: Pages 46-47 Blue Star Red Dot Sale Photo by Justin Parr Page 48 (L-R) Irma Wilson Caracas, 2011 acrylics, 20 x 16 in. Photo courtesy Bihl Haus Arts Troy Stanley Untitled, 2011 wood, tie wraps, heat shrink tubing, hardware, fishing line, light, motor, electronics, dimensions variable Photo by artist Courtesy Blue Star Contemporary Art Center Football: The Exhibit Passing Cage Photo courtesy Institute of Texan Cultures
Page 49 (L-R) George Nelson Zoo Clocks, 1965 Photo from Vitra Design Museum Archive Courtesy McNay Art Museum A Night at the Museum: Fiesta Trains Inspired by Museums of the World Photo courtesy of Witte Museum Chuck Close The Dalia Lama, 2005 digital pigment print 50 x 40 in. Courtesy San Antonio Museum of Art
George Nelson Ball Clock, 1948 Photo from Vitra Design Museum Archive Courtesy McNay Art Museum
Page 51 (L-R) Linda Manson My Secret Garden, 2011 mixed media 20 x 20 in. Courtesy Bihl Haus Arts
Page 50 (L-R) Summer Art Camp Photo courtesy Southwest School of Art
George Nelson Marshmallow Sofa, 1956 Photo from Vitra Design Museum Archive Courtesy McNay Art Museum
Amazon Voyage: Viscous Fishes and other Riches Piranha Tank Photo courtesy Witte Museum
Summer Art Camp Dolls Courtesy Southwest School of Art
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52 On The Town | May-June 2011
SHANON PETERSON WASIELEWSKI: ENTRUSTED WITH SAN ANTONIO’S HISTORIC PRESERVATION By Michele Krier Photography Cynthia Clark
M
ay is National Historic Preservation month, a cause célèbre in San Antonio where locals long have reaped the benefits of historic preservation.
“Part of the reason visitors come to San Antonio is directly related to what we love about our city’s history -- historic neighborhoods provide us with a sense of place and character. They are unique, walkable and people-oriented rather than carThe Spanish established five 18th-century missions oriented,” Wasielewski said. “Preservation is really which form the historic Mission Trail. La Villita, one about how to make historic buildings a part of our of the first Spanish settlements in San Antonio, life -- adapting them for our uses and for working, is still a lively gathering place, hosting A Night in for the way we live today. Whether we are living in Old San Antonio during Fiesta, and offering shops them or working in them, the important aspect is and entertainment throughout the year. Canary that we use them.” Islanders established San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest sanctuary in the United States, in 1731. King The OHP protects the historical, cultural, architectural William is a national register historic district known and archaeological resources that have come to for its graceful Victorian homes and for best-selling define San Antonio, with staff members hosting author Sandra Cisneros’ infamous purple house. And many preservation events and producing a monthly the most famous San Antonio landmark, the Alamo, newsletter. attracts millions of visitors annually to San Antonio and, along with the River Walk, makes San Antonio “We want people to understand and want to be the top visitor destination in Texas. a better resource for others who are interested in preserving historic buildings and houses,” Shanon Peterson Wasielewski, director of the city’s Wasielewski said. “Outreach is an important part of Office of Historic Preservation (OHP), is at the helm educating the public about historic preservation. of all this history. Initially, she planned to pursue a We now have HPTV, a 30-minute monthly show career in nonprofit management, but an internship focusing on historic preservation issues, which at the Smithsonian, and a class in preservation airs on TVSA Channel 21.” Lectures, workshops at Texas A&M University, convinced her that she and events are planned to highlight Historic could pursue a career in historic preservation. She Preservation Month in May. came to San Antonio after working in the historic preservation field in Fort Worth and Tennessee. “Our top priority for preservation for the city is May-June 2011 | On The Town 53
getting the right incentives in place and disincentives removed to encourage the revitalization and reuse of our central city, both in our neighborhoods and our downtown. For me, it’s about economic development and a neighborhood revitalization tool,” Wasielewski said, adding that HemisFair Plaza redevelopment is one of Mayor Julian Castro’s priorities. “Whatever happens at HemisFair impacts all of downtown.” Wasielewski’s key priorities include planning, zoning, historical resources, education, outreach and economic development. “City Council adopted a strategic historic preservation plan in 2009 that gives us direction,” she said. More good news? It’s economically viable to bring buildings up to code. Wasielewski points to Hotel Indigo as a successful recent example. “Historic buildings can be energy efficient,” she said. Education and outreach are equally important in getting out the message that preservation is important. Rehabilitation efforts mean more money will be paid to people, not spent on supplies. “So the multiplier effect is greater -- one more benefit from historic preservation,” Wasielewski said. “Historic preservation is really about sustainability -economics, environmental and cultural sustainability. Studies show that tax incentives leverage a lot more than they give out compared to new construction, and the heritage visitor stays longer and spends more visitor dollars.” What’s on her wish list? The means to do more actual rehabilitation, which requires funding, volunteers and sponsors. “We work on 13 houses each year through the S.T.A.R. project to keep them from being demolished or from further deterioration for under $10,000 with the help of student volunteers from UTSA’s School of Architecture. Not a dime of city money is spent on this program -- all of it is sponsored,” Wasielewski said. The biggest challenge remaining is deterioration, which leads to demolishing homes. “It’s better to reuse the fabric of the neighborhood. King William, LaVaca, Monte Vista, Tobin Hill and Dignowity Hill have all benefited from historic preservation efforts. And then we tend to see more people working on their houses. That’s what’s happening in Dignowity Hill. Preservation is contagious,” she said. 54 On The Town | May-June 2011
As Published in Ezine.com
ON THE TOWN May/June 2011
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56 On The Town | May-June 2011
Art in the Garden: Texas Uprising
By Mary Byrd Photography Greg Harrison
S
pring is in full bloom at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. The garden traditionally boasts beautiful color this season, and this year, a wonderful sculpture exhibit has been added to the landscape.
Contemporary Art Center, had the daunting task of choosing nine pieces from the dozens submitted by the TSG. Once chosen, garden director Bob Brackman worked with them to create the best placement for each piece within the garden acreage.
Art in the Garden: Texas Uprising opened in March in celebration of Contemporary Art Month. The show features nine distinct works by artists from the Texas Sculptors Group (TSG).
“It’s so exciting each year when we open a new Art in the Garden exhibit,” Brackman said. “I truly appreciate the interaction of contemporary sculptures with the natural beauty of the garden.”
Curator Lilly Wei, conferring with Bill FitzGibbons, The artists exhibiting in Art in the Garden: Texas president and executive director of Blue Star Uprising are all from Texas. They are: May-June 2011 | On The Town 57
• • • • • • • • •
Roger Colombik -- Pavilion With Palm Trees Stephen Daly -- Grindman Kurt Dyrhaug -- Sensor Device II Lee Littlefield -- For Spike Bert Long -- Field of Vision Peter Mangan -- Marked Man Damian Priour -- Chairytree George Tobolowsky -- Guarding the Cactus Man Hank Waddell -- Tree Bones
As visitors walk around the Botanical Garden, they will see works by other artists as well. In Fountain Plaza, “Passages” by local artist George Schroeder stands tall. This installation was completed in October 2010. This is the second time Colombik has shown a piece at the Botanical Garden. He was one of two sculptors in the 2006 Art in the Garden, Sculpture/Escultura exhibit. The other artist that year was Jesús Moroles. A couple of Moroles’ works remain in the garden, as does a piece by Danville Chadbourne, who was the featured artist in the first Art in the Garden exhibit in 2004. The TSG is one of three affiliates operating in cooperation with the International Sculpture Group (ISC.) This gathering of professional sculptors, dealers, curators and collectors formed to promote both public and art-world awareness through exhibitions, a website, symposia and technical demonstrations. Curator Lilly Wei is a New York-based independent curator, essayist and critic who writes for several publications in the United States and abroad. A frequent contributor to Art in America, she is a contributing editor at ARTnews and Art Asia Pacific. One of her most recent large-scale curatorial projects was the exhibition The Invisible Thread, Spirit of Buddhism in Contemporary Art at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island, N.Y. Wei has a master of arts degree in art history from Columbia University. This is the sixth year the San Antonio Botanical Society and Blue Star Contemporary Art Center have cosponsored Art in the Garden, which will be on display until March 2012, but visit now! The spring flowers are magnificent! Generous underwriting from the San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs and the Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts helped to make Art in the Garden: Texas Uprising possible. The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department also supports the program. 58 On The Town | May-June 2011
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is located at 555 Funston at North New Braunfels Avenue and is operated under the auspices of the City of San Antonio Department of Parks and Recreation. The garden is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. For more information, call 210-207-3255 or visit www.sabot.org
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 56 Damian Priour A Chairytree 2011 wood, tree, chairs 15 x 10 x 10 ft. Page 57 Lee Littlefield For Spike 2010 wood and enamel 12 x 7 x 4 ft. Page 58 (Above) Stephen Daly Gridman 3 2007 sandblasted aluminum 13’11” x 7’8” x 4’11” (Below) George Tobolowsky Guarding the Cactus Man 2010 stainless steel, found objects 88 x 48 x 24 in. Page 59 (Above) Kurt Dyrhaug Sensor Device II 2005 cast iron and cypress 84 x 48 x 40 in. (Below) Roger Colombik When I Return ©2000/2010 bronze, aluminum, stone, resin, gold leaf 10 x 8 x 6 ft. May-June 2011 | On The Town 59
60 On The Town | May-June 2011
Culinary Arts 62-80
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62 On The Town | May-June 2011
Lana Duke Gives Back
S
.....ipping her latte in the Prime Time Bar ..at the downtown Ruth’s Chris location, the restaurant’s owner talks with her hands as she speaks about the challenges she faced growing up in Canada’s foster care system.
By Ashley Festa | Photography Greg Harrison When she landed a job at a Catholic newspaper, Duke walked up and down the street knocking on doors and visiting business owners, persuading them to buy advertising. It was on one such visit in 1968 that Duke met Ruth Fertel, owner of Chris Steak House, at the time a small, 35-seat restaurant.
The hot pink jacket, long pink nails and bright pink lipstick reflect the lively spirit of Lana Duke. This is After establishing her own advertising agency in not a woman who has lost faith in such a system. 1975, Duke paid a visit to Fertel to explain how the ad agency she had been using wasn’t positioning the Now, she just finds ways to help. restaurant correctly. Convinced, Fertel handed over She always knew she wanted to give back to children her tiny advertising budget to Duke, telling her she like her as soon as she had the means to do it didn’t care how the money was used, as long as she because she understands the need for a safe, loving didn’t overspend. environment for kids coming from abusive homes. When her mother abandoned her before her first Never afraid of taking a risk, Duke “rolled the dice birthday, she went into foster care in Ontario, Canada. and spent the entire budget in three weeks.” But her She lived with one family until she was 12, and then plan worked, and Duke eventually helped build the restaurant into one of the largest steakhouse chains transferred from family to family for years. in the world. Thus began the friendship that lasted “As a foster child, I had some good relationships and until Fertel’s death in 2002. some not so good,” Duke said. At 18, she took off on her own for New Orleans with only a few hundred “It’s an amazing, unbelievable gift from God that I dollars in her pocket. To make ends meet, she sold came to New Orleans and ended up meeting this lady,” Duke said. pots and pans door to door. “No one else was in charge of my life anymore,” she said, which for her was a positive change. But with the freedom to make her own decisions also came the responsibility of supporting herself.
Duke opened her own Ruth’s Chris franchises in San Antonio, and she also owns locations in Canada. And it is through her restaurants that she is able to assist the children in crisis at Roy Maas’ Youth Alternatives in the Alamo City and similar organizations in Canada.
“When you don’t have anyone to fall back on, you either step up to the plate or you don’t. I chose to try Most notable of her efforts is a Thanksgiving feast Duke and her staff host each year. to step up to the plate.” May-June 2011 | On The Town 63
“Thanksgiving is my most favorite holiday of the year because there aren’t presents involved,” she said. “All you think about is family. And I thought, wouldn’t it be great to spend it with the kids.” She sets a long dinner table at the Concord Plaza restaurant location, bringing back memories of her youth with her first foster family. Duke explains the meaning of Thanksgiving to her young guests and tells them how much food was cooked for the feast that day. Employees volunteer their time to serve the children, and each child takes home a small gift to remind them of the occasion. About 100 kids attend the dinner each year, and they’re given the opportunity to share what makes them thankful. Many talk about their families and how they hope to see them again. Duke understands the pain many of them feel as they wonder what they did wrong to lose their families. But at her restaurant on this day, there’s just a lot of love filling the room. “It’s more joy for me by far than it is for them,” Duke said. But it’s not just children who receive special treatment from Ruth’s Chris in San Antonio. Because taxi drivers are often the first and last people that tourists encounter during a visit to San Antonio, Duke established Taxi Driver Appreciation Day to honor cab drivers. Each year the restaurant serves a gourmet sandwich lunch to about 250 drivers. “Taxi drivers have been a big part of Ruth’s Chris success, so it’s our way of saying thanks,” she said. Duke and her restaurants have won several awards for community involvement. In 2006, the downtown location was named Best Restaurant With a Heart by the Downtown Alliance. Most recently, Duke received the National Association of Women Business Owners 2011 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award in the Inspirational Category, given in March. “I’m so grateful that my life was rough when I was young, because I can face anything as an adult,” Duke said.
64 On The Town | May-June 2011
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ON THE TOWN May/June 2011
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© Gopheliad | Dreamstime.com
Top Twenty
Don’t Go Home Without Them By Tom Treviño Peanut butter Try the organic, all-natural variety, and you’ll be amazed at what you’ve been missing. Rich in polyand monounsaturated fats (the good guys), it’s one of the most calorically dense foods you can have in your arsenal, and that’s a good thing when it comes to survival. The all-natural variety needs to be stirred and Here then is a basic cheat sheet you can use next time refrigerated, but once it’s cool, it will keep for a while your cupboard is bare. It’s composed of some basic and can be used to add tone and texture to a variety elements that not only are versatile, but tasty and of dishes. If you’re in a pinch, eating it straight off the nourishing as well. Behold the list! spoon is always an option. The grocery store can be a tough place. Especially when you consider that the average American supermarket carries more than 50,000 items. Trying to get in and out while making sense of it all and making sure you have all your nutritional bases covered can be tough. So what you need is a plan, or better yet, a list.
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© Margo 555 | Dreamstime.com Strawberries The bad news: they’re fragile. The good news: they are absolutely loaded with positive nutrients, including vitamin C, fiber, folate, manganese and potassium. They’re also incredibly light; a full pound has only 150 calories. But best of all, they have these special handles built right in (scientist call them “stems”) which can be used to dip them in chocolate. Win win!
from burgers to onion rings.
Apples Packed with fiber and vitamin C, this highly portable, incredibly versatile fruit has been known to keep the doctor away, and that should help you save tons of money on expensive health-insurance premiums. So cancel your policy now, and instead invest in organic Galas, Fijis and Golden Deliciouses. Take them with you Chicken breasts to work and eat them raw for a snack, slice them up to Think of them like tofu, except made out of chicken. add some flavor and extra crunch to a traditional salad, They have the incredible ability to take on nearly any or brown them in a toaster oven with a little cinnamon type of taste or flavor, and have about twice as much for a tasty, low-calorie treat. protein per ounce as their distant soybean relatives. Cook them in bulk and refrigerate so that you always Cinnamon have a readily available protein source. Wait a second, that was far too crafty of a segue with the whole apple thing... Still, you really can’t go wrong with Beer cinnamon, as it can be added to nearly anything sweet That’s right, beer. It’s not just for drinking, country to help give it punch. Plus, it smells amazing and is also songs and lonely nights, it’s a great base for cooking believed to help regulate blood sugar levels. If you’re and braising a variety of foodstuffs. Don’t be afraid to going to grab one spice, this is it. experiment and use it the way Julia Child used cheap wine. If all else fails, order a pizza and use the rest of your Limes/lemons stash to wash it down. When in doubt, go with the tried More vitamin C found here, but also a burst of flavor, a and true Shiner Bock, which pairs well with everything preservative and a punchy base for marinades, sauces May-June 2011 | On The Town 67
© Elke Dennis | Dreamstime.com and more. Need a light dressing for that summer salad? Try the juice from half a lime mixed with a little bit of salt and pepper, and a shot or two of Tabasco sauce (this also makes a great marinade for those chicken breasts you’re about to grill). And lemons are perfect for adding zing to hot tea, cold water or cutting down the fishiness of fish. Ground beef While there are certainly more traditional options, like ribs for barbecuing or barbacoa for tacos, ground beef is simply the most versatile, since you can make it into patties, or meatballs, or simply brown and crumble it into other dishes. And if you pick up the grass-fed variety (and you absolutely should for taste alone) you get a great source of protein with a more favorable fat profile than the grain-fed variety.
Lush, filling, calorically light and full of iron, niacin, folate, zinc and a host of other nutrients, use it in place of iceberg lettuce as the base of any and all salads. Can also be added to almost any hot vegetable dish (and even protein shakes) to help improve the nutrient value without disturbing the flavor. Whenever possible, go for organic varieties to earn bonus points and make hippies everywhere a little happier.
Yogurt Truly great yogurt, like Fage-brand Greek yogurt, packs in a generous amount of protein and has a rich texture that makes it perfect for adding creaminess to just about any dish (and for that reason it’s best to stick with the plain variety). Plus yogurt is packed with probiotics, and while no one really knows what those are, they most certainly sound good for you. So, dab it Tabasco sauce onto baked potatoes in place of sour cream, stir it into This stuff lasts forever, packs a ton of flavor, is mac and cheese in place of butter, or use a cup of it as practically calorie free and can be used on everything a base for your next fruit smoothie. If you like to keep from eggs and chips to meats and salads. Buy the it plain and simple, just add in some fresh fruit and a biggest bottle you can and don’t be afraid to try it on tablespoon of raw honey for a healthy snack. something new, like... Extra-virgin olive oil Spinach This is another great source of calories (120 calories per 68 On The Town | May-June 2011
© Jean Schweitzer | Dreamstime.com tablespoon), positive fats, and a versatile, tasty oil to boot. Use it in marinades for meat, brush it on vegetables with some salt and pepper when grilling, or mix it with some spices and lemon juice for salad dressing. If you’re only grabbing one bottle, stick with the most neutral or mild-flavored olive oil you can find. Bell peppers Another winner when it comes to being nutrient dense, yet calorically sparse. Bell peppers are rich in fiber, vitamins A and K, and folate, come in at about 50 calories, and pack almost 300 grams of potassium. They offer flavor, crunch and color to just about any dish, and are excellent grilled, diced and added to scrambled eggs, or cut up fresh for salads. Want to be extra healthy? Slice the sides off a large bell pepper so you have four large ‘chips’ and use them as a base for nachos or for scooping up your favorite dip instead of traditional corn chips. You’ll save some calories, get in lots of extra nutrients and still retain the crunch. Tomatoes Just like strawberries, the knock on tomatoes is their vulnerability to damage; in short, they’re as fragile as your grandmother’s hip. But unlike grandma,
tomatoes are full of lycopene, a phytonutrient believed to have numerous health benefits, from staving off cardiovascular disease to prostate cancer. Available in a wide range of colors and flavors (from sweet to earthy), they can be added to salads, boiled down into a savory red sauce with some olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper, or even baked or grilled as a side dish with a slice of cheese and some fresh oregano on top. Oranges Low in calories with a taste like the morning sun, full of folate, fiber and vitamin C, and packaged in their own biodegradable wrapper (which can be used for orange zest), there may not be a more perfect, portable food for the man or woman on the go. Eat them raw, or use the juice to add punch to sauces and marinades. Plus, their size, shape and weight make them the perfect projectile for throwing at rival coworkers or for learning how to juggle. Sea salt Try adding a little coarse sea salt to your next dish -whatever it may be -- and chances are your taste buds will explode with happiness. Its mineral content gives it a slightly different taste, and the larger crystals in the May-June 2011 | On The Town 69
coarse variety mean you’ll also enjoy a slightly different texture. Be careful if you’re watching your sodium intake, though; a single teaspoon packs in more than 1,900 milligrams. Eggs Nothing says breakfast like eggs, and the fact that you can prepare them so many different ways by themselves (poached, scrambled, sunny side up, etc.) speaks volumes for their versatility. Get the free-range variety whenever possible, which have superior levels of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and E, as well. Do not use them to learn how to juggle. Salsa No self-respecting Texan is going to leave any store without grabbing a jar of salsa. But here’s something you may not know: most salsas are actually health foods in disguise! Why? They’re low in calories, have a tomato base rich in lycopene, and most carry all the health benefits of peppers and garlic, too. Read the labels and look for simplicity. A solid salsa will have a minimal amount of ingredients and a maximal amount of taste. Use it on anything from eggs and tacos (or even egg tacos), to baked potatoes and salads. © Sandra Cunningham | Dreamstime.com
Bananas Monkeys like them. And everyone likes monkeys. So, eat bananas to be well liked and boost your self esteem. Or because they’re another healthy, easily portable snack that packs potassium and vitamin B-6 among other goods. Freeze them and add them to your protein smoothie, or slice them up fresh and add them to your morning oatmeal. When they’re over ripe, mash them up and use them in baked goods to replace added sugars and/or fats. Whatever you do, make sure to discard banana peels in areas of heavy foot traffic, then sit back and watch the hilarity ensue. Chocolate There’s no better way to end the day (or a list) than with chocolate, ideally the dark variety with a cocoa content 65 percent or higher. Not only does it taste good, but it also contains trace amounts of stimulants, and boasts a wide array of antioxidants believed to alleviate elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels. But like anything good, consume it in moderation, as most chocolates are relatively high in calories and fat. So use it as a treat, or an accessory to other healthy snacks like raw nuts, apples or strawberries.
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© Radomir Rezny | Dreamstime.com
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Javier Flores Gabriel2011 Ibarra 72 On The Townand | May-June
A & Q with Javier Flores of La Fonda on Main and Gabriel Ibarra of Cappy’s By Angela Rabke Photography Dana Fossett
F
ood is a seriously hot topic in San Antonio right now, and exciting new restaurants are popping up at a steady clip. In the past few years, the culinary landscape in a town historically known for Tex-Mex has changed dramatically: Some institutions have closed, new ones have opened, and a few have kept pace without missing a beat. La Fonda on Main and Cappy’s (located on Broadway) fall into that category. Both restaurants are owned and operated by Suzy and Cappy Lawton, and while their cuisines differ dramatically, the philosophy that has kept them not only open, but consistently busy, is similar.
Gabriel Ibarra (laughing): I started cooking when I was 9. My mom was a terrible cook! It was either cook something good, or eat frozen casserole made with cream of mushroom soup. She was a single mother and had to work a lot. We didn’t have much money, so when we would come home from school, we would watch cooking shows on PBS. That is what made me want to cook. I would tell her, “buy this ingredient, or buy that,” and then I would copy the shows.
I recently sat down with head chefs Javier Flores and Gabriel Ibarra, from La Fonda on Main and Cappy’s, respectively, to learn a bit more about the inspiration coming from behind the kitchen door.
Javier: Cappy (Lawton) is my main day-to-day influence; Mario Batali is my idol. His book “Heat” is amazing. Cappy is into exploring where ingredients come from, learning how they are used and applying it to the foods that way. I have learned so much from his approach.
When did you begin cooking?
Who are your influences -- what inspired you to cook?
Gabriel: Those PBS cooking shows! Julia Child, Graham Javier Flores: I grew up in Matamoros and attended Kerr and Jacques Pepin. I watched all of those growing up. school in Brownsville. I have always enjoyed cooking with I almost burnt down the kitchen with a grease fire copying my mom, but did not begin to cook seriously until I was them when I was 12! 20 and went to cooking school in Austin. That was a real eye-opener! Tell me about your professional background and May-June 2011 | On The Town 73
training. Javier: I went to Texas Culinary Academy in Austin. I was amazed by the basic things like knife skills and the level of detail that was needed to be successful. After that, I came to the Westin Riverwalk for a few years, and after that, I helped a friend open a pizzeria. When [the restaurant was up and running] I came to La Fonda and have stayed here since. Opportunities led me here -- I have always been interested in “my” cuisine, Mexican cuisine, and [Cappy’s] broad knowledge blew me away. I can say I am from Mexico, and he knows many things that I don’t know. Working here and exploring the Mexican heritage, and having a good teacher are where I gain my experience and knowledge. He has an entire cooking school in his head! Gabriel: I was born in S.A. and then moved to Miami with my family. There my eyes were opened to a lot of different cultures. I was really interested in food, and they opened a culinary school at Johnson and Wells University that I went directly to after high school. During school, I worked at Benihana, and it really helped my knife skills. The cooking there isn’t elaborate, but I learned from the Japanese and Filipino guys in the kitchen, and we shared employee meals. I was able to learn traditional Japanese and Filipino foods, and some Peruvian foods. I learned more from those guys than I did at the actual restaurant! There is also a sushi bar there, and I learned the process for making sushi by just watching and asking questions. Then, my neighbor, who was a Miami restaurant manager, asked if I could help out whenever I could. I was finishing up school and had some time, so I started helping them out and was able to serve as head chef until I found work in an upscale resort, where I wanted to work at a fine dining restaurant that had been highly rated by Zagat. I had to work my way up through all of the stations, and when the hotel opened a second restaurant with pan-Asian cuisine, I would get there early and prepare samples for the chef. They hired me for that job, and I was able to develop the menu, make the design and purchasing decisions. I was in the right place at the right time, and was lucky and persistent. It was a really nice resort, and I got to cook for celebrities and work with really great ingredients. Then I moved to banquets as a banquet sous chef. That was insane -- the high volume was a whole other experience, and I saw amazing things. When there were management changes, I gave notice and drove to San Antonio because my family was all here. I took some time off, found a house, and then I 74 On The Town | May-June March-April 2011 2011
just started looking for a job because I had to pay for it! This is when I joined Cappy’s as the head chef. You’ve both seen different restaurant environments. What makes these two so successful? Javier: Cappy told me that it’s really important to surround yourself with great people. They have a really broad knowledge that goes from the simplest things to more complex managerial issues, and they just KNOW how things should taste. They also know how to understand other people -- that is how you provide good service. Gabriel: Meeting with Cappy was the most interesting interview process ever. It lasted two days and roughly 10 hours. Nothing was about cooking! Cappy knew about my background, and he wanted to know about me -my background, my first memory. There were so many people there: Suzy, his wife; Avery, his daughter. For him everything is about fitting in like a family. The restaurant is our family, and it is a big deal for the family members to accept this “new person.” What’s important for people to know about your restaurants? Javier: It’s a neighborhood restaurant, a place that brings people together. We have brought interior Mexican cuisine to La Fonda, especially with the specials. My gratification is in feeding people and seeing them enjoy it. We still have the traditional dishes but I’m always learning and being creative with the specials. Gabriel: I have come to realize that Cappy has been doing this longer than I’ve been alive, and he’s been successful that whole time! Our menu has evolved so that anyone can come in: the foodie and their 99-year-old grandmother can both find something. There is something for everyone there, and it doesn’t put us in the spotlight for being innovative but we are doing something for everyone really well, and that makes us successful. There are both comfort and innovations. After we talked, both chefs headed to the La Fonda patio for a sampling of some tasty and innovative enchiladas. It was a perfect illustration of the balance these establishments have achieved, with both traditional and creative cuisine. To learn more, visit www.cappysrestaurant.com or www.lafondaonmain.com. May-June 2011 | On The Town 75
World Famous Bartender Sasha Petraske Brings His Magic to Bohanan’s By Bonny Osterhage Photography Greg Harrison
76 On The Town | May-June 2011
I
n 1999, Sasha Petraske was one of a small group of business owners and bartenders to start the current revival of classic cocktails. His training and consulting is coveted by bar owners across the country, but only a few select establishments are worthy of his talents. The Bar at Bohanan’s, 221 E. Houston St., is one of those upper-echelon establishments.
Along the way, he learned something very important.
Anyone can make a drink. A splash of this, a twist of that, a few stirs and voila! But there are only a select few who can make an honest-to-goodness cocktail. That kind of drink requires timing and precision, and is often reserved for the most discerning palate. It uses only the best and freshest ingredients—no canned juices here—and it harkens back to a time when cocktails were to be savored and enjoyed in an elegant setting rather than slammed down in a chain establishment.
It also is necessary to use only the freshest and best ingredients, such as freshly squeezed juices, real fruit liquors and even the occasional egg white for texture.
“It is about returning to a time of quality,” said Petraske, who opened his first Milk and Honey Bar at 27. “Before prohibition, being a bartender was a prestigious profession, similar to being a chef. After prohibition, the profession lost its dignity and never really got back on its feet. That’s what I am trying to change.”
“If you commit to using only the freshest ingredients, you are already ahead of the game,” he said with confidence.
“There is absolutely nothing new under the sun in bartending,” he said assuredly. “What makes it different, what makes it special, is the quality of the ice.” Petraske only uses large blocks of ice cut by hand with an ice pick for his world-famous libations. The results are large, jagged pieces that look as though they could “You must have a specific type of ice machine before sink the Titanic. To understand why this is an absolute he will even consider coming to train your staff,’ said in Petraske’s world, it is necessary to understand how Bohanan’s general manager Scott Becker, who recruited ice melts. Petraske to educate the Bohanan’s bartenders on what it takes to take a cocktail from a mere drink to a one-of- “It is all about the water content,” he said, adding that a-kind experience. the larger and thicker the ice, the slower it melts. “The trick is to get the drink as cold as possible without it The cocktail guru becoming too watery.”
“Egg whites used to be as common in a bar as olives,” said the man who uses the juice of blood oranges in his screwdrivers and only fresh mint in his mojitos. Petraske even makes his own ginger beer using fresh ginger and lime juice mixed with sugar and club soda.
The land of Milk and Honey
Petraske’s award-winning Milk and Honey Bar has been Petraske, who is self-taught, grew up in New York’s ahead of the game for several years. Not just any old Greenwich Village. It wasn’t his intention to become a watering hole, these cocktail lounges are more like bartender, much less one of the most highly sought- exclusive speakeasies with unlisted numbers and a after in the world. All he really wanted to do was open strict code of conduct. They are small and intimate, his own café. and there are no menus available. One simply tells the server what flavors he or she prefers, and Petraske “I began bartending as a way to earn enough money to works his magic. open my own café,” he said with a chuckle. “Instead, I wound up opening my own bars.” “I am very interested in the 1920s and 1930s,” said the bartending genius. “I was drawn to the manners On the rocks etiquette and formal atmosphere of that time.” That is why he keeps the Milk and Honey vibe very low key. The Petraske became interested in traditional cocktail rooms are small and intimate with no tawdry behavior making and spent his time researching and pouring allowed. “I wanted Milk and Honey to be a place where over out-of-print books he acquired via eBay. He spent people can come and drink like adults,” he said of his many hours perfecting his skills through trial and error, sophisticated establishment. and soon began specializing in 1890s and 1920s drinks. May-June 2011 | On The Town 77
He also wants people to focus on the drink, which is why he strongly advises against attempting to pair food with cocktails. “There is a magic thing that happens when wine and food interact that will never happen with a cocktail,” he said. “There is nothing that will make a martini taste better than focusing on it alone.” Petraske’s concepts and philosophies have served him well, and his Manhattan and London hot spots have become the standard to which many aspire but none have been able to replicate. It has also made him one of the most in-demand consultants in the business, which is what led Becker to bring him to Bohanan’s. The bar is the stage When you have a restaurant whose name is synonymous with perfection, it only makes sense that your new bar not only meets, but also exceeds that same standard. Becker put countless hours and many thousands of dollars into the renovation of the Bar at Bohanan’s with amazing results. The inviting space welcomes guests with antique etched-glass partitions, breathtaking French chandeliers, beautiful wood floors and, at the center of it all, a 70-foot cherry-wood bar. It is behind this bar that Petraske spends nine hours a day for four or five days each time he is in town, training the Bohanan’s bar staff on what it takes to be the best. “People travel from all over the world for the chance to work at his side,” Becker said. “Our staff is getting the Ivy League education of bartending.” Each day focuses on a specific aspect of the business. Petraske begins by teaching the staff how to make each cocktail to standard, and moves on to teaching them how to make an entire round at the same time, a process known as “building by the round.” “The Bohanan’s staff is eager and very quick to catch on,” Petraske said. “When their training concludes, they will be experts in their field.” Petraske instructs the employees not only on how to create memorable drinks, but also on bartending etiquette. “The bar is the stage, and the customer is the star,” Petraske said. “The bartender is in the supporting role and must be able to check his ego at the door.” 78 On The Town | May-June 2011
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Festivals & Celebrations 82-92
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A Summer Tour de Musique: Cactus Pear Music Festival’s 15th Season By Gary Albright
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ob Hope had Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour as travel companions in their “Road to…” exotic places worldwide: Morocco, Rio, Hong Kong and a few other destinations far and away. Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio has 16 world-class chamber musicians to accompany her on her “journey” to the farflung world of exquisite, compelling, romantic, baroque and modern musical masterpieces that make up the two-week summer trip known as Cactus Pear Music Festival. The former concertmaster of the San Antonio Symphony travels back to San Antonio for the 15th season of this highly acclaimed festival with a steamer trunk filled with anticipation.
violin, cello, clarinet, horn and piano). It’s a decidedly middle-European jaunt through some of those countries’ most famous composers and compositions. The musical train pulls out of the station on July 9 for Program II, the Orient Express, named for that fabled international rail line whose name conjures equal parts intrigue, romance and luxury. It’s likely one might have heard the first piece in Budapest: Hungarian composer Erno Dohnanyi’s playful Serenade in C for violin, viola and cello. And although the Express didn’t head north into Russia, this Orient Express does, with Russian Romantic composer Anton Arensky’s dark and sometimes brooding Quartet No. 2 in A minor, along with his contemporary, Alexander Glazunov, and his aptly named Oriental Reverie. Back in Germany, we are carried away by one of the greatest of Romantic composers: Brahms and his Quartet No. 3, Op. 60 for piano, violin, viola and cello.
“As I began to sift through my library of music and shelves of recordings for programming ideas, it struck me how music is really a way—an easy and wonderful way—to travel the world without leaving your own city,” Sant’Ambrogio explained as she described the genesis of the theme for her 15th season of concerts. “So out popped this festival concept: Tour de Musique. From Program III, Buried Treasures, on July 13 unearths there I was very inspired as the programs came together gems of the chamber music repertoire as if on an with their own specific itinerary in mind.” exotic archaeological dig—from one continent to the other. Italy gives us Giacomo Puccini, the great Italian The festival’s San Antonio concerts return to Coker composer of opera, who left a single gem of chamber United Methodist Church and take place on consecutive music. The evening begins with Puccini’s delicate Thursdays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. The musical journey Chrysanthemums for string quartet. We go next door to begins July 7 with Zephyr Wind, a program featuring France for Georges Bizet’s dramatic Carmen Fantasy for horn and clarinet with San Antonio Symphony principals flute and piano, then to America for Arthur Foote’s lyrical Jeff Garza and Ilya Shterenberg. The evening’s concert Nocturne and Scherzo for flute and string quartet. We winds its way from Austria (Mozart, Quintet in E-flat) to find one last buried treasure in Hungary with Dohnanyi’s Hungary (Kodaly, Duo for Violin and Cello) and finally first opus, his Piano Quintet No. 1 in C minor for piano, enters the Czech Republic (Fibich, Quintet Op. 42 for two violins, viola and cello. May-June 2011 | On The Town 83
The festival journey ends July 16 in San Antonio with A Bachs Set of luggage filled with Baroque masterpieces, always an audience favorite. The Bach family is well represented with J.S. (Sonata in E Major), C.P.E. (Trio Sonata in A Major) and J.C. (Quintet in G Major, Op. 11, No. 2 for flute, two violins, viola and basso continuo). Masterpieces by Fontana, Biber and Muffat round out the program. Baroque specialists, festival favorites and Amsterdam musicians, harpsichordist Christina Edelen and her husband, cellist Fred Edelen, are featured. The Cactus Pear festival also welcomes back Canadians Dave Harding, violist, and his wife, flutist Lorna McGhee. “I always look forward to bringing in my colleagues from all over the world to join us for these concerts and especially am thankful to play again with some of my dear San Antonio Symphony colleagues. It makes for such a dynamic synergy of talent, points of view and music making,” Sant’Ambrogio said. “And we love to collaborate with local arts organizations. This season for the first time we are able to have with us the gold-medal winner of the latest San Antonio International Piano Competition, the wonderful pianist Ryo Yanagatani. We can’t wait to make music with him. It’s going to be an exciting concert journey—around the world and back.” Book your tickets early. It should be one heck of a trip. For a complete listing of program pieces and artists, go to www.cpmf.us/pages/festivalschedule.htm. ZEPHYR WIND Thursday, July 7, San Antonio Coker United Methodist Church - 7:00 pm Mozart: Quintet in E-flat, K. 407 for horn, violin, 2 violas & cello Kodaly: Duo for Violin & Cello, Op. 7 Fibich: Quintet Op. 42 for violin, cello, clarinet, horn & piano Artists - Aloysia Friedmann, Jeff Garza, Beth Rapier, Tony Ross, Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio, Ilya Shterenberg, Jeffrey Sykes, Carmit Zori ORIENT EXPRESS Friday, July 8, New Braunfels New Braunfels Presbyterian Church - 7:00 pm Saturday, July 9, San Antonio Coker United Methodist Church - 7:00 pm Sunday, July 10, Boerne First United Methodist Church - 2 pm 84 On The Town | May-June 2011
Dohnanyi: Serenade in C, Op. 10 for violin, viola & cello Arensky: Quartet No. 2 in A minor, Op. 35 for violin, viola & 2 cellos Glazunov: Oriental Reverie for clarinet, 2 violins, viola & cello Brahms: Quartet No. 3 in C minor, Op. 60 for piano, violin, viola & cello Artists - Dustin Budish, Aloysia Friedmann, Beth Rapier, Tony Ross, Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio, Ilya Shterenberg, Jeffrey Sykes, Carmit Zori BURIED TREASURES Thursday, July 14, San Antonio Coker United Methodist Church - 7:00 pm Puccini: Chrysanthemums for string quartet Mahler: Piano Quartet in A minor for piano, violin, viola & cello Bizet: Carmen Fantasy arr. Francois Borne for flute & piano Foote: Nocturne & Scherzo for flute & string quartet Dohnanyi: Piano Quintet No. 1, Op. 1 in C minor for piano, 2 violins, viola & cello Artists - Katarzyna Bryla, Fred Edelen, Dave Harding, Lorna McGhee, Dmitri Pogorelov, Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio, Ryo Yanagatani, Aron Zelkowicz A BACHS SET Saturday, July 16, San Antonio Coker United Methodist Church - 7:00 pm Sunday, July 17, Boerne First United Methodist Church - 2 pm Fontana: Sonata No. 16 for 3 violins & basso continuo Biber: Sonata Representativo for violin & basso continuo Purcell: Sonata a 4 No. 9 in F Major, Z. 810 for 2 violins, viola & basso continuo JS Bach: Sonata in E Major, BWV 1035 for flute & basso continuo CPE Bach: Trio Sonata in A Major, Wq 146 for flute & basso continuo JC Bach: Quintet in G Major, Op. 11, No. 2 for flute, 2 violins, viola & basso continuo May-June 2011 | On The Town 85
Muffat: Armonic Tributo Sonata No. 4 in E minor for strings & harpsichord
Artists - Katarzyna Bryla, Christina Scott Edelen, Fred Edelen, Dave Harding, Lorna McGhee, Dmitri Pogorelov, Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio, Aron Zelkowicz
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 82 Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio Photo by Liz Garza Williams Page 84 (Above) Jeffrey Sykes Courtesy CPMF (Below) Carmit Zori Courtesy promusicis.org Page 85 (Above) Katarzyna Bryla Courtesy CPMF Ilya Shterenberg Photo by Liz Garza Williams Page 86 (Above) Lorna McGhee Courtesy CPMF Tony Ross Photo by Ann Marsden
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40 Years of Texas Folklife Festival Memories By James Benavides Photography courtesy Institute of Texan Cultures
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hen the Institute of Texan Cultures assigned guest curator Sarah Gould to an exhibit looking back at 40 years of the Texas Folklife Festival, she looked at it with a completely open mind and fresh perspective. Returning to Texas after eight years of graduate and doctoral work, the native Houstonian began learning from Jo Ann Andera, a museum employee since 1970 and Texas Folklife Festival director since 1981.
In the social pressure cooker of the late 1960s -- the Vietnam War and Civil Rights era -- the simple idea was revolutionary. Then-Gov. John Connally created the Institute of Texan Cultures to prepare the content of the Texas Exhibits Hall for HemisFair 1968. Its researchers set out to document the cultural groups of Texas.
“The idea of showing our diversity was extremely important in 1968,” Gould said. “That mission is still With only a short time to review archive materials, viable and necessary.” Gould was asked, “What is the Texas Folklife Festival?” Tensions mounted with the assassination of the “It’s food. It’s dance. It’s music. Simply put, it’s a Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. two days before celebration of all Texans.” HemisFair opened. The World’s Fair in San Antonio May-June 2011 | On The Town 89
would go on, as would the fledgling Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. After leading the Texas contingent to Washington, ITC employee O.T. Baker returned with an idea to recreate the event in Texas fashion. “It was a novel idea,” Andera said, “but a lot of people thought it was important to preserve their heritage and culture. They also thought it was a great idea to bring the institute to life.” Baker, along with institute director Henderson Shuffler and ITC researchers, had connections to cultural enclaves throughout Texas. From the Cajuns in Beaumont to the Danish of Danevang (in presentday Wharton County), groups started signing on. The festival was responsible for the founding or reviving of many ethnic dance groups. The Ukrainian Dancers of Dallas started specifically for the Texas Folklife Festival, Andera said. People saw the costumed performers at the first few festivals and wanted to take part. Communities were pulling together to showcase their culture and announce their presence in Texas. Aside from showcasing the diversity of Texan communities, the festival had its share of novelties. Andera called it “Texans with crazy ideas.” The years would see chicken-flying contests, slapstick from the Doctors of Possumology, “Cookin’ With Coon Oil” and “Berm Sliding” down the manmade hills surrounding the building. Changing times, sensibilities and liability have rendered some parts of the festival untenable. Among the activities lost to the years, Andera spoke enthusiastically about a group building a log cabin on the festival grounds. Men were swinging axes to cut timbers, and teams were climbing the untested structure to shingle the roof. While changing sensibilities claimed parts of the festival, age has claimed others. Claudia Ball, festival director from 1976 to 1980, died March 9, 2011. “Claudia was a brilliant woman,” said Andera, who 90 On The Town | May-June 2011
succeeded Ball as festival director. “She was a mentor and the famed ‘Dragon Lady,’ demanding excellence and settling for nothing less. Claudia taught me so much about life, friendship, loyalty, honesty, having a passion and mission in life, setting goals -- all the things that matter.” Several faces and names came and went through the years. While many remain only in Claudia’s hand-written card files, today new faces and new generations of Texans are embracing the importance of their heritage. “Looking through the archives, you can see the aging of certain participant populations,” Gould said. “But you also see younger generations, including more recently arrived immigrant groups, finding something compelling about keeping old traditions alive. It’s wonderful to see the older groups joined by younger groups.” Longtime participants, such as the community from St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church and the Scots of San Antonio Pipes and Drums, have been joined by Vietnamese, Pakistanis, Guamanians, Brazilians, Salvadorans, Jamaicans and others. “I want people to know what a great community we live in,” Andera said. “All of the groups -- I want them to have a voice. I want them to know the Institute of Texan Cultures is their advocate for preserving their culture and history. And I want them to have fun. We all live in such trying times. We want people to enjoy, and share, and laugh and dance, and have fun.” The Institute of Texan Cultures opens a retrospective exhibit on the Texas Folklife Festival on April 30, highlighting the people, performances and memories of the past 40 years. During the course of the year, various cultural groups will bring the exhibit to life with weekend programs. The 2011 Texas Folklife Festival runs June 10-12 at the Institute of Texan Cultures. Advance tickets go on sale May 1. Watch TexanCultures.com for details and availability. May-June 2011 | On The Town 91
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Literary Arts
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Book Talk:
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poet and a long-time mental-health counselor, James Brandenburg is also one of only two certified poetry therapists in the state of Texas. That aroused this columnist’s curiosity. To allow me to experience poetry therapy first hand, Brandenburg invited me to a session at the Barnes & Noble Ingram where some 10 people assembled on a recent Wednesday night, ready to read, write and talk. The 94 On The Town | May-June 2011
theme he had chosen for the session was “Mothers and Fathers,” figures who, for better or for worse, exercise tremendous influence on our lives. Everyone gathered around the table was an adult, and everyone had some experience writing poetry. Brandenburg started by having us all read two poems of his choice: “Ritual” by Donna Kennedy, which deals with an adult daughter’s reaction to her mother’s
death, and “Second Anniversary” by Mark Henry, a son’s troubled memory of his father. Then he invited the participants to respond. “It’s not supposed to be an analysis or literary criticism,” he explained, “just tell us how you feel about it.” After only a moment of hesitation, reactions started coming. One woman, who had been estranged from her mother, related her difficult, mixed emotions following the mother’s funeral. Another spoke about catching herself behaving exactly like Mom even though she had vowed never to do that. Two people talked about how they were affected by the loss of their fathers. There was a lot of intimate sharing going on. Finally, Brandenburg asked us to think in specific terms about our parents and the relationship we had or did not have with them and to write a poem along those lines. He emphasized again that the point was to focus on our feelings, not on creating grand poetry. Everyone got down to work, including myself. In the end, I was grateful he had included me in the session. And although I have always known that a poem can say in a few lines what would take prose 10 pages to convey, I found the hour I spent with the group enlightening. This is, of course, a very different kind of introduction than what we usually have in Book Talk. But then, poetry therapy is altogether a different discipline from purely literary pursuits. Nevertheless, I would be remiss not to mention, at least briefly, Brandenburg’s background and achievements. He has worked in education for 42 years as a teacher and counselor and continues to do so today as a part-time mentalhealth counselor at San Antonio College. In 2005, he also became a certified poetry therapist and is today a board member of the National Association of Poetry Therapy. A fluent German speaker, Brandenburg has published two books of poems, the second “Somewhere Everywhere/Irgendwo Uberall” with his good friend Hejo Muller from Germany. Poems by both authors appear in both English and German. Additionally, Brandenburg is the co-founder of Voices de la Luna, a quarterly literary magazine. How would you define poetry therapy (PT)? It’s a therapy that uses reading and writing of poetry to get into a discussion of personal issues and promote healing. We don’t analyze poems or critique what clients write. We elicit feelings, emotional responses. The process of writing about feelings is very healing, liberating.
You were a licensed therapist for many years before you decided to get certified in PT as well. What motivated you to specialize in this form of therapy? Before I even knew what poetry therapy was, I used poetry writing to get my own feelings out and to talk about issues that I couldn’t not talk about with other people. I went through a very painful divorce and writing poems helped me deal with my pain. I ended up with enough poems that I put them in a book, “In Pursuit of the Butterfly” (1996). So, I knew from personal experience that poetry is very healing. And then I heard that there was a poetry therapist in the area, so I connected with her and found out that there is an organization where you can become certified as a poetry therapist. Her name is Lianne Mercer, and she became my mentor. We are the only two in Texas. What did you have to do to get certified? To begin with, you have to have a mentor who is certified to train others, as Lianne was. Then there is a four-part program. The first part involves a great deal of reading on the subject. In the second part, you have to attend lots of group sessions led by others. For that I went to the national organization in order to experience different groups, and I also participated in groups led by Lianne. In the next phase, you have to run groups yourself under the supervision of the mentor, and the final part consists of doing 60 hours one-on-one with your mentor. You talk about your readings, groups, various issues and get feedback. You write all of this up and you go through the National Association of Poetry Therapy that decides whether to certify you or not. Your previous experience as a school counselor and family therapist must have helped a lot. It did. Since I was already leading group sessions at Clark High School, I used the poetry therapy approach with certain students. In schools we don’t use the word “therapy” – it’s a nasty word in a school setting. We call it group work or group processing. I worked with some groups of cutters (people who cut themselves to relieve anxiety) and so poetry therapy was a way to get them to express their feelings in writing as opposed to cutting their wrists. I had a lot of success with them. You use both existing poems and writing exercises where the students or clients write their own. How do you choose the appropriate poems? Are there anthologies put together for this particular purpose? May-June 2011 | On The Town 95
That depends on the group you are working with. One of the problems adolescents have is holding things in. I found a poem, actually written by a student, “Snow Globe,” about a young lady who felt she was caught in a snow globe. I read that to the group and in a matter of minutes we were deep into talking about feelings, something that would take weeks with the normal (therapy) process. That’s the power of the written word. A poem in a group is like having another person there sitting in a chair but because it’s a poem it’s not threatening. On the other side of this is the writing exercise. When something is bothering you, putting things down on paper helps you to get it out of your system; it objectifies the issue and creates distance, so that you can begin to deal with it. Sometimes a client will write a poem that so accurately embodies his life and soul that it becomes a turning point. I saw that with a student at SAC. She said afterwards that it was very helpful, and I could see an improvement in her life.
I’ve used Shakespearean sonnets, proverbs from the Bible, contemporary poetry and everything. My personal favorites are the Romantics. But it really depends on the client or the group.
Of course, you have to be careful what poem you choose. If you are in a clinical setting, working with a group of schizophrenics, for instance, you don’t want to choose something that’s going to push somebody over the edge.
Good question. I am going to give you an answer that I really believe in. I am working on becoming a Jungian dream analyst, and I believe in the power of the unconscious. I think really powerful words come from deep in the unconscious, so tapping into the unconscious, which is what I try to do with my clients, means you are tapping into something bigger than you. Once that power is brought into consciousness, it can be transformative.
How about adults? What are some of their issues, and what poems do you find helpful in dealing with them? Grief is a big issue. Lack of confidence and self-esteem is also an issue with a lot of adults. Relationships are always huge. I am a mental-health counselor at San Antonio College, and I deal with relationship issues all the time. There are issues of abuse. I always try to find poems that fit the situation. There is a book published by the national association that’s helpful. It’s called “Giving Sorrow Words – Poems of Strength and Solace.” And I have many other books I can consult. (He later shows us several, including “Compassionate Witness” by Mercer and “Finding What You Didn’t Lose” by John Fox.) I also work with individual clients who range in age from 16-18 to 74. In the latter case, we are dealing with horrible, horrible abuse this person suffered as a child. I seem to deal primarily with abuse issues in my individual client practice.
How long does it take to see lasting positive results? Again, it depends on the issue and the client. Sometimes you see progress in two weeks. But I also worked for 15 years with a client with a borderline personality disorder. At first I felt that his problem was beyond my expertise and got him to a psychiatrist. But the doctor said ethically you can’t drop him because you are the only one he is relating to. I used a combination of dream analysis and poetry therapy with him. Poetry therapy is one technique among many. It’s not effective with everyone. How do you explain the healing power of expressing emotions in this way?
Has anyone done research on poetry therapy and its effectiveness? Yes …There is a scholarly journal that the national association publishes edited by Nick Mazza (Dr. Nicholas Mazza, from the College of Social Work at Florida State University). What’s next for you as a writer? I am working on a book about dreams that reflect different stages of my life, which will also contain poems that relate to these same stages. (Poet) Cyra Dumitru is my editor.
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A lot of contemporary poetry is rather enigmatic and inaccessible to the average reader. Do you Brandenburg’s comments have been slightly edited for find yourself looking at older poems with clear reasons of space and clarity. meaning?
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Author Book Signing Events Explained By Claudia Maceo-Sharp Photography courtesy Twig Book Shop
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our favorite author of all time will be at your local bookstore. You want to have him or her autograph all of your books you’ve collected over the years and the newest one hot off the press. In this case, wear comfy shoes. You can probably expect to stand in line a long time, and it is worth it! 98 On The Town | May-June 2011
At the other extreme, your best friend just selfpublished a picture book based on childhood events you shared (sans secrets!) Wanting to support your buddy, it looks like you’ll be buying a copy … or two. This scenario often has a shorter wait time, if any, and it is worth it!
Bookstores often plan events in different ways depending on the author’s popularity or based on the author’s preferences. When someone like popular cookbook T V star Alton Brown comes to town, the publicist sends ahead his expectations, like, Alton prefers to stand while he signs so he can look directly at the person whose book he is signing. And Alton does. He signed anything that wasn’t alive; he had tried that before, but the pet was not amused. Of course, it was also stated that he would not pose for pictures, and much to his fans’ delight, he did. Some authors prefer to “sit and sign.” You can expect to purchase the book first and then take it to the author to be signed, an autograph, as it were. When a book is personalized, it is inscribed with something more personal in addition to an autograph. A ‘sit and sign” can be very informal with little hoopla, or it can be a festive occasion – mariachis and a banquet reception - for the launching of a new book. In the case of a “sit and sign”, there is no author reading or discussion involved, which would be more formal. Certain kinds of books naturally lend themselves to a slightly more formal presentation. Poetry, background to the writing of the book, and juicy tidbits are shared to lure the listener into buying a copy of the book. The author may read passages from the book or even present a Power Point slide show with time for questions and answers allotted followed by a time for signing. Even software has been developed for authors to “sign” electronic reading devices. So far the owner of such devices must provide such a tool. As we move through these quickly changing times, our desire to honor the written word and those who craft those words can occur in attending signing events found in bookstores, other retail establishments and restaurants and even private homes. Check event calendars and websites of your local shops. You may even receive a personal invitation by the author. It is worth it.
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© Catchit Photos
Tejas Rodeo
San Antonio’s ‘Best-kept Secret’ Offers Authentic Rodeo Action Nearly Year ’Round By Leslie Komet Ausburn
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t nearly 2,000 rippling pounds of solid muscle, Coldsweat Coldwell has little to sweat about. Only one fearless cowboy in the last three years has actually managed to stay on the snorting bull’s back for more than eight seconds. And anyone daring enough to take on the Coldsweat Coldwell challenge at Tejas Rodeo could win some extra cash if they manage to actually cling onto the bounty bull long enough.
some of the best athletes in the business, like Daniel and Chris Green and Tyler Magnus, as well as topnotch live bands for after-rodeo, country-western dancing. It’s live entertainment at its best and a great way to spend a Saturday for way less than it would cost to go to the movies.”
And this is not one of those giant productions where the bull and rider look more like a small jumping bean “We like to say that we’re one of the best-kept secrets bouncing around the ring to those sitting high in the in San Antonio,” said Yancey James, a former rodeo stands. The Tejas Rodeo is one of those great familybull rider (with more than 650 rodeos to his credit) friendly venues that invites its guests to get close to who owns Tejas Rodeo with another former rodeo the action – so they can see the cold sweat on the athlete, Trey Martin. “We’re the real deal and attract cowboy’s brow firsthand. 102 On The Town | May-June 2011
© Joe Chidgey
Tejas Rodeo was built in an authentic, old-fashioned Western village style and holds rodeos every Saturday night, March through November. (Country-western fans may have gotten a glimpse of Tejas Rodeo already. George Strait’s “Troubadour” music video was shot on the grounds.) Yancey recommends that guests arrive around 6 p.m. for great steaks, barbeque or ribs at the outdoor smokehouse, which also has a fully stocked cantina for those wanting a beer or mixed drink, before the show gets going at 7:30 p.m. Tejas Rodeo also is about to open the sit-down Tejas Steakhouse & Saloon for more “formal” fare with an executive chef they roped away from Houston. The show opens with the thunder of a herd of Longhorn cattle storming through the ring and an original 1867 trail-drive wagon pulled by a team of horses. For the next two hours, there’s tons of rodeo action from barrel racing, team roping, tie-down roping and bull riding to a kid’s calf chase and mutton busting -- a wild ride on a feisty sheep for 4- to 7-year-old children. “This really is the ‘Greatest Show on Dirt,’ ” Yancey said
with a smile. “There was a real need in San Antonio, and the rodeo has taken off since we opened six years ago. Tejas Rodeo offers a true taste of Texas. We have locals, tourists and even large corporate and social events come here looking for a fun night.” During the rodeo, people can try their luck on the mechanical bull or stroll the mercado’s vendor booths filled with antiques, arts and crafts, clothing, pottery, jewelry and other Western novelties. The post-show bands also are impressive and have included the Nathan Mathis Band, Roadside Libby, Blue Clear Sky, Southern Scarred, Ranch Rock Texas, Jeffrey Charles, John Wayne Schulz and Zach Brents. Tejas Rodeo is located on 53 acres in Bulverde, about 20 miles from downtown San Antonio, and is home to a boarding stable and equestrian center that holds its own clinics, horse shows and play days. There’s a lot to do on off-rodeo nights, as well: Thursday is open mic night; special concerts and events are held on Fridays; and the facility is great for private events, too. All around – it’s a true, action-packed Texan night of fun. May-June 2011 | On The Town 103
Picture This: ha
Sheryl Sculley San Antonio City Manager
104 On The Town | May-June 2011
Tom Netting Managing Director Grand Hyatt San Antonio
Patty Ortiz Executive Director Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center
Rio Tax Museum Extens River
ailing a rio taxi
xi Stop: m Reach sion of Walk
Susan Reed Bexar County District Attorney
Ed Cross CEO Cross & Company
Dr. Maria Hernandez Ferrier, President Texas A&M San Antonio May-June 2011 | On The Town 105
images by greg harrison
Lila Cockrell Former Mayor of San Antonio
106 On The Town | May-June 2011
Andrew Weissman Chef-Owner Il Sogno and The Sandbar
Rosemary Kowalski Chairman Emeritus The RK Group
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108 On The Town | May-June 2011