May/June 2017 by OnTheTownEzine.com

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May/June 2017

Tobin 2017-18 Season Dorrego’s at The Valencia Cactus Pear Music Festival SA Symphony 2017-18 Season

Texas Folklife Festival Sheldon Vexler Theatre Evin Eubanks – Ballet SA Plus 11May/June Additional Articles 2017 | On The Town 1

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Features

Features Cont.

Broadway Shows and Classical Concerts Highlight May-June Performance Offerings

San Antonio’s Food Bank Benefits from the County Line Music Series

Nature, Faith, Culture, Technology and More 70 Featured at Area Museums and Art Centers Kerrville Festival of the Arts 2017: 74 May 27-28

The Tobin Center’s 2017-18 Season: Bigger, Better, Hotter Evin Eubanks: Ballet San Antonio’s New Executive Director

Peter and the Starcatcher to Land at Vexler Theatre

Tracey Ramsey Bennett Leads Library Efforts

A Season to Celebrate

Missions President Celebrates 30 Season with 88 San Antonio’s Texas League Baseball Team

San Antonio Liederkranz Celebrates 125 with Years Free Anniversary Concert

Texas Public Radio’s Cinema Tuesdays Series 32 Begins May 30th Texas Treasures Celebrated at 54 Folklife Festival Cactus Pear Music Festival: Decade Three Takes Off

Dorrego’s: Hotel Valencia’s New Restaurant 62 Reflects Argentina Influence

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Departments Events Calendar

Book Talk: Juan Tejeda, Musician, Arts Administrator, Artist and Writer

Artistic Destination: Nelson Atkins Museum of Art Kansas City’s Crown Jewel

Out & About With Greg Harrison

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

Cover Credits Contributors Front Cover Photo: Body Traffic Courtesy Tobin Center Performing Arts Cover Photo: Steeven Sandoval Courtesy Charline McCombs Empire Theatre

Jeanne Albrecht

Peabo Fowler

Gary Albright

Dan R. Goddard

Mikel Allen creative director/ graphic designer

Greg Harrison staff photographer

Rudy Arispe

Christian Lair operations manager/ webmaster

Michele Krier

Events Calendar Cover Photo: Alice Cooper Courtesy Tobin Center

James M. Benavides

Kay Lair

Culinary Arts Cover Photo: Photo by Greg Harrison

Olivier J. Bourgoin (aka, Olivier the Wine Guy) Julie Catalano

Susan A. Merkner copy editor

Lisa Cruz

Sara Selango

Thomas Duhon

Jasmina Wellinghoff

Visual Arts Cover Photo: Courtesy Beeville Art Museum Literary Arts Cover Photo: Photo by Greg Harrison Eclectics Cover Photo: Photo by Greg Harrison Out & About With Greg Harrison Cover Photo: Photo by Greg Harrison

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

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Performing Arts 8-34

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BROADWAY SHOWS AND HIGHLIGHT MAY-JUNE PER By Sara Selango

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D CLASSICAL CONCERTS RFORMANCE OFFERINGS

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.inding Neverland and Matilda are coming to the Majestic Theatre as part of the North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio series. Neverland runs May 2-7 and Matilda comes to town June 6-11. Neither has ever been seen here before. What a great opportunity to witness two city premieres! These are the remaining two shows in season 2016-17. However, the 2017-18 season at the Majestic will be here before you know it with such outstanding live stage theatrical experiences as The King and I, An American in Paris, On Your Feet, The Color Purple, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, The Book of Morman and more. The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts has also announced its Broadway season that starts up again in early August with Fun Home. Others on their big stage will be Million Dollar Quartet, A Night with Janis Joplin, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Circus 1903 plus three additional shows. On their smaller stage at the Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater, the Tobin presents its Edge Series of Off-Broadway selections, including Dixie’s Tupperware Party, Sister’s Christmas Catechism, Forbidden Broadway, Bette Davis Ain’t for Sissies, and once again, three additional shows. The first of these hits the boards mid-August. That’s a lot of Broadway on the way! Check their websites for dates and times.

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Community theater shines as well in May and June, starting with Peter and the Starcatcher at the Sheldon Vexler Theatre for a four-week run starting May 4. The Woodlawn concludes Sister Act May 7 then comes back with Shrek The Musical beginning the last day of June. Next door to the Woodlawn is The Classic Theatre San Antonio with its production of Bus Stop starting May 5. Also on May 5, Urinetown The Musical debuts at the Russell Hill Rogers Theatre in San Pedro Playhouse. Their Cellar Theatre features Crimes of the Heart throughout June. To make things complete, let me mention that the Roxie Theatre has Disney’s Aladdin (the dual language version) and Saturday Night Fever on its stage. Meanwhile, Don’t Talk to the Actors is at the Harlequin. Shows in neighboring towns include Big River at the Circle Arts in New Braunfels, 1940’s Radio Hour at S.T.A.G.E in Bulverde, Panache at Boerne Community Theatre, Doublewide, Texas at Ingram’s Smith-Ritch Outdoor Theatre, Carousel by Playhouse 2000 in Kerrville and Guys and Dolls presented by Fredericksburg Theatre Company. Early summer is shaping up to be very entertaining. Classical concerts are also highlights in May and June. Musical Offerings inaugurates this two month period

with its 25th anniversary performance of Jazz Meets Classical May 1 at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Two days later Mid-Texas Symphony offers Concert No. 7 at Jackson Auditorium in Seguin and Musical Bridges Around The World brings Black Swan to San Fernando Cathedral featuring violinist Tim Fain. Next up in this genre is Myths Abound May 12-13 from Chamber Orchestra of San Antonio. Gemma New conducts this performance at the Carlos Alvarez with noted pianist Anton Nel. The San Antonio Symphony is in the same building the same nights with An American in Paris featuring mezzo-soprano Susan Graham at the Tobin’s H-E-B Performance Hall with Sebastian LangLessing conducting. Lang-Lessing also conducts the symphony May 19-20 for Debussy – Iberia with special guest guitarist Angel Romero. An additional symphony concert is scheduled for May 10 when their musicians play side-by-side with Youth Orchestras of San Antonio players. YOSA follows up with The Planets May 16 at the Tobin, also on the big stage.

performances in May and June. On the pops side of things, Troy Peters leads the symphony in celebration of The Music of John Williams May 26-28 and Akiko Fujimoto takes the podium for Cirque de la Symphonie June 9-11. In between these two shows, Christopher Cross appears in concert with the symphony June 3. All are at the Tobin’s H-E-B Performance Hall. One last San Antonio Symphony performance to enjoy before the summer break is Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert at the Majestic the first weekend of June. Turning now to big-name entertainers making their way to the Alamo City and surrounding area in May and June, let me start with Patti LaBelle, Boz Skaggs, Michael McDonald, Rick Derringer, Melissa Etheridge and Alice Cooper at the Tobin. The Majestic and Empire step up with appearances by Boston, ZZ Top, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Celtic Woman and Gipsy Kings.

Additional classical moments can be enjoyed by going to the websites of SOLI Chamber Ensemble, Olmos Comedy is another category deserving attention. Ensemble, Blanco Performing Arts and Fredericksburg Stephen Lynch and Nick Thune are at the Carlos Alvarez Music Club for information about their respective May 5 and May 8 respectively and Rob Schneider,

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sidekick to Adam Sandler in so many movies, comes to Photo Credits: Improv Comedy Club in Rivercenter May 26-28. A few days before on May 21 see John Mulaney at the Aztec. Pages 8-9 And finally, the very funny Ralphie May plays Laugh Cast of Finding Neverland Out Loud Comedy Club June 22-24. Photo by Jeremy Daniel Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club is the venue for another most interesting evening on May 31 when Val Kilmer Pages 10-11 (L-R) will be there in person to introduce a 90-minute film of his one-man stage play titled Citizen Twain Billy Harrigan Tighe as JM Barrie and Tom in which he takes on the persona of Mark Twain. He Hewitt as Captain Hook in Finding Neverland will also be available after the screening to answer Photo by Jeremy Daniel audience questions. Shaping Sound Three other neat nights occur in May and June at Photo Courtesy Tobin Center Gruene Hall with the first being the opportunity to see Keiffer Sutherland May 14. Following this is Dennis Derek and Julianne Hough in Move – Beyond Quaid and the Sharks May 19. Then its the Bacon Photo by Brian Bowen Smith Brothers June 8 featuring Kevin Bacon. Sutherland, Quaid and Bacon, those should be fun evenings at Page 12 (L-R) Texas’ oldest dancehall. Susan Graham For more information regarding these and many Courtesy susangraham.com other performances, go to the events calendar in Mia Sinclair Jenness in Matilda this magazine. Photo courtesy Majestic Theatre That’s a wrap. There is so much to see and do. Get some tickets and go!

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The Tobin Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2017-18 Season:

Bigger, Better, Hotter By Julie Catalano

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he new season for San Antonio’s Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is a sizzling one, and they can’t wait to get started. For the first time, two series openings — Broadway and the Edge — will be launched in August.

loved it,” Zimmermann said. “It’s a great Cirque du Soleil type of show.” Thirty artists in more than 300 costumes in 20 acts from around the world create a dazzling holiday spectacle.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer the Musical”, special show, Dec. 22-23, five performances. The holiday fun continues with this favorite, back for its third run after two sellouts in 2014 and 2015. Features one sensoryfriendly performance modified for those with an It’s the Tobin’s biggest season yet, he added. “We’re autism spectrum disorder. growing and gaining traction, getting bigger and better, and doing everything we can to present the best product “A Night with Janis Joplin,” Jan. 24. A sizzling tribute to the renown blues and rock-and-roll singer, this musical and keep people coming to the theater.” journey celebrates the career of a star who blazed onto the scene in 1967 with hits like “Me and Bobby McGee,” BMW OF SAN ANTONIO SIGNATURE SERIES “Fun Home,” Aug. 9-10, two performances. Based on “Piece of My Heart,” “Mercedes Benz” and more. Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir, this 2015 Tony Award winner for best musical is a refreshingly “Million Dollar Quartet,” Feb. 7. One of the greatest jam honest journey through three stages of the author’s life. sessions in musical history took place at Sun Records in Memphis in 1956, with four young musicians: Elvis “Circus 1903,” Nov. 12. A not-to-be-missed spectacle, Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins. this thrilling take on a turn-of-the-century circus This unforgettable musical recreates that one and only features a huge cast, amazing acts and state-of-the- magical night. art puppetry. “This is probably the biggest production coming through and a first run for San Antonio,” “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” March 11. The uproarious winner of the 2014 Tony Award for Zimmermann said. best musical tells the story of a distant heir to a family “Cirque Dream Holidaze,” special show, Dec. 8-9, three fortune who must eliminate eight relatives (all played performances. “This was here in 2014 and everybody by one man) ahead of him in the line of succession. “We felt that it was the one time of year that didn’t have a lot of competition,” said Aaron Zimmermann, vice president of programming and marketing, “so it was a good opportunity to start the season a little earlier.”

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“Always ... Patsy Cline,” April 8. Based on the real-life friendship and correspondence between the legendary country singer and a fan from Houston, this musical play features 27 hits including “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams” and more. DANCE SERIES Koresh Dance Company, Nov. 8. Celebrating 25 years, the internationally acclaimed company performs a selection of favorites culled from their quarter-century of innovative work, including interpretations by Bach, Beethoven and Ravel.

EDGE SERIES This is the third season for the Tobin’s adults-only, cuttingedge Edge series, and San Antonio can’t get enough. “People really love it,” Zimmermann said. “These are eight amazing off-Broadway productions that probably wouldn’t come here otherwise.” All Edge shows are in the Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater.

“Dixie’s Tupperware Party,” Aug. 17-19, four performances. Only fast-talking Dixie Longate could make Tupperware this funny and fabulous in a one-woman show with audience participation and giveaways from the No. 1 Tupperware seller in the world. “This was so popular in Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, Jan. 25. A perennial 2015 we had to bring it back,” Zimmermann said. crowd-pleaser, the “Trocks,” as their millions of fans call them, present ballet in a whole new way – with men “Forbidden Broadway,” Oct. 12-14, four performances. assuming the role of ballerina in a tour de force parody of A first run for San Antonio, this hilarious musical spoof classic and contemporary dance. Hilarity ensues. skewers the legends and lore of Broadway, picking up nine Drama Desk Awards and a special Tony Award in its Complexions Contemporary Ballet, March 1. Artistic directors 35-year run. “We’ve been trying to get this one for a long Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden, formerly of the time,” Zimmermann said. iconic Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, have created an unprecedented approach to dance that blends styles from “Assisted Living the Musical,” Nov. 16-18, three ballet to hip-hop in a show that really rocks. performances. A first run tour out of Canada, this new show is set at the fictional Pelican Roost retirement BODYTRAFFIC, April 4. What can you say about a group community, where 18 seniors (played by the show’s two named “the company of the future” by the Joyce Theater actors) are partying like it’s 1969. Foundation? Critics have run out of superlatives to describe this young, high-energy company that has “Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s blazed its way into the dance world at breakneck speed. Gold,” Dec. 19-20, two performances. From Maripat 16 On The Town | May/June 2017

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Donovan, the author of “Late Nite Catechism,” Sister takes on an ancient mystery: Whatever happened to the Magi’s gold? Featuring a unique living nativity and assisted by a Photo Credits: local choir, this is “CSI: Bethlehem-style.”

“Bette Davis Ain’t for Sissies,” Feb. 1-3, three performances. Page 14 A highly acclaimed one-woman show with Jessica Sherr takes audiences through the early years as the tenacious A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder young Davis fights for her place in the Hollywood Page 15 (L-R) firmament while battling the studio system. “PostSecret the Show,” Feb.15. Bringing the immensely Bette Davis Ain’t for Sissies popular PostSecret blog to life, this innovative production Cirque Dreams Holidaze uses projected images, videos, three actors and a guitarist to guide audiences through an immersive, poignant journey Page 16 (L-R) through some of the internet’s most personal stories. Million Dollar Quartet “Musical Thrones: A Parody,”March 9-11, four performances. Dixie’s Tupperware Party Bloodthirsty musical theater at its finest, battling through six seasons of the television blockbuster “Game of Thrones,” Page 17 (L-R) featuring its most beloved and be-hated characters. Koresh Dance “One-Man Dark Knight: A Batman Parody,” May 3-5, three Forbidden Broadway performances. From the same performer behind “OneMan Star Wars” and “One-Man Lord of the Rings,” Charles All photos courtesy of the Tobin Center Ross presents both irreverent parody and homage to the for the Performing Arts “Dark Knight Trilogy” in an astonishing 75 minutes. Tickets available online or by phone: 210-223-8624. More information at tobincenter.org. May/June 2017 | On The Town 17

EVIN EUBANKS:

BALLET SAN ANTONIO’S NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR By Jasmina Wellinghoff Photography Kemp Davis

ighteen-year-old Evin Eubanks was all set to enroll in a marine biology program in Galveston when she and her parents went to see A Chorus Line at the Miller Outdoor Theater in Houston. The show, which is all about dancers and dancing, changed her mind.

became Ballet San Antonio’s new executive director in March of this year.

And so she did. She switched colleges to enroll as a dance major at Texas Tech, subsequently double majoring in both dance and theater. Her decision was “During the performance, I leaned toward my parents abrupt but not all that surprising. She had grown up and told them ‘I want to dance,’” recalls Eubanks, who playing the cello, dancing and enjoying her science

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classes, all at the same time. That fateful performance school performances or our Ballet in the Park events. at the Miller Theater was probably just a catalyst that We need to reach more schools, we need to bring more helped her clarify her priorities. young people to the Tobin to enjoy ballet and grow up loving it. It’s a challenging task.” Soon after graduation, the native San Antonian left Texas to pursue a career in Chicago where she eventually found On the fiscal responsibility side, the good news is that the herself gravitating toward behind-the-scenes work, such 2016-17 season has been successfully completed “under as stage management and production. In 2010, Eubanks budget” and debts incurred in earlier seasons have all became the executive director of the Chicago Dancing been paid off. Since she joined BSA in the final weeks of Festival, a major annual event that brought diverse its current season, Eubanks had to immediately handle companies from all over the U.S. to the Windy City to plans for 2017-18, including dancers’ contracts, marketing showcase all genres of the dance art. Fourteen to 20,000 and all the logistics, in addition to relations with donors, people attended each year, she says proudly. Her four foundations and the city which sponsors the free Ballet in years in that job taught her “an incredible amount” about the Park spring showcase. running a nonprofit, in addition to exposing her to a huge range of dance artists and choreographers. Under the umbrella theme of Bold and Beautiful, the upcoming season, which starts in the fall, will feature three She brings all these skills and experiences to her present major productions, including, of course, the traditional job, says BSA’s board chairwoman Christine Varela Mayer. Nutcracker, choreographed by Shives. Bracketing this “Some of the most respected people in our industry said immensely popular holiday show are: Giselle, one of the fantastic things about Evin and her leadership style. And great classics of the ballet repertoire (Oct. 13-15, 2017), she came to us on a silver tray. We are so lucky.” and Red, a promising program of shorter newer works, including George Balanchine’s famed Rubies and Gerald The “silver tray” refers to a fortunate set of circumstances Arpino’s Round of Angels. In addition, Shives will present that brought Eubanks to the board’s attention. After she two of his pieces, Elements, created for Luminaria 2016; decided to return to her hometown, Eubanks contacted and Bolero, a brand new ballet set to Ravel’s mesmerizing BSA’s artistic director Willy Shives who spent 17 years musical composition by the same name (Feb.16-18, 2018). with the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago. Though the two had never met, they knew of each other and were connected The company will also continue to tour, mostly in Texas, through a mutual friend. Thus, when the previous given that its recent tours to McAllen and Edinburg were executive director Jenniann Colon resigned, Shives very well received by the host communities. “People are asking for us to come. Ever since Willy came, word has naturally thought of Eubanks. spread and we have folks who travel to San Antonio to “It was very exciting,” she says. “I was so impressed by see our productions, even buy season tickets,” says Mayer. the caliber of the BSA dancers and it’s so wonderful for San Antonio to have such a company. I love being back And now with Eubanks in charge of the business in the professional arts field. When I joined the Chicago operation, Mayer and her small but dedicated board Dancing Festival, I remember going to a meeting and can draw a sigh of relief. “I am looking forward to having thinking how lucky I was that this was my job. I have peace of mind,” confesses the research psychologist who loves San Antonio and its cultural institutions. “The that same feeling now.” company is in a better place than it has ever been. We According to Mayer, the new director has hit the have two proven professionals with great experience at ground running on all fronts. Two areas that the board the helm. I have peace of mind that when I ask a donor for wants her to especially focus on are fiscal stability and a contribution, the resources will be well stewarded. It’s a increasing community outreach beyond the already wonderful feeling. impressive current level. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • “We want to augment Ballet San Antonio’s footprint,” BSA 2017-18 season subscriptions can be purchased explains Mayer. “We hope that every kid will have the online at www.tobincenter.org, via phone 210-223-8624 opportunity to experience dance whether through and in person at the Tobin Center’s box office. May/June 2017 | On The Town 19

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‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ to land at Vexler Theatre By Susan A. Merkner Photography Greg Harrison

ith the slogan, “Think Inside the Box,” the Sheldon Vexler Theatre at the Barshop Jewish Community Center of San Antonio was established in 1999 as the city’s first permanent black box community theater.

Other crucial volunteers are the actors and technicians who donate their time and energy for the opportunity to participate in one of the theater’s four plays each season. The cast and crew are local volunteers “with a common vision: to produce compelling, thought-provoking plays and musicals The Vex, as the theater is known, has had only one that engage, entice and excite patrons,” according to artistic director since its inception: Ken Frazier, who the Vex website. also opened the North East School of the Arts, an arts magnet school in the North East Independent Vex auditions are open to the entire community. School District, 20 years ago. Some 60 people auditioned for the 14 roles in “Peter and the Starcatcher.” As proof that community theater often is a family affair, Frazier’s wife, Tami Kai, a theater teacher at Black box theater is presented on a large, square set Garner Middle School, frequently volunteers at the with black walls and a flat floor -- more about the Vex and is co-director with Frazier of the next Vex floor later. Typically there are multipurpose sets and production, “Peter and the Starcatcher,” which runs flats, and few props or decorations. Audience seating May 4 through June 4. can be configured in multiple arrangements, such as in the round or a more traditional tiered setting. The The husband and wife team, with assistance from maximum audience size at the Vex is 170. their sons, have acted, directed, designed and built sets, created costumes, written scripts and scores, Previous shows have included “Fiddler on and handled technical aspects such as lights and the Roof,” “Into the Woods,” “Jungle Book” and sound for dozens of Vex plays. “Chicago: The Musical.” “Our family is kind of nerdy ; we like pirate - For their production of “The Metamorphosis,” the Vex themed stories,” Frazier said with a laugh. “ What staff and volunteers built a 3-foot-deep, 2,500-gallon better way to include villains and murderers in a swimming pool, with two levels and a deck. play than on a ship?” “It was beautiful and the perfect setting for the Kai chimed in. “We love building ships as sets. ‘Peter play, which combines stories from Greek and and the Starcatcher’ allowed us to do so.” Roman mythology,” Kai said. The play is based on a novella by Franz Kafka. In addition to Frazier, the theater’s paid staff includes Dylan Brainard, who says she was named K ai said one of her favor ite Vex s h ows wa s for “both poets,” Dylan Thomas and Bob Dylan. “Female Transp or t ” whic h foll ows fe ma l e Brainard, the theater’s production manager, p r isoner s t aken from England to Au s t ra l i a became a staff member in July 2010 after three by ship. “I t was ver y well ac ted w i t h a gre at years of volunteer work there. ensem b le; ver y im p ac t ful and t he at r i c a l.” May/June 2017 | On The Town 21

Ken and Tami Kai Frazier

In addition to staging four shows per season, the Vex it chugs along and never stops.” also runs a youth program producing musicals, such as “Singing in the Rain,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Mulan.” The play is based on the 2004 best-selling children’s novel, “Peter and the Starcatchers,” by Dave Barry The Tony Award-winning “Peter and the Starcatcher” and Ridley Pearson. Barry is a Pulitzer Prize-winning features a cast of 14 actors portraying more than a author and columnist, who wrote a nationally hundred characters, all on a journey to answer the syndicated humor column for the Miami Herald from century-old question: How did Peter Pan become 1983 to 2005. Pearson is an American author of adult “the boy who never grew up?” suspense and thriller novels and adventure books for children. The story was adapted for the stage Fraizer said the play is an origin story for adults by writer and former stage actor Rick Elice, who coand allows audiences to use their imaginations. authored the book for the stage musical of “Jersey “Technology is taking that away from us,” he said. Boys” and the screenplay for the “Jersey Boys” film. “Peter” is aimed at adults because of some clever lines and innuendo that would be lost on children. “The San Antonio JCC was founded 120 years ago and plays a vital role in the community,” Fraizer said. Kai, who is handling costumes for “Peter,” said the “They have always been supportive of the arts.” actors use numerous hats, aprons, scarves and other accessories to make quick changes for their Sheldon Vexler Theatre at the characters. They also must vary their voices and Barshop Jewish Community Center body language to project different characters. “It’s 12500 N.W. Military Highway at Wurzbach Parkway nonstop,” she said. San Antonio, TX 78231 Box office: 210-302-6835 “We call it locomotive theater,” Fraizer said, “because www.vexler.org 22 On The Town | May/June 2017

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Olga 24 OnKern The Town | May/June 2017

Sebastian Lang-Lessing

Nadia Salerno-Sonnenberg

A Season to Celebrate History By Lisa Cruz Photography Courtesy San Antonio Symphony

he past and the present collide when the San Antonio Symphony ushers in its 2017-18 season. The symphony’s conductor and music director, Sebastian Lang-Lessing, has designed the new season as a salute to revolutionary changes in our history and to the times of the composers, the compositions and even the audience.

“Beethoven was the biggest revolutionary in music.”

Kicking off the Classical Series Sept. 22 and 23, the symphony welcomes its first artist-in-residence, Olga Kern. Kern is a Russian-American pianist whose career took off after winning the gold medal at the 2001 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Fort Worth and was the first woman to claim the gold in more “By designing our season around historical markers, than 30 years. Kern will perform with the symphony I am trying to tell the story that music is not merely throughout the season, giving master classes and entertainment that takes you to another place and you community events. get to come back to reality, but that music is a reflection The series opener features the works of Claude of reality,” Lang-Lessing said. Debussy, Sergei Rachmaninoff and Hector Berlioz. The season opens Sept. 16 with a gala concert featuring Debussy’s Prélude à L’Après-midi d’un Faune is widely Emmanuel Ax on piano for an all-Beethoven concert. considered a nexus of music history, ushering in the era of modern music. “The program is all about revolutionary ideas, and Beethoven’s Fifth is a revolutionary piece by itself, Continuing with the theme of revolution, the because it distills music to the smallest elements you can symphony’s second concert of the season, Hadelich Plays find, rhythm and basically two notes,” Lang-Lessing said. Tchaikovsky, will feature violinist Augustin Hadelich. May/June 2017 | On The Town 25

Emmanual Ax

Anna Maria Martinez

The concert will include Dimitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 12, The Year 1917 which celebrates the outcome of the Russian revolution that began in March 1917. Shostakovich dedicated the symphony to Vladimir Lenin, leader of the Bolshevik revolution.

to focus on these three pillars.”

“Very few events of the last century influenced the way we are living now as much as the revolution did,” LangLessing said. “The entire world, the way it is shaped, changed after that. It is a very important anniversary. People will love that piece, because (Shostakovich) is really a part of it. It is a wonderful way to understand the Russian soul.”

Highlighting the symphony’s own history, the Bernstein and Brahms concert Feb. 23-24 will include John Corigliano’s Piano Concerto, which premiered 50 years ago. Corigliano’s father is Victor Alessandro, who served as music director of the San Antonio Symphony for 25 years from 1951 to 1976. Corigliano will celebrate his 80th birthday the week of the concert.

Rather than a single composer, the festival will emphasize the “melting pot that is San Antonio,” LangLessing said.

A season built on revolution and history would be Reflecting on the upcoming season, Lang-Lessing incomplete without a celebration of San Antonio’s noted, “The season is a spider web that is all linked own past. This year’s Symphony Festival will be part of together and has something in common.” the citywide Tricentennial celebration. Even the Pops season gives a nod to history with the “We wanted to pay homage to our diverse cultural Classical Mystery Tour recreating the music of the heritage, primarily three important parts of San Beatles Jan. 19-20, A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald March Antonio’s story: the Spanish influence, the Anglo- 16-17 and Patriotic Pops May 25-27, among several Saxon influence and the influence of the Rev. Dr. Martin other concerts. Luther King Jr.,” Lang-Lessing said. “There are many more aspects of San Antonio culture, but we wanted For more information and tickets, visit sasymphony.org. 26 On The Town | May/June 2017

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SAN ANTONIO LIEDERKRANZ CELEBRATES 125 YEARS WITH FREE ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Liederkranz is largest men’s German choir of its type in the US By Jeanne Albrecht

any San Antonio institutions began here in the 1890s: Battle of Flowers Parade, Peacock Military College, Buckhorn Saloon, Gebhardt’s Chili Powder Co., Bexar County Courthouse, Brackenridge Park — and the San Antonio Liederkranz.

the 1,700-seat H-E-B Performance Hall in the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. True to its roots, the concert will feature German songs and a broad spectrum of pop, opera, highly regarded Broadway show tunes and patriotic numbers. The choir will be joined by piano accompanist Rob Jenkins and the New Braunfels Village Brass Band. Translations Some of those institutions are no longer around, but of German or Latin songs will be provided. the San Antonio Liederkranz — a men’s choir formed on July 11, 1892, by Father Henry Pfefferkorn as the The Liederkranz harmony is a four-part blend; choir of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in downtown in the German tradition, “the melody is usually San Antonio — is alive and strong. in the top voices, unlike barbershop and other American arrangements, giving our pieces a The San Antonio Liederkranz will celebrate its distinctive tenor ‘shimmer,’” said Tom Ewing, PhD, anniversary with a free concert at 3 p.m. June 25 in choir director since 2000. “We are also unique in

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terms of mixing sacred and popular music.”

other private occasions. The choir has continued to sing Masses at St. Joseph’s since the 1890s, History: Established in 1892 by the German Catholic including Christmas midnight Mass, Easter Mass, immigrant congregation that built St. Joseph’s St. Joseph the Worker feast day and seven other Catholic Church 20 years earlier, the San Antonio Masses during the year. Liederkranz was formed to beautify the Germanlanguage liturgical services and sing at the German Looking for a Few Good Men (singers!): Men festivals of the parish and the community. Over the interested in singing with the Liederkranz are years, the Liederkranz has built a statewide and welcome to come to any rehearsal ay 7:30 p.m. international following, including the bicentennial Mondays at St. Joseph’s Hall, 420 E. Cesar Chavez of the founding of San Antonio in 1931 and the Blvd. Some musical background is helpful. papal Mass in San Antonio in 1987. The choir has Prospects are asked to attend one or two rehearsals toured Germany three times, performing twice to see if they are comfortable with the Liederkranz at the residence of the president of the Federal style. “We’re looking for a few good men,” Ewing said. “Actually, we’d take a few pretty decent men.” Republic of Germany. Present Day: Today, the Liederkranz includes more than 50 singers from many ethnic and religious backgrounds, with many descendants of the original founding families still singing. The chorus presents annual Christmas and spring concerts and participates regularly in the Sängerfests (“singing festivals”) of two German singing unions. The Liederkranz is hired to sing at weddings and

The anniversary concert is free to the public, but reservations are required and can be made starting May 15 on the Liederkranz website, http://www.saliederkranz.org. Seating is first come, first served. For more information, contact Ed Weber at 830-980-9561 or edjanw@gvtc.com. May/June 2017 | On The Town 29

30 On The Town | May/June 2017

May/June 2017 | On The Town 31

Duck Soup

Double Life of Veronique

Texas Public Radio’s Cinema Tuesdays Series Begins May 30th By Peabo Fowler Photography courtesy TPR

an Antonio movie lovers have reason to celebrate each summer as Texas Public Radio ( TPR) brings back its long-running Cinema Tuesdays series. The 12-week film series features some of the best classic, foreign and independent films on the big screen. This year, a familiar face to longtime San Antonio movie fans will attend the opening-night film. Larr y Ratliff, who for many years was known as the “jalapeño guy ” for rating movies in the San Antonio Express-News on a scale of one to four peppers, will join TPR’s Nathan Cone to introduce 32 On The Town | May/June 2017

and discuss the opening-night film, “Casablanca,” which is celebrating its 75th anniversar y this year. Ratliff is a noted fan and exper t on the film, and he and Cone will explore the film’s histor y and themes. The Cinema Tuesdays series opens May 30 at the Santikos Palladium, then moves to its regular home at the Bijou Cinema Bistro. Highlights of this year’s series include James Dean’s iconic performance in “Rebel Without a Cause” (June 13), Mel Brooks’ hilarious satire “Young Frankenstein” (Aug. 1), and a rare showing of the 1936 Mexican film “Redes” on June 27. Shot

Casa Blanca

in a neorealist style before anyone had ever heard of the Italian movement, the movie about working fishermen on the coast of Mexico features a brilliant, turbulent music score by one of Mexico’s most famous composers, Silvestre Revueltas. Cone and his colleague James Baker at TPR’s classical station KPAC are working to bring in Roberto Kolb, a noted expert on Revueltas and film music, to speak about the film and its score.

Tower

“ Tower,” the gripping documentar y about the 1966 University of Texas tower shooting that won an award at the 2016 South By Southwest Film Festival, scheduled for July 11.

If there’s never a theme apparent in Cinema Tuesdays, that’s just fine with Cone. The only theme he says he ever likes to work on is “great movies that should be seen with an audience.” That’s what makes the movies come alive, he adds. Because July 4 falls on a Tuesday, this year will “ The shared experience of going through emotions see the first-ever “Cinema Wednesday.” To take with friends and strangers makes these films more advantage of the anomaly, TPR is offering its powerful. Plus, there are always so many smiles first ever double -feature on July 5, screening shared afterward. That’s a great feeling.” the unlikely pair of “Cat People” (1942) and the Marx Brothers’ classic farce, “Duck Soup.” Why Cinema Tuesdays films screen on Tuesday nights those two? “ They ’re both ver y shor t movies,” (and one Wednesday) at 7:30 p.m. beginning Cone said, “just over an hour long apiece. Plus, May 30. Admission is by suggested donation, they both have animals in the title, so I figured, and all proceeds benefit Texas Public Radio, ‘ Why the hell not!?’ ” which operates San Antonio’s NPR affiliate, KST X 89.1 FM, and the 24-hour classical music station, Newer films in this summer ’s lineup include the KPAC 88.3 FM. always popular “Oscar Shor ts” program June 20 bringing all 10 Oscar-nominated animated and Details on the entire lineup and reser vations for live -action shor ts together on one night, and each film can be made at http://tprcinema.org. May/June 2017 | On The Town 33

34 On The Town | May/June 2017

Events Calendar

36-52

May/June 2017 | On The Town 35

May/June 2017 Events Calendar Music Notes Musical Offerings: 25th Anniversary of Jazz Meets Classical 5/1, Tue @ 7pm San Antonio Museum of Art Morgan James 5/3, Wed @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center Bellamy Brothers 5/4, Thu @ 7:30pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels Ancira Music Series Max Stalling 5/4, Thu @ 7:30pm County Line BBQ IH-10 Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro-Latin Jazz Octet 5/5, Fri @ 8pm Jo Long Theatre at the Carver Band of Heathens 5/5, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall

36 On The Town | May/June 2017

Brandon Rhyder 5/5, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store La Oreja de Van Gogh 5/5, Fri @ 9pm Aztec Theatre The Spazmatics 5/6, Sat @ 8pm Blue Bonnet Palace

Musical Bridges Around The World Black Swan Tim Fain, violin 5/7, Sun @ 7pm San Fernando Cathedral Alice Cooper 5/8, Mon @ 7:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

Tobin Studio Sessions Joe Purdy 5/6, Sat @ 8pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center

Ancira Music Series Mario Flores 5/11, Thu @ 7:30pm County Line BBQ IH-10

Robin Trower 5/6, Sat @ 8pm Aztec Thatre

Boston 5/10, Wed @ 8pm Majestic Theatre

Green River Ordinance 5/6, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Billy Joe Shaver 5/6, Sat @ 8:30pm John T. Floore Country Store Mid-Texas Symphony Concert No. 7 5/7, Sun @ 4pm Jackson Auditorium At TLU – Seguin

San Antonio Symphony / Youth Orchestras of San Antonio SXS (Side by Side) Concert 5/10, Wed @ 8pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center The Chainsmokers: Memories Tour 2017 5/11, Thu @ 8pm Freeman Coliseum

Brett Young 5/12, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys Dancehall San Antonio Seranata Para Las Madres FT Steeven Sandoval & Mariachi Azteca de America 5/12, Fri @ 7:30pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre White Denim 5/12, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Miguel Bose Estare Tour 2017 5/12, Fri @ 8:30pm Majestic Theatre Aaron Lewis 5/12, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Chamber Orchestra of San Antonio Myths Abound 5/12-13, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Gemma New, conductor Anton Nel, piano Carlos Alvarez Studio Theaterat the Tobin Center

May/June 2017 | On The Town 37

San Antonio Symphony Susan Graham: An American in Paris 5/12-13, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor Susan Graham, mezzo-soprano H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

Turnpike Troubadours 5/13, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Larry Gatlin 5/13, Sat @ 3pm & 7pm Rockbox Theater Fredericksburg

Keifer Sutherland 5/14, Sun @ 7pm Gruene Hall

Chevelle 5/13, Sat @ 7:30pm Aztec Theatre Arts San Antonio The 5 Browns 5/13, Sat @ 7:30pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre King George: A Tribute to George Strait 5/13, Sat @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Anthony Wright Band 5/13, Sat @ 8pm Blue Bonnet Palace Jason Roberts Band 5/13, Sat @ 8pm Kendalia Halle Dennis Quaid & The Sharks 5/13, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall

38 On The Town | May/June 2017

Children’s Chorus of San Antonio Mother’s Day II 5/14, Sun @ 3pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons 5/14, Sun @ 7:30pm Majestic Theatre SOLI Chamber Ensemble Under the Ligurian Sun II 5/15, Mon @ 7:30pm Jazz TX in the Pearl District 5/16, Tue @ 7:30pm Ruth Taylor Recital Hall Trinity University Olmos Ensemble Stravinksy! “L’Histoire du Soldat” 5/15, Mon @ 7:30pm Laurel Heights Methodist ZZ Top 5/16, Tue @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Youth Orchestras of San Antonio The Planets 5/16, Tue @ 8pm Troy Peters, conductor H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

Tobin Studio Sessions Jonathan Edwards 5/17, Wed @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center Ancira Music Series Lisa Morales 5/18, Thu @ 7:30pm County Line BBQ IH-10 Dennis Quaid & The Sharks 5/18, Thu @ 9pm Gruene Hall The Gipsy Kings 5/18, Thu @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Tobin Studio Sessions Songwriter Rendezvous with Jimmy LaFavre, Sam Baker & Eliza Gilykson 5/19, Fri @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center Tanya Tucker 5/19, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall The Merles 5/19, Sat @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Gary Allan 5/19, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

San Antonio Symphony Debusy – Iberia 5/19-20, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor Angel Romero, guitar H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center 142nd Maifest featuring Billy Mata and Red Ravens Polka Band 5/20, Sat / 12pm-11pm Anhalt Hall Electrify Your Strings: Victory Tour featuring Haydn Vitera 5/20, Sat @ 7pm Aztec Theatre Jerry Jeff Walker 5/20, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall 21st Annual KNBT 92.1FM Americana Music Jam 5/21, Sun / 1pm-11pm Gruene Hall Heart of Texas Concert Band How Suite It Is 5/21, Sun @ 3pm McAllister Auditorium San Antonio College Fredericksburg Music Club San Antonio Brass 5/21, Sun @ 3pm Fredericksburg United Methodist

Youth Orchestras of San Antonio YOSApalooza 5/21, Sun @ 6pm H-E-B Performance Hall & Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza at the Tobin Center Celtic Woman: Voices of Angels 5/21, Sun @ 3pm Majestic Theatre The Cult 5/24, Wed @ 8pm Aztec Theatre

36th Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival 5/24-28 Guadalupe Theater and Rosedale Park

Midnight River Choir 5/26, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall

Ancira Music Series Flatland Calvary 5/25, Thu @ 7:30pm County Line BBQ IH-10

Dirty River Boys 5/26, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Tobin Studio Sessions Rick Derringer: Alive & Well Tour 5/25, Thu @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center

Randall King 5/26, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

San Antonio Symphony Pops The Music of John Williams 5/26-28, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Troy Peters, conductor H-E-B Performance Hall at The Tobin Center 2017 Bud Light River City Rockfest 5/27, Sat @ 12pm AT&T Center Cody Johnson with JonWolfe 5/27, Sat @ 7:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels

May/June 2017 | On The Town 39

Johnny Bush 5/27, Sat @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Wagon Aces 6/2, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

The Clever Name 5/27, Sat @ 8pm Blue Bonnet Palace

Charlie Robison 6/2, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Chris Knight 5/27, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Seven Bridges: Eagles Tribute 5/27-28, Sat-Sun @ 8pm Rockbox Theater Fredericksburg Sentimental Journey Orchestra Memorial Memories 5/28, Sun @ 3pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville The Spazmatics 5/28, Sun @ 7:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels Ancira Music Series John Baumann 6/1, Thu @ 7:30pm County Line BBQ IH-10 Ann Wilson of Heart 6/1, Thu @ 8pm Aztec Theatre James McMurtry 6/2, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall

40 On The Town | May/June 2017

San Antonio Symphony Harry Potter and the Sorcererâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stone n Concert 6/2 & 4, Fri @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm & 7pm Majestic Theatre

Blanco Performing Arts Julia Pautz & Friends Virtuosic 6/4, Sun @ 3pm Blanco Uptown Ballroom Pattie LaBelle 6/4, Sun @ 7pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Ancira Music Series Charlie Mars 6/8, Thu @ 7:30pm County Line BBQ IH-10

San Antonio Symphony Pops Cirque de la Symphonie 6/9-11, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Akiko Fujimoto, conductor H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Oh What A Night: Tribute toFrankie Valli & the Four Seasons 6/10, Sat @ 3pm & 8pm Rockbox Theater Fredericksburg Randy Rogers Band with Kevin Fowler 6/10, Sat @ 7:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels

Billy Currington 6/3, Sat @ 7:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels

The Bacon Brothers 6/8, Thu @ 8pm Gruene Hall

The Suffers 6/3, Sat @ 8pm Jo Long Theatre at the Carver

The Georges 6/9, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Eclipse: Tribute to Journey 6/10, Sat @ 8pm Aztec Theatre

San Antonio Symphony Special Attraction Christopher Cross 6/3, Sat @ 8pm H-E-B Performance Hall At the Tobin Center

Thomas Michael Riley Music Festival 6/9-10, Fri @ 2pm Sat @ 1pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Roger Creager 6/10, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Todd Rundgren 6/3, Sat @ 8pm Aztec Theatre

At The Drive In 6/9, Fri @ 8pm Aztec Theatre

Boz Skaggs and Michael McDonald 6/14, Wed @ 7:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

Stoney LaRue 6/3, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Whiskey Myers 6/9-10, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall

Ancira Music Series Zane Williams 6/15, Thu @ 7:30pm County Line BBQ IH-10

The Revolution 6/16, Fri @ 8pm Aztec Theatre The Black Lillies 6/16, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall The Merles 6/16, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Waymore’s Outlaws 6/16, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Forte’ Presents “The Six” A Musical Journey of Strength and Courage 6/17, Sat @ 7pm Aztec Theatre Enrique Iglesias with Pitbull 6/17, Sat @ 7:30pm AT&T Center Pat Green with Mike Ryan 6/17, Sat @ 7:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels

Blackberry Smoke 6/17, Sat @ 8:30pm John T. Floore Country Store Cory Morrow 6/17, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Ancira Music Series Darden Smith 6/22, Thu @ 7:30pm County Line BBQ IH-10 Jason Roberts Band 6/24, Sat @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville Iron Maiden: The Book of Souls North American Tour 2017 6/24, Sat @ 7:30pm AT&T Center Russ: The Wake Up Tour 6/24, Sat @ 9pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Joe Jackson 6/25, Sun @ 8pm Aztec Theatre

Bri Bagwell and The Banned 6/17, Sat @ 8pm Blue Bonnet Palace

Melissa Etheridge 6/28, Wed 7:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

Los Lonely Boys and Lisa Morales 6/17, Sat @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Kevin Fowler and Sam Riggs 6/30, Sat @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall May/June 2017 | On The Town 41

Tejas Brothers 6/30, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Michael Hix: American Proud! 6/30-7/1,Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 4pm Rockbox Theater Fredericksburg

Live Theater North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio Finding Neverland (touring) 5/2-7, Tue-Thu @ 7:30pm Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm & 7:30pm Majestic Theatre 1940’s Radio Hour 5/4-13, Thu-Sat @ 8pm (dinner served @ 6:30pm) Sun @ 2:30pm (lunch served @ 1pm) S.T.A.G.E in Bulverde at the Krause House Boerne Community Theatre Panache 5/4-20, Thu @ 7:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Harlequin Theatre at Fort Sam Houston Don’t Talk to the Actors 5/4-20, Thu-Sat @ 8pm

42 On The Town | May/June 2017

Sheldon Vexler Theatre Peter and the Starcatcher 5/4-6/4, Thu @ 7:30pm Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm No show Sat, 6/1 No show on Fridays The Wimberley Players By The Water 5/5-7, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2:30pm Wimberley Playhouse Woodlawn Theatre Sister Act 5/5-7, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm Roxie Theatre Disney’s Aladdin (Dual Language Edition) 5/5-21, Fri -Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm The Overtime Theater The Last Days of Oscar Wilde 5/5-13, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm 5/19-27, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 7pm Greg Barrios Theater The Playhouse San Antonio Urinetown 5/5-28, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Russell Hill Rogers Theatre at San Pedro Playhouse The Classic Theatre San Antonio Bus Stop 5/5-28, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm

The Rocky Horro Picture Show hosted by the RLE Showgirls 5/27, Sat @ 10pm Aztec Theatre The Playhouse San Antonio Crimes of the Heart 6/2-25, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Cellar Theatre at San Pedro Playhouse North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio Matilda (touring) 6/6-11, Tue-Thu @ 7:30pm Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm & 7:30pm Majestic Theatre The Project Black History Month Stage Play 6/17, Sat @ 7:30pm Jo Long Theatre at the Carver Smith-Ritch Point Theatre Doublewide, Texas 6/16-7/1, Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm Ingram Fredericksburg Theater Company Guys and Dolls 6/16-7/2, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Steve W. Shepherd Theater

Roxie Theatre Saturday Night Fever 6/17-7/16, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm Circle Arts Theatre New Braunfels Big River 6/29-7/23, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Playhouse 2000 Carousel 6/30-7/15, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm (Also matinee on Sun 7/9 @ 2:30pm) Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville Woodlawn Theatre Shrek The Musical 6/30-7/30, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm

Dance Ronald K. Brown / Evidence 5/20, Sat @ 8pm Jo Long Theatre at the Carver Move – Beyond Julianne and Derek Hough 5/20, Sat @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Shaping Sound: After the Curtain 6/6, Tue @ 7:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

May/June 2017 | On The Town 43

Opera Opera San Antonio The Barber of Seville 5/6-7, Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Alamo City Opera Noche de la Opera 5/13, Sat @ 7pm The Herrera Plaza Alamo City Opera La Hija de Rappaccini 5/20-21, Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Palo Alto Performing Arts Center

Cinema Fathom Events Jonah On Stage 5/2 Saturday Night Fever 40th Anniversary 5/7 & 10 The Met Live – Der Rosenkavalier 5/13 & 17 Smokey & The Bandit 5/21 & 24 The Godfather 45th Anniversary 6/4 & 7 The Cliburn 6/10 National Theatre Live – Peter Pan 6/11

44 On The Town | May/June 2017

Some Like It Hot 6/11 & 14 For theater locations and show times for these performance fathomevents.com

Comedy Nick Guerra 5/3-7, Wed-Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Tim Dillon 5/3-7, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @8pm Improv Comedy Club Rivercenter Stephen Lynch: The My Old Heart Tour 5/5, Fri @ 8pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center Nick Thune: Proud of Myself Tour 5/8, Mon @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center Mike Cannon 5/10-14, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @8pm Improv Comedy Club Rivercenter

Darren Knight’s Southern Momma 5/11, Thu @ 7pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre Nemr 5/11, Thu @ 7:30pm Laugh Out Loud C omedy Club Myg Kaplan 5/12-14, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Mike Suarez 5/17 & 19, Wed @ 8:30pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club Rivercenter Sonya White 5/17-21, Wed-Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Port Chuck 5/18, Thu @ 5pm Improv Comedy Club Rivercenter Whose Live Anyway? 5/18, Thu @ 7:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall At the Tobin Center Nene Leakes 5/19-20, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Improv Comedy Club Rivercenter

John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous 5/21, Sun @ 7pm & 9:30pm Aztec Theatre Alexis Guerreros 5/24, Wed @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Tony Vinh 5/24-25, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Improve Comedy Club Rivercenter Mark Normand 5/25-28, Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Rob Schneider 5/26-28, Fri @ & 7:45pm Sat- Sun @ 7:45pm & 10pm Improve Comedy Club Rivercenter Val Kilmer Presents Cinema Twain 5/31, Wed @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Chad Thornsberry 5/31, Wed @ 8:30pm Improv Comedy Club Rivercenter Sam Morrill 6/1-4, Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Bruce Bruce 6/2-4, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7:30pm Improv Comedy Club Rivercenter Blair Thompson 6/7, Wed @ 8:30pm Improv Comedy Club Rivercenter Maronzio Vance 6/8-10, Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club Rivercenter John Caparulo 6/9-11, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Tom Rhodes 6/14-18, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @8pm Improv Comedy Club Rivercenter Zainab Johnson 6/15-17, Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Brian Regan 6/17, Sat @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Hypnotist Don Barnhart 6/21-30, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @8pm Improv Comedy Club Rivercenter Ralphie May 6/22-24, Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Children’s The Magik Theatre’s The Emperor’s New Clothes 5/3-31 The Magik Theatre www.magikthatre.org for exact days and times Bugsy Malone Jr. 5/26-6/3, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm Roxie Theatre Junie B. Jones The Musical 6/16-25. Fri @ 7pm Sat @ 2pm & 7pm Sun @ 2pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre

May/June 2017 | On The Town 45

Exhibitions ARTPACE Spring 2017 International Artists in Residence Exhibit Kate Newby Nicholas Frank Robert Hodge Michelle Grabner, curator Thru 5/7 BLUE STAR CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM Turning Memory Thru 5/7 M’dres Thru 5/7

Cuerpo Cubano / Cuban Body Opening Reception 5/19, Fri @ 6pm Cuerpo Cubano / Cuban Body Panel Discussion featuring artists Adrian Rumbaut and Camilo Villalvilla 5/21, Sun @ 2pm Reading by Cuban American Poet Jo Reyes-Boitel 6/3, Sat 2 2pm Gallery Talk on Cuba by Historian Prof. Catherine Komisaruk of UTSA 6/24, Sat @ 2pm BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM

The Blue Hour (A Clock Stopped) Thru 5/7

Night of Artists Public Exhibition Thru 5/14

Homage Thru 5/7

210 / West Gallery Talks Comic Books of the American West 5/9, Tue @ 6:30pm

Plexus C18 Thru October 2019 27th Annual Red Dot Sale 5/27, Wed / 6-10pm BIHL HAUS ARTS Tafsiri – Interpretations Naomi Wanjiku Thru 5/5

46 On The Town | May/June 2017

GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER Mi Museo está en la calle: An abbreviated Retrospective of work by Victoria Suescum Thru 8/5 INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES Texans One and All Ongoing Perceptions of Texas Thru 5/28 Texas Missions and Churches of Roberto Cardinale Thru 8/20 Texas in the First World War Thru 3/11/18 The Other Side of the Eagle Ford Shale 5/13-10/1 LINDA PACE FOUNDATION

Revelations: Masterworks by AfricanAmerican Artists Thru 5/7 Rashid Johnson: The New Black Yoga and Samuel in Space Thru 5/7 Klee at the McNay Thru 5/7 Sur Papier: Works on Paper by Renoir, Chagall, and Other French Modernists Thru 5/21 LP to MP3: The Original Cast Recording Thru 6/18 Broadway: 100 Years of Musical Theatre Thru 6/18 Leigh Anne Lester: A Variety of Forms Recovering from Transubstantiated Clarity Thru 7/30

Contemporary Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery 6/13, Tue @ 6:30pm

Secondary Stories Thru 7/29

2017 Briscoe Film Series Women of the West Johnny Guitar 5/16, Tue @ 6:30pm

McNAY ART MUSEUM

Groovy: A Psychedelic Summer 5/9-8/27

The Legend Lives: Masterpieces from the Permanent Collection Ongoing

California Dreaming: Works by Ruscha, Hockney and Others 5/18-8/6

Cat Ballou 6/20, Tue @ 6:30pm

To See Is to Have: Navigating Today’s Art Ecosystem 5/18-8/6

Juan Mora: Culture Clash 6/8-8/13

Pop-Up Exhibition: 6 TexasArtists / 8 Summer Days / 1 Cool Museum 6/17-25

SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN Art in the Garden: Scattering Screen by Alyson Shotz Thru June 2017 SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART Of Country and Culture: The Lam Collection of Australian Aboriginal Art Thru 5/14

Carlos Merida: Selections from the Permanent Collection Thru 8/17 The Magic of Clay and Fire: Japanese Contemporary Ceramics Thru Fall 2017 Heaven and Hell: Salvation and Retribution in Pure Land Buddhism 6/16-9/10

SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART Southwest School of Art Photography Department: Student Exhibition – Florence Through a Plastic Lens Thru 4/30 CAM Perennial: Reflections of Landscape and Memory Thru 5/7 Elvia Perrin: Clean Cut Thru 7/16

May/June 2017 | On The Town 47

Victor Perez-Rul: The Odds 5/19-7/16 Esteban Delgado: Plural Forms 5/19-7/16 WITTE MUSEUM Above and Beyond Thru 5/7 Texas Art of Early Days to Now: The Witte Collection Thru 5/29 Rudolf Staffel: Gathering Light Thru 5/29 Whales: Giants of the Deep 5/27-9/4

Miscellaneous

Armed Forces River Parade 5/20, Sat / 3:30-7pm River Walk 2017 Joci Awards 5/21, Sun @ 7pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre Garrison Keillor 5/24, Wed @ 7:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center The Naked Magicians 5/26-27, Fri @ 7:30pm & 10pm Sat @ 7pm & 9:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater At the Tobin Center 46th Annual Texas Folklife Festival 6/9-11, Fri / 5-11pm Sat / 11am-11pm Sun / 12pm-7pm UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures

Arts San Antonio’s 35th Annual Floating Feastival 5/2-3, Tue-Wed @ 6pm Lila Cockell Room – Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center Page 36

Photo Credits

Fiesta Noche del Rio 5/12-8/12, Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm Arneson River Theatre River Walk

48 On The Town | May/June 2017

Joan Christenson Courtesy Musical Offerings Morgan James Courtesy Tobin Center

Brandon Rhyder Courtesy brandonrhyder.com

Tanya Tucker Courtesy tanyatucker.com

The Spazmatics Courtesy thespazmatics. net

Sebastian Lang-Lessing Photo by Marks Moore

Page 38

Eva Ybarra Photo by Ric Vasquez

David Mairs Courtesy Mid-Texas Symphony

Page 41

MarioFlores Courtesy liveatfloores.com

Flaco Jimenez Photo by Al Rendon

Susan Graham Courtesy Susangraham. com

Jon Wolfe Courtesy liveatfloores. com

Larry Gatlin Courtesy Rockbox Theater

Page 42

Page 39 The 5 Browns Courtesy the5browns.com Dennis Quaid and the Sharks Courtesy mm-group.org Lisa Morales Courtesy lisamoralesmusic. com Gipsy Kings Courtesy Tobin Center

SOLI Chamber Ensemble Photo by Kemp Davis Charlie Robison Courtesy charlierobison. com Boz Staggs Courtesy Tobin Center Michael McDonald Courtesy Tobin Center Page 44

Page 40

Cory Morrow Courtesy corymorrow.com

Jimmy LaFavre Courtesy Tobin Center

Melissa Etheridge Courtesy Tobin Center

May/June 2017 | On The Town 49

Michael Hix Courtesy Rockbox Theater

Troy Peters Courtesy YOSA

Angel Romero Courtesy San Antonio Symphony

Gary P. Nunn Courtesy garypnunn.com

Page 45

Rankin Twins Photo by Lisa Woods

Reckless Kelly Courtesy liveatfloores.com

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Akiko Fujimoto Photo by Eric Green

Anton Nel Courtesy antonnel.com

Ralphie May Courtesy Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Page 48 Brian Regan Courtesy Tobin Center Rob Schneider Improv Comedy Club Rivercenter

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Finding Neverland Photo by Jeremy Daniel

Stephen Lynch Courtesy Tobin Center

Dwight Yoakam Courtesy dwightyoakam.com

Shaping Sound Courtesy Tobin Center

Whose Live Anyway Courtesy Tobin Center

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Festivals & Celebrations

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TEXAS TREASURES CELEBRATED AT FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL By James Benavides, UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures Photography courtesy ITC

his summer, the Texas Folklife Festival wagon cooking, and dozens of other skills that will enter its 46th year of preser ving and helped early Texas pioneers tame the land and presenting Texas traditions, with the make a living. festival falling on June 9 – 11 this year. “When we lose an artisan, we lose a tradition,” said Each year, this annual event presents new festival director Jo Ann Andera. “Technology has challenges, and what has become one of the replaced so much in the way of hand-made items, biggest challenges to the festival is the toll time but with every artisan making hand-thrown pots, has taken on participants and talented artisans. bobbin lace, and home-made jelly, we hold on to Over the years, some of the festival’s artisans have the knowledge and skills that helped define Texans passed away or can no longer continue their crafts. as hearty, self-sufficient pioneers. A little more than a century ago, these were survival skills, not just The Back 40 area at the UTSA Institute of hobbies or boutique businesses.” Texan Cultures, and several other parts of the museum grounds, were replete with skilled Over the years, the festival has showcased antique craftsmen carrying out artisanal traditions such tools, carpentry, honey processing, jerky making, as woodworking, pottery, blacksmithing, chuck flint-knapping, stone carving and dozens of other 54 On The Town | May/June 2017

skills, thanks to participants such as Eric Johnson, a potter with the Texas Clay Festival; David Hartman, a cowhide seat maker from Beaumont; and Johnny Neal of Pearsall, who makes horse hair rope and frontier tools.

how he made his barbecue sauce, or how grandma made empanadas? Our food is such an important part of our heritage; we can’t let these treasures fade away at the end of the generation.” The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures documents life ways and all the factors that make up a culture. The Texas Folklife Festival, as the museum’s signature event, showcases the aspects of life not easily captured in artifacts and stories. The festival strives to create an interactive, immersive and experiential environment, where attendees can join in a dance, handle old farm tools, and eat an authentic ethnic meal.

“We’ve seen wooden toy makers, boot makers, black powder gun smiths and basket weavers,” said Andera. “We’ve had jelly makers and bread bakers handing out their classic recipes. We’ve had gardeners selling watermelon that was still on the vine earlier in the morning. Each time we lose an artisan, or they can’t make the trip, we lose something special. We need people who can step in and cook a chuck wagon dinner, or put on a uniform to give a living history performance.” “Nothing beats experiencing Texan Culture for yourself,” said Andera. “We just want to make sure Time has impacted participating cultural groups as we can provide that experience again and again, well. Some no longer have the personnel to staff so generations from now, people will know what their booth or maintain a significant presence at makes us Texans, and how we lived.” the festival. Groups such as the Irish and Czech have reduced their presence to dance and musical • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • performances, unable to gather enough volunteers for a cooking team. The 2017 Texas Folklife Festival is June 9 – 11 on the grounds of the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures. Details, “Food is the same way,” said Andera. “What happens including hours, admission, transportation options when grandpa passes away and no one remembers and more are available at TexasFolklifeFestival.org. May/June 2017 | On The Town 55

Stephanie Santâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ambrogio Photo Garza Williams 2017 56 On by TheLiz Town | May/June

Scott Cuellar

Dmitri Pogorelov

Cactus Pear Music Festival: Decade Three Takes Off By Gary Albright Photography courtesy CPMF

he engines are humming, command control has initiated the countdown, and flight commander Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio’s finger is over the button to catapult the region’s stellar summer chamber music festival, Cactus Pear Music Festival (CPMF), into its 21st season.

Lutheran Church at Loop 1604 and Huebner Road, and look forward to the extra seating capacity, the larger stage and the addition of a new, music-embracing audience. Opening night is July 7 at a new start time of 7:30 p.m.”

The festival’s travels have taken participants far and With 17 musical stars by her side for two festival weeks wide, Sant’Ambrogio said. “When we first started in starting with the first concert July 6 in Wimberley, 1997, I kept it small. Two programs total: two in San Sant’Ambrogio is ready to ride into the third decade Antonio, and one each in Austin and Nuevo Laredo. I of this much-awaited San Antonio summer institution always said we had to stay in the black. As a nonprofit with five distinct programs and four cities on the with a small, hard-working board, I wanted to make sure we always stayed on solid financial footing. I think itinerary. the second season we traded Nuevo Laredo for Laredo “We are thrilled to have a new San Antonio venue,” she and, by the third season, we started our norm: four said. “We have moved our local concerts to Concordia cities, with Kerrville added that year. In the interim, May/June 2017 | On The Town 57

Beth Rapier, cello

Ilya Shterenberg

we’ve been up to Georgetown, Fredericksburg, down the way, we just held auditions for our Young Artist to Uvalde, and added Boerne in 2001, one of our Program, and nine accomplished San Antonio students won tuition-free fellowship spots; we can’t wait to work mainstay cities with a most faithful following. with them. “So, we like to expand into new areas as we move on through the years. It’s always great to see new faces, be “Austin Symphony principal viola Bruce Williams is greeted with new energy and gain devoted supporters back, along with acclaimed violinist Sandy Yamamoto, along the way,” she said. “It’s about the audience, who joins us for the first time. Mark Holloway, a regular playing some of the greatest music ever created and with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, experiencing that rapt attention that comes with such makes his debut, along with Scott Cuellar, the goldbeauty in intimate settings. You can’t beat it. And when medal winner of the 2016 San Antonio International you are on stage with some of the best musicians in Piano Competition. CPMF veterans — violinist Dmitri Pogorelov, Canadian violist David Harding, and the world, it’s even more of a joy.” Minnesota Orchestra title-chair cellists Beth Rapier and CPMF musicians typically include some of the stars of husband Anthony Ross — round out the crew. For one the San Antonio Symphony (SAS), along with artists and concert only, at 7 p.m. July 9 in Boerne, we present an colleagues Sant’Ambrogio plays with throughout the exciting saxophone quartet, Bel Cuore, in a program with works by Ravel, Ligetti, Bach and others. We can’t country, as well as emerging talent she comes across. wait to present them for the first time — and can’t wait “We’ll be joined by five SAS musicians this season, all to launch all five programs this summer.” wonderful artists: principal clarinet Ilya Shterenberg, newcomers principal flute Mark Teplitsky and principal With her hand on the throttle, Sant’Ambrogio is oboe Paul Leuders, and Albanian cellist and pedagogue ready for another decade. “I’m always excited at the Holgen Gjoni. SAS violinist Craig Sorgi helms our Young start of a new season and believe that it’s going to Artist Program as the festival education director. By be the best ever.” 58 On The Town | May/June 2017

Mark Teplitsky

SCHEDULE PROGRAM 1: LETTER PERFECT B’s: Beethoven, Brahms, Beach and Bonis 7 p.m. July 6, Chapel in the Hills, Wimberley 7:30 p.m. July 7, Concordia Lutheran Church, San Antonio PROGRAM 2: 100% GUARANTEED: Mystery and Romance (Don Giovanni and a Rimsky-Korsakov sextet) 7:30 p.m. July 8, Concordia Lutheran Church, San Antonio 3 p.m. July 9, First United Methodist Church, Boerne

Sandy Yamamoto

Program 5: HANDCRAFTED … In Far and Distant Lands (an exotic mix of pieces) 7 p.m. July 13, First United Methodist Church, New Braunfels 7:30 p.m. July 15, Concordia Lutheran Church, San Antonio 3 p.m. July 16, First United Methodist Church, Boerne VENUES BOERNE: First United Methodist Church, 205 James St.

PROGRAM 3: CERTIFIABLY SCINTILLATING: Seductive Saxophones (presenting Bel Cuore Quartet in one concert only) 7 p.m. July 9, First United Methodist Church, Boerne

NEW BRAUNFELS: First United Methodist Church 572 W. San Antonio St. San Antonio (new time and location): 7:30 p.m. Concordia Lutheran Church, Huebner Road and Loop 1604

Program 4: COMBO SPECIAL: Winds, With Strings Attached (featuring flute, oboe and clarinet) 7:30 p.m. July 14, Concordia Lutheran Church, San Antonio

WIMBERLEY (new location): Chapel in the Hills 14601 Ranch Road 12 North (next to Bowen Intermediate School)

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Culinary Arts 62-68

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Chef Anthony 62 On The TownMesa | May/June 2017

DORREGO’S:

HOTEL VALENCIA’S NEW RESTAURANT REFLECTS ARGENTINA INFLUENCE By Olivier J. Bourgoin, aka “Olivier, the Wine Guy” Photography Greg Harrison

t has been 14 years since Hotel Valencia first opened its doors with dibs on direct vistas above the banks of the San Antonio River. With it came two avant-garde fixtures, Citrus Restaurant and the VBar, which were both gifts to the Alamo City’s food and cocktail scene, while they lasted. Both are gone, and although the hotel is still there, it is receiving a major facelift to the tune of a $10 million renovation.

Mesa grew up in Riverside/Mira Loma, California, near dairy farms. “It was really agriculture that pushed me in the direction of a food-centric career,” he said.

The soon-to-open new restaurant is named Dorrego’s, as a nod to the Argentinian theme of the cuisine. It refers to a famous Buenos Aires plaza located in the historic San Telmo neighborhood. Lined with shops and restaurants, it is a favorite Spanish Colonial and modern Mediterranean will be gathering place for locals and tourists alike. the new styles incorporated into the dramatically redesigned open spaces. More specifically, Although he is in his early 30s, Mesa is poised to Argentina will be honored with the restaurant make his mark. taking both its name and a major portion of its culinary influence from the South American nation. “I am prideful in my work and in the artistry that gets created in the kitchen,” he said. “I also like The Valencia Hotel Group has retained the services being a role model for others. It’s not about being of locally based R.K hospitality and catering group to an all-star who ‘shines on the line’ (in the kitchen). manage all food-related services associated with the It’s about the team aspect of things and working hotel operation, including its new restaurant. The new together.” bar will be called Naranja. It will feature a hammered metal ceiling, hexagonal porcelain tiles, hardwood Mesa studied at a Cordon Bleu-affiliated school, floors and textiles with a Mediterranean flair. the Southern California School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena. When he was barely 19, he cut his teeth To lead the food operations, a young but seasoned working at a large Native American casino in Temecula. chef has been handpicked. His name is Anthony Mesa, and he is neither a newcomer to San Antonio After moving to San Antonio he worked first at nor a novice in the field. the Westin River Walk under Greg Fernandez, who now works with chef Johnny Hernandez. For “I’m originally from Southern California but I’ve been the past eight years, Mesa has worked for the in Texas for the past 12 years,” Mesa said. “I love Texas! RK group preparing meals for very large groups, I met my wife here, and we have a 4-year-old. They’re such as 15,000 people at the Convention Center the rulers of my world, and Texas is my home now.” and the Alamodome. May/June 2017 | On The Town 63

The new menu at Dorrego’s is still being finalized, but Mesa said he was inspired by a trip to Argentina in January. Hearts of palms were common there, and Mesa is planning a hearts of palms salad with fresh greens locally sourced from Bluebonnet Farms served with a homemade romesco sauce made of pine nuts, cold-pressed olive oil and roasted peppers. Mesa said his favorite dish is sun-dried tomato ravioli, filled with shredded, smoked, short ribs meat and ricotta cheese, served with brûlée burrata in a rustico tomato sauce. “There’s a lot more to Argentinian cuisine -- it’s not necessarily just a grilled piece of meat,” he said. “There’s seafood and a simple freshness such as roasting or grilling, very natural. I’d like to bring this to our hotel guests, the highest, freshest quality at the most reasonable price, not just to create a check but an experience.” Mesa said he wanted to challenge myself with his new position. “I could have stayed doing conventions but there is no growth if you stay in your comfort zone. I would challenge other chefs to do what I did for seven years. It was a confidence booster, and it prepared me for more. “The truth is that working in a hotel is another challenge altogether. It’s unlike any other environment because besides the restaurant that serves three meals a day, there’s room service and also the incessant catering operation, weddings, visiting NBA teams. It’s three shifts a day, seven days a week so you have to be very focused and goal oriented,” he said. “This is me doing what I dreamed of doing,” Mesa said. “I’m excited, and I really appreciate this opportunity. I’m just a good ole boy from California trying to make it here.” • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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DORREGO’S (inside the Hotel Valencia) 150 E. Houston St. San Antonio, TX 210-227-9700 www.hotelvalencia-riverwalk.com

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SAN ANTONIO FOOD BANK BENEFITS FROM THE COUNTY LINE MUSIC SERIES By Jeanne Albrecht

he Ancira Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram 2017 Live Music Series at the County Line restaurant that benefits the San Antonio Food Bank is back for its 17th year on Thursday nights.

Wade Bowen, Randy Rogers and Kevin Fowler. The idea of a free music series benefiting the food bank was the brainchild of the late Randy Goss, one of the restaurant’s founders, and the first of its kind to offer free live music while asking attendees to donate food Since the series started in 2001, the music series or money to the food bank. has funded 774,679 meals by raising $94,278.50 and 48,804 pounds of food — all donated to the food “Randy Goss was a food guy extraordinaire, and he bank by County Line concert-goers. The popular live knew that someone who couldn’t eat would have music series runs through Aug. 28 at the County Line trouble working, studying or simply living a healthy Bar-B-Q restaurant, 10101 IH-10 West (between the life,” said Eric Cooper, president/CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank. “His commitment to feeding Wurzbach and Huebner exits, near the Colonnade). The music series has featured some of the top the hungry lives on with the County Line Music national country acts, including Blake Shelton, Series, and we are humbled to be the conduit for the Radney Foster, Gary P. Nunn, Pat Green, Cory Morrow, community’s support to nourish those in need.” 66 On The Town | May/June 2017

County Line general manager Mike Crenwelge, who has worked for County Line for 37 years, said he has been part of many charitable outreach efforts to the local communities. “However, carrying on this tradition and partnering closely with the San Antonio Food Bank is one of the most rewarding ways for County Line to give back to our city -- and offer great entertainment and BBQ at the same time.”

overflow parking at nearby Hallmark College. Follow the County Line on IH-10 on Facebook for updates on the live music series or call 210-641-1998 for more information.

• • • • • • •• • • • • •

Photo Credits: Here are the performers for the 2017 series; check the website at http://countyline.com/I10Music.html for Page 66 (L-R) updates: Lisa Morales • May 18 Lisa Morales Courtesy lisamoralesmusic.com • May 25 Flatland Cavalry • June 1 John Baumann Flatland Calvary • June 8 Charlie Mars Courtesy flatlandcalvary.com • June 15 Zane Williams • June 22 Darden Smith Page 67 (L-R) • July 13 Slaid Cleaves Charlie Mars Concerts are held on the restaurant’s outdoor patio Courtesy charliemars.com with open seating and plenty of standing room on porches and patios. Performances are given rain or Jimmy LaFave shine. Free parking is available at the restaurant, with Courtesy jimmylafave.com May/June 2017 | On The Town 67

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Visual Arts 70-78

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Nature, Faith, Culture, Technology and More Featured at Area Museums and Art Centers By Dan R. Goddard

o down under – way under – at the Witte Museum in “Whales: Giants of the Deep” featuring amazing and rare specimens from the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa’s best-in-the-world cetacean collection, including two fully articulated sperm whale skeletons – one an impressive 58-foot male. Children can crawl through a life-size replica of a blue whale’s heart, tune into a range of whale sounds, watch a sperm whale hunt a giant squid and see lifesize and scale models of whales common to the South Pacific.

in this interactive, immersive, internationally touring exhibit on view May 27 to Sept. 4 in the Mays Family Center. The Witte has undergone an amazing $100 million transformation, but despite the eye-popping dinosaur gallery and expanded Texas Wild dioramas, there’s still room for San Antonio traditions such as “Natural Beauty: Fiesta of Land, Water and Sky,” natureinspired designs drawn from the Witte’s collection of Order of the Alamo coronation robes and gowns, up through Aug. 13.

Intrepid San Antonio collector May Lam tells hairThe extraordinary evolutionary journey of whales from raising tales about flying into the Australian bush land to sea is shown by casts of fossil whale ancestors to find works for “Of Country and Culture: The Lam 70 On The Town | May/June 2017

4 at the McNay Art Museum, though you’ll also find surrealists and Fauvists such as Yves Tanguy and Raoul Dufy in this sumptuous exhibit from the Brooklyn Museum. You may want to savor this show, since the McNay is in the process of replacing its roof damaged in last year’s epic hailstorm, and this summer parts of the Tobin Theatre Arts Wing and Jane & Arthur Stieren Center for Exhibitions will be closed. However, the Take a spiritual journey through Asia in “Heaven and McNay is promising plenty of exhibits and programs to Hell: Salvation and Retribution in Pure Land Buddhism” enjoy despite the repairs. June 16 to Sept. 10 at SAMA. The paintings, sculpture and decorative objects depict contrasting visions Members of the McNay Contemporary Collectors of heaven and hell derived from belief in Amitābha, Forum provide works from their own collections for “To the Buddha of the Western Paradise, who promises See Is to Have: Navigating Today’s Art Ecosystem” May salvation to all those who simply call his name. Curated 18 to Aug. 6, designed as a primer for contemporary by Emily Sano, Coates-Cowden-Brown Senior Advisor art collectors. “California Dreaming” features prints for Asian Art, the approximately 75 works from India, by West Coast artists such as David Hockney and Ed Southeast Asia, China, Tibet, Korea and Japan are Ruscha. “Groovy: A Psychedelic Summer,” May 9 to Aug. drawn from 15 private and institutional collections 27 in the Frost Octagon, focuses on color, pattern and new technology in works by Edna Andrade, Robert from around the world. Gordy, Mark di Suvero, Joe Tilson and the prescient Explore the Paris of the impressionists in “Monet to 1973 video, “Global Groove,” by John Godfrey and Nam Matisse: A Century of French Moderns” through June June Paik. Collection of Contemporary Australian Aboriginal Art” on view through May 14 at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Derived from traditional sand and body painting, the more than 75 works, many by female artists, look remarkably contemporary using dots, lines and vivid colors to create abstracted aerial views of the Australian landscape.

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Intricately carved linoleum-block prints by Juan Mora on view June 8 to Aug. 13 at the McNay dramatically illustrate the “Culture Clash” along the Texas/Mexico border. Shining a light on South Texas artists is a special pop-up show June 17 to 25 featuring five San Antonio artists plus one from Austin selected by the McNay’s contemporary curator, René Paul Barilleaux. Fiber artist Jane Dunnewold, urbanscape painter Ana Fernandez, pop collagist Kelly O’Connor, pop artist Curt Slangal, visionary painter Andy Villarreal and photographer Sally Weber are highlighted.

May 28, Barbara Cuadriello curated “The Overflow of Productivity Logic,” which features modern and contemporary art from the Isabel and Agustin Coppel Collection, including artists such as Gordon Matta Clark, Irving Penn, Larry Clark, Esteban Pastorino, David Hammons and Susan Hiller.

Technological artist Victor Pérez-Rul of Mexico City employs sculpture, installation, interactivity and sound to exploit the relationships between energy, matter and consciousness in “The Odds” May 19 to July 16 at the Southwest School of Art. Esteban Spanish missions and churches in Texas inspired Delgado of San Antonio investigates space and light Robert Cardinale, once president of the San Antonio in his abstract paintings inspired by the landscapes Art Institute and now living in New Mexico, to create 12 of South Texas. wooden sculptures evoking ecclesiastical architecture on view through Aug. 20 at the Institute of Texan Landscapes also serve as a muse for abstract mixed Cultures in HemisFair Park. For the centennial of the media works on paper by San Antonio artist Lawrence “War to End All Wars,” a new, major exhibit remembers Leissner in “Shaded by Leaves” at REM Gallery May 6 to “Texas in the First World War” through images, stories June 16. Five Cuban artists from Cienfuegos, a town on and artifacts. Take a look at “The Other Side of the Cuba’s southern coast, will show their work at the Bihl Eagle Ford Shale,” which explores the economic impact Haus May 20 to July 11. of the oil boom in the communities of Dimmit, La Salle Take a road trip to see “Stories Without Words” featuring and Zavala counties. paintings and watercolors by San Antonio artist Joe In the nearby Mexican Cultural Institute through Lopez at the Beeville Art Museum May 6 to July 21. 72 On The Town | May/June 2017

Photo Credits:

Page 72 (L-R)

Page 70

From California Dreaming Van Hoesen – Traci, 1990. Hardground etching, aquatint, and drypoint with electric engraving and roulette, handcolored with watercolor plate. Collection of the McNay Art Museum, Gift of the E. Mark Adams and Beth van Hoesen Adams Trust in honor of Lyle W. Williams.

Whales: Giants of the Deep Exhibition Courtesy Witte Museum Page 71 (L-R) Jean-Léon Gérôme (French, 1824–1904). The Carpet Merchant of Cairo, 1869. Oil on canvas, 31 7/8 x 22 in. (81 x 55.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Joseph Gluck, 74.208. ( Photo: Brooklyn Museum) McNay Art Museum Hungry Ghosts Japan, Edo period, ca. 1800 Hanging scroll; ink and colors on silk, 86 1/8 x 33 1Ž2 in. Private Collection Photography by Peggy Tenison San Antonio Museum of Art

From Groovy Robert Gordy, Women and Cushions, 1969. Acrylic on Canvas. Collection of the McNay Art Museum, Museum purchase with funds from Barbara and Harvey Goldstein. Page 73 Lawrence Leissner Shaded by Leaves Exhibition Summer Afternoon - 14.5” x 17.5”, mixed media on paper, 2016 REM Gallery Whales: Giants of the Deep Exhibition Courtesy Witte Museum May/June 2017 | On The Town 73

KERRVILLE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS 2017: MAY 27-28 By Dan R. Goddard Photography courtesy Kerrville Festival of the Arts

ince forming four years ago, the Kerrville Festival of the Arts has grown into one of the state’s best outdoor fine art and craft fairs. This Memorial Day weekend, more than 125 artists offering a wide range of styles and media, including paintings, photography, glass, jewelry, fiber art, ceramics and sculpture, will be set up in booths sprawling over three blocks of downtown Kerrville alongside the Guadalupe River.

Center and the Kerr ville Folk Festival at the Quiet Valley Ranch.

“Our Festival of the Arts spans the full spectrum of art, including both representational and nonrepresentational styles, and we include a lot of high-quality craft, especially jewelry,” said Jackie Kayne, event director. “Most of our artists are from Texas, including Dallas, Houston, Corpus Christi, Austin and San Antonio, but we also have artists Besides the Festival of the Ar ts, the popular Hill from New Mexico, Utah and California.” Countr y destination has several other events set for Memorial Day celebrations, including the The Festival of the Ar ts will run from 10 a.m. Texas Masters of Fine Ar t and Craft Show at the to 6 p.m. May 27 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May Y.O. Ranch Resor t Hotel, the Southwest Gourd 28. Admission is free; park ing is free at the Fine Ar t Show at the Kerr Ar ts and Cultural adjacent city park ing garage. Also, there are

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special hands- on ar t projects for children in free” toys including trains, racecars, fire trucks the Creative Area of Kids at the Kerr Ar ts and and ambulances. Austin ar tist Beth McElhaney handcrafts beaded jewelr y using gemstones, Cultural Center. vintage glass, rhinestones and cr ystals. Ross De K ayne, a long-time ar t collector who makes La Garza of Corpus Christi creates Raku-fired regular trips to Taos, said she helped organize fish, teapots and vessels inspired by growing the festival after the Texas Ar ts and Crafts up on the Texas Gulf Coast. Educational Foundation, which ran the Texas State Ar ts and Crafts Fair in Kerr ville for 41 O ther ar tists include woodcrafter Scott Coats, potter Patrick Beck man, glass ar tist Cindy years, declared bank ruptc y in 2013. Cherrington, jeweler Adolfo Ambriz, pastel “ We thought that it was impor tant for tourism painter Mark Schultz, watercolorist Helene in Kerr ville and in par ticular for the historic Little, landscape painter Garrett Michael, leather downtown to produce a new ar t event on sandal maker Dave Piper and photographer Memorial Day weekend,” K ayne said. “ We set up Jamie Rood. a nonprofit organization, the Kerr ville Festival of the Ar ts, and the City of Kerr ville agreed “ The jur y is made up of professional ar tists and to suppor t that mission through an annual individuals experienced and k nowledgeable of stipend. We like to think this is a festival that various media, including galler y owners and dealers in Dallas and Houston,” K ayne said. takes care of its ar tists and does it right.” However, the festival restricts reproductions to San Antonio ar tist Thom Ricks, k nown for his no more than half of the ar tist ’s display area whimsical paintings of the Hill Countr y and and they must be clearly labeled. the River Walk, is featured at the Festival of the Ar ts, along with Dallas ar tist Jennifer McRorey, “ We want this to be a high- quality festival so whose “poured” abstract paintings are inspired we generally require ar tists to show and sell original work,” K ayne said. “But we don’t set by the natural environment. price restrictions, so prices range from about David Johns of Dallas car ves wooden “lead- $25 to more than $5,000. “ May/June 2017 | On The Town 75

The Southwest Gourd Fine Art Show is a juried national show that runs May 25 to June 25 at the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center downtown. R.T. Branson of San Antonio, Dan and Linda Baker of Dallas, Randy Bryant of Midland, John English of Abilene and Margaret Drake of Glen Rose are among the Texas artists featured at the 14th annual Texas Masters of Fine Art and Craft Invitational Exhibition May 26-28 at the Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel. Kerrville’s Museum of Western Art features artists such as Wayne Baize, Joe Beeler, James Boren, Fred Harman, Bill Owen, Gordon Snidow, Grant Speed and Fritz White.

Photo Credits: Page 74 (L-R) Ann Feldmeir Ceramics Bob Tomson Natural Metals Page 75 (L-R) Cynthia Bloom Custom Jewelry

Harry Bowden Trout Fishing in America, Shake Russell and Michael Nature Photography Hearne, Jimmy LaFave, Terri Hendrix and the Railhouse Page 76 (L-R) Band are among the performers slated for the firsat Helene Little weekend, May 25-28, of the Kerrville Folk Festival. Watercolor Artist For more information on the “Kerrville Festival of the Karen Hobbs Arts visit www.kvartfest.com. Basketry 76 On The Town | May/June 2017

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Literary Arts

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Book Talk:

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JUAN TEJEDA

Publisher, Musician, Arts Administrator, Activist and Writer Story and Photography by Jasmina Wellinghoff

s a student at UT Austin in the early 1970s, Juan Tejeda discovered the Chicano Civil Rights Movement, which changed the course of his life. He got a BA in Chicano Studies and followed that up with a master’s in Bicultural Studies at UTSA. He has been an advocate for the Chicano (Mexican-American) causes, arts and literature ever since. A musician since his early years, he worked as the Xicano Music Program Director at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center for 18 years, where he founded the popular Tejano Conjunto Festival which is still going strong. (The 36th annual fest will take place May 24-28 at the historic Guadalupe Theater and in Rosedale Park) Tejeda has also written about the history and importance of conjunto - an indigenous border style of music influenced by both the Mexican and German folk traditions – and is the co-editor of Puro Conjunto: An Album in Words and Pictures/ Writings, Posters and Photographs from the Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio, published in 2001. He is also the author of a volume of short stories, poems and songs, which came out in 1980 (M&A Editions, San Antonio).

celebrating Chicano voices. In 2010, Tejeda and his wife Anisa Onofre, became the co-publishers of Aztlan Libre Press, a small company dedicated to “the promotion, publication and free expression of Native American and Xicana/o literature and art.” So far, the press has issued 11 titles, including Alurista’s* Tunaluna; For the City that Nearly Broke Me by Barbara Jane Reyes; the Aztec Calendar Coloring Book and the poetry of Chicano poet Reyes Cardenas. The newest addition is Las Naglas de JLO/ JLO’s Booty: The Best and Most Notorious Columnas & Other Writings by the First Chicana Columnist in Texas 1995-2005, which features essays and reviews by Barbara Renaud Gonzalez, the author of the novel Golondrina, why did you leave me? JW: You already had a multi-faceted career, why did you decide to go into publishing?

JT: I have been involved in Chicano publishing since my college days. I took a poetry class there from the famous Chicano poet Alurista, and at the end of the class we ended up publishing our poems in a book. That was my first publication… I remained involved in various literary and arts organizations and worked on a number of projects. When I was hired in 1980 Last December, Tejeda retired from a faculty position at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, I was also at Palo Alto College where he had been the Lead involved with the center’s publications, supervising Faculty for the Center for Mexican-American Studies and editing several. And I always had the thought of and an instructor of Mexican-American Studies starting a publishing company someday. Anisa and and Music. During his tenure, he founded the first I talked about it often. Finally, she said, let’s do it. college-level conjunto music program in the U.S. As our first project, we wanted to publish a poetry anthology by writers who used three languages in But this Renaissance man seems to be always their work, Nahuatl, Spanish and English, and we put looking for new challenges to achieve his goal of out a call for submissions but the response was slow. May/June 2017 | On The Town 81

In the meantime, my former teacher Alurista offered a manuscript which became out first title, Tunaluna. JW: What kind of business plan did you have? JT: We just jumped into it (laughs). Anisa had begun working at Gemini Ink on its publications and I had some experience in the field, so we just started working from home. We select the manuscripts, we edit them and design them, though we work with some artists and graphic designers for the covers. We pay for the printing and then promote and distribute the books the best we can. We have a website and we also have a distributor out of Berkley, CA, the Small Press Distribution, which also distributes our titles. No business plan. We just had a passion for Native American/ Chicano literature and we felt there was a need because there weren’t many independent publishers for Chicano voices. We found out just how big the need was. We started getting all these wonderful manuscripts but we could not publish them all. We couldn’t even review them; we both had full-time jobs… We are no longer accepting submissions. We solicit manuscripts that we want to publish. Now that I have retired, I will spend more time on the promotion and distribution side. I am presently working on a state tour for Barbara Renaud Gonzalez and her book. JW: You seem especially proud if this new book. Tell us a bit more about it. JT: It’s the first book of this kind for us. Barbara was a monthly columnist for the Express-News for several years. There are 61 columns and essays in the book, half of which appeared in the Express-News, and there’s new material, including eight poems which serve as introductions to the eight chapters in the book. She deals with all the cultural and social justice issues of our time – racism, sexism, immigration, war, drug abuse, the environment, etc., a very important Chicana voice and, I would say, global voice. We are going to push this book to become part of the curriculum in schools statewide. I think it’s perfect for both college and high school students because the essays are relatively short and the language is very accessible. I would also like to mention that Barbara became the first Mexican-American woman to have a book published by the University of Texas Press (her novel Golondrina). 82 On The Town | May/June 2017

JW: Does the San Antonio Library have Aztlan Libre books? I was surprised to discover how few San Antonio and Texas writers are represented in the Library collection.

biography of my older brother Frank Tejeda who died 20 years ago. (Frank was a Texas politician who also served more than two terms in the U.S. Congress. He died prematurely of brain cancer)

JT: That’s right. That’s why I am so excited that they are developing a new Latino collection for the first time. I think it’s very important because we have some fine writers here. I sent the person who purchases books for the library our catalog once and I think they bought two books. But they should have all of them as well as books by all published writers in San Antonio.

JW: What would you like to see happen on the San Antonio literary scene?

JW: What’s the most satisfying aspect of your work as a publisher? JT: As I mentioned before there’s a great need. I think there were more Chicano presses during the civil rights movement than now. There isn’t much money in it yet, though we hope there will be a breakout book that would make a national splash and change that. We usually make enough money on a book to put it into the next book. But it’s gratifying to see these projects become reality; to bring the voices of the writers who deserve to be heard to the reading public. We believe our writers have something to contribute to this global society that we live in. JW: Are most of your writers from San Antonio? JT: A lot of them are indeed from here. JW: Tell us a little about your life as a musician? JT: I am still performing now and then with my band but most of the time it’s my cousin, Armando Tejeda, and me as a duet. I play the accordion, he the bajosexto guitar. We are working on a CD right now. We started last year but had to pause because he had brain surgery and needed to recuperate. Now I am getting back to the studio to finish the CD. That’s my next major creative project. I am also a songwriter, so I have several original songs on this CD. I integrate conjunto-tejano with native indigenous (American Indian) rhythms, instruments and voice. (He was able to trace his roots to the Payaya Indians who lived in this area 15,000 years ago.)

JT: We already talked about what needs to happen at the library. San Antonio Book Festival also leaves a lot to be desired. For several years, it was almost completely excluding Chicano and Latino voices. We are a Chicano-Latino town and a cultural center for Chicanos and Mexican-Americans across the U.S., and the Book Festival doesn’t even recognize our presence!. Now after protests, they are beginning to snap out of it a little bit. I also think more of our arts organization need to develop literature programs. The Guadalupe, for instance used to have a fine program that went under. I am primarily an advocate for Native American and Chicano literature because we have been denied access to the means of communication for so long. Things are changing little by little but we need to continue to develop classes in the community, writers’ workshops, presentations by our best writers, organizations, all of that. We need more publishing companies, as well. So, in terms of literature (sighs) we need a lot of things. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

“I have been involved in Chicano publishing since my college days. I took a poetry class there from the famous Chicano poet Alurista, and at the end of the class we ended up publishing our poems in a book. That was my first publication.” - Juan Tejeda • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Mr. Tejeda’s comments have been edited for publication. Opinions stated here are those of Mr. Tejeda and not necessarily those of On The Town Ezine.

When I finish work on the CD, I plan to write a Alurista is a nos de plume of Alberto Baltazar Urista Heredia May/June 2017 | On The Town 83

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Tracey Ramsey Bennett Leads Library Efforts By Michele Krier Photography Greg Harrison

racey Ramsey Bennett, the vivacious president of the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, is coming off of a stellar year in which the SAPLF, as the Foundation is known, gifted a much-needed $1 million dollars to the San Antonio Public Library. A South Texan with historic family roots in the Goliad area, Tracey made San Antonio her home after graduating from The University of Texas in Austin with her Bachelor of Science degree in Radio, Television and Film. Attractive and trim, Tracey could easily have turned her talents to TV, but instead found her calling in non-profit work.

support community outreach and visits to the Festival for students in low-income schools; a fiction writing contest for students; children’s and family activities at the Festival and special events for participating authors all for free. As the saying goes, it takes a village, and the SAPLF has more than 60 volunteer Board members to carry out its extensive outreach and programs. Two major new initiatives for the SAPLF are the Texana/ Genealogy Department which is going before SA voters in May as part of the City Wide Bond Process in hopes of receiving funds for the remodeling of the 6th floor.

Joining the Foundation in 1996 as the Assistant Executive Director, she was quickly appointed Executive Director in The Latino Collection and Resource Center (LCRC) 2002, and named President in 2011. “I’ve only really had initiative seeks to preserve the City’s rich cultural heritage. two jobs, “Tracey laughed, “both in the nonprofit sector.” The SAPLF’s goal is to finish raising the $300,000 needed to move the Collection to a highly visible location on the She initially worked in the arts community at the 1st floor. Southwest School of Art and the San Antonio Art Institute. “I’ve actually come full-circle,” she explained. “The 2nd This new 5,000 square foot LCRC was designed to floor of the Central Library now serves as the library of celebrate Latino literary contributions. The new location record for the School of Art’s new Bachelor of Fine Arts is scheduled to open late this summer. degree program.” Everyone can help with these efforts from major The two buildings are in a picturesque quiet part of donations to contributions on a smaller scale. Go to saplf. downtown above the famous River Walk where the bold org for more information and how your donation will orange library designed by renowned Mexican architect make a difference. Ricardo Legorreta sits across the street from the historic Arts School housed in what was originally Looking for book bargains? The Friends of the Library founded as the Ursuline Academy. accept book donations for The Book Cellar, the only used book store located downtown at the Central Library on “Our San Antonio Book Festival on is the signature program the Lower Level. of the San Antonio Public Library Foundation. It began in partnership with the Texas Book Festival five years Book sales are the main source of income for the Friends, ago and has grown tremendously,” said Tracey, adding and the profits are donated to support Library activities that funding for the Book Festival comes from The City, and materials. Regular prices for adult books are $1 or foundations, corporations, and private donations. Funds less and children’s books sell for .25 to .50 cents. May/June 2017 | On The Town 85

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Missions President Celebrates 30 Seasons with San Antonioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Texas League Baseball Team By Rudy Arispe Photography Greg Harrison Burl Yarbrough 88 On The Town | May/June 2017

hen Burl Yarbrough arrived in San Antonio in 1987 after being hired as general manager for the San Antonio Missions, the club’s operations were far different than they are today.

“The last two years we’ve had a Missions player go into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Last summer, it was Mike Piazza,” Yarbrough said. “I think our next person to go to the Hall of Fame is Adrian Beltre, who is now playing with the Texas Rangers. He’s 38 and still has a couple of “When I started, we were playing at V.J. Keefe years to go. He’s had a very successful career.” Field at St. Mary’s University. That venue provided professional baseball for the city of San Antonio Prior to joining the Missions, the Fort Worth native for 25 years,” Yarbrough, 60, recalled. “The team graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing started playing there in 1968 through 1993. I from the University of Texas at Arlington and a started in a small ballpark with 3,000 seats. We master’s degree in sports management from St. had a manual scoreboard and had a kid we paid to Thomas University in Miami. He worked briefly with put the numbers up. It’s been amazing when you teams in South Carolina before relocating to the sit back and think about it.” Alamo City. Fast forward to 2017 and now Yarbrough is president of the Missions and has been since 1994, when the team moved from V.J. Keefe to their permanent home, Nelson Wolff Stadium. An even more impressive baseball stat is that he is now in his 30th season with the Missions, which had its home opener April 13.

“Getting a job in a great city and loving what I do” is what he said has kept him here all these years. “This is my 30th season, and I hope to have many more.”

As president, Yarbrough oversees the club’s operations and is responsible for managing Wolff Stadium, as well as the player development agreements with the major leagues. This season marks the Missions’ 11th Although Yarbrough doesn’t walk up to the plate year playing with the San Diego Padres. They were to swing a bat, you could say he hit a grand slam with the Los Angeles Dodgers for 25 years and then of his own, so to speak. In June 2016, the president with the Seattle Mariners for six years. “Every two was elected to the Texas League Hall of Fame. No years, we sign with a major league club,” he said. doubt, that prestigious accolade has something to do with the fact that during his time here the Yarbrough and his staff of 25 fulltime employees Missions have won six Texas League championships go out of their way to ensure that attendees don’t — 1997, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2013 — and just come to watch the Missions play, but that they led thae league in attendance five times, according have a great experience. So this is where the whole to the San Antonio Express-News. entertainment aspect comes in, such as games with the official mascot Ballapeno, races with Henry the “It’s something I was surprised to receive,” Puffy Taco, bicycle races, Bubble Rumble, T-shirt Yarbrough said. “I grew up as a kid watching Texas shoot and more. league baseball. Working in San Antonio for as long as I have with great people, I have learned so “Whether people are baseball fans are not, we want much. It’s quite an honor.” to entertain them and make them feel like they had a lot of fun when they leave,” Yarbrough said. “We try Over the decades, Yarbrough has seen baseball to get everyone involved in the game.” stars in the making as they are groomed in the farm system, such as with the Double A Texas League, And, of course, no Missions game would be complete before their meteoric rise in the major leagues. without the standard baseball fare: peanuts and a Among the former Missions players who have hit hot dog. homeruns in the MLB franchise are Mike Piazza, Fernando Valenzuela and Orel Hersheiser, among “There is nowhere that a hot dog tastes better than at others. Moreover, some have even gone on to be a ballpark,” Yarbrough said with a chuckle. “It’s part of named to the Baseball Hall of Fame, including the whole experience. It’s about coming to enjoy the Pedro Martinez. game, having a cold beer, a hot dog and peanuts.” May/June 2017 | On The Town 89

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS PARTNER WITH “BATTLE FOR TEXAS: THE EXPERIENCE” AND USO SAN ANTONIO TO HONOR THE MILITARY COMMUNITY The San Antonio Missions raise their baseball caps to the red, white and blue as the club partners with Battle for Texas: The Experience and USO San Antonio to honor members of the military community through a new program called “Defenders of Today.” “Battle for Texas: The Experience” is an immersive historic adventure attraction bringing to life the 1836 Battle of the Alamo that symbolized the early struggle for Texas independence. As part of the Defenders of Today program, four members of the military, including those who are active duty, retired and veterans, as well as their families, will receive complimentary premium seats, in addition to being honored on the video board and through the sound system, at each Missions home game. “Just like the brave men who fought and gave their lives during the Battle of the Alamo and who forever will be known as ‘defenders,’ so, too, are service members of the various branches of the U.S. military, who are the ‘defenders’ of our great nation,” said Ryan Latham, executive director of Battle for Texas. “The Missions are proud to salute our local military members for their service and sacrifice,” said Rich Weimert, public relations director, “and with San Antonio being known as Military City USA, this is a perfect partnership for us.” Battle For Texas re-enactors will be at the ballpark May 13 with post-game fireworks, May 28 Memorial Sunday with Pat Green post-game concert and fireworks, June 23 Used Car Giveaway Night, and July 28 and Aug. 25 with a replica jersey giveaways. “USO San Antonio is thrilled to partner with Battle for Texas and appreciates their support for our service members,” said Kristy Walston, director of USO San Antonio. For more information, visit www.battlefortexas.com.

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Artistic Destination:

NELSON--ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART:

Kansas City's Crown Jewel By Julie Catalano

rt may not be the first thing that comes to mind about Kansas City, Missouri — barbecue and baseball usually top that list — but one visit to the spectacular Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art will change your mind forever.

her million-dollar estate to buy the land for the venture.

These days excitement is centered around the new Bloch Galleries that opened in March. They are not an addition but a renovation of existing galleries, said Catherine Futter, chief curator, to showcase masterworks by leading Built in 1933, the museum was the culmination of a Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists of the 19th dream by two private individuals who wanted a public art century, including Eugène Boudin, Gustave Caillebotte, museum for the City of Fountains: William Rockhill Nelson, Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Paul Gauguin, Édouard founder of the Kansas City Star, and schoolteacher Mary Manet, Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste McAfee Atkins, who provided approximately one-third of Renoir, Georges Seurat and Vincent van Gogh. 92 On The Town | May/June 2017

Free guided tours are offered daily, where docents engage viewers as they tour the galleries, asking thought-provoking questions and pointing out fascinating details. “People bring lots of things when they look at art,” Futter continued. “They can bring an interest in history, or in the way things are made. At the Nelson-Atkins we integrate our painting and sculptures “The 10,000-square-foot footprint did not change, but with functional objects like chairs and lighting fixtures. the use of space changed dramatically,” Futter said. Cast iron was a new technology in the 1870s and was Small pocket galleries gave way to an open floorplan being used not only in furniture but could be used in that allowed larger works and improved sight lines. bridges, or the Eiffel Tower.” For example, Claude Monet’s iconic Water Lilies (oil on canvas, ca. 1915-1926), was previously not on view. The Bloch Galleries feature sculpture and furniture and Now, at 78.75 inches x 13 feet, 11.5 inches, “it’s the vases in tandem with the paintings. “We do that with our biggest thing in the room,” she said. “Now we can tell European and American art galleries,” Futter said. “We always integrate.” a richer, fuller story.” The Marion and Henry Bloch Collection was among the few outstanding collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art remaining in private hands, and this gift from the Bloch Family Foundation enabled the creation of the new galleries to feature these masterpieces.

Those stories covering the period 1750-1950 are not just of art but of the history behind it. “We’ve tried in this installation to move away from what we call the ‘isms,’ [Classicism, Romanticism, Realism] and really focus on how the world changed during this time.”

Annually, more than a half-million people visit the museum, which houses more than 35,000 works of art in stunning collections that include: - African art that spans about 2,500 years and showcases Africa’s artists, past and present May/June 2017 | On The Town 93

- American art including painting, sculpture and works on paper made in the United States from the 18th century through World War II - American Indian art from all North American culture areas from pre-European contact to the present day - Ancient art of the Near East, Egypt, Greece and Rome, from the 4th millennium B.C.E. to the 7th century C.E. - The Chinese collection, considered one of the finest in the West, consisting of more than 7,000 works spanning 5,000 years.

arches per side, with walls, floors, walkways, and columns in a mix of pink and yellow Mankato stone also used in the magnificent double-basined fountain.

Included are contemporary, modern, South and Southeast Asian, and a photography collection that presents an overview of the medium from daguerrotypes to the latest high-tech processes. The unquestioned stars of the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park are four famously whimsical Shuttlecock Sculptures by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen (aluminum and fiberglass, 1994).

As outstanding as the Nelson-Atkins is, Futter points out that collaborations with other Kansas City institutions are instrumental to their success, such as the Kansas City Public Library, the American Jazz Museum, the Guadalupe Centers, and many more. “We do almost nothing by ourselves,” she said. “We always want to work with partners because it strengthens us and them.”

The vaulted ceilings of the arcades on both the upper and lower levels were painted by Daniel MacMorris over 18 months in a style based on ancient Roman paintings. The lunchtime choir that lines the upper level railings on selected days sounds positively heavenly, and there’s live music on Friday evenings.

Even the museum’s cafeteria-style restaurant is no General museum admission to the Nelson-Atkins is free. ordinary lunch line. Rozelle Court Restaurant, designed It’s a must-see in K.C. by Thomas Wight, is styled after a 15th-century Italian courtyard measuring 90 feet on each side, with seven For more information, nelson-atkins.org. 94 On The Town | May/June 2017

Photo Credits: Page 92 Shuttlecocks Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, Designers Collection The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City Commissioned May 1992, by The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art Gift of the Sosland family Aluminum and fiber-reinforced plastic; painted with polyurethane enamel - four shuttlecocks, each 17 ft. 11 in. (5. 5 m) high x 15 ft. 1 in. (4.6 m) crown diameter and 4 ft. (1.2 m) nose cone diameter, sited in different positions on the grounds of the museum Page 93 Bloch Galleries Photo by Joshua Ferdinand

Page 94 (L-R) Guanyin of the Southern Sea (Nanhai Guanyin), 11th–12th century Liao Dynasty (907–1125 ) Wood with multiple layers of paint Height: 95 in. (241.3 cm) Purchase: Nelson Trust, 34-10 Edgar Degas, French (1834-1917). A.-A. Hébrard et Cie., foundry, French (1907–37). Grand Arabesque, Third Time (First Arabesque Penchée), modeled ca. 1882-1895; cast 1919-1921. Bronze, 17 7/8 x 22 x 11 1/2 inches. Gift of Henry W. and Marion H. Bloch, 2015.13.8. Page 95 (L-R) Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, French (1864-1901). Jane Avril Looking at a Proof, 1893. Oil and dry media/crayon on paper, 20 ¼ x 12 5/8 inches. Gift of Henry W. and Marion H. Bloch, 2015.13.27. Vincent van Gogh, Dutch (1853-1890). Restaurant Rispal at Asnières, 1887. Oil on canvas, 28 7/8 x 23 5/8 inches. Gift of Henry W. and Marion H. Bloch, 2015.13.10. May/June 2017 | On The Town 95

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