Ezine.com
ON THE TOWN
July/August 2011
Andres Andujar Steven McHugh Veronica Esparza Alamo Metro Chorus The Art of Mark Weakley Summer Art Scene Sizzles Season 2011-12 Coming Soon Plus 10 Additional Articles
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Features
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Season 2011-12 Coming Soon!
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The County Line Music Series Benefits San Antonio Food Bank
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Head to the Hill Country for Great Summer Theater
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In Perfect Harmony: Alamo 26 Metro Chorus of Sweet Adelines Bring Broadway Home on DVD
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San Antonio’s Summer Art Scene Sizzles!
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Life As He Sees It: An Interview with Artist Mark Weakley
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Veronica Esparza: Absolutely 64 Delicious Catering and Old San Francisco Steakhouse
Making Smart Decisions When Dining Out
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Chef Steven McHugh: Restaurant 72 Luke’s Farm-to-Table Fare from a Farm-to-Kitchen Chef
Fall Books from SA Authors
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Andres Andujar: Shaping the 86 Future of HemisFair Park
Lair Creative, LLC would not knowingly publish misleading or erroneous information in editorial content or in any adv appear under any circumstances. Additionally, content in this electronic magazine does not necessarily reflect the view mances and exhibits, it is recommended that all times and dates of such events be confirmed by the reader prior to at
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Departments Box Office: Suits & Sleuths Mid-century Modernism in Film at McNay July-August 2011 Events Calendar
Contributors 24
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Book Talk: Yvette Benavides Professor, Radio Commentator and Book Reviewer
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Artistic Destination: Musuems of Port Isabel a Beacon in the Gulf
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Jeanne Albrecht
Christian Lair
Mikel Allen, graphic designer
Kay Lair
Anne Keever Cannon
Susan A. Merkner, copy editor
Thomas Duhon
Bonny Osterhage
Ashley Festa
Sara Selango
Dana Fossett
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Michael Martin
Cynthia Clark
Sharon Garcia
Picture This: A Stroll Through La Villita
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Vivienne Gautraux
Claudia Maceo-Sharp Tom Trevino Janis Turk
Greg Harrison, staff photographer
Jasmina Wellinghoff
Michele Krier
Cassandra Yardeni
Cover Credits: Front Cover Photo: Greg Harrison Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Culinary Arts, Literary Arts, Eclectics Cover Photos: Greg Harrison Events Calendar: Š Nigel Spiers / Dreamstime
On The Town Ezine.com is published by Lair Creative, LLC 14122 Red Maple San Antonio, Texas 78247 210-771-8486 210-490-7950 (fax)
vertisement in On The Town Ezine.com, nor does it assume responsibility if this type of editorial or advertising should ws or opinions of the management of Lair Creative, LLC. Since On The Town Ezine.com features information on perforttendance. The publisher assumes no responsibility for changes in times, dates, venues, exhibitions or performances.
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Performing Arts 10-32
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10 On The Town | July-August 2011
Season 2011-12
Coming Soon! By Sara Selango
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eason 2011-12 is just around the corner. Coming in the not-too-distant future to stages across San Antonio and the surrounding area are incredible performances sure to thrill audiences from September all the way to next summer.
renowned soprano Renee Fleming. Featured classical performers throughout the year, in addition to musical director Sebastian Lang-Lessing, are pianist Alexander Gravrylyuk, violinist Nancy Zhou, conductor Alondra de la Parra, pianist Bernd Glemser, violinist Kolja Blacher, pianist Olga Scheps and A storehouse of great entertainment awaits your violinist Latica Honda-Rosenberg. Sebastian Langperusal. Touring Broadway shows, symphonies, Lessing Salutes America leads off the pops season, operas, ballets, community theater, chamber music followed by Holiday Pops, Broadway Rocks, Bugs Bunny concerts and other genres have been packaged into at the Symphony, Fiesta Pops and Star Wars and other season offerings from performance groups vying Space Odysseys. for your patronage. This is the time to make plans, budget and buy. Supporting performing arts is not 2011-12 marks the 14th season for Musical Bridges only a worthwhile endeavor because of the evenings Around the World. This presenting organization has and matinees you’ll surely enjoy, but also a very five performances scheduled for Sunday afternoons at meaningful investment in the cultural life of your city. McAllister Auditorium on the campus of San Antonio College, commencing Oct. 2 with Mozart and Salieri, Let me begin with a detailing of what’s coming to a Rimsky-Korsakov one-act opera in two scenes, in town(s) by mentioning the six shows featured in combo with Songs of India, a 45-minute concert of the Cadillac Broadway in San Antonio Series at the Indian music. The second show of the season, on Dec. Majestic. The Disney classic Mary Poppins flies in for a 11, is Golden Fingers (seven international pianists) one-week run in late September, followed by Fiddler and Golden Toes (four classical ballet dancers from on the Roof in early December. Just after the first of New York) in the world premier of Fables. Remaining the year, a brand-new 25th anniversary production of programs are Beethoven in the Style of Jazz in January Les Miserables plays the Majestic, and the Blue Man complementing the San Antonio Symphony’s Group takes center stage there in late February. Tony Beethoven Festival, jazz pianist Geri Allen in midAward-winning Billy Elliot the Musical is up next from February, and Caribbean Express in May. Musical the last week of March through the first week of April. Bridges also presents free concerts at San Fernando Completing the season is La Cage Aux Folles with Cathedral on selected Sunday evenings. Check their opening night on May 8. website for more information. The San Antonio Symphony has announced its 201112 season, which consists of 14 classical concerts (including a Beethoven Festival with symphonies No. 1 - No. 9), six pops concerts, Handel’s Messiah, The Nutcracker and a special appearance by world-
San Antonio Chamber Music Society has announced five concerts from October through April. The upcoming season features the American String Quartet, Morgenstern Trio, Pacifica Quartet, Red Priest and Vienna Piano Trio. Performances are Sunday July-August 2011 | On The Town 11
afternoons at either Temple Beth-El or First Unitarian Life, or a Reasonable Approximation Thereof currently Universalist Church. resides at the Overtime Theater in the Blue Star complex. Ugly People: A Political Comedy, DOA: A Noir O p e r a i s n e x t w i t h S a n A n t o n i o O p e r a Co m p a ny Musical and The Overtime Holiday Show (title to be p re s e n t i n g a g re a t e s t h i t s t h re e - p a c k i n determined) round out the schedule for the remainder 2 0 1 1 - 1 2 : R o m e o a n d J u l i e t , D o n G i o va n n i a n d of the year at this intimate facility. The Barber of Seville. All will be sung at Lila Co c k r e l l i n l a t e S e p t e m b e r, m i d - Fe b r u a r y a n d 2011 main-stage attractions at Russell Hill Rogers l a t e J u n e, re s p e c t i v e l y. Theater in San Pedro Playhouse are Xanadu and A Christmas Carol: The Musical, followed in 2012 by Still to come at the time of this writing are season the Tennessee Williams classic A Streetcar Named announcements from Tuesday Musical Club, Arts Desire, The Drowsy Chaperone, Hello Dolly and a TBA San Antonio and Carver Community Cultural Center. (to be announced). The big playhouse in the park Each of these organizations brings national and also offers a full season of smaller productions at international stars to the city every year, so you can its Cellar Theater. once again expect stellar seasons from all. Check their websites periodically for information. The Woodlawn Theater has its next five shows already posted on its website, beginning with Miss Saigon in Turning to community theater, Sheldon Vexler at July. Avenue Q follows on the boards in mid-August the Jewish Community Center kicks off its 13th for a month. After that, The Rocky Horror Show returns season with Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. Following in early October. The Wiz plays simultaneously with in succession are The Last Night at Ballyhoo, Arthur Rocky for a couple of weeks during the Halloween Miller’s A View from the Bridge and the British month, as well. One stage, two shows…how can that musical Oliver. be? Wiz curtains at 7 p.m., Rocky gets rolling at 10
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p.m., not a problem. Just after the new year begins, Rent comes to the Woodlawn.
Feinstein, Jim Gaffigan, Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet, Chanticleer, Dawn Upshaw, Angela Hewitt, Diavolo, Max Raabe and Palast Orchester, Angelique Kidjo and Luna Negra Dance Theatre. In addition, this presenting organization brings Broadway Across America to town with this year’s shows being Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles, Wicked, South Pacific, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins and Les Miserables.
The Cameo Theatre in St. Paul Square brings The Lady With All the Answers to the stage in July. This story of Ann Landers, starring Anna Gangai, will be followed by the return of the zany musical revue High Hair and Jalapenos (with nine new songs) from early August to mid-September. Keep in touch with the Cameo through their website for future announcements. At the Long Center, the same is true – too many performances to catalog here. Some of my favorites Just a few miles north in New Braunfels, Brauntex are Tao: the Art of the Drum, the Midtown Men (original Performing Arts Theatre presents eight shows in four from Jersey Boys), Complexions Contemporary their upcoming season starting with the Diamonds Ballet, Idina Menzel, Huey Lewis and the News, in October. Examples of other great nights of Laughter and Reflection with Carol Burnett, Young entertainment include the Texas Tenors, Straight No Frankenstein: The New Mel Brooks Musical and Mariachi Chaser, Jim Curry – Tribute to John Denver, the Hitmen Sol de Mexico with Vikki Carr. and A Tribute to Johnny Cash by Shawn Barker. Big names coming to the Austin’s Paramount Theatre Still further north, Austin offers nonstop in season 2011-12 are Martin Short, Joan Rivers, entertainment throughout season 2011-12. Texas Kenny Rogers, K.D. Lange and Sergio Mendes. It’s Performing Arts at UT features a schedule far too Just My Nature: A Conversation With Bette Midler is also abundant to mention in total (30 performances to be included in the season offering, as is A Tuna Christmas exact), but highlights include appearances by Michael with Joe Sears and Jaston Williams. Food guys get into
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the act as well with appearances by Anthony Bourdain (No Reservations – Travel Channel) and Buddy Valastro (The Cake Boss – The Learning Channel). For more, check their website.
violinist Sirena Huang as special guest. Also scheduled to perform with the symphony during the season are pianists Jose Feghali and Stephen Hough, guitarist Pepe Romero and Poperazzi – a vocal trio.
Austin Symphony Orchestra has a power-packed season planned with guest stars including violinist Joshua Bell, pianists Jon Nakamatsu, Anton Nel and Emanual Axe, Natalie Cole, Asleep at the Wheel and mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves,
Broadway in Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi Live, Furgason Bravo! Series for the Performing Arts and the Cathedral Series are “must” checks as well. Visit their websites for great entertainment.
The Magic Flute, Lucia di Lammermoor and Turnadot comprise the Austin Lyric Opera season, while Ballet Austin features The Mozart Project, The Nutcracker, New American Talent / Dance, Light / The Holocaust and Humanity Project and Romeo and Juliet.
Season 2011-12 is coming soon with an overload of incredible performances. See all you can see. Get some tickets and go!
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I also urge you to check websites for One World Theatre, Austin City Limits (from the new Moody Photo Credits: Theatre) and Zachary Scott Theatre. Page 10 To the south in the “Sparkling City by the Sea,” Corpus Christi Symphony has announced a six-concert Mary Poppins subscription season commencing in October with Photo by Joan Marcus
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Page 12 (L-R)
Page 14 (L-R)
Beauty and the Beast Photo by Joan Marcus
Gallagher Courtesy gallaghersmash.com
Carol Burnett Photo by Randee St. Nicholas
Renee Fleming Photo by Andrew Eccles, Decca
Billy Elliot Photo by Michael Brosilow
Michael Feinstein Courtesy michaelfeinstein.com
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Fiddler on the Roof Photo by Carol Rosegg
Joshua Bell Courtesy joshuabell.com
Alondra de la Parra Photo by Robert Stolpe
Idina Menzel Courtesy idinamenzel.com
Wicked Photo by Joan Marcus
Angela Hewitt Photo by Bernd Eberle
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The County Line Live Music Series Benefits San Antonio Food Bank By Jeanne Albrecht Photography Courtesy The County Line
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ow in its 11th year, the Live Music Series at The County Line has raised more than half a million pounds of food for the San Antonio Food Bank. Randy Goss, the co-owner of County Line who passed away last year, was instrumental in creating this music series.
Through the years, some of the best Texas and national country musicians have been featured, including Cory Morrow, Randy Rogers, Jason Boland, Roger Creager, Wade Bowen, Pat Green, Aaron Watson, Radney Foster, Kevin Fowler, Bleu Edmondson and many more. July-August 2011 | On The Town 17
Concerts are held every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. March through October at The County Line Bar-B-Q restaurant at 10101 IH-10 West (between the Wurzbach and Huebner exits, near the Colonnade). Held on the restaurant’s open-air patio, the opening act comes on at 6:30 p.m.; the headliner plays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The live music series is free; however, all who attend are asked to make a food or monetary donation to the San Antonio Food Bank. The 2010 music series raised more 52,640 pounds of food for the Food Bank. The 2005 music series holds the record for the most impressive numbers, taking in $15,432 in money donations and 142,677 pounds of food. “Over the years, people who love country music and barbecue have truly showed where their heart is with their generous donations of food and money to the San Antonio Food Bank,” said County Line general manage Mike Crenwelge. “We know we’re making Randy proud.” “The San Antonio Food Bank is extremely grateful to have this continued partnership with County Line Bar-B-Q every year,” said Eric Cooper, president/CEO, San Antonio Food Bank. “Since we began this partnership 11 years ago, we have collected more than 530,000 pounds of food that has helped feed thousands of hungry individuals each week in Southwest Texas. Randy’s legacy of helping others and fighting hunger continues to remain strong through this wonderful partnership.” Concerts scheduled for the rest of the year include Emory Quinn, Gary P. Nunn, Kyle Park, Charlie Robison, the Zack Walther Band, Two Tons of Steel and the Scott Wiggins Band. For more information and concert schedule updates, follow County Line on Facebook or visit its website at: http://countyline.com/I10Music.html.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Pages 16-17 Charlie Robison Page 18 (Above) Kyle Park 18 On The Town | July-August 2011
(Below) Two Tons of Steel
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Head to the Hill Country for Great Summer Theater By Anne Keever Cannon
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he lazy, hazy days of summer are here. It’s time to have some fun! Along with cookouts, theme park visits and vacations, consider taking a scenic drive to the Texas Hill Country, capped by dinner and a show.
The theater begins its 21st season in September. The list of productions will be available soon on its website, boernetheatre.org. Patrons can make reservations online or by calling 830-249-9166.
First stop, just a few minutes up Interstate 10: Boerne Community Theatre, 907 E. Blanco Road. Its July show is Who’s in Bed With the Butler by Michael Parker. Who’ll get the dead billionaire’s bucks? Only his butler knows— and he’s not telling! The farce runs weekends July 15-30.
Lots of San Antonio actors appear in our shows, so audience members might recognize someone in the cast.”
“We encourage San Antonians to visit Boerne,” said Here’s a preview of playhouses within an easy drive of Patty Loftis, executive and artistic director. “They can San Antonio. They offer fare fit for the summer—lots spend the day shopping along historic Main Street of laughs, lots of music, or both! before the play.
Take Interstate 35 North one day, and try out the July-August 2011 | On The Town 21
Circle Arts Theatre in New Braunfels. The theater, in Landa Park at 124 Elizabeth St., offers fully staged musicals and laugh-filled comedies. The musical The Adventures of Tom Sawyer plays July 7-31. Music is by Ken Ludwig and book by Don Schlitz. Mark Twain’s classic story is sure to set toes tapping. In September, craziness ensues over mistaken identities and a briefcase full of cash in the farce Funny Money by Ray Cooney. “Our theater is intimate, so if you’re on the last row you can still see the actors’ expressions,” said executive director Roberta Elliott. “ The drive isn’t as long as people think. It can be easier to drive to New Braunfels sometimes than to fight San Antonio traffic!” For details on Circle Arts shows, go to circleartstheatre. org or call 830-837-6172. For a slightly longer trip, consider per formances in Fredericksburg or Ingram. Fredericksburg Theater Company is offering its 15th season of “drama, musicals, exhilarating theater and offBroadway excellence,” said executive director Julie Voorhees. Oliver! is now playing at the theater, 1668 Highway 87 South. The musical by Lionel Bart runs through July 10. “We pride ourselves on the ability to provide quality theater that educates, inspires, enriches and entertains each and every season,” Voorhees said. FTC’s website is fredericksburgtheater.org or call 888669-7114. Ingram’s Hill Country Arts Foundation has shows remaining in its summer season at the Point Theatre, 20 Point Theatre Road South. Ingram is about five miles from Kerrville. First up is Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story by Alan Janes, July 8-23. That’s followed by Daddy’s Dyin’…Who’s Got the Will? by Del Shores, Aug. 5-20. The Hollywood Reporter said the show is “a fast, delicious, easy read with funny moments, tense moments, touching moments and characters you care about.” Information about Point Theatre shows and tickets is available at hcaf.com/theatre or call 800-459-HCAF. Don’t have a full day? Take a quick trip to Bulverde 22 On The Town | July-August 2011
for a show at S.T.A.G.E., 1300 Bulverde Road. Its summer show is Ring of Fire by Richard Maltby Jr., July 21-Aug. 7, a musical from the heart featuring the songs of Johnny Cash about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, home and family. The theater offers dinner before Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances. “We pride ourselves on doing shows that have not been produced in San Antonio and the surrounding area,” said Zada Jahnsen, S.T.A.G.E.’s corporate manager. Details are at stagebulverde.org or call 830-438-2339.
As Published in
What about those of you who want to head farther out this summer, or you folks planning a “staycation” in San Antonio? You all have lots of choices for a night at the theater.
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ON THE TOWN
Did you know that the Alamo City has almost two dozen theaters? You can get links to most of them at satheatre.com, the website of the San Antonio Theatre Coalition. You also can sign up to receive Playbill, a weekly e-mail that offers the latest information on show openings. To learn about productions all over the state, check out texastheatres.com, the website of Texas Nonprofit Theatres Inc. It offers links to member theaters and a calendar of shows.
May/June 2011
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Pages 20-21 The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Courtesy Circle Arts Theatre Page 22 (Above) Monky Business Courtesy Boerne Community Theatre (Below) Willy Wonka Fredericksburg Theater Company Courtesy James Fox
Page 23 (Above) The Diary of Anne Frank Fredericksburg Theater Company Courtesy James Fox (Below) Sleeping Beauty Courtesy Pointe Theatre
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Box Office:
Suits and Sleuths:
Mid-century Modernism in Film at McNay By Bonny Osterhage
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rt and architecture combine at the McNay celebrate that era.” Art Museum with the Suits and Sleuths: Midcentury Modernism in Film series, taking Organized by the McNay, the film series is a great ...place on Sundays from July 10 through Aug. 7. way to beat the summer heat. Guests will spend the afternoon enjoying small bites of some of Earl The selected films represent the overall look and feel Abel’s most famous 1950s fare, before acquainting of the 1950s and are being offered in conjunction themselves with the attitudes, architecture, with the McNay exhibit, “George Nelson: Architect, furniture and styles of that period through the Writer, Designer, Teacher,” which celebrates the selected feature films. iconic American designer whose ideas yielded numerous classics in American furniture and The series kicks off on July 10 with Executive Suite, interior design. starring William Holden, followed by The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit on July 17, Desk Set on July 24, the To add to the fun and feel of the 1950s, an iconic hit Best of Everything on July 31, and ending with San Antonio restaurant, Earl Abel’s, will set up shop the Alfred Hitchcock-directed North by Northwest, at the McNay for a pre-film food reception for four starring heartthrob Cary Grant, on Aug. 7. The of the five classic movies. Moviegoers will be able shows begin at 2 p.m. in the Chiego Lecture Hall. to sample a taste of all of the goodness that has Earl Abel’s pre-show refreshments will be served at made Earl Abel’s a San Antonio tradition since 1933. 1:30 p.m. for every show except July 24. After the shows, moviegoers are invited to take advantage “Hosting these pre-film receptions is a natural for of a special dinner offer at the restaurant, courtesy us for many reasons,” said Earl Abel’s owner Roger of Earl Abel’s. Arias. “First, the McNay is our neighbor, and it is important for us to support their programs in any “Many of our customers are McNay patrons and vise way we can. Second, the 1950s were an important versa,” Arias said. “We want to make it fun for them time in the history of Earl Abel’s and these films to enjoy both.” 24 On The Town | July-August 2011
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In Perfect Harmony Alamo Metro Chorus of Sweet Adelines By Michele Krier
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roadway’s got nothing on these babes! The talented Alamo Metro Chorus, a chapter of the Sweet Adelines International, is an extraordinary group of women who celebrate the art form known as barbershop music.
works hands-on with the chorus.
“My husband took me to a barbershop concert in Pennsylvania,” said Wydra, who fell in love with the music. She’s been inspiring others ever since she moved to San Antonio in 1987. “Women must be able These dedicated ladies—some 70 members strong to carry a tune and have an ear for music,” she said, -- gather for rehearsal every week under the explaining the basic requirements. accomplished direction of Mary Ann Wydra. She 26 On The Town | July-August 2011
Wydra, who has been with Alamo Metro since 1988, is a three-time regional quartet champion, a Sweet Adelines International certified director, an approved music judge and certified music arranger whose original composition, Let There Be Music, was published by the Sweet Adelines International organization. She also arranges for special instructors several times a year to give the chorus coaching on barbershop music and characterization.
and slide up the scale to a high-energy style while practicing deep breathing. This part of the rehearsal is led by June’s daughter, Lisa Deiser. In addition to the thrill of being part of the Metro Chorus, the members audition for the privilege of performing in the front row.
“I’ve learned so much since I started working with the chorus,” said June Deiser, performance coordinator, who has been involved with Sweet Adelines since 1959. “I teach the ladies to smile and use their hands and bodies, and be relaxed. I think the activity, from the music to the choreography, is good for you both mentally and physically, as well as for your spirit to help keep you young with a young outlook.”
A hallmark of the Adelines is their expressive physical and facial gestures that accompany the traditional singing format known for a-cappella four-part harmony in the barbershop style. Their theme is, “Real Women, Real Harmony, Real Fun,” and you can tell from just one rehearsal that they take their musical mission seriously, but enjoy every step of the way—from weekly practice sessions to serious competitions.
“People are surprised that we dance and sing, but it’s all part of the performance,” Wydra said.
To keep in competitive form, the group starts with warm-up exercises designed to flex their vocal chords. The all-female singers range in age from Tianna But that’s not the only part that gets a workout. The Coffey, the youngest member at 25, to 82, and they singers start slowly in rhythmic Tai Chi movements come from every walk of life, including housewives,
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teachers and business women from all over San Antonio and the surrounding areas to meet regularly to “practice, perform, socialize and have fun.” That certainly was evident at their weekly Thursday night rehearsal at the Beitel Memorial Lutheran Church. “I love the style of the music itself,” Coffey said. “It’s definitely something you can get into and enjoy.”
a lion’s share of first-place trophies in international competition against scores of competing performing groups. They have earned the regional champions title nine times. The group will compete against 34 regional teams in Denver in fall 2012 under Wydra’s direction.
On the home front, the Alamo Metro Chorus has performed for Prince Albert of Monaco, the Mary Kay Convention, civic, cultural and charitable Sweet Adelines International, the largest nonprofit organizations, and Memorial Day ceremonies at Fort women’s musical organization in the world, is a Sam Houston Cemetery. A special treat to remember highly respected international organization of is that they also offer singing telegrams on Valentine’s women singers committed to advancing the musical Day and year-round for special occasions. art form of barbershop harmony through education and performance. If you missed their recent performances -- their calendar fills up as fast as a debutante’s dance card San Antonio’s Alamo Metro Chorus has brought home -- you’re in luck. They will sing the National Anthem at 28 On The Town | July-August 2011
the Silver Stars basketball game July 14 and a special Photo Credits: show featuring music from West Side Story Sept. 24 at Roosevelt High School. Tickets are available on the Alamo Metro Chorus Metro Chorus website, alamometrochorus.org. Photos by Lilley Photography Another red-letter date for the calendar is March 18, 2012, when the full choir and quartets will perform Mary Ann Wydra for the Fredericksburg Music Club. The chorus boasts Photo by Greg Harrison five quartets. Although everyone knows some traditional barbershop quartet songs, Alamo Metro also performs wonderful soft rock songs and is currently working on a patriotic set for the 10-year anniversary of 911. Their musical version of So Happy Together would make an appropriate theme song for this talented team. July-August 2011 | On The Town 29
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Bring Broadway Home On DVD By Vivienne Gautraux
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fe w ye ars a go, I saw A Tun a C hr ist mas at t h e M a j esti c Th eatre o n a cool D e ce m b e r even i n g. Af ter th o roughly enj oy i n g t h e p e r fo r ma n ce by Jo e S ear s and Jaston Wil l i am s, I h ea ded stra i ght to t heir we bsi te to g ar n e r mo re “ Tu n a” i n fo. Lo and b eh old, my re s e arch pa i d di v i den ds bec ause a D V D o f A Tu n a C h ri stmas wa s ava i l ab le for p urc h a s e o n t h e s i te, a s wa s Greater Tuna, t he or igi n a l o f fe r in g fro m th i s cl ever t wo s ome. I p ul le d o u t my c redi t ca rd a n d sn atch ed t hem b o th up. J u s t l i k e th at, I bo u ght t wo holid ay gif t s fo r mys e l f a n d di dn’t feel gu i l t y at all. Th i s be g an my co l l ec ti o n o f l i ve th eat r ic al p er fo r m an ce s, c ap tu red fo r v i ew i n g o n t hose litt le rou n d d i s k s.
winning m usic al c ur rent ly at t h e S c h u b e r t Theat re in New Yor k , and showed i t o n movi e sc reens ac ross Am er ic a via satellite. H o p e fu l l y, t he DVD will follow soon.
Af ter t hat, I went to amazon. com a n d p l ayb i l l. com , t wo t r usted sources, for e ve n mo re selec t ions. From t hese sites I s e c u re d R ent , Into t he Wo o ds, Fosse, Nunse nse, O k la ho ma a n d K iss Me Kate. When t he d ust set t le d, I ow n e d a b aker ’s d ozen of live t heat r ic al pe r fo r ma n ce s on DVD and t he c umulat ive cost fo r a l l o f t h at enter t ainm ent was in t he neig h b o r h o o d o f $250 (sp read over t he cour se of ma ny mo nt h s ). I n ad d it ion, I was ab le to record Leg a lly B lo nd e from it s showing on MT V a few ye a r s b a c k a n d S out h Pacific Live from Lincoln Ce nte r a s s h ow n Th at sa m e h o l i d ay sea so n , I bu mped into on PBS a coup le of mont hs ago. An d re w L l oyd We b ber ’s Cats o n th e D VD aisle at a la rge ch ai n s to re, fo l l owed by a n I nter net O t her p er for mances I have not p u rc h a s e d to s ighti ng o f J o s ep h an d th e A maz i n g Tec hnicolor d ate b ut whic h are availab le on D VD i n c l u de D re am co a t . Th e i dea o f br i n gi n g B road way Pippin, Came lot, Swe e ne y To dd, Co mp a ny, Peter ho m e o n D V D h ad begu n to ta ke sh ap e. At Pan wit h Cat hy R igby, Bar num, Pa s s io n a n d that poi nt I b e g an a c ti vel y seek i n g mo re shows Sunday in the Par k w ith G e orge. to a dd to my co ll ec ti o n . Th a n ks to a st roke of luc k , I fo u n d bro a dwayo n l i n e.co m, where Please b ear in mind t hat b ig-sc re e n p l ayb a c ks five pro d u c t i o n s were ava i l a bl e, i n c lud ing at hom e will never t ake t he p lace o f a c t u a l l y the th re e I ch o s e to pu rch a se: Sm okey J o e’s b eing in a grand t heater and s e e i n g a Ca f é, S o p h is t i ca ted Ladi es a n d J ek yl l & H yde. p er for m ance live on st age, b ut th e y re a l l y fi l l Th e o th e r t wo we re Ti n t yp es, a n o f f - B road way t he b ill when road shows or t r ip s to Bro a dway mu si c a l, an d Ste ph en S o n dh ei m’s Put t ing I t it self are not availab le to you. To g e t h er. I nte re s t i n gl y en o u gh , th i s comp any recently f i l m e d Memph i s, th e To ny Award - Br ing Broad way home on DVD. I t ’s a gre at i de a ! July-August 2011 | On The Town 31
32 On The Town | July-August 2011
Events Calendar
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July-August 2011 | On The Town 33
July - August 2011 Events Calendar Music Notes Gary P. Nunn 7/1, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Steve Andrews & Honeybrowne 7/1, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store San Antonio Rose Live 7/1-30, Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 2pm & 7:30pm Aztec Theatre RockBox Theater in Fredericksburg 7/1-8/28, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 4:30pm & 8pm Sun @ 1:30pm 4th Annual Little Joe’s Picnic (Little Joe & La Familia, Asleep at the Wheel, Texas Tornados and The Fabulous Thunderbirds) 7/2, Sat @ 4pm Sunken Gardens Theatre
Robert Earl Keen 7/2, Sat @ 7:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels The Derailers 7/2, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Bleu Edmondson 7/2, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Gone To Texas Band 7/2, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dance Hall Hayes Carll with 1100 Springs 7/3, Sun @ TBA Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels B.B.P. Concert! 7/3, Sun @ 7pm Jo Long Theatre at Carver Community Cultural Center Band of Heathens 7/3, Sun @ 8pm Gruene Hall
34 On The Town | July-August 2011
4th of July Celebration Hosted by The Wilkins Family 7/4, Mon @ 1pm Luckenbach Dance Hall Spazmatics 7/4, Mon @ 7:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels Heart of Texas Concert Band: Variations on America 7/4, Mon @ 11am The Alamo 7/4, Mon @ 5pm San Marcos Plaza Park 7/10, Sun @ 7:30pm Louis Hayes Park Kerrville
Emory Quinn The County Line Music Series 7/6, Wed @ 6:30pm The County Line – IH10 Cactus Pear Music Festival: Zepher Wind 7/7, Thu @ 7pm / San Antonio Coker United Methodist Orient Express 7/8, Fri @ 7pm New Braunfels Presbyterian 7/9, Saturday @ 7pm / San Antonio Coker United Methodist 7/10, Sunday @ 2pm / Boerne First United Methodist
Dropkick Murphys 7/5, Tue @ 5:30pm Lonestar Pavilion at Sunset Station
Buried Treasures 7/14, Thu @ 7pm / San Antonio Coker United Methodist
Two Ton Tuesdays with Two Tons of Steel 7/5-8/16, Tue @ 8:30pm Gruene Hall
A Bachs Set 7/16, Sat @ 7pm / San Antonio Coker United Methodist 7/17, Sun @ 2pm / Boerne First United Methodist
Steve Earle and the Dukes 7/8, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Jon Wolfe 7/8, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Reckless Kelly & Cody Canada 7/9, Sat @ 7:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels Dale Watson 7/9, Sat @ 8pm Kendalia Halle The Gourds 7/9, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Chris Story & Southern Edge 7/9, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dance Hall
Gary P. Nunn The County Line Music Series 7/13, Wed @ 6:30pm The County Line – IH10 Concerts Under The Stars with Wilbert Beasley, Body and Soul 7/14, Thu @ 7pm San Antonio Botanical Garden Julio Iglesias Arts San Antonio Presentation 7/14, Thu @ 7:30pm Majestic Theatre Ray Wylie Hubbard 7/15, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Thieving Birds 7/15, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store
Rich O’Toole 7/9, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store
Ghostland Observatory 7/15-16, Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 7pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels
Sunday Jazz at The Witte: Mission City Hot Rhythm Cats 7/10, Sun @ 4pm Witte Museum
Randy Brown & Thomas Michael Riley 7/15, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dance Hall July-August 2011 | On The Town 35
Thomas Michael Riley’s 4th Annual Music Festival (Gary P. Nunn, Max Stalling, Chris Wall, Blacktop Gypsy, The Wolf Sisters, Tejas Brothers) 7/16, Sat @ 1pm Luckenbach Dance Hall Billy Mata & Texas Tradition 7/16, Sat @ 8pm Anhalt Hall Cory Morrow 7/16, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Emory Quinn 7/16, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Kyle Park The County Line Music Series 7/20, Wed @ 6:30pm The County Line – IH10 Roger Creager’s Birthday Show 7/20-23, Wed-Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Ottmar Liebert 7/21, Thu @ 8pm Majestic Theatre
Dwight Yoakam 7/22, Fri @ 7pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels
Def Leppard with special guest Heart 7/24, Sun @ 7:30pm AT&T Center
A Perfect Circle 7/22, Fri @ 8pm Freeman Coliseum
Charlie Robison The County Line Music Series 7/27, Wed @ 6:30pm The County Line – IH10
Kevin Fowler 7/22, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store DCI: Drum Corp International 7/23, Sat @ 2:30pm Alamodome Six Market Blvd. & Dustin Perkins 7/23, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dance Hall Granger Smith 7/23, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Summer Jazz and Lunch Series: John Migaldi & the Primetime Jazz Orchestra 7/24, Sun @ 12:30pm Leeper Auditorium McNay Art Museum Bob Dylan and His Band with Leon Russell 7/24, Sun @ 7pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels
36 On The Town | July-August 2011
Concerts Under The Stars with The Krayolas 7/28, Thu @ 7pm San Antonio Botanical Garden Larnelle Harris 7/29, Fri @ 7pm Laurie Auditorium Trinity University James McMurtry 7/29, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Brandon Rhyder 7/29, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Ryan Turner 7/30, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store
Zack Walther Band The County Line Music Series 8/3, Wed @ 6:30pm The County Line – IH10 Chicago 8/5, Fri @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Mark McKinney 8/5, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Reckless Kelly & Chris Knight 8/6, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Tommy Alverson & Steve Helms 8/6, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dance Hall Mujeres de Agua by Javier Limon with Buika, La Shica and Sandra Carrasco 8/9, Tue @ 7:30pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre
Bodie Powell 7/30, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dance Hall
Two Tons of Steel The County Line Music Series 8/10, Wed @ 6:30pm The County Line – IH10
Zack Walther Band 7/30, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall
Merle Haggard 8/10, Wed @ 8pm Majestic Theatre
July-August 2011 | On The Town 37
Randy Brown 8/12, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dance Hall Billy Morgan & The Barnburners 8/12, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Bobby Jordan & Ridgecreek 8/13, Sat @ 8pm Kendalia Halle Roger Creager 8/13, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dance Hall Turnpike Troubadours 8/13, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Brandon Jenkins The County Line Music Series 8/17, Wed @ 6:30pm The County Line – IH10 The Almost Patsy Cline Band 8/19, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dance Hall Doug Moreland 8/19, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Chris Story & Southern Edge 8/20, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dance Hall
Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights 8/20, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall
Emory Quinn 8/27, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store
Gary P. Nunn 8/20, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store
Brandon Rhyder 8/27, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall
Luke Olson The County Line Music Series 8/24, Wed @ 6:30pm The County Line – IH10 Gary Allan 8/25, Thu @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Tracy Lawrence 8/26, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers 8/26, Fri @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Joe Ely Band 8/26, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Dos Equis 4th Annual Dia de los Toadies Festival 8/27, Sat @ 2pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels
38 On The Town | July-August 2011
Summer Jazz and Lunch Series: Henry Brun and the International Trio 8/28, Sun @ 12:30pm Leeper Auditorium McNay Art Museum
On Stage Oliver 7/1-7/10, Thu-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Steve W. Shepard Theater Fredericksburg Corpus Christi 7/1-10, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Cellar Theater San Pedro Playhouse Miss Saigon 7/1-24, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm Woodlawn Theatre Let’s Twist Again 7/1-8/13, Thu-Sat @ 8pm (Dinner @ 6:15pm) Harlequin Dinner Theatre
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer 7/7-31, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Circle Arts Theatre New Braunfels Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story 7/8-10, Fri-Sun @ 8:30pm 7/14-23, Thu-Sun @ 8:30pm Smith-Ritch Point Theatre Hill Country Arts Foundation Ingram Buried Child Classic Theatre Presentation 7/8-24, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Sterling Houston Theatre at Blue Star Arts Complex The Wiz Renaissance Guild Presentation 7/8-24, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 4pm Jo Long Theatre at Carver Community Cultural Center Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 7/8-31, Days/Times TBA Palace Theatre Seguin
Life, Or a Reasonable Approximation Thereof 7/8-8/6, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm (7/24 only) (No show Fri, 8/5) The Overtime Theater at Blue Star Arts Complex The Lady with All the Answers 7/9-31, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Cameo Theatre
Who’s in Bed with the Butler 7/15-30, Thu @ 7:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Boerne Community Theatre King Arthur’s Chronicles Playhouse 2000 Presentation 7/15-23, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm 7/24, Sun @ 2pm 7/28-30, Thu-Sat @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville
The King and I 7/15-8/21, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Russell Hill Rogers Theater San Pedro Playhouse
The Revengers 7/15-30, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm The Rose Theatre Company
Murder Mysteries Dinner Theatre: A Fistful of Meatballs Cameo Theatre and Fools Productions Presentation 7/16, Sat @ 6:30pm 7/29, Fri @ 6:30pm 8/13 & 27, Sat @ 6:30pm Spaghetti Warehouse Ring of Fire 7/21-8/7, Thu-Sat @ 8pm (dinner @ 6:30pm) Sun @ 4pm S.T.A.G.E – Spotlight Theatre & Arts Group, etc. Bulverde
July-August 2011 | On The Town 39
High Hair & Jalapenos 8/4-9/11, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Cameo Theatre Daddy’s Dyin’…Who’s Got the Will 8/5-7, Fri-Sun @ 8:30pm 8/11-20, Thu-Sun @ 8:30pm Smith-Ritch Point Theatre Hill Country Arts Foundation Ingram Wild Oats 8/5-28, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Cellar Theater San Pedro Playhouse The Music Man Playhouse 2000 Presentation 8/12-20, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm 8/21, Sun @ 2pm 8/25-27, Thu-Sat @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville Black to the Future 8/12-27, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm The Rose Theatre Company Smudge Attic Repertory Presentation 8/18-9/4, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Attic Theatre Trinity University
Our Town 8/18-9/11, Thu @ 7:30pm Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Sheldon Vexler Theatre Avenue Q: The Broadway Musical 8/19-9/11, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm Woodlawn Theatre Ugly People: A Political Comedy 8/19-9/17, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm (9/4 only) (No show Fri, 8/2) The Overtime Theater at Blue Star Arts Complex
Dance Jazzed On Tap 7/23, Sat @ 8pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre Arte y Pasion 7/30-31, Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Little Carver Theatre
Mark Viera 7/1-3, Fri-Sun @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy JJ Rameriz 7/6-10, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Tony Rock 7/8-10, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Collin Moulton 7/13-17, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Comedy Time Network Showcase & Taping 7/14, Thu @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Tim Young 7/20-24, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Shayla Rivera 7/20-24, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Dwight Slade 7/27-31, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Spanky 7/27-31, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club
Comedy
George Lopez 7/15-17, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 7pm Majestic Theatre
Justin Worsham 8/3-7, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club
Brian McFadden 7/1-3, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Axis of Awesome 7/15-17, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Rocky Laporte 8/4-7, Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
40 On The Town | July-August 2011
July-August 2011 | On The Town 41
Maria Bamford 8/10-11, Wed-Thu @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Sean Kent 8/10-14, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Finesse Mitchell 8/12-14, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Hypnotist Gary Conrad 8/17-21, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Laurie Kilmartin 8/24-28, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Ben Creed 8/31-9/4, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Andy Hendrickson 8/17-21, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club
Matt Golightly 8/24-28, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club
Tommy Blaze 8/31-9/4, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club
42 On The Town | May-June July-August July-August 2011 2011 2009
For The Kids The Phantom of the Alamo 7/1-30, Wed & Fri @ 10:30am Sat @ 2pm Magik Theatre Cinderella 7/6-27, Wed-Thu @ 10am Sat @ 11am The Rose Theatre Company
The Three Pigs 8/3-25, Wed-Thu @ 10am Sat @ 11am The Rose Theatre Company The Wiz 8/10-9/3, Wed & Fri @ 10:30am Sat @ 2pm 9/6-24, Tue-Fri @ 9:45am & 11:30am Fri @ 7pm, Sat @ 2pm Magik Theatre
On Exhibit ARTPACE Window Works Potter-Belmar Labs Thru 9/1
International Artist-In-Residence New Works: 11.2 Andrea Buttner Kurt Mueller Adrian Williams Chus Martinez, curator Opening 7/14 BIHL HAUS ARTS
Hudson (Show) Room Tracey Moffat Thru 9/4
Kari Roberts-Sackman: New Paintings Thru 7/23
July-August 2011 | On The Town 43
BLUE STAR CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER Kind of Undisputed: Mat Kubo, Scott Proctor, Tim Schmidt & Troy Stanley Blue Star Lab Thru 7/7 DySTOPic ProgressIONS Gudjon Bjarnason Thru 8/6 Culo de Oro / The Golden Ass Julia Barbosa Landois Thru 8/6 Texas Uprising: Selections from the Texas Sculpture Group Part II Thru 8/6 INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES Football: The Exhibit Thru 9/18 40 Years of Texas Folklife Festival Memories Ongoing Texas Contemporary Artists Series: Ithica by Rex Asuman 7/2-10/31
McNAY ART MUSEUM Burgoyne Diller: Abstract Pioneer Thru 8/28 George Nelson: Architect, Writer, Designer, Teacher Thru 9/11 A Fine Line: The Woodcuts of John Lee Thru 9/18 MUSEO ALAMEDA Revolution and Renaissance: Mexico and San Antonio 1910-2010 Thru 7/15 Manny Castillo: The Painting of a Community Thru 8/31 SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN Art In The Garden: Texas Uprising – Selections from The Texas Sculpture Group Thru 3/1/12 SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART The Missing Piece Thru 7/31
44 On The Town | July-August 2011
Paul Jacoulet: Oceanic Views Thru 8/7
Amazon Voyage: Viscous Fishes and Other Riches Thru 9/5
Feria! – Folk Art from Regional Fairs in Latin America Thru 10/9
Water in Motion: Past, Present and Future of the San Antonio River Thru 9/5
Paul Jacoulet: Views of Korea 8/12-11/6 SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART Michelle Belto / Uncommon Elements Thru 8/13 All School Exhibition 2011 Thru 8/14 Teen Studio Extensive Program / Bee Nation Thru 8/14 Cecilia Hancock / Certificate Student Exhibition Thru 8/14
Miscellaneous Tejas Rodeo Thru 11/19, Sat @ 7:30pm Bulverde Fiesta Noche del Rio Thru 8/13, FriSat @ 8:30pm Arneson River Theatre Friday Night Fights – Boxing 7/1, Fri @ 8pm Joe Freeman Coliseum
A Night at the Museum: Fiesta Trains Inspired by Museums of the World Thru 7/31
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Barnum 200 7/1-7/4, Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 3:30pm & 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm & 6pm Mon @ 4pm Alamodome
Miradas: Mexican Art from the Bank of America Collection Thru 8/21
First Friday Art Walk 7/1 & 8/5, Fri / 6-9pm Southtown / Blue Star / King William
WITTE MUSEUM
July-August 2011 | On The Town 45
Mexican Cuisine Boot Camp: Appetizers & Hors d’Oeuvre 8/2-3, Tue-Wed / 7am-1:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery Gourmet Cooking Class: Everyday Grilling 8/6, Sat / 9:30am-2:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery Gourmet Cooking Class: Gourmet Meals in Minutes 8/13, Sat / 9:30am-2:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery Grilling & BBQ Boot Camp 8/15-16, Mon-Tue / 7am-1:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery Skill Development Boot Camp 8/18-19, Thu-Fri / 7am-1:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery
PBR: Professional Bull Riding 8/19-20, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 7pm AT&T Center Gourmet Cooking Class: CIA Favorites 8/20, Sat / 9:30am-2:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery Mexican Cuisine Boot Camp: Puebla and Oaxaca 8/22-24, Mon-Tue / 7am-1:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery
The Fabulous Thunderbirds Courtesy fabulousthurnder birds.com Page 35 (L-R) Asleep at the Wheel Courtsey asleepatthe wheel.com Robert Earl Keen Courtesy liveatfloores.com Page 36 (L-R)
Dale Watson Courtesy liveatfloores.com
Page 40 (L-R)
Photo Credits Page 34 (L-R)
Ilya Shterenberg Photo by Liz Garza Williams
46 On The Town | July-August 2011
Reckless Kelly Courtesy recklesskelly.com
Spazmatics Courtesy thespazmatics. net
Page 38 (L-R)
Rockbox Theater Courtesy rockboxtheater.com
Carmit Zori Courtesy promusicis.org
Julio Iglesias Courtesy Arts San Antonio
Two Tons of Steel Courtesy twotons.com
San Antonio Rose Live Courtesy saroselive.com
Page 39 (L-R)
Hayes Carll Courtesy hayescarll.com
Gourmet Cooking Class: Bistros and Brasseries 8/27, Sat / 9:30am-2:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery
Gary P. Nunn Courtesy liveatfloores.com
Lorna McGhee Courtesy Cactus Pear Music Festival
Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio Photo by Liz Garza Williams
Katarzyna Bryla Courtesy Cactus Pear Music Festival Jeffrey Sykes Courtesy Cactus Pear Music Festival
Ray Wylie Hubbard Photo by Todd Wolfson Max Stalling Courtesy maxstalling.com Billy Mata Courtesy billymata.com Cory Morrow Courtesy liveatfloores.com Page 42 (L-R) Kyle Park Courtesy kylepark.com Roger Creager Courtesy rogercreager. com Kevin Fowler Courtesy liveatfloores.com
47 On The Town | May-June 2011
Ottmar Liebert Courtesy Majestic Theatre Page 43 (L-R) Bob Dylan Courtesy bobdylan.com Heart Courtesy heart-music.com Charlie Robison Courtesy liveatfloores.com James McMurtry Courtesy liveatfloores.com
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Page 46 (L-R)
Page 47 (L-R)
Chris Knight Courtesy chrisknight.net
Luke Olson Courtesy lukeolson.com
Joe Ely Courtesy joeely.com
Brandon Rhyder Courtesy brandonrhyder. com
Gary Allan Courtesy garyallan.com
George Lopez Courtesy Majestic Theatre
Zack Walther Band Courtesy liveatfloores.com
Tracy Lawrence Photo by Ed Rode
Shayla Rivera Courtesy shaylarivera.com
Merle Haggard Courtesy Majestic Theatre
Steve Martin Photo by Sandee O.
Maria Bamford Courtesy thecrofoot.com
July-August May-June 2011 | On The Town 47
48 On The Town | July-August 2011
Visual Arts 50-60
July-August 2011 | On The Town 49
San Antonio’s Summer Art Scene Sizzles! By Cassandra Yardeni
50 On The Town | July-August 2011
G
et out of the heat and into the heart of the local arts and culture scene this summer, as San Antonio’s museums and galleries boast an exciting array of artistic offerings. From a journey through the Amazon, to a sprint down the 40-yard line, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s artistic tastes! The Witte Museum’s Amazon Voyage: Vicious Fishes and Other Riches continues to delight visitors of all ages. Through Sept. 5, traverse the Amazon River and its seven perils; learn about the river’s amazing inhabitants, including petrifying piranha, giant anaconda and the elusive pink dolphin. See a live parrot, poisonous dart frogs, a school of piranha and more! Now through Aug. 21, the Witte presents Miradas: Mexican Art From the Bank of America Collection, a breathtaking survey of more than 100 paintings, prints and photographs by some of Mexico’s most well-known artists. Works by Diego Rivera, Luis Jimenez and Manual Alvarez Bravo, among others, pay homage to the rich culture and storied past on both sides of the border. Run, don’t walk, to the San Antonio Museum of Art, as The Missing Peace: Artists Consider the Dalai Lama concludes its world tour on July 31. The exhibit showcases more than 80 artists’ meditations and interpretations of the Dalai Lama’s vision of peace, with media ranging from performance and installation, to digital prints and sculpture and includes work from such renowned photographers as the late Richard Avedon and Herb Ritts. Bihl Haus Arts continues the summer celebration of its GO! Arts Program with a special exhibit of artworks, titled Golden Treasures, by the Bihl Haus “Goldens,” seniors enrolled in GO! Arts. The exhibit, which premiered at Bihl Haus in May, moves to the new District 6 Alicia Trevino Lopez Senior Center, 8353 Culebra Road, and opens with a reception at the center’s grand opening on July 5. Exhibit highlights include Golden Memories, a 15-foot-wide mural facilitated by artist Adriana Garcia, and more than 40 paintings and drawings by the seniors. July-August 2011 | On The Town 51
Celebrate Fotoseptiembre a bit early with the Aug. 26 opening reception at Bihl Haus Arts of PhotObjects, new works by Joan Frederick. Using visual double entendres, historical references, tongue-in-cheek wit and unexpected juxtapositions of photographs on objects, rather than photographs of objects, Frederick explores themes of love, loss and betrayal in sculptural works like What Men Want, a photo series printed on the padded seats of a set of formal dining room chairs, and Divorce a la John the Baptist, which presents the disembodied head of a man, eyes closed, on a covered glass cake platter.
As always, UTSA’s The Texas Contemporary Artists Series focuses on the work of contemporary artists around Texas. From July 2 through Oct. 31, artist Rex Hausman’s exhibition, entitled Ithica, features paintings of local iconography, including Buttercrust bread packaging, the Cool Crest miniature golf sign and the Olmos Pharmacy marquee. Ithica shares its title with a poem by Constantine Cavafy, which speaks of a sailor’s journey and arrival at port, paralleling Hausman’s own time away from San Antonio.
The Southwest School of Art’s annual All School Exhibition 2011 showcases an array of outstanding Get into the game at UTSA’s Institute of Texan juried works by faculty, studio artists and Cultures as they display Football: The Exhibit students. Expect the unexpected: shots of color, through Sept. 18. The exhibit offers an insider’s media, texture and an assortment of art crafted look at the science behind the game; not only its from found objects. Also on display through Aug. history and traditions, but the physics and math at 14 is student Cecialia Castro Hancock’s Certificate play with each pass and tackle. Hailed as a “contact Exhibition, in which she explores work in porcelain exhibit,” Football is a hands-on experience, in and earthenware, as well as work by SSA faculty which visitors can test their strength against a member Michelle Belto. Belto integrates paper, lineman, clock reaction times and compare stats wax and other “uncommon” embellishments in her with family and friends. stunning display of Uncommon Elements.
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Journey to Iceland and beyond through the eyes of artist Gudjon Bjarnason in his DySTOPic ProgressiONs exhibit, on display at Blue Star Contemporary Art Center until Aug. 6. To create this multi-media exhibit, Bjarnason collaborated with the San Antonio Police Department Bomb Squad to create 10 new large-scale sculptural objects and installations, as well as exhilarating prints, models and an explosive art video. Also on display at Blue Star is Culo De Oro/The Golden Ass, featuring work from Julia Barbosa Landois. The groundbreaking exhibit examines sex, masculinity and the tourist mentality along the Texas/Mexico border. Informed by interviews with brothel patrons, testimonials and regional folklore, Landois’ rendition of the regional counterculture is ripe with energy, wit and several elements of surprise. Additionally, Blue Star features Texas Uprising: Selections From the Texas Sculpture Group Part II, an exhibit dedicated to indoor sculpture work to contrast against the outdoor sculpture selections currently on display at the San Antonio Botanical Garden.
This summer, the McNay Art Museum takes us inside the colorful world of George Nelson: Architect, Writer, Designer, Teacher, to celebrate the icon’s contributions to American furniture and interior design. The retrospective showcases more than 120 three-dimensional objects, including benches, chairs, lamps and more. Nelson’s work, though marked by classic lines and functionality, is never without whimsy or innovation. Dubbed “one of the most important American artists you’ve probably never heard of,” Burgoyne Diller is another artist whose work is on display at the McNay through Aug. 28. Diller’s work boasts hints of Piet Mondrian, and incorporates both smooth and hard-edged lines, and has been hailed as to the development of Minimalism in American art in the late 20th century. Burgoyne Diller: Abstract Pioneer displays more than 40 of Diller’s drawings, spanning his career from the 1920s through the 1960s. Also at the McNay is A Fine Line: The Woodcuts of Jon Lee, an exhibit that showcases the work of Korean-
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born Jon Lee, an art professor at Trinity University. This collection features Lee’s most recent work, based on the golden mean, the mathematically determined perfect ratio or proportion used by artists and architects since classical times. The artist achieves straight, clean lines with handmade gouges and blocks of wood, a tour-de-force of the woodcutter’s art. Through his wood work, Lee pushes the limits of printmaking and explores the fine line between something and nothing.
Photo Credits: Carlos Almaraz American, born Mexico, 1941-1989 Miradas: Mexican Art from the Bank of America Collection The Gods Who Found Water, 1984 Oil on canvas Courtesy Witte Museum
Page 54 Whether it’s contemporary installations, Mexican Adriana Carcia artwork or a grand nod to the Dalai Lama, San Golden Treasures Antonio’s rich arts scene is nothing short of Golden Memories transformative. With exhibits transcending cultural Painted mural and geographical boundaries, a trip to a local Courtesy Bihl Haus Arts gallery or museum just may be all the traveling you need this summer! Page 55 Lewis deSoto The Missing Peace: Artists Consider the Dalai Lama Paranivarna, 1999 Mixed media with nylon, painted cloth Courtesy San Antonio Museum of Art
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Page 56 (L-R) Rex Hausman Ithica Keep Ithica Always in Your Mind Oil on canvas Courtesy Institute of Texan Cultures George Nelson Architect, Writer, Designer, Teacher George Nelson, ca. 1965 Photo: Vitra Design Museum Archive Courtesy McNay Art Museum Joan Frederick PhotObjects What Men Want Courtesy Bihl Haus Arts
Page 57 (L-R) Amazon Voyage: Vicious Fishes and Other Riches Poisonous dart frog Courtesy Witte Museum Julia Barbosa Landois Culo De Oro/The Golden Ass Trophy, 2011 Courtesy Blue Star Contemporary Art Center Greg Johnson All School Exhibition 2011 Oblivious, 2011 Watercolor, graphite, conte crayon on paper Courtesy Southwest School of Art
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LIFE AS HE SEES IT
AN INTERVIEW WITH ARTIST MARK WEAKLEY BySharon Garcia 56 On The Town | July-August 2011
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ark Weakley’s Alamo Heights home is an allyou-can-consume visual smorgasbord of folk art, vintage advertising, science fiction collectibles, retro toys, detailed figurines, music memorabilia and instruments, with original works by the artist peppered throughout. The eclectic décor only scratches the surface of this complex and multi-dimensional artist who doesn’t conform to the constraints of one particular genre.
Much of Weakley’s paintings and illustrations mix structural detail with soft, inviting hues that draw the eye. His subject matter evokes the beauty of the familiar as revealed by shadow, geometric angles and the warmth of artificial lights. For his monochromatic scratchboard pieces, Weakley relies on bold lines, texture and pleasing patterns to captivate the viewer.
His subject matter is as diverse as the materials he works with: botanicals, nostalgic places, human anatomy, whimsical animals and American music legends, to name a few. Weakley’s work takes shape through oil on canvas, scratchboard, limestone, epoxy and woodwork.
Early Inspirations
“I had an art teacher my junior year in high school in Munich,” Weakley said regarding his upbringing in Germany as an “Army brat.” “He sort of took me by the scruff of the neck and said ‘Wake up! You’ve got talent and you need to use it.’ ” The teacher began A highly successful commercial and taking Weakley to shows around Munich, the first commissioned ar tist, Weak ley ’s impressive of which was a retrospective of Vincent Van Gogh. client list includes Texas Monthly, United “That opened the door – the art door,” Weakley said. Airlines, AT&T, Time Warner, Dewar ’s Scotch, The young artist had found his calling. Levi Strauss and Mar tin Guitars. His work also can be viewed in public buildings, such as the As he got older, Weakley tried to find a profession Bob Bullock Texas State Histor y Museum in that would allow him “to make a living using his Austin, where his historical illustrations can hands and talent.” After earning an undergraduate be seen throughout the museum’s exhibits and degree in fine arts and sculpture, he enrolled interac tive displays. in a California university graduate course in July-August 2011 | On The Town 57
museology, the discipline of museum organization and management, with a specialization in art restoration. But fate quickly played a hand. Due to budget cuts, the program in California was discontinued. Still hoping to make a living from his artistic skills, Weakley selected the medical illustration program at the Texas Health Science Center in Dallas, and his professional career started with a degree in that discipline. He became “one of 20 people in the nation at the time” who were trained in this meticulous form of anatomical illustration. The unique program took Weakley to Johns Hopkins University and the Smithsonian Institute. There he honed his skills in executing finely detailed work and “nit-picky techniques,” which also led to a foray into facial prosthetics -- exacting anatomical detail brought to life in 3D. This attention to detail can be found in all of Weakley’s intricate sculptural pieces and figurines, such as his series of famous African American blues musicians inspired by a deep love for traditional American music.
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Small Town Series Although Weakley has been a prolific and wellrespected commercial artist for more than 30 years, it was only recently, in March 2011, that he had his first “one-man art show.” A few years ago, several of Weakley’s paintings of small-town buildings caught the eye of local restaurateur and arts patron Cappy Lawton. He liked the “nostalgia of places people could identify with and connect with,” Weakley said. “It had broad appeal.” Lawton soon proposed a show at his restaurant on Broadway. Weakley spent the next year on his series, The Disappearance of a Small Town, a collection of oil paintings on canvas of endangered Texas buildings and small-town tableaus. Researching the work, he traveled the patchwork quilt of Texas rural highways and farm roads in search of iconic landmarks that tell the story of once-thriving small communities. “I look at a map and get as far away from an interstate as possible,” Weakley said. “I’ve found some great undiscovered places that way.”
The show was a tremendous success; all but three Photo Credits: of the paintings were sold. Another Weakley show is in the works, scheduled for December 2012, also Page 57 at Cappy’s Restaurant. Calvert, Texas More to Come oil on canvas, 48 x 30 in. Weakley has a few “projects in the works” but Page 58-59 (L-R) nothing he’s ready to announce yet. For now, he plans to continue with the popular small-town Rosebud, Texas series and commissioned works. oil on canvas, 48 x 20 in. He also will continue pursuing his other artistic love: music. In addition to his talents as a visual artist, Weakley plays guitar, banjo and harmonica, something he modestly only mentions in passing. He has written dozens of songs and has recorded one CD of original tunes, in collaboration with longtime friend Michael Martin of the Infidels. By all accounts, it seems that the best is yet to come from Mark Weakley. San Antonio will be waiting.
Broadway and Elizabeth -1930 oil on canvas, 22 x 28 in. Galveston, Kings Inn oil on canvas, 9 x 12 in.
To contact Mark Weakley and see a sampling of his work, visit: www.markweakley.com. July-August 2011 | On The Town 59
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Veronica Esparza: Absolutely Delicious Catering and Old San Francisco Steakhouse By Ashley Festa Photography Greg Harrison
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or someone who has little formal Soon after, the client told her, “You have so much education, Veronica Esparza has an awful leadership in you, I think you need to be your lot of business smar ts. own boss. Your cooking is beautiful; you should open a restaurant.” She also has people skills and personal drive, all of which have helped her build a multi-million dollar The client challenged Esparza to cater a Christmas catering business from the ground up. party to test her ability as a caterer. Despite the difficulties – “I didn’t know where to buy food for that “It’s all about planning the future,” Esparza said, many people!” – she loved the experience, and by explaining how she started Absolutely Delicious the end of the night, she said, “I knew that’s what I Catering and how she keeps it running. “If you wanted to do for the rest of my life.” don’t have a plan, it’s like you’re in the driver ’s seat and someone is taking you where you might From age 28 to 30, Esparza worked three jobs to save not want to be.” enough money to start her business. She didn’t want to put a financial burden on her husband, so she saved She took the wheel many years ago as a child growing as much as she could, and then opened her catering up in Potrero, Mexico, a tiny town about 50 miles company with an American Express credit card. outside Monterrey, when her mother taught her how to sell snacks on the street. At age 5, Esparza Her first contract was with the University of Texas developed an understanding for the market and how Research Park, which lasted seven years. Thinking to please her customers, and she’s been in training to back on the experience, she said, that minority be a good salesperson ever since. contract was the biggest key to her success. She received feedback on everything about the business Determination, however, came naturally. Her family of catering and found that her clients were eager to ran out of money to pay for her education after coach her on improving her service. putting her older siblings through school. “But I was so determined to do whatever it took to succeed,” “How many clients give you the opportunity to make she said. Esparza viewed the United States as a place it right?” she said. where there would be no barriers to her future. She said honesty is at the heart of her successful sales When she moved to the United States at age 15, she career. “When we make a mistake, we admit it and let began a 13-year stint cleaning houses and babysitting the client know what we’re doing about it.” Cutting to make a living. When a fiery accident put her in corners may save a little money at the time, but it the hospital, all of her clients helped raise money to hurts business in the long run, she said. It’s important pay for her care. She earned her GED, and one of her to her to deliver exactly what her clients pay for and clients helped her get a job as a lab assistant. not skimp on catering orders. July-August 2011 | On The Town 63
Now, because of excellent customer service, nearly all of her business comes from referrals. “Every client refers me business,” she said. “I learned to take care of my clients.” Eventually, the number of clients clamoring for her business required her to expand, and in 2008, Esparza purchased the Old San Francisco Steakhouse. Originally she planned for the building to be a facility to house her catering business. One day, though, she let her chefs talk her into opening the steakhouse, just for one night, despite the fact that she had told them, “I don’t want to have a restaurant.” The night the Old San Francisco Steakhouse turned on its lights again, the restaurant received about 75 customers. The kitchen ran out of food, and nearly everyone ate for free. Diners asked about the restaurant’s trademark swing show and 10-pound block of Swiss cheese. One patron was furious when, after he inquired about the missing cheese, Esparza brought him a few slices from the kitchen. She explained she was new, and the gentleman explained to her for the next two hours about the traditions and memorabilia of the restaurant. “It motivated me to realize how many people care about this place,” Esparza said. Esparza has earned several awards, including the Knot Best of Weddings 2010 and an Entrepreneurial Spirit Award from the National Association of Women Owned Businesses in the “inspirational” category. However, she tries not to focus much on past accomplishments. “Sometimes you can overlook how you can improve because you focus on past success,” she said. “I’m always looking forward.” After receiving each award, she immediately set new goals for herself. “You aren’t doing it with passion if you’re doing it for reward.” Looking forward, she said she would like to build a convention center that can serve the needs of local businesses. But for now, she’s pleased with how far she has come. “It has been a great adventure.” 64 On The Town | July-August 2011
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Š Darryl Brooks - Dreamstime.com 66 On The Town | July-August 2011
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Making Smart Decisions When Dining Out By Tom Treviño
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here’s no doubt that one of the benefits metropolis hosts an international carnival of flavors, of living in a thriving city is great cuisine. textures and treats, with new restaurants seemingly Aside from regional specialties, the modern springing up each day. July-August 2011 | On The Town 67
And that’s a good thing. Unless, of course, you’re trying to watch what you eat. Then, going out to dinner amidst such an incredible, eclectic abundance of food can be kind of tough. And deciding what to order becomes, well, a bit stressful. Do you go for what’s best for your palette, or what’s best for your health? And is it possible to have a little of both -- to fully indulge in a night out with good friends and great food without heartburn or tight pants the day after? To help solve the riddle, and put the romance back into the roast beef, we’ve enlisted the help of a couple of experts. Deborah Froehlich has a penchant for fine food and a master’s degree in kinesiology. A certified strength and conditioning coach, when she’s not in the gym or in the kitchen, she’s busy researching and writing about all things related to health and wellness. Amanda Avey spends her days directing clients through grueling workouts and better food choices, and her nights reading about (and occasionally sampling) fine wine and cupcakes. With an M.S. in nutrition and a passion for helping others, she is every bit a leader by example. So, how do they do it? And what advice do they have for the rest of the world? First, the basics. When you dine out, chances are you’ll be met with some form of sustenance before you even order; it may as simple as chips and salsa, or as cozy as fresh baked bread served with infused olive oil. And while a taste of one or the other may not do you in, it all counts. Two ounces of chips will cost you about 300 calories. And that delicious olive oil you’ve been soaking up with the bread is about 120 calories per tablespoon. So, unless you’re feeling extremely caloric deficient, follow this tip: Skip the pedestrian fare and focus on the real food, which is the reason most people decide to go out in the first place. Next, look for clues on how your food is prepared, and be wary. “It’s probably best to stay away from anything fried,” Froehlich said. Whether you’re at an exclusive fish house or a cantina, frying adds calories and fat. More importantly, 68 On The Town | July-August 2011
© R. Gino Santa Maria -Dreamstime.com
that extra crunch may cost you in the form of trans fats, a substance believed to increase the risk of coronary heart disease. And nothing ruins a romantic candlelight dinner faster than a heart attack. So read the menu and the descriptions, and if need be, ask your server about the particulars of a dish or appetizer. Speaking of starters, if you choose a salad, you’re at least in the right ballpark, with the exception of the dressing. “I try to keep it simple and go with a light drizzle of vinegar and oil, or just get it on the side and use it as a dip,” Froehlich said. A well intentioned plate of greens and fresh vegetables is great, so don’t suffocate it with gobs of dressing, or add in too many extras like bacon, cheese and croutons, all of which are calorically dense. Combine them all together and you might as well just order a Big Mac. When it comes to the main course, the rules for eating well when ordering out are pretty much the same ones you’d follow when cooking for yourself. Keep it simple and clean, and don’t let the dramatic names of certain dishes trip you up. “My rule of thumb is grilled and green,” Avey said. “I choose a protein that is grilled, and as many vegetables as I like. Sometimes that’s a large salad with chicken or fish, but it can really be anything along those lines.” But what if there’s something on the menu that is just too good to pass up? Something that is most certainly not grilled or green? “You can always share a meal,” Froehlich said. “The portions are almost always generous enough to do so.” Using that strategy, you can even add in a specialty appetizer and a dessert and walk away having had a completely satisfying dining experience, with only a fraction of the calories you normally would consume. Your waistline and your wallet will be better for it. Finally, don’t forget the golden rule: “You are always in control of what you eat and what you order,” Avey said. “People assume that they can’t change anything on the dish -- that a sandwich always has to come with mayo and cheese, or that the vegetables have to be prepared with butter or oil. As a consumer, you have the right to make alterations to your meal so that it no only tastes great, but meets your dietary needs and goals, as well.” © Peter Close-Dreamstime.com
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: h g u H c M n e v e t S f Che
Restaurant Lüke’s Farm-to-Table Fare from a Farm-to-Kitchen Chef Story and photos by Janis Turk 70 On The Town | May-June July-August 2011 2011
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hefs often brag that they offer “farm-to-table” fare — meaning their food is fresh and sourced locally, coming directly from the farm to the tables of their restaurants. But how many restaurants can boast they have a farm-to-kitchen chef? San Antonio’s new River Walk restaurant Lüke can: Its chef Steven McHugh is as “farm-to-table” as it gets.
in hand, McHugh spent a year of college at the University of Wisconsin before realizing that, as smart as he is, “book learning” isn’t his style. So his dad encouraged him to go to culinary school. “I had no idea that you could make a career or living off of that,” McHugh said, but he thought he’d give it a try.
So he drove to New York, where he studied at the Culinary McHugh was raised on a farm, knowing food from Institute of America in Hyde Park. “There I really started to seed to harvest. His family lived largely off the land, learn a lot. I was in my element, and it felt good. Culinary teaching him about meat and dairy. As a boy, he school was a place for hands-on learning, which is what worked in a barn and as a young man worked as a always worked for me, like when I was a saxophone butcher. How many San Antonio chefs can say that, or player back in school. Learning about food, like learning say they were schooled and mentored by a prestigious to play an instrument, meant working hard and doing culinary academy as well as some of America’s best the same thing over and over until I could perfect it. It’s chefs? McHugh can say that, too. really hands-on work, like on the farm. I loved it,” he said. One of the most recent additions to the San Antonio food scene, restaurant Lüke opened last fall adjacent to the new Embassy Suites River Walk Hotel and quickly became popular with locals and tourists alike.
After finishing culinary school, McHugh spent endless hours and long years working in the kitchens of busy restaurants in New Orleans and, even as a butcher, learning about cooking and studying the culture of the culinary-arts world. He was the chef de cuisine at several Many say Lüke’s success comes from its fresh, seasonal fine restaurants and he worked in some of New Orleans’ farm-to-table fare, for Lüke draws from area growers and best eateries, including Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse, the suppliers such as Oak Hill Farms in Poteet, Bluebonnet Metro Bistro, Storyville, Bacco, Restaurant August, Lüke Farms in Schertz-Cibolo and Humble House in San New Orleans and others. Antonio, to name a few. Finally, all those years of farm chores, schooling, in-theOthers attribute its popularity to New Orleans celebrity kitchen training, prep work, dishwashing, mentoring chef John Besh, a co-owner in the eatery, for everything other chefs, cooking and hard work paid off, bringing him Besh touches seems to turn to gold. But those are only here to San Antonio, where today he brings fresh food two ingredients in Lüke’s recipe for success. Maybe it’s from local sources to create the best cuisine he can offer. popular because it offers casual classic brasserie fare, and chef McHugh brings to the table a broad knowledge of McHugh worked with Besh at Restaurant August and fresh seasonal food from its source. Besh Steak before becoming chef at Besh’s La Provence. When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf coast and New Along with six hard-working, big-eating brothers, Orleans flooded in its wake, Besh and McHugh went to McHugh was raised on a dairy farm in Wisconsin near work, feeding everyone they could and spending long Lake Geneva. His parents (mom a physician and dad a hours at Restaurant August downtown. school teacher) also were dedicated farmers who taught their boys the importance of daily farm chores: hard work “We reopened August just a month after the storm with with long hours of doing whatever needed to be done, just a few guys who came back. A lot of our staff lost no matter how early or late. everything. There was nothing else for us to do but work,” McHugh said. It was then he took over as chef de cuisine On the farm, McHugh learned not only to care for plants at August. and animals, he also learned about weather, seasons, soil and growing conditions — and fishing, too. But more Later, McHugh became chef de cuisine at La Provence, importantly he was raised to assume that meals should which Besh and his partners had just purchased. There, come from the land, fresh and in season — not from a McHugh and Besh began to establish a small farm behind drive-through window of a fast-food joint. the restaurant where they planted vegetables and fresh herbs, raised chickens and pigs and even kept honey With his farming background and a high school diploma bees — all for use in the restaurants. July-August 2011 | On The Town 71
“It was great to get back to the soil, to put my hands in the dirt and grow things again and bring food fresh from there to the kitchen,” McHugh said. The farm-to-table concept kept growing in the Besh Group of Restaurants, and soon McHugh and Besh opened Lüke restaurant in New Orleans. “A group of San Antonio investors bought the Hilton St. Charles hotel and wanted a real old-school New Orleans brasserie, and so we opened Lüke there,” McHugh said. Those investors later would build the new Embassy Suites in San Antonio where the River Walk Lüke was established. Today, McHugh is not only the chef de cuisine at Lüke San Antonio, he also is its co-owner with Besh and other partners. Besh is a James Beard award-winner, a noted chef, cookbook author and restaurateur with six other popular New Orleans-area restaurants. Still, McHugh is perfectly happy to let Besh stand in the spotlight while he’s busy in the kitchen. And although Besh often comes in to check on things, McHugh is the one who wears the apron day and night. He is a downto-earth guy who is careful that the quality of each dish he serves meets his high standards. McHugh and his wife, Sylvia, are happy in Texas, where they say everyone has been warm and welcoming. They are pleased to have made downtown San Antonio their home and even live within walking distance of Lüke. It’s hard to pigeonhole Lüke’s menu. While it is a classic brasserie based in German and French fare, with a nod to the Alsace-Lorraine area which edges the Black Forest of Germany where Besh did an apprenticeship, it also has a heaping helping of Texas and New Orleans flavors. “John Besh and I both love provincial-style food. It’s all about honest, clean flavors coming from the earth. That’s the kind of food that Texans seem to understand and that I find most satisfying,” McHugh said. “We like to keep it fresh and simple.” The casual menu at Lüke certainly hints at a German touch, with homemade bratwurst and dishes such as Jäger-Schnitzel being popular with locals. But Lüke also serves some classic New Orleans fare, such as gumbo, softshell crabs and fried oysters, as well as fresh Gulf oysters on the half-shell at the gleaming, Texas-sized full bar. 72 On The Town | July-August 2011
For a taste of the French and German border, McHugh’s menu offers an unbelievable “Flammenkuken,” a cheese tartlet with a light touch of a French beurre blanc sauce with chopped slab bacon bits scattered on top. One diner described the hot appetizer is “maybe the best thing I’ve ever eaten in my life.” Another popular dish is McHugh’s rosemary chicken, baked simply in a Provencal style, and of course Lüke offers a big juicy hamburger for those who like everyday standards. Be sure to save room for the desserts, too, such as Besh’s old-school southern bread pudding. Daily specials may include a crawfish and fried green tomato po-boy sandwich with a spicy Louisiana remoulade sauce or trout meunière. Big, fresh salads showcase fresh greens and vegetables, such as big, hearty onions and blood-red beets from local growers and the farmer’s market at the Pearl Brewery. While business has been good (Lüke opened with a bang when 400 people rather unexpectedly showed up on the first night), life has not been without its trials since the McHughs moved to San Antonio. While staying in a hotel on the River Walk as they looked for a place to live, McHugh awoke one morning with severe respiratory problems and was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lymphoma. That was in January 2010. Today, after chemotherapy and following a recent nine-month CT scan that came back clear, McHugh is cancer-free. The experience sharpened his perspective on what’s important in life, and so McHugh and the Lüke staff have become involved in hosting benefit dinners and fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of San Antonio. Personally, McHugh has been even more mindful of the healthful food choices he makes each day to keep his body and spirit strong. McHugh has come a long way since his days on the farm, but through years of hard work, hurricanes and health issues, he has found he already has all he needs. As he talks, it’s clear how grateful he is for his health and for his wife. “That’s what makes me happy,” McHugh said with a broad smile, “and cooking, of course.” Lüke Restaurant, San Antonio River Walk (210) 227-5853 | www.lukesanantonio.com 125 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78205 July-August 2011 | On The Town 73
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Literary Arts
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Book Talk:
Yvette Benavides Professor, Radio Commentator and Book Reviewer Story and Photography Jasmina Wellinghoff 76 On The Town | July-August by 2011
n English professor is almost by definition a book lover. So it’s hardly a surprise that Yvette Benavides, who has been teaching for 21 years – 15 of those at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) – loves the written word in all its forms: poems, short stories, novels, articles and memoirs.
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Benavides is the co-founder and former director of the OLLU literary festival and the former faculty sponsor of the student literary magazine The Thing Itself. As the editor of another school-based publication, Carriers of the Mission, Benavides also turned to the written word to help the OLLU community deal with the devastating fire the venerable college suffered in 2008. In a special edition of the journal, faculty, staff and students were invited to write about the fire and share their thoughts on how to overcome the disastrous experience and rebuild their community.
now who continues to send me books but sometimes I pitch books that I would like to review. JW: What was the title of your friend’s book, and why did you like it so much? YB: It’s called Barefoot Heart and the subtitle is Stories of a Migrant Childhood. She had been a child of migrant workers and spent long hours in solitude out there in the fields because she was much younger than her other siblings and couldn’t work in the fields. She had to stand by with the water bucket. That solitude planted the seed of her writing life. Part of the reason I found it so compelling was because my mother had been a migrant worker. I thought it was so important that somebody was telling that story because it’s not told that often. I have a soft spot in my heart for that book. I learned so much about the process of reviewing with that one book.
But the college is not her only focus. With husband David Martin Davies, Benavides co-hosts the Texas Public Radio show Texas Matters, participates in NPR’s Latino USA and has become the host of a new program, Fronteras: The Changing America Desk. In addition, she writes poetry, short stories and essays.
JW: In these 12-13 years, you must have reviewed a lot of books? Can you estimate how many?
With all that, the reason we wanted to interview her for this column is because this busy teacher is a regular book reviewer as well. Her reviews have been appearing in the San Antonio Express-News since 1998. We met Benavides on a late May afternoon in her office in the handsomely restored Main Building on the OLLU campus. No trace of damage could be detected anywhere. The old edifice exuded only a quiet sense of welcome.
JW: Are you specializing in a particular category, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or any other?
JW: How did you become a book reviewer? YB: It’s a long story but I’ll try to be brief. It was in 1998 that a friend of mine with whom I had taken a creative writing class at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center – her name is Elva Trevino Hart – said one day very confidently, “I am going to write a book about my childhood, and I am going to publish it.” Everyone in the class would say things like that. But she actually did it. And she sent me a copy of the book. I was so impressed that I just felt like I wanted to share it with the world. So I queried Judyth Rigler (ExpressNews book editor at the time) and she said, sure, write the review and send it to me. And that’s how it started. Pretty soon she was sending me other books to review. Then Gregg Barrios became the editor, and I kept reviewing books for him, and Steve Bennett is the generous editor
YB: It’s probably something on the order of – I don’t know – maybe 15 a year. It’s hard to venture a guess because there’s so much variation from year to year.
YB: Typically I review memoir, poetry and fiction. But right now I am reading this non-fiction work that’s about the future of Mexico, Manana Forever? by Jorge G. Castaneda, which is kind of a different book for me. JW: What happens if you are asked to review something you dislike? YB: This is going to sound like such a copout but I just think that books are miracles, and I approach them in that way. I give all of them the benefit of the doubt. Still, there have been times when the book was so bad I just didn’t want to finish reading it. In fact, the second book review I did for Judyth Rigler was a real thumbs-down evaluation. I still remember it. It was painful to write but I had to be honest. JW: Do you hear from writers whose work you have reviewed? YB: Most are so filled with gratitude that somebody is getting the word out about their book. It’s hard July-August 2011 | On The Town 77
for authors to do the promotion themselves. That’s just a lovely thing that’s happened that I have these connections with these authors. They are quite human and quite generous. Some of the authors who have intimidated me the most just because I’ve admired them for such a long time, ended up being the most generous and kind. But also, I frequently interview the authors, both before and after writing the critique, particularly if they are from Texas or write about Texas, because I can use that material on the radio. JW: Does the paper review only books by established publishers?
like, and we all have personal preferences. A lot of times I have to remind myself to put that away. Although it informs a lot of what I think and what I end up saying in the review, it shouldn’t be the whole story. So I have to be very deliberate about that. I have to ask myself, “OK now, why do I like this memoir?” I am very drawn to memoirs about addiction; I am endlessly curious and fascinated by those sorts of stories, particularly when the author had to pick up his life from the floor and try to recover… I love memoir; that’s probably my favorite thing to read right now. I am just so drawn to these stories of human failing and rising above the worst things that happen to us. That’s a story for the ages.
YB: Yeah, no self-published books. So many books are self-published nowadays. I wonder if (the paper’s policy) will have to change. I get so many queries from people. They see my name in the paper, and they look me up, and they send me manuscripts. People seem so interested in getting their stories out. It’s heartbreaking to me when I can’t help them.
JW: How about poetry titles?
JW: Can you describe the criteria that you use in evaluating a book?
YB: Hmm... I’ll tell you: Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri. It made the world smaller for me. It made me see how this Indian writer was also telling a MexicanAmerican story. I read it over and again. Sandra Cisneros in Caramelo made me feel like she was telling my story, and I seldom had that experience as a kid. That’s probably why I was drawn to a lot of Jewish authors, like Saul Bellow who wrote about characters who are alienated from the mainstream culture. That resonated with me at the time. Yet another book I should mention is Music Through the Floor, a short story collection by Eric Puchner.
YB: Those are the most difficult to review. Yet poetry was my first love, and I really wanted to do right by it. If books are miracles, poetry chapbooks are gigantic miracles. I have reviewed quite a lot of them but some poetry is so evasive and enigmatic that I am glad I don’t have to review it. When I served as poetry editor (for the JW: Besides Manana Forever? what else are you reading Express-News) I realized how much San Antonians love right now? to write poems. I would get 100 a week, especially in the summer months. San Antonio is a city of poets, perhaps YB: It seems I am always reading three things at the because we have so many good, published poets who time. Besides the title about Mexico, I am reading a novel are inspiring others to write. by Joanne Beard called In Zanesville and a memoir by a girl named Kelle Groom titled – I have to write down the JW: Do you own a Kindle or other similar device? title to get it right, it’s so unusual -- (She reads the words as she writes them) I Wore the Ocean in the Shape of a Girl, YB: (Laughs) No, I love to hold an actual book. I think I one of the saddest things I ever read. Kelle writes about could convert, though. My mother has one and she uses her alcoholism at a young age and about the death of it. I don’t have one. But maybe some day... a son she gave up for adoption. It’s a very tragic and intense book. Both are my choices. I just happened to JW: Final question: Books can have a tremendous impact see them at the bookstore. on us. Which book or books were transformative for you?
YB: Let me think about it for second. It’s going to depend on whether it’s fiction or non-fiction. I’ll tell you this about fiction, it has to have really strong themes, and I am interested in how effectively the author can tell the story. With non-fiction I tend to be – I don’t want to say, more critical – but because I write a lot of nonfiction I am always looking for the things I don’t like in my own writing, like a tendency toward solipsism, for instance. I try to stay away from it in my own writing, and I have a low tolerance for it in nonfiction memoir. Benavides’ comments have been edited slightly for space It’s such a good question because we all like what we and clarity. 78 On The Town | July-August 2011
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Fall Books
from SA Authors By Claudia Maceo-Sharp
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he muses have been busy in San Antonio. At least three authors, who San Antonians proudly claim, have books coming out this fall. Pens in hand, Naomi Shihab Nye, 80 On The Town | July-August 2011
David Liss, and Rick Riordan should be setting up appointments with their hand massage therapists for the fan-crazed season that awaits them beginning this summer.
David Liss rolls out The Twelfth Enchantment (Random House). David has taken his wellhoned historical fiction niche and spun it with supernatural fantasy. According to him, “Set during the Regency and the Luddite Uprising, the first organized resistance to the industrial revolution. Think Jane Austen meets urban fantasy. Lucy Derrick, an impoverished woman on the cusp of a disastrous marriage is drawn into a mysterious plot in which new technology wars with ancient knowledge. Lord Byron, William Blake and Mansfield Park’s Mary Crawford! I had a blast writing this one.” And if that were not accomplishment enough, he has also launched the first of a comic book series called Black Panther! Naomi Shihab Nye has two books of her own coming out this fall. In September, Transfer debuts. Many will recognize the familiar airline transfer tag on the cover. In this poetry collection, Naomi draws on her extensive travels, the diverse Texas culture as she knows it, and Palestinian American heritage as she continues to share the power ful images of our common human experiences that cross geopolitical lines. Reaching the younger audiences as well with her expert eye on humanity focusing on social issues, There is No Long Distance Now: Very Short Stories comes out in October. Though his fans clamor for him, Rick Riordan has no need to resurrect his adult fiction character Tres Navarro. Rick has been engrossed with this children’s series for which adults also have been heard to share their enjoyment. With the five Percy Jackson The Olympians series completed, Harper Collins released book two of the Egyptian mythology-inspired Kane Chronicles this spring. Quickly on its heels comes book two in the Heroes of Olympus series, The Son of Neptune with a publication date of Oct. 4. There is a pattern here: Egyptians in the spring; Greeks in the fall. All audiences are sure to be satisfied this fall just about the time we are thinking about Christmas! There is a pattern there too.
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Eclectics 84-99
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Andres Andujar Shaping the Future of HemisFair Park By Julie Catalano Photography Cynthia Clark ndres Andujar is pointing this way and that, near a row of stately historic but vacant structures on the grounds of HemisFair Park, his expressive gestures carving out arcs in the air as he describes plans for – dare we hope? – the renovation of the city’s most prime parcel of urban land. For six months in 1968, HemisFair put San Antonio on the map with a World’s Fair of 30 nations that came to celebrate the city’s 250th birthday. It changed the face of San Antonio forever and gave locals stories to tell for a lifetime.
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But it also left behind a 92-acre site that has not yet – despite housing popular attractions like the Tower of the Americas, the Institute of Texan Cultures, and the Magik Theatre, to name a few – reached its full potential. Enter Andujar. Only two months into his job as CEO of HPARC - HemisFair Park Area Redevelop ment Corporation (http://www.sanantonio.gov/ HemisfairPark/) the soft-spoken Columbian-born engineer speaks quietly but resolutely about not simply a well-deserved facelift for a place of shared memories, but more importantly, the creation of a first-class urban park for the nation’s seventh
largest city – with a distinctive Alamo City twist. “We want HemisFair Park to be uniquely San Antonio,” says Andujar. “We didn’t want to go to Houston, study Discovery Green, and replicate that. We want people from other places to come here and try to copy us, just like they try to copy the River Walk.” To that end, HPARC held three public meetings where anybody with an idea could be heard – crucial, he says, to the development of the master framework plan he now holds. “We didn’t walk in with a solution and ask, ‘what do you think?’ We asked, ‘what would you like to see at HemisFair Park?’” The ideas flowed, from crazy to brilliant. “The conclusion was that we want this to be a 24/7 living place, so it is a park, yes, but it is all these other things that include residences, shops, offices, restaurants, galleries, museums, and more.” In short, a true mixed-use development that Andujar says will herald a new way of how people see downtown. While HemisFair ‘68 was designed to attract tourists, the HemisFair Park rebirth will be aimed at romancing the locals into helping to fashion an urban core that, says Andujar, must July-August 2011 | On The Town 85
have its roots in residential development. “Strong urban cores make for great living. When you bring in residences then all the other things happen.” First things first, however. HPARC has $17.6 million funding to redo Durango and South Alamo beginning mid-2012 to “humanize” the streets connecting La Villita and HemisFair Park, says Andujar. “That means right-sizing the roads, widening the sidewalks, inserting shade trees, landscaping, and installing public art.” Next is restoration of the historic homes on site (“we have a couple dozen funding sources”), along with reopening the actual streets inside HemisFair Park that have been closed since the fair, “in order to circulate and integrate the traffic directly into the park.” The removal of the original convention center building will likewise throw the doors open. “Instead of having to bring the city to the park, we’re bringing the park to the city.” It’s a long-term and ambitious project, to be sure, but Andujar is clearly optimistic, bolstered in part by mayor Julian Castro’s dedication to the project. “There are commitments here that have never been made before,” he states. “We’re setting up an infrastructure, writing contracts, and spending money.” In other words, this is happening. A fulltime consultant and Trinity intern share bare-bones temporary office space with Andujar (“everything we have is either mine or borrowed”) until they can move into new, permanent digs at a renovated Eager House in the park, hopefully by 2012. Andujar seems a natural for the job, earning recognition for his part in the development of the River North project here as well as national and international projects, including those in Denver, his home before he and his family moved back to San Antonio. “My mind is on this 24 hours a day,” he says, laughing. “I love downtown. I dream about it. I fly by it virtually on Google Earth.” Still, reality rules, and Andujar knows he’s charged with helping to fulfill a long-held dream of many San Antonians to see a beloved site become our newest urban star. “My challenge now is to give momentum to the details,” he says, along with maintaining them “as long as it takes.” No worries. The future of HemisFair Park is in good hands.
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Artistic Destination: Museums of Port Isabel a Beacon in the Gulf By Julie Catalano Photography courtesy Museums of Port Isabel
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t is among the most iconic of structures, its distinctive outline a symbol of hope and safe harbor, a welcome sight to seafarers returning home. Benjamin Franklin understood the lifeand-death worth of its steadfast beacon, saying, “Lighthouses are more helpful than churches.” In Texas, no lighthouse is more famous than the one in Port Isabel on the Gulf Coast, mainly because it is the only one in the state open to the public. In fact, many know this tiny coastal community (pop. 5,064) only as “where the lighthouse is,” followed by tales of climbing the 75-step spiral staircase to the top of the 62-foot-tall structure to enjoy the 16-mile view. But what many don’t know -- until they get there, that is – is that the lighthouse is part of a complex known as the Museums of Port Isabel, comprising the famous structure and a pair of lesser-known but equally fascinating buildings housing exhibits that surprise and inform visitors. All three are adjacent to each other and easy to take in over a few hours.
Jeannie Marie A. Flores. “That’s the main attraction. But then they discover the museums and realize how much more there is to see.” The first of these is the Port Isabel Historical Museum, opened in 1997 in a state-of-the-art facility located in the Charles Champion Building. Built as a dry goods store and residence in 1899, it’s now home to one of the largest collections of Mexican artifacts from the U.S.-Mexican War (Port Isabel was an important port during both that war and the Civil War). Chronicling the history of Port Isabel from the Coahuiltecan Indians to the shrimp industry, the two-story museum features artifacts, videos and hands-on displays. Don’t miss the famous “fish mural” painted by a local fisherman in 1906.
The second structure, the Treasures of the Gulf museum, opened in 2000 and spotlights three 16thcentury Spanish shipwrecks excavated in the 1960s from their watery grave, their story now told through murals, interactive displays and artifacts such as silver “The lighthouse is the one that everybody is coins, plates and cannons. Check out the children’s fascinated with,” said museum administrator discovery lab, theater and gift shop. July-August 2011 | On The Town 93
Then there’s the shining star itself. Built in 1852 to guide and protect ships through Brazos Santiago Pass and the barrier islands, the Port Isabel Lighthouse was opened as a state park in 1952 and restored to its 1880s appearance in 2000. The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage – built in 1995 from original 1850s blueprints -- is on the same grounds, also open to the public, and home to the Chamber of Commerce and the Port Isabel Visitors Center. It features the history of the lighthouse. As steeped in history and revered as these buildings are, the lighthouse is keeping up with the times, becoming a community gathering place for residents and visitors. The seventh summer Movies at the Lighthouse series runs from June through October. Free and open to the public, viewers are welcome to take blankets, picnics and lawn chairs, and spend an enjoyable evening with friends and family (and pets on a leash) at 9:30 p.m. Fridays. Family-friendly movies projected on the exterior wall of the lighthouse begin just after South Padre 94 On The Town | July-August 2011
Island’s fireworks display over Laguna Madre Bay. Guest speakers, oral historians, naturalists and others also appear at the lighthouse in the compelling Telling Our Stories series, which revives the forgotten history of the area, keeping it alive for younger generations. Lively festivals in the fall and spring are held in Lighthouse Park, the second-smallest state park in Texas, including Queen Isabella (April) and Lighthouse (October) market days. The annual Day of the Dead festival in October features live music, a skull candy workshop and poetry and short-story readings. Museums of Port Isabel, 317 E. Railroad Ave., Port Isabel, TX, 956-943-7602, portisabelmuseums.com.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 92 Port Isabel Light house
Page 93 Port Isabel Historical Museum Page 94 Lady Bea II at Treasures of the Gulf Museum
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Picture This: a stro
The historic arts village on the river w 96 On The Town | July-August 2011
oll through la villita
was San Antonio’s first neighborhood. July-August 2011 | On The Town 97
images by dana fossett
Stroll, shop, dine and enjoy. 98 On The Town | July-August 2011
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