September/October2011 Issue by OnTheTownEzine.com

Ezine.com

ON THE TOWN

September/October 2011

Holland Taylor Kellen McIntyre Bountiful Branson Dr. Katherine Luber SLL Era: Season Two Sandy and Arturo Cerna New Performing Arts Season Plus 12 Additional Articles

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Features New Performing Arts Season Begins! September and October Are Very Entertaining

Texas Hill Country Sculpture Gardens Are Fabulous Finds

SLL Era: Looking Back on Season One, 16 Looking Forward to Season Two

Sandy and Arturo Cerna Together for 36 Years at El Jarro de Arturo

Holland Taylor 20 My Journey to Ann Richards

A New Look at The Bright Shawl

Caryn Hasslocher Fresh Horizons Creative Catering

Ruth Moreland 26 Making Music That is Truly “Benissimo!”

March of Dimes 23rd Annual Signature Chefs Auction ®

America Knows Donald Braswell’s Got Talent!

1,2,3 Sí! Published To Help Raise Literacy Rates

Dr. Katherine Luber: Building on a Legacy

Old-School New Orleans Eateries

104

A Season of Art 58

Amazing Butterflies

110

Kellen Kee McIntyre Creating a Golden Age for Bihl Haus Arts 64

Five Things to Remember When Working Toward a Healthier You

114

The Banks of Mary Poppins

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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

Departments September-October 2011 Events Calendar Book Talk: Stephen Harrigan Novelist and Journalist Artistic Destination: Bountiful Branson / A Conversation with Andy Williams

Contributors 34

98 102

Picture This: The Camera Through The Years 118

Cover Credits: Front Cover Photo: Mary Poppins Stephannie Leigh ÂŠ Disney-CML photo by Joan Marcus

Mikel Allen, graphic designer

Harry Langdon

Julie Catalano Cynthia Clark Thomas Duhon Ashley Festa Jack Fishman Dana Fossett Sharon Garcia Dan R. Goddard Vivienne Gautraux Greg Harrison, staff photographer

Susan A. Merkner, copy editor

Michele Krier Christian Lair Kay Lair

Jasmina Wellinghoff

Joan Marcus

Marks Moore Angela Rabke Dawn Robinette Sara Selango Lisa Aiken Shelley Claudia Maceo-Sharp Tom Trevino Janis Turk Oscar Williams Cassandra Yardeni

Performing Arts Cover Photo: Simon Bradfield / istock Events Calendar Cover Photo: Mary Poppins Nicolas Dromard ÂŠ Disney-CML photo by Joan Marcus Visual Arts Cover Photo: Greg Harrison Culinary Arts Cover Photo: Greg Harrison Literary Arts Cover Photo: Greg Harrison Eclectics Cover Photo: Greg Harrison

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

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Performing Arts 10-32

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New Performing Arts Seaso

September and October Are Very E By Sara Selango

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on Begins!

Entertaining

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..his is undoubtedly my favorite time of the pianist Bernd Glemser to the Majestic Theatre stage year. September brings with it the hope of in a program titled Paganini Rhapsody. cooler days while October usually delivers them. I know of five chamber ensembles headed by symphony players, two of which have seasonNot only is weather a hot topic during this transitional opening per formances in the next two months. period between summer and fall, but also in our Camerata San Antonio inaugurates its season conversations is talk of new performing arts seasons with Alla Zingarese, scheduled for Sept. 8, 9 and from a myriad of presenting organizations that 11 in Kerrville, Boerne and San Antonio (Christ begin in these calendar months. It seems shows are Episcopal Church -- new venue), respectively. announced earlier and earlier each year (as far back Following this, the group offers Romance and as May, if memory serves me correctly), a fact which Rhythm in the same three cities Oct. 20, 21 and leaves the entirety of summer to anticipate things 23. Olmos Ensemble’s Summer Music at the to come. Well, I’m anticipated out and sitting on End of the Summer happens Sept. 19 at First ready. September and October promise to be very Unitarian Universalist Church. Other groups led entertaining. Let’s take a look. by symphony musicians include SOLI Chamber Ensemble, Musical Offerings and San Antonio For me, the place to start the discussion is with Brass. Their schedules start a bit later in the year. classical music. Sebastian Lang-Lessing returns for his second season with the San Antonio Symphony A quick look at additional classical presentations Oct. 14-15 at the Majestic. Rimsky-Korsakov’s includes Mid-Texas Symphony’s performance of Scheherazade, Op. 35 is featured along with an Heroes on Sept. 11 in Seguin, pianist Di Wu in a appearance by pianist Alexander Gravrylyuk. On Fredericksburg Musical Club concert Sept. 18, Tunes Oct. 28-29, Lang-Lessing and the orchestra welcome From Transylvania and Beyond by Symphony of the

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Hills in Kerrville Oct. 6, Quarteto Vivace Brasil in a Tuesday Musical Club presentation Oct. 11, pianist Nobuyuki Tsujji in concert for Arts San Antonio Oct. 13, American String Quartet performing for San Antonio Chamber Music Society patrons Oct. 16, and Guidonian Trombone Quartet appearing for Fredericksburg Musical Club the same day. Classical vocal performances are in abundance as well from Voci di Sorelle, tenor Christopher Bolduc, San Antonio Chamber Choir, Cloverleaf Quintet and Gli Unici (San Antonio Three Tenors). Check the listings in this magazine for details. Other musical performances on my radar screen are Katy Perry at AT&T Center Sept. 7, followed by Santana at the same venue four days later, 1964 the Tribute (a fabulous Beatles look-alike, sound-alike group) at the Majestic Sept. 17, Journey at AT&T Sept. 21, local superstar ladies singing group Alamo Metro Chorus of Sweet Adelines Sept. 24 at Roosevelt High School auditorium, Michael Bolton at Illusions Theatre in the Alamodome for Arts San Antonio Sept. 26, Peter Frampton at the Majestic Oct. 19, with Don Williams there the next day, Taylor Swift Oct. 25 at AT&T, and

Huey Lewis and the News Oct. 30 at the Majestic. Moving to live theater, Mary Poppins tops the bill. Coming to the Majestic as part of the Cadillac Broadway in San Antonio Series, this Disney classic is for all ages. Mary flies with umbrella in hand, and Bert the chimney sweep sings and dances his way into your heart. Yes, I’ve seen it on Broadway, and I can tell you it’s an absolutely wonderful show. How could it not be with iconic songs like Chim Chim Cher-ee, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Feed the Birds and Let’s Go Fly a Kite. See it from Sept. 29 through Oct. 9. On local stages, catch High Hair and Jalapenos at the Cameo in early September, followed by Allegro Stage Company’s Fascinating Rhythm also at this intimate St. Paul Square theater Sept. 22-Oct. 16. Sheldon Vexler Theatre features two weekends of Our Town in the first half of September, while the Woodlawn Theatre finishes up its run of Avenue Q on Sept. 11. The Woodlawn follows with two shows featuring overlapping dates. They are Rocky Horror Show Oct. 16-Nov. 5 and The Wiz Oct. 14-30. Check their website

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to see how this times out. The Overtime Theater also has two shows during the months of September and October. First up is Ugly People: A Political Comedy through Sept. 17, then it’s DOA: A Noir Musical Sept. 30-Oct. 29. Xanadu makes a month-long appearance on the big stage at San Pedro Playhouse Sept. 23Oct. 23, while Time Stands Still takes up residence at their Cellar Theater Oct. 14-Nov. 13. For more local and area theater performances, and there are more, go to the events calendar in this magazine.

Although I’ve mentioned a ton of shows, there are many more out there to be enjoyed in San Antonio and the surrounding area. The Texas Hill Country has so much to offer the performing arts patron. Austin is absolutely loaded with live performances at wonderful venues, and it’s just up the road. Corpus Christi offers great shows as well, along with Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley. Highlights from these cities are listed in the events calendar.

The new performing arts season is here. Get some Wonderful dance opportunities are available as tickets and go! well, starting Sept. 2 with Compania Flamenca Jose Porcel at Carver Community Cultural Center. Next is the Second Annual Flamenco Fest: Pasos y Pasiones at Cameo’s Zumbro Caberet Sept. 17-18. Ballet San Antonio also takes to the boards with Dracula at the Lila Cockrell for two performances Oct. 14-15. Photo Credits: Another presenter with its first performance at the beginning of the new season is San Antonio Opera. Pages 10-11 Their Romeo and Juliet can be enjoyed from Sept. 30Oct. 2 at Lila Cockrell Theatre. Mary Poppins Original Tour Company © Disney-CML photo by Joan Marcus

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Page 12 (L-R)

Page 14 (L-R)

1964 The Tribute Courtesy Majestic Theatre

Huey Lewis Courtesy Majestic Theatre

American String Quartet Courtesy americanstringquartet.com Bernd Glemser Courtesy San Antonio Symphony Page 13 (L-R) Compania Flamenca Jose Porcel Courtesy cami.com Di Wu Photo by Senzhong Gans

Mary Poppins – Stephanie Leigh © Disney – CML Photo by Joan Marcus Michael Bolton Courtesy michaelbolton.com Page 15 (L-R) Nobuyuki Tsjuii Courtesy cliburn.org Sebastian Lang-Lessing Photo by Marks Moore Taylor Swift Courtesy taylorswift.com

Don Williams Courtesy don-williams.com

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SLL Era: Looking Back on Season One, Looking Forward to Season Two By Jack Fishman – President & CEO, San Antonio Symphony Photography Marks Moore

n June 4, Sebastian Lang-Lessing completed his first season as music director of the San Antonio Symphony. He was introduced in a special concert in October 2010. His first subscription concerts were in January 2011, after moving to San Antonio and buying a home in Monte Vista in December. So, how is he doing? A music director has all the duties of a conductor, plus the responsibility of managing the artistic growth of the orchestra. So, judging Sebastian Lang-Lessing’s first season as music director is a complex question.

Mr. Lang-Lessing’s customary clarity, attention to detail and sense of line were in full flower.”

Critics, musicians and audience members have been extremely generous in their praise. You can already hear a significant difference in the way the orchestra plays -- and it started off at a very high level before Maestro Lang-Lessing joined the team! I’ve heard musicians say, “It was well worth the three-year search to hire Sebastian.” Rehearsals have been strenuous, concerts exhilarating, and there is a buzz of anticipation in the air. San Antonians are voting with their feet, as First, let’s look at what the critics had to say. audiences are growing in both size and enthusiasm. After the June concert, David Hendricks of the San Antonio Express-News said, “Lang-Lessing’s So in the job of conductor, the maestro gets an conducting style is showy but purposeful, putting A. But how do you evaluate the job he is doing the music first. His programming builds both as music director? Where is he taking the San the audience and the orchestra’s prowess. Next Antonio Symphony? season won’t come soon enough.” Lang-Lessing’s signature programming idea is the Following the first concert of the Tchaikovsky Festival festival. In late April and early May, he led the orchestra in April, Hendricks said, “Then came the exciting finale. in the performance of six Tchaikovsky symphonies Probably everyone in the audience anticipated how in nine days. In January and February 2012, the good it was going to be under Lang-Lessing. It was orchestra will offer a Beethoven Festival, including even better.” all nine symphonies. Lang-Lessing has announced that February 2013 will feature a Brahms Festival, Mike Greenberg of Incident Light said, “The first and 2014 will include a festival of music inspired by weekend of the Tchaikovsky Festival, initiated by the Shakespeare. A key component of these festivals San Antonio Symphony and joined by other musical is artistic collaborations. In next year’s Beethoven groups, turned out to be a major success on every level, Festival, 10 artistic partners will offer a wide variety of with extraordinary performances cheered wildly by events, including all 32 Beethoven piano sonatas, all large and diverse audiences. There were even shouts five cello sonatas and a symphony concert broadcast of ‘Viva’ among the bravos. Throughout these concerts, on KLRN on Beethoven’s birthday, Dec. 16. September-October 2011 | On The Town 17

There are both internal and external goals for these festivals. They offer the symphony audience the rare and intense experience of hearing many major works of an important composer. They increase participation from music lovers who don’t regularly attend the symphony. They also have an internal goal of growing the capacity of the orchestra. It was no simple feat to play all six Tchaikovsky symphonies in just nine days! But as important as programming is, there are lots of other parts of the job. The music director hires guest artists. Maestro Lang-Lessing has brought some extraordinary musicians to San Antonio this season, including cellist Alban Gerhardt and violinist Vadim Gluzman in the last month of the season. The concert in January with pianist Lang Lang was certainly a highlight. But attracting great, but lesser-known artists is a special gift. The maestro certainly gets another A in this category. Next season will feature a one-night-only performance with opera superstar Renée Fleming in March. Fleming and Lang-Lessing are first performing together in San Antonio, and then touring around the country together for two weeks. Lang-Lessing’s opera credentials enabled the symphony to land a spot in this prestigious tour. The maestro also is expanding the repertoire range of the symphony. He has hired Patrick Dupré Quigley to conduct a concert featuring music of the Baroque and Classical eras. Bruckner, Berg and Glanert also will be included. These lesserknown works are carefully balanced by masterpieces by Beethoven, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, Debussy and Brahms. Lang-Lessing also will make his Pops series debut in November, offering his favorite American popular music, including excerpts from Porgy and Bess by Gershwin and West Side Story by Bernstein. Perhaps the most overlooked part of the job is being the public face of the symphony. Lang-Lessing made more personal appearances in his first two months in San Antonio than any other music director I’ve ever seen do in an entire year! He enjoys meeting subscribers and donors, and is an inspiring speaker. Leading an organization as complex as a professional symphony is a challenging job. It’s also a job that needs to take the long view to succeed. Even acknowledging the great beginning, the best is still ahead for Sebastian Lang-Lessing’s tenure as music director of the San Antonio Symphony. 18 On The Town | September-October 2011

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Holland Taylor: My Journey to Ann Richards Coming To San Antonio College in October By Julie Cooper Photography Harry Langdon

ward-winning actress Holland Taylor is of a college education. This October, as part of coming to San Antonio College Oct. 13 for the the Women’s Center’s 30th anniversary celebration, college’s Women’s Center’s 30th anniversary. the scholarship will be awarded to six deserving women students. Taylor will be on stage at 6:30 p.m. in McAllister Auditorium at San Antonio College talking about In September 2006, on the 25th anniversary of how she created her one-woman show about Texas the founding of the Women’s Center, feminist Gov. Ann Richards. My Journey to Ann Richards is free and author Gloria Steinem spoke to a full house and open to the public. Taylor’s appearance at SAC in McAllister Auditorium at SAC. The speech was will benefit the Ann Richards Endowed Scholarship. free and open to the public; however, a private reception was held beforehand with Steinem and Her one-woman show, titled Ann – An Affectionate helped raise an additional $20,000 for the Ann Portrait of Ann Richards, is a play in two acts that she Richards Endowed Scholarship. has taken around the nation, including Texas, with stops in San Antonio, Austin and Galveston. The play sprang from Taylor’s desire to understand and reveal the essence of Richards, the second female governor of Texas and a strong, independent, iconic Texan. My Journey to Ann Richards, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Taylor has received four Emmy nominations for her October 13th role as Evelyn Harper – Charlie and Alan’s mother – on the CBS comedy Two and a Half Men. A native of (Doors open 6 p.m. - seating is first-come, first-served) Pennsylvania, Taylor is a familiar face to TV viewers. She won an Emmy for a dramatic role in The Practice. San Antonio College/McAllister Auditorium She also has appeared on Broadway and in films such 1300 San Pedro Ave. as Legally Blonde, One Fine Day, The Truman Show, Free and open to the public – donations to the The Wedding Date and Romancing the Stone. scholarship will be accepted. The Ann Richards Endowed Scholarship is the only endowed scholarship for women in the Alamo For information call 210-486-0455 or email Colleges, enabling many to pursue their dreams sac-womenctr@alamo.edu.

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The Banks of Mary Poppins By Michele Krier Photography Joan Marcus

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isney’s Mary Poppins is coming to San Antonio. Here for an 11-day run at the Majestic Theatre from Sept. 29 to Oct. 9, this gorgeous musical offers audiences of all ages a wonderful story, extraordinary scenery and an entertaining array of special effects, including Mary flying with her umbrella and Bert the chimney sweep dancing upside down above the stage! And, of course, there’s the music. The incredible score features wistful favorites like Feed the Birds, Let’s Go Fly a Kite and Chim Chim Cher-ee, plus rollicking selections such as Jolly Holiday, A Spoonful of Sugar and the show-stopper Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Several fabulous new songs have been added to the score for the stage version of this Disney classic, as well. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Blythe Wilson, the renowned Canadian actress who brings Winifred Banks to life in the show, putting the spark in her role as the sprightly banker’s wife. Earning rave reviews along the national tour, Wilson has played many familiar lead roles, including Nancy in Oliver!, Laurey in Oklahoma! and Baroness Schrader in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Canadian revival of The Sound of Music. “What pushed me as a performer was Mamma Mia! I would do that part again in a second!” Wilson said of the high-energy musical.

though this version is set in 1910, because it celebrates the family,” Wilson said. “That’s the beauty of this show. It’s happening today—people are letting go of things they can’t afford, getting back to the basics,” she added. “In the end, George finally finds time to go fly a kite with his children.” Canadian Laird Mackintosh, actor, singer and dancer, has joined the U.S. national tour in the role of George Banks. In my conversation with him, he mentioned past roles in The Phantom of the Opera in Toronto, South Pacific, Into the Woods, Anything Goes, My Fair Lady, Hello Dolly and many other Broadway hits. “It’s fun to do the music from Mary Poppins— it’s so classic and iconic. You can just feel the response from the audience,” Mackintosh said. “George is a beautiful character to play,” he added. “He goes on a wonderful journey from where we find him at the beginning of the story to where he finishes, which is great for an actor to explore that character—and how he arrives at all the changes that brings him to the character he is at the end of the story. He is the person Mary’s magic helps the most.”

Mackintosh took singing lessons while he was in the National Ballet Company. “I’m glad that I began as a dancer, and I’m also glad that I had singing,” he said. “All different generations are coming to see Mary “I can say that with every role I’ve ever done in musical Poppins. There’s something for everybody in the show. theater you are on stage—the audience is looking at you People remember the movie and bring their children physically, you are dancing in some way during the show. and grandchildren to see it. We’ll have children from So much of a role is movement.” ages 5-12 and people in their 40s, 50s and 60s coming because they have wonderful memories of the show,” George and Winifred Banks are a family right out of Wilson said. today’s world. “George is teetering on the edge of terrible debt—he could lose everything,” Mackintosh Mary, accustomed to being the star attraction, shares the said, and pointed to the way George relates to his kids stage with Mr. and Mrs. Banks. In many ways, this is Mr. in the beginning of the story. “He practically becomes a Banks’ story. “The show is more about Mr. Banks,” Wilson kid himself at the end. He became absorbed in his work said. “Mary is a spirit or an angel who comes into people’s and lost his relationship with Winifred and the children. It lives to help.” takes some hard knocks for him to wake up, but he does!” We meet the Banks family when their house is in total chaos. “None of the nannies want to stay,” Wilson said. “The kids are wound up and wild—George is having trouble at work. His chairman threatens to fire him from his job. As Mrs. Banks, I sing a song about the position of being the wife and handling the household.”

Wilson, who also came from Toronto, joined the show in Los Angeles. “This is a beautiful way of seeing the U.S., touring across the country,” she said. A bit like the nomadic Mary Poppins herself, Wilson and her husband, along with their dog, travel with everything in two trunks and two suitcases. And like Mary Poppins, she’s only here for a short time, but she and Mackintosh, The focus is on Mr. Banks, who has lost his way in his along with the rest of the cast, to borrow a theme from life and with his family. “Mrs. Banks has to stop him a favorite Poppins ‘ tune, will make the audience happy from losing it. It’s a very relevant story for today, even “in a most delightful way.”

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Ruth Moreland:

Making Music That Is Truly “Benissimo!” By Sharon Garcia

Benissimo! Music’s first project was Voci di Sorelle, Italian for “Voices of Sisters,” a group of 12 female a cappella singers based in San Antonio. Voci’s performances are eclectic, ranging from early music, sacred hymns and traditional folk melodies to Moreland had long been an accomplished musician, modern jazz, world music and classical arrangements. conductor and educator serving on the music Their sound has been described as “ethereal and faculty of Our Lady of the Lake University, as chorus transcendental” by concert attendees, with a sound master for the San Antonio Opera and as associate that is “otherworldly” and “like angels singing.” conductor of the San Antonio Choral Society. But these new works represented her first significant Director Moreland carefully crafts each season’s composing effort, featuring a cappella songs written performance lineup, drawing from a vast and exclusively for women’s voices. varied repertoire to introduce new works and composers to South Texas audiences. Now in its Not long afterward, Moreland called her vocalist eighth season, the ensemble’s concerts also have colleagues together for an informal reading and included guest soloists, children’s choirs and rehearsal of her new pieces. “It was like magic, the instrumentalists on harp, classical guitar, piano, blending of the voices, the amazing harmonies,” percussion, flute and fiddle. Moreland said. “I realized that we had something special here.” In November 2008, Voci di Sorelle released its second CD, Magnificat, a concert of medieval and As rehearsals continued, leading to several Renaissance Christmas music recorded at Mission performances for delighted and amazed audiences, San Jose in San Antonio. This popular Christmas Moreland saw the potential for high-quality vocal concert has been broadcast on Texas Public Radio’s performances that explored different styles, KPAC for four consecutive years. Their previous composers and time periods. It was a niche that had CD, Enchante, included a collection of songs and yet to be filled in San Antonio – or in Texas, for that lullabies from around the world. A third CD is in matter. the works, to be released in October 2012. Entitled Travelin’ Shoes, it will feature a unique collection of In 2004, Moreland established Benissimo! Music American hymns and spirituals. Productions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of “musical excellence and integrity” After the phenomenal success of Voci, Moreland in the production of vocal music performances and felt the time was right to expand Benissimo! Music’s the mentoring of young female singers. cast of performers. In 2009, the Copperleaf Quintet t was July 2003, and composer/musician Ruth Moreland had just finished writing several new compositions inspired by the 19th century Scottish poet, George MacDonald.

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was formed. This vocal quintet of highly trained professional musicians expertly mixes male and female voices to bring audiences unique five-part harmonies and timeless melodies sung in a variety of languages.

the group has added a Hill Country series as part of its season lineup, with additional concerts being held in Kerrville and Bulverde.

For a complete concert calendar and to purchase tickets for both Benissimo! ensembles, visit www. Beginning its second season, Copperleaf plans its benissimomusic.org. musical selections to reflect the history, time period and cultural setting behind the historic venues where the group performs. For example, the quintet’s 2010-11 season included a performance of Spanish Photo Credits: Renaissance music in the San Antonio Museum of Art’s Spanish Colonial Art Gallery, and a concert at Page 26 Southwest School of Art was programmed around Ruth Moreland the elements of the tapestry hanging in the chapel. Photo by Corene Dyer

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The 2011-12 concert seasons for Voci di Sorelle and Page 28 the Copperleaf Quintet kick off this October. Voci’s Voci di Sorelle growing popularity now extends beyond San Antonio; Photo by Sharon Garcia 28 On The Town | September-October 2011

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America Knows Donald Braswell’s Got Talent! By Michele Krier

onald Braswell is a man who truly needs no introduction after winning America’s heart in the America’s Got Talent national television competition. A virtuoso with a musical range covering rock, blues, and pop music to opera, Donald was voted a top finalist and has been touring across the country ever since. He’s per formed over the past few years at concerts in Mexico, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and at the famed New York cabaret hot spot Feinstein’s in addition to the illustrious Carnegie Hall stage.

entertains at many benefit concerts, will per form there in the 2nd Annual Good Samaritans Concert to support a program that provides free doctors for the needy. Tickets, which will sell out, are available through Good Samaritans (830.990.8651). San Antonio Opera, NESA (Northeast School of the Arts) and the SAMMinistries are just a handful of other non-profits groups Donald has helped over the years.

The stars at night will be even bigger and brighter on October 22, when Donald, along with Timothy His devoted fans, “ The Braswellians,” are known Birt and William Chapman, give a special Opera to fly in from across the country to see him and Wine Under The Stars benefit concert for San wherever he’s performing. They were out in force Antonio Opera at Fralo’s in Leon Springs. Call in the front rows for Braswell on Broadway which 210.382.7336 for tickets. Formerly known as the sold-out shows with the San Antonio Symphony Real Divos, the trio now calls themselves Gli Unici this past spring and garnered an astonishing four (pronounced Ylee Oo Neechee) which in Italian standing ovations. With handsome boy-next- means “ The Only Ones.” The three tenors bring door-charm, a heavenly tenor voice, and just down the house with their repertoire of classical, enough devil-may-care humor and sass to keep Broadway, and crossover pop. They per formed the audience smiling, Donald is a sought-after recently at a Uvalde Grand Opera House benefit star across the country. and have been asked back by popular demand for their Christmas concert on December 10. Fan club members get a heads-up so they can snatch-up concert tickets, but here’s a hot Several Donald Braswell CDs are currently Hill Country tip for everyone! The next local available, including We Fall and We Rise Again per formance for Donald Braswell is just up the and the soon-to-be-released Unchained. Details road in Fredericksburg on September 29th at 7pm at www.donaldbraswell.com. at the Steve W. Shepherd Theater. Donald, who September-October 2011 | On The Town 31

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Events Calendar 34-52

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September-October 2011 Events Calendar Music Notes San Antonio Rose Live 9/2-10/29, Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 2pm & 7:30pm Aztec Theatre RockBox Theater in Fredericksburg 9/2-10/29, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 4:30pm & 8pm The Texas Jamm Band (featuring members of George Strait’s Ace in the Hole Band) 9/2, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall

Jon Wolfe 9/3, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Charlie Robison’s Birthday Bash 9/3-4, Sat @ 9pm Sun @ 8pm Gruene Hall

Camerata San Antonio: Alla Zingarese 9/8, Thu @ 7:30pm Kerrville First Presbyterian Church 9/9, Fri @ 7:30pm Boerne First United Methodist Church 9/11, Sun @ 3pm Christ Episcopal Church San Antonio

Spazmatics 9/4, Sun @ 7:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels

Donald Braswell 9/9, Fri @ 11am First Presbyterian Church

Cowboys Musicfest II 9/4, Sun @ 4pm Cowboys San Antonio

Lil’ Wayne with guests Rick Ross, Keri Hilson, Far East Movement and Lloyd 9/9, Fri @ 7pm AT&T Center

Max Stalling 9/2, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Hippiefest 9/5, Mon @ 7pm Freeman Coliseum

Randy Rogers Band 9/3, Sat @ 7:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels

Robb Baird The County Line Music Series 9/7, Wed @ 6:30pm The County Line – IH10

Micky & The Motorcars 9/3, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Katy Perry 9/7, Wed @ 7:30pm AT&T Center

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Duke Davis 9/9, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Josh Abbott Band 9/9, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Jeff Woolsey 9/10, Sat @ 8pm Kendalia Halle

Paul Thorn 9/10, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Jimmy LaFave 9/10, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dancehall Rodney Crowell / Cody Canada and The Departed 9/10, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Mid-Texas Symphony: Heroes 9/11, Sun @ 4pm David Mairs, conductor Jackson Auditorium Texas Lutheran University Seguin Santana with special guest Michael Franti & Spearhead 9/11, Sun @ 7pm AT&T Center Jamie Richards The County Line Music Series 9/14, Wed @ 6:30pm The County Line – IH10

Easton Corbin 9/16, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio Reckless Kelly 9/16, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Mario Flores 9/16, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store San Antonio 3 Tenors: A Tribute to Luciano Pavoratti 9/17, Sat @ 6pm Holy Trinity Catholic Church 1964 The Tribute 9/17, Sat @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys 9/17, Sat @ 8pm Anhalt Hall Bart Trotter with Texas Swing 6 9/17, Sat @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall JB & The Moonshine Band 9/17, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Summer Jazz and Lunch Series: Richard Oppenheim’s A&R Band 9/18, Sun @ 12:30pm Leeper Auditorium McNay Art Museum Di Wu Fredericksburg Music Club Presentation 9/18, Sun @ 3pm Fredericksburg United Methodist Church Olmos Ensemble: Summer Music at the End of the Summer Marianne Gedigian, flute Warren Jones, piano 9/19, Mon @ 7:30pm First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Antonio Queensryche 9/20, Tue @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Scott Wiggins Band The County Line Music Series 9/21, Wed @ 6:30pm The County Line – IH10 Journey with special guests Foreigner and Night Ranger 9/21, Wed @ 7:30pm AT&T Center

Doug Davis & The Note Ropers 9/23, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Pat Green 9/23, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Michael Bolton Arts San Antonio Presentation 9/26, Mon @ 7:30pm Illusions Theater at the Alamodome Incubus 9/27, Tue @ 7:30pm Freeman Colisuem

Alamo Metro Chorus of Sweet Adelines: Spirit of America Mary Ann Wydra, director 9/24, Sat @ 7pm Roosevelt HS Auditorium Def Leppard with special guest Heart 9/24, Sat @ 7:30pm AT&T Center

Granger Smith The County Line Music Series 9/28, Wed @ 6:30pm The County Line – IH10 Donald Braswell 9/29, Thu @ 7pm Steve W. Shepherd Theater Fredericksburg

Jake Hooker and The Outsiders 9/24, Sat @ 8pm Kendalia Halle

Christopher Bolduc Rohe Classical Series Presentation 9/29, Thu @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater, Kerrville

Dirty River Boys 9/24, Sat @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Vincente Fernandez 9/30, Fri @ 8pm AT&T Center

Stewart Mann and The Statesboro Revue 9/24, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Joseph Causby 9/25, Sun @ 4pm St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Almost Patsy Cline Band 9/30, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall My Brother & Me: An Evening with Bruce & Charlie Robison 9/30, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

September-October 2011 | On The Town 35

Bruce Robison 10/1, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Bob Schneider 10/7, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Nick Lawrence 10/14, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Zach Walther Band 10/1, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall

Johnny Dee & The Rocket 88s 10/8, Sat @ 8pm Anhalt Hall

Josh Peek Band 10/14, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

YOSA Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra: England’s Green and Pleasant Land 10/8, Sat @ 7pm Laurel Heights United Methodist Church

San Antonio Symphony: Scheherazade 10/14-15, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor Alexander Gravrylyuk, piano Majestic Theatre

Kyle Park 10/1, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store San Antonio Chamber Choir: Living Water 10/2, Sun @ 3pm St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Voci di Sorelle: Sacred Tranquility-World Music for the Soul 10/2, Sun @ 3pm The Union Chuch Kerrville 10/9, Sun @ 3pm Our Lady of the Atonement Church San Antonio Symphony of the Hills: Tunes from Transylvania and Beyond 10/6, Thu @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville Jimmy Lee Jones 10/7, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Susan Gibson 10/8, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dancehall Quarteto Vivace Brasil Tuesday Muscial Club Presentation 10/11, Tue @ 7:30pm Laurel Heights United Methodist Church Judas Priest Epitaph Tour with Black Label Society and Thin Lizzy 10/12, Wed @ 6pm AT&T Center Nobuyuki Tsujii Arts San Antonio Presentation 10/13, Thu @ 7:30pm Ruth Taylor Recital Hall Trinity University Euphoria Tour featuring Enrique Iglesias with Prince Bull and Prince Royce 10/13, Thu @ 7pm AT&T Center

36 On The Town | September-October 2011

The Cloverleaf Quintet at The Little Church of La Villita 10/15, Sat @ 7:30pm The Chris Story & Southern Edge Band 10/15, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dancehall Wayne Hancock 10/15, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Micky & The Motorcars 10/15, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Guidonian Trombone Quartet Fredericksburg Musical Club Presentation 10/16, Sun @ 3pm Fredericksburg United Methodist Church

American String Quartet San Antonio Chamber Music Society Presentation 10/16, Sun @ 3:15pm Temple Beth-El Billy Mata and Texas Tradition 10/16, Sun @ 6pm Anhalt Hall Andre Rieu 10/18, Tue @ 7:30pm AT&T Center Peter Frampton 10/19, Wed @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Don Williams 10/20, Thu @ 7pm Majestic Theatre Camerata San Antonio: Romance and Rhythm 10/20, Thu @ 7:30pm Kerrville First Presbyterian Church 10/21, Fri @ 7:30pm Boerne First United Methodist Church 10/23, Sun @ 3pm Christ Episcopal Church San Antonio Almost Patsy Cline Band 10/21, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Raul Malo Band 10/21-22, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall

September-October 2011 | On The Town 37

Roger Creager 10/21, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Bush 10/28, Fri @ TBD Sunken Garden Amphitheater

High Hair & Jalapenos 9/1-11, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Cameo Theatre

San Antonio 3 Tenors: Benefit for SA Opera 10/22, Sat @ 7pm Fralos-Leon Springs

Jimmy Lee Jones 10/28, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Ugly People: A Political

The Diamonds 10/22, Sat @ 7:30pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels Cedarsqueezers 10/22, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Choral Evensong 10/23, Sun @ 4pm St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Mid-Texas Symphony: Made in America 10/23, Sun @ 4pm David Mairs, conductor Sharon Kuster, bassoon Civic Center New Braunfels Randy Travis 10/23, Sun @ 8pm John T. Floore Country Store Taylor Swift 10/25, Tue @ 7pm AT&T Center

Paganini Rhapsody 10/28-29, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor Bernd Glemser, piano Majestic Theatre San Antonio Symphony Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular 10/30, Sun @ 2:30pm Laurie Auditorium Trinity University Huey Lewis & The News 10/30, Sun @ 7pm Majestic Theatre

On Stage Smudge Attic Repertory Presentation 9/1-4, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Attic Theatre Trinity University Our Town 9/1-11, Thu @ 7:30pm Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Sheldon Vexler Theatre

38 On The Town | September-October 2011

Comedy 9/1-17, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm (9/4 only) (No show Fri, 8/2) The Overtime Theater at Blue Star Arts Complex Noises Off 9/1-10/1, Thu-Sat @ 8pm (Dinner @ 6:15pm) Harlequin Dinner Theatre Avenue Q: The Broadway Musical 9/2-11, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm Woodlawn Theatre Funny Money 9/8-10/2, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Circle Arts Theatre New Braunfels Much Ado About Nothing Playhouse 2000 Presentation 9/9-10, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm 9/16-18, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm 9/22-24, Thu-Sat @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville

Diva Academy 9/9-24, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm The Rose Theatre Company The Glass Menagerie 9/9-25, Thu-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Steve W. Shepard Theater Fredericksburg Dearly Departed 9/16-10/1, Thu @ 7:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Boerne Community Theatre The Case of the Deadly Detective Dinner Cameo Theatre Presentation 9/17, 10/1, 15, 29 – Friday @ 6:30pm Spaghetti Warehouse Fascinating Rhythm An Allegro Stage Company Presentation 9/22-10/16, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Cameo Theatre Holder Posey, The Felonious Photographer, or…Step into My Darkroom and We’ll See What Develops 9/23-1015, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Elizabeth Huth Coates Theatre Hill Country Arts Foundation Ingram

Xanadu 9/23-24, Fri-Sat @8pm 9/30-10/23, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Russell Hill Rogers Theater San Pedro Playhouse Mary Poppins 9/29-10/9, Tue-Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 1pm & 6:30pm (10/5, Wed matinee @ 2pm) Majestic Theatre DOA: A Noir Musical 9/30-10/29, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm (7/24 only) (No show Fri, 10/7) The Overtime Theater at Blue Star Arts Complex Rocky Horror Show 10/6-11/5, Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 10:30pm (10/31, Halloween show @ 8pm) Woodlawn Theatre Be My Baby 10/13-15, Thu-Sat @ 8pm (dinner @ 6:30pm) 10/20-30, Thu-Sat @ 8pm (dinner @ 6:30pm) Sun @ 4pm S.T.A.G.E â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Spotlight Theatre & Arts Group, etc. Bulverde Dracula 10/14-15, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Lila Cockrell Theater

The Crucible Playhouse 2000 Presentation 10/14-15, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm 10/21-23, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm 10/27-29, Thu-Sat @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville Manson Girls 10/14-29, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm The Rose Theatre Company The Wiz 10/14-30, Fri-Sat @ 7pm Sun @ 3pm Woodlawn Theatre The House of Bernarda Alba Classic Theatre Presentation 10/14-30, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Sterling Houston Theatre at Blue Star Wizard of Oz 10/14-30, Days/Times TBA Palace Theater Seguin Time Stands Still 10/14-11/13, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Cellar Theater San Pedro Playhouse September-October 2011 | On The Town 39

Opera Romeo and Juliet San Antonio Opera Presentation 9/30-10/2, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Lila Cockrell Theater

Dance

Tommy Blaze 9/1-4, Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sun @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club

Wendy Liebman 9/22-25, Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Champions of Magic 9/2, Fri @ 7:30pm Lila Cockrell Theater

Glenn Wool 9/21-25, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club

International Stars of Magic 9/3, Sat @ 7:30pm Lila Cockrell Theater Comedy Magic Cavalcade 9/4, Sun @ 7:30pm Lila Cockrell Theater

Ralphie May 9/26-27, Mon-Tue @ 7:30pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Ron Shock 9/7-11, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Chris Strait 9/28-10/1, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club

Manny Oliveira 9/7-11, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club

Bobby Lee 9/30-10/2, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Comedy

Andrew Kennedy 9/14-18, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Cowboy Bill Martin 10/5-9, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Rodney Laney 9/1-4, Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Darrell Joyce 9/14-18, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club

Mike Burton 10/5-9, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club

Compania Flamenca Jose Porcel 9/2, Sun @ 6pm Jo Long Theatre at Carver Community Cultural Center The Land of Oz 9/14-15, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Jo Long Theatre at Carver Community Cultural Center 2nd Annual Flamenco Fest: Pasos y Pasiones 9/17-18, Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Zumbro Cabaret at Cameo Theatre

40 On The Town | September-October 2011

Pauly Shore 10/11, Tue @ 8:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club 10/12, Wed @ 7:30pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Reese Waters 10/12-16, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Jimmy Shubert 10/13-16, Thu & S un @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club John Morgan 10/19-23, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Adam Hunter 10/19-23, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club JR Brow 10/26-30, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club

September-October 2011 | On The Town 41

John DiCrosta 10/27-30, Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

On Exhibit

For The Kids

Hudson (Show)Room Tracey Moffat Thru 9/11

The Jungle Book 9/2-3, Fri @ 10:30am Sat @ 2pm 9/6-24, Tue-Fri @ 9:45am & 11:30am Fri @ 7pm, Sat @ 2pm Magik Theatre Disney Live: Three Classic Fairy Tales 9/9, Fri @ 3pm & 7pm Lila Cockrell Theater Trick or Treat 10/5-27, Wed-Thu @ 10am Sat @ 11am The Rose Theatre Company Who Let the Ghosts Out? 10/7-11/12, Tue-Fri @ 9:45am & 11:30am Fri @ 7pm, Sat @ 2pm Magik Theatre

ARTPACE Window Works Potter-Belmar Labs Thru 9/11

International ArtistIn-Residence New Works: 11.2 Andrea Buttner Kurt Mueller Adrian Williams Chus Martinez, curator Thru 9/18 Hudson (Show) Room Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller 9/22-12/31 Window Works Justin Boyd 9/22-12/31 International Artist-InResident Frank Benson Graham Fagen Jeff Williams Russell Ferguson, curator Opens 11/17

BLUE STAR CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER Chuck Ramirez Minimally Baroque 9/1-11/6 Rudolpho Choperena Recent Works 9/1-11/6 Carlos Betancourt Archaic Substance 9/1-11/6 Debra Sugerman Looking Back – The Minutia Series Continues 9/1-11/6 Arts & Eats 2011 11/16, Wed / 7pm-11pm Blue Star Contemporary Art Center GUADALUPE CULTURAL CENTER By Permit Only Thru 11/19 INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES

BIHL HAUS ARTS

Texas Football: In Their Words Thru 9/13

Joan Frederick’s Photographs with Issues Thru 10/22

Football: The Exhibit Thru 9/13

42 On The Town | September-October July-August 2009 2011

Leaving Home, Finding Home: Texan Families Remember the Mexican Revolution Thru 9/18 Texas Contemporary Artists Series: Ithica by Rex Hausmann Thru 10/30 40 Years of Texas Folklife Festival Memories Thru 4/2012 Griff Smith’s Texas Opens 10/1 McNAY ART MUSEUM George Nelson: Architect, Writer, Designer, Teacher Thru 9/11 A Fine Line: The Woodcuts of John Lee Thru 9/18 Nina Humphrey: Circling the Center Thru 10/2 Shakespeare to Sondheim: Designs from the Tobin Collection 9/7-12/18 Nightmare Before Christmas 9/14-1/1

The Orient Expressed: Japan’s Influence on Western Art, 1854-1918 10/5-1/15 Cassatt and the Orient: Japan’s Influence on Printmaking 10/5-1/15 Art + Present: Gifts from the Peter Norton Family 10/5-1/15 MUSEO ALAMEDA Revolution and Renaissance: Mexico and San Antonio 1910-2010 Thru 9/20 SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN Art In The Garden: Texas Uprising – Selections from The Texas Sculpture Group Thru 3/1/12 Amazing Butterflies 9/17-1/8 SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART Feria! – Folk Art from Regional Fairs in Latin America Thru 10/9

Paul Jacoulet: Views of Korea Thru 11/6 Animal Instinct: The Photographs of Daniel Lee 9/3-2/19 5000 Years of Chinese Jade 10/1-2/19 SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART Laura McPhee: River of No Return 9/1-11/20 Barbara Riley: Bittersweet 9/1-11/13 University of Texas at San Antonio Graduate Students: Emerging Talent 9/1-11/20 Southwest School of Art Photography Studio: Plastic Fantastic 9/1-10/9 Off-site at Central Library Gallery WITTE MUSEUM Amazon Voyage: Viscous Fishes and Other Riches Thru 9/5 September-October 2011 | On The Town 43

Water in Motion: Past, Present and Future of the San Antonio River Thru 9/5

Jazz’SAlive 9/24-25, Sat / 12pm-11pm Sun / 12pm-10pm Travis Park

Odyssey’s SHIPWRECK! Pirates and Treasures 10/1-1/8

25th Annual Gruene Music & Wine Fest 10/6-9, Thu-Sun Gruene

Miscellaneous

International Accordion Festival 10/7-9 La Villita

Tejas Rodeo Thru 11/19, Sat @ 7:30pm Bulverde Fotoseptiembre USA International Photography Festival 9/1-30 Locations across the city First Friday Art Walk 9/2 & 10/7, Fri / 6-9pm Southtown / Blue Star / King William Fashion’s Night Out Contemporary Art and High Style Merge (a collaboration with Blue Star Contemporary Art Center) 9/8, Thu / 6-9pm The Shops at La Cantera Taste of San Antonio 10/9, Sun / 12pm-5pm Pearl Brewery

2011 Holiday Ole Market Presented by Valero 10/19-22, Wed-Sat Alzafar Shrine Auditorium March of Dimes 23rd Annual Signature Chefs Auction© 10/26, Wed @ 6:30pm Pearl Stables Culinaria-Totally Salsa: Texas Spiced Up! 10/30, 1pm-5pm Rio Cibolo Ranch Marion

Area Highlights Austin Red Hot Patriot 9/1-11/13, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Whisenhunt Stage Zachary Scott Theatre

44 On The Town | September-October July-August 2011 2011

Buddy Guy with the Michael Williams Band Austin City Limits Live 9/3, Sat @ 6:30pm Moody Theater Ballet Afrique Contemporary Dance Re-Flexions with guest Toni Bravo 9/3-4, Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 4pm Rollins Studio Theatre at The Long Center Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion “Summer Love” Tour Austin City Limits Live 9/7, Wed @ 6pm Moody Theater Sade with special guest John Legend 9/7, Wed @ 7:30pm Frank Erwin Center University of Texas Michael Feinstein Big Band: Sinatra Project Texas Performing Arts Presentation 9/8, Thu @ 8pm Bass Concert Hall University of Texas Rodney Crowell Austin City Limits Live 9/9, Fri @ 6:30pm Moody Theater

Jim Gaffigan Texas Performing Arts Presentation 9/9, Fri @ 7pm Bass Concert Hall University of Texas The Rippingtons 9/9, Fri @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre Austin Symphony: Joshua Bell, violin Peter Bay, conductor 9/9-10, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Sisters of Song: Pamela Hart and Nada Stearns 9/11, Sun @ 7pm One World Theatre Santana with Michael Fanti Austin City Limits Live 9/12 & 14, Mon & Wed @ 6pm Moody Theater Return To Forever IV with Zappa Plays Zappa Austin City Limits Live 9/13, Tue @ 6:30pm Moody Theater Bon Iver with Kathleen Edwards 9/13, Tue @ 8pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center

ACL Taping with Coldplay 9/15, Thu @ 7pm Moody Theater The Cherry Orchard Texas Performing Arts Presentation 9/16-18, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm 9/21-25, Wed-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Oscar G. Brockett Theatre University of Texas

Spring Awakening 9/20-11/13, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pmpm Kleberg Stage Zach Scott Theatre Rappahonnock County Texas Performing Arts Presentation 9/21-22, Wed-Thu @ 8pm McCullough Theatre University of Texas

ACL Taping with Arcade Fire 9/17, Sat @ 7pm Moody Theater

Loretta Lynn Austin City Limits Live 9/22, Thu @ 6:30pm Moody Theater

ACL Taping with Gomez 9/19, Mon @ 1pm Moody Theater

Journey with special guests Foreigner and Night Ranger 9/22, Thu @ 7pm Frank Erwin Center University of Texas

ACL Taping with Randy Newman 9/19, Mon @ 7pm Moody Theater Basia 9/20, Tue @ 7pm & 9:30pm On World Theatre Rain â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A Tribute to The Beatles Texas Performing Arts Presentation 9/20-25, Tue-Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 1pm & 7pm The Long Center

Mike Epps and Friends Comedy Explosion Texas Performing Arts Presentation 9/24, Sat @ 8pm Bass Concert Hall University of Texas An Evening with Pat Metheny featuring Larry Grenadier 9/27, Tue @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre Joe Jonas and Jay Sean Austin City Limits Live 9/28, Wed @ 6:30pm Moody Theater Crisol Danza Teatro Texas Performing Arts Presentation 9/28, Wed @ 8pm McCullough Theatre University of Texas

Erasure Austin City Limits Live 9/23, Fri @ 6:30pm Moody Theater

Blondie Austin City Limits Live 9/29, Thu @ 6:30pm Moody Theater

Weird Al Yankovic: The Alpocalypse Tour Austin City Limits Live 9/24, Sat @ 6:30pm Moody Theater

Tiesto 9/29, Thu @ 9pm Cedar Park Center

Leon Redbone 9/24, Sat @ 7pm One World Theatre

Boz Skaggs with Michael McDonald Austin City Limits Live 9/30, Fri @ 6:30pm Moody Theater

Meshell Ndegeocello 9/30, Fri @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre Ballet Austin: The Mozart Project 9/30-10/1, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Eric Johnson & Seth Landreth 9/30, Fri @ 8pm Paramount Theatre Turtle Island String Quartet with Mike Marshall Texas Performing Arts Presentation 9/30-10/1, Fri-Sat @ 8pm McCullough Theatre University of Texas Austin Pictures with Peter Bay Austin City Limits Live 10/1, Sat @ 6:30pm Moody Theater Miranda Lambert 10/1, Sat @ 7:30pm Cedar Park Center Incubus 10/1, Sat @ 7:30pm The Backyard at Bee Cave

September-October 2011 | On The Town 45

George Benson One World Theatre Presentation 10/1, Sat @ 8pm Riverbend Centre Anjelah Johnson 10/1, Sat @ 8pm & 10:30pm Paramount Theatre Javier Colon 10/2, Sun @ 6pm & 8:30pm One World Theatre George Jones Austin City Limits Live 10/6, Thu @ 6:30pm Moody Theater Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night 10/7, Fri @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre

National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China 10/9, Sun @ 4pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center B.B. King with Leon Russell Austin City Limits Live 10/9, Sun @ 6:30pm Moody Theater Roger Daltrey Performs The Who’s Tommy 10/11, Tue @ 7:30pm Cedar Park Center Life in a Marital Institution 10/11-16, Tue-Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 4pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center

Dolly Parton 10/7, Fri @ 7:30pm Cedar Park Center

KD Lang & The Siss Boom Bang 10/12, Wed @ 8pm Paramount Theatre

Shaq All-Star Comedy Jam 10/7, Fri @ 8pm Paramount Theatre

Diane Schuur 10/13, Thu @ 8pm One World Theatre

Girls Night Out 10/7-8, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center

Bela Fleck & The Flecktones 10/13, Thu @ 8pm Paramount Theatre

46 On The Town | September-October 2011

An Da Union Texas Performing Arts Presentation 10/13, Thu @ 8pm Bass Concert Hall University of Texas Dark Star Orchestra Austin City Limits Live 10/14, Fri @ 6pm Moody Theater Adam Corolla 10/14, Fri @ 8pm Paramount Theatre Jonathan Franzen Texas Performing Arts Presentation 10/14, Fri @ 8pm Bass Concert Hall University of Texas Austin Symphony: Holst’s “The Planets” Conspirare Women’s Chorus Narration and Images from NASA Peter Bay, conductor 10/14-15, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Michael Franks 10/15, Sat @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band 10/16, Sun @ 7pm One World Theatre

Don Williams 10/16, Sun @ 8pm Paramount Theatre Peter Frampton Austin City Limits Live 10/18, Tue @ 6:30pm Moody Theater Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet Texas Performing Arts Presentation 10/18, Tue @ 8pm Bates Recital Hall University of Texas Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys 10/18, Tue @ 8pm One World Theatre Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy Masters of the Fiddle 10/19, Wed @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre Complexions Contemporary Ballet 10/19, Wed @ 7:30pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Adele 10/19, Wed @ 8pm The Theatre at Frank Erwin Center University of Texas

September-October 2011 | On The Town 47

So You Think You Can Dance 10/21, Fri @ 7pm Cedar Park Center Little River Band 10/21, Fri @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre Austin Symphony Orchestra: Tiempo Libre Sarah & Ernest Butler Pops Series 10/21, Fri @ 8pm Peter Bay, conductor Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Chamber Orchestra Kremlin 10/22, Sat @ 8pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Austin Symphony Orchestra:Halloween Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Concert 10/23, Sun @ 2pm Irv Wagner, guest conductor Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Mary Chapin Carpenter with Loudon Wainwright III Austin City Limits Live 10/23, Sun @ 6pm Moody Theater

The Music of Abba Arrival from Sweden 10/23, Sun @ 6pm & 8:30pm One World Theatre St. Vincent Austin City Limits Live 10/24, Mon @ 6pm Moody Theater WWE Presents Monday Night RAW 10/24, Mon @ 7:15pm Frank Erwin Center The Infernal Comedy Featuring John Malkovich Texas Performing Arts Presentation 10/24-25, Mon-Tue @ 8pm Bass Concert Hall University of Texas Taylor Swift 10/26, Wed @ 7pm Frank Erwin Center University of Texas Huey Lewis and The News 10/26, Wed @ 7:30pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Dream Theater Texas Performing Arts Presentation 10/26, Wed @ 8pm Bass Concert Hall University of Texas

48 On The Town | September-October 2011

The Improvised Shakespeare Company 10/27-30, Thu @ 7:30pm Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 4pm & 8pm Sun @ 3pm & 7pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Texas Performing Arts Presentation 10/28, Fri @ 8pm 10/30, Sun @ 2pm & 8pm 11/2-4, Wed-Fri @ 9pm 11/6, Sun @ 2pm B. Iden Payne Theatre University of Texas Bassnectar 10/29, Sat @ 6:30pm Cedar Park Center

Labor Day By The Bay with the Randy Rogers Band and Pat Green 9/4, Sun @ 6pm Old Concrete Street Amphitheater Del Castillo 9/4, Sun @ 8pm Brewster Street Ice House Brandon Rhyder 9/8, Thu @ 8pm Brewster Street Ice House The Pictures 9/9, Fri @ 8pm Brewster Street Ice House Cold 9/14, Wed @ 8pm Brewster Street Ice House

Corpus Christi

Aaron Watson 9/15, Thu @ 8pm Brewster Street Ice House

Cody Canada & The Departed 9/1, Thu @ 8pm Brewster Street Ice House

Metal Shop 9/17, Sat @ 8pm

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee 9/2-18, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Harbor Playhouse The Spazmatics 9/2, Fri @ 8pm Brewster Street Ice House

Roger Creager 9/22, Thu @ 8pm Brewster Street Ice House Le Freak 9/23, Fri @ 8pm Brewster Street Ice House JR Castillo 9/24, Sat @ 8pm Brewster Street Ice House

Menopause The Musical 10/6, Thu @ 7:30pm Selena Auditorium at American Bank Center

Hall of Fame Fight Night 10/24, Sat @ 7:30pm American Bank Center Arena

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street 10/7-30, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Harbor Playhouse

Chris Tomlin: And If Our God is For Us Tour 10/26, Wed @ 7:30pm Selena Auditorium at American Bank Center

Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra: Russian Spectacular 10/8, Sat @ 8pm Sirena Haung, violin John Giordano, conductor

Sean Jones Corpus Christi Live! Presentation 10/28, Fri @ 7:30pm Performing Arts Center – Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi

Judas Priest Epitaph Tour with Black Label Society and Thin Lizzy 10/14, Fri @ 6pm Old Concrete Street Amphitheater Bush and Chevelle 10/21, Fri @ 6pm Old Concrete Street Amphitheater ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd: Rebels and Bandoleros 10/21, Fri @ 7pm American Bank Center Arena WWE Supershow 10/22, Sat @ 7:30pm American Bank Center Arena

Three Doors Down & Theory of a Deadman – Time of My Life Tour 10/29, Sat @ 5:30pm Old Concrete Street Amphitheater Laredo Shrine Circus 9/16-18, Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 11am, 3pm & 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm & 6pm Laredo Energy Arena Enrique Iglesias Euphoria Tour with Pitbull and Prince Royce 10/16, Sun @ 7pm Laredo Energy Arena

ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd: Rebels and Bandoleros 10/23, Sun@ 7pm Laredo Energy Arena Rio Grande Valley Shrine Circus 9/2-4, Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 3pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm & 6pm State Farm Arena Hidalgo Joan Sebastian with special guest Beatriz Adriana 10/8, Sat @ 8pm State Farm Arena Valley Symphony Orchestra: The Concert of the Century Peter Dabrowski, conductor 9/29, Thu @ 8pm McAllen Convention Center The Yellow Jackets Arts Center Signature Series Presentation 9/30, Fri @ 7:30pm Arts Center – University of Texas Brownsville /Texas Southmost College

Carol Welsman Arts Center Signature Series Presentation 10/12, Wed @ 7:30pm Arts Center – University of Texas Brownsville /Texas Southmost College ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyd 10/20, Thu @ 7pm State Farm Arena Hidalgo Valley Symphony Orchestra: Chamber Series Concert 1 10/22, Sat @ 8pm International Museum of Art and Science Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Super Heroes 10/27-30, Thu @7pm Fri @ 10:30am & 7pm Sat @ 2pm & 5:30pm Sun @ 1pm & 4:30pm State Farm Arena Hidalgo

Photo Credits Page 34 (L-R) San Antonio Rose Live Courtesy saroselive.com Rockbox Theater Courtesy rockboxtheater. com

September-October 2011 | On The Town 49

Max Stalling Courtesy maxstalling.com Jon Wolfe Courtesy liveatflores.com Page 35 (L-R Spazmatics Courtesy thespazmatics. net Donald Braswell Courtesy donaldbraswell. com David Mairs Courtesy mtsymphony.org

San Antonio Chamber Choir Courtesy sachamberchoir. org Voci di Sorrelle Courtesy bennisimomusic. org Dr. Jay Dunnahoo Courtesy symphonyofthehills.org

Don Williams Courtesy don-williams. com Roger Creager Courtesy rogercreager. com Taylor Swift Courtesy taylorswift.com Page 43 (L-R)

Page 39 (L-R) Bob Schneider Courtesy liveatfloores.com

Randy Travis Courtesy liveatfloores.com Bernd Glemser Courtesy San Antonio Symphony

Mario Flores Courtesy liveatfloores.com

Quarteto Vivace Brasil Courtesy quartetovivace. com

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1964 The Tribute Courtesy Majestic Theatre

Nobuyuki Tsjuii Courtesy cliburn.org

High Hair & Jalapenos Courtesy highhairandjalapenos.com

Di Wu Photo by Senzhong Gans

Sebastian Lang-Lessing Photo by Marks Moore

Mark Ackerman Courtesy olmosensemble. org

American String Quartet Courtesy americanstringquartet. com

Pat Green Courtesy patgreen.com

Billy Mata Courtesy billymata.com

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Kyle Park Courtesy kylepark.com

Andre Rieu Courtesy andrerieu.com

50 On The Town | September-October 2011

Ugly People: A Political Comedy Courtesy theovertimetheater.org Mary Poppins – Stephanie Leigh © Disney – CML Photo by Joan Marcus Compania Flamenca Jose Porcel Courtesy cami.com

Page 45 (L-R) 2nd Annual Flamenco Fest Courtesy cameotheatre. com Wendy Liebman Courtesy wendyliebman. com John Morgan Courtesy johnmorgan.com Flower Girl Courtesy bihlhausarts.org Page 46 (L-R) Football Exhibit Courtesy texancultures. com Marshmallow Sofa, 1956 George Nelson, ca. 1965 Vitra Design Museum Archive Amazing Butterflies Exhibit Courtesy San Antonio Botanical Garden Bear Late Western Han dynasty to Early Eastern Han dynasty, 1st century BC-1st century AD Nephrite M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.: Gift of Arthur M. Sackler, S1987.25 San Antonio Museum of Art

Page 48 (L-R) Tejas Rodeo Photo by Catchit Photos Barbara Chisholm as Molly Ivins Courtesy zachtheatre.com Micheal Feinstein Courtesy michaelfeinstein. com Joshua Bell Courtesy joshuabell.com Page 49 (L-R) Basia Courtesy oneworldtheatre.org Turtle Island Quartet Courtesy turtleislandquartet.com

Girls Night: The Musical Courtesy entertainmentevents.com National Acrobats of the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republic of China Courtesy cami.com Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet Courtesy windquintet. com Page 51 (L-R) Chamber Orchestra Kremlin Courtesy chamberorchestrakremlin. ru Randy Rogers Band Courtesy randyrogersband.com

George Benson Courtsey oneworldtheatre.org Chuck Negron Courtesy oneworldtheatre.org Page 50 (L-R) Dolly Parton Courtesy dollyparton.com September-October 2011 | On The Town 51

52 On The Town | September-October 2011

Visual Arts 54-74

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54 On The Town | September-October 2011

Building on a Legacy Katherine Luber Brings Entrepreneurial, Marketing and Curating Experience to Kelso Director Position at SAMA By Dan R. Goddard Photography Oscar Williams

he San Antonio Museum of Art has assembled some great collections during its first three decades, but new director Katherine Luber said her major challenge will be figuring out ways of bringing in more people to see them.

scholarship with business management and marketing know-how.” A native of Houston, she studied art at Yale University as an undergraduate. She earned her master’s at the University of Texas at Austin and her doctorate at Bryn Mawr College near Philadelphia. She began her career with internships at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston and New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, followed by a 12-month Fulbright Scholar residency at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria.

“SAMA has incredibly interesting and broadranging collections, but we need more visitors,” Luber said. “One of my strengths is marketing, and I intend to work on projecting a better image for the museum. We need to make the collections more accessible to a broader public. Having access to such a high-quality museum can have a huge impact on the life of the community.” “ The Kunsthistorisches is one of the greatest and oldest museums in the world, and I treasure the Following a national search, SAMA’s board of year I got to spend studying its collections,” Luber trustees named Luber the new director in May. said. “My research also took me to Prague, which Former director Marion Oettinger Jr., has returned was still behind the Iron Curtain, so it was a bit of a to serving as full-time curator of the museum’s cloak-and-dagger adventure. I spent my Fulbright Latin American art collection. Luber officially year working on my dissertation about Albrecht began work on July 1. Dürer and the Venetian Renaissance.” “I’m a fifth-generation Texan, and I’ve always had an itch to get back,” Luber said. “My specialty is the Renaissance, but I spent much of my career at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where I worked with several different collections, ranging from 19th-century French paintings to the famous Rodin collection. I’ve also run my own business, so I think my experiences combine art historical

In 1993, she became a John G. Johnson Curator in the department of European paintings at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, serving under its legendary director Anne d’Harnoncourt. “Anne was a great inspiration to me, and she encouraged the curators to be entrepreneurial when it came to presenting exhibits and raising money,” Luber said. “I think Anne gave me some good models for how September-October 2011 | On The Town 55

to reach out to people and get them involved in a museum. You have to have a compelling mission.” Luber curated numerous exhibits at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, including the awardwinning Recognizing Van Eyck, a survey of the Netherlandish painter Jan van Eyck (c.1385–1441), and Leaves of Gold, which featured medieval and Renaissance miniature paintings from Philadelphia museums and libraries. She also researched and directed the installation of the museum’s Latin American colonial paintings. “We were a much smaller museum than our counterparts in New York and Washington, but I think it was good training for SAMA because the curators were expected to work with collections that might have been outside their expertise,” Luber said. “I worked with the European collections, where I oversaw the installation of the galleries of 19th-century French paintings, but I also was in charge of the reinstallation of the Rodin collection in the Paul Cret building. When you work with different collections, you begin to see connections and how the collections can inform each other.” She then moved with her family to Baltimore, where her husband, Philip Luber, an academic psychiatrist and medical educator, has taught at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. In 2005, she earned an MBA from Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business and soon launched her own boutique company, The Seasoned Palate, which specializes in organic spices sold in one-teaspoon packets to ensure flavor and freshness. “At the time, chefs were telling people to throw out their stale spices and buy fresh, so I thought there had to be a better way,” Luber said. “I started the business with my friend Sara Engram, who had worked at the Baltimore Sun. Our TSP spices line is sold in more than 300 retail stores in the United States, Canada and Europe.” The pair has written a cookbook, The Spice Kitchen, whose mantra is “Eat locally but season globally.” Starting and running her own business provided a wealth of practical experience that she believes will prove valuable as the director of SAMA. “Conceiving the product, putting it together, 56 On The Town | September-October 2011

selling it and doing the PR — really, it’s not all that different from what curators are expected to do when they organize an exhibition,” Luber said. “I have continued to publish widely in art history, so I have kept my hand in the museum world, and I knew someday that I would get back to it. I’m thrilled to be the new director of SAMA. The opening of the new Museum Reach has breathed new life into the neighborhood, and the museum is in a great place to build on the legacy of the collectors who established the museum. Now the challenge is to attract more people to see SAMA’s world-class collections.” Note: Originally published in the Summer 2011 issue of View; published here courtesy San Antonio Museum of Art.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 54 Dr. Katherine Luber shown along the museum reach portion of the River Walk behind the San Antonio Musuem of Art Page 56 Emily Jones, Chief Operating Officer of San Antonio Museum of Art visits with Dr. Luber Page 57 Dr. Marion Oettinger, Jr., Curator of Latin American Art, shows Katherine Luber some of the works in SAMA’s storage.

September-October 2011 | On The Town 57

A SEASON OF ART By Cassandra Yardeni

chool is back in session, the staggering temperatures are beginning to drop—and there’s no better way to celebrate the changing of the seasons than to explore the cultural buffet all around San Antonio! Fall ushers in a variety of new and exciting art exhibitions throughout the city: You can glimpse man’s wild side, dive into a world of sunken treasure and pirate’s booty, relive the Nightmare Before Christmas and much more.

span more than 150 years of fashion. In addition, Out of the Vault: Celebrating 85 Years of Collecting at the Witte showcases the best Witte artifacts, including those drawn from natural history, art, military, arms and armor, anthropology, archives and historical collections.

Learn about the Witte’s colorful history and exciting future in Witte Through Time: 85 Years and Still Growing, a photographic exhibition that surveys Oct. 8 marks the Witte Museum’s 85th anniversary. the museum’s growth and development within To celebrate the event, the Witte presents three the community since 1926. Then, catch a sneak exhibitions that highlight the breadth, diversity and peek at the future of the Witte through its campus significance of the museum’s impressive collection, expansion artist renderings. which lays claim to more than 180,000 artifacts. The Witte Wardrobe: 85 Years of Collecting Textiles is on Beginning Oct. 1, embark upon SHIPWRECK! display through March 25, highlighting one of the Pirates and Treasure, an exhibition that explores Witte’s largest collections. The exhibit features an shipwrecks, pirate lore and sunken treasure. Making exquisite sample of clothing and accessories that its Texas debut at the Witte, SHIPWRECK! features 58 On The Town | September-October 2011

in-depth stories behind some of the world’s most storied shipwrecks, recovered by Odyssey Marine Exploration around the world spanning centuries of maritime history. Delve into the wreck of the SS Republic through the Odyssey’s cutting-edge technology; visitors can even operate ROV ZEUS’ robotic arm in an interactive challenge to recover coins. The exhibit also features interactive piratethemed experiences, lore and fun facts.

Sprint over to Football: The Exhibit before Sept. 18 to experience a hands-on study of the science behind the game. Concurrently, ITC presents Texas Football: In Their Words, an exhibit which explores the role football culture plays in our lives. Players, coaches, cheerleaders, band members, fans, parents and others answer, “What does football mean to you?” Their insights reveal why, to many, football is not only a game, but a way of life.

Travel to 1910 and investigate the happenings that caused thousands of Mexicans to flee their homeland during the Mexican Revolution. Through Sept. 18, the Institute of Texan Cultures features Leaving Home, Find Home: Texan Families Remember the Mexican Revolution, a haunting exhibit which recounts triumphs, contributions and challenges through oral histories and stunning photographs.

Through Oct. 30, the ITC presents San Antonio native Rex Hausmann’s Ithica, inspired by a Constantine Cavafy poem of a similar title. Ithica pays homage to the Alamo City through a beautiful blend of personal mementos and iconic images of local landmarks such as the Olmos Pharmacy marquee and the Cool Crest Miniature Golf sign.

40 Years of Texas Folklife Festival Memories, another ITC exhibit, celebrates the Lone Star State through stories, images, sounds and ar tifacts from the Texas Folklife Festival’s most memorable moments.

For a quarter of a century, Texas Highways magazine has published photo editor Griff Smith’s stunning images of the Lone Star State, capturing, with incredible beauty and accuracy, the history, grandeur and diversity that make the state great. The ITC’s Griff Smith’s Texas photo September-October 2011 | On The Town 59

exhibit showcases his best work.

banal objects. Ramirez manages to turn otherwise mundane items, such as a collection of brooms, into Bihl Haus Arts celebrates its sixth anniversary humorous yet poignant metaphors for the transient with a pair of blockbuster exhibitions. Joan nature of consumer culture and the frailty of life. Frederick’s Photographs With Issues explores themes of love, loss and betrayal through double Opening Sept. 1 is an exhibition of works from the entendres, historical references, tongue-in-cheek Miami-based recipient of the Florida Department wit and unexpected juxtapositions. Media includes of State Millennium Cultural Recognition Award, photographs, sculptural photographs and a site- Carlos Betancourt. In his artwork, the artist specific installation. combines images from nature and popular culture. Working with themes of trans-Caribbean identity, On Oct. 1, Bihl Haus Arts presents GLOW: The Betancourt explores how the Central American Nuclear Show, with a live jazz per formance by the diaspora settle in other areas while maintaining Nuclear Hamsters. In this multi-media program, their identity, and blend in with the culture of their artists from a variety of disciplines will respond adopted country. Through digital photography to the Fukushima nuclear disaster, nuclear waste and computer manipulation techniques, the artist and contamination, and the impending global creates opulent images in rich jewel tones. energy crisis. Also on display at Blue Star is Recent Works. Of his In celebration of the FOTOSPETIEMBRE 2011 exhibit, photographer Rodolfo Choperena said, “My Photography Festival, Blue Star Contemporary Arts work is ‘abstracted’ photography: representational Center showcases the work of four fantastic artists. but complicated by the obscuring and absenting Chuck Ramirez’s Minimally Baroque features large- of the subject. By inducing movement and the scale photographic portraits and installations of manipulation of light sources, I provoke a figurative 60 On The Town | September-October 2011

tableau toward transforming into abstraction.”

painter Georges Seurat.

During the month of September, Blue Star presents Looking Back: The Minutia Series Continues, an enlightening photographic display of what the artist calls “minutia” of our world; things we see or experience in everyday life, but sometimes miss. This series captures people’s interiors; both in mental and physical space, and investigates how it reflects each person.

Trick-or-treat yourself to a haunting display of character puppets and settings from the 1993 hit Disney film, Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas. Beginning on Sept. 14, see Jack the Pumpkin King; Oogie Boogie; and Lock, Shock, and Barrel make mischief again as they kidnap “Sandy Claws” and remake Christmas in the ghoulish image of Halloween.

Enjoy a day at the theater with Shakespeare, Sondheim, Sophocles and Swan Lake at the McNay’s exhibit entitled Shakespeare to Sondheim. Rich in scale models (maquettes), the showcase includes the Trojan horse from Hector Berlioz’s opera Les Troyens, complete with trap door for the invading Greeks; and the throne room from William Shakespeare’s Richard III, outlined with red evoking the king’s bloody rise to power. Center stage are costume designs from Ivan Bilibin’s exquisite drawing of Odette in Swan Lake to Ann Hould Ward’s costume bible for Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George, inspired by post-Impressionist

All aboard the Orient Express! With its public opening Oct. 5, The Orient Expressed: Japan’s Influence on Western Art, 1854–1918 focuses on the worldwide fascination known as Japonisme, which permeated every aspect of art and culture in the West in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The McNay continues its homage to the East through its Cassatt and the Orient, a collection of artist Mary Cassatt’s take on Japanese art: forms flattened by overall patterning, simple contours and skewed perspectives. Several prints by Cassatt included in this exhibition reveal her interest in the everyday, September-October 2011 | On The Town 61

domestic subject matter of Japanese woodblock prints. Cassatt’s suite of 10 color aquatints, a great monument of Japonisme and a masterpiece of the McNay’s print collection, are included in The Orient Expressed. In conjunction with the City of San Antonio’s yearlong celebration of Taiwan, the San Antonio Museum of Art showcases a dazzling collection of Eastern stone, in the exhibition entitled, 5,000 Years of Chinese Jade. Opening Oct. 1, the exhibit features selections from the National Museum of History, Taiwan, and the Arthur M. Sackler Collection, Smithsonian Institution. The collection is arranged chronologically and showcases everything from ritual objects, weapons, jewelry and vessels in all shades and sizes of jade. An education gallery located in the exhibition allows visitors to further explore the subject through videos, books and computer resources. Tap into your wild side at SAMA’s Animal Instinct: The Photographs of Daniel Lee, a survey exhibition of Daniel Lee’s photography from 1993-2010. The artist utilizes digital technology to create hybrids of human beings and animals, suggesting that humans and animals are remarkably similar. Since the early 1990s, Lee has examined human behavior as related to themes such as the Chinese horoscope, Buddhist ceremony, punk night clubs, genetic altering, dreams and the circus. Journey through rural Idaho with prolific photographer Laura McPhee and marvel at the state’s sublime Sawtooth Valley, from the rich land to its diverse inhabitants. The Southwest School of Art presents River of No Return, a series of largescale photographs that explore a community’s ideas about land use and human interchange with the natural world. Over two years, McPhee lugged a vintage 8-by-10 viewfinder camera through Idaho, capturing a stunning American landscape in several 6-by-8 feet photographs, each produced using traditional wet process development and printing. The enormous images, with incredible sharpness and clarity, allow views to appreciate “every blade of grass, every drop of water,” as captured by one of America’s most distinguished photographers. Also on display at SSA is Plastic Fantastic: 62 On The Town | September-October 2011

SSA Photography Studio, a collection of works exploring the unexpected ability of disposable, plastic lens cameras to record the natural world. In addition, Emerging Talent: UTSA Graduate Students lends a voice to the next generation of artists, local MFA candidates. SSA’s Bittersweet features the work of artist Barbra Riley, who combines traditional composition and lighting with contemporary objects, creating provocative digital tableaux that are reminiscent of 17th century still-life paintings. On Sept. 22, Artpace gallery unveils a collection of sound pieces from the artistic duo Cardiff and Miller. Selected from their Dreams-Telephone Series (20082010), the exhibit includes six vintage rotary-style telephones on which visitors are encouraged to listen. Upon lifting the receiver, each phone begins playing a recording of Cardiff ’s voice recounting a vivid dream. The works investigate intimacy in public spaces through the utilization of sound, while the bulky black phones serve as the vehicles for their unique brand of storytelling. The gallery also showcases three international artists in residence on Sept. 20: Frank Benson of New York; Graham Fagen of Glasgow, Scotland; and Jeff Williams of Austin. Benson’s work investigates manufacturing processes and the suspension of movement through hyper-realistic sculptures and photography, while Fagen delves into the dynamic between cultures and what he calls “cultural forms” and “cultural formers.” His work mixes media and crosses continents, combining video, photography and sculpture with text, live music and even plants to trace the ways that people understand and influence cultural production in other parts of the world. Texasbased Williams creates site-specific sculptural works that permeate a structure’s architecture in order to reveal the layers of a building’s history of habitation. In Sunlight/Substratum, a 2009 piece, for instance, he redirected sunlight using mirrors through subterranean passages in the oldest building of the American Academy in Rome. The piece was viewable only for a few minutes each day, when the sun was in position, thus contrasting centuries of the building’s existence with the fleeting moments of light. With art exhibits spanning a wide variety of content,

cultures and continents, this arts season is sure to be one of San Antonio’s best. Whether you are a theater buff, sports fan, Japanophile or fashionista, there’s something for everyone on the town.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 58 Cowboy and Neon Texas Flag Photo by J. Griffis Smith Courtesy Texas Highways Magazine Institute of Texan Cultures Page 59 Rock-Ola Legend Artpace Page 60 Aerial View of Crowd at Night Texas Folklife Festival Grounds Institute of Texan Cultures Page 61 Celebration (from Harvest) 2004, ink jet on vinyl 48 x 96 in. San Antonio Museum of Art Page 62 (Above) Keep Ithica Always In Your Mind Photo by Rex Hausmann Institute of Texan Cultures (Below) SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure Bottles from a sunken ship Photo courtesy Witte Museum September-October 2011 | On The Town 63

64 On The Town | September-October 2011

Kellen Kee McIntyre Creating a Golden Age for Bihl Haus Arts By Julie Catalano Photography Cynthia Clark

hen real estate developer and cattleman George Bihl built his stately, two-story home on Fredericksburg Road in 1920 – with stones that had originally come from the Alamo barricade, no less – he couldn’t possibly have foreseen its convoluted future. The ensuing years witnessed the sad, crumbling death of a structure never expected to survive. Not only did it make it, it houses Bihl Haus Arts (BHA) – the only professional nonprofit contemporary art gallery in the country on the site of an affordable senior housing community.

focusing on women, minorities, and current events. The inaugural exhibition in 2005 featured the works of sixteen practicing professional visual artists in the Monticello Park area, and they’ve been going strong ever since.

Along the way, another sort of renaissance was beginning to unfold. With a new arts center right on the grounds of Primrose, the resident senior community blossomed into a group known as the Goldens – art students aged 55 and over. Slowly, they discovered something of a new life themselves. McIntyre talks of apartment-bound Sitting inside the light-filled, beautifully restored recluses “coming out only to get the mail or go 1300 square foot building, Bihl Haus Arts executive to the grocery store once a week” now painting, director Kellen Kee McIntyre animatedly describes sculpting, and writing, enjoying and flourishing in it as “a little jewel box with an amazing story.” She “a whole new world that opened up.” should know. In 2003, she and husband Eric Lane fought hard to save the dilapidated Bihl Haus -- first A whole new world indeed. Now McIntyre, an by mobilizing the Monticello Park Neighborhood El Paso native with a PhD in art history from the Association, then working with a Dallas developer University of New Mexico, wants to spread the love. that built the Primrose, a gated senior living A former professor at UTSA, with experience in community on the 12-acre parcel of land across teaching art to everybody from kindergarten on from the iconic Tip Top Cafe. up, she’s on a mission to take Bihl Haus Arts to the next level. But there was still the house to contend with. Fortunately, when McIntyre proposed the idea of But McIntyre wants it done right. “I believe in a community arts center, the developers listened. science, so we did a study about two years ago with She then organized a committee of area artists to the UT Health Science Center and the Department help shape a new life for Bihl Haus – art exhibits, of Anthropology at UTSA.” The study looked at poetry readings, classes, and special theme shows the effect that BHA’s painting classes had on the September-October 2011 | On The Town 65

participants. “It demonstrated across the board that the Goldens who participated in our classes are happier and healthier emotionally, physically, and spiritually.” The study caught the attention of WellMed Charitable Foundation, and McIntyre has high hopes for the new partnership that currently includes an expansion to the Alicia Trevino Lopez Senior Center on Culebra Road and the Cisneros Senior Center on Southwest Military. But she won’t stop there. “We want to create a model. I’d like to see our art classes in every senior community center with professional artists teaching classes in a professional way geared to the needs of our Goldens.” And by professional, she means professional – not pros getting “hit up” for freebies. “I don’t believe in that. These are professional artists who are also teachers. One of the things we said from the beginning is that I would not run Bihl Haus off the backs of the artists. I don’t believe in that.” Bihl Haus Arts is the organizer of the popular On and Off Fredericksburg Road, an annual self-guided studio tour that offers an up- close look at dozens of neighborhood artists at work in their personal spaces. The other is one exhibit each May by the Goldens themselves. That one, says McIntyre, makes her especially proud. “I really love the integration of the seniors on the property with the artists and the community. Some of them had never been in a gallery before, others haven’t experienced the arts since high school.” McIntyre is excited and optimistic about what comes next, based on what’s already transpired. “It sort of grew organically, like the idea for the building. You open your arms and say, okay, bring it on. Let’s see what’s going to happen.” For more information, bihlhaus.org Bihl Haus Arts celebrates its six year anniversary in September with two shows: Joan Frederick: Photographs with Issues from August 26 to September 17; and Glow: The Nuclear Show, curated by artist David Zamora Casas (aka Nuclear Meltdown), opening October 1. 66 On The Town | September-October 2011

September-October 2011 | On The Town 67

Texas Hill Country Sculpture Gardens Are Fabulous Finds By Julie Catalano

68 On The Town | September-October 2011

.ith more people expanding their living spaces into the great outdoors, it’s only natural that they would want to make an artistic statement – sometimes on a grand scale, other times understated. Whatever your space or taste, chances are there’s an outdoor sculpture that’s perfect for everything from the backyard to the back forty, in materials ranging from stone to metal to clay and beyond. Outdoor art is always a conversation piece, bringing a sense of expansion and freedom not usually found indoors except in the grandest interiors.

But here’s the good news: You don’t need acres to make an outdoor statement. Courtyards, patios, gardens and poolside can all be transformed with just one perfectly selected signature piece that draws the eye and delights the soul. And if you’re lucky enough to have the land? Pull out all the stops. Start your journey close to home in the Texas Hill Country towns of Fredericksburg and Johnson City, and prepare to be awed at some of the most unique, creative, quirky, elegant and downright spectacular outdoor artwork to be found anywhere. September-October 2011 | On The Town 69

The Benini Galleries and Sculpture Ranch www.sculptureranch.com 830.868.5244 The undisputed champions of outdoor artists and their work, the power couple of Benini (he goes by only one name) and wife Lorraine own a sprawling 140 acres six miles west of Johnson City. The aptly named Sculpture Ranch is literally an artistic journey of epic proportions, providing the quintessential backdrop for more than 100 sculptures by national and international artists. Visitors drive through the outdoor gallery of largescale contemporary pieces with signs directing drivers through roughly a 30-minute self-tour (if you drive slowly). Or you can walk along paths if you wish, soaking up the natural and manmade beauty amid panoramic views of the Hill Country. The visually stunning ranch is an 11-year labor of love and an ongoing testament to the passion these two share for art and artists – the Italian-born Benini is a renowned artist in his own right – and the steadfast commitment they made from the beginning to provide a showcase for prodigious talent. “Those early pieces were by friends who welcomed the opportunity to place their new pieces outdoors,” says Lorraine. “It just grew from there.” The outdoor art loop is only one part of the fine arts complex: a 14,000 square foot Studios Building features a fine arts library and exhibit galleries showing the progression of Benini’s work over an illustrious career spanning nearly a halfcentury, along with work by Italian guest artists. Their focus, she continues, “is education. We are not a commercial gallery in the usual sense, although many of the pieces are for sale.” Admission to the ranch is free, but guests must register upon arrival. Further, the couple requires no commissions from the artists, choosing instead to use any donations from them to purchase sculptures for the permanent collection. The combination of art and nature sometimes takes unexpected turns. It is, after all, the great outdoors with the weather and wildlife coexisting with the installations. “It’s interesting to see the little creatures adopt the outdoor pieces,” says Lorraine. “We have several birds’ nests inside the sculptures. And a colony of bats has taken up summer residence in [Patrick] Lysaght’s 40-foot pieces, between the 70 On The Town | September-October 2011

carved limestone heads and the steel pipes.” Eyefells and Eyefells www.eyfellsandeyfells.com Long before Stephen Colbert’s “truthiness,” there was truthicity, collapsion, receptualism, and singularicity – all concepts born of the wildly creative Icelandborn sculptor Johann Eyfells, who needed words to describe his artistic processes, and so invented them. On his property between Fredericksburg and Stonewall, Eyfells – who, at 88, says he is “not slowing down” – displays an eclectic assortment of outdoor sculptures. “You name any material and I use it. Aluminum, rubber, liquid rubber, bronze, metals, cloth.” His latest obsession is rocks and spirals, playing off the theme of static and dynamic natural forces in the Hill Country. “It’s a nice contrast. Rocks are long range, and spirals are interested in the moment.” The Sunken Museum (a former sheep barn) is a tribute to his late wife Kristin, known for her colorful celebrity portraits. After her death, he says, he found himself in “a kind of limbo,” living in Florida after retiring from a 35-year university teaching career. Someone sent him pictures of the Hill Country property, and he bought it sight unseen. “I liked the idea of Texas. It just seemed right.” Kirchman Gallery www.kirchmangallery.com 830.868.9290 “For people in Texas, their outdoor space is as important as their indoor space,” says Susan Kirchman, “and when outdoor living areas become part of the home, so does outdoor art.” She should know. The California native and her Hawaiian-born husband Warren Vilmaire opened Kirchman Contemporary Fine Art Gallery in Johnson City in 2005 with an eye toward creating an outdoor sculpture garden amid the stately oak, pecan and cypress trees. “Warren’s not an artist, but with his engineering expertise he built most of what is now on the property. People don’t realize this garden is here behind the building.” Located on Courthouse Square, the gallery’s central location has made it a popular gathering spot for art receptions, wine tasting and live music events held on the second Sundays and last Saturdays of each month. September-October 2011 | On The Town 71

Of the 45 artists the gallery represents, about six are outdoor sculptors, with Johann Eyfells, John Walker and Danville Chadbourne among them – working in highly fired earthenware, stainless steel and forged steel, all designed to withstand the elements, “so no one needs to be nervous about having them outside.” These artists’ works have been in collectors’ outdoor locations for years. The gallery can work with builders to install the pieces, recently accommodating homeowners who wanted a pedestal in the middle of their pool so they could swim among the sculptures. “It was a beautiful finishing touch to the space,” says Kirchman. Whistle Pik Galleries www.whistlepik.com 800.999.0820 Tim Taylor is marveling at a recent turn of events. “In the 16 years we’ve been open I’ve sold maybe a dozen monumental pieces, and 72 On The Town | September-October 2011

I’ve sold three of those in the last thirty days.” He has no explanation for it, except that he and wife Pamela, co-owners of Whistle Pik Galleries in downtown Fredericksburg, represent some of the most well-known names in monumental sculpture, at prices ranging from $25,000 to $300,000. Glenna Goodacre, says Taylor, “along with G. Harvey, is my most famous name.” She is known for her spectacular bronzes, including the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in Washington, DC; the 7-foot standing portrait of Ronald Reagan at the Reagan Library; and the Irish Memorial in Philadelphia featuring 35 life-size figures at Penn’s Landing. Other bronze sculptors represented by Whistle Pik include Veryl Goodnight, Sandy Scott, Kent Ullberg, Jeff Gottfried, Mick Doellinger and Gerald Balciar, who also works in marble. Ullberg created the famous Christ statue (entitled It is I) overlooking Corpus Christi Bay. Goodnight’s magnificent seven-

ton bronze monument to freedom, The Day the Wall Came Down, is located at the George Bush Presidential Library. Sandy Scott’s functional outdoor bronzes are popular, says Taylor. “We’ve sold her fountains to people at the Dominion,” along with her whimsical five-foot pig entitled, “Eat More Beef.”

Page 69 Benini Galleries and Sculpture Ranch Photo by Carol Lambert Page 70 Sculptor Johann Eyefells

Note: This article was originally published in the JuneJuly 2011 issue of Urban Home Austin-San Antonio Magazine. It is published here with their permission. Page 71 Take Flight by Mark Stasz www.urbanhomemagazine.com Courtesy Benini Galleries and Sculpture Ranch

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Page 72 Missing Links by Johann Eyefells

Photo Credits: Page 68 Marathon by Bettye Hamblen Turner Photo by Voight

Page 73 Las Palomas Fountains and Eat More Beef by Sandy Scott Courtesy Whistle Pik Galleries September-October 2011 | On The Town 73

74 On The Town | September-October 2011

Culinary Arts 76-88

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76 On The Town | May-June September-October 2011 2011

Sandy and Arturo Cerna: Together for 36 Years at El Jarro de Arturo By Angela Rabke Photography Greg Harrison

t is 10:46 a.m., and a distinguished-looking bartender already is putting salt on the margarita glasses. It’s Tuesday, and five (presumably retired) gentlemen have gathered at El Jarro’s, as they do every other Tuesday, to catch up over margaritas and some of San Antonio’s finest Mexican food.

into new dishes or improve existing dishes. It keeps the sizzle in the menu,” she said.

Sandy is equally proud of the staff that maintains the quality of food and service. “Last week, he created a new dish, and then showed the staff the way [to prepare it]. We hire and train diligently, and we expect a lot from our Sandy and Arturo Cerna opened El Jarro de Arturo in team, and we have very low turnover. Good food is not 1975, and after 36 years, they still set to work diligently, enough to run a restaurant,” Sandy said. she quickly setting tables and he wearing his chef’s jacket in preparation for the day. The restaurant, nestled into the The Cernas attribute this connection to people -- staff corner of a strip center at the corner of Bitters Road and and clientele alike -- to their success. “We love meeting U.S Highway 281, is spacious but intimate feeling, and it is so many fine, intelligent people. Many of our customers in this location that they first opened the business. have become our best friends. We’ve even traveled with people we’ve met here,” she said. “My dad was in the restaurant business, and as a teen I always helped him,” Sandy said. “When I met Arturo, Their willingness to listen to customers and their efforts he was working as a laboratory technician, but his toward customer service improve the experience for real passion was cooking. When we married, he went everyone. “We built the patio for Harry (a long-time into business with my dad. That’s how we began, but customer) after the smoking ban,” Sandy said with a eventually my husband wanted to do more.” laugh. The result? Harry kept coming, and the cozy patio is one of a few in San Antonio that invites leisurely And “more” redefined the Tex-Mex landscape of 1979. dinners and lively conversations, as well as shady repose The Cernas expanded the space and upgraded their from San Antonio’s heat in the form of great landscaping service beyond the basics. White linen tablecloths, a full and El Jarro’s famous margaritas. bar and a focus on service set El Jarro apart, as did the tortilla kitchen in the middle of the dining room. Each margarita is freshly squeezed, and mix is never used. “We squeeze cases and cases of juice every day, and we “A lot of restaurants do this now, but I think we were the keep two juicers on hand -- just in case one breaks,” Sandy first,” Sandy said. “Our tortillas are handmade, and we said. The margaritas compliment their dishes perfectly, thought people would like to see the process -- that it whether it’s the cabrito or one of the many types of would be interesting.” Today, people make reservations in enchiladas on the menu. advance for tables right in the center of the dining room, next to the tortilla kitchen. As the interview wraps up, the men are hitting their stride, laughing over the famous margaritas and enjoying their The menu also sets El Jarro apart and is inspired by travel favorite dishes while tucked away in their favorite corner as well as a natural curiosity for food. “We travel quite a table. It’s Norman Rockwell meets Mexico -- right here in bit, and we also visit many different restaurants. He picks San Antonio. up ideas here and there, and tries to either integrate them www.eljarro.com September-October 2011 | On The Town 77

78 On The Town | September-October 2011

A New Look at The Bright Shawl By Dawn Robinette Photography courtesy Junior League of San Antonio

ucked beneath massive live oaks near historic downtown San Antonio stands a charming limestone cottage that is truly a hidden gem with a story not to be missed. It is home to The Bright Shawl Tearoom, now known simply as The Bright Shawl.

to own and operate its own restaurant. The restaurant served as the first fundraising project for the league, opening its doors in October 1925. It’s been in continuous operation since that time. The name, “The Bright Shawl,” was borrowed from a popular novel of the 1920s.

The Junior League of San Antonio, a volunteer organization of women working together to build a better community through leadership and For years, it was staffed by Junior League members who community service, owns and operates the facility. served as waitresses, hostesses and back-up cooks, JLSA is one of only three Junior Leagues nationwide assisting a small paid staff. Many long-time league September-October 2011 | On The Town 79

members have terrific stories to share from their time volunteering at The Bright Shawl. Net proceeds from The Bright Shawl are returned to the community through the Junior League’s support of local nonprofit agencies. JLSA touches more than 50 San Antonio nonprofits each year, contributing more than 10,000 volunteer hours, project management and funding, making it a valued partner to worthy organizations throughout the city. Its location at 819 Augusta Street is actually its second home. The Bright Shawl outgrew its initial location in a facility that no longer exists on Nacogdoches Street, and in 1929, a fundraiser held in conjunction with the opening of the Majestic Theater raised the money necessary to move to the Giles Home. Designed by architect Alfred Giles, the house first served as the home of a local doctor and his nine children. Limestone for the home was hauled from quarries located in what we now enjoy as Brackenridge Park. This original portion of the building was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1973. Recent renovations, including a complete remodel of the kitchen, the addition of an elegant wine cellar, a revamped outdoor patio, new glassware, kitchenware and stylish décor, have added polish to this historic treasure. Known for its mix of contemporary flair and classic American tradition, the facility’s updated menu features new and vibrant dishes, but promises to keep customers happy with the return of classics like Almond Crunch Cake. In addition to the fabulous menu, another reason to visit The Bright Shawl is its gallery, showcasing original art by highly acclaimed regional artists. All artwork is available for purchase and the proceeds also help support the Junior League’s mission. The facility boasts an assortment of meeting rooms to accommodate groups large and small. The banquet and meeting facility is available for rent daily, and the gallery is open to the public for lunch weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information, visit www.jlsa.org or call 210-2256366. 80 On The Town | September-October 2011

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Caryn Hasslocher Fresh Horizons Creative Catering By Ashley Festa Photography Greg Harrison

fter being in the business for 30 years, Caryn Hasslocher knows a thing or two about catering. But her foodie background goes even further back than the opening of Fresh Horizons Creative Catering in 1981. Hasslocher is the daughter of Jim Hasslocher, founder of Jim’s Restaurants.

she found herself asking: “What’s going to take us into the next couple of decades?” What was lacking in the food service business her father had built?

The answer, she discovered, was catering. So she Hasslocher’s father left the military after his service in began studying the industry and opened Fresh World War II and began his first business, renting out Horizons to help fill that gap. army surplus bicycles and selling chilled watermelon on Broadway. Though she doesn’t remember her She quickly fell in love with the work. “It’s a people father’s earliest food adventures, Hasslocher does kind of business and a business that’s always remember growing up around grilled hamburgers changing.” and freshly made lemonades and limeades at the Frontier Drive-In. Today, Fresh Horizons tailors its services for a number of different occasions. Some, such as weddings, “It was just a way of life,” she said. Her friends quinceañeras and corporate events, are expected. especially enjoyed eating lunch at the drive-ins Others are a little more out of the ordinary, such as growing up. being the only San Antonio caterer to earn a contract for Pope John Paul II’s papal Mass in 1987. But it was growing up around the food business that made Hasslocher decide she wanted to do something That contract was a big deal for the business, which else with her life. She pursued the fashion business, had opened its doors only about six years before. “We all the while developing her cooking skills in Latin were honored to be chosen and to be representing America, where she lived for several years. San Antonio in that way,” Hasslocher said. Her team of about 50 employees is accustomed to serving “I enjoyed cuisine,” Hasslocher said, “and when I between 250 and 1,500 people at most events, with moved back to San Antonio, I realized I really did the largest bringing up to 2,500 attendees. But for have a love and passion for food.” the Mass, “we prepared food for tens and tens of thousands of people,” Hasslocher said. The Mass It was then that her early education in the food- drew several hundred thousand worshipers. service industry paid off in a big way. When she’s not preparing food for half a million She joined her father’s business working in people, Hasslocher enjoys experimenting with new commissary products and in the restaurants. Soon, recipes in her own kitchen, and she admits she has a September-October 2011 | On The Town 83

soft spot for reading cookbooks. It’s much different to cook for a group of people in your home, she said, than preparing for a few hundred folks at an offsite venue. Transportation, preservation and safety risks all become factors when food won’t be served immediately – “How do you transport cold foods when it’s 110 degrees outside?” – so recipes often must be modified for catering. Though it’s a concern, she doesn’t let challenges such as temperature hold her back. Hasslocher tests ingredients and methods to develop tasty new choices for her clients. By keeping her eye on the latest trends, both in food and décor, she makes sure she has the most up-to-date selections to offer. One of the newest trends Fresh Horizons is researching is a food truck to drive to different catering locations as a fun, casual option for events. “I like the fact that it’s not always the same,” Hasslocher said of the catering industry. “I have the opportunity to be creative, and I’m constantly creating new menus.” Not only does it make Hasslocher happy, the business is also a dream come true for her clients. The catering industry is not just about food, but also the ambiance, décor and lighting; the mood of an event rests on the shoulders of the caterer. “We’re a one-stop shop” for clients, she said. “We magically pull it all together for them.” Most recently Fresh Horizons Creative Catering has been awarded the dining service contract at Texas A&M San Antonio, as well as being selected as the exclusive concession and catering provider at the Japanese Tea Gardens by San Antonio Parks Foundation, an organization headed by former mayor Lila Cockrell. Included in this contract is The Jingu House, a restaurant on the historic grounds that was once home to the family of the garden’s caretaker, Kimi Eizo Jingu. The Japanese Tea Garden in Brackenridge Park has recently undergone extensive renovation through a joint project between the City of San Antonio and the San Antonio Parks Foundation. Expected to open in midOctober, The Jingu House will serve guests at the garden Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-4pm featuring traditional American and Asian cuisines.

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March of Dimes 23rd Annual Signature Chefs Auction® Brings Together San Antonio’s Best By Lisa Aiken Shelley Photography Dana Fossett

hefs from the area’s finest restaurants will serve enticing creations to guests at the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction on Oct. 26 at the Pearl Stable. Guests will savor wine for the most discriminating palates and enjoy distinctive auction packages, while raising funds, making friends and increasing awareness of the March of Dimes’ mission to improve the health of all babies. Dr. Maria Pierce of Pediatrix Medical Group and Dennis Martinez of Dennis Martinez Associates co-chair the event. “Signature Chefs is the original, most premier chefs’ event in San Antonio since 1988,” Martinez said. “We are proud to lead this event.” Chefs and their respective restaurants donate time, staff and resources to serve delectable samplings to an expected 350 guests. The chefs also contribute unique packages for the auction, which historically have consisted of the chef coming to the winner’s home to prepare a meal for 10 of their closest friends,

86 On The Town | September-October 2011

a party at their restaurant, or a destination getaway with a personal chef. The 2011 auction packages will be revealed to select guests at a preview party in September hosted by Ken Batchelor Cadillac. Shane Bruns, food and beverage director of the Hotel Contessa, is returning as the lead chef for the fourth time. Other participating chefs include: Bruce Auden of Biga on the Banks; Eduardo Franco of Brio Tuscan Grille; Isaac Cantu of the Westin La Cantera; Enrique Perez of the Anaqua Grille; Jose Benitez of PF Changs; Dwayne Gale of Charthouse at the Tower of the Americas; Jonathan Demeterio of Flemings Prime Steakhouse; Dustin Alexander of the River Crossing Club; and the longest-running participant, Mike Bomberg of Spice of Life Catering. Decadent Deco: Culinary Excellence Art Deco Style is the theme for this year’s event. Selected facets of the art deco period, the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s, will influence the décor, food and drink. A mixologist will offer “his” and “hers” specialty cocktails reminiscent of the time. Loraine Eurek, a member of the Signature Chefs planning committee, said, “This wonderful evening, when you can savor the best culinary flavors in San Antonio, should not be missed. Meeting the chefs and enjoying their signature dishes highlight the evening. The chefs’ competitiveness brings fun and excitement center stage during the live auction when they entice diners with their special culinary experience packages to support the March of Dimes’ mission.” For table and sponsorship information, please email lshelley@marchofdimes.com.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 86 Shane Bruns Food and Beverage Director Hotel Contessa Page 87 Bruce Auden Chef/Owner Biga on the Banks Auden’s Kitchen September-October 2011 | On The Town 87

88 On The Town | September-October 2011

Literary Arts 90-96

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Book Talk:

Stephen Harrigan Novelist and Journalist Story and Photography by Jasmina Wellinghoff 90 On The Town | September-October 2011

he story of the Alamo has become such a powerful myth that for most of us, historical details no longer matter. Yet in the hands of a skilled novelist such as Stephen Harrigan, the myth can revert back to “reality.”

JW: You live in Austin yet you seem to like San Antonio as a setting for your stories. Is that just a coincidence? SH: I don’t think it’s just a coincidence. I grew up in Abilene and Corpus Christi, and for us, in both of those places, San Antonio was unbelievably exotic. I still think it’s one of the most interesting cities in the country. It’s got this really complicated history, and it’s got all those old buildings, like the missions and the Alamo, and La Villita; these places that seem ancient, that you don’t find in the rest of Texas.

Rich in detail, populated by flesh-and-blood characters, and pulsating with the immediacy and uncertainty of life as it unfolds, his novel The Gates of the Alamo is an example of historical fiction at its best and a great read. First published by Alfred A. Knopf and later reprinted by Penguin Books, it won several awards, including the TCU (Texas Christian University) Texas Book Award and JW: I understand that you were very much taken by the Spur Award from Western Writers of America Inc. the Alamo early in life. Could you tell us about that? Were you impressed by the movies about the Alamo or The Austin-based author’s latest novel Remember Ben the actual Alamo? Clayton is again set partially in San Antonio. Focused on the period following World War I, it tells the story of SH: Both. Everybody who writes about the Alamo seems a tough old rancher who hires a celebrated sculptor to to have had some sort of epiphany centering around create a monument to his dead soldier son, Ben. While the Walt Disney TV series about Davy Crockett, and I telling the personal stories of the two men – replete am no exception. That was an inspiring, galvanizing with secrets and parental issues – Ben Clayton offers experience for me. But seeing the actual Alamo when another look at Texas history, stretching from Indian I was 7 years old was even more powerful. It was like raids to the libertine 1920s. coming face to face with history, with something that was ancient and haunted and unknowable. It really Before turning to fiction, Harrigan worked for years as stirred my imagination in all sorts of confusing ways. It a journalist for Texas Monthly and also made a name was a startling idea to me that a building could be an for himself as a TV scriptwriter. Altogether, he is the echo of the distant past. By the time I was 14, I started author of five novels and three essay collections. We kicking around the idea of some day writing about the talked to the cordial author in his funky backyard Alamo. Of course, with no clear idea how I would go office in the leafy Terrytown section of Austin, where about it (laughs). he still keeps a memento of his early love of history: a childhood collection of historical “action figures” from JW: Undertaking to write about the Alamo, a subject George Washington to Geronimo. so well known that has been already examined in all sorts of accounts, documentary and fictional, was a JW: Both The Gates of the Alamo and Remember Ben rather brave undertaking. Clayton are historical novels. Why are you attracted to writing about the past instead of following Mark SH: It never felt that way to me but it was a big, giant Twain’s famous advice, “Write what you know”? subject, and I was hungry to take on something that really mattered to people, that had a certain resonance SH: I’ve always found the advice “Write about what in the world. I knew it could be controversial but then you know” fairly limiting, because, for one thing, I I was also a bit cocky (laughs). I didn’t mind wading don’t know very much, and for another, it constrains into that. Even though I thought I knew a lot about the you from learning about things. I start from an impulse Alamo, I also knew that I had a steep learning curve of curiosity about something and try to expand my ahead of me. But that was part of the challenge, and I knowledge and my awareness from there. And my was ready for a challenge. curiosity often leads me into the past for some reason. I feel a deep urge to discover things that are unknown JW: What sources did you find most useful in your to me and the past is the ultimate unknown, I think, research? because people can’t agree on anything about past events, even about what happened yesterday. SH: (Finding sources) is almost harder for the novelist September-October 2011 | On The Town 91

than for the historian because the historian doesn’t necessarily need to know what kind of buttons people were using back then or how exactly a Kentucky rifle was loaded. The historian doesn’t have to relate such details. But a novelist typically does. So I had to do a lot of deep down research, trying to capture how people talked, how they conducted themselves. Some of that came from history books but most of it came from letters, diaries, battle reports and other such documents. I tried to get the most contemporary and most reliable sources I could. However, there’s a hardly a source about the Alamo that’s not in dispute by somebody. So you have to weigh everything very carefully and be as judicious as you can. I had no dog in the fight, I wasn’t trying to prove one thesis or another; I was just trying to understand what it might have been like to be there. JW: How did you go about creating your main, fictional characters? SH: It was important for me to tell the story from several points of view. But I started groping for the main character, trying to find somebody through whose eyes I would primarily see these events. I didn’t want to tell the story through the eyes of the most ardent participants. So, it occurred to me that a botanist might be an interesting character. There were botanists in Texas at that time. And I liked the idea of having a character who is rather ambivalent about what’s going on, who had his own agenda (to compile a survey of Texas flora). JW: As you nicely brought out in your book, the historical truth was much more complex than the myth that the Battle of the Alamo has become. Why do you think the myth endures? SH: I think it’s an enduring myth because of the story of the line in the sand. And what that story says is that these guys didn’t just get overrun and killed. They pledged their lives willingly for their cause. I don’t believe that it happened exactly that way but that sense of deliberate sacrifice gave rise to the legend. JW: Let’s talk about Ben Clayton. You have said that you were inspired by something you read a long time ago in the autobiography of San Antonio sculptor Pompeo Coppini. He was asked by a grieving father to build a statue to commemorate the man’s dead son. Your main characters are also a grieving father (Lamar 92 On The Town | September-October 2011

Clayton) and a sculptor (Gil Gilheaney) who is hired to do a statue of Lamar’s dead son, Ben Clayton. You are also on the board of an organization called Capital Area Statues (CAST), here in Austin, which commissions large-size sculptures to be placed in public spaces. You obviously have an interest in sculpture. Tell us about it. SH: Back in the early 1990s a friend of mine, (journalist and writer) Larry Wright, came to me and said, “There aren’t enough statues in Austin.” We had no idea what we were doing but we managed to raise money for our first commission Philosophers’ Rock which stands at the entrance of Barton Springs Pool. Then we did our second one, of Angelina Eberly. Do you know who she is? She is credited with saving the archives of the Republic of Texas (from being moved secretly to Houston) and therefore preserving Austin as the capital of Texas. In three or four months we’ll be unveiling a statue of Willie Nelson at Second Street and Lavaca. I have had a lot of opportunities to talk to sculptors and to watch statues being made in the foundry. JW: That explains your knowledge of the nitty-gritty of building a bronze sculpture, but you have also written about a woman astronaut, about training porpoises and other subjects. How hard was it to gain access to places and people who actually do these things and from whom you had to learn the details of their work? SH: It isn’t very hard. People are usually delighted to talk to you about what they do. I have found people to be very receptive (to inquiries).

SH: At first, yes, I thought journalism was a way to make money. But it didn’t take me long to realize what a great opportunity it gave me. Had it not been for the magazine work I did I would have had nothing to write about. I was too insular and too much of a navel-gazer to notice the world around me. Journalism forced me into the world. JW: Your first novel, Aransas, was published by Knopf, and all subsequent ones were also issued by established New York houses. How did you manage to get Knopf right away? SH: I don’t know… I had a good agent who sent it to Knopf and they made an offer. Whether that sort of magic can happen again for somebody else, I have no idea. I had beginner’s luck, I guess, in finding a good agent. But I know it can be very difficult. In some ways it’s harder to find an agent than a publisher these days because agents have become gatekeepers. They no longer have the time to work with and groom a writer before they send a manuscript to a publisher. JW: What’s next for you? SH: I am doing another historical novel right now. This one takes place in Illinois in the late 1830s, and it’s about Abraham Lincoln and his circle there. It’s about a wildly ambitious, confused, depressed, uncertain young man trying to make something of himself. JW: You are tackling again a topic that’s well known…

JW: Would you call yourself an intellectual or an emotional writer?

SH: Ridiculously well known! I am just hoping I have something different to say. I am working through the material that exists on Lincoln and trying to find a way SH: Certainly not an intellectual writer. Certain through it that’s interesting to me in a fictional sense writers come to their subject from the outside in, but that doesn’t betray the actual events as we know like Tom Wolf, for instance, while I tend to come from them. There are historical parameters that you can’t the inside out. I have to feel a certain emotional violate. But within those parameters there is a lot you bond with the characters, a bond with the world in can do because no one really knows what happened which they live. I was a journalist for most of my life in a particular circumstance or on such-and-such day but I never felt that I really was one (laughs) because between two people. There’s room for invention. There there’s a certain part of me that feels that it’s just are people who argue that it’s somehow morally wrong too hard to understand the world. I felt like I was to fictionalize historical personalities. I sort of see their always a step behind. But I think I am a step ahead in point but I really don’t care. understanding the characters I create. -----------------------------------------------------------------------JW: Was journalism just a way to make a living for a Mr. Harrigan’s comments have been slightly edited for reasons of space and clarity. His novels are available while? Have you always wanted to be a novelist? wherever books are sold. September-October 2011 | On The Town 93

‘

1,2,3 Si’! Published to Help Raise Literacy Rates By Claudia Maceo-Sharp 94 On The Town | July-August September-October 2011 2011

any efforts go on throughout our city to influence the literacy rates that recently have been under attack. Teachers, parents, mentors, and tutors can now look toward a brighter future with 1,2,3 Sí!, A Numbers Book in English and Spanish, a homegrown counting book being launched on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011 at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Inspired by an ABC book published by a another museum, Kaye Lenox, President of the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, and Emily Jones, Chief Operating Officer of the San Antonio Museum of Art, recognized a possibility using the collection at our own art museum. They quickly realized that if the Born To Read project sponsored by the American Library Association were to choose such a book, the demand would pay for the development and publication of the book. Barbara Ras, Director of Trinity University Press became involved and shared the insight that if this concept book were to be published as a bilingual product there would be an even greater appeal; it would hold a unique place in the current market place. Tom Payton, Associate Director of Trinity University Press, reports that not only has the book already received a positive reception in the educational and retail markets in the US, but a demand has risen from Mexico and Puerto Rico where bilingual books are ever in demand. The San Antonio Art Museum contains a lively, colorful collection from recognizable European pieces to the renowned collection of folk art. Photographs from the collection make up the bright illustrations. Using art as a teaching tool creates an enjoyable and educational experience for parent and child. The rich selection of art work authentically represents San Antonio – our culture and history. Bilingual and monolingual parents alike will enjoy the questions that engage the child in a visual hunt page after page. 1,2,3, Sí! is in board book format for sturdy handling of the youngest readers. Beginning at 10:30 AM on Saturday, the 10th, Mayor Julian Castro will publically read aloud 1,2,3, Sí! to all gathered. The event is free to all library card carrying San Antonians. The celebration of the results of this creative collaboration will continue until 2:00 with book-related activities, storytelling, performances, and hands-on art activities. 1,2,3, Sí! will be available at your local book shops by September 1.

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96 On The Town | September-October 2011

Eclectics 98-120

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Artistic Destination:

Bountiful Branson By Julie Catalano Photography courtesy Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau

t’s an embarrassment of riches, really. An easily accessible, affordable destination with an abundance of outdoor activities, picturesque lakes, hotels, resorts, golf courses, museums, a scenic railway ride and theme parks. Add a few offbeat attractions, some upscale shopping and dining, and that would be enough to keep any traveler happy for weeks.

comedy shows, magic shows, dinner shows, dinner cruise shows, you name it. Hundreds of performances feature hundreds of performers singing, dancing, acting and clowning their hearts out for the 7 million visitors who descend on this small (pop. 10,000) Ozark town in Missouri every year. Everything from intimate venues with a single act to full-scale spectaculars like The Legend of Kung Fu (kungfubranson.com) and Noah: The Musical But wait, as they say on TV. There’s more. (sight-sound.com). Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Branson has more theater In Branson, the real stars of the show are, well, the seats than Broadway itself. stars of the shows. And there are lots of shows – about 100 of them, at last count – music shows, It wasn’t always that way. Before 60 Minutes did its 98 On The Town | September-October 2011

now-famous segment in 1991 spotlighting country star Roy Clark’s Celebrity Theatre – he was the first big name to set up shop in 1983 – Branson was a dot on the map near the southwest corner of Missouri whose name elicited mostly blank stares. “When I first came here in 1989, my friends and family were like, ‘You’re moving where?’” said Brad Schroeder, director of entertainment at Silver Dollar City (silverdollarcity.com), a frontier-style theme park that celebrated 50 years in 2010. “Afterwards, they said, ‘Weren’t you smart to anticipate the boom?’ Well, no, it was just dumb luck.” There was nothing dumb or lucky about the migration that followed. Big names eager to get in on the ground floor wisely opened their own theaters – Jim Stafford, Ray Stevens and the ultimate crooner, Andy Williams (see sidebar), to name a few – meticulously developing signature shows alongside longstanding favorites like the Baldknobbers (baldknobbers.com) and the Presleys’ Country Jubilee (presleys.com). More stars followed

– some just passing through, others coming to stay – along with acrobats, comedians, jugglers, magic acts and more. The rest, as they say, is history. Nice, clean history, that is. “The really unique thing about Branson is its family entertainment,” said Marty Hughes, the eldest brother of the award-winning 17-year-old Hughes Brothers Show (hughesbrotherstheatre.com). The gregarious Hughes knows a little about family: They’re billed as the “World’s Largest Performing Family.” (“We came here as five brothers and five wives, and we’ve had 29 children since.”) Family entertainment, he said, “is what Branson is all about.” Perennially G-rated, all the shows are squeaky clean. Despite its stereotypical image of little old people arriving in motor coaches, Branson actually attracts music lovers of all ages. The audiences at Liverpool Legends, for example – the phenomenal Beatles tribute show created by the late former Beatle George Harrison’s sister Louise – run the gamut from September-October 2011 | On The Town 99

kiddies to original gray-haired fans of the Fab Four. Appearing onstage at intermission, Louise takes questions from the audience. One of her recent favorites was a 10-year-old asking about the Beatles’ first hit. “It is gratifying,” she said, “to know that there are so many young fans. The music is such a positive force. Over the years, people have told me that despite all kinds of tragedies in their lives, they got through it by listening to Beatle music.” The show ends its five-year run at the Mansion Theatre on Oct. 21 (liverpoollegends.com). The gracious and witty Louise sometimes spends a good half-hour talking to fans in the lobby and passing on the “Harrison Hug” – an embrace given to her by George for the specific purpose of passing it on to his fans. “We have to make sure to keep George’s love going around the world.”

comedian Yakov Smirnov is practically legendary for his rapport with fans, sometimes staying long after his show for autographs, questions and photo ops. The multitalented, socially conscious writer/actor/ funnyman really loves Branson, his home since 1992. “I came here when my kids were little,” he said. “My family and I can have a wonderful lifestyle here that we couldn’t have anywhere else.” (Or, to put it another way, “What a country!”) Tribute shows are huge here, for both the living and the not so much. If you missed Elvis, Michael Jackson, Patsy Cline, Bobby Darin, Dean Martin, or Hank Williams – and dozens of others – chances are you’ll find them in the spectacular tribute show at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater (legendsinconcert.com).

With the wealth of entertainment in theaters on They’re certainly down to earth in Branson. It’s Highway 76 (“the strip”) and Country Music Boulevard, not unusual to see performers chatting with the it’s easy for audiences to get spoiled and expect the audience and posing for pictures – something best everywhere else they go in Branson. “Silver mostly unheard of in Las Vegas or New York. Russian Dollar City is in the middle of an entertainment town,” 100 On The Town | September-October 2011

Schroeder said, “so we can’t bring anything in that we wouldn’t be proud of.” Theme park show expectations can be traditionally low, but Schroeder frequently hears from people who were, shall we say, pleasantly surprised. “I had one lady come up to me and ask if one of our production shows was a touring company out of New York, and where would they be going next. I said, ‘No ma’am, they live in Branson, and after here they go home to their families.’”

Photo Credits: Page 98 The Osmond Brothers Page 99 Liverpool Legends Page 100 The Lennon Sisters

Know Before You Go: Branson has a mind-boggling number and variety Page 101 of performances. Some are permanent; others have The Legend of Kung Fu a limited run. Go to explorebranson.com for a complete list of shows, venues, lodging, dining and area attractions. The new Branson Airport, about 10 miles south of the city, offers nonstop or onestop flights from most major U.S. cities on AirTran Airways, Branson AirExpress and Frontier Airlines. The Springfield-Branson National Airport is about 50 miles north of the city and serviced by Allegiant, American, Delta and United Airlines. September-October 2011 | On The Town 101

A Conversation with Andy Williams By Julie Catalano

As living legends go, it would be hard to find more of a poster boy than singer 102 On The Town | September-October 2011

Andy Williams – three Emmys for his weekly television show, nearly two dozen albums that went either gold or platinum, and a signature song that is as timeless as he is. The blue-eyed, dimpled, velvet-toned tenor has been making hearts go pitty-pat for – are you ready? – more than seven decades, and is still going strong. Next year, Williams will be celebrating a trifecta of anniversaries:

75 years in show business, 20 years at his Moon River Theatre & Grill in Branson, Missouri, and his 85th birthday on December 3, 2012. A little grayer now, Williams is as handsome, charming, and impeccably turned out (he made three best-dressed lists in his day) as ever. Here, he talks about about staying in shape, Branson, and kissing superstar Ann-Margret – a lot. JC: You’re appearing with Ann-Margret again at your Moon River Theatre from September 12 through October 22, 2011. What’s it like working with her?

AW: I walk every morning that I don’t play golf. We play golf at 6:45 in the morning and we’re through by 10. JC: From the Ann-Margret show you have a little break then on to your Christmas show from November 1-December 10? AW: Yes. That’s a little harder for me than the one with Ann because there isn’t much time that I’m not on the stage. But it’s fun. Christmas music is always great. And then we have the children, the costumes. It’s really a beautiful show.

AW: She’s wonderful to work with. She’s as sweet as can be and very kind to everybody. Everybody around here JC: What did people say when you said you were moving adores her. to Branson? JC: Plus she’s gorgeous.

AW: Everybody – my agents, managers, everybody – thought I was absolutely nuts. The day we got married I told my wife [Debbie] we’re going to move from our beautiful penthouse in New York to Branson, Missouri, and she said, what’s the matter with you? I said I’m tired of doing Vegas and being on the road, I want to go and build a theater. So I did. And everybody thought I was nuts. I probably was, except that it worked out. Now [Debbie] loves it. She has a ranch with horses and cattle.

AW: She is gorgeous, and I get to kiss her every night in the show. We’re in front of a big screen, and I show a film clip of her and Pat Boone kissing in State Fair. The only movie screen test I ever did was for State Fair, so I show the film clip of me kissing Barbara Eden, doing the same scene. Then I say, all right, who is the best kisser – Pat or me? She says there’s only one way to find out. So the music starts [the theme from Love Story] and we rush towards each other in slow motion and then kiss, and JC: Do you perform anywhere outside of Branson? on the screen there are fireworks and flashes. It’s really fun. She’s a good kisser. AW: No. I did up until this year. After the Christmas show, I did a tour of about 10 or 15 cities and now I’ve JC: It looks like a grueling performance schedule. How stopped that. It was fun to do, but I just decided this do you get through those weeks? year I’ve had enough traveling. AW: Well, I look forward to kissing Ann, that’s one of the big motivations. I feel I’m in good shape. It’s not that hard to do six nights a week. JC: In your memoir, Moon River and Me (Viking, 2009), you talk about your pre-show ritual of singing in the shower.

JC: Some of the things in the book surprised me, but you’ve stayed scandal- free through the years. I don’t know whether you were a very, very good boy or you were just lucky. AW: I was lucky.

AW: [laughs] Mmmoo. Mmooo. That gets your JC: If there were a reality show, Life with Andy, what vocal chords going. The Mmmoo. Mmmoo. [sings] would people see? Mmmmmoooooon Riiiiivver. Moo. AW: Well, they’d probably see a lot of golf, a lot of family JC: Even moo sounds good coming from you. Do you stuff with my wife, the ranch, our house, and our three sing every day? rescue dogs who are very important to us. It might be interesting, it might be boring. But I’m certainly not AW: Most days. I have to keep my voice going. You’ve going to do one. got to use it. It’s a muscle. It’s not as easy as it was when I was 50, but I do pretty well. JC: What about Dancing with the Stars? JC: Besides golf, how do you stay in shape?

AW: Never. September-October 2011 | On The Town 103

104 On The Town | September-October 2011

Story and Photos by Janis Turk

often am asked which New Orleans restaurants of the importance of using locally grown/produced I recommend. Some are surprised by my answer ingredients and products—like fresh Louisiana Gulf since I rarely fall for the trendy new spots that Coast shrimp brought in from the boat daily. “everyone” raves about. So where should you dine for the quintessential As a travel and food writer who penned a city guide New Orleans culinary experience? For starters, go to to New Orleans and who has kept an apartment in the breakfast at Brennan’s, enjoy a jazz brunch at Arnaud’s, French Quarter for the better part of 20 years, I keep a have supper at Commander’s Palace, stand in line for mental list of favorite Big Easy eateries, but they’re not the famous Friday Lunch at Galatoire’s and do dinner necessarily the hot spots owned by celebrity chefs— at Antoine’s. though there’s one or two of those I like as well. Antoine’s - 713 Rue St. Louis, Vieux Carré (French Instead, I tend to go old school: places that offer an Quarter), established in 1840 by Frenchman Antoine authentic New Orleans experience, not ones that Alciatore. The restaurant is still family-owned by fifththat look like every hip restaurant in any other city. I generation Alciatore family member Rick Blount. The crave Creole and Cajun recipes passed down through executive chef is Michael Regua, who has 37 years generations, not the same trendy Food Network-fare at Antoine’s (serving as executive chef since 2003). one can find anywhere. The wait staff includes fourth-generation waiters and Sterling Constant, who’s been there 44 years. The Several beloved New Orleans restaurants have been restaurant seats 1,200 in 14 dining rooms. Antoine’s open almost every night without fail since the 1800s— is known for inventing Oysters Rockefeller in 1889, with only an occasional hurricane to disrupt the routine. football-sized Baked Alaska, a wine cellar that extends A good many more opened their doors just after the all the way to Royal Street and Mardi Gras krewe turn of the century. Today, a handful of traditional memorabilia. You can read all about the restaurant French Quarter restaurants still boast second- and by picking up a copy of Francis Parkinson Keyes’ 1948 third-generation waiters with their own deeply novel, Dinner at Antoine’s. devoted following of regulars. But don’t assume chefs here are old-fashioned and out of touch—they’re not. Arnaud’s - 813 Rue Bienville, Vieux Carré (French For while they respect New Orleans’ French aristocratic Quarter), established in 1918 by Frenchman Arnaud past, they’re careful to keep up with the demands of Cazenave. Not quite the oldest French Quarter today’s sophisticated customers. They’re also mindful restaurant, but many concur it’s the best. The restaurant September-October 2011 | On The Town 105

seats 921 in 17 dining rooms. It is run by a fourth generation of family owners, sister and brother Katy and Archie Casbarian and mother Jane. They carry out the traditions of both the late Archie Casbarian and the late “Count” Arnaud, while bringing a fresh sense of vitality to this beloved historic eatery. The executive chef is Tommy DiGiovanni, and the restaurant boasts award-winning “it-guy” mixologist Chris Hannah, with national accolades in GQ, Esquire, Men’s Health and more. Arnaud’s is known for the best jazz brunch in town, Shrimp Arnaud, Oysters Bienville, yummy soufflé potatoes, Café Brulot, the thoroughly civilized French 75 bar and its namesake cocktail, the hidden away Le Richelieu bar, a special little Mardi Gras museum and for being the best place in town to propose. My favorite things about Arnaud’s are that the Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum upstairs in the restaurant is haunted; that Arnaud’s has maybe the best bar in the city; that waiters take an orange and spill flames down its spiral-cut peel into the Café Brulot; and that they let their bananas foster flame to the ceiling. While there be sure to try Chris’ Mardi Gras Mambo Cocktail and/ or a French 75 champagne cocktail. And you must take home bottles of Arnaud’s secret rémoulade sauce and zesty Creole mustard plus the Arnaud’s cookbook. Brennan’s - 417 Rue Royal, Vieux Carré (French Quarter), established in 1946 by Irishman Owen Edward Brennan, and still family owned by sons Owen Jr. and Ted Brennan. The executive chef is Lazone Randolph, who began his career in the kitchen at Brennan’s in 1965, and the staff includes some who have worked at Brennan’s for nearly 50 years. The restaurant seats 550 in 12 dining rooms and can serve cocktails and hors d’oeuvre in the lush courtyard for private parties. Brennan’s is known for the best breakfast in town in addition to its great lunch and dinner offerings, Bananas Foster (invented here), signature turtle soup served with a splash of sherry, an elegant traditional French Quarter courtyard, a lively Irish St. Patrick’s Day brunch, a great cookbook and a Wine Spectator Award in recognition of its impressive wine cellar. My favorite thing at Brennan’s is that breakfast takes up to three lazy hours with chicory coffee and at least two cocktails. The Breakfast at Brennan’s and Dinner, Too cookbook is a must-buy. Commander’s Palace - 1403 Washington Ave. (Uptown/Garden District), established in 1880 by 106 On The Town | September-October 2011

Emile Commander, and family-owned by Ella, Dottie, Ti Adelaide and Lally Brennan. The restaurant features the farm-to-table fare of executive chef Tory McPhail. The wait staff includes some with 40-plus years of service. The restaurant seats “hundreds” (the exact number is a family secret) in five dining rooms. The Upstairs Garden Room is reminiscent of New York’s former Tavern on the Green. Commander’s Palace is known for haute Creole cuisine, the James Beard Foundation 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award winner Ella Brennan, the special Chef’s Table—with as much as a year’s wait on a reservation for this coveted kitchen spot, balloons and jazz musicians at every brunch, location in the glorious Garden District just steps from the St. Charles Streetcar line, striped awnings and its turreted old house structure, that many great chefs in New Orleans including Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme were executive chefs in their kitchen and that the restaurant is a three-time winner of the Reader’s Choice Award from Food and Wine magazine as the best restaurant in America. My favorite things are anything Chef Tory makes and his little herb garden on the restaurant rooftop. I also like it that the owners are always in the restaurant. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant - 2301 Orleans Ave. (MidCity neighborhood), established in 1940 and still owned by Dooky Chase’s 80-plus-year-old widow, jazz/blues singer and author Leah Chase. It’s a small restaurant featuring “down home” Cajun and soul food in a little brick house. Dooky Chase’s isn’t the oldest restaurant in town, but it’s anything but trendy and is a favorite with locals. Try gumbo z’herbes prepared and served on Holy Thursday. Galatoire’s - 209 Bourbon St., Vieux Carré (French Quarter), established in 1905 by Frenchman Jean Galatoire, and family owned throughout four generations, including part-owners Leon Galatoire, Michele Galatoire, Duane Galatoire Attaway, Ashley Attaway and Craighten Attaway. The executive chef is Brian Landry. The famous eatery seats 132 downstairs (no reservations) and 120 upstairs (reservations). Galatoire’s is known for long lines during a lively Friday lunch, soufflé potatoes and fried eggplant appetizers, crab maison, trout amandine and for being a bastion of civilization on a bawdy section of Bourbon Street. My favorite things about the restaurant are that Galatoire’s is mentioned in Tennessee Williams’ Streetcar Named Desire, and that Williams himself often dined there at a September-October 2011 | On The Town 107

table near the front windows. I also love it that a popular local play, the Galatoire’s Monologues, grew from scores of protest letters sent in response to the firing of a wellloved waiter, Gilberto, let go after 22 years of service. Read all about the restaurant in Galatoire’s: Biography of a Bistro by New Orleans historians and food lovers Marda Burton and Kenneth Holditch. You also should purchase The Official Galatoire’s Cookbook. Tujague’s – 823 Decatur Street, Vieux Carré (French Quarter), established in 1856 (second-oldest restaurant in New Orleans). Specialties: shrimp rémoulade, beef brisket with horseradish, “cap” bread (a Tujague’s original) and dark coffee in shot glasses.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 104 Arnaud’s on Rue Bienville Page 106 (Above) Main Dining Room at Arnauds (Below) Arnaud’s Creole Remoulade and Mustard Page 107 (Above) Galitoire’s Main Dining Room (Below) Bananas Foster at Brennan’s Page 108 (Above) Courtyard at Brennan’s on Rue Royal (Below) Galitoire’s on Bourbon Street

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Crawl, Climb and Fly With Amazing Butterflies at San Antonio Botanical Garden Photography courtesy SABOT

.his fall, the San Antonio Botanical Garden invites visitors to journey through one of the planetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most amazing lifecycles and transform from butterflies into caterpillars at its Amazing

Butterflies interactive maze exhibit from Sept.17 through Jan. 8. Amazing Butterflies was created by the Natural History Museum in London in collaboration with Minotaur Mazes. September-October 2011 | On The Town 111

In Amazing Butterflies, visitors experience the challenges of being a caterpillar as it morphs into a beautiful butterfly through a hands-on maze of larger-than-life leaves, grass and trees. Along the way, they discover the ways caterpillars move, what they eat and how other creatures help them achieve their transformation. Opening weekend (Sept.17-18) activities include butterfly workshops for children and adults, children’s arts and crafts activities, live butterfly tent, music, food and more. The Austin Bike Zoo will entertain with four amazing butterfly bicycles, offering rides and fun. “The timing of Amazing Butterflies couldn’t be better, since fall is when our local butterflies are most active and people can watch their magical life cycle unfold in their own backyards,” said Bob Brackman, executive director of the San Antonio Botanical Garden. “And what a bonus that the fall is when the Monarch butterflies are migrating through San Antonio.” The Amazing Butterflies adventure begins as visitors look through eggs to see caterpillar friends climbing on leaves and beginning to feed. Families can learn to crawl like a caterpillar by slipping into a set of caterpillar legs and use teamwork and locomotion to sprint for the finish line. Visitors will discover why carpenter ants in Panama defend metalmark caterpillars from parasitic wasps and other predators; they also can feed a caterpillar its lunch through team games and contests. Once the transformation from pupa to butterfly is complete, kids can practice flapping giant butterfly wings while avoiding spider webs that lurk around every turn. The “Nectar Food Path Puzzle” and “Squeeze and Sniff ” stations explain how butterflies find food by sight and smell. Children and adults can find a butterfly mate by creating a wacky dance and then learn how butterflies select a specific plant on which to lay their eggs. Visitors can mark their progress as a butterfly by stamping a souvenir garden card at eight stations before zooming out of the maze as a butterfly on “The Monarch Monorail.” Those who turn cards stamped at all locations will earn a prize. 112 On The Town | September-October 2011

Why a maze? “A maze exhibit provides a physical and mental challenge that is both entertaining and educational for children and adults,” said Sasha Kodet, Botanical Garden education director. “Unlike some traditional exhibits, the visitor for Amazing Butterflies will be immersed in a hands-on, body-in manner, taking them to the far reaches of fun, discovery and exploration.” Educators are invited to a special preview of the Amazing Butterflies exhibit from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 15 (before it opens to the public). More details on the preview and a curricula guide for teachers are available by contacting Kodet at sasha.kodet@ sanantonio.gov or 210-207-3270. This is a great time to join the Botanical Society and enjoy 38 acres of plush gardens and discounted or free admission to this exhibit and all the other upcoming great events at the Botanical Garden for families and adults, including Concerts under the Stars, Bootanica, Starlight Movies in the Garden, Dog Days of Summer, Art in the Garden, and Gardens by Moonlight, said Candace Andrews, managing director, San Antonio Botanical Society. The San Antonio Botanical Society is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit support organization specifically established to support the San Antonio Botanical Garden in its role of inspiring people to connect with the world of plants and understand the importance of plants in our lives. Operated under the auspices of the city of San Antonio Department of Parks and Recreation, the Botanical Garden is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. yearround except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. It is located at 555 Funston at North New Braunfels Avenue. For more information, call 210-829-5100 or visit www.sabot.org.

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Five Things to Remember When Working Toward a Healthier You By Tom Trevino

rom newspaper articles and magazine covers to television shows and infomercials, everyone seems to want to lead a healthy, active lifestyle. But with two-thirds of the population currently overweight or obese, and a continual increase in diabetes and other lifestyle-related maladies, there seems to be a disconnect between what we want, and how to actually get there.

and a half hours of moderate aerobic activity, combined with two full-body strength training sessions each week. That may sound like a lot, but assuming your resistance training takes a half hour per session, that’s only 210 minutes total per week, or about 30 minutes of activity each day. Not much of an investment when you consider all the positives gained as a result.

Plenty of people seem motivated to workout and NOT SHOWING OFF be healthier; everyone, it seems, belongs to a gym, Showing up is only half the battle; the other is owns a bike, or at the very least a pair of those new intensity. Need an example? Ever see the person in “toning” shoes. So what gives? the gym casually pedaling the recumbent bike while intently reading the paper? Or playing games on Perhaps we’re missing some key information, or their iPad? Do they seem to be making any type of have the equation just a little bit wrong. To help progress? While it’s true that something is generally sort it all out, here are five of the most common better than nothing, most people who invest their mistakes people make when trying to take charge time, effort and energy into a workout usually want of their health. a return on their investment. And more and more research seems to point to intensity as the key to NOT SHOWING UP results, whether the goal is athletic or aesthetic. First things first: If you’re not active, you’re putting your health in jeopardy. And if you’re reading this In a study put together by the Physical Activities while seated at the comfort of your computer, Sciences Laboratory at Laval University in Quebec, then you’re really in trouble. In a recent study Canada, researchers divided healthy adults into reported in the journal for the American College of two groups; one of which followed a 20-week Sports Medicine, researchers found that sedentary endurance training program, the other a 15-week behavior (being seated while riding in a car or high-intensity intermittent-training protocol. In the watching TV ) increased subjects’ risk of dying from end, even though the total calories expended by cardiovascular disease. Yikes. the endurance group was more than twice that of the interval group, skinfold caliper measurements The point being, if you have a gym membership, a concluded greater fat loss in the interval group. treadmill in the house, or even an old bicycle in the Subsequent research also has revealed advantages garage, you’ve got to use it. But for how often and in cardiovascular conditioning and even muscular for how long? According to the Centers for Disease adaptation for subjects who followed shorter, more Control, adults should aim for a minimum of two intense workouts versus traditional, steady state September-October 2011 | On The Town 115

training. While there’s a lot to learn and take away from all this, the general premise is clear: if you’re going to show up, at least make an effort to work. LACK OF CONSISTENCY Let’s say you have it all figured out. You’ve started to be less sedentary, and when you’re active you’re putting in a solid effort. Sounds good so far, but there is one major component you’re missing, and that’s the ‘C’ word: consistency. Regardless of whatever it is you do, when it comes to your health, you shouldn’t expect to reap the benefits of your actions unless you put in time and effort on a regular basis. You wouldn’t expect to get paid the same salary at your job if you only put in three days a week as opposed to six, so expect no less from your wellness routine, diet plan or performance program. If you want to lose fat but only follow your prescribed diet 60 percent of the time, don’t expect any dramatic results the next time you hop on the scale. And if you want to become a better runner or swimmer, or simply improve flexibility and mobility, you simply have to practice, practice, practice. As the CDC guidelines already have made clear; you don’t only have to do 30 minutes a day, you have to do it every day. MISSING THE BIG PICTURE The great thing about our technologically driven world is that we can dissect just about anything, pull out very specific data, and disseminate that information to everyone very quickly through online media. The bad news is that this often creates an ever-shifting (and exhausting) target for the masses eager to improve their health. According to recent news cycles, if you’re feeling awful, the culprit is probably lack of vitamin D, or too much gluten. And if you really want to change your body and your life, then you really need to do Pilates or run in those funny “barefoot” shoes that look like feet. While the wealth of information related to any and all of these topics may be interesting (and the same can be said of shark cartilage, core workouts, acai berries, super-slow training, etc.), they are not in and of themselves a singular solution. They may all be components of health, but no one thing is a panacea for your paunch or lack of energy. What is worthy of your time and attention is acknowledging the big picture, which is much more simple and 116 On The Town | September-October 2011

effective, but not as newsworthy or trendy: Eat better (and this often means less) and move more. Spend your time caught up in the hype surrounding the latest trend and you’re just missing out on more time to live well. FORGETTING THE D WORD “Diet plays a significant role in your overall health and well-being, and not only gives you energy, but affects your body on a cellular level,” said Amanda Avey, a personal trainer with a master’s degree in nutrition. “The intricate activities that occur at that level ultimately effect how you look, how you feel, how well you sleep and, ultimately, how you function.” And those are more than just words from a professional in the trenches, those are words from experience, as Avey was driven to the health and wellness field after revamping her diet and dropping more than 70 pounds herself. Bottom line: It may not be pretty, and no one really likes to hear it, but if you don’t have a clean, healthy diet, you’re never going to physically see the results of all your efforts. More importantly, without a rich abundance of good foodstuffs, you’re limiting your nutrient intake and jeopardizing multiple areas of your health. So remember, Avey said, “Every single thing you eat or drink directly has an impact on how you look and feel.”

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 114 © Akhilesh Sharma / dreamstime.com Page 116 (Above) © Steven Cukrov / dreamstime.com (Below) © Johannes Gerhardus Swanepoel / dreamstime.com Page 117 (Above) © Dancingfishes / dreamstime.com (Below) © Thommason / dreamstime.com September-October 2011 | On The Town 117

Picture This: the came

Kodak Target Six-16 1930

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Kodak Jiffy 1940

Kodak Retina IIa 1950

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Beacon 1950

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Polaroid Model 95a 1960

Nikkormat FTN 1970

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images by Greg Harrison

Nikon F3 HP 1980

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Hassleblad 500CM 1990

Nikon D700 2010

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