November/December 2010 Issue

Ezine.com

ON THE TOWN

November/December 2010

Jack Jack Orbin Orbin Mark Mark Bohanan Bohanan Alicia Alicia Guadiana Mariachi Mariachi Vargas Vargas A A Tuna Tuna Christmas Christmas Vanessa Vanessa Lacoss Lacoss Hurd Las Las Nuevas Nuevas Tamaleras Tamaleras Plus Plus 12 12 Additional Additional Articles Articles

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Features Holiday Traditions Take 10 Center Stage Again!

Southwest School of Art Bachelor’s Degree Program

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Joe Sears & Jaston Williams San Antonio is Having A Tuna Christmas

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Mark Bohanan: Taking It Beyond Prime

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Alicia Guadiana 88 Celebrating 45 Years at La Fonda on Main

Jack Orbin: Rock On

16th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza

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Tony Bennett Brings His Best to the Majestic

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Alice Mena and the Tradition of Las Nuevas Tamaleras

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Vanessa Lacoss Hurd Shaping the Future of San Antonio Children’s Museum

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Memberships to Museums and Art Centers are Priceless Gifts

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Healthier Holidays Through 92 Damage Control Keepers of the Flame 96 The Importance of Women In the Latin Kitchen Books for the Holidays: A Few Tasty Suggestions

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A Long Time Coming: San Antonio’s Steady Rise to A Premier Golf Destination

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Contributors

Departments November-December 2010 Events Calendar

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Portfolio: Cliff Tinker Expressionist Paints the Town Blue, Red and Green

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Book Talk: John Pipkin, Novelist

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Artistic Destination: The Arts 120 Shine On in Corpus Christi

Front Cover Photo: Greg Harrison

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Julie Catalano

Pat Mozersky

Cynthia Clark

Mikel Allen, graphic designer

Thomas Duhon

Hector Pacheco

Chris Dunn

Tony Piazzi

Dana Fossett

Angela Rabke

Vivienne Gautraux

Al Rendon

Greg Harrison, staff photograpaher

Marilu A. Reyna Sara Selango

Michele Krier

Claudia Maceo-Sharp

Brenda Ladd

Shannon Huntington Standley

Performing Arts Cover Photo: 9 to 5: The Musical by Joan Marcus

Christian Lair

Events Calendar Cover Photo: Š Mac Miller | Big Stock Photo

Susan A. Merkner, copy editor

Tom Trevino

Kay Lair

Janis Turk Jasmina Wellinghoff

Visual Arts Cover Photo: Greg Harrison Culinary Arts Cover Photo: Greg Harrison Literary Arts Cover Photo: Š Ron Sumners | Dreamstime.com Eclectics Cover Photo: Greg Harrison

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Performing Arts

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Take Cen 10 On The Town | November-December 2010

Holiday Traditions

nter Stage Once Again!

By Sara Selango

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utcrackers abound! The holiday season brims with per formances of this classic ballet, beginning just after Thanksgiving when Ballet San Antonio combines talents with the San Antonio Symphony for eight shows over two weekends. Enjoy their artistic efforts Nov. 26-28 and Dec. 3-5 at the Majestic. In mid-December, Arts San Antonio presents The Nutcracker at Municipal Auditorium. Marina Goshko and Andrey Prikhadko, principal dancers from Metropolitan Classical Ballet, are featured as they dance alongside members of San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet for four per formances Dec. 17-19. Alamo City Dance Company has scheduled two Nutcracker per formances Dec. 18 at McAllister Auditorium, on the campus of San Antonio College, plus a matinee Dec. 19. That’s fifteen opportunities to see The Nutcracker, but wait there are still three more. San Diego Ballet dances two performances of The Nutcracker on Nov. 20 and 21 at the Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater in Kerrville and the Moscow Ballet Great Russian Nutcracker takes center stage at Lila Cockrell Theatre the day after Christmas.

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Continuing with another holiday tradition, A Tuna Christmas brings merriment to the Majestic Dec. 21-23 and 25-26. Joe Sears and Jaston Williams portray a handful of zany citizens from Tuna, Texas in this one. Six shows and that’s it. If you miss this chance to see A Tuna Christmas, you’ll have to wait an entire year for the next go ‘round. Not attending wouldn’t be prudent.

Las Nuevas Tamaleras is also a must-see during the holiday season. Alicia Mena’s play about three women endeavoring to make tamales for the first time has enthralled audiences for the past fifteen years. See it Friday through Sunday Nov. 26 – Dec. 12 at the Guadalupe Theater.

Of course there’s much more live entertainment on tap in November and December so please allow me to string a few “greatest hits” together for your consideration. Tommy Tune: Steps In Time plays the Majestic Nov. 18 while 9 to 5: The Musical comes to the same venue Dec. 7-12. Other Majestic evenings feature George Jones Nov. 19 and Tony Bennett Dec. 19. Next door at the Charline

McCombs Empire Theatre, Holland Taylor stars in Ann: An Affectionate Portrait of Ann Richards Dec. 10-12 and 15-19. Talk about a must-see. The SA Symphony stays super-busy during the holidays.

In addition to their aforementioned Nutcracker performances, highlights include Colors of Mexico at the Majestic Nov. 11-12 featuring violinist Elena Uroiste with Carlos Miguel Prieto conducting; A Tribute to the Music of John Denver Nov. 19-20 at Laurie Auditorium with singer Jim Curry and conductor Michael Krajewski; Handel’s Messiah at three different churches Dec. 3-5; and Holiday Pops Dec. 17-18 with Ken-David Masur as conductor.

Eclectic musical highlights in and around San Antonio during the holiday season are TransSiberian Orchestra, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Imani Winds, Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, Celtic Spring, Willie Nelson, Symphony of the Hills with Flash Cadillac, Merle Haggard, Justin Bierber, Terri Hendrix, Voce di Sorelle, Arabian Nights by Musical Bridges Around The World, Michael Martin Murphey, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan and SOLI Chamber Ensemble to name a few. Check the

events calendar listings in this magazine for dates, times and venues.

Comedy and community theaters add much to the entertainment landscape in November and December. Outstanding stand up comes courtesy of Vince Vaughn and Kevin James: Comedy Roadshow at the Majestic Nov. 15, Sandra Bernhard: Kiss Me On The Lips Texas Tour at the Woodlawn Nov. 19, Cheech and Chong: Get it Legal Nov. 20 at the Majestic and Jeff Dunham: Identity Crisis Tour at AT&T Center Nov. 27. Rivercenter Comedy Club and Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club also bring national-quality comedians to town weekly. Check their websites for details.

As to community theaters, A Christmas Carol: The Musical hits the boards at San Pedro Playhouse from Dec. 3-23 while Christmastime at The Overtime is the seasonal offering from Dec. 4-18 at The Overtime Theater in the Blue Star Complex. Damian Gillen of the Company Theatre is once again doing his oneman Bah Humbug thirty times in thirty days. Catch him at The Big Apple Room at Little Italy Nov. 26, Magik Theatre Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 24, and outdoors on the River Walk at the Arneson River Theater Dec.

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18. Coming to the Cameo is Love, Sex and the IRS in November and Let’s Misbehave: The New Cole Porter Musical in December. Annie is the seasonal choice at the Woodlawn Theatre from Nov. 24 – Dec. 23.

Fame will also be presented at the same theatre from Dec. 4-19. The Arabian Nights is featured at the Sheldon Vexler Theatre through Nov. 13.

Lyric Opera. Check the events calendar for these and other performances in Austin, Corpus Christi, Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley.

There is so much to see and enjoy during the holiday season. Get some tickets and go!

The Nutcracker is not the only ballet on the agenda this holiday season. San Antonio Metropolitan • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Ballet also brings us three performances of Hansel and Gretel at Jo Long Theatre at Carver Community Cultural Center Nov. 6-7. The same stage welcomes Photo Credits: Ragamala Dance Theater Nov. 13 and Kuumba House Nov. 18.

Page 10-11 Surrounding cities offer incredible performance opportunities as well during the holiday season like Elton John, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes, Shrek: The Musical, Jose Feliciano and Cirque Dreams Illumination. Other shows to mark on your calendar are Ed Asner as FDR, Golden Dragon Acrobats: Cirque d’Or, Alan Jackson, George Lopez and La Traviata by Austin

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The Nutcracker Ballet Arts San Antonio Photo by Daren Abate Page 12 (L-R) Carlos Miguel Prieto Courtesy dispeker.com

The Nutcracker Ballet Ballet San Antonio / San Antonio Symphony Photo by Elise Barker Terri Hendrix Photo by Mary Bruton Page 13 (L-R) 9 to 5: The Musical Photo by Joan Marcus A Tuna Christmas Jaston Williams and Joe Sears Photo by Brenda Ladd Elena Urioste Photo by Jonathan D. Nimerfroh, JDN Photography

Page 14 (L-R) Michael Krajewski Courtesy michaelkrajewski.com Ann: An Affectionate Portrait of Ann Richards Holland Taylor Photo by Ave Bonar Bah Humbug!

Damian Gillen Courtesy The Company Theatre Page 15 (L-R) The Nutcracker Ballet Arts San Antonio Photo by Daren Abate Ragamala Music and Dance Theater Courtesy ragamala.net Ken-David Masur Photo by Greg Harrison

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A & Q

s r a e S e With Jo s m a i l l i W n o t s a J and

San Antonio is Having A Tuna Christmas

By Vivienne Gautraux Photography Brenda Ladd

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he holiday season in San Antonio wouldn’t be complete without a multi-performance run of A Tuna Christmas. This year, be thoroughly entertained once again by Joe Sears and Jaston Williams as they return to the Majestic Theatre to portray iconic citizens of Tuna, Texas, the likes of Vera Carp, Petey Fisk, Joe Bob Lipsey, Arles Struvie, Pearl Burras, Didi Snavely and more. Let the yuletide roll for you, family and friends from Dec. 21-26.

you once lived and worked and made a name for yourself, can make you feel a little obligated to be your very best.

Jaston: S.A. will always be home for me, in a way. It’s the city where I’ve run the gamut from Shakespeare to Tuna to listening to Rosaland Russell tell hysterically funny lies in a crowded elevator at the St. Anthony Hotel.

I recently had the opportunity to ask a dozen VG: A Tuna Christmas is the second installment in questions of Joe and Jaston. Their responses are the Tuna series of four comedic plays. How did the below. original, Greater Tuna, come about, and how did the town of Tuna get its name?

VG: You’re spending the holidays in San Antonio with A Tuna Christmas at the Majestic from Dec. Joe: Our original play, Greater Tuna, was conceived 21-26. From past performances at this enormous as comic cabaret for Austin’s Sixth Street theater, how does it feel to be on stage anticipating entertainment clubs. We satirized the then-active “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” laughs and receiving and pushy political movement called the Moral thunderous applause from a packed house?

Majority, which turned out to be neither. We were going to put our bigoted characters in a Mississippi Joe: Performing in a city like San Antonio, where setting but changed our mind and set the story in November-December 2010 | On The Town 19

Texas and gave more humanity to the townspeople.

We wanted a comic-sounding town, and Tuna, Texas, made us both laugh out loud.

we got started we knew it was the best thing to do theatrically. The same stands for the quick changes.

Jaston: It came out of financial reasons but once

Joe: The characters are not based on individuals but

VG: The names of characters such as Vera Carp, Petey Jaston: The original show came about because we were Fisk, Joe Bob Lipsey, Arles Struvie, Didi Snavely and starving and wrote it in a humble and desperate attempt others in the various casts are golden. Did you sit to put food on the table. That was many enchiladas ago. around forever thinking up these pearls?

As for the name Tuna, it came out of the ether.

Jaston: All of the names came spontaneously.

VG: When you were writing Greater Tuna, who came up with the idea for the two of you to play all the Joe: Much consideration and planning goes into a roles by changing characters and costumes with name for the Tuna characters. It usually has a neat lightning speed? Was this done for creative reasons ring, a familiar feeling, fun to say and hear, and or budget considerations? hopefully a double entendre meaning. Aunt Pearl Burras (Burr-ass) is a good example of a made-up Joe: It was a budget decision to make two actors name to enhance the image of the character. play all the characters. Jaston suggested we play the women as well, convinced we had the talent to pull VG: Are the colorful characters of Tuna based partially, it off. By George, he was right. or in total, on folks you knew when growing up?

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we certainly have borrowed mannerisms, delivery patterns and other useful traits.

member? If you have, did the guys on stage know you were there?

Jaston: On advice of my lawyer, I respectfully refuse to answer.

Joe: I have seen many productions of our plays.

Usually the theater has put up their best character actors to play it off. Sometimes they knew I was out there watching and this can make you nervous but heck, try having the President in your audience for high maintenance on the nerves.

VG: Ed Howard is the third member of the original team. Please tell us about his involvement through the years.

Jaston: Ed Howard is the co-author, director and fixes the occasional flat.

Joe: Ed Howard is our third writing partner and director of the show. He was the original designer and producer in Austin and continues to be an intricate part of the comedy team enterprises.

Jaston: I greatly enjoy watching others interpret our work. By being in the audience, I really get to enjoy the writing.

VG: After the holiday season ends, will you tour Tuna Does Vegas again in 2011?

Jaston: Who knows?

VG: I’ve heard that costume designer Linda Fisher, lighting designer David Nancarrow, wardrobe Joe: We will be making plans to tour Tuna Does Vegas supervisor Karen Jones, set designer Christopher during the year.

McCollum and sound designer Ken Huncovsky have been with you since day one. Is this correct?

VG: You’ve been involved with these shows since 1981. Quick math says you’ve been entertaining folks Joe: Linda Fisher has been with us as our costume for 29 years. Fans everywhere hope you’ll continue designer all these years. Originally, we gathered forever. Is this the plan? many of our costumes for the Austin production from thrift shops here in San Antonio. Aunt Pearl’s original Joe: I have resigned myself to the idea that laughter dress for the Austin production, and it was kept for and Tuna make people happy, and the money pays the Off-Broadway show, came from San Anthony my bills.

Thrift Shop in San Antonio. Bertha Bumiller’s lime green pantsuit came from Operation Friendship - Jaston: If I drop dead someday wearing a dress, so Goodwill on Commerce Street. be it.

Jaston: Love them all as we do, none of them were VG: One last question, if you don’t mind. How do there on day one. On day one, there were the three you change costumes so fast, I’m just asking? of us, plus one hostile female punk rocker and a couple of cats.

Jaston: Fear of failure is a great motivator. Also, we have excellent dressers and wardrobe people, not the VG: A Tuna Christmas played Broadway and Greater least of whom is San Antonio’s lovely Karen Jones.

Tuna spent a year Off-Broadway. Is it true, or urban legend, that when these shows reached this level of Joe: We have three dressers who make the changes performance, you made the decision to freeze their lightning-quick. Very little Velcro is used. There is scripts in time with no changes allowed? over-dressing and layers to peel down and be ready to go on. Tricks that work. Some changes take less Jaston: We freeze the scripts once they are published than 10 seconds.

VG: You have released the production rights to community theaters for Greater Tuna, A Tuna Christmas and Red, White and Tuna. The question is, have you attended a local performance as an audience

Your chance to see A Tuna Christmas is coming soon.

Don’t miss it or you’ll have to wait an entire year before the opportunity comes around again. Tune to radio station OKKK for more details.

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Jack Orbin:

Rock On

By Julie Catalano Photography Greg Harrison

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all someone an old hippie these days, and only one thing: the music. “There was so much you’re liable to get punched in the head. Call meaning in the music back then. We wanted to bring Jack Orbin that, and he just beams. that to more and more people.”

“I’m proud of it,” says the youthful, 62-year-old entrepreneur. “It’s why I still have long hair. I like to represent, you know, let the freak flag fly,” referring to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young’s “Almost Cut My Hair.”

“We” refers to Orbin’s early partners, Carl Schwartz and Greg Wilson, high school buddies he teamed up with after returning to San Antonio from his communal life in the mountains southwest of Denver.

Talking to the president and founder of Stone City Attractions – a 38-year-old, independent, concertpromotion company in San Antonio – is like hopping into a paisley-painted ’60s time machine, complete with Colorado communes and broken-down vans, hawking hand-dipped candles, hitchhiking to music festivals, protesting the war and generally indulging whatever free-spirited idea that floats in.

The fledgling promoters had $500 to their names and started booking club-type gigs for a band called Crackerjack, which just happened to have one of the greatest-but-as-yet-unknown guitarists of all time – Stevie Ray Vaughan. Ironically, old friends Sugarloaf then came to town with their big hit “Green Eyed Lady” and Orbin booked them (“They had accidentally burned down my cabin so they figured they owed me”). The business took off from there.

It’s also the journey of a lucky-but-shrewd businessman who combined his love of rock music with a dedication to unwavering principles that brought some of the biggest names in entertainment to more than 7 million concertgoers spanning four decades – all in a cutthroat business that has chewed up and spit out countless others.

The University of Texas graduate credits his longevity and success to staying true to his roots, which means

The company hit a big bump when Badfinger cancelled their 1974 tour “that took all our money.”

Schwartz and Wilson went their separate ways, while Orbin borrowed from his stepfather to go on to present Steve Miller, ZZ Top, Joe Cocker and Humble Pie. Leafing through the company’s concert log of entertainment legends like Rod Stewart, Fleetwood Mac, Ringo Starr, Journey, Santana and hundreds of November-December 2010 | On The Town 23

others, Orbin says his focus from day one was “keeping ticket prices down. I fight bands and agents every day trying to keep ticket prices low.”

His methods haven’t hurt him one bit. In fact, he says, “In our 38 years, I bet we haven’t had three years that have lost money.”

Orbin believes in sharing the wealth. The recipient of numerous humanitarian and other communityservice awards, he believes in giving back, primarily to children. “We always pick a music-oriented children’s nonprofit, anything that has to do with children and music.” The company’s donations are approaching the $1 million mark.

Helping children is a natural: “Family is the most important thing,” he says, adding, “I’ve been raising kids for 31 years.” Orbin met his second wife, Christine – a former Miss Rock and Roll San Antonio – at a rock concert, and the two merged their blended families of sons, now grown. The couple is raising two teenagers: a daughter, 15, and a niece, 16. In Orbin’s North Side office, family pictures are mingled with portraits, photographs, memorabilia of celebrities and concerts, and softball trophies, plaques and certificates. Orbin is a member of the San Antonio Senior Softball League.

Not that it’s all crimson and clover for the feisty Orbin, who visibly reacts to the encroachment of “millionpound gorillas” like promoters AEG and LiveNation into an industry that “has become too much business and not enough music.

“Conglomerates aren’t in the music business, they’re in the stock business. We’ve got to have new, young promoters that are outside that realm.” He wishes there were more bands like Santana, who always gives back to the community, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra, which donates $1 from every ticket. But the money, he admits, is too seductive.

So far, Orbin hasn’t succumbed to the offers that have come his way. “Once you start working for a conglomerate, I don’t think we could continue with the same policies and principles of community service and consumer advocacy.” A firm believer in karma, “I have to live with myself. I have to sleep at night.” An impish grin spreads, crinkling his eyes. “I really am an old hippie.”

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16th Annual

Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza

By Cynthia Munoz Photography Al Rendon

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an Antonio’s 16th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza is the largest and longestrunning event of its kind in the United States, with seven days of mariachi-related events held to showcase the best mariachi music has to offer. The annual event attracts more than 1,000 mariachi musicians from throughout the United States and Mexico and more than 15,000 mariachi aficionados who attend events held throughout the week.

The Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza serves as host to the largest and most competitive studentbased mariachi group and vocal competitions, mariachi vocal and instrumental workshops and a concert featuring the internationally acclaimed Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. Mariachi-themed art exhibits, a mariachi music serenade and free mariachi music presentations are held throughout the week. The highlight of the weeklong festival is a concert featuring Mariachi Vargas and mariachi group and vocal competition winners Dec. 4 at Municipal Auditorium.

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán represents the history of the mariachi genre with its traditional, versatile and exceptional performance style that dates back to 1898. They have recorded more than 100 CDs, throughout five generations, with numerous original songs and arrangements that set the standard for the mariachi music industry.

Much of this is due to the phenomenal talents of maestro Ruben Fuentes, the group’s leader since the 1950s, and Jose “Pepe” Martinez Sr., musical director for Mariachi Vargas. Together, Fuentes and Martinez have written numerous songs and arrangements that have resulted in the sound mariachi music is known for today.

Mariachi Vargas performs traditional huapangos, boleros, rancheras, polkas, waltzes and the son, the most important musical form that identifies the mariachi genre. The 13 members of Mariachi Vargas make up the finest mariachi musicians and vocalists in all of Latin America. The group consists of six violinists, three trumpets, one vihuela, one guitar, one guitarron, one harp and seven phenomenal voices that result in a full sound with operatic and symphonic influences. Their elegant stage presence, formal mariachi attire, majestic voices and musicianship give live audiences an

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experience beyond the imagination.

The internationally acclaimed Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán is based in Mexico City and has performed throughout the United States and Latin America and most recently in Spain and the Czech Republic.

Their music continues to shape cultures, influence people, attract multiple generations and entertain audiences throughout the world. More information is available at www.mariachimusic.com.

Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Schedule of Events • Mariachi Mass Sunday, November 28, 8am San Fernando Cathedral • Mariachi-themed Art Exhibit/Reception Tuesday, November 30, 6pm Centro Cultural Aztlan • Noche de Cultura Wednesday, December 1, 7pm Instituto Cultural de Mexico • Serenata en el Rio Thursday, December 2, 7pm Rivercenter Mall Lagoon • Mariachi Workshops Friday, December 3, 8am Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center • Mariachi Group Competition Friday, December 3, 5pm Municipal Auditorium, 100 Auditorium Circle • Mariachi Vocal Competition Saturday, December 4, 9am Municipal Auditorium, 100 Auditorium Circle • Mariachi Vargas Concert Saturday, December 4, 7:30pm Municipal Auditorium, 100 Auditorium Circle Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com.

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Tony Bennett Brings His Best to The Majestic

By Janis Turk

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.ony Bennett is one of the most beloved entertainers of all time, with fans from all walks of life, all across the globe — a high distinction for anyone, much less a man born circa 1924. At age 85ish, this classy, dapper and dashing legendary performer and 15-time Grammy Awardwinner still knows how to make the ladies swoon.

Bennett, whose voice and music have a timeless quality that seem to become ever more mellow and rich through the passing years, is once again taking his show on the road. San Antonians are fortunate that this holiday season, Bennett once again will bring his sparkling eyes and deep-velvet voice to the Majestic Theatre in December.

that Bob Hope first spotted Tony and asked him to join his show at the Paramount Theater. As it turned out, Hope wasn’t fond of the name Bennett was using at the time (Joe Bari), so right before their first show together he took Bennett’s birth name (Anthony Dominick Benedetto), paired it down to Tony Bennett and introduced him to the Paramount crowd. A star was born.

During his career, Bennett has covered just about every love song, romantic ballad and jazz standard ever written, but of course he is best known for his wistful classic, I Left My Heart in San Francisco, which became a tremendous hit and secured Bennett’s star status. Ralph Sharon, Bennett’s pianist and musical director for many years, found Although it seems Bennett has crooned his way the song in a drawer. He decided to bring it with through the childhoods and adult years of all him on the road for Bennett’s first appearance in baby boomers, his first break came many years San Francisco, thinking it might be good to add ago when Pearl Bailey asked him to join her show the song for those performances. History proved at the Village Inn in New York City. It was there he was right.

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In December 1961, at San Francisco’s Fairmont Hotel in the famous Venetian Room, a swank supper club, Bennett first sang I Left My Heart in San Francisco for an audience that included San Francisco Mayor George Christopher and future mayor, Joseph L. Alioto. Through the years Bennett would return to the Venetian Room in San Francisco and sing what would become the city’s favorite song, so in 1969, the song was adopted by the city and county of San Francisco as an official anthem. The singer is also fond of telling another pleasant story about that tune: The first time they rehearsed the song, Bennett and Sharon were practicing it in a hotel lounge in Hot Springs, Ark., and a bartender overheard them and said, “If you record that song, I will buy it.” After Bennett recorded it, that bartender and just about everyone else in America ran to the record store and bought the album.

Today Bennett, whose apartment overlooks Central Park in Manhattan, takes pleasure in taking walks with his wife, Susan, enjoying restaurants in the city, listening to jazz and painting. As a gifted painter, he signs each of his works with Benedetto, the family name.

A Depression-era kid from Queens who became an international star, Bennett certainly has lived the good life but doesn’t rest on his laurels. He keeps on singing, leaving our hearts richer and fuller with every lovely note. The opportunity to see him and experience his music comes on Dec. 19 at the Majestic. I, for one, will be there. Seven p.m. sharp.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 30 Photo by Michael Macor San Francisco Chronicle Polaris Page 31 Photo by Paul Drinkwater

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Alicia Mena and the Tradition of Las nuevas Tamaleras T Story and Photos by Marilu A. Reyna

radition. The Mirriam-Webster Dictionary defines tradition as, the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction. Although the definition is correct, it leaves 34 On The Town | November-December 2010

out another critical component, cultura. In homes all over the world, culture is key in tradition and with the humble, but immense goal of honoring her mother, the writer/director of Las Nuevas Tamaleras, Alicia Mena has taken on the passing of tradition to another level.

One of the time-honored traditions of the holiday season for many Latino families is the annual tamalada.

For centuries, this was a significant occasion for families and friends to gather, young and old, male and female.

Everyone involved had a job to do and the event, which would start early in the day, could last long into the night and was filled with bonding moments that included plenty of love, family, friendship, teaching, learning, and of course, a healthy dose of gossip!

The one-act play opens as two veteran tamaleras residing in heaven stop and reminisce about their glory days down on earth and the thing they miss the most, they agree is the tamalada. Fast forward to the next scene where three modern day Latinas gather in their kitchen to take on what they conceive to be “a real challenge” – the tamalada. One of them decides to light a Virgen of Guadalupe candle to summon the spirits for moral support.

When a story is told well, it evokes many emotions…

Las Nuevas Tamaleras is no exception. This play will make you laugh, it will make you cry, it may also stir up a tad of envy - there are some heartbreaking, poignant moments and then, you will laugh again – it is a comedy after all. In the end you walk away with something not many theater performances can do.

You will walk away with a call to action and you will gather your family and friends for a tamalada… you will want to carry on tradition!

The play truly captures the spirit of the tamalada, including gossip, heart ache, cheating husbands and more. Audience members flock to the stage to meet and greet the playwright after each show and they enthusiastically share their own tamalada story. They identify with the amusing characters, it’s either bossy Silvia, the brash Josie or the leopard-print clad and prissy Patsy. And almost always, they identify with the spirits who come down from heaven to aid the novices in the kitchen. In these characters, Doña Juanita and November-December 2010 | On The Town 35

Doña Mercedes, they see their grandmother, or great grandmother and for some, their own mother or favorite tia. In the final scene the three ladies make a toast, where they raise a glass to all the women who came before them for making this achievement possible, and to all that will come after them, as they are the ones that will help keep the tradition alive.

Alicia Mena, is passionate about what she does, she is a woman with a vision and a mission to bring the world of theater to those that may not have every even been to see a live theater performance. She has been beyond successful at bringing the characters of Las Nuevas Tamaleras alive and the play has now become a holiday tradition for many San Antonians. At the end of each show, which has been playing to sold-out audiences for over fifteen years Mena takes that stage to thank the audience, thank them for being part of this wonderful tradition… about tradition!

36 On The Town | November-December 2010

The 2010 season of Las Nuevas Tamaleras will kickoff on Thursday, November 26 through December 12, 2010, Friday, Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Theater at 1301 Guadalupe Street. For additional information, please go to www.tamaleras.com.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 34 (L-R) Rita Duggan, Kinya Cano and Lorraine Pulido Page 35 (L-R) Rita Duggan, Monessa Esquivel and Lorraine Pulido Page 36 (L-R) Rita Duggan, Sonia Rodríguez and Lorraine Pulido

November-December 2010 | On The Town 37

38 On The Town | November-December 2010

Events Calendar 40-62

November-December July-August 2010 | On The Town 39

November-December 2010 Events Calendar Music Notes Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano “Viva Mexico” Kerrville Performing Arts Society Presentation 11/1-2, Mon-Tue @ 7:30pm Samuel V. Champion HS Auditórium Boerne Barenaked Ladies 11/4, Thu @ 7:30pm Bud Light Courtyard at AT&T Center Merle Haggard 11/4, Thu @ 8pm Gruene Hall Justin Bierber: My World Tour 11/5, Fri @ 7pm AT&T Center Scott Wiggins Band 11/5, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store San Antonio Symphony: Gershwin and Ravel 11/5-6, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Tito Munoz, conductor Ryo Yanagitani, piano Majestic Theatre

Lyle Lovett and his Large Band 11/5, Fri @ 9:30pm 11/9, Tue @ 9:30pm Gruene Hall RockBox Theater in Fredericksburg Regular show times: 11/5-12/26, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 4:30pm & 8pm Sun @ 1:30pm Plus added shows for the holiday season: 12/2, 9, 16 & 23 Thu @ 7pm 11/26, 12/3, 10 & 17 Fri @ 4:30pm 12/24, Fri @ 1:30pm 12/26, Sun @ 7pm 12/30, Thu @ 7pm 12/31, Fri @ 8pm

Easton Corbin 11/6, Sat @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio

Nonpoint 11/7, Sun @ 7pm (doors open) Backstage Live

Bob Schneider 11/6, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Basia 11/10, Wed @ 7:30pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre

James McMurtry 11/6, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall

Jake Owen 11/12, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio

YOSA Presents Jaime Laredo and Sharon Robinson 11/7, Sun @ 4pm Troy Peters, conductor Majestic Theatre

San Antonio Rose Live 11/5-12/31, Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 2pm & 7:30pm Sun & Mon @ 7:30pm Aztec Theatre

Musical Evenings at San Fernando Cathedral Musical Bridges Around The World Presentation 11/7, Sun @ 6:30pm San Fernando Cathedral

Bread and Roses: Que Viva Mexico! featuring Azul 11/6, Sat @ 1pm Guadalupe Theater

San Antonio Symphony: Veteran’s Day Concert 11/7, Sun @ 7pm Ken-David Masur, conductor Municipal Auditorium

40 On The Town | November-December 2010

Rick Springfield 11/12, Fri @ 8:30pm Lila Cockrell Theatre Monte Montgomery 11/12, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store San Antonio Symphony: Colors of Mexico 11/12-13, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Carlos Miguel Prieto, conductor Elena Urioste, violin Majestic Theatre Stoney LaRue 11/12-13, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall

Celtic Spring 11/13, Sat @ 7:30pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels Bobby Jordan & Ridgecreek 11/13, Sat @ 8pm Kendalia Halle Jake Hooker 11/13, Sat @ 8pm Anhalt Hall Spring Branch Cody Canada with Seth James 11/13, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Copperleaf Quintet: Copperleaf at San Antonio Museum of Art 11/14, Sun @ 2:30pm SAMA imani Winds San Antonio Chamber Music Society Presentation 11/14, Sun @ 3:15pm Temple Beth-El Sunday Jazz at the Witte: Westside Horns 11/14, Sun @ 4pm Witte Museum Youth Orchestra of San Antonio: Autumn Music 11/14, Sun @ 5pm McAllister Auditorium San Antonio College

Symphony of the Hills with Flash Cadillac 11/14, Sun @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville UTSA Guest Artist Series: Elena Urioste, violin 11/15, Mon @ 7:30pm UTSA Recital Hall - Main Campus Spencer Myer Tuesday Musical Club Presentation 11/16, Tue @ 2pm & 7:30pm Laurel Heights Methodist Church San Antonio Symphony: Homenaje de Mexico 11/17, Wed @ 7:30pm Laurie Auditórium Trinity University Velcro Pygmies 11/17, Wed @ 9pm (doors open) Backstage Live Josh Abbott Band 11/19, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio Cityview Jazz Fall Series featuring Steve Cole 11/19, Fri @ 7pm Plaza Club – Frost Bank Building 4Troops 11/19, Fri @ 7:30pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre November-December 2010 | On The Town 41

Seth James Band 11/19, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall George Jones 11/19, Fri @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Hayes Carll 11/19, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store San Antonio Symphony: A Tribute to the Music of John Denver 11/19-20, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Michael Krajewski, conductor Jim Curry, singer Laurie Auditorium Trinity University Hot Rods and Steel Music Fest 11/20, Sat @ 2pm (doors open) Backstage Live Youth Orchestra of San Antonio: Mexican 2010 11/20, Sat @ 7pm Municipal Auditorium Jody Nix 11/20, Sat @ 8pm Anhalt Hall Spring Branch Roger Creager 11/20, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall

Paul Thorn 11/20, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Bleu Edmondson 11/27, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Gary P. Nunn 12/3, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

UT Butler Shool of Music Jazz Orchestra 11/21, Sun @ 4pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre

Willie Nelson 12/1, Wed @ 8pm Gruene Hall

San Antonio Symphony: Handel’s Messiah 12/3-5, Fri @ 7:30pm University United Methodist Church Sat @ 7pm Coker United Methodist Church Sun @ 7:30pm Trinity Baptist Church Patrick Dupré Quigley, conductor San Antonio Symphony Mastersingers University United Methodist Church Choir

A Day to Remember 11/22, Mon @ 6pm (doors open) Backstage Live

Symphony of the Hills: Rising Stars 12/2, Thu @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville

Atreyu 11/23, Tue @ 6pm (doors open) Backstage Live

Los Lobos 12/2, Thu @ 8pm Gruene Hall

Joe Ely Band 11/24, Wed @ 8pm Gruene Hall

Aaron Watson 12/3, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio

Chris Young 11/26, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio Reckless Kelly 11/26, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Bart Crow Band 11/26, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Kevin Fowler 11/27, Sat @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio

42 On The Town | November-December 2010

San Antonio Choral Society: Gems of the Season 12/3, Fri @ 7:30pm First United Methodist Church Boerne 12/10, Fri @ 7:30pm First Unitarian Universalist Church Terri Hendrix Carver Community Cultural Center Presentation 12/3, Fri @ 8pm Little Carver Civic Center

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Winter Tour 2010 12/4, Sat @ 3pm & 8pm AT&T Center Children’s Chorus of San Antonio: Candelight Celebration 12/4, Sat @ 7pm Alamo Heights United Methodist Church Forbidden 12/4, Sat @ 7pm (doors open) Backstage Live Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan 12/4, Sat @ 7:30pm Municipal Auditórium

November-December 2010 | On The Town 43

The Fab Four 12/4, Sat @ 7:30pm Laurie Auditorium, Trinity University

Alamo Metro Chorus: The Magic of Christmas 12/5, Sun @ 3pm Bietel Memorial Lutheran Church

Cowboy Christmas Ball with Michael Martin Murphey 12/4 @ 7:30pm LBJ Student Center Texas State University San Marcos

Rick Ross 12/5, Sun @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio

Gary P. Nunn 12/4, Sat @ 8pm Anhalt Hall Spring Branch Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison Christmas Show 12/4, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Kyle Park 12/4, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Alamo City Men’s Chorale: Naughty ‘N Nice 12/4-5, Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 4pm Travis Park United Methodist Church Children’s Chorus of San Antonio: Winter Magic 12/5, Sun @ 3pm Alamo Heights United Methodist Church

Anat Cohen Carver Community Cultural Center and KRTU 91.7 Presentation 12/5, Sun @ 8pm Jo Long Theatre SOLI Chamber Ensemble: On the Record 12/6, Mon @ 7pm Gallery Nord 12/7, Tue @ 7pm Ruth Taylor Recital Hall Trinity University From Gershwin to Garland: A Musical Journey with Richard Glazer 12/8, Wed @ 7pm Barshop Jewish Community Center Eli Young Band 12/10, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio Zack Walther and the Cronkites 12/10, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Cory Morrow 12/11, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall

44 On The Town | November-December 2010

Arabian Nights Musical Bridges Around The World Presentation 12/12, Sun @ 3pm McAllister Auditorium San Antonio College Voce di Sorelle: Jubilate!

Music of Christmastide 12/5, Sun @ 3pm Union Church Building Kerrville 12/12, Sun @ 3pm Chapel of the Incarnate Word San Antonio Chordsmen with The Marcsmen: White Christmas 12/12, Sun @ 3pm Roosevelt HS Auditorium Mid-Texas Symphony: The Messiah Comes 12/12, Sun @ 4pm David Mairs, conductor Mid-Texas Symphony Chorus Children’s Chorus of New Braunfels Jackson Auditorium Texas Lutheran University Seguin Blind Guardian 12/15, Wed @ 7pm (doors open) Backstage Live On The Horizons: Music Show 12/`15, Wed @ 7pm Guadalupe Theater

Robert Earl Keen Christmas Show 12/16-17, Thu-Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Randy Rogers Band 12/17, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio San Antonio Symphony: Holiday Pops 12/17-18, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Ken-David Masur, conductor Children’s Chorus of San Antonio Majestic Theatre James LaBrie 12/18, Sat @ 7pm (doors open) Backstage Live Billy Mata 12/18, Sat @ 8pm Anhalt Hall Spring Branch Roger Creager with Emory Quinn 12/18, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store San Antonio Symphony: Family Holiday Celebration 12/19, Sun @ 2:30pm Ken-David Masur, conductor Laurie Auditorium Trinity University Tony Bennett 12/19, Sun @ 7pm Majestic Theatre

Holiday Saxophones 12/19, Sun @ 7:30pm Guadalupe Theater

Youth Orchestra of San Antonio Chamber Concert 12/23, Thu @ 4pm Travis Park United Methodist Church

Cody Canada with Seth James 12/29, Wed @ 8pm Gruene Hall

Reckless Kelly 12/30, Thu @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio

The Band of Heathens 12/30, Thu @ 8pm Gruene Hall

Jack Ingram’s New Year’s Eve Bash 12/31, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys San Antonio

Symphony of the Hills: New Year’s Eve Pops 12/31, Fri @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville

Two Tons of Steel 12/31, Fri @ 9:30pm John T. Floore Country Store

On Stage

New Year’s Eve with Charlie Robison 12/31, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall

Legends of the Golden Oldies 11/4-6, Thu-Sat @ 8pm (Dinner @ 6:15pm) Harlequin Dinner Theatre

Slim Roberts and the Texas Weather Band 12/31, Fri @ 8pm Kendalia Halle

The Rocky Horror Show 11/4-6, Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 10pm Woodlawn Theatre

November-December 2010 | On The Town 45

Dr. S Battles the Sex Crazed Reefer Zombies: The Movie, The Musical 11/4 & 6, Thu & Sat @ 8pm The Overtime Theater Blithe Spirit Playhouse 2000 Presentation 11/4-13, Thu-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville The Arabian Nights 11/4-13 Thu & Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2:30pm (No show on Fridays) Sheldon Vexler Theatre

Windows V: Never too Dead to Dance 11/5, Fri – Time TBD Behind the Mistletoe 12/3, Fri – Time TBD Sterling Houston Theatre at Blue Star

Jack and the Beanstalk Mrs. Warren’s Profession 11/12-21, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Watson Fine Arts Center Theatre St. Philips College

Love, Sex and the IRS 11/6-28, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Cameo Theatre

Las Nuevas Tamaleras 11/13, Sat @ 7:30pm Evans Auditorium Texas State University San Marcos

Mamma Mia, That’s a Murder!

Cameo Theatre and Fools Productions Presentation 11/6 & 20, Fri @ 6:30pm Spaghetti Warehouse

Shock Puppets Halloween 11/5-6, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm El Chuco Loves La Che The Rose Theatre Jump Start Performance Company Co. Presentation 11/12-13, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Harry Potwurst Sterling Houston 11/5-7, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Theatre at Blue Star Sun @ 2pm Circle Arts Theatre, New Braunfels Intensity in Ten Cities 11/13-27, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Bingo Bunnies The Rose Theatre 11/5-20, Thu @ 7:30pm Company Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Boerne Community The Good Person Theatre of Szechwan 11/12-14, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Home Grown Tomatoes Sun @ 2:30pm 11/5-21, Fri-Sat @ 8pm 11/17-20, Wed-Thu @ 7pm Sun @ 2:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm Cellar Theater Stieren Theater San Pedro Playhouse Trinity University

46 On The Town | November-December 2010

Tommy Tune with Manhattan Rhythm Kings 11/18, Thu @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Driving Miss Daisey 11/18-12/18, Thu-Sat @ 8pm (Dinner @ 6:15pm) Harlequin Dinner Theatre Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming 11/19-12/12 Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Elizabeth Huth Coates Theatre at Hill Country Arts Foundation Ingram Annie 11/24, Wed @ 7:30pm 11/26-12/19 Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm 12/21-23 Tue-Thu @ 7:30pm Woodlawn Theatre

Las Nuevas Tamaleras 11/26-12/12 Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Guadalupe Theater Bah Humbug!

The Company Theatre Presentation 11/26, Fri @ 7:30 (Dinner @ 6:30pm) The Big Apple Room at Little Italy 12/5, 12 & 19, Sun @ TBA Magik Theatre 12/18, Sat @ TBA Arneson River Theatre 12/24, Fri @ TBA Magik Theatre Straight: A Conversion Comedy 12/2-19, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm AtticRep Theatre Trinity University Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Musical New Braunfels Theatre Company Presentation 12/3-12, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre A Christmas Carol: The Musical 12/3-19, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm 12/20-23, Mon-Thu @ 7pm Russell Hill Rogers Theater San Pedro Playhouse

November-December 2010 | On The Town 47

Glamarama Lounge: The Legends Drag On! 12/4, Sat @ 7:30pm & 10pm Sterling Houston Theatre at Blue Star Christmastime at the Overtime 12/4-18, Thu-Sat @ 8pm (No show on Friday, 12/3) (Matinees on Sunday, 12/5 & 12) The Overtime Theater at Blue Star Fame 12/4-19, Sat @ 3pm Sun @ 7pm Woodlawn Theatre 9 to 5: The Musical Broadway Across America Presentation 12/7-12, Tue-Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm & 7:30pm Majestic Theatre Christmas at The Theater Fredericksburg Theater Company Presentation 12/9-12, Thu-Sat@ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Steve W. Sheperd Theater Let’s Misbehave! The New Cole Porter Musical Allegro Stage Company production with the Cameo Theatre 12/9-1/2, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Cameo Theatre

The Shock Puppets Save Santa 12/10-18, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm The Rose Theatre Company Ann: An Affectionate Portrait of Ann Richards Starring Holland Taylor 12/10-12, Fri @ 7:30pm Sat-Sun @ 2pm & 7:30pm 12/15-19 Wed-Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 2pm & 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Black Nativity Renaissance Guild Presentation 12/11-12, Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 4pm Jo Long Theatre @ Carver Community Cultural Center A Tuna Christmas Broadway Across America Presentation 12/21-23, 25-26 Tue-Thu @ 8pm Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30 & 7:30pm Majestic Theatre

The Dance Hansel & Gretel San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet Presentation 11/6-7, Sat @ 2pm & 7pm Sun @ 2:30pm Jo Long Theatre @ Carver Community Cultural Center Ballet Conservatory of South Texas: Removed From Time 11/12, Fri @ 7pm Russell Hill Rogers Gallery Southwest School of Art Ragamala Dance Theater Carver Community Cultural Center Presentation 11/13, Sat @ 8pm Jo Long Theatre

At The Opera

The Nutcracker San Diego Ballet Presentation 11/20-21, Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville

Ahmal and the Night Visitors St. Mary’s University Music and Theater Department Presentation 11/19-20, Fri @ 7:30pm (in English) Sat @ 7:30pm (in Spanish) Guadalupe Theater

The Nutcracker Ballet San Antonio and San Antonio Symphony Presentation 11/26-28 & 12/3-5 Fri @ 7pm Sat @ 2pm & 7pm Sun @ 2pm Majestic Theatre

48 On The Town | November-December July-August 2009 2010

Fiesta de Navidad Guadalupe Dance Academy Presentation 12/17, Fri @ 7:30pm Guadalupe Theater

The Nutcracker Arts San Antonio Presentation with Metropolitan Classical Ballet and San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet 12/17-19, Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 2pm & 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Municipal Auditorium

Kuumba House Carver Community Cultural Center Presentation 12/18, Sat @ 8pm

The Nutcracker Alamo City Dance Company Starring Maia Wilkins and Michael Levine 12/18-19 Sat @ 3pm & 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm McAllister Auditorium San Antonio College

Moscow Ballet Great Russian Nutcracker 12/26 Sun @ 1pm Lila Cockrell Theatre

Standup Kyle Grooms 11/3-7 Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club John Caparulo 11/5-7 Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Alex Reymundo 11/10-14 Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Brad Upton 11/10-14 Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club

Wild West Presents: Vince Vaughn & Kevin James Comedy Roadshow 11/15, Mon @ 8pm Majestic Theatre

Sandra Bernhard: Kiss Me On The Lips Texas Tour 11/19, Fri @ 7pm Woodlawn Theatre

Joe Vega 11/17-21 Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club

Cheech & Chong: Get It Legal 11/20, Sat @ 8pm Majestic Theatre

Chris Porter 11/18-21, Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Best of Texas Comedy Show 11/24, Wed @ 6pn Lonestar Pavilion at Sunset Station

November-December 2010 | On The Town 49

Rick Gutierrez 11/24-28 Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Jesse Joyce 12/16-19, Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Pigeon Party Children’s Fine Arts Series Presentation 11/12, Thu @ 6:30pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre

Raj Sharma 11/26-28 Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Sun @ 8:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club

Chris Fonseca 12/22-26, Wed-Fri & Sun @ 8:30pm Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club

Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells 11/17-12/23 Tue-Fri @ 9:45am & 11:30am Fri @ 7pm, Sat @ 2pm Magik Theatre

Jeff Dunham: Identity Crisis Tour 11/27, Sat @ 8pm AT&T Center Anjelah Johnson 12/3-4, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Peter Berman 12/8-12 Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Chris Cannon 12/8-12 Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Tim Young 12/15-19 Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club

Shane Mauss 12/23-26, Thu-Fri & Sun @ 8pm Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Andrew Kennedy 12/30-1/1 Thu-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club Mitch Fatel 12/30-1/2 Thu & Sun @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

For The Kids Petite Rouge 11/2-6 Tue-Fri @ 9:45am & 11:30am Fri @ 7pm, Sat @ 2pm Magik Theatre

50 On The Town | November-December 2010

Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Green Thumb 11/24, 11/26-28 Wed @ 7pm Fri @ 2pm & 7pm Sat @ 10:30am & 2pm Sun @ 1pm & 4:30pm Joe Freeman Coliseum Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!: There’s a Party in My City 12/9, Thu @ 6pm Joe Freeman Coliseum

On Exhibit ARTPACE International ArtistIn-Residence New Works: 10.3 Henning Bohl Roy McMakin Adam Schreiber Curated by Michael Darling Opening 11/18

Hudson (Show)Room Matthew Ronay: Between The Worlds Thru 1/2 Window Works Leonardo Drew Thru 1/2 BIHL HAUS ARTS Danville Chadbourne Retrospective Part 2: Artists Collection, Wood Reliefs, 1980-1999 Thru 12/11 BLUE STAR CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER This Is Not a Photo Show: Ben Aqua, William Betts, Helen Maurene Cooper, Thomas Cummins, Michael Eddy, Matthes Noel-Tod & Yumi Janairo Roth Curated by Kimberly Aubuchon Thru 11/6 Kathy Coiner: You Appear to Me to Be Someone Whose Life is Meaningless Curated by Chuck Ramirez Thru 11/6 Hills Snyder: The Casual Observer Thru 11/6 Captivar La Luz: A Latino Experience Thru 11/27

November-December 2010 | On The Town 51

CENTRO CULTURAL ATZLAN 33rd Annual Dia de los Muertos Exhibition 11/2-12 GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER Fantastic Fuerzas / Forces David Almaguer, Albert Alvarez, Rafael Fajardo, Xavier Garza, Jaime Higa, Nadin Ospina, Dulce Pinzón, Angel RodríguezDiaz, Gustavo Higuera, Juan Felipe Salcedo Curated by Patty Ortiz Thru 11/20 INSTITUTO CULTURAL DE MEXICO FotoSeptiembre USA 2010 Exhibit The Casasola Archives: Mexico – Beyond the Revolution!

Thru 11/21 City of San Antonio International Center McNAY ART MUSEUM You’ve Got Mail: The Greeting Cards of Richard Anuskiewicz Thru 1/2 Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism Thru 1/16 Calder to Rauschenberg Gifts of Jeanne and Irving Mathews Thru 1/16

Curtain Up The Classics Operas, Ballets, Musicals, Plays Thru 1/17 Joey Fauerso: Four Animations Thru 2/13 SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN George Schroeder: Art In The Garden Curated by Bill FitzGibbons Thru 3/30 SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum Thru 1/9 Tierra, Libertad y no Re-Eleccion!

Photography from the Mexican Revolution Thru 2/13 No Escape: The Photographs of the Brothers Moniel Klint Thru 2/13 SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART Kent Rush: In Choate and Sublime Thru 11/28

52 On The Town | November-December 2010

Amanda Stark: The Astral and Tellurian Thru 11/28 Ramin Samandari: Veils of Nephele Thru 11/13 Alan & Blake Weissling: A Generational Influence Thru 11/28 Dia de los Muertos: La Ofrenda 11/2-6 Art from Architecture 11/4-10 Art for Giving 11/17-1/8

Soldadera: Mociuaquetzque de la Revolución Mexicana - Valiant Women of the Mexican Revolution” 11/6-1/16 Leaving Home, Finding Home: Texan Families Remember the Revolution 11/6-6/4 WITTE MUSEUM Art in the Yard: Insect Innovations Thru 1/2

Jon Eric Riis: Oracles 12/9-1/27

Backyard Monsters: The World of Insects Thru 1/2

Leigh Anne Lester: Beautiful Freaks Nature’s Bastards 12/9-2/27

Beautiful Bugs: Specimens From the Witte Museum Collection Thru 1/2

Mark Menjivar: You are what you eat 12/9-2/27

1910: A Revolution Across Borders Thru 2/27

INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES Buffalo Soldiers: Discovering Heritage on the Texas Frontier Thru 1/3 Play: An Interactive Exhibit for the Whole Family Thru 1/9

Porfirio Salinas: Painting South Texas Thru 3/20

Miscellaneous First Friday Art Walk 11/5 & 12/3, Fri / 6-9pm Southtown / Blue Star / King William

Lebanese Festival 11/5-7, Fri / 6-11pm Sat / 11am-11pm Sun / 12noon-6pm St. George Maronite Catholic Church Diwali Festival of Lights 11/6, 6pm-10pm (Fireworks @ 8:45pm) HemisFair Park Fountain Plaza 3rd Annual Latino Music Festival 11/6, Sat / 11:45am11:45pm Main Plaza

River City MMA Battle 11/6 at @ 7:30pm Municipal Auditorium Uptown Art Stroll 11/6-7, Sat / 10am-5pm Sun / 12noon – 5pm Olmos Park Terrace Neighborhood Taste of CIA Cookbooks: Hors d’Oeuvre for the Holidays 11/12, Sat/9:30am-2:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery

GodstockSA Festival 11/12-13 Fri / 5-10:30pm Sat / 12noon-10:30pm Rosedale Park

2010 Urban Spaces Tour

by Downtown Alliance 11/19, Fri / 4-10pm Blue Star Lab – 114 Broadway @ Houston Street

Rock ‘n Roll San Antonio Marathon and 1/2 Marathon 11/14, Lion’s Field – Broadway @ Mistletoe

Light The Way 11/20-1/6 Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium University of the Incarnate Word

A Rhapsody at Blue 2: Arts & Eats 2010 11/17, Wed @ 7pm Blue Star Contemporary Art Center

12th Festival de Puerto Rico 11/21, Sun / 12noon-7pm Live Oak Civic Center

November-December July-August 2010 | On The Town 53

Christmas Tree Lighting and Celebration 11/26, Fri @ 6pm Alamo Plaza Ford Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony 11/26, Fri @ 7pm River Walk Feria de Santa Cecilia of Market Square 11/26-28, Fri-Sun / 11am-10pm Market Square Holiday Open House and Grand Tamalada 11/27 La Villita Ford Holiday Boat Caroling 11/27-12/19 River Walk Culinary Boot Camp: Basic Training 11/29-12/3, Mon-Fri / 7am-1:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery Hecho a Mano: Made by Hand 2010 12/3-5, Fri / 6-9pm Sat / 10am-6pm Sun / 11am-6pm Guadalupe Gallery Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center

Culinary Boot Camp: Gourmet Meals In Minutes 12/6-10, Mon-Fri / 7am-1:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery Urban-15 Holiday Laser Show 12/9-11, Thu-Fri @ 7pm Sat @ 2pm & 7pm Urban-15 Studios Cirque D’Or: Golden Dragon Acrobats 12/10, Fri @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Holiday Arts & Crafts Show 12/10-12, Fri-Sun, 10am-11pm River Walk Taste of CIA Cookbooks: Soup 12/11, Sat / 9:30am-2:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery Tamales! at Pearl: A Holiday Family Festival 12/11, Sat, 12noon-9pm Pearl Brewery Die deutsche Weihnachtsfeier: German Christmas Celebration 12/12, Sun @ 5:30pm Margarite B. Parker Chapel Trinity University

54 On The Town | November-December 2010

Holiday Boot Camp 12/13-14, Mon-Tue / 7am-1:30pm Culinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery WWE: Smackdown 12/21, Tue @ 6:30pm AT&T Center Valero Alamo Bowl 12/29, Wed @ 8:15pm Alamodome Austin w00tstock 2.9 11/2, Tue @ 7pm Paramount Theatre Shrek The Musical Broadway Across America and Texas Performing Arts Presentation 11/2-7, Tue-Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm & 7:30pm Bass Concert Hall UT Campus Sarah McLachlan 11/3, Wed @ 8pm Austin Music Hall Russell Peters 11/4, Thu @ 7:30pm Paramount Theatre Other Side of Sleep 11/4-6, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Whisenhunt Arena Stage Zachary Scott Theatre Rent 11/4-28, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Kleberg Stage Zachary Scott Theatre

Earl Klugh 11/5, Fri @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre Asleep at the Wheel’s 40th Anniversary featuring Willie Nelson 11/5, Fri @ 7:30pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Austin Lyric Opera: La Travista 11/6, 10, 12 & 14, Sat @ 6pm Wed, Fri & Sun @ 7:30pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Bill Frisell’s Beautiful Dreamers featuring Eyvind Kang and Rudy Royston 11/7, Sun @ 6pm & 8:30pm One World Theatre Great Organ Series: David Henning 11/10, Wed @ 7:30pm Bates Recital Hall UT Campus L.A. Theatre Works: The Real Dr. Strangelove Texas Performing Arts Presentation 11/10, Wed @ 8pm Hogg Memorial Auditorium Lyle Lovett and his Large Band 11/10 & 12, Wed & Fri @ 8pm Paramount Theatre

Celebrity Autobiography 11/10-14, Wed-Thu @ 7:30pm Fri @ 7pm & 10pm Sat @ 4pm & 8pm Sun @ 3pm & 7pm Rollins Studio Theatre at The Long Center Ray Wylie Hubbard 11/11, Thu @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre Joanna Newsom 11/11, Thu @ 8pm Paramount Theatre Alan Jackson 11/12, Fri @ 7pm Cedar Park Center The Levon Helm Band: with Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs Texas Performing Arts Presentation 11/12, Fri @ 7pm Bass Concert Hall UT Campus

Kevin Hart 11/13, Sat @ 8pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Miro Quartet 11/18, Thu @ 7:30pm Bates Recital Hall UT Campus Ed Asner as FDR 11/18, Thu @ 8pm Paramount Theatre Ornette Coleman Quartet Texas Performing Arts Presentation with the Butler School of Music 11/18, Thu @ 8pm Bass Concert Hall UT Campus

Fourplay 11/12, Fri @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre

Jason Graae Austin Cabaret Theatre Presentation 11/18-20 Thu-Sat @ 8:30pm Ringside @ Sullivan’s

Tim & Eric Awesome Tour, Good Job! 11/13, Sat @ 8pm Paramount Theatre

Oleta Adams 11/19, Fri @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre

George Lopez: I Can Never Do Nuttin! Tour 11/13, Sat @ 8pm Cedar Park Center

Louis C.K.: Word 11/19, Fri @ 8pm & 10:30pm Paramount Theatre November-December 2010 | On The Town 55

Austin Symphony Orchestra: Mexico 200/100 Concert Peter Bay, conductor Francisco Ladron de Guevara-Fink, violin 11/19-20, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Mark Cohn 11/20 Sat @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre John Oliver 11/20 Sat @ 8pm & 10:30pm Paramount Theatre Austin Civic Orchestra & Austin Symphonic Band: Music for Austin.

By Austin 11/21, Sun @ 3pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Nnenna Freelon 11/21 Sun @ 6pm & 8:30pm One World Theatre Basia: It’s That Girl Again Tour 11/22 Mon @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre John McGlaughlin & The Fourth Dimension 11/23-24 Tue-Wed @ 8pm One World Theatre

A Tuna Christmas 11/23-24, 26-28, Tue-Wed @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm & 7:30pm Paramount Theatre Cirque Dreams Illumination Broadway Across America and Texas Performing Arts Presentation 11/23-24, 26-28 Tue @ 8pm, Wed @ 2pm Fri-Sun @ 2pm & 7:30pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center Santaland Diaries 11/26-1/2 Wed-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Whisenhunt Stage Zachary Scott Theatre Bob Schneider 11/27 Sat @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre Peter White Christmas Featuring Rick Braun & Mindi Abair 11/30 Tue @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre The Klezmatics with SpecialGuest Richard Stoltzman 11/30 Tue @ 8pm Bass Concert Hall UT Campus

56 On The Town | November-December 2010

A Kodachrome Christmas 12/1-5 & 12/15-19 Wed-Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 3pm & 8pm Sun @ 3pm & 7pm Rollins Studio Theatre at The Long Center Los Lobos 12/3 Fri @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder with Rick Trevino 12/3 Fri @ 7:30pm Riverbend Centre Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Winter Tour 2010 12/3 Fri @ 8pm Frank Erwin Center Ira Glass 12/4 Sat @ 8pm Paramount Theatre Ballet Austin: The Nutcracker Accompanied by Austin Symphony Orchestra 12/4-19 Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm 12/21 Tue @ 7:30pm 12/22-23 Wed-Thu @ 2pm Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center

Austin Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah 12/7, Tue @ 8pm David Stevens, conductor Riverbend Centre Guy Forsyth & Carolyn Wonderland: Holidays

by Candlelight 12/8, Wed @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison Holiday Show 12/9, Thu @ 8pm Paramount Theatre Sinbad 12/10, Fri @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre An Evening With Michael Pollan 12/10, Fri @ 8pm Bass Concert Hall UT Campus Yo Gaba Gaba! Live!: There’s a Party in My City 12/11, Sat @ 2pm & 5pm Cedar Park Center Golden Dragon Acrobats 12/11, Sat @ 4pm & 7:30pm Paramount Theatre Great Organ Series: Holiday Organ Concert featuring Judith and Gerre Hancock 12/11, Sat @ 7:30pm Bates Recital Hall UT Campus

Kat Edmonson 12/12, Sun @ 6pm & 8:30pm One World Theatre Allan Harris’ Jazzy Holidays with Hartt and Nada 12/14, Tue @ 7pm One World Theatre Austin Symphony Orchestra: Christmas Sing-A-Long 12/14, Tue @ 8pm Carlton Dillard, conductor Riverbend Centre

Jose Feliciano 12/17, Fri @ 7pm & 9:30pm One World Theatre Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring The Rockettes 12/17, Fri @ 5pm & 8pm 12/18-19, Sat-Sun @ 11am, 2pm, 5pm & 8pm 12/21-22, Tue-Wed @ 2pm & 7:30pm 12/23, Thu @ 2pm, 5pm & 8pm 12/24, Fri @ 1pm 12/26, Sun @ 11am, 2pm, 5pm & 8pm 12/27-30, Mon-Thu @ 2pm

& 7:30pm 12/31, Fri @ 1pm Bass Concert Hall UT Campus David Broza 12/19, Sun @ 7pm One World Theatre Austin Symphony Orchestra: Classical Mystery Tour – A Tribute to The Beatles Sarah and Ernest Butler Pops Presentation Peter Bay, conductor 12/30-31, Thu-Fri @ 8pm Palmer Events Center

Bob Schneider’s New Year’s Eve 2010 12/31 Fri @ 9pm Corpus Christi The Magic Flute Sparkling City Light Opera Presentation 11/6 Sat @ 7:30pm Performing Arts Center at Texas A&M Corpus Christi

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John Davidson Corpus Christi Live!

Presentation 11/7, Sun @ 7pm Performing Arts Center at Texas A&M Corpus Christi Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra: Viva las Americas!

11/13, Sat @ 8pm John Giordano, conductor Daniel Binelli, bandoneòn Performing Arts Center at Texas A&M Corpus Christi Dallas Brass Corpus Christi Live!

Presentation 11/19, Fri @ 7:30pm Performing Arts Center at Texas A&M Corpus Christi A Christmas Carol: The Musical 11/26-12/19, Fri-Sat @ 7pm Sun @ 2pm (12/5, 12 & 19) Harbor Playhouse Eli Young Band with Rich O’Toole and Rob Baird 11/27, Sat @ 7pm The Pavilion at Old Concrete Street Amphitheater Laugh Out Loud Comedy Tour 12/4, Sat @ 8pm Performing Arts Center at Texas A&M Corpus Christi

The Nutcracker Corpus Christi Concert Ballet Presentation 12/4-5, Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Selena Auditorium at America Bank Center Arena Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas Concert Furgason Bravo! Series Presentation 12/7, Tue @ 7:30pm Performing Arts Center at Texas A&M Corpus Christi Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra: Home for the Holidays 12/11, Sat @ 8pm John Giordano, conductor Mark Masri, tenor Performing Arts Center at Texas A&M Corpus Christi The Nutcracker Corpus Christi Ballet Presentation 12/11-12, Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm 12/18-19, Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm & 7:30pm Selena Auditorium at American Bank Center Arena Corpus Christi Chorale 12/14, tue @ 7:30pm Performing Arts Center at Texas A&M Corpus Christi

58 On The Town | November-December September-October 2010 2010

Kevin Fowler: Deck the Dancehall Tour with Kyle Park and the Kyle Bennett Band 12/16, Thu @ 7pm Old Concrete Street Amphitheater Laredo Tito “El Bambino” 11/13, Sat @ 8pm Laredo Energy Arena Disney Live: Mickey’s Magic Show 12/29, Wed @ 1pm Laredo Energy Arena Rio Grande Valley Elton John 11/8, Mon @ 8pm State Farm Arena Hidalgo Solo Boxeo Tecate 11/12, Fri @ 7pm State Farm Arena Hidalgo Ahn Trio The Arts Center Signature Series Presentation 11/16, Tue @ 7:30pm The Arts Center Brownsville Handel’s Messiah 12/11, Sat @ 7:30pm The Arts Center Brownsville Disney Live! Mickey’s Magic Show 12/30, Thu @ 1pm & 4pm State Farm Arena Hidalgo

Valley Symphony Orchestra: VSO Fall Concert 11/4, Thu @ 8pm Peter Dabrowski, conductor UTPA Fine Arts Auditorium, Edinburg The McAllen Symphonic Band: Allied in Victory 11/9, Tue @ 7:30pm Civic Center Auditorium McAllen Valley Symphony Orchestra: An Evening of Chopin 11/16, Tue @ 8pm Peter Dabrowski, conductor International Museum of Art & Science McAllen Valley Symphony Orchestra & Chorale Holiday Concert 12/4, Sat @ 8pm Peter Dabrowski, conductor Civic Center Auditorium McAllen The McAllen Symphonic Band: Joy to the World 12/7, Tue @ 7:30pm Civic Center Auditorium McAllen The Nutcracker Rio Grande Valley Ballet 12/11-12, Sat @ 7pm Sun @ 2pm Civic Center Auditorium McAllen

Photo Credits Page 38 (L-R) Barenaked Ladies Courtesy barenakedladies. com Justin Bierber Courtesy AT&T Center Tito Munoz Photo by Ixi Chen

Page 39 (L-R) Jamie Laredo and Sharon Robinson Photo by Christian Steiner Basia Courtesy basiasongs.com

Celtic Spring Courtesy celticspringband.com

Jim Curry Courtesy San Antonio Symphony

Imani Winds Photo by Chris Carroll

Roger Creager Courtesy rogercreager. com

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Elena Urioste Photo by Jonathan D. Nimerfroh

Troy Peters Courtesy yosa.org

Carlos Miguel Prieto James McMurtry Courtesy San Antonio Courtesy liveatfloores.com Symphony

Spencer Myer Photo by Roger Mastriaonni

Page 43 (L-R) Kevin Fowler Courtesy kevinfowler.com Willie Nelson Photo by Danny Clinch

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Los Lobos Courtesy loslobos.org

Two Tons of Steel Courtesy twotons.com

Terri Hendrix Photo by Mary Bruton

Rocky Horror Show Courtesy Woodlawn Theatre

Page 44 (L-R) Gary P. Nunn Courtesy liveatfloores.com Trans-Siberian Orchestra Courtesy Stone City Attractions

Mama Mia, That’s a Murder Courtesy Cameo Theatre and Spaghetti Warehouse Page 48 (L-R)

Alamo City Dance Co. Nutcracker Photo by Herbert Migdoll

Ray Wylie Hubbard Courtesy oneworldtheatre. org

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Page 54 (L-R)

John Caparulo Courtesy lolsanantonio. com

Levon Helm Band Courtesy texasperformingarts.org

Rick Gutierrez Courtesy lolsanantonio. com

Fourplay Courtesy oneworldtheatre. org

Anjelah Johnson Courtesy lolsanantonio. com

Miro Quartet Photo by Faustinus Deraet

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan Photo by Al Rendon

Las Nuevas Tamaleras Photo by Marilu A. Reyna

Michael Martin Murphey Photo by Barry McCloud

Tommy Tune Courtesy tommytune.com

Andrew Kennedy Courtesy rivercentercomedyclub. com

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9 to 5: The Musical Photo by Joan Marcus

Page 52 (L-R)

Anat Cohen Courtesy Carver Community Cultural Center

Holland Taylor Photo by Ave Bonar

Golden Dragon Acrobats Courtesy goldendragon acrobats.com

SOLI Photo by Kemp Davis David Mairs Courtesy mtsymphony.org Robert Earl Keen Courtesy robertearlkeen. com Page 47 (L-R) Charlie Robison Courtesy liveatfloores.com

Page 50 (L-R) A Tuna Christmas Photo by Brenda Ladd Ragamala Courtesy Carver Community Cultural Center SA Symphony / Ballet SA Nutcracker Courtesy San Antonio Symphony

60 On The Town | November-December September-October 2010 2010

Shrek: The Musical Photo by Joan Marcus Sarah McGlachlan Courtesy sarahmcglachlan. com

Ornette Coleman Photo by Jimmy Katz Page 55 (L-R) Oleta Adams Courtesy oneworldtheatre. org Marc Cohn Courtesy oneworldtheatre. org Nneena Freelon Courtesy nneena.com

Rent Courtesy zachtheatre.org

John McGlaughlin Courtesy oneworldtheatre. org

Page 53 (L-R)

Page 56 (L-R)

Bill Frisell Courtesy oneworldtheatre. org

Cirque Dreams Illumination Photo by Carol Rosegg

Bob Schneider Courtesy liveatfloores.com

Michael Pollan Photo by Alia Malley

The Klezmatics Photo by Joshua Kessler

Golden Dragon Acrobats Courtesy goldendragonacrobats. com

Daniel Binelli Courtesy ccsymphony.org

John Davidson Courtesy corpuschristilive. com

Kat Edmonson Courtesy oneworldtheatre. org

Mark Masri Courtesy markmasri.com

Dallas Brass Courtesy corpuschristilive. com

Page 58 (L-R)

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Jose Felicano Courtesy oneworldtheatre. org

Elton John Courtesy eltonjohn.com

Ricky Skaggs Courtesy riverbend.com Page 57 (L-R) Sinbad Courtesy oneworldtheatre. org

David Broza Courtesy oneworldtheatre. org

Ahn Trio Courtesy ahntrio.com

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62 On The Town | November-December 2010

Visual Arts 64-82

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64 On The Town | November-December 2010

Vanessa Lacoss Hurd: Shaping the Future of San Antonio Children’s Museum

By Angela Rabke Photography Dana Fossett

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s a native of San Antonio, I have come to believe that we live in a city that fosters a culture of “institutions.” You know, the types of places that survive and thrive throughout the years and across generations. As an adult, I follow the same customs that my mom did, taking my kids to Kiddie Park and the Witte Museum, where many of the rides and exhibits remain the same as they were 40 years ago. Both of those institutions have evolved, but the existing structures and activities continue to delight young families in the same way. The San Antonio Children’s Museum also has a long history in San Antonio, but until recently, has been underrecognized as one of our city’s most important early childhood institutions.

“

Under the leadership of executive director Vanessa Lacoss Hurd, there has been a renewed interest in what is happening at the Children’s Museum today, as well as its very promising future. “Two years ago, I began as a six-week consultant during a transitional time for the museum,” Hurd says. “I was intrigued, and remain intrigued, by the promise that it could be a center that fosters learning in our community and crosses lines of school district and geography. I saw how the museum could reach out to parents and caregivers and be a reflection of our community’s commitment to its youngest citizens.”

In speaking to Hurd, it becomes very clear that those little citizens are her top priority, and the driving force behind her vision for the museum.

That vision extends beyond the idea of providing a destination for rainy-day play. In her words, “ The Children’s Museum is on a mission to become the premier resource in this community for early childhood learning. I want it to be a home away from home when parents are looking for something engaging to do with their children. I want our schools to view it as their No. 1 resource when they want to broaden and deepen their student’s thinking.”

With this vision in mind, she knew some changes were in order. “The Children’s Museum was at a lower point in its life cycle, and we needed to make some investments in our exhibit base and infrastructure, and we needed to reintroduce ourselves to our city base.” Hurd recognized that the museum was becoming a destination instead of an institution. “I knew it was important to spread our reach beyond the four walls so that people would view it more as a resource for their family instead of a destination on Houston Street.” A mother to three young children herself, she is attuned to children and caregivers, and demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of the teaching and learning resources that families across all demographics need.

While she readily acknowledges that they are still in the process of becoming the institution that she envisions, they have made great strides. Walk into the museum today, and you will find a building November-December 2010 | On The Town 65

abuzz with children who are actively engaged in learning opportunities in exhibits old and new. In the last two years, three new exhibits have been added, with a fourth slated for early 2011: a new science lab. “The science lab renovation is going to be a testament to the wonders of discovery and experimentation,” Hurd says. “There will be lots of hands-on opportunities for open-ended learning through experimentation or building and testing things kids create.” The museum also boasts PowerBall Hall, a fast-paced interactive ball exhibit, HEB Kids’ Market and Café, and recently, Tot Spot, a safe place for smaller children to learn and explore.

While the museum continues to improve and grow the existing exhibit base, there is also talk to move to a location that is central, but provides more resources and accessibility. In addition to a new location, a strong focus on other outreach opportunities that support learning remains. “We are engaged in the process to relocate the museum in the next five years in addition to spreading our wings in terms of outreach,” Hurd says. “We are working on providing after-school and summer programming targeting low-income communities.

We are also deepening and broadening our resources in terms of supporting and educating parents. The museum can help parents to build their skills as caregivers so that they can begin to build an educational framework for their kids. Everything we do builds children’s foundational skills in a way that schools can’t. We know that in school, children don’t have enough opportunity to engage in openended discovery and problem-solving, and our vision is to provide that opportunity for them.”

Recently, I took my young citizens, ages 2 and 4, to the Children’s Museum. As I watched them happily play (for three hours) I realized that this special place, an important resource for me, will definitely be remembered as an important institution by them.

Check it out! The holidays are a special time for the San Antonio Children’s Museum, with many exciting events. The Glorious Gingerbread Design Challenge takes place in November, with other events throughout December. Visit www.sakids.org for more information.

66 On The Town | November-December September-October 2010 2010

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68 On The Town | November-December 2010

Memberships to Museums and Art Centers Are Priceless Gifts

By Shannon Huntington Standley

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he holiday season is upon us and with it brings the showering of loved ones with gifts of joy—and the stress of choosing them.

This year make your gift unique, ever-changing and last the entire year. An annual membership to one of San Antonio’s top-notch art and cultural institutions can be found in every price range and provides additional benefits to the recipient all year long, including free admission, exclusive invitations to members-only events, discounts in the gift shops, member newsletters and much more.

These gifts are even customizable because a variety of levels are offered, from individual memberships to something for the entire family. Plus, all of these institutions boast rotating exhibition schedules, providing a different experience with each visit.

Speaking of those rotating galleries, here’s a look at what you can see while purchasing those memberships—you just might end up buying one for yourself.

When you purchase a gift membership to the San Antonio Museum of Art, the recipient receives a card in your name from the museum along with a personalized membership card and welcome packet. The first must-see from your gift is To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures From the Brooklyn Museum, on view through Jan. 9. This exploration of ancient Egyptians’ beliefs about death and the afterlife is portrayed through more than 100 objects tracing the myths that shaped Egyptians’ expectations about the afterlife and the proper preparation of body and tomb. On view through November-December 2010 | On The Town 69

Feb. 13 is Tierra, Libertad Y No Re-Elección and No Escape: Photographs of the Brothers Montiel Klint.

The first features 25 rarely seen photographs from SAMA’s permanent collection boasting vivid imagery chronicling some of the most poignant and defining moments in the history of Mexico. No Escape features large-scale color photographs of staged scenarios with provocative narrative content by the Mexico City-based Montiel Klint brothers.

The Witte Museum membership is a viable choice if you are shopping for an entire family. With member discounts on summer camps and sleepovers, your gift benefits the family in a variety of ways. While buzzing by, don’t miss their three insect-related exhibits, Backyard Monsters: The World of Insects, Beautiful Bugs: Specimens From the Witte Museum Collection and Art in the Yard: Insect Innovations, all on view through Jan. 2. Also on view, through Feb. 27, is the Witte’s commemoration of the centennial 70 On The Town | November-December 2010 70 On The Town | September-October 2010

of the Mexican Revolution, 1910: A Revolution Across Borders. The Mexican Revolution was the pivotal political conflict that shaped our understanding of Mexico as a nation and the cultural history of South Texas. Gain insight into the events and people in Mexico, the United States and the world from the late 19th century to the beginning of World War I through documentary photography, letters and postcards, art and music that tell the stories of the refugees, foot soldiers, generals, presidents, rebel leaders and ordinary people who made this history.

Your membership will come with a gift at the Institute of Texan Cultures. Drawing on its treasured photo archives, a membership at the Smithsonian level and above will come with a 2011 Texas Day Planner, which showcases nearly 70 historic images of San Antonio and Texas. This membership gift comes just in time for PLAY!, a family-oriented interactive exhibition that uses

larger-than-life clubhouse-style games to explore how people connect socially through play. On view through Jan. 9, this exhibit provides highly entertaining experiences and surprising outcomes, from human bowling to people-sized foosball. Also commemorating the Mexican Revolution is Leaving Home, Finding Home: Texas Families Remember the Mexican Revolution, opening Nov. 6. Explore the turmoil and social upheaval that caused thousands of Mexicans to flee their homeland and seek a new life in Texas through a close look at these families’ triumphs, contributions and challenges.

Other unique qualities of giving the gift of membership include the Southwest School of Arts, where one of their member benefits is a discount on classes. With the multi-gallery campus, there is always a wide variety of exhibitions to view.

Currently on view through Nov. 28 is Kent Rush: In Choate and Sublime, featuring new photographic

works with South Texas as the scene; and Amanda Stark: The Astral and Tellurian, sculptures of glass and metal by the Michigan artist. Closing Nov. 13 is Ramin Samandari: Veils of Nephele, an investigation of the forces of time, place and history through digital photography; and wrapping up the year, opening Dec. 9, is Jon Eric Riis: Solo Exhibition, a pushing of the tapestry genre by the internationally known artist; Leigh Anne Lester: Beautiful Freaks/ Natures’ Bastards, an environment filled with altered plants created from cut Mylar, Plexiglas and vinyl; and Mark Menjivar: You Are What You Eat, a photographic record of the inside of U.S. refrigerators, in partnership with the San Antonio Public Library Gallery.

A membership to the McNay Art Museum would be welcomed by anyone, and some of their benefits include free admission to the Get Reel film series, Annual Print Fair and other art enthusiast November-December September-October 2010 | On The Town 71

events. Plus, the gift comes with world renowned showcases of art from around the world, including currently on view through Jan. 16, Landscapes From the Age of Impressionism. This chronicling of the Impressionism evolution of the 19th century to early 20th century visits from the Brooklyn Museum. Also on view through Jan. 16 is Calder to Rauschenberg: Gifts of Jeanne and Irving Mathews, a showing of the collection of modern and contemporary art bequeathed to the McNay by Jeanne Lang Mathews.

Highlights include Alexander Calder’s bronze Snake and the McNay’s first works by British sculptor Anthony Caro and Polish sculptor Magdalena Abakanowicz.

Blue Star Contemporary Art Center’s annual membership is an ideal choice for those whose interests reach beyond the gallery walls, which includes discounts to restaurant partners and the International Sculpture Center, and exclusive travel opportunities. The final schedule of the year warrants multiple visits with the ARTsmart/MOSAIC Student Exhibition, opening Nov. 4, showcasing

72 On The Town | November-December 2010

works by the students in the program; artists Ivano Vitali and Joan Hall, Marilyn Lanfear, Angelina Mata and Libby Rowe opening shows on Dec. 9; Wayne Gilbert opening Dec. 11; and the Texas Photographic Society exhibit, Captivar la Luz: A Latino Experience closing Nov. 27.

Be sure to stop by Bihl Haus Arts on Dec. 11 for Bihl Haus Dialog with anthropologist Megan Biesle, Ph.D., sculptor Danville Chadbourne and art historian Kellen Kee McIntyre, Ph.D. The discussion will feature Chadbourne’s work, on exhibit in Retrospective II: Wood Reliefs, from the multiple perspectives of anthropology, art history and contemporary art criticism, and artmaking.

Not only is this an outside-of-the-box gift idea, most institutions offer many ways to purchase a membership including at the front desks, calling the membership offices or some even online.

Making the purchase in person is highly suggested, as this allows one to see these world-renowned exhibitions while crossing off the shopping list.

Photo Credits: Page 68 TylerCleveland2 Tyler K. Cleveland / The Ranger Captivar la Luz: A Latino Experience Blue Star Lab

Page 70 Robert Rauschenberg Black Mail 1958 , Oil, canvas collage, solvent transfer, and mirror on canvas Jeanne and Irving Mathews Collection McNay Art Museum

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Jon Eric Riis Sacred Heart Coat (eight layers) 2005. tapestry woven silk and metalic thread with crystal beads 44” x 22” x 3” Southwest School of Art

Danville Chadbourne The Protector of The Ghosts of Memories 41x12x6in., 1999 Bihl Haus Arts

Page 72 (L-R) Danville Chadbourne The Memory of Becoming Eternal 1984, 45x18in., Mixed Media.

Bihl Haus Arts Play! Exhibit Institute of Texan Cultures Leaving Home, Finding Home: Texan Families Remember the Mexican Revolution Institute of Texan Cultures

1910: A Revolution Across Borders The Witte Museum Coffin of the Lady of the House, Weretwahset, Reinscribed for Bensuipet Containing Face Mask and Openwork Body Covering New Kingdom, ca. 1292-1190 B.C.E. Wood, painted 25 3/8 x 19 11/16 x 76 3/16 in.

Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund San Antonio Museum of Art

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Portfolio:

74 On The Town | November-December 2010

r e k n i T Clif Expressionist Paints the Town

Red, Blue and Green

By Michele Krier Photography Cynthia Clark and Hector Pacheco Images of paintings contributed by Artistic Endeavors

November-December 2010 | On The Town 75

rtist Clif Tinker, who has chaired the Madison High School Fine Arts Department for a dozen years, has brought art to life for his students in more ways than one.

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He encourages his students to put their names on their work, explaining, “Many pieces of pottery have survived for 10,000 years or more. Artists must sign their work to make it valuable to collectors.”

This is important advice he took to heart following his own internship with world-renowned master ceramist Harding Black, who insisted on artwork being signed.

One piece that has taken on a bit of history of its own is a popular shopping bag designed by Tinker.

The reusable H-E-B shopping bag has sold more than 100,000 copies in less than five months. The colorful utilitarian bags in a deep blue with iconic symbols of San Antonio rendered in red -- the Alamo, Tower of Americas, River Walk sidewalk cafe umbrellas and the modern sculpture downtown on Alamo Street -- literally flew off the shelves. “Lots of people told me they actually hung my bag up as artwork in their homes,” Tinker says.

Growing up in Los Angeles, Houston, Denver and Montana made an impact on his work. Tinker says, “Your life reflects your point of view. I grew up loving the outdoors and the beauty of the West. I was very influenced by Mexican arts and culture in L.A. in the ‘70s.” And he has always been drawn to celebrated artists Henri Matisse and Van Gogh for their bold use of color.

Known as a neo-expressionist with an energetic style, Tinker earned his bachelor of fine arts degree in painting from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a master of arts degree art history from UTSA. He taught at the San Antonio Art Institute before joining the Madison faculty.

“I love painting scenes of San Antonio. This is one of the major projects I’ve been doing since the ‘80s. Documenting the entire city in paintings on the spot -- the Municipal Auditorium, buildings on Broadway, the Pig Stand, the Quarry Market and more,” Tinker says.

Although he thrives on the outdoors, some of his work is actually famous for being indoors. He was 76 On The Town | November-December 2010

commissioned by the San Antonio Spurs in 1993 to design the three dozen colorful nylon banners, known as “The Transition Game,” to decorate the Alamodome. At just over 80,000 square feet, this is one of the largest works of art in Texas.

personally sign those 100,000 bags!

Tinker’s major art series are of downtown San Antonio and the Alamo, the San Antonio airport, the former Alamo Cement factory, paintings of the sculpture in the Aztec Theater in downtown San Honored to be chosen for the supersized job, Tinker Antonio, cactus, roosters, African animals and lizards. says it led to a new project in 2003 to design the He also has done a series of non-representational official poster for the San Antonio Public Library paintings in the style of abstract expressionism. centennial. This poster sold almost 3,000 copies.

In 2004 he designed “San Antonio Spurs Then and Although he’s yet to achieve his ultimate art Now,” a commemorative poster commissioned by project -- painting a cover for the Rolling Stones the Spurs to chronicle the team’s history.

-- Tinker is certainly “getting satisfaction” from the overwhelming response to his portable artwork The Texas State Teachers Association chose a capturing the spirit and colors of San Antonio. brilliantly colored painting Tinker did of the Texas Capitol for its 125th anniversary poster. Tinker’s work is represented by Denise Barron and Tinker, who signed copies of the poster and the Jerry Hayes of Artistic Endeavors Gallery in La Villita library poster, is probably glad he didn’t have to (www.artend.com).

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Southwest School of Art

to Offer Texas’Only Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree From an Independent Art Institution First class in fall of 2013

By Angela Rabke Photography Southwest School 78 On The Town courtesy | November-December 2010 of Art

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he Southwest School of Art, San Antonio’s large community art school, recently announced that it will develop a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree program, making it the only independent, degree-granting art school in Texas. The first BFA students are expected on campus in fall 2013.

studies, and business skills.

Owen emphasized that this decision “was based on maximizing our many assets, which include an excellent faculty and studio facilities, and on filling the need for an independent art college in our region.” As the only independent, degree-granting program in Texas, she expects many students from Texas, but is not limiting the immediate reach. “An educated guess is that the majority of students will be from the region, but in this age of technology, with the internet and other social media outlets talking about the school, it is possible that we could reach students from outside of our immediate region, and abroad.

As a non-profit, independent art school, the Southwest School of Art will begin with an offering of one four-year degree – a Bachelor of Fine Arts – and will immediately attract students who are focused on becoming working artists. President Paul Owen speculates that the program will eventually grow to include an MFA as well. “Our vision is to be a top-notch art school in the tradition of Rhode Island School of Design, Pratt or the Chicago Art Institute,” she says. While at the school, students will Janet Flohr, the school’s current board chair and receive an intense grounding in studio practice and art president of Hare & Hound Press, added that the school’s making, as well as art history, critical thinking, general “long and proven history of prudent management November-December 2010 | On The Town 79

of resources, as well as its outstanding reputation for quality visual arts education” also supports the school’s decision to build this new program.

The Southwest School of Art is a nationally-recognized leader in arts education, offering on-campus studio programs for more than 4,000 adults, children and teens each year. Classes and workshops are taught by recognized local, regional and national artists in state-ofthe-art studios located in downtown San Antonio.

During its 45-year history, the art school has continuously offered free Saturday art classes to San Antonio families, and estimates that at least 23,000 children received their early exposure to art and art-making through this program. In addition, the school mobilizes art teachers and sends them into San Antonio schools and community centers – in some years, attendance in these classes has exceeded 60,000. This role as an engaged citizen in the community will be passed on to the students in the BFA program. “Students who attend the SSA will graduate with excellent studio skills and knowledge. But, they will also emerge with excellent creative and critical thinking skills and the education they need to be engaged citizens.

It is a holistic look, geared for artists, that incorporates the wider world,” says Owen.

Part of the school occupies the award-winning historic site of the original Ursuline Convent and Academy. In addition to its teaching mission, the art school has raised more than $25 million over the years to keep this San Antonio treasure in good repair and a favorite of both locals and tourists. The grounds and small history museum are free to visit and open to the public year-round.

As the southern-most anchor of the new Museum Reach extension of San Antonio’s River Walk, the Southwest School of Art also underwrites one of the city’s bestrespected exhibition programs, featuring well-known artists such as Fernando Botero in 2008 and Dale Chihuly in 2004. These exhibitions are always free and open to the public.

Owen noted that with the new BFA degree, “our current mission and programs will not change in essence, but rather will enlarge in scope. We expect our role in the economic and cultural vitality of San Antonio to continue to grow, as well.”

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photos of the campus, staff, classroom and SSA president Paula Owen (above) have been provided by the school.

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Culinary Arts 84-104

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Mark Bohanan: Taking it Beyond Prime

By Chris Dunn Photos of Mark Bohanan by Greg Harrison Food Photography by Robert Lopez

“I

have a AAA personality,” chef and restaurateur Mark Bohanan admits with a self-deprecating grin, as he takes yet another critical glance around the dining room and back toward the kitchen. But he owes no explanation. His AAA personality has earned his restaurant, Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood, a AAA 4 Diamond Award, among many others, including being named the No. 2 Best Steakhouse in Texas by Texas Monthly.

I pull the line every night, I expedite every day,” he says, adding that he or his general manager, Scott Becker, examine every single plate before it leaves the kitchen.

“If the customer doesn’t leave here saying this is the best,” he says, “it (an award) doesn’t mean flip.”

Bohanan’s obsession with quality and his attention to detail are evident in every aspect of his upscale, two-story restaurant and bar, located across from the Majestic Theatre in downtown San Antonio. The “I still cook, I still make the dressings, do quality control; linens are brocaded and perfectly ironed; the service is November-December 2010 | On The Town 85

impeccable; the prodigious wine list has received the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence. Bohanan says, “I’m an anal kind of perfectionist guy that does not accept ‘that can’t be done,’ or ‘oh, that’s more work.’”

He proudly points out that “There is no freezer in the restaurant,” insisting that his food be prepared daily from only the freshest possible ingredients. “We get food shipped in here every single day,” he says. “We don’t rest on our laurels; we don’t take the easy way out.”

His steaks range from a dry-aged Prime bone-in New York strip from Allen Brothers in Chicago to wet-aged pure-bred Japanese Akaushi beef (“red cattle” in Japanese) from HeartBrand Beef located near Yoakum, Texas. “I go over there myself,” says Bohanan, “and go through it all and pick out what we use.” His restaurant was the first in the United States to offer this “beyond” Prime beef, which comes from the largest herd of purebred Japanese cattle outside of Japan.

He gives the same meticulous attention to his seafood.

“We’ve got item for item as much seafood as we do beef and lamb,” he says.

Preparing some of the world’s finest gourmet steaks and seafood would seem to be a long way from the kind of food his family cooked in the little town of Jourdanton, Texas, located 40 miles south of San Antonio. But Bohanan is quick to point out that those experiences laid the foundation for his philosophy as a chef. “There was a time in my life when I thought my family didn’t have any money because we always had a garden. And then, later, I was fully aware of how much better a garden was.”

“My grandfather would always barbeque outside— chickens were his specialty,” s Bohanan says, adding his father handled the brisket and “clods” (beef shoulder).

“My grandmother and my Mom were all about the pies and the sauces and the salads and the vegetables.”

Along with his extended family of seven, including a brother, sister, parents and grandparents, a half-dozen or more friends would drop by for dinner on any given night. “All of a sudden you’ve got 15-20 people at every meal,” he says.

According to Bohanan, “the pivotal moment” that led him into the culinary arts came after he transferred from Texas Tech University to Texas A&M University.

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“Everybody would still come over…and I would cook.”

He prepared food ranging from barbeque sausages to spaghetti and lasagna—and, of course, steaks. “I was the fast guy with a steak,” he says.

A stint at Morrison’s Custom Management (now Morrison’s Hospitality Group) followed by seven and a half years at the Artillery Club in Galveston (the oldest and one of the most prestigious private clubs in the United States) gave Bohanan the depth of knowledge and range of experience he needed to open his own restaurant, which he did in 2002.

Bohanan still uses the same wood his father and grandfather used—mesquite. “I know there’s other wood in Texas,” he says, “but you go down to South Texas and that’s the only wood you’ll see.”

He takes a classic approach in both his menu and decor.

“The trends and fads come and go,” he says. “I wanted to go with what I know and what I can personally do.”

His Mom’s candied jalapeños are a fixture on the menu, as is a luncheon favorite, Frito Pie. “I wanted to let people know this is a nice place but you don’t necessarily have to be afraid to come here for lunch, because you’re gonna have a Frito Pie, and a couple of other items on there like the tortilla soup that are hopefully regional enough that…people wouldn’t be intimidated.”

You won’t find liquid nitrogen or a sous vide water circulator at Bohanan’s, but among the 105 menu items you will find classic renditions of Bananas Foster and Cherries Jubilee, Flaming Cheese Fondue, the freshest seafood, and of course, phenomenal steaks.

The quality of the meat is only the beginning. “I mix a liquid seasoning,” he says. “It is not a marinade—the meat is in there for no more than 10 minutes, just to give it some flavor.” Bohanan explains this technique not only permeates the steak with seasoning, but also protects it from the harsh flame of the grill.

“One night I looked over there,” he says, “… and there was $5,000 worth of meat laying on the grill at once.

It’s just a lot of responsibility.”

But it’s a responsibility and challenge Bohanan loves, so much so that he isn’t looking to expand. “There’s always going to be a market for the best,” he says. “I want to be the best—where I am.”

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Alicia Guadiana Celebrating 45 Years

at La Fonda on Main

By Pat Mozersky Photography Dana Fossett

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T

hey don’t make folks like her anymore. It seems they’ve broken the mold.

clean the silver (yes, they used real silver!) for an extra $11, or clean the corn husks for tamales for an additional $5. After just six months, Guadiana was promoted to For the few who have yet to meet her, allow me to the floor as a server. She quickly became head server, a introduce Alicia Guadiana. You’ll see her the minute you position she held until 1980 when she became restaurant open the door at the venerable Mexican restaurant, La manager. She’s managed the liquor, the “papers” and Fonda on Main, and - trust me – she spotted you the purchasing. She has dealt with salespeople and served as moment you entered. head cashier when needed.

If you’ve dined at La Fonda before, chances are she knows your name, your title, your family and all their names as well. Guadiana is the consummate hostess, and no one does it better. When asked how she does it, she shrugs and says, “If I see you coming, I know your name. I don’t know how I do it. I just do it. My mind is still very crisp.” She adds, “I actually know five generations of one family. They all eat at La Fonda -- the great grandparents, grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren. Their names just come to me as I greet them and say hello.” She leads them to their favorite table, and nine times out of 10, she knows what they’re going to order before they sit down.

When Guadiana began working at La Fonda, the dress code was not a simple “No shirt, no shoes, no service.” It’s hard to fathom now, she says, but in the mid-’60s, “women came in with hats and gloves -- and furs in winter -- to eat our food; things like tamales with chili. It was a more formal time back then when people had to dress properly to be served.” The restaurant had a “big rack filled with skirts and shirts for our customers to use in case they came wearing something that wasn’t appropriate.”

She recalls the Christmas bonuses back when she first began working at La Fonda. “The employees got a box of chocolates and a bonus of $12,” she recalls. “Of course, in Guadiana’s extraordinary memory is surpassed only by those early days, you could buy three chickens for $1 or her loyalty, her commitment to excellence, and her love four loaves of bread for $1.” for her first, and only, job. Guadiana was born in Tampico, Mexico, and at the age of three, moved with her family “I always liked to work -- to have my own money,” to Mexico City, where she completed high school. From Guadiana says. “Then I can go out and buy what I want.” there, she moved to the San Francisco Bay area, where A liberated woman to the core, she manages the money her sister was living, to study English and ceramics. While at home, too. there, she met and eventually married her college arthistory professor, Jose Guadiana. (Jose is a well-known “La Fonda is my second home,” she says. “I think I’ve artist in San Antonio. He painted the mural in the main spent more time at the restaurant than at my own building at the University of Texas campus.) Eventually, house.” Her story, and the history of La Fonda on Main, they made their way to San Antonio. are forever entwined. Guadiana tells of the restaurant’s early days, way back in 1930, when two sisters, Virginia Before she was married, Guadiana’s mother had made Berry and Nannie Randall, opened a Mexican food tosure she could cook. An apt student, she took to the meal go business, across the street from the present location. planning, shopping and cooking. “I loved it,” she recalls. Guadiana recites the original menu – “rice, beans, chile Her abilities in the kitchen would prove to be pivotal in con carne and chile con queso, served in tiny cazuelitas the path her life would take. which were brought to San Antonio from Mexico City.”

In spite of the limited menu, or perhaps because of It was the ’60s, and as the mother of two young sons, it, the little Tex-Mex take-out business thrived in the Julio and Sergio, Guadiana would pass La Fonda as she throes of the Great Depression. walked her boys to school. One day, she went inside the restaurant and discovered that there were “two or three When the opportunity arose to purchase the house ladies retiring.” Guadiana asked co-owner Pat Berry for a across the street and to convert it into a restaurant, the job. She recalls that Berry replied, “‘Yes, child, you can come sisters made that bold move, and in 1932, La Fonda on and work here.’ ”“I was willing to learn anything,” Guadiana Main formally opened. Eventually, it became obvious says. It appears she learned just about everything. She that they needed to add a bar. The sisters were convinced began as a $33.50 per week kitchen worker, making that although the liquor license was expensive, they’d salads, fruit plates and queso. She would stay late and make more money. At first, they introduced only beer November-December 2010 | On The Town 89

and margaritas. Piña coladas and sangria soon followed.

Briscoe and his wife, Janey, Gov. John Connally and FBI Director William Sessions, and these days, she greets During World War II, La Fonda was a popular gathering Mayor Phil Hardberger and his wife, Linda, Dr. Ricardo place for many in the military. They came by the bus-full, Romo, president of UTSA, Mayor Lila Cockrell and Dr. Guadiana says, and “those customers still come.”

Charles Cotrell, president of St. Mary’s University. She knows them all, of course, but what’s more, they all The list of illustrious patrons who have eaten at La Fonda know her, too. reads like a Who’s Who in America directory. Some were before Guadiana’s time, but she recites the names with Guadiana has fond memories of the Berry family – Bill and pride. Generals Eisenhower, MacArthur and Hill ate at Jack, Virginia Berry’s sons, and Bill’s wife, Pat. “I worked for La Fonda, as well as Presidents Franklin Roosevelt and all the Berrys, but it was Bill Berry who told me I needed Lyndon Johnson. Gary Cooper, John Wayne, Veronica to know the customers’ names, and if they had a title like Lake, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans were among the stars ‘doctor’ or ‘reverend,’ I needed to know that, too.” Bill and who enjoyed the fare.

Jack had become active in the restaurant in the 1950s, and they continued to grow the business while still preserving Guadiana remembers Yul Brenner’s visit – he didn’t eat the traditions so loved by San Antonio families. Pat Berry garlic, so they had to prepare his food “special.” Famous was in charge of the kitchen, and she continued to run silent-screen actress Pola Negri, who lived her last days the restaurant even after she was widowed. in San Antonio, “always dressed in black, and she always wore a turban,” Guadiana smiles as she recalls, “Negri‘s face Sometime during the mid-1990s, Guadiana had begun to was full of cream,” a fact that she would note when Negri hear rumors that the restaurant was going to be sold, and would give her a kiss. “Lady Bird Johnson always had a lot understandably, she was concerned. But in 1997, Cappy of agents around her, and when Arnold Schwarzenegger and Suzy Lawton purchased the landmark restaurant. came recently, “they had to close the nearby streets and When they took it over, she was relieved that they wanted the restaurant” to the public. her to stay. She recalls, “Cappy closed down La Fonda for about 1 ½ months, and during that time, he had me Guadiana has known such local dignitaries as Gov. Dolph come and work at Cappy’s on Broadway, where I began to 90 On The Town | November-December 2010

learn his different systems.” There she saw many familiar faces. Many of the customers were known to Guadiana they were some of the same folks who ate at La Fonda.

When they had finished renovating the building and the kitchen, and creating the beautiful patio, the restaurant reopened, and Guadiana shifted to the role of hostess.

not the next. There’s a lot of tension.” And she is fastidious.

Everything on the tables must be placed just so. Tables must be lined up properly. Nothing escapes her eagle eye. “I love to talk to people and meet people. I love my job to this day. I have to do my best. That’s why I’m here.”

Countless patrons of La Fonda, the staff and the Guadiana loves working with Cappy Lawton. “He is so ever-thankful owners, Cappy and Suzy Lawton, are kind, so understanding,” she says. The Lawtons made lots enormously grateful that Guadiana remains at her of changes to the restaurant when they took it over, but post, a sweet smile on her face, a warm word for her Guadiana took it all in stride. She says she took to the customers, and “no plans to retire anytime soon.” When new system immediately. “I like to keep learning. I don’t asked if she has any regrets about working at the same want to stay in one place.” Lawton introduced interior restaurant for all these years, she says, “No, I have no Mexican dishes to the former Tex-Mex menu, and she regrets. I would do it all over again.” says sometimes “they surprise me.” When asked about her personal favorites, she lists the Milanesa and Pescado • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Veracruzana. But for those customers who yearn for the good old days, the Tex-Mex plate, “La Fonda Special,” is Photo Credits: always available. At home, she still loves to cook – mainly stir-fries, and Italian, “spaghetti mostly and eggplant Page 90 parmesan.” When dining out, it’s usually Chinese or Italian Cappy and Suzy Lawton commissioned this painting food that she craves.

by Lionel Sosa for Alicia in celebration of her 45th Anniversary.

Guadiana has pretty much done it all in the 45 years she has worked at La Fonda. She works about 45 hours a week, Page 91 “more or less.” She well understands that the restaurant business is hard. “It’s unpredictable. You’re busy one day, Jose and Alicia Guadiana November-December 2010 | On The Town 91

Healthier Holidays through Damage Control

By Tom Treviño

M

aybe you want a new iPad for the holidays. to reign in your caloric intake during the day to But here’s something you don’t want: more help offset the coming caloric surplus. You can skip iPadding. breakfast, or lunch, or may even consider fasting for the entire day leading up to the big event. Doing so True, the average American does in fact gain weight will help keep your daily caloric average in check. during this time of the year, but there are a few strategies you can use to help keep your chubbiness Look around in check while maintaining your holiday cheer.

Assuming you showed no restraint during the day, there’s still hope. Check out everything that’s offered Plan ahead at the buffet or on the menu and seek out lean meats If you know you have an office party or dinner out and other healthy options. Even the most decadent where you’re likely to be tempted, then make sure parties usually have fruit or vegetable trays available.

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© Sean Nel | Big Stock Photo

And they’re usually quite easy to find, since no one Drink up will be around them, and will instead be gathered at A party just isn’t a party without a drink in your hand. the fondue fountain.

So get busy and keep those hands occupied. As soon as you get to your destination, immediately grab a Be smart glass of water. Have it on the rocks with a slice of Now that you have a plate full of low-calorie, lemon and served in a fancy glass so no one knows nutrient-rich food, make sure not to offset its value exactly what you’re drinking (and you don’t look like by adding any creams, sauces or dressings to your such a prude). Remember, the goal here is to enjoy otherwise healthy ensemble. Even a salad can be yourself and the festivities while limiting the damage made counterproductive with the wrong toppings. to your waistline. But if you must imbibe, have one The key here is to keep things pure and simple. and only one alcoholic/caloric drink, and wait to have it at the midpoint of the event. Any earlier and November-December 2010 | On The Town 93

you’re more likely to consume more than one.

Be aware As much as you should know what to look for, you should also know what to avoid. Breads, chips, dips, cookies and pastries offer no real nutrient value, but do offer plenty of extra calories. Most cheese trays fall into that category as well. So think of them like your crazy neighbor; you can smile at them and wave hello, but you do not want to get stuck hanging out with them at the party.

Break it up If you have no willpower whatsoever, do yourself a favor and bring along a friend. Have whatever it is you want, but divide it up equally among the two of you. You get the advantage of sampling anything and everything, including dessert, while minimizing the caloric damage. Make sure your teammate is on board so that you don’t overindulge in serving size.

Work it out While it’s nearly impossible to physically offset the calories consumed in a large meal, it is possible to get in an extra workout here and there to help offset the extra calories consumed. If you already partake in regular activity, maintain your current routine and try to squeeze in an extra workout before and after your holiday festivities. If you’re sedentary, get a jump on the new year, and start your new exercise program now.

Move it out If you’re cooking or baking for friends or family, buy only what you need, and make it and deliver it the same day. Any leftovers or undelivered items will only tempt fate, and with all the other options out there, that’s a risk not worth taking. Remember, if it’s not in your house, you can’t possibly eat it. Even better, consider updating your holiday contributions with healthier alternatives.

Go for broke Since most holiday festivities happen on specific dates or are planned weeks in advance, take the opportunity to dial in your eating habits prior to the event. If you know you have a major event coming up on the weekend, spend the week being especially diligent about your diet and exercise program. When that special day rolls around, you’ve earned the right to indulge without the guilt and with minimal consequence.

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(c) Sean Nel / Big Stock Photo

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Keepers of the Flame The Importance of Women in the Latin Kitchen

By Chris Dunn

Š | Big| Stock Photo 96Rob OnMorell The Town November-December 2010

A

t the “Latin Flavors, American Kitchens” symposium held recently on the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America, one of the presentations was “Women Cooks, Latin Kitchens: Faces of Culture,” which explored the role of women in nurturing, evolving and maintaining the culinary traditions of Latin America.

battle of keeping family together—and fed.

Perhaps, the “long, low and slow” cooking methods developed by women in the Latin kitchen are a reflection of the patience they had to acquire in dealing with life’s challenges. Maricel Presilla, successful restaurateur and culinary historian, said women of the Latin kitchen are truly “the keepers Jessica Harris, culinary historian, author and of the flame.” professor at Queens College in New York, led a discussion of the “womanly arts of the kitchen.” “My allegiance is not to my sharp knife,” Presilla She described the role of men in the Latin kitchen said, “because it is a symbol of the male aspect of as “masters of the flame,” whereas the woman is chefdom; my allegiance is to my wooden spoon, “mistress of the stewpot.” Men stoked the fires of which is worn out and lovely and kind to food, and grill and war, but women fought the never-ending to my mortar and pestle.” © GoodPix | Big Stock Photo

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She went on to describe the “cucharamamas,” as she calls them, “women who rule with their spoons.”

She said cucharamama is literally translated as, “a big spoon used to make soup,” but it is also a handy tool for disciplining unruly children.

and selling chickens. She said this home industry gives them “a sense of empowerment.”

There are also the women who are “chefs de la calle,” as Presilla calls them, who prepare and sell street foods, reminiscent of the “Chili Queens” of San Antonio, Presilla said she has met many women throughout who for many years sold hot food at the plazas and Latin America “whom I cherish and respect…their mercados in this area. One example Presilla gave faces are etched in my mind, but what I remember was of a woman known as “La Grimanesa,” who has most are their hands — hands that are busy making become famous by making and selling anticuchos empanadas in Mendoza, basting anticuchos in (meat skewers) on a street corner in the Miraflores Lima, caressing a batch of freshly made tamales, district in Lima, Peru, for 35 years. grinding—doing the heavy-duty work—grinding the ingredients for a mole or grinding chick peas in For some Latin American women, cooking also has Moche, in northern Peru…” meant “liberation” through the ownership of their own successful restaurants. Presilla said there is While recognizing “the importance of all these a drive within women to nurture, not only their women as home cooks,” Presilla pointed out that families, but the community, which she describes “their influence extends beyond it.” She said women as “cooking for multitudes.” play a key role as artisanal food producers in Latin America, processing cacao beans into chocolate, Presilla said women also cook “for the love of God,” growing chiles and taking them to market, raising pointing to Mexico’s “most famous nun,” Juana Inés 98 On The Town | November-December 2010

© Seniz Yoruk | Big Stock Photo

de la Cruz, a 17th century author and scholar who wrote, “Women can philosophize while cooking dinner,” and, “If Aristotle had cooked more meals, he would have written more.”

preparation of food is a hurried affair.

Ricardo Muñoz, of Restaurant Azul y Oro in Mexico City, gave an example of this in his presentation on how to prepare Chiles en Nogada. He said just There is also a social aspect to the Latin kitchen one step in the recipe, peeling the skins from the that has had and continues to have a significant walnuts, can be a nine-hour task. impact on the direction of the cuisines of Latin America. “When Latin women come together to A woman’s role in the kitchen traditionally was cook,” Presilla said, “it is often for pleasure…you go held in such high esteem in Mexico that only after into the kitchen wearing your high heels.” a young woman had fully mastered all the steps in making a perfect tortilla—from soaking the corn Harris added, “It’s people cooking together because in lime, grinding it, shaping the resulting masa they love each other, and they love the food.” (dough) by hand into a tortilla, and then cooking it on a comal (flat clay or iron surface) until it puffed— “They (the women) want to talk, so they take their was she considered ready to marry. time,” said Clara Lesueur, chef owner of Chez Clara, on Guadeloupe’s Basse Terre. This has led to the Perhaps the tortilla came to symbolize both the development of many complex and time-intensive complexity and simple essence of life, and it was recipes. In fact, the time given to traditional food through this process of mastery and marriage preparation in Latin American kitchens can seem that successive generations of women in the Latin daunting to home cooks from other cultures where kitchen were born. © Anajacreatif | Dreamstime.com

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Literary Arts

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Book Talk: John Pipkin, Novelist Story and Photo by Jasmina Wellinghoff

M

ost admirers of Henry David Thoreau are not aware that the iconic naturalist and environmentalist once set fire to the woods near his hometown of Concord, Mass., torching some 300 acres of trees. As a young man of 26, Thoreau was enjoying an outing with a friend when he started the accidental fire while trying to cook fish chowder.

is a pivotal event in all four lives.

A Baltimore native, Pipkin earned a Ph.D. in British literature from Rice University in 1997 and later taught writing and literature at several universities. After moving to Austin in 2000 when his wife got a teaching job at Southwestern University, he worked for a while as the executive director of the Writers’ League of Texas.

Though the unfortunate episode is a matter of historical Currently writing his second novel, he continues to teach record, no one paid much attention to it until Austin- part time. We talked to the youthful-looking writer at his based writer John Pipkin saw it as a potential turning home in Austin. point in Thoreau’s life. That insight gave Pipkin the idea for his critically acclaimed, award-winning novel, JW: Tell us about the genesis of the novel. Are you an Woodsburner, published by Nan Talese/Doubleday admirer of Thoreau? in 2009. After years of trying to get published, with Woodsburner Pipkin has made a spectacular entrance JP: I am an admirer of Thoreau but I had never planned on the national literary scene, wining a slew of awards, to write about him. The way I came to the story was including the First Novel Prize by the New York-based through Harper’s Magazine. I was reading Harper’s in Center for Fiction, the 2010 Fiction Award from the (September) of 2003 and in the Index there was a line Massachusetts Center for the Book and the 2010 Steven that read something like “estimated acres of forest Turner Award for First Novel from the Texas Institute of Thoreau burned in 1844: 300.” That line caught my Letters. A Washington Post book reviewer described attention, and I started researching the matter. I had the novel as “a terrifically exciting story,” going on to never heard of it before and it struck me as ironic that say that its characters “provide a fascinating impression America’s first environmentalist would be responsible of the nation when it was still young and swelling and for a large forest fire. As I researched it I realized that struggling to define itself.” this particular event happened at a crucial moment in Thoreau’s life when he had not yet become the Henry The “terrifically exciting story” is told through the lives of David Thoreau that we know today. I wanted to explore four main characters: Thoreau, who at the time was still the idea that the fire served as a catalyst for helping him trying to figure out what his calling would be, and three become the person he became. fictional characters -- a tormented preacher, a young and lonely Norwegian immigrant, and a businessman and JW: Did Thoreau himself ever allude to such a possibility? would-be playwright, who is induced by circumstances to engage in unsavory practices. The Concord forest fire JP: No one that I know of has ever speculated about November-December 2010 | On The Town 107

what influence this event had on his life. In his biographies, the fire usually takes about a paragraph.

Thoreau himself mentions it in a journal entry six years later; writes several paragraphs and that’s the only time he mentions the fire.

JW: Have you experienced some of that yourself?

JP: I think so. I have been a writer for a long time and, in fact, had written another novel that did not get published. I started writing “Woodsburner” a week before my son was born. It could have been easy to say, JW: You also saw his story in a broader historical context, “Oh, I am going to wait a couple of years because I have right? a full-time job, and I am about to become a father with a whole new set of responsibilities,” etc. I could have JP: In 1844, America itself seemed to be on a crossroads. found reasons not to start. But I felt – again, a week As a nation, it was still looking for a sense of what it before my son was born -- that if I was going to make it meant to be an American. Just like Thoreau who was as a writer, I needed to begin right there and then. And I looking for some definition for his life, I felt that America did. There will never be more time. I had to make use of was also looking for a sense of itself at this time. the time I had.

JW: Throughout the book, each chapter focuses on JW: You are currently working on your second novel only one of the characters until they all find themselves which is also historical fiction. What appeals to you involved in the fire. How did you decide on this narrative about this genre? structure?

JP: Fiction allows us to make intuitive leaps in the way JP: I wrote each story separately first, then went back to we look at history in a way that non-fiction doesn’t. My interweave them. I took an organized approach. I don’t approach to historical fiction is to explore how events mind admitting that I used a spreadsheet to make sure and influences of history are connected to the American that each chapter in the life of each character followed contemporary world… In this case it goes back to a specific time frame, so when I sat down to interweave the observation that most people lead a life of quiet them, I knew that things would line up. desperation. The kind of issues that people experienced then are the same that people experience today, even JW: It was Thoreau who said that most men lead a life though the prohibitions may be different and certainly of quiet desperation. Your characters seem to embody the way we express our desires now are vastly different. that concept until the frightening, almost cataclysmic But people are fundamentally the same. fire -- that you describe so eloquently – gives them a redemptive chance to take a new look at their lives.

Also, in 1844, there was already a sense that America failed, that we were meant to be the shining beacon of JP: Yes. I am glad that you mentioned that quote righteousness and that we were that for a very brief time because it was exactly what I had in mind. I am struck and then it was all over. You hear a lot of that today as by how many of Thoreau’s observations are still relevant well in the way people talk wistfully about the America to contemporary life. I wanted to have characters who of old. Another thing that drew me to the period was the each, in some way, led a life of quiet desperation. Each realization that this was really the start of environmental had a goal or an aspiration that they felt they could not consciousness. When Europeans first came to America achieve. And in most cases it wasn’t due to external they were so struck by the abundance they found here forces but because of their own fears and lack of self- -- the food and the forest and natural resources -- that confidence. This, I felt, contrasts with the notion that you it was incomprehensible to them that it could ever get can come to America and be whatever you want to be. used up. People looked at abundance and saw infinity.

That notion can be quite crippling. You are in the land It’s only by Thoreau’s time that people were beginning of freedom and opportunity but you have to have the to realize that actually these things are limited. confidence to take advantage of that freedom. People place restrictions on themselves and find reasons to JW: How much liberty can a writer take with the lives of justify not doing the things they most want to do. Often real people from the past? they need an external push to realize their dreams. This was certainly true for Thoreau.

JP: That’s a question I have often been asked. I think each writer has to decide that for himself. As for me, I 108 On The Town | November-December 2010

make sure that I don’t have historical figures saying or doing things that would have been impossible for them to do or say. Beyond that, it’s important to think of these characters as fictional. The point of a historical novel is to be a novel first, to tell a story and develop characters.

JW: How much research did you have to do? Did you visit all the locales that you wrote about?

JP: Actually, I had never been to Walden Pond and Concord until my publisher took me there after the book was published. All the research was done through books, looking at maps, looking at drawings. I read memoirs of people who grew up in Concord. I eventually started relying less on history and more on letters, diaries and memoirs. But I was also fortunate that Thoreau kept detailed journals for years (except the year of the fire.)

I was able to get a sense of his thinking and of the vocabulary he used.

JW: Since you spent several years of your life immersed in the past, so to speak, are there aspects of 19th century life that appealed to you?

JP: I can honestly say, I am not nostalgic about the past.

In fact, one of the things that appeals to me in writing about history is looking at small details of everyday life that have changed for the better and that we now take for granted, simple things like dentistry, for instance.

Thoreau had all his teeth pulled by the time he was in his mid-30s and that was considered a breakthrough.

There were so many things they did not know back then, like washing hands to prevent spreading germs.

And even culturally, it’s much better to be a woman today or to be an African-American today than in 1844.

As someone who is teaching literature, I can also tell you that there are by far more people who read today than in the past. I definitely have no yearning for 1844; I am much happier in 2010.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • John Pipkin will read from his work at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at Gemini Ink, 513 S. Presa St. He will teach a class there on Researching the Historical Novel from 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 4.

For more information, call Gemini Ink at 734-9673. Pipkin’s novel “Woodsburner” is available wherever books are sold.

Note: Pipkin’s comments have been edited slightly for space and clarity.

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Books for the Holidays: A Few Tasty Suggestions

By Claudia Maceo Sharp Food Photography by Tracey Maurer

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he book world has been ready for the holidays for months now, but orders for Christmas made in the spring are easily forgotten in the activities of summer. Now we are like a bunch of kids looking at the newest version of The Night Before Christmas and clever snowy stories that many San Antonians only know about vicariously. This season, however, some new books have arrived on the scene in San Antonio that very much reflect who we are and how we celebrate!

whole family as you gather with your own family and friends this holiday season.

Author and UTSA professor Carmen Tafolla has been recognized for her writing in several genres including The Tomas Rivera Book Award this year. This time last year – Tamales, Comadres and the Meaning of Civilization, coauthored by Ellen Riojas Clark and illustrated by Thelma Muraida, launched and sold out in 72 hours. Just in time for the tamaladas to begin again, re-published this If the way to a heart is ever through one’s stomach, then time by Wings Press, you will have another opportunity be prepared to satisfy them both. With open arms we to experience this gathering of stories, legacies passed welcome Don Strange of Texas: His Life and Recipes, a coffee down around the making and eating of tamales. table book that debuts in November. So much more than a cookbook, his wife Frances Strange shares their legacy, While we are gathering around the table this season, the history of their life together and their evolution as a celebrate also around Moctezuma’s Table. Norma business that joyfully impacted so many people at a party Cantu selected works by celebrated artist Rolando and around a festive table. Terry Thompson-Anderson, Briseño and edits the contributions of several poets, familiar to many cookbook aficionados in this area, teams writers, scholars, and other artists who then respond with Frances to bring us these treasured recipes. Well- to Briseño’s pieces. The table becomes the place where known food photographer Tracey Maurer captures the history, culture, and stories connect. best side of the dishes posed. Now you too will be able to continue to feel the love and the benefit to your tummies Pass on your own legacies this season, around a table with over 100 recipes made famous by the efforts of the perhaps inspired by these books.

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Eclectics 114-124

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A Long Time Coming

San Antonio’s Steady Rise to a Premier Golf Destination

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..ake a stroll through Time Square in New York City. Randomly walk up to someone on the street and mention the word “Alamo.” A wise guy would tell you “that’s a rental car company” but most people hearing the word “Alamo” will quickly follow with “San Antonio.” Now take that same walk through any major city in the country and mention the word “golf,” and until recently “San Antonio” probably would not have been anyone’s response.

San Antonio, currently the seventh-largest city in the country, may always be best known for its two iconic attractions: the Alamo, a revered historic landmark that commemorates one of

the most significant battles in Texas history; and the River Walk, a meandering section of the San Antonio River whose banks are lined not with grass and rocky shoreline but with a vibrant mix of entertainment hot spots that celebrate San Antonio’s diversity and unique culture.

Given that the battle of the Alamo took place in 1836, it’s not surprising that San Antonio would be closely identified with this amazing landmark. And while the origins of golf in San Antonio predate the creation of the River Walk by decades, its uniqueness has made it the top tourism attraction in the state of Texas and one of the top attractions in the entire country. It’s understandable why golf November-December September-October 2010 | On The Town 115

would be a distant third on a list of San Antonio designed by renowned architect A.W. Tillinghast attractions. But it’s not from lack of trying on the and quickly became a favorite of the touring part of the golf community. professionals that played in the Texas Open.

As the tournament grew, San Antonio’s role in Back in 1922, Jack Ryan, editor of the San Antonio helping launch what became the modern-day Light, saw golf as the perfect magnet to attract PGA Tour, was well documented. However, San the attention of Northerners looking to escape the Antonio’s aspirations as a major golf destination harsh winters. Staking his reputation and some never were articulated clearly. of his own financial resources, he and some of his friends launched San Antonio’s first professional As the vision of the River Walk began to take golf tournament, the Texas Open. With a purse of shape in the 1940s and ’50s, and the city turned $5,000, nearly three times the total of that year’s its focus to the idea of hosting a major world’s fair, U.S. Open, the inaugural Texas Open attracted communities focus on golf didn’t come to fruition some of the top players of that era and golf fans for many years. In 1968, San Antonio played host and writers from around the country. to one of golf ’s majors, the PGA Championship, at The tournament was held at Brackenridge Pecan Valley on the southern outskirts of the city.

Golf Club, built in 1916 on the grounds of the Once again, the eyes of the national golf media George Brackenridge Estate and the first public were on San Antonio, and the vision to capitalize golf course built in Texas. Brackenridge was on this attention began to take shape.

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While San Antonio was plodding along, other communities without attractions like the Alamo and the River Walk made golf a major priority.

Perhaps the best example is Myrtle Beach, S.C., a once-sleepy coastal community that underwent a transformation by building an incredible array of golf courses that appealed to all skill and income levels. They had the perfect ingredients for success: wonderful weather, a great supply of golf courses, and a unified marketing approach built around the idea that everyone would benefit by combining their marketing resources.

being known as a tourism destination because of the Alamo, River Walk and the addition of Six Flags and Sea World. But it lacked perhaps the two most important ingredients: a supply of quality golf courses and a unified marketing approach.

From the mid-’80s until the present, San Antonio embarked upon a stretch of development fueled by outside investors. The golf landscape changed dramatically as exceptional golf resort properties took shape, private clubs were built with memberships at full capacity, affordable and highquality daily fee courses were launched, and new Other communities, notably Arizona’s Phoenix owners of many older courses made investments and Scottsdale areas, saw the success of Myrtle that breathed new life into some hidden jewels.

Beach and set out to replicate it. San Antonio also took notice. Like Myrtle Beach and Phoenix/ Today, the San Antonio Convention and Visitor ’s Scottsdale, San Antonio could offer great weather. Bureau, with help from golf course owners It also had the tremendous advantage of already and industr y organizations such as Golf San November-December 2010 | On The Town 117

Antonio, is providing the missing piece of the puzzle, the unified marketing effor t. Using the international broadcast platform of the Valero Texas Open and the AT&T Championship, along with a significant investment in golf media, the SAC VB is shining a big spotlight on the exciting happenings in San Antonio.

Photo Credits

The light may not be as bright as the ones in Times Square, but chances are, the next time you mention the word “golf ” to a New Yorker, they just might mention “San Antonio” back!

Page 117 Palmer Course at La Cantera 18th green and clubhouse

Pages 114-115 10th tee at Brackenridge Page 116 AT&T Oaks Course, Hole 15

Page 118 Visit visitsanantonio.com/visitors/play/golf/ for a Resort Course at La Cantera list of San Antonio Courses … daily, private, resort, 12th green military, driving ranges and academies.

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Artistic Destination:

The Arts Shine On in Corpus Christi

By Julie Catalano

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and, surf, ships and seafood are year-round staples in Corpus Christi, the largest city on the Texas coast and the sixth-largest port in the nation. In the wintertime, travelers also can find delightful surprises of the artistic variety when they visit this glittering city on a sparkling blue bay. Don’t wait for spring or summer – head for San Antonio’s closest coastal neighbor to take in these must-see attractions right now.

The holidays bring music, and there’s no better place to hear it than at the magnificent, $18 million Performing Arts Center on the campus of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The 1,500-seat concert hall features state-of-the-art acoustics, a 50-foot glasswalled lobby and a beautiful, 360-degree view of Corpus Christi Bay.

“We’re constantly looking at ways to better serve our patrons and clients by bringing in the latest technology and keeping everything up to standards,” director Lari Young says. The 5-year-old facility has been a big hit. “We’ve sold out symphony performances and the Furgason Bravo! Series, and we provide a reduced-cost venue for many of the nonprofits in town,” she says.

“We’re here for the university and the community.”

Tours of the center are free to the public but must be arranged in advance by calling 361-825-2787.

Upcoming concerts include Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas on Dec. 7; the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra “Home for the Holidays” on Dec. 11; and the Corpus Christi Chorale on Dec. 14. Ticket information is at pac.tamucc.edu.

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Since 1972, the undisputed crown jewel of the city’s visual arts scene has been the Art Museum of South Texas (stla.org). You can’t miss the gleaming walls of poured white concrete and shell aggregate set against the blue of the bay, while inside visitors wander through more than 1,400 pieces in the permanent collections and more in the traveling exhibitions.

“The museum itself is a bridge of two cultures,” says Cindy Anderson, coordinator of community services, referring to the original American architect Philip Johnson and Mexican architects Victor and Ricardo Legorreta, whose addition doubled the museum’s size in 2006. “We have architects who travel here just to see the building.”

Normally a permanent exhibit, the very popular Horlock Collection of Western Art comes down temporarily from Jan. 14-April 13 to make way for the Alexander Hoag exhibit. “This is a very important show,” says Michelle Locke, curator of permanent collections/registrar. “It’s almost 90 pieces of the Oklahoma Dust Bowl days, and there are marvelous paintings of that era.”

For the first time this year, the museum is partnering with the nearby Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History (ccmuseum.com) for “Christmas Around the World,” a holiday open house on Dec. 11, with free admission from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. “We’re so close together we thought we could provide a better experience if they were able to go to both institutions,” says Sandra Linderman, museum educator. Attractions include a Christmas tree forest, live entertainment, children’s crafts, and free cookies and candy canes.

What would the holidays be without The Nutcracker and Ebenezer Scrooge – although not necessarily together. Both Corpus Christi Ballet (corpuschristiballet.org) and Corpus Christi Concert Ballet (concertballet.net) are serving up luscious presentations of Tchaikovsky’s classic on weekends in December. Meanwhile, the Harbor Playhouse presents a full-scale musical production of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” beginning Nov. 26. Check harborplayhouse.com for dates, times and tickets.

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For visions of a different sort, visit the not-tobe-missed Texas Surf Museum, a fun and funky, 3,000-square-foot retrospective of surfer dudes and dudettes, with hundreds of pieces of memorabilia including photos, a mock garage shop, classic boards

dating from the 1960s and ’70s, and replicas of wood boards from the 1930s and ’40s. Catch a glimpse at texassurfmuseum.com.

The holidays often bring memories of lost loved ones, and the Selena Museum (q-productions.com/ museum.html) pays tribute to Corpus Christi’s native daughter Selena Quintanilla-Perez, a rising star on the Tejano music scene who was murdered at age 23 in 1995. Established by her family, the museum displays costumes, photos, awards and even her red Porsche. Fans from near and far also visit Mirador de la Flor (“overlook of the flower”) at Shoreline Drive and Peoples Street, where a privately built memorial of a life-size Selena sculpted in bronze by H.W. Tatum looks out over the bay. Her star will shine forever.

For a complete calendar of arts events in music, dance, visual arts, theater and film, check out the “Anything Arts” link at the Corpus Christ Arts and Cultural Commission, cctxarts.org.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 120 Performing Arts Center Texas A&M University Corpus Christi Photo by Jeff Janko www.visitcorpuschristi.org Page 121 Interior of Performing Arts Center with Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra Courtesy Holzman Moss Bottino Architecture Page 123 (Above) “Six and Seven Flowers” at Art Museum of South Texas Courtesy Corpus Christi CVB www.visitcorpuschristi.org (Below) Texas Surf Museum Courtesy Corpus Christi CVB www.visitcorpuschristi.org Page 124 Art Museum of South Texas Courtesy Corpus Christi CVB www.visitcorpuschristi.org

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appy Holidays ~ OnTheTownEzine.com

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