November/December 2016

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ON THE TOWN

November/December 2016

Emily Smith Richard Aste Restaurant Week Nutcracker Ballets

Lori Urbano Mariachi Vargas Monet at Kimbell Plus 11 Additional Articles November/December 2016 | On The Town 1

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Features

Features Cont.

The Holiday Season brings with it outstanding performances in all entertainment categories

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“The Nutcracker” helps us celebrate the holidays 14

Emily Smith comes home to the historic 18 Majestic and Empire theaters Youth featured at Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza 20 November 27 – December 3 New CEO has big plans for The Playhouse SA

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Hear Ye! Here Ye! Get thee to Shakespeare in the Park: Renaissance on the river at La Villita

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Chef Michael Sohocki talks about his food philosophy and Il Forno

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Dining the way to a farm

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Highlighting holiday season exhibitions at museums and art centers. Go. View. Enjoy.

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Rich Aste: McNay Art Museum director

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“Art heals hearts: The power of expression”

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Grand Opening of San Antonio Botanical Garden’s major expansion project expected in May

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Christmas Light Fest Illuminates the Holiday Season

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Departments

Calais Winery: A Frenchman in the hill country, 62 Events Calendar extracting the best Texas can offer Lori Urbano: Creating new life for historic Fire Station No. 7, with an Andrew Goodman restaurant coming soon

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Henry’s Puffy Tacos featured on national “Food Paradise” show airing in November on the Travel Channel

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Book Talk: Jim Peyton, Mexican cuisine expert 84 and cookbook author Artistic Destination: “Monet: The Early Years” 90 Debuts at Fort Worth’s Kimbell Art Museum Out & About With Greg Harrison

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

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Cover Credits Contributors Front Cover Photo: © Clairemcadamsphotography | Dreamstime.com

Performing Arts Cover Photo: Irish Christmas Courtesy Arts San Antonio

Events Calendar Cover Photo: Toni Braxton Courtesy Tobin Center

Culinary Arts Cover Photo: © Tirrasa | Dreamstime.com

Mikel Allen creative director/ graphic designer

Christian Lair operations manager/ webmaster

Rudy Arispe

Kay Lair

Daniel Baumer

Ginger McAneerRobinson

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

Bekah McNeal

Julie Catalano

Susan A. Merkner copy editor

Thomas Duhon

Sara Selango

Dan R. Goddard Greg Harrison staff photographer

Trisha Schwennesen Beth Vetters Jasmina Wellinghoff

Literary Arts Cover Photo: © Sheilla Brown | Dreamstime.com

Eclectics Cover Photo: © Kurt Adams | Dreamstime.com

Out & About With Greg Harrison Cover Photo: Photo by Greg Harrison

OnTheTownEzine.com is published by Lair Creative, LLC 14122 Red Maple San Antonio, Texas 78247 210-771-8486 210-490-7950 (fax)

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

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Performing Arts 8-30

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The Holiday Season brin performances in all ent

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....he holidays are here and that means you will once again have the opportunity to enjoy a performance or two of the classic Nutcracker Ballet.

Ballet San Antonio is first up with two weekends of four performances each Nov. 25-27 and Dec. 1-4 at the Tobin’s H-E-B Performance Hall. Arts San Antonio follows with four presentations of The Nutcracker by Mejia Ballet International, accompanied by members of San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet, at the Lila Cockrell Theatre Dec. 16-18. That same weekend Alamo City Dance Company brings its Nutcracker to McAllister Auditorium on the campus of San Antonio College with two shows Dec. 17 and two Dec. 18. Just after Christmas, Moscow Ballet takes the Majestic stage for three performances of their Great Russian Nutcracker Dec. 26-27. In all, that’s nineteen opportunities.

in Fredericksburg Nov. 4-5. Olivia Newton-John comes to the Majestic Theatre on Houston Street. Nov. 6 and Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox arrives at the Tobin Nov. 8. The SubDudes play there as well at the center’s Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater Nov. 9.

Lee Greenwood, of I’m Proud to be an American fame, takes the Bluebonnet Palace stage Nov. 11. Twenty four hours later on Nov. 12, Black Sabbath and AndersonRabin-Wakeman (ARW) can be seen at the AT&T Center and Majestic Theatre respectively. Just down the street from the Majestic, Gloria Trevi is featured at the Aztec Theatre Nov. 16. Nov. 17 brings with it Morrissey at the Tobin and Arts San Antonio’s presentation of Sons of Serendip, Songs in the Key of Wonder: 50 Years of Stevie Wonder. This one’s at the Empire.

And there’s more, much more.

The Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre in New Braunfels welcomes the Texas Gypsies Nov. 18 and the Carver Community Cultural Center presents Terence Blanchard & The E-Collective Nov. 19 at the Jo Long Theatre. Nov. 2223 finds the legendry Willie Nelson at the Majestic, and a slew of great country artists play dancehalls Turning to the pop and country music categories, in and around San Antonio just before, and right Toni Braxton leads off at the Tobin Nov. 2. The very after Thanksgiving. Included are Wade Bowen, Cory next night, Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen appear Morrow, Kevin Fowler, Reckless Kelly, Dale Watson, together at the iconic Gruene Hall. Lovett teams up Charlie Robison and the group with the best name with John Hiatt for an additional show Nov. 6. Get Me To ever, the Almost Patsy Cline Band. Check the events Vegas highlights the weekend at the Rockbox Theater calendar in this magazine for specifics.

In other dance, San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet dances The Magic Toyshop Nov. 12-13 at the Lila Cockrell and Arts San Antonio presents An Irish Christmas Dec. 10 at the Tobin. Guadalupe Dance Company’s Fiesta de Navidad La Pastorela Folklorico finishes things up with performances Dec. 16-17 at the historic Guadalupe Theater.

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All music performances mentioned so far take place in November, with December still to come. Dec. 1 has Kanye West appearing at the AT&T Center. Next, it’s the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza concert at the Lila Cockrell Dec. 3, followed by Steve Vai at the Tobin and the simply amazing Tony Bennett at the Majestic, both on Dec. 4. The Texas Tenors in Deep in the Heart of Christmas is offered by the Victoria Symphony at the Victoria Fine Arts Center Dec.5 and the Aztec presents Goo Goo Dolls Dec. 6.

include Dailey & Vincent Christmas Show at the Brauntex, Symphony of the Hills Home for Christmas at the Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater,The Kelly Willis & Bruce Robinson Holiday Shindig at Gruene Hall, A Baltic Christmas by San Antonio Chamber Choir at Immaculate Conception Chapel, A Swingin’ Christmas Show at the Rockbox, Heart of Texas Concert Band’s A Family Christmas, Conspirare Christmas with Matt Alber at the Tobin, and the First Baptist Church’s Christmas at First.

Another music legend comes to town in December.

Dolly Parton will be at the Tobin’s H-E-B Performance Hall Dec. 8. You gotta see Dolly! Two outstanding shows grace the schedule Dec. 9, those being Billy Joel at the AT&T Center and Dianne Reeves at the Carver’s Jo Long Theatre. Holiday Hits with Gary Morris at the Brauntex Dec. 15, Let’s Hang On Dec. 16 at the Cailloux in Kerrville, Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas Dec. 17 at the Cailloux and Holiday Saxophones at the Guadalupe Theatre Dec. 18 also make my want-to-see list.

Moving to classical music, the San Antonio Symphony features The Tyrant’s Crush Nov. 4-5. Sebastian LangLessing conducts with Stewart Copeland as special guest. Following this on Nov. 18 it's Tchaikovsky Pathetique, again with Lang-Lessing conducting.

Additional classical performances during November and December include the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio’s Remembering Bowie Nov. 6 at the Tobin, The Texas Guitar Quartet playing for Blanco Performing Arts Nov. 12, Musical Offering’s presentation of Art to Other highlights during this time include the San Music: Sound as Calligraphy Nov. 13 at SAMA, soprano Antonio Symphony’s Holiday Pops Dec. 16-18, Trans- Ava Pine for the Fredericksburg Music Club Nov. Siberian Orchestra at the AT&T Dec. 21 and the 20, Camerata Recital Dec. 4 at UIW Concert Hall and symphony’s presentation of Home Alone Live in Concert Concert 3 for Mid-Texas Symphony Dec. 11 at Jackson Auditorium in Seguin.

Dec. 22-23 at the Majestic.

Here’s another sampling of holiday-themed shows Live theater in November and December is next and that are not to be left out of the seasonal mix. They features two touring shows, The Other Mozart at the

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Tobin Nov. 17-19 and Jersey Boys at the Majestic Dec. 6-11. Local productions are in abundance during this time as well, including Sweeney Todd at the Woodlawn followed by Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Diary of Anne Frank at the Sheldon Vexler and All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 at The Playhouse San Antonio.

The city welcomes a new See Miss Abigail’s Guide & Marriage followed by Christmas Special at this

theater, The to Dating, The Paisley 360 degree

Roxie.

Mating Sisters venue.

Photo Credits: Pages 8-9: Irish Christmas Courtesy Arts San Antonio Page 10 (L-R) Jersey Boys Photo by Joan Marcus Dolly Parton Courtesy Tobin Center

There are too many shows to mention, please look through the events calendar for a full listing of shows. Page 11 (L-R) Tony Bennett Before concluding, I want to mention four other Courtesy Majestic Theatre shows coming in November and December. The Tobin presents John Cleese & Eric Idle: Together Again At Last… Ensemble Schumann For The Very First Time and Mike Birbiglia: Thank God for Photo by Susan Wilson Jokes. Also at the Tobin enjoy Elvis and Me: An Evening with Priscilla Presley.

Page 12 (L-R) Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza The fourth show is a long-time holiday favorite Courtesy mariachimusic.com at the Guadalupe Theater, Las Nuevas Tamaleras (The New Tamale Makers). It’s in Spanglish and Dianne Reeves can be enjoyed by all. Watch out for flying dough. Courtesy diannereeves.com There’s so much to see. Get some tickets and go!!

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Ballet San Antonio Photo by Alexander Devora

“THE NUTCRACKER” HELPS US CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS

By Jasmina Wellinghoff

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an anyone honestly imagine the holiday season without “The Nutcracker”?

The answer is probably “no” because the two have become inseparable. Born in imperial Russia in 1892, the ballet has flourished all across North America like no other. There are a number of explanations for that but probably the most cogent one is given in the book “Nutcracker Nation: How an Old World Ballet Became a Christmas Tradition in the New World” by Jennifer Fisher. The author explains that the show was so readily embraced by Americans because it so perfectly “dovetailed with existing holiday traditions and attitudes – festive greenery, gifts, wintry scenes, followed by a tinsel fantasy land in the second act.” Out 14 On The Town | November/December 2016

of season, “’The Nutcracker’ is like an uninvited guest,” she says, but at Christmas time it feels right because it “combines celebration and awe in a theatrical context.”

Add to that Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous music and the presence of adorable children on stage, and you’ve got a winning show. Ballet companies know it all too well.

Virtually all established professional companies, as well as many youth groups, mount a production of the iconic work at this time of the year and San Antonio is no different.

This year, we will be able to choose between at least three professional “Nutcrackers,” conveniently spread

Mejia Ballet International Courtesy Arts San Antonio founder Gerald Arpino’s choreography into his version of the ballet, specifically in the snow scene and the Dance of the Flowers. And he will introduce men into the Waltz of the Snowflakes as BSA is blessed with strong male dancers. At the time of this writing, he was still developing his ideas for the show but no traditionalist should get “It’s my favorite ballet,” he says matter-of-factly, a alarmed. Like most choreographers, Shives will follow the rather weighty statement considering his experience tradition that goes back to the original creator, Russian and impressive resume. But like for most of us, there dance-maker Lev Ivanov. (Nov. 25 - Dec. 4, at the Tobin are emotional ties involved here. “It was the first full- Center for The Performing Arts; tobi.tobincenter.org ) length ballet I did when I was young and it was the first time that I saw a professional ballerina perform,” The next in line, closer to Christmas, is Mejia Ballet he explains. This happened in McAllen and the guest International’s presentation, also essentially traditional ballerina was Susanna Benavides from Mexico City. but with its own original touches. Like Shives, Paul Mejia He also danced in a San Antonio production in 1972. has had an association with “The Nutcracker” since Shives left Texas as a young man to pursue studies at childhood. Later, as a principal dancer of the New York the School of American Ballet in New York City and City Ballet during George Balanchine’s reign, he danced later worked with a number of resident companies, the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy’s elegant cavalier. Since including 17 years with the famous Joffrey Ballet. then, Mejia has pursued a career as a choreographer and artistic director of a couple of companies, including In fact, he intends to incorporate some of Joffrey’s co- the Fort Worth Dallas Ballet and his current producing over roughly a month’s time to accommodate as many families as possible. First up is Ballet San Antonio’s new version choreographed by artistic director Willy Shives who took the helm of the San Antonio nonprofit ballet organization about a year ago.

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The Great Russian Nutcracker Courtesy Moscow Ballet organization. A talented and innovative choreographer, he nevertheless sticks pretty much with the tried and true when dealing with the beloved holiday classic. “I love doing it. I never get tired of doing it,” he told me in a 2014 interview. His star performers are all Russian born, bred and trained.

As in previous years, Mejia’s production is presented

by ARTS San Antonio in collaboration with San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet which is charge of the stage children. ( Dec.16-18 at the Lila Cockrell Theater; www.artssa.org) And speaking of Russian dancers, there will be a whole lot of them on stage in the Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker,” a touring show which will make a stop at the Majestic Theater right after Christmas - convenient for folks looking for something fun to do in the lull between Christmas and New Year’s festivities.

The vast majority of its dancers – if not all – are indeed from Russia or other former Soviet republics, and the company stages and tours other Russian classics in addition to “The Nutcracker.”

This writer had the opportunity to see Moscow Ballet’s version two years ago and it is quite different from what most Americans are used to. At the time, it was difficult to get any information about the show’s choreographer as the program did not include this essential information.

Today, the website explains that former Bolshoi Theater soloist, Stanislav Vlasov, was the creator of the first “Great Russian Nutcracker,” and the one who came up with the unique features of the production, namely the stunning Dove of Peace figure and the Land of Peace and Harmony which replaces the Kingdom of the Sweets in Act II. The show is enjoyable and the brief appearance of the winged Dove of Peace - created by two tightly connected dancers - made the audience gasp in awe the night I attended.

(Dec.26-27 at the Majestic Theater; majesticempire.com)

The name of the company is a little confusing given that the tours are organized by a U.S.-based organization albeit with Moscow ties. You can read all about its A word to the wise: all “Nutcracker” performances are complicated history on its website nutcracker.com. likely to sell out. Get your tickets early!

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EMILY SMITH COMES HOME TO HISTORIC MAJESTIC AND EMPIRE THEATRES

By Julie Catalano Photography Greg Harrison

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ES: That's another partnership we enjoy. We've been doing a really fun and exciting movie series with them, where we screen a movie and the symphony plays the live score.

Last year we did “E.T.,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” and “Jurassic Park.” Next up is “Home Alone” on December 22-23 and then “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone” on June 2 and June “It's an exciting next step for me,” she said. “I love San 4, 2017. The symphony's move to the Tobin has allowed for Antonio and I love these theatres. This position really more date availability for our self-promoted concerts. This unlocks my passion for promoting and being in the live year we will have almost 50 self-promoted events. music and entertainment presenting industry.”

JC: Anything new on the horizon?

One month into her new gig, Smith talks to me about her favorite moments on the job, a performer she can't get ES: Although we present national touring artists, we know enough of, and how a childhood memory proves she's in that San Antonio has a thriving local music scene. We wanted the right job. to put together something at the Empire Theatre that would highlight our local musicians. So last year we did the TwoTen Julie Catalano: Did you always want to work in this field? Empire series, and Freetail Brewing Company was a sponsor.

We had six shows at the Empire, tickets were $10 and we had Emily Smith: I knew I really wanted to be in a creative field. a lot of downtown partnerships. We have such great talent in After graduating from the University of the Incarnate Word San Antonio and we would love to continue showcasing that. with a degree in communications, my first job was public relations associate and marketing assistant at the Majestic JC: Any performances that you'll remember for the rest and Empire Theatres. In 2002 I took a position with the SBC of your life?

Center, now the AT&T Center, as marketing manager for their concert events. From there I moved to Austin and was ES: I love Willie Nelson. His show is always great. I've had director of marketing for Direct Events, which owned and the opportunity to promote him here and in Austin and operated the Backyard, Zona Rosa and Austin Music Hall. he is always one of my favorites. He's so talented, and there's something about him that's so warm. He will be at JC: In 2015, you were the associate general manager for the Majestic again this year on November 22-23. the Majestic and Empire Theatres before your promotion.

What brought you back here?

JC: Best part of your job? mily Smith has come full circle. That's how she describes her 17-year journey from her first job at the Majestic and Charline McCombs Empire Theatres in 1999, all the way to top billing as new general manager of two of San Antonio's most iconic concert and special event venues.

ES: What drew me to these two theatres is their connection to the community. Everyone has a story about the theatres that's special and meaningful. It's exciting to see such growth and diversity with all the venues that are coming on line, all the festivals and cultural organizations now presenting events. It makes our city more vibrant.

ES: I really enjoy the process of presenting events from beginning to end. We have a very thoughtful booking process. We get together weekly and talk about what events we'd like to see in the theatres, we do market research, and we like to understand what our patrons want to see. We have such a great team here and we all work very well together. At the Majestic, I still get goosebumps at every show, looking out JC: What are your priorities for the theatres? at the crowd, but I also enjoy during the day when it's empty and I have a moment to walk around. It's so beautiful. Every ES: We have a great foundation, and we will continue to time I'm there I discover something I've never seen before. present the North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio Series, and continue to improve our concert business. JC: If you weren't doing this, what would you be doing?

One area we want to focus on is cultivating community partnerships and collaborations, like the one we have ES: I don't know! I love promoting and I would do it even if with the Magik Children's Theatre and this year's “A it wasn't my job. I recently heard a story from my mom, who Charlie Brown Christmas” from December 16-23 at reminded me that I used to put on shows as a child. I would the Empire. And we constantly strive to improve our use my Scholastic books as programs, pass them out to my customer service experience. relatives, give them their tickets and show them to their seats. So this is my destiny. This is where I'm supposed to be.

JC: The San Antonio Symphony used to be in residence at the Majestic. Has its move to the Tobin Center for the For more info, majesticempire.com Performing Arts had any effect?

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Brooke Talk Photo byTown Javier Vela 20 On The | November/December 2016

Youth featured at Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza November 27-December 2

By Tricia Schwennesen

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or 15-year-old Brooke Talk, a bilingual song suggested by her first singing teacher and her grandmother’s encouragement were the gateway into a world she had never considered before — mariachi. The songs are filled with passion and story, intricate trajes are worn, and the words are sung in a language not yet her own.

San Antonio’s most highly-visible young mariachi, Sebastien de la Cruz, raised the profile of the music genre when he introduced a national audience to mariachi when he performed the National Anthem in his traje during the Spurs NBA finals.

The Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza has been in existence for the past 22 years. It’s so popular it made into Denise Barkis Richter’s book 100 Things to do in San Antonio before you die under the section titled “Attend one of San Antonio’s Life Affirming Festivals.”

She said her friends were unaware of her talent.

De la Cruz is a veteran competitor of the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza vocal competition, and won “She got me into mariachi, along with my grandma,” awards over 3 consecutive years before being invited Brooke says on a recent Sunday evening. Why mariachi to join the cast of NBC’s America’s Got Talent in 2012. you might ask? “The flare — the ganas — how people He has since worked on projects with Ricardo Chavira, perform the songs and tell the story. It’s just so pretty.” Eva Longoria and other popular high profile figures including Democratic presidential nominee Hillary It’s also highly competitive. Brooke is one of 40 vocal Clinton. finalists who will showcase her talent in front of a live audience and judges from the internationally- “Many mariachi vocalists like Sebastien begin recognized Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán during the competing in the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza vocal Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza in December. The event competition at an early age and continue through is not only the largest mariachi music festival in Texas high school and college,” says Cirilo Campos, mariachi but one of the most renowned world-wide. director at Lanier High School and owner and operator of the San Antonio Mariachi Academy. “Brooke is an It serves host to nearly a dozen events including an excellent example of that. She first competed when original songwriting competition, national mariachi she was in middle school two years ago and won group and vocal competitions and a grand finale first place that year. Last year she competed as a high concert featuring the world’s preeminent Mariachi school freshman and won second. This year she’s back Vargas de Tecalitlán and competition winners. as a sophomore with a strong desire to be the very best,” he says.

“We’ll certainly be looking forward to seeing these young artists and more compete in one of the most Brooke, who hopes to get into Texas State University popular events held during the seven-day music fest,” because of its mariachi program, now studies singing says Cynthia Muñoz, producer of the Mariachi Vargas and guitar at the San Antonio Mariachi Academy. She Extravaganza and President of Muñoz Public Relations. said she loves both aspects of the music.

“The phenomenal talent, the enormous dedication, the strong desire to be the very best runs high among these “The guitar adds a tone, it gives it rhythm. It goes with youth and others who train rigorously throughout the the violin and all goes together,” she says. “When I’m year just to make the finals.” singing, it gives you the story.”

“They really didn’t know about it,” she said. “I didn’t really share my voice until a friend saw me on YouTube.”

Brooke, whose father is puro gringo from Sequin with a November/December 2016 | On The Town 21

Sebastien de la Cruz Courtesy mariachimusic.com Mexican-American mother from New Braunfels, started singing the traditional music after her grandmother and vocal coach told her she had a voice for mariachi.

“She trains twice a week throughout the year and spends about 15 hours a week preparing for or participating in mariachi instrumental and vocal instruction,” says Michelle Talk, Brooke’s mother. “She’s in it for the win and also for the opportunity to create a reputation that can help her get accepted into a mariachi music program at a collegiate level.”

Brooke has proven herself as a winner during previous competitions and is favored to win the grand prize of “Best solo artist of the year.” She will go head-to-head in a fierce competition with other vocal finalists who have also proven themselves as top competitions.

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They include Katherine Perez from McAllen, Kassandra Juarez from Rio Grande City and Luis Fernando Guerrero from Mission.

“Sometimes when I sing, I overthink,” Brooke says. “And I think about the lyrics over and over. And I’m thinking, how am I going to tell the story to the people and what gestures I might use?”

The Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza runs through November 27 - December 3. Tickets to see the Mariachi Vargas Concert on Saturday, December 3 at the Lila Cockrell Theatre are available at ticketmaster.com.

Wristbands to enter the Mariachi Vocal Competition can be purchased at mariachimusic.com or by calling 210-225-3353.

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eorge Green has no trouble recalling the experience .that ignited his love for live theater. In 1988 he saw a production of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, produced by the San Antonio Little Theater, a community theater organization residing at the San Pedro Playhouse.

“That show changed my life,” he says simply. “At the end of the play, I realized I had not been in my life for two hours. The play transported me to another place and time. It inspired me to think. I decided I needed to be part of that kind of inspiring work for the rest of my life.”

Since then, the San Antonio Little Theater has gone through two name changes, first by adopting the name of the building it was operating from, and more recently by assuming the name of Playhouse San Antonio. But it’s still a non-profit producer of plays and musicals, still residing in the charming old building in San Pedro Park where, like Green, generations of San Antonians have had their first encounters with the thespian art.

After an absence of 20 years, Green is now back at the San Pedro Playhouse as the new CEO and artistic director of the current company. He has certainly realized the goal he set for himself in 1988 but it took him a little longer than he hoped.

Though involved with theater since his school days, at 18, he joined the US Air Force and served for nine years as a paramedic. At the time, it seemed like a more pragmatic and stable occupation. Still, while stationed in Lubbock, he and a pal created a small producing entity to stage plays, which eventually became the resident theater company at the Godbold Cultural Center. After leaving the military, the new civilian, now living in Spokane, Washington, experimented with a marketing career in radio and print media for a while before “jumping off the cliff” into the joys and tribulations of live theater. “I wish I had done it sooner,” he says.

already. The October production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast was the highest selling show in the theater’s history, he points our proudly. Many factors contributed to that: the high quality of the production, the popular and “fantastic” performers, the well-known title and the nature of the show which is suitable for the entire family.

Though the 2016-17 season was already planned before he officially took the reins of the nonprofit organization, he’s made a few changes in the lineup. Instead of the preannounced A Christmas Carol, this December, San Antonians will have a chance to see the unique musical play All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914, which is based on a real event.

On and around Christmas of 1914, the German and Allied soldiers halted the fighting on the Western Front, and without seeking permission from commanders, emerged from their trenches, exchanged greeting and small gifts with their enemies, sang songs and played a soccer match together. It sounds surreal but it actually happened.

“It’s a beautiful story,” notes the artistic director. “Such a thing happened only that one time. A book was written about it, there was a movie and now there’s a musical. It’s also a brilliant piece of theater. Not much glitz and glamour. You feel like you are witnessing the event.”

The show will be enhanced by the participation of the Marcsmen, an a cappella men’s singing group that will also have a separate holiday concert immediately following the Dec. 17 performance of All is Calm.

Upon his arrival, Green stirred up a controversy in local thespian circles by firing nearly the entire Playhouse staff, which gave rise to a petition seeking his removal. The decision to take that difficult step was necessary, he explains, both because of a budget deficit – since taken care of – and the needs of the Changing careers was clearly good for him as well as for the company as it moves forward toward its goal. To forge a new companies he got involved with. Green first served as the in-house “culture” of professionalism, he needed people with director of development for the Spokane Civic Theater for a different skill sets. Most new hires came from outside San few years before moving to the Lake City Playhouse in 2010 to Antonio, mostly people whose work his was familiar with. become its executive/artistic director. Under his leadership, the latter experienced considerable growth in revenue, Other changes we will be seeing include many more donor support and subscriptions. In addition, he eventually productions per season and casting that will not be helped the company merge with another thespian group limited to local performers only. Programming, however, to form the Modern Theater, the first resident professional will continue to offer something for everyone, from company in the Inland Northwest.

American Broadway classics to edgy, provocative plays and contemporary musicals. Auxiliary activities such as And this is something he hopes to accomplish in San Antonio as children’s programs will be re-evaluated. well. Though the Playhouse has been moving in that direction for a while, turning it into a truly professional company is a “We’ll focus on our core product – producing high quality long-term goal, he says, to be reached in six or ten years. For theater – in a wide range of productions. Our staff and artists now, he is focusing on staff and on enhancing the artistic and are in the business of creating art. We are heading in the right technical quality of the shows. And there are encouraging signs direction… I am extremely enthused about our progress.”

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HEAR YE! HEAR YE! Get Thee to Shakespeare in the Park: Renaissance on the River at La Villita

By Rudy Arispe

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y royal decree, King Kevin Wolff and his queen, Sandi, bid their fellow San Antonians to make fun and folly at Shakespeare in the Park: Renaissance on the River, over which the two will preside when the second annual festival kicks off at 5 p.m. Nov. 8 in La Villita. It continues from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Nov. 19-20.

“Sandi and I would like to invite all of Bexar County and the surrounding community to come make merry at the Renaissance festival, which will have entertainment for all ages. We invite you to dress up and join us.”

La Villita and the Arneson River Theatre will be transformed into “Olde Englande” as actors “During the Renaissance, citizens all across Europe dressed in period costumes entertain the crowds. worked hard, but they also made time for recreation Expect to see artisans, magicians, jugglers, firethrough games and attending fairs,” said Kevin eaters, swordsmen, singers, dancers, games, battle Wolff, who was crowned king of this year’s event. reenactments and a children’s area.

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A highlight of this year ’s festival is a per formance by the Ark ansas Shakespeare Company of their award-winning produc tion of Twelfth Night.

Per formances are at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18-20 at the Arneson R iver Theatre. Visitors also may attend per formances of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) by the Company Theatre at the Arneson.

people’s love and understanding of theater and literature by providing extraordinary, affordable and professional theater and arts education experiences. The Magik Theatre enhances the lives of children with disabilities and at-risk youth through its community accessibility, education and outreach programs.

Although admission to the festival is free, a variety of vendors will have food and beverages for sale.

“During the Renaissance, citizens all across Europe worked hard, but they also made time for recreation through games and attending fairs. I would like to invite all of Bexar County and the surrounding community to come make merry at the Renaissance festival, which will have entertainment for all ages. We invite you to dress up and join us.”

For information about Shakespeare in the Park, call “Revelers can try their hand at pirate training or lock 210-227-2751 or visit www.MagikTheatre.org. their friends in the stocks,” Wolff said. “I personally am looking forward to learning about the art of For festival information, visit www.renontheriver.com. falconry and seeing the majestic birds in action.”

His Royal Highness invites you to fly your family crest in La Villita. Originally used to identify warriors dressed in armor, a coat of arms or family crest has long been a symbol of a family's identity and values. Each noble or knight chose symbols and colors to represent his family or clan. Your family crest can be on display in the center of the action in La Villita during Renaissance on the River. Cost is $1,000. For information, email David Morgan at nomaddavid@gmail.com.

A portion of festival proceeds benefit the Majik Theatre, whose mission is to nurture young

- King Kevin Wolff November/December 2016 | On The Town 27

28 On The Town | November/December 2016

November/December 2016 | On The Town 29

30 On The Town | November/December 2016

Events Calendar

32-54

November/December 2016 | On The Town 31

November/December 2016 Events Calendar Music Notes Gaelic Storm 11/1, Tue @ 7:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center San Antonio Symphony: Veterans Day 2016 Salute to Service 11/2, Wed @ 7pm Akiko Fujimoto, conductor Majestic Theatre Toni Braxton 11/2, Wed @ 7:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Evanescence 11/3, Thu @ 8pm Majestic Theatre An Evening with Lyle Lovett & Robert Earl Keen 11/3, Thu @ 8pm Gruene Hall Kaleo: The Handprint Tour 11/4, Fri @ 7:30pm Aztec Theatre

UTSA Guest Recital Series Berta Rojas, guitar 11/4, Fri @ 7:30pm Recital Hall UTSA Main Campus Los Lonely Boys 11/4, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Mana: Latino Power Tour 11/4, Fri @ 8pm AT&T Center Wagon Aces 11/4, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Get Me To Vegas 11/4-5, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 3pm Rockbox Theater Fredericksburg San Antonio Symphony The Tyrant’s Crush 11/4-5, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor Stewart Copelend, trapset H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

32 On The Town | November/December 2016

Alamo Metro Chorus Music Con: The Power of Music 11/5, Sat @ 3pm & 7pm Holy Trinity Catholic Church Johnny Bush 11/5, Sat @ 7:30pm Luckenbach Dancehall Amanda Miguel y Diego Verdaguer 11/5, Sat @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Sam Bentley Band 11/5, Sat @ 8pm Twin Sisters Dancehall Green River Ordinance 11/5, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Tejas Brothers 11/5, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Youth Orchestras of San Antonio Remembering Bowie with SOLI Chamber Ensemble 11/6, Sun @ 7pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

Olivia Newton-John 11/6, Sun @ 7pm Majestic Theatre An Evening with Lyle Lovett & John Hiatt 11/6, Sun @ 8pm Gruene Hall Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox 11/8, Tue @ 8pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Tobin Studio Sessions The Subdudes 11/9. Wed @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center Dream Theater 11/9, Wed @ 7:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Ken Slavin: Shaken, Not Stirred 11/10 Thu @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center

November/December 2016 | On The Town 33

Galactic 11/10, Thu @ 8pm Aztec Theatre

Black Sabbath: The End 11/12, Sat @ 7:30pm AT&T Center

Jesse & Joy 11/13, Sun @ 8pm Majestic Theatre

Lee Greenwood 11/11, Fri @ 7pm Bluebonnet Palace

Blanco Performing Arts Texas Guitar Quartet 11/12, Sat @ 7:30pm Uptown Blanco Ballroom

Switchfoot & Relient K: Looking for America Tour 11/14, Mon @ 7:30pm Aztec Theatre

Fredericksburg Theater Company 20 Seasons of Songs 11/11-13, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Steve W. Shepherd Theater

Anderson-RabinWakeman (ARW) An Evening of Yes and More 11/12, Sat @ 8pm Majestic Theatre

Tobin Studio Sessions Marc Cohn 11/16, Wed @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center

Doug Moreland 11/11, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

The Route 4 Band 11/12, Sat @ 8pm Kendalia Halle

Gloria Trevi 11/16, Wed @ 8pm Aztec Theatre

Drowning Pool 11/18, Fri @ 8pm Aztec Theatre

Indigo Girls 11/11, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall

John Conlee 11/12, Sat @ 8:30pm John T. Floore Country Store

Arts San Antonio Sons of Serendip, Songs in the Key of Wonder: 50 Years of Stevie Wonder 11/17, Thu @ 7:30pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre

Shane Smith & The Saints 11/18, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore C ountry Store

Cactus Country 11/11, Fri @ 8:15pm Leon Springs Dancehall Stoney Larue 11/11, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Joe Ely Band 11/12, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall

Clay Walker 11/12, Sat @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys Dancehall

Musical Offerings Art to Music: Sound as Calligraphy 11/13, Sun @ 3pm Martha Fabrique, shakuhachi flute Joan Christenson, violin San Antonio Museum of Art

36th Annual Tejano Music Awards 11/12, Sat @ 7pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

Sunday Jazz at the Witte Regency Jazz Band 11/13, Sun @ 3pm Witte Museum

34 On The Town | November/December 2016

Morrissey 11/17, Thu @ 8pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Seth James & Jessica Murray 11/17, Thu @ 8pm Gruene Hall Eli Young Band 11/18, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys Dancehall

An Evening with the Texas Gypsies 11/18, Fri @ 7:30pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels Delbert McClinton 11/18, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Jamie Lin Wilson 11/18, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

San Antonio Symphony Tchaikovsky “Pathetique” 11/18-20, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Sebastian-Lang Lessing, conductor H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Terence Blanchard & The E-Collective 11/19, Sat @ 8pm Jo Long Theatre at the Carver Thomas Michael Riley 11/19, Sat @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

November/December 2016 | On The Town 35

Jake Hooker and the Outsiders 11/19, Sat @ 8pm Anhalt Hall 3 Chord Rodeo 11/19, Sat @ 8:15pm Leon Springs Dancehall Bob Schneider 11/19, Sat @ 8:30pm John T. Floore Country Store Texas Tornados 11/19, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra 11/19, Sat @ 9pm Aztec Theatre Julion Alvarez 11/18, Fri @ 8pm Freeman Coliseum

Fredericksburg Music Club Ava Pine, soprano 11/20, Sun @ 3pm Fredericksburg United Methodist Heart of Texas Concert Band Arnold, Arutiunian, and Franck featuring Andrew Gignac 11/20, Sun @ 3pm McAllister Auditorium San Antonio College San Antonio Chamber Music Society Brasil Guitar Duo 11/20, Sun @ 3:15pm Temple Beth-El Mindless Behavior: No Parents Allowed Tour 11/20, Sun @ 7pm Aztec Theatre

36 On The Town | November/December 2016

Willie Nelson 11/22-23 Tue-Wed @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Wade Bowen 11/23, Wed @ 8pm Gruene Hall

Cory Morrow 11/25, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Dirty River Boys 11/25, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Braun Family Thanksgiving with Reckless Kelly 11/25, Fri @ 7:30pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels

A Swingin’ Christmas Show 11/25-26 Fri @ 7pm Sat @ 3pm & 7pm 12/3, 10, 17 Sat @ 3pm & 7pm 12/23-24, Fri @ 7pm Sat @ 2pm Rockbox Theater Fredericksburg

William Clark Green 11/25, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Kevin Fowler 11/26, Sat @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys Dancehall

Dale Watson 11/23, Wed @ 9pm Luckenbach Dancehall

November/December 2016 | On The Town 37

Charlie Robison 11/26, Sat @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Almost Patsy Cline Band 11/26, Sat @ 8:15pm Leon Springs Dancehall Sam Riggs 11/26, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Stoney Larue 11/26, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Home Free: A Country Christmas 11/27, Sun @ 3pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre Tuesday Musical Club Ensemble Schumann 11/29, Tue @ 2pm Laurel Heights United Methodist First Fine Arts Avanti String Quartet 11/29, Tue @ 3pm First Baptist Church Ms. Lauryn Hill: The MLH Caravan 11/29, Tue @ 8pm Aztec Theatre Henry Rollins 11/30, Wed @ 8pm Aztec Theatre

Tobin Studio Sessions Luke Wade 12/1, Thu @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center Symphony of The Hills Home for Christmas 12/1, Thu @ 7:30pm Dr. Eugene Dowdy, conductor Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville Kanye West 12/1, Thu @ 8pm AT&T Center Ethan Bortnick 12/2, Fri @ 8pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center The Wood Brothers 12/2, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall

Double Bogey Band 12/3, Sat @ 8pm Twin Sisters Dancehall PartyNextDoor & Jeremih: Summer’s Over Tour 12/3, Sat @ 8pm Aztec Theatre Bonnie Bishop 12/3, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Camerata San Antonio Camerata Recital Viktor Valkov, piano 12/4, Sun @ 3pm UIW Concert Hall Steve Vai: The Passion and Warfare 25th Anniversary Tour 12/4, Sun @ 7pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center

Conspirare Christmas with Matt Alber 12/7, Wed @ 7:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center First Fine Arts Hill Country Brass 12/6, Tue @ 12pm First Baptist Church The Arts at Coker Matt Rogers, Chapman Stick 12/7, Wed @ 12pm Coker United Methodist Dolly Parton 12/8, Thu @ 8pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Dailey & Vincent: Christmas Show 12/9, Fri @ 7:30pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels

Charlie Robison 12/2, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Tony Bennett 12/4, Sun @ 7:30pm Majestic Theatre

The Chordsmen Annual Christmas Show 12/3, Sat @ 3pm Colonial Hills United Methodist

Victoria Symphony The Texas Tenors in “Deep In The Heart of Christmas” 12/5, Mon @ 7:30pm Victoria Fine Arts Center

Dianne Reeves Christmas Time is Here 12/9, Fri @ 8pm Jo Long Theatre at the Carver

Goo Goo Dolls 12/6, Tue @ 8pm Aztec Theatre

Jerry Jeff Walker 12/9-10, Fri & Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall

Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza 12/3, Sat @ 7:30pm Lila Cockrell Theater

38 On The Town | November/December 2016

Billy Joel 12/9, Fri @ 8pm AT&T Center

November/December 2016 | On The Town 39

Christmas at First 12/10, Sat @ 5pm 12/11, Sun @ 5:30pm & 7:15pm First Baptist Church San Antonio Chamber Choir A Baltic Christmas 12/10, Sat @ 7:30pm Immaculate Conception Chapel At Oblate School of Theology 12/11, Sun @ 3pm Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Children of Bodom 12/10, Sat @ 7:30pm Aztec Theatre Max Stalling 12/10, Sat @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Children’s Chorus of San Antonio Winter Wonderland 12/11, Sun @ 3pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Sunday Jazz at the Witte The Epic 12/11, Sun @ 3pm Witte Museum Mid-Texas Symphony Concert 3 12/11, Sun @ 4pm David Mairs, conductor Jackson Auditorium TLU – Seguin

First Fine Arts Duo Interchange 12/13, Tue @ 12pm First Baptist Church

The Bellamy Brothers 12/16, Fri @ 8:30pm John T. Floore Country Store

The Arts at Coker Eric & Valerie Thompson, Piano Four Hands 12/14, Wed @ 12pm Coker United Methodist

Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band 12/17, Sat @ 8pm Anhalt Hall

Holiday Hits with Gary Morris 12/15, Thu @ 7:30pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels

Turnpike Troubadours 12/17, Sat @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys Dancehall

Cailloux Performance Series Let’s Hang On 12/16, Fri @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville The Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison Holiday Shindig 12/16, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall The Merles 12/16, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall San Antonio Symphony Holiday Pops 12/16-18, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Akiko Fujimoto, conductor San Antonio Symphony Mastersingers John Silantien, director H-E-B Performance Hall at Tobin Center

40 On The Town | November/December 2016

Michael Martin Murphey A Cowboy Christmas 12/17, Sat @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville Robert Earl Keen 12/17, Sat @ 8pm Aztec Theatre Shinyribs 12/17, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Holiday Saxophones 12/18, Sun @ 7pm Guadalupe Theater First Fine Arts FBC Chamber Singers 12/20, Tue @ 12pm First Baptist Church Two Ton Tuesday Holiday Show 12/20 & 27, Tue @ 8:30pm Green Hall Trans-Siberian Orchestra Presented by Hallmark Channel 12/21, Wed @ 4pm AT&T Center San Antonio Symphony Home Alone Live in Concert 12/22-23, Thu-Fri @ 7:30pm Majestic Theatre Ray Wylie Hubbard 12/23, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall

Gary P. Nunn 12/17, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Thomas Michael Riley 12/23, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Bob Schneider 12/17, St @ 9pm Gruene Hall

Nick Lawrence 12/23, Fri @ 8:30pm John T. Floore Country Store

Heart of Texas Concert Band A Family Christmas 12/18, Sun @ 3pm Trinity Baptist Church

Dwight Yoakam 12/28, Wed @ 7:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall at Tobin Center

November/December 2016 | On The Town 41

Cody Jinks 12/29, Thu @ 8pm Gruene Hall Pat Green 12/30, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Jason Boland & The Stragglers 12/30, Fri @ 8:30pm John T. Floore Country Store Mannheim Steamroller 12/30, Fri @ 8pm Selena Auditorium Corpus Christi New Year’s Big Band Celebration 12/30-31, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Rockbox Theater Fredericksburg Bret Graham 12/31, Sat @ 8pm Twin Sisters Dancehall Billy Mata 12/31, Sat @ 8pm Leon Springs Dancehall Gary P. Nunn 12/31, Sat @ 8:30pm Kendalia Halle New Year’s Eve with Kevin Fowler 12/31, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Jon Wolfe 12/31, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Dale Watson 12/31, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dancehall Blue October 12/31, Sat @ 9pm Aztec Theatre

Live Theater

Circle Arts Theatre New Braunfels The Phantom of the Wurst 11/4-6, Fri @ 7:30 Sat @ 4pm & 7:30pm Sun @ 4pm 11/7-13, Mon-Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 4pm & 7:30pm Sun @ 4pm

Woodlawn Theatre Sweeney Todd 11/4-6, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm

Boerne Community Theatre Chapter 2 11/4-19, Thu @ 7:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm

Josephine Theatre Sisters in Song 11/4-27, Fri @ 8:30pm Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2:30p

The Overtime Theater Jackson Square 11/4-19, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun (11/6) @ 3pm Little Overtime Theater

Sheldon Vexler Theatre The Diary of Anne Frank 11/3-13, Thu @ 7:30pm Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm (No shows on Fridays)

The Classic Theatre San Antonio School for Scandal 11/4-27, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm

Harlequin Theatre at Fort Sam Houston Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play 11/3-19, Thu-Sat @ 8pm

Roxie Theatre Miss Abigail’s Guide to Dating, Mating & Marriage 11/5-27, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3:30pm

The Overtime Theater Locolobo: Punk Prometheus Psycho Wolf Musical Comedy 11/4-5, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Greg Barrios Theater

The Wimberley Players Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike 11/11-12/4, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2:30pm Wimberley Playhouse

42 On The Town | November/December 2016

BMW of San Antonio Signature Series The Other Mozart 11/17-19, Thu @ 7:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center Elizabeth Huth Coates Theatre Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol 11/18-12/3 Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Ingram Roxie Theatre The Paisley Sisters Christmas Special 12/10-11, Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3:30pm 12/16-18, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 7:30pm, Sun @ 3:30pm 12/22-24, Thu @ 7:30pm Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 3:30pm 12/30-1/1 – Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 7:30pm, Sun @ 3:30pm Las Nuevas Tamaleras 11/25-12/11, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Guadalupe Theater Harlequin Theatre at Fort Sam Houston Christmas Wishes 11/25-12/17 Thu-Sat @ 8pm The Overtime Theater Merry Gentlemen 11/25-26, Fri-Sat @ 8pm 12/2-4, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm 12/9-10, Fri-Sat @ 8pm 12/16-18, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 7pm 12/22-23, Thu-Fri @ 8pm Greg Barrios Theatre

November/December 2016 | On The Town 43

Long Center Presents Annie 11/25-26, Fri @ Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Long Center Austin Woodlawn Theatre Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 11/25-12/23 Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm Little Overtime Theater Queen’s Castle 11/25-26, Fri-Sat @ 8pm 12/31, Sat @ 10:30pm John Cleese & Eric Idle: Together Again At Last…

For The Very First Time 11/28, Mon @ 7:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall At the Tobin Center Boerne Community Theatre Twas The Night Before Christmas 12/1-17, Thu @ 7:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Alamo Vaudeville 3 12/2, Sat @ 8pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center Playhouse 2000 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 12/2-18, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2:30pm VK Garage Theater Kerrville

Little Overtime Theater OT Serial Box 12/2-10, Fri-Sat @ 8pm 12/29-30, Thu-Fri @ 8pm The Playhouse San Antonio All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 12/2-18, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Russell Hill Rogers Theatre at San Pedro Playhouse North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio Jersey Boys (touring) 12/6-11 Tue-Thu @ 7:30pm Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm & 7:30pm Majestic Theatre Mike Birbiglia: Thank God for Jokes 12/9, Fri @ 8pm H-E-B Performance Hall at Tobin Center Fredericksburg Theater Company It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play 12/9-18, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Steve W. Shepherd Theater Elvis and Me: An Evening With Priscilla Presley 12/15, Thu @ 7:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall at Tobin Center

44 On The Town | November/December 2016

Dance San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet The Magic Toyshop 11/12-13, Sat @ 7pm Sun @ 2:30pm Lila Cockrell Theater Ballet San Antonio The Nutcracker 11/25-27, Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 2pm & 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm 12/1-4, Thu-Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 2pm & 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Moscow Ballet H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Arts San Antonio An Irish Christmas 12/10, Sat @ 7:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Fiesta de Navidad La Pastorela Folklorica 12/16-17, Fri-Sat @ 7pm Guadalupe Theater Arts San Antonio Mejia Ballet International The Nutcracker 12/16-18, Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 2pm & 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Lila Cockrell Theater Alamo City Dance Company The Nutcracker 12/17-18, Sat @ 2pm & 6pm Sun @ 1pm & 4pm McAllister Auditorium San Antonio College

The Great Russian Nutcracker 12/26-27 Mon @ 3pm & 7pm Tue @ 7pm Majestic Theatre

Cinema Fathom Events 11/3 – Rush/ Time Stand Still 11/6, Bolshoi Ballet / The Bright Stream 11/15 – National Theatre – Hamlet 12/1 – She Loves Me / Broadway Stage Musical 12/3 – The Met Live – The Magic Flute 12/10 – The Met Live – L’Amour de Loin 12/13 – Allegiance – Broadway Stage Musical 12/18 – Bolshoi Ballet – The Nutcracker 12/21 - The Met Live – L’Amour de Loin (Encore) For theater locations and show times for these performance www.fathomevents.com

Comedy Slade Ham 11/2-3, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm 11/6, Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter Mark Viera 11/2-6, Wed-Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

November/December 2016 | On The Town 45

Nick Offerman 11/3, Thu @ 8pm H-E-B Performance Hall at Tobin Center Pauly Shore 11/4-5, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter Greg Vaccariello 11/9-13, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter Tony Rock 11/11-13,Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Plastic Cup Boyz 11/12, Sat @ 8pm Aztec Theatre Dustin Ybarra 11/16-20, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter

Gina Yashere 11/17-20, Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Jay LaFarr and Friends 11/23, Wed @ 8:30pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter Danny Ingle and Friends 11/23, Wed @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Steve Byrne 11/25-26, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Barry Friedman 11/25-27, Fri-Sa t@ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter Jeff Dunham: Perfectly Unbalanced 11/30, Wed @ 7:30pm AT&T Center

Jim Breuer 11/17, Thu @ 8pm Aztec Theatre

Andrew Rivers 11/30 Wed @ 8pm 12/4, Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Mike Suarez 11/16, Wed @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Franco Escamilla 12/1, Thu @ 9pm Majestic Theatre

46 On The Town | November/December 2016

Jesse Joyce 12/1-3, Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Corey Holcomb 12/2-4, Fri-Sat@ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter Adrian Uribe y Omar Chaparo Imparables, El Show 12/4, Sun @ 6pm & 9pm Aztec Theatre Andy Beningo 12/7-8, Wed-Thu @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Justin Rupple 12/7-11, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter Fortune Feimster 12/9-11, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Mark Riccadonna 12/14-18 Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter

Paul Rodriguez 12/16-18, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Mike Robles 12/21-24, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sat @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter Chris Fonseca 12/21-24, Wed-Thu & Sat @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Kristin Lindner 12/28, Wed @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Brad Williams 12/29-31, Thu @ 8pm Fri-St @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Ralph Harris 12/28-31, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter

Children's Magik Theatre Duck for President 11/2-6 For details: www. magiktheatre.org

November/December 2016 | On The Town 47

Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live 11/13, Sun @ 1pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Magik Theatre Twas The Night Before Christmas 11/18-12/30 For details: www. magiktheatre.org Magik Theatre A Charlie Brown Christmas 12/16-23, Tue-Fri @ 6:30pm Sat @2pm & 6:30pm Sum @ 2pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre

Plexus C18 Thru October 2019 Reclaimed by Nature 11/4-1/8 Beneath Metropolis 11/4-1/8 Hold Still 11/4-1/8

Exhibitions

Spill (off-site exhibit) Jenny Magnusson Thru 12/10 Michael and Noemi Neidorff Art Gallery at Trinity University

ARTPACE

BIHL HAUS ARTS

Fall International Artists in Residence Exhibit Kim Morgan Kim Faler Lily Cox-Richard Denise Markonish, curator 11/10-12/31

Embroidering the Old Spanish Trail Laurel Gibson Thru 12/17

Fall Hudson Showroom Kamila Szczesna Ryder Richards Jessica Halonen Thru 12/31

Ansel Adams: Distance and Detail Thru 12/15

Fall Window Works Emily Fleisher Thru 12/31

48 On The Town | November/December 2016

BLUE STAR CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM

INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES Our Part of Victory Thru 12/7

1000 Parks and A Line in the Sky Thru 4/16 Our Community: The History and Heritage of New Braunfels, Texas 11/11-2/12 Painted Churches of texas 11/19-3/5 LINDA PACE FOUNDATION

Adam (Public Artwork)

By Arturo Herrera 25’ h x 98’ w, Frost Bank Garage Commerce at Main Thru 12/2016 Secondary Stories Thru 7/29 McNAY ART MUSEUM Parlour Games: Ruloff Kip’s Toy Theatre Thru 2/6

Jim Dine: Salome Reimagined Thru 12/24 Orientalism: The Middle East Onstage Thru 12/24 Jennifer Steinkamp: Selections from the Botanic Series Thru 1/8 Art Matters 16: John Fraser Thru 1/8

Telling Tales: Contemporary Narrative Photography Thru 1/15 Living and Collecting Mexico: Gifts from Susan Toomey Frost Thru 2/5 Leigh Anne Lester: A Variety of Forms Recovering from Transubstantiated Clarity Thru 7/30

November/December 2016 | On The Town 49

MUSEUM OF WESTERN ART KERRVILLE The Legend Lives: Masterpieces from the Permanent Collection Ongoing SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN Art in the Garden: Scattering Screen by Alyson Shotz Thru June 2017 SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART

National Geographic: Earth Explorers Thru 1/22 Texas Art of Early Days to Now: The Witte Collection Thru 5/29 Rudolf Staffel: Gathering Light Thru 5/29

Miscellaneous

SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART

Shrine Circus 11/3, Thu @ 6:30pm 11/4, Fri @ 10am & 7pm 11/5, Sat @ 10am, 2pm, 7pm 11/6, Sun @ 10am, 2pm, 6pm Freeman Coliseum

Daniela Riojas La Ofrenda 11/2-11/8

Diwali San Antonio 11/5, Sat / 5pm-10pm La Villita

Beck Whitehead & Pulparazzi 11/17-1/15

Luminaria: Contemporary Art Festival 11/9-12, Wed-Sat Various locations For info www.luminariasa. org

Carlos Merida: Selections from the Permanent Collection Thru 1/29

Hadar Sobol 11/17-1/15 Erin Neve 11/17-1/15

50 On The Town | November/December 2016

WITTE MUSEUM

Todd Christensen 11/17-1/17

Shamrock Series Notre Dame vs. Army 11/12, Sat @ 2:30pm Alamodome

Olate Dogs: Santa Paws Holiday Rescue Tour 11/20, Sun @ 2pm & 6pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center Ford Holiday River Parade 11/25, Fri @ TBD Riverwalk Dickens on Main 11/25-26, Fri-Sat Downtown Boerne

Ford Holiday Boat Caroling 11/30-12/18 Riverwalk Christmas Light Fest Don Strange Ranch 11/24-12/31 Holiday Magic Festival of Lights 12/1-1/8 Retama Park

Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias 12/2-18 Riverwalk Tamales at Pearl 12/3, Sat / 11am-5pm Pearl Complex Magic Men Live!

12/8-9, Thu-Fri @ 8pm Aztec Theatre Valero Alamo Bowl 12/29, Alamodome

Photo Credits Page 32 (L-R) Gaelic Storm Courtesy Tobin Center Akiko Fujimoto Photo by Liz Garza Williams Toni Braxton Courtesy Tobin Center

November/December 2016 | On The Town 51

Robert Earl Keen Courtesy Charline McCombs Empire Theatre

Charlie Robison Courtesy charlierobison. com

Ray Wylie Hubbard Photo by Courtney Chavanell

Page 34 (L-R)

Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Courtesy mariachimusic. com

Page 46 (L-R)

Los Lonely Boys Courtesy www. loslonelyboys.com The SubDudes Courtesy Tobin Center Stewart Copeland Courtesy San Antonio Symphony Ava Pine Courtesy Fredericksburg Music Club Page 38 (L-R) Morrissey Courtesy Tobin Center

Steve Vai Courtesy Tobin Center Page 42 (L-R) Tony Bennett Courtesy Majestic Theatre Bonnie Bishop Courtesy philly.com The Texas Tenors Courtesy www. texastenors.com

Brasil Guitar Duo Photo by Leo Brouwer

Max Stalling Courtesy www. liveatfloores.com

Dale Watson Courtesy www. liveatfloores.com

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Almost Patsy Cline Band Courtesy www. liveatfloores.com

Gary Morris Courtesy Brauntex Theatre

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Gary P. Nunn Courtesy www. liveatfloores.com

Reckless Kelly Courtesy www. liveatfloores.com

Two Tons of Steel Courtesy www.twotons. com

52 On The Town | November/December 2016

Pat Green Courtesy www.patgreen. com Ensemble Schumann Photo by Susan Wilson

Mike Birbiglia Courtesy Tobin Center Page 50 (L-R) Irish Christmas Courtesy Arts San Antonio Arts SA -The Nutcracker Courtesy Arts San Antonio Page 51 (L-R)

Jon Wolfe Courtesy www. liveatfloores.com

Pauly Shore Courtesy Improv Comedy Club

Dwight Yoakam Courtesy Tobin Center

Ralph Harris Courtesy www.ralphharris. com

Page 48 (L-R) Jersey Boys Photo by Joan Marcus

Steve Bryne Courtesy Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

The Other Mozart Courtesy Tobin Center

Paul Rodriquez Courtesy Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

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Page 52 (L-R)

School for Scandal Courtesy The Classic Theatre San Antonio

Cory Morrow Courtesy www. corymorrow.com

Ballet SA –The Nutcracker Photo by Alexander Devora Sons of Serendip Courtesy Arts San Antonio

Priscilla Presley Courtesy Tobin Center Olate Dogs Courtesy Tobin Center Goo Goo Dolls Photo by Bob Mussel

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54 On The Town | November/December 2016

Culinary Arts 56-68

November/December 2016 | On The Town 55

CHEF MICHAEL SOHOCKI Talks About His Food Philosophy and IL Forno

By Olivier J. Bourgoin, aka “Olivier the Wine Guy” Photography Greg Harrison

T

o say that chef Michael “Mike” Sohocki slightly southwest of Southtown. There he built his is on a roll would be nothing less than a own wood- burning brick pizza oven by hand and gigantic understatement. opened his restaurant in April.

After first opening his acclaimed 1800s-inspired, pre-industrial revolution style restaurant Gwendolyn and after earning a prestigious James Beard Award nomination, Sohocki was far from being done. Next came the interesting and first-inthe-city authentic ramen noodle-centric restaurant Kimura. Now the young entrepreneur has broken new ground with Il Forno Pizza on Nogalitos Street, 56 On The Town | November/December 2016

“Il Forno” means “the oven” in Italian and in this case also means seven choices of scratch- made pizzas, crafted from house-made prosciutto, coppa, pepperoni and other ingredients, served for lunch, happy hour and dinner.

Sohocki is a self-professed purist. His philosophy about food preparation is simple and evident in

the pizzas served at Il Forno. Authenticity is the rule in everything he does. From the self-built oven to his urban-farm chicken, add another touch of authenticity: the mozzarella is made in-house from locally produced milk.

“You can snack on Nova Scotia salmon at 3 a.m. in a casino in Vegas but you forget the significance of food and culture,” Sohocki said. “A book about everything is a book about nothing. When everything is available everywhere, at any time, food loses its identity and value.”

“Part of my training came from working with chef Andrew Weisman,” Sohocki said. “He is a mentor of mine. I’ve borrowed a lot of advice from him over the years, and I’m grateful.”

Sohocki continued on this theme. “You can find fermented pickles or kimchee in a jar on the grocery store shelves but it’s not the same as your grandmother’s recipe. I’m not saying they don’t taste good but, for example, the only real foie gras “In all of my restaurants, the point is to become in this country comes from the Hudson Valley. It’s reacquainted with a cultural identity,” Sohocki said. the only licensed provider in the whole continent.

“Ethnic cuisines and recipes were born from what was available. I am totally against globalization. It’s “If food did not travel, food like foie gras would made us forget who we are. Sub-Saharan African only be a legend, but by making them prevalent, food evolved out of the plants and resources making them ubiquitous, and when you make them those people had. The cultures around the table available at prices equal or better than at their place were shaped around our limitations and our of origin, local identity begins to dissolve,” Sohocki surroundings. People knew who they were. said. “Too much melting pot can be taken too far.”

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

“We have done an immense wrong to mankind by ripping all these foods out of context in the IL FORNO absence of limitations. Today, while you can cook 122 Nogalitos St., San Antonio 78204 anything you want, you are dissolving the identity 210-616-2198 of the people,” he said. www.ilfornosa.com

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DINING THE WAY TO A FARM Ginger McAnear Robinson Photography courtesy Culinaria

A

featured are tier-based and participants must follow one of the options. Tier 1 is a $15 lunch and a $35 dinner while Tier 2 is a $10 lunch and $25 dinner.

San Antonio Restaurant Week is brought to you by Culinaria, a non-profit organization that started with an annual food and wine festival. The group later added a 5k Wine & Beer Run with additional events throughout the year. The first San Antonio Restaurant Week in August 2010 was an instant success and has only grown from there with the expansion of August from one week to two and the inclusion of January Restaurant Week.

For the restaurants, this gives them a few opportunities to include a chance to try out new menu items as well as to garner attention from potential guests who maybe haven’t heard of the restaurant before the promotion.

It also proves to bring in patrons during a slower time of the year for restaurant dining. For guests, including those who might consider themselves “foodies” as well anyone who simply enjoys a delicious meal, it’s a chance to try out a new restaurant or to visit an old favorite as much of the guesswork is removed from the unknown by viewing the menus online ahead of time. Of course, through the power of social media, guests also learn how the experience went for others even before making a reservation, which is certainly a bonus.

s a city rich in history and culture, one thing brings us all together and reflects our love for San Antonio – and that is food. At the top of that last list is the opportunity to try many of our local restaurants through the third winter edition of San Antonio Restaurant Week, January 16-21.

To those not familiar with San Antonio Restaurant Week, the idea is to dine in one, two or as many as you can of the participating restaurants, who offer a set menu and price with three-courses for lunch and/or dinner.

The restaurants vary from long-time established to the newcomers recently opening their doors and include fine dining to casual and family-friendly fare. The prices

Together, the restaurants and diners are helping Culinaria in a big way that will also help the community.

For each meal purchased during San Antonio Restaurant Weeks, $1 from lunch and $2 from dinner goes back to November/December 2016 | On The Town 59

Culinaria and The Farm. The mission of Culinaria has always been to promote San Antonio as a culinary destination to both locals and those beyond the city and the organization has always had the support of visitors from across the U.S. and even attendees from across the globe. Taking that same energy and power, Culinaria has been in the process of building The Farm, a project that will teach children and adults more about the power of where their food comes from and how to grow their own using the resources that they have, no matter what those resources might be.

Initially, the inspiration for The Farm was the desire to combat hunger and food related illnesses but it has evolved into so much more than that and has gained not only the support of San Antonio restaurants, but, of many individuals and businesses who see it as an opportunity to not only learn more about taking charge of health, but, also a way to make a difference in the community. The Farm has been in the fundraising phase and Restaurant Week has certainly been a key factor in making the vision a reality.

To learn more about The Farm, San Antonio Restaurant Week and Culinaria, the website is www.culinariasa.org.

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calais WINERY: A FRENCHMAN IN THE HILL COUNTRY, EXTRACTING THE BEST TEXAS CAN OFFER

By Olivier J. Bourgoin, aka “Olivier, the Wine Guy” Photography courtesy Calais Winery

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mong other things, the French city of Calais is known for an episode in history rendered famous by artist Auguste Rodin, “The Burghers of Calais,” a multi-statue, oversized rendering depicting the surrender of Calais noblemen to the British in 1347 during the Hundred Years’ War (1337 to 1453).

So why would a winery in Hye, Texas, be named after the French coastal town of Calais?

62 On The Town | November/December 2016

Enter Benjamin Calais, owner of the Texas-based Calais Winery. The 30- something Frenchman comes by his name honestly. Born and raised in Calais, his family has been farming the land around that part of France since the Hundred Years’ War. Speaking in French, Calais said: “Actually, our family tree has been traced 650 years back but my ancestors were probably there before that. Over the centuries, we have raised cattle and farmed

the land. From milk cows to sheep and from corn in the $35 price range for whites and rosés and to potatoes and wheat … we’ve done it all.” up to $100 per bottle for his top-of-the-line reds.

Calais’ wines are available only at the winery.

But grapes? The region surrounding the city of Calais is known as the Pas de Calais, the step to “I am most interested in working with all the Calais, and it is a wine-producing area. traditional Bordeaux varietals and that’s what I’ve been concentrating on: Cabernet Sauvignon, Calais describes himself as an engineer by degree Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and last year, I and education. “Originally, I moved to Texas to added Petit Verdot.” launch a start-up company dealing with data security near Dallas,” he said. “Things didn’t work Calais has 12 acres planted mostly in Brownfield, out with my investors, and things unraveled rapidly. southwest of Lubbock in the Texas High Plains appellation. “I own the vines but not the dirt. I “I always had a dream about making wine, and I’m also have some contracts to buy more grapes. a fan of everything Bordeaux -- Bordeaux blends Depending on the year and the yield, I buy grapes and Bordeaux-style wines in general. I have a lot from several other growers but all my wine is made of friends in that region, near St. Emilion. I've been with 100 percent Texas grapes,” he said. able to pick their brains, and they have given me a lot of advice. Getting started in Bordeaux nowadays “ The first year I made 700 cases, and last year I was would no longer be financially feasible. The cost up to 2,000 cases. But most of my time is spent of real estate is prohibitive, same as Napa. But in taking care of the vines,” Calais said. “You have to Texas, I saw some opportunities, especially with mind the vineyard.” the exponential growth of the Texas wine industry, so I took the plunge and started Calais Winery in CALAIS WINERY Dallas in 2008. The next logical step was to move 8115 U.S. Highway 290 West the operation in the middle of the Texas terroir.”

Hye, Texas 78635 830-213-2124 His new winery was dug into the side of a hill. Hours are by appointment only There Calais makes top-shelf wines of distinction www.calaiswinery.com November/December 2016 | On The Town 63

64 On The Town | November/December 2016

LORI URBANO

Creating new life for historic Fire Station No. 7, with an Andrew Goodman restaurant coming soon

By Rudy Arispe Photography Greg Harrison

L

ori Urbano is standing inside the hollowed out, former Fire Station No. 7 on South Alamo Street, where she is meeting with restaurateur Andrew Goodman to go over details of his much-anticipated and latest culinary venture.

Gateway to Southtown,’ ” he said. “And it’s going to make an amazing restaurant.”

Since teaming with Urbano, Goodman has found her to be a consummate professional and likes the fact that she has always been able to bring his creative ideas to fruition.

“We’re taking a historic building and updating it “I have a strong sense of what I want, and she helps me with a contemporary look,” she said, as a flurry achieve it,” he said. “She listens to me regarding what of construction activity carried on, with workers I have in mind. She is efficient and keeps on schedule, installing HVAC units, new electrical lines, plumbing, which I like.” cables and the duct system.

Since 2009, Urbano has been designing and building For Urbano, owner of Urbano Design & Build, Goodman’s commercial and residential spaces, leaving her distinct yet-unnamed, King William restaurant is the fifth aesthetic brand and creative mark on each project. project that brings the talented two together. She also Most recently, she and her team gutted and completely renovated his Rebelle restaurant and Haunt bar at the St. remodeled a 1980s bed-and-breakfast farmhouse that Anthony Hotel. Now, with these assignments under her has been turned into a private residence. construction belt, so to speak, she is carving a niche for herself in the design and build of restaurants and bars.

Her entry into commercial and residential construction was prompted by her father, who owns a construction “I enjoy working with him. He’s very creative,” she said of business back home in Laredo and from whom she Goodman, whom she met through mutual acquaintances learned the tools of the trade. “Some people only focus several years ago. “He envisioned what he wanted it to on residential or commercial projects, but I enjoy doing look like and how he wanted the space used.” both,” Urbano said. “I’m not afraid to try something I haven’t done before.”

After walking upstairs to the second floor, Urbano points to spots where guests will enjoy panoramic views of As CEO, Urbano oversees and manages operations, Southtown. She admits, though, that transforming a and works with clients one-on-one, helping them firehouse into a restaurant has been a challenge. choose finish-out materials. She also assists with design and architecture.

“City of San Antonio and King William Historical District approvals are required,” Urbano said. “In every project, “I like working closely with my clients, getting their there is something new to learn that you can always input and coming up with a plan, as part of the creative apply to your next one. I’m excited to be a part of it.” process,” she said. “Some people show me examples of what they would like; others will ask me to choose Goodman, meanwhile, said he had always admired the what I feel will work best. My job is to make their vision architecture of the fire station, which was built in 1924, become a reality.” so when it went up for sale, he immediately sought to purchase it. “It’s a beautiful building; it was known as ‘The For information: buildurbano.com or 210-258-4444.

November/December 2016 | On The Town 65

Henry’s Puffy Tacos

featured on national ‘Food Paradise’ show airing in November on the Travel Channel

By Jamie Lopez Photography Jamie Lopez

H

enry’s Puffy Tacos, one of San Antonio’s most beloved Mexican food restaurants since 1978, will gain national recognition when it is featured in an episode of the TV series, “Food Paradise,” scheduled to air on the Travel Channel at 66 On The Town | November/December 2016

5 p.m. November 6, 2 p.m. November 19 and 3 p.m.

Thanksgiving Day. During the episode titled, “Taco-lanche,” Food Paradise interviews Henry’s Puffy Tacos founder

Henry Lopez, as well as his children, Imelda Sanchez, Rick Lopez and Jaime Lopez, all of whom work at the family-owned restaurant. Jaime is also shown in the kitchen, making what has made the restaurant a favorite place to dine for both locals and visitors – puffy tacos, of course, served with a variety of tasty fillings. In the segment, Jaime serves up one of the restaurant’s more popular items, the carne guisada and beef fajita filled puffy taco.

episode focuses on a certain type of restaurant, such as “Diners,” “Bars,” “Drive-Thrus” or “Breakfast” places where people go to enjoy a certain food specialty.

After Henry Lopez opened Henry’s Puffy Tacos Mexican Restaurant in 1978, his wife and children joined the family business and have continued to sell the popular puffy tacos ever since. Today, there are two restaurant locations: Henry’s Puffy Taco Express, 3202 W. Woodlawn Ave., and Henry’s Puffy “Our family has been operating Henry’s Puffy Tacos Tacos, 6030 Bandera Road, outside Loop 410. for 38 years, so knowing how far we’ve come and to be recognized on a national TV show like ‘Food Among a variety of family recipes, Henry’s Puffy Paradise’ is really nice, and it’s quite exciting,” said Tacos currently sells more than 1,000 puffy tacos Imelda Sanchez, vice president of operations. “This a day and has sold over 15 million Puffy Tacos is great exposure for San Antonio, too.” to date, offering eight different fillings and numerous toppings.

The Travel Channel’s “Food Paradise” takes a tour of the must-see eateries across America where a For more information, visit henryspuffytacos.com or one-of-a-kind dining experience can be had. Each call (210) 647-8339.

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68 On The Town | November/December 2016

Visual Arts 70-82

November/December 2016 | On The Town 69

Highlighting Holiday Season Exhibitions at Museums and Art Centers. Go. View. Enjoy.

By Dan R. Goddard

R

ejuvenated inside and out after closing for more than five months to undergo a $500,000 renovation, the Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum may not look much different, but besides creating a more inviting entrance with broader front steps where people can gather, the nearly 100-year-old warehouse in Southtown’s Blue Star Arts Complex has been brought into the 21st century with state-of-theart lighting and air conditioning.

of the ceiling have been topped off, odd dips in the floor have been leveled, and LED lights have replaced the old-fashioned clamp lights, which should make the art look a whole lot better. The Blue Star is set to re-open with a two-day 30th anniversary bash Nov. 4-5 featuring four new exhibits that will run through Jan. 8.

“Beneath Metropolis” in the Blue Star’s Main Gallery highlights a dozen artists selected from the most recent national and international open The giant air ducts that ran along the ceiling have call responding to “a society that engages more been removed; the walls that were two feet short with the virtual than physical.” San Antonio 70 On The Town | November/December 2016

artist Leigh Anne Lester’s “Flexible Foundation” extends her focus on the genetic modification of plants. Beginning a series of collaborations with participants of Sala Diaz’ Casa Chuck Residency, guest curator Claudia Arozqueta selected 11 San Antonio and Mexico City artists concerned with the relationship between humans and the natural world for “Reclaimed by Nature.” Photographers Robert Langham and Casey James Wilson push still-life into new realms in “Hold Still.”

with the annual McMahon Fiber Arts Symposium.

Using technology to make the tedious sewing of embroidery more spontaneous, Hadar Sobol, known for her images of female figures on vintage linen, is a multi-media artist who divides her time between New York and Israel. Both exhibits run Nov. 17 to Jan. 15 in the Russell Hill Rogers Galleries in the Santikos Building.

Photographic technology developed for NASA’s Mars Rover is used to reveal astounding details of Denise Markonish, a curator at Massachusetts the “Painted Churches of Texas” at the Institute of Museum of Contemporary Art, selected artists Kim Texan Cultures Nov. 19 to March 5. The large-scale Morgan of Canada, Kim Faler of Massachusetts Gigapan photographs document nearly two dozen and Lily Cox-Richard of Houston for the fall intricately painted 19th-century churches built international artist-in-residence exhibit Nov. 10 to by immigrants from Germany, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Poland, France, Spain and Mexico. Also, Dec. 31 at Artpace.

Antonio Petrov, University of Texas at San Antonio The Southwest School of Art honors Beck assistant professor of architecture, unveils “1000 Whitehead, longtime chair of the papermaking Parks and a Line in the Sky” through April 16, and books arts department, with the exhibit which features a 50-foot-long model of Broadway “Beck Whitehead and Pulparazzi” in conjunction and gives the public a chance to make suggestions November/December 2016 | On The Town 71

about the future plans for one of the city’s most important arteries. Pioneering American pop artist Jim Dine gave his designs for the Houston Grand Opera’s 1987 production of “Salome” to the McNay Art Museum, which is showing his costume and set designs for Richard Strauss’s opera in “Jim Dine: Salome Reimagined” through Dec. 24 in the Tobin Exhibition Galleries. “Orientalism: The Middle East Onstage” explores the West’s fascination with the cultures of North Africa and the Middle East from the 1600s to the early 1990s.

Meanwhile, “ Telling Tales: Contemporary Narrative Photography” runs through Jan. 8 in the Stieren Center for Exhibitions, and “Living and Collecting Mexico: Gifts from Susan Toomey Frost” continues through Feb. 5 in the Lawson Print Gallery.

San Antonio fiber artist Laurel Gibson’s “Embroidering the Old Spanish Trail” at Bihl Haus Arts through Dec. 17 uses hand-embroidery and drawings on 1920s player piano rolls to explore the music and multi-ethnic cultures of the Southern 72 On The Town | November/December 2016

neighborhoods linked by the fabled 1920s transcontinental highway. The Bihl Haus is located along a five-mile stretch of Fredericksburg Road that was part of the Old Spanish Trail running from Florida to California.

The Lawrence Markey gallery has moved into the Pearl’s Full Goods building and is featuring “James Castle Landscapes” through Dec. 2.

The Department of Arts and Culture selected 21 San Antonio artists whose work reflects their Mexican and Mexican-American heritage for “SATX/MX: Un Viaje Lleno de Cultura” running through January at the Centro de Artes in Market Square.

At the Witte Museum, “Rudolf Staffel: Gathering Light,” through May 29, looks at the work of the influential San Antonio-born ceramic artist and educator whose experiments with translucent porcelain “Light Gatherers” in the mid-1950s pushed ceramics beyond decorative arts into

modernism. The Witte digs deep into its permanent collection for “ Texas Art of Early Days to Now” featuring works acquired by a trio of visionary curators – Eleanor Onderdonk, Martha Utterback and Cecilia Steinfeldt. The popular “National Geographic Presents: Earth Explorers” continues through Jan. 22.

Page 71 (L-R) Jim Dine, Projection design for Salome (detail), 1986.

Charcoal, acrylic, and spray paint on paper. Collection of the McNay Art Museum, Gift of the artist. © Jim Dine / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Alec Soth, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2002.

Chromogenic print. Courtesy of the artist.

“Carlos Mérida: Selections From the Permanent © Alec Soth.

Collection,” highlighting the Guatemalan-born artist and one-time assistant to Diego Rivera Page 72 whose influences range from folk art to abstract expressionism, runs through Jan. 29 at the San Untitled (House on the San Antonio River) Rudolf Staffel, Oil on Masonite Antonio Museum of Art.

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Page 73 (L-R)

Photo Credits:

Beck Whitehead, Strata Series, 2016.

Page 70

Lori Nix, Nevada, 2003.

Archival pigment print. Courtesy of the artist and ClampArt, New York City © Lori Nix.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Painted Churches Exhibition

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74 On The Town | November/December 2016

RICH ASTE McNay Art Museum director

By Dan R. Goddard Photography Josh Huskin

ew director Rich Aste wants visitors to feel safe when they visit the McNay Art Museum.

Secure enough physically and psychologically to totally engage with the art, perhaps sparking the same kind of epiphany he felt as a 10-yearold standing in front of Sandro Botticelli’s Birth of Venice in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy.

N

from 1890 to 1929,” Aste said. “In the 1920s, they were actually competing with the McNay’s founder, Marion Koogler McNay, and she made some better choices. One of the main things that attracted me to the McNay was the quality of the collections.

‘French Moderns’ should help to shine a light on the quality of Mrs. McNay’s impressionistic paintings.”

“My parents had dragged me to the gallery, but standing there before Botticelli’s painting, I felt something special, and it changed my life,” said Aste, 46. “I felt a sense of passion and knew that I wanted be involved with art the rest of my life.

When you feel safe, you can begin to question and listen to yourself, because inspiration plus safety equals growth. Art can lead to a discovery of self, to finding your true passion in life.”

Born in Lima, Peru, Aste is of Bolivian and Peruvian descent. His European ancestors were German and Italian, but he self-identifies as Latin American. His family moved to Miami when he was 1, and he grew up speaking Spanish at home.

His mother enjoyed abstract painting as a hobby and his father worked as an airline professional, which allowed the family to travel and see museums throughout Europe and Latin America.

Last September, Aste became only the third director in the McNay’s 62-year history, succeeding William Chiego, who retired after a quarter century in the director ’s chair. Aste came to San Antonio from the Brooklyn Museum of Art, where he served for six years as managing curator, arts of the Americas and Europe, and curator of European art. An exhibit he curated for the Brooklyn museum, “French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850-1950,” will be on view Feb. 22 to May 21 at the McNay.

“But my family was living the American dream and success meant becoming a doctor or lawyer,” Aste said. “Becoming an art professional was a tough sell.”

He earned a bachelor of arts in psychology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and then went on to a master of arts in art history from Hunter College in New York. After teaching art history at Hunter and working as an Old Master specialist at Christie’s New York, his first full-time curatorial position was at the Museo de Arte de “The Brooklyn Museum smartly collected the Ponce in Puerto Rico, where he helped organize impressionists when they were contemporary, exhibits on Spanish painting and Rodin.

November/December 2016 | On The Town 75

After joining the Brooklyn Museum in 2010, he focused on European and Latin American art. He expanded the Brooklyn museum’s collections of European and especially Spanish colonial art. In 2015, he completed his doctorate at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. He is a 2016 fellow of the Center for Curatorial Leadership. Last year, Austin’s Blanton Museum of Art featured his touring exhibit “Impressionism and the Caribbean: Francisco Oller and His Transatlantic World.”

“Growing up in Miami, we were part of a majority minority so we weren’t ‘the other,’ ” Aste said.

“Moving to San Antonio has been seamless for me.

It’s nice to be back in a place where being Hispanic isn’t considered exotic. I feel more at home here than I ever did in New York.”

As the director of the McNay, he plans to follow his pillars of leadership, which he calls “STEPS” for Social Consciousness, Transparency, Excellence, Purpose and Strength.

“We want to be sensitive to everyone’s background and heritage,” Aste said. “We have a great collection, and we want to make it accessible to everyone.

That’s why I’ve begun to stress bilingualism. You will see that our website is changing to be bilingual, and we plan to have Spanish and English labels for our exhibits. But San Antonio is a cosmopolitan city with a multicultural heritage. Part of being transparent is to be accessible to everyone so no one feels left out.”

In a video on the McNay’s website, he spoke out against bullying for the World Day of Bullying Prevention.

“We can’t assume that people feel safe in their environment outside of the museum,” Aste said. “That’s why it’s important to make museums a safe place for people to dream and imagine. Today, museums are more like community centers than temples of art. That’s why our family days are so important and the times when we have free admission. Along with Bill Chiego, I am fully committed to breaking down barriers, whether they are physical, cultural or generational. For me, being director of the McNay isn’t a job, it’s a purpose.”

For more information on the McNay Art Museum go to www.mcnayart.org.

76 On The Town | November/December 2016

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“ART HEALS HEARTS: THE POWER OF EXPRESSION” Ecumenical Center exhibit shares artwork created during voyages of self-discovery

By Susan A. Merkner

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ords. For some people, talk therapy and journal writing are keys to unlocking their inner feelings -- coping mechanisms that help make sense of the events and people in our lives. For others, feelings are more easily expressed through art -- drawing, painting or making music.

runs through Jan. 6 at the Ecumenical Center, 8310 Ewing Halsell Drive, in the Medical Center. The fourth annual event is free, but reservations are required.

“Art therapy allows people to open up and talk about their story. It’s a way to reach those deep places,” said Mary Beth Fisk, CEO and executive director of the Ecumenical Center.

At the Ecumenical Center for Education, Counseling and Health in San Antonio, people of all ages can find “The artwork tells stories,” Fisk said. “Themes include assistance with their feelings. Some of them also are loss, grief, abuse, loneliness and depression. Some of the willing to share with the public the artistic works they artists are anonymous and some are identified.” created during their voyage of self-discovery.

Pieces in the show were created by local professional “Art Heals Hearts: The Power of Expression,” an exhibition artists, skilled aspiring local talents and amateur artists, of visual arts, music and poetry created by local residents, including some Ecumenical Center clients. Among the 78 On The Town | November/December 2016

featured artists are the late Brother Cletus, Kim Felts, Gini education for mental health professionals.

Garcia, Rex Haussman, Carmen Cartiness Johnson, Franco Mondini Ruiz, Steven G. Smith, Lionel Sosa and others.

The center also offers monthly open art studios for the public. The studio times are free but reservations The nonprofit center provides counseling for children, are required. adults and families; training for clergy, religious workers and healthcare professionals, and community-based In 2015, the Ecumenical Center served 20,000 clients, half education programs. of whom were children. The center will observe its 50th anniversary next year.

The center began offering therapeutic expressive arts programming in 2013 with the first “Art Heals To schedule a visit to “Art Heals Hearts,” call 210-616Hearts” exhibit. The program now includes visual arts, 0885. For more information: www.ecrh.org. poetry, rhythm and music, under the supervision of licensed professional counselors as a means for clients to work through their emotions. Play therapy Photo Credits: and art therapy help children cope with grief, abuse, bullying and other problems.

Page 78 (L-R) Glasswork by Gini Garcia “Sharing your story is part of the healing process,” Fisk said.

“The art is produced as part of the healing journey itself.”

Brother Cletus Behlmann Mission San Jose The Ecumenical Center also has founded the Therapeutic Expressive Arts Institute of South Texas. Funds are Page 79 (L-R) sought for the additional space needed for the institute, Abraham Mojica which will be housed within the center’s current facility. Just Dreaming The new institute will allow for expanded therapeutic services in the visual arts, music, literature and Franco Mondini-Ruiz movement. It also will provide training and continuing Healthy, Wealthy and Wise

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GRAND OPENING OF THE SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN’S MAJOR EXPANSION PROJECT EXPECTED IN MAY

By Bekah McNeel Illustrations courtesy of SABOT

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onstruction on the San Antonio Botanical Garden’s 8-acre expansion is well under way, with grand opening ceremonies expected in the next several months. Executive Director Bob Brackman said the temporary detours experienced by visitors recently have been necessary to help the garden’s hidden gems shine even brighter.

limited mobility like it never has before. Intentional design elements by Ten Eyck Landscape Design and Weddle Gilmore Architects will extend the garden’s reach deeper into the community, and cast its gaze out to the wider world.

Buildings and pavilions are starting to emerge, and the future of the garden is becoming visible. Brackman “This has been a beloved horticultural jewel for decades,” said the garden is on track for its targeted May 2017 opening, after “a long road” of steady progress since Brackman said. “We knew it could be even better.” the project began in October 2015.

From the moment visitors approach the Garden Gateway at the corner of Funston Avenue and North The former entrance at Funston has played a large role New Braunfels Avenue, the expanded gardens will in the garden’s “off the beaten track” feel. The new entry engage families, school children, and those with sequence through the “parking garden” will engage 80 On The Town | November/December 2016

the surrounding neighborhood with clarity and grace.

Intended to draw visitors functionally and aesthetically into the garden experience, it will culminate at the new Welcome and Discovery Complex, where the high ceiling over the breezeway perfectly frames a view to the iconic palm and cycad conservatory.

The drama of the new entrance naturally flows into the terraced Mays Entry Garden. As part of Phase I of the garden expansion, these elements focus on what Brackman calls “wayfinding” and increased comfort for guests as they move through the spaces.

Other features, such as the Culinary Garden and Outdoor Teaching Kitchen, will enhance the taste and smell of the garden. Expanding on the idea of the Children’s Vegetable Garden, the Culinary Garden will allow everyday visitors to participate in the continual harvest of seasonal crops and immediately put their ingredients to use under the guidance of the teaching chefs in the pavilion.

There visitors will be able to explore and delight in the 2.5-acre Family Adventure Garden, where education and environmental literacy will envelop the entire family as they romp, rest and revel in spaces designed just for them.

To get kids “back” into nature, it is necessary to educate the parents as well, Brackman said. Restful spaces for parents of infants overlook a sand play area in the Secret Garden, while older kids can explore climbing structures and larger natural play elements along Huisache Way. A water feature will run through the entire Family Adventure Garden demonstrating the recharge process of the Edwards Aquifer.

The garden’s $22 million capital campaign also is nearing completion. With contributions ranging from small individual donations to multimillion funding from a City of San Antonio bond and from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the campaign has reached $18 million.

As the buildings and pathways take shape, perhaps “We’re very proud of how the community has embraced the most exciting transformation is the activation of this,” Brackman said. the large city block along Funston Avenue, formerly an empty field used for overflow parking. “We like For more information go to www.sabot.org. bringing things to life,” Brackman said.

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Literary Arts

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Book Talk:

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Jim Peyton, Mexican Cuisine Expert and Cookbook Author Story and Photography by Jasmina Wellinghoff

J

im Peyton fell in love with Mexican food the very first time he tasted it as a boy in La Jolla, CA. Though he has degrees in political science and business administration, and worked for a long time as the financial manager of St. Mary’s Hall school, his real passion has always been researching, cooking and writing about the regional cuisines of Mexico. He’s the author of five books on Mexican cooking and culture and is a recognized authority on the subject. In addition, he serves as consultant for the Mexican food industry.

different Mexican restaurants there. Finally, I came to San Antonio to attend Trinity University and discovered yet another kind of Mexican food.

Peyton’s most recent cookbook, Naturally Healthy Mexican Cooking: Authentic Recipes for Dieters, Diabetics, and All Food Lovers, is an impressive compilation of some 200 recipes, complete with nutritional information, descriptions of cooking techniques and equipment and an informative section on key ingredients with historical references. The book was commissioned and published by the University of Texas Press as part of the Joe and Teresa Lozano Long Series in Latin American and Latino Art and Culture.

JW: Your first book was El Norte: The Cuisine of Northern Mexico. How did you research it and got it published?

JP: I grew up with my grandparents in La Jolla, CA, where, back then, we didn’t know much about Mexican food.

It so happened that my grandfather who was a doctor helped one of his patients who was allergic to bees by developing an inoculation against bee stings. The man was a Mexican-American and to show his gratitude he took us all to a Mexican restaurant. We loved it and continued going there pretty regularly after that. Also, on trips to New Mexico and Arizona, where my mother took me to observe the Indian ceremonies, we would visit

JP: A New York publisher showed a lot of interest at first but then started nitpicking about this and that and asking so many questions about the ingredients and the methods of preparation that they were not familiar with, that I gave up on them… The book was published by Red Crane Books in Santa Fe. It was founded by a wealthy couple from Chicago who wanted to produce books about the region. Mine was the first cookbook they published and then they published the next two as well. Red Crane is now part of the Museum of New Mexico Press.

My first job after graduate school was in Hawaii and the only Mexican restaurant there was terrible, so I started buying cookbooks but none of them had decent recipes.

So, during my annual six weeks off, my wife and I traveled in the U.S. visiting our families and I started collecting recipes and learning how to make things. That’s how it started.

JP: At some point I realized that the food in Northern Mexico was completely different from the food I was familiar with in the U.S. After we moved to San Antonio and I was able to travel deeper into Mexico, I also found out that the Northern cooking was different from the rest of Mexico. The research took place over time. We often traveled to Mexico with another couple who knew the region and they introduced us to people. We went We met Peyton in his comfy, rural-enclave home, where to people’s homes and to their favorite restaurants and he does most of the cooking, a lot of it in a well-equipped sampled a lot of dishes and I talked to cooks and chefs. By outdoor kitchen, featuring several types of grills, a smoker that time, I was able to reproduce at home whatever I tried and just about everything else, including a covered dining in a restaurant. I got to be very good at that. Eventually, area. One of Bobby Flay’s Food Network shows was taped writing a book about the region’s food just made sense. in this kitchen.

But it took me close to ten years to complete that book and get it published.

JW: Tell us how you discovered Mexican food and how it became such a strong interest for you?

JW: Who published it?

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JW: Your latest cookbook focuses on healthy dishes. Did and a series of strange rituals and crimes are discovered. you have to tweak and redesign recipes?

Unfortunately, my agent didn’t think she could find a big publisher for it and, for some reason, gave up on small JP: No. I traveled around Mexico for 30 years and during publishers, and decided to publish it herself. (They used that time I discovered plenty of dishes that have a naturally the services of Franklin Scribes Publishers). healthy nutritional profile. I just collected them together for this book. A few recipes were slightly modified. For Actually, I have always wanted to write fiction and that’s instance, a lot of Mexican fish dishes are made with the why I attended a fiction writing class taught by Robert whole fish. I made them with fish fillets which Americans Flynn when I was in college at Trinity. But life intervened. prefer. Or I used pork tenderloin instead of pork shoulder More recently, I worked with Bob Flynn through the for carnitas, but that’s about it. All ingredients listed in Gemini Ink mentorship program and he helped me a the book are easily available. great deal with my second fiction story Royal Fifth, which is about a descendant of Hernan Cortes from the U.S. JW: Could you pick three dishes from the book that who goes to Mexico to find his roots. It doesn’t have a would be easy to make? publisher yet. The same agent I mentioned earlier said that there are like five major publishers left in the country JP: Aguachile Ceviche, easy and delicious. It can be and they don’t want new authors. They want their bigmade with shrimp but I make it with ahi tuna that we name authors to produce two books a year instead of can get frozen at H-E-B. Another good one is Puerco one. So she gave up and went to work for a law firm Estilo Vampiro. The name comes from a cocktail called (chuckles). I’ll be looking for a new agent.

Vampiro which is used in the sauce for this dish. And for dessert, Mousse de Chocolate with Compota de Frutas. JW: Writers have to promote their books themselves This combines two recipes that go well together. It’s low nowadays. How much of that have you had to do? calorie because the mousse is made with tofu. (This writer can testify to the deliciousness of this light dessert.)

JP: I am not good at that. I don’t like doing publicity. I enjoy sitting at my desk and writing.

JW: You are also in demand as a consultant on menu and product development. Could you give us some examples? JW: Back to Mexican food: What’s your favorite Mexican restaurant in town?

JP: Once or twice a year someone would call me up to ask me to consult on their project. The last one was JP: Probably Los Barrios and Pollos Asados Los Nortenos an Abilene restaurant company that wanted to open a on Rigsby Avenue. (The latter) is absolutely wonderful.

Mexican restaurant. I spent a week over there working They cook everything over mesquite wood like they do with their chef. Probably, the most interesting occasion in Northern Mexico; just marvelous. was when I was invited to Beijing to help open a Mexican restaurant in that city in 2006. Mexican food is becoming JW: What advice would you give someone who would popular everywhere. An analysis of my website found like to write a cookbook? that a huge number of people in Poland are following it.

JP: If they are driven to do it, they should do it, but it’s JW: In addition to cookbooks, you have also tried your getting harder and harder. My first book came out in the hand at fiction.

1990s when it was much easier. Publishers now want someone who already has visibility and a platform, such JP: (He brings out his first fiction thriller/mystery, as a TV show or a restaurant. Another important thing is to Vampires of Bustamante). Traveling in Mexico, I have find a famous cook or chef to endorse your book. Also, you encountered all sorts of strange things, things that can must be aware of plagiarism laws. If you adapt a recipe, you make wonderful plots. One example is the tiny village have to state where it came from. There are manuals that of Bustamante; everything is magic over there. So my can help new authors, such as The Recipe Writer’s Handbook first mystery is set in Bustamante where the daughter (by Barbara Gibbs Ostmann & Jane L. Baker.) of a U.S. senator is murdered while visiting the nearby ------------------------------------------------------------------------------caverns. The press, the FBI and the federales get involved Mr. Peyton’s comments have been edited for publication 86 On The Town | November/December 2016

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Artistic Destination:

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'MONET:

THE EARLY YEARS' DEBUTS AT FORT WORTH'S KIMBELL ART MUSEUM

By Julie Catalano Photography courtesy Kimbell Art Musuem

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he groundbreaking “Monet: The Early Years” is the art world's first look at a singular collection of paintings by Claude Monet from the period between 1858 — as a teenager under the plein air guidance of Eugene Boudin — until 1872, when the 30-something “master of light” was poised on the brink of French Impressionism as one of its founders.

The history-making exhibition at Fort Worth's acclaimed Kimbell Art Museum came about as a result of a casual conversation between George Shackelford, deputy director and curator of “Monet: The Early Years,” and museum director Eric Lee. The latter mused that something should be done around one of Monet's paintings, “Weeping Willow” (1918), done eight years

before the artist's death.

The comment sparked something in Shackelford. “I said, 'You know we have one of his greatest early paintings as well as one of his greatest later paintings.'” As a result, “Pointe de Hève at Low Tide” (1865) -- Monet's Paris Salon debut and part of the Kimbell's permanent collection — served as the inspiration for the ambitious project that brings together 55 paintings from around the world for the first time.

“Surprisingly, this has never been done before,” Shackelford said. “There has never been a show that concentrated exclusively on the works Monet made in November/December 2016 | On The Town 91

this part of his life. We are showing you an emerging United States for the first time here.” artist in the 1860s.”

- “A Hut at Saint-Adresse” (1867). “This is another first, For those who know Monet only through, say, his later from the Musèe d'art et d'histoire de la ville de Genève Water Lilies series (not that there's anything wrong [Museum of Art and History of the City of Geneva]. For with that), this collection is sure to be a revelation some reason, Monet thought this painting was very of young genius at work. Here are some particularly important because he first showed it in 1868, then in goosebumpy moments of the exhibition, with the 1870s, then again in the early 1880s, and again in a major retrospective of his career in 1889. Then it is commentary by Shackelford: not seen for the entire 20th century. It has been in two - “View Near Rouelles” (1858). “No. 1 in the scientific exhibitions in Italy and Japan, and this is its first time catalogue of Monet's work is this, from 1858, when being shown in the United States.” he was 17. It was exhibited that same year. We've known about it for a long time, and it has only in the - “Rougets” (c. 1870). “One of the most beautiful still last generation been out in public. It's now owned by lifes he ever painted is a tiny picture of two red-scaled, Marunuma Art Park in Japan and is being shown in the red mullets sitting on a kitchen towel, painted in the 92 On The Town | November/December 2016

course of an afternoon. Fantastic little picture from the “This exhibition allows people to see something Harvard Art Museums.” that otherwise they'd never have a chance to see,” Shackelford said. “If there's a show of 100 paintings, The bulk of the loans come from museums, Shackelford you might see 15 of these, not 55. It won't happen said (“with eight paintings, the Musèe d'Orsay, Paris, is this way again. For anybody who loves Monet and our BFF”), with about 15 from private collections. “These Impressionism, this is a must-see.” come from places remote from each other, but all have their origins in Monet's studio. They leave him and go “Monet: The Early Years” away and are separated by distance and ownership, Oct. 16-Jan. 29 and are now back together. These paintings come Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth, Texas out of their crates and go up on the walls, sometimes Admission: $18/adults, $16/seniors and students, $14/ for the first time in a generation, sometimes in ways children 12 and under. Admission is half price all day they've never been since Monet let them go.” After its Tuesdays and after 5 p.m. Fridays. end at the Kimbell on Jan. 29, the exhibition travels to only one other location: California Palace of the Legion For more info: kimbellart.org. of Honor, San Francisco, Feb. 25-May 29.

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Photo Credits: Page 90: Claude Monet Still Life with Flowers and Fruit, 1869 Oil on canvas 100.3 x 81.3 in. (39.5 x 32 cm) The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles Page 91 Claude Monet The Pointe de la Hève at Low Tide, 1865 Oil on canvas 35 1/2 x 59 1/4 in. (90.2 x 150.5 cm) Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth, Texas Page 92 Claude Monet Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois, 1867 Oil on canvas 31 1/8 x 38 5/8 in. (79 x 98 cm) Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Alte Nationalgalerie 94 On The Town | November/December 2016

Page 93 Claude Monet On the Bank of the Seine, Bennecourt, 1868 Oil on canvas 32 1/8 x 39 5/8 in. (81.5 x 100.7 cm) The Art Institute of Chicago Potter Palmer Collection Grenouillere.jpg Page 94 Claude Monet La Grenouillère, 1869 Oil on canvas 29 3/8 x 39 1/4 in. (74.6 x 99.7 cm) The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929

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CHRISTMAS LIGHT FEST

ILLUMINATES THE HOLIDAY SEASON

By Beth Vetters Photography courtesy Christmas Light Fest

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he holidays in San Antonio are certainly a special time of year. From the holiday River Parade and luminarias lining the River Walk to family tamaladas, there’s nowhere better to enjoy the season.

But between the rush of shopping, wrapping, cooking and attending parties and gatherings, we barely have time to catch our breath and enjoy the beauty of this special time before it’s over. This year, add a bit of ranch relaxation to your holiday fun by enjoying Christmas Light Fest. This light-filled extravaganza will leave you relaxed and filled to the brim with holiday spirit that is sure to last all season long.

Fest features gorgeous displays of more than two million sparkling twinkle lights adorning two miles of historic ranchland. The picturesque location of the country ranch and sparkling lights combine to create the ultimate Texas holiday experience. Beginning Thanksgiving night and continuing until New Year’s Eve, you have the opportunity to make unforgettable holiday memories as you drive through the magnificent light tunnels and displays that illuminate the ranch each night.

Another option: experience Christmas Light Fest ranchstyle by hopping on one of four hayrides that tour the land each night. Gather your family and friends, sit back, Just 20 minutes outside of San Antonio, Christmas Light relax in the crisp air and enjoy the glow of the dazzling 96 On The Town | November/December 2016

Of course, this magnificent holiday extravaganza wouldn’t be complete without a visit from the jolly ol’ man himself. Even Santa spends most of his holidays in Texas, admiring the magic of the Christmas Light Fest. This season the man in red is visiting his favorite Texas ranch every weekend before Christmas and While enjoying the festive light displays, be sure the last week before the big day (Nov. 24-26, Dec. to make a stop at Santa’s Village, nestled inside a 2-3, Dec. 9-10 and every night Dec. 16-24). Be sure rustic barn brimming with holiday cheer. With food, to stop by to ask for everything on your wish list and shopping, music and more, Santa’s Village makes it to capture the perfect holiday photo with Saint Nick, feel as if you have traveled to the North Pole without and while you’re there, feed the Longhorns that help ever leaving the Hill Country. Located within the power his sleigh across Texas. ranch grounds along the holiday light trail, Santa’s Village is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a Enjoy all that San Antonio has to offer this time of variety of sweet and savory holiday treats including year, as well as escape the city to experience the s’mores, coffee, hot chocolate, kettle corn, sausage beauty and wonder of Christmas Light Fest to add on a stick and of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas a new sparkle to your season. Christmas Light Fest in South Texas without delicious, warm tamales to is open Sunday thru Thursday 6 – 9 p.m., while satisfy your holiday cravings. While munching on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as holidays, these tasty seasonal flavors you can also check a feature an extra hour of sparkle, 6 – 10 p.m. More few names off your Christmas list by doing a little information and tickets are available online at www. holiday shopping with the unique vendors found in sanantoniochristmaslightsfest.com and you can follow the fun on Facebook at Christmas Light Fest.

Santa’s Village. lights under the star-filled sky while Christmas Light Fest does the driving. Even better: private hayrides can be arranged, giving you a new twist for your holiday get-togethers as you spend an evening together in the glow at Christmas Light Fest.

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