September/October 2017

Ezine.com

ON THE TOWN

September/October 2017

Jazz’SALive Rosella Coffee Inspiration Island Briscoe Western Art Museum

Magik Theatre Tobin Tech Team Chuck Ramirez Exhibition Plus 9 Additional Articles September/October 2017 | On The Town 1

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Features

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Features Cont.

Fall in San Antonio and the Surrounding Area Brings Us New Performing Arts Seasons in All Live Genres

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Tobin Center for the Performing Arts: Backstage with Sean Jenkins

FOTOSEPTIEMBRE Highlights Fall Exhibitions

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Photo Exhibition and Indian Art Market Highlight Briscoe Museum’s Fall Calendar

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Chuck Ramirez Exhibition: All This and Heaven Too at the McNay Art Museum

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34th Annual Jazz’SALive Set for September15-16 at Travis Park

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Inclusion Makes a Big Spalsh at Inspiration Island

The Historic Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre

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Laughing It Up at San Antonio’s Two Comedy Clubs

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Stirring Up the Magik in Children’s Theater

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Mimosas, Waffles and Great Coffee: Rosella Expands From 1 to 6 Locations

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Perissos Vineyard and Winery lives up to its Greek Name

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Tuesday Musical Club Presents Its 2017-18 Artist Season

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Departments Events Calendar

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Artistic Destination: The Art of Ann Arbor

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Book Talk: James R. Adair, Editor, Writer, Scholar and IT Specialist

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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: The King and I Courtesy Majestic Theatre Performing Arts Cover Photo: Natalia Lafourcade Courtesy natalialafourcade.com

Jeanne Albrecht Mikel Allen creative director/ graphic designer Rudy Arispe

Events Calendar Cover Photo: Donny Edwards as Elvis Courtesy Brauntex Performing Arts Theater

JoAnn Boone

Culinary Arts Cover Photo: Photo by Greg Harrison

Julie Catalano

Visual Arts Cover Photo: Chuck Ramirez Words: Candy, 2004, 2017 archival pigment ink print on watercolor paper 15.5 x 21�

Courtesy Ruiz-Healy Art

Greg Harrison staff photographer Michelle Krier Christian Lair operations manager/ webmaster Kay Lair

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

Laura Martin Bob McCullough Susan A. Merkner copy editor

Megan Coy Thomas Duhon

Sara Selango

Dan R. Goddard

Jasmina Wellinghoff

Eclectics 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)

Out & About Cover Photo Photo by Greg Harrison

info@onthetownezine.com www.onthetownezine.com

Literary Arts Cover Photo: Photo by Greg Harrison

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 8-32

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his is undoubtedly the best time of the year for performing arts in and around San Antonio.

Fall brings with it the beginning of new seasons for all genres of live entertainment. Please allow me to start the conversation with the North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio Series at the Majestic.

September sees a city premier of The Bodyguard Sep. 19-24 and October features a classic musical that hasn’t been performed in San Antonio in what I think is decades. I am speaking of The King and I at the Majestic from Oct. 17-22. Each of these touring shows is scheduled for 8 performances during their respective runs.

The Tobin Center gets into the live theater act with Momma’s Boy in the H-E-B Performance Hall Sep. 12 and four performances of Forbidden Broadway in the Carlos Alvarez Studio Theatre Oct. 12-14. The latter is a part of the Tobin Edge Series.

Years Oct. 27. All mentioned shows are at the Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater.

Main stage performances at the Tobin in September and October (and going a little into November) include Chris Botti Sept. 24, Nas Sept. 29, Rick Springfield with Richard Marx Oct. 4, Lila Downs Oct. 8 and Sawyer Frederick Oct. 25. And, as previously teased, I have to mention the happenings at the Tobin in the first week of November. The first night of the month has Rene Fleming taking the stage followed the next evening by Vikki Carr. Later in the week, Steven Tyler comes to town to do a benefit concert for the Tobin Center Sep. 6.

Going once again to the big theater on Houston Street, the Majestic takes us back to the 60s with “1964” The Tribute Sep. 9, Tom Jones Oct. 4 and The Beach Boys Oct. 11. Majestic international acts during these months are Luis Fonsi Sep. 16, Marisela Turning to music at the Tobin, its Studio Sessions Sep. 30 and REIK Oct. 29. Two orchestral events Series offers Colin Hay Sep. 7, The Secret Sisters round out the Majestic schedule; the San Antonio Sep. 8, Trace Bundy Sep. 9, Bodeans Sep. 28, Julian Symphony’s Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Lage with Chris Eldridge Oct. 10, Joan Osborne Oct. in Concert Oct. 13-14 and The Legend of Zelda: 20 and my favorite, Jimmy Webb: The Glen Campbell Symphony Goddess Oct. 27.

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The San Antonio Symphony is quite busy at the beginning of its regular season starting with a Sep. 16 appearance by renowned pianist Emanuel Ax and followed by Kern Performs Rachmaninoff Sep. 22-23 featuring pianist Olga Kern. These performances take place in the H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin and have Sebastian Lang-Lessing as the conductor. The Symphony follows with Hadelich Plays Tchaikovsky Oct. 20-21 with violinist Augustin Hadelich taking the spotlight and Mendelssohn’s Elijah Oct. 27-28.

Lang-Lessing conducts both at the Tobin.

The AT&T Center gets in some great performances prior to the start of the San Antonio Spurs season (Go Spurs Go!) beginning with Green Day: Revolution Radio Tour Oct. 9, followed by Janet Jackson: State of the World Tour Oct. 13. After that come Tim McGraw & Faith Hill: Soul 2 Soul World Tour Oct. 5 and Cirque du Soleil’s Crystal: A Breakthrough Ice Experience Oct. 13-15. Up last is Chris Stapleton Oct. 20.

The Alamodome has a super-big show at its Illusions Theatre Sep. 18 with the appearance of world-famous opera star Placido Domingo.

While on the subject of opera, Opera San Antonio

presents Macbeth Oct. 9-10 at the Tobin.

Permit me to mention other noteworthy shows in September-October. Please check the events calendar in this issue for days and times since they are too numerous to mention here. Janie Fricke plays the Kathleen C. Cailloux Theatre in Kerrville, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers come to Fredericksburg at the Rockbox and Jazz’SALive fills Travis Park with music for an entire weekend. Arts San Antonio brings American Rhapsody: The Gershwin Songbook to the stage at the Charline McCombs and Carver Community Cultural Center presents Kenny Lattimore as well as Tu Dance at the Jo Long. John T. Floore Country Store has Dwight Yoakam, The Mavericks and Willie Nelson and Family booked while Boz Scaggs, Asleep at the Wheel and the Charlie Daniels Band can be seen at Gruene Hall. The Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre in New Braunfels has Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, Roseane Cash and Donny Edwards as Elvis. Tuesday Musical Club offers Christine Lamprea at Laurel Heights Methodist, Musical Bridges brings us Child ProdigiesWhere Are They Now? (Nancy Zhou included) at San Fernando Cathedral and San Antonio Chamber

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Music Society features Pacifica Quartet with Sharon Isbin at Temple Beth-El. Last but not least, the Tobin Center presents the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra with its Tribute to Frank Sinatra.

A standalone to mention is Ballet San Antonio’s Giselle Oct. 13-15 for four performances at the Tobin.

Photo Credits: Pages 8-9 The Bodyguard Courtesy Majestic Theatre Pages 10-11 (L-R)

I haven’t touched on community theater as yet.

Don’t miss your opportunity to see How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at the Woodlawn, Don’t Dress for Dinner at the Sheldon Vexler, You Can’t Take it With You by The Classic Theatre San Antonio, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline plus Chicago at the Roxie and The Hunchback of Notre Dame at The Playhouse San Antonio – to name a few.

Steven Tyler Courtesy Tobin Center

And finally, the saying “always leave them laughing” applies here. Jay Mohr promises a very funny evening at the Empire Sep. 15, Chad Prather’s Star Spangled Banter Tour comes to the same stage Oct. 6 and Las Vegas comedy legend Rita Rudner has four shows scheduled at Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Oct. 13-14.

Emanual Ax Photo by Lisa Marie Mazzucco

Olga Kern Photo by Tom Lee Vikki Carr Courtesy Tobin Center

Page 12 (L-R) The King and I Photo by Matthew Murphy

That’s it. There is so much to see and do. Get some Rene Fleming Photo by Decca-Timothy White tickets and go!!

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Sean Jenkins Photo byTown Greg Harrison 14 On The | September/October 2017

TOBIN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS: Backstage With Sean Jenkins

By Julie Catalano

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rom the age of eight, North Carolina native Sean Jenkins knew he was destined for a life in theater — behind the scenes, that is.

His older brother was technical director at his high school, the same role Jenkins stepped into years later at the same school. After managing a crew that built theaters all over the country and working as a master electrician at the Durham Performing Arts Center, Jenkins joined the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in San Antonio in 2014. As the center’s technical director, Jenkins juggles tech duties at almost nonstop events of every variety at the city’s premiere state-of-the-art venue.

With a floor in the 1,746-seat HEB Performance Hall that can fold flat, and dazzling custom lighting both there and in the Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater, tech at the Tobin extends far beyond the stage. “There’s no way to do this alone,” says Jenkins, acknowledging the three crew members he directly oversees: Hector Gutierrez, head carpenter; Eric Montoya, head of audio; and Travis Stampley, head swing.

Sean Jenkins: Sure. We’ll go with a normal rock and roll day. Two hours before the show arrives, we’ll make sure that the risers and lights are working, the audio speakers are deployed, and the acoustic curtains are in the correct position. When they get here we break open the trucks, and I’ll do a quick walk around with the tour manager, showing him the stage and the dressing rooms. Then we unload. With a five-piece band, it takes up to 2.5 hours to load in, get the line checked, and wait for the talent to arrive. Then a sound check. If there’s an opening band, we do the same thing with them in about half the time. The doors open, we have house music playing, we allow for people to get to their seats with a customary five-minute hold. The house lights go down and we have a good show.

JC: What about a Broadway show?

SJ: Then you add in rehearsals, and load ins take sometimes up to two days or more. I’ve worked on 17-truck shows that take three to four days to put in before the show even gets there. With a Broadway show or really any show, if you see one person on stage, there are 10 more backstage. With every scene “Then we have an overhire crew, and they can vary change, there are 15 more things going on backstage. from two people to 60 depending on the show,” he says, ever mindful of the “smoke and mirrors” aspect JC: Most elaborate show so far, tech-wise? of a show’s technical side. “My entire job and my crew’s entire job is not to be seen,” he says, adding SJ: Paul McCartney. We took an arena-size show and that “everything that goes on backstage is a team put it into our theater, the smallest theater he had effort. There’s no “I” in theater, that’s for sure.” played in 18 years. We basically reinvented the entire show. That has to be the most technically advanced We talked with Jenkins to get a peek into what show we’ve done. It had everything. Honestly the only it takes to get the Tobin Center ’s sensational thing we didn’t do in that show was fly somebody. shows onstage.

JC: Fly somebody?

Julie Catalano: Walk us through a new show coming in. What’s happening?

SJ: It’s when someone gets lifted off the ground. It’s September/October 2017 | On The Town 15

Eric Montoya and Sean Jenkins Photo courtesy Tobin Center always the eye-catcher, the wow moment. As a rigger I enjoy it as well, but my heart always sinks when I lift somebody even though I built the system. That’s the most dangerous thing we can do in our business.

JC: What are the most and least favorite parts of your job?

SJ: My favorite part is the 45 seconds after the artist walks onstage. There’s no more prep and no turning back. My least favorite part is the 45 seconds before the artist goes onstage. I’ve got hairs standing up on my arm right now just talking about it.

JC: On the subject of hairy things, has something ever gone really wrong?

SJ: In both [the HEB Performance Hall and the Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater] we have acoustic curtains that come out from behind the walls and can either deaden or help reflect the amplification. At a San Antonio Symphony event you’ll just see a red wall.

Obviously we want to allow for more reflection of the sound because it’s not amplified. But at a rock and roll concert there will be red curtains all the way around.

They help to dampen the amplification so that it’s not overpowering. That’s a production value built into the architecture.

JC: Speaking of curtains, is somebody still opening and closing them?

SJ: Out of 90 curtains [in the performance hall] only SJ: Something goes wrong in every show. It could be seven are automated, including the main curtain. I catastrophic or very small. I once had an entire show would always rather have a human person doing that go down because of a three-foot cable. It’s our job to than an automated piece. So yes, we’re still pulling make sure the patron does not notice. the ropes, and we’ll be doing that for hundreds of years to come.

JC: Tell us something technical about the Tobin Center that we don’t know.

For more info: tobincenter.org.

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Christine Lamprea

Cantus – Vocal Ensemble

TUESDAY MUSICAL CLUB PRESENTS ITS 2017-18 ARTIST SERIES 95th season features acclaimed musicians, including two former San Antonians

By Jeanne Albrech Photography courtesy Tuesday Musical Club

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...ollowing its legacy of bringing world-class music She holds degrees from Julliard and the New England ..artists to our city for 95 years, the Tuesday Musical Conservatory.

Club (TMC) Artist Series is presenting four worldDaniel Anastasio’s performance of Beethoven’s 3rd class concerts in 2017-18: Piano Concerto was “the highlight to everyone’s Christine Lamprea, cello, and Daniel Anastasio, piano ears, if the full-house standing ovation were any 2 p.m. Oct. 10 indication” (ECM Reviews). He has performed at Yellow Barn and Tanglewood festivals, Cornell’s Mayfest, Hailed as a “firebrand who held nothing back, but she Marywood and Columbus state universities, and possessed the underlying discipline to make all the National Sawdust, with an upcoming performance at risks pay off … she seemed to relish the materiality of Carnegie’s Weill Hall. Anastasio founded and directs the sound production” (Incident Light), Colombian-American Blueprints Piano Series with pianist Erika Dohi. He cellist Christine Lamprea has appeared with the Costa is completing his Doctorate of Musical Arts at Stony Rica, Houston, New Jersey, Detroit and San Antonio Brook University after earning degrees from Cornell symphonies, in Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. University and Julliard. Growing up in San Antonio and Lamprea grew up in San Antonio and studied with Ken studying under Rebecca Wilcox, Anastasio won the Freudigman, the principal cellist of the San Antonio San Antonio Symphony’s Future Stars competition and Symphony, and then with Bonnie Hampton at Julliard. TMC’s Bowman Award.

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Nathan Laube Cantus, vocal ensemble 2 p.m. Jan. 23 Sponsored by Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts Acclaimed as “the premier men’s vocal ensemble in the United States” (Fanfare) and winner of the prestigious Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence from Chorus America, Cantus is known for its warmth and innovative programming—from the Renaissance to the 21st century. Cantus is about more than stylistic accuracy.

Their performances speak to the soul” (Star Tribune).

Cantus performs 60-plus concerts annually in national and international tours, with 17 albums on its self-titled label. Past performances include Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, UCLA, Atlanta’s Spivey Hall and Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival.

Martina Filjak Martina Filjak, piano 2 p.m. April 10 Sponsored by Mary Alice Bond, with additional support from Wayne and Jane Beyer Martina Filjak is garnering international praise for her technical mastery and magnetic stage presence. The New York Times describes her “brilliant, sensitive and imaginative playing with resourcefulness of technique and naturalness of musicality ... a striking individuality ... a pianist to watch.’’ Filjak won the Gold Medal, the First Prize and the Beethoven Prize at the Cleveland International Piano Competition, and she won first prizes at the Maria Canals Piano, Viotti Piano and Busoni Piano competitions. She has performed in Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona, Carnegie Hall, Naples, Paris, Vienna, Munich and Madrid.

Nathan Laube, organ 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 TMC concerts run 90 to 120 minutes at 2 p.m. Tuesdays in Presented in conjunction with Parker Chapel Recital Laurel Heights United Methodist Church (except for the Series, Trinity University Feb. 13 evening concert at Trinity University Parker Chapel).

Handicapped seating and free parking are available.

American organist and Grammy Award-winner Nathan Laube is one of the world’s top-flight virtuosos, with Season tickets can be used at any concert, or given to frequent appearances on American Public Media’s other people. Single tickets are available on the TMC Pipedreams. “Listening to such superb musicianship was website or at the door. Students are free with ID. pure joy; it would be difficult to describe the emotional impact conveyed by this stellar artist” (Theatre Organ TMC also fosters classical music through its Junior division Journal). An assistant professor at Eastman School of and Young Artists Competitions.

Music, Laube won a Grammy for the Stephen Paulus For more info, visit satmc.org or call 210-279-1118.

Grand Concerto recording.

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Kevin Eubanks

Sammy Miller and the Congregation

34th Annual Jazz’SALive set for September 15-16 at Travis Park

By JoAnn Boone

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he San Antonio Parks Foundation presents the 34th year of Jazz’SALive in Travis Park with a talent lineup that is better than ever and a new Friday-Saturday schedule.

opportunity to get VIP tickets for prime reserved seating to enjoy two closing headliners that evening.

They are the Air Force Band of the West, with a guest appearance by Wayne Bergeron of “La La Land” fame, and Kevin Eubanks, from Jay Leno’s stint on The event kicks off Sept. 15 with the Dirty River the Tonight Show, fresh from his CD release.

Dixie Band and San Antonio's Doc Watkins and his orchestra from the Pearl’s venue, Jazz, TX. Closing VIP tickets also offer valet parking, hors d'oeuvres the evening is Sammy Miller and the Congregation. prepared by St. Anthony Hotel chefs, specialty cocktails prepared by San Antonio's Cocktail The party gets started at 2 p.m. Sept. 16 with the Conference’s best, chilled beer and wine. It is a great Aaron Prado Sextet, followed by the Adrian wonderful night in one of San Antonio's beloved Ruiz Quintet. Next up are the Latin jazz sounds of parks that‘s not to be missed. Gather your friends, Jose Amador and NATIAO Jazz ensemble. and get your limited VIP tickets.

These opening acts Saturday are followed by the

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For more information, visit saparksfoundation.org.

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Oak Ridge Boys

Historic Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre Lets the Good Times Roll with Big Name Music Stars

By Rudy Arispe Photography courtesy Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre

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ou don’t have to visit Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry to catch some of the biggest names in country music such as the Oak Ridge Boys, Rosanne Cash and Lorrie Morgan. You can see them perform live and in person at the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre in New Braunfels when their 2017-18 season opens Oct. 12 with a performance by Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels.

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For more than a decade, the 600-seat Brauntex has brought major recording artists – Rodney Crowell, Pam Tillis and the Bellamy Brothers, to name a few – as well as Texas artists and Las Vegas-type tribute acts to the delight of locals and music lovers from as far away as Canada and the United Kingdom.

“A lot of venues in the (New Braunfels) area offer

Lorrie Morgan seating, but the Brauntex is the only reservedseat venue that is indoors,” said Dale Martin, production coordinator, who is responsible for booking the musical acts. “Our venue is intimate, and it’s perfect for singer-songwriters who want to be heard.”

Roseanne Cash shame to let it be torn down.”

In 1999, a performing arts association was formed, tasked with helping revive the Brauntex. Two years later, renovations began that included removing the two movie screens, renting trailers to serve as dressing rooms, and new seat covers for the The Brauntex has a long and storied history that original seats that had become frayed and worn. begins in 1939 when construction on the theater began. “It opened a month after Pearl Harbor was In 2001, the Brauntex opened to much anticipation bombed,” Martin said. “It showed movies, as well with a performance by the San Antonio Symphony.

It also began renting its space to theater and dance as newsreels on weekends of the war effort.” groups. The theater continued to enjoy moderate For the next five decades, the Brauntex featured success, and then underwent a second renovation theatrical releases on two screens until 1998, in 2010 with more robust upgrades. when it showed its last film, “The Wedding Singer,” starring Adam Sandler. It closed because of lagging “All of the old seats were removed and replaced, box office sales attributed to competition from and the pitch of the floor was changed, so that it mega-cineplexes that began popping up around wasn’t so steep like it was when (the Brauntex) was a movie theater,” Martin explained. “They added New Braunfels. dressing rooms and a loading area for bands. After “ There was talk of having it demolished and turning (country music singer-songwriter) Marty Stuart it into a parking garage,” Martin said. “However, a came to perform, bigger acts began to follow group of local businessmen realized it would be a because he was nice enough to tell other people September/October 2017 | On The Town 23

Michael Martin Murphey

about the theater.”

But it wasn’t until a few years later when singer Mary Chapin Carpenter was booked to play the Brauntex that proved to be a turning point for the 75-year-old theater. “It set the record for the fastest sell-out show,” Martin said. “From then on, we were getting offers from agents all over the United States.”

Marty Stuart

Martin Murphy on Dec. 8 and then the arrival of the Oak Ridge Boys in January 2018.

The success of the Brauntex, Martin said, would not be possible without the generosity of donors, supporters and the theater’s staff. “It has been a large, passionate group of people who had the vision to buy the building and help us raise the money,” he said. “We’re going to be ready for the next decade. We want to take what the people Currently, the Brauntex is undergoing a $300,000 before us did and take it to the next level.” exterior and interior facelift, beginning with repairs to the roof, as well as new lighting, ceiling For tickets and a schedule of performers, visit tiles and wall drapes, among other refurbishments. www.brauntex.org or call 830-627-0808.

All of this will be ready, Martin said, just in time for the season’s opening in October that includes a • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • benefit performance by Grammy winner Rosanne Cash on Oct. 26. All proceeds support the “Raise The Brauntex staff includes Fanita Bendele, board president; Cheryl Fisher, executive director; Christine the Roof ” capital campaign.

Ramirez, accounting director; Felicia Miller, box office Country music star Lorrie Morgan graces the stage coordinator; Ben Nowotny, operations manager; on Nov. 17 followed by a performance by Michael and Willie Schaeffer, marketing coordinator.

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Rita Rudner

Carlos Mencia

Laughing It Up at San Antonio’s Two Comedy Clubs

By Michele Krier Photography courtesy LOL and Improv Comedy Clubs

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a n A n t o n i o i s fo r t u n a t e t o h a v e m a ny c o m e d y f a n s p a c k e d i n t o o n e c i t y. I n f a c t , R i ve rc e n t e r Co m e d y C l u b, s t a r t e d b y Co l l e e n a n d B r u c e B a r s h o p, b e g a n i n 1 9 9 3 a n d i s s t i l l p a c k i n g t h e h o u s e t o d a y, f l y i n g u n d e r t h e n e w n a m e, I m p ro v. A f t e r m o re t h a n a d e c a d e o f b r i n g i n g i n A - l i s t c o m e d i a n s, r i s i n g s t a r s a n d c e l e b r i t i e s, t h e B a r s h o p s o p e n e d a n a d d i t i o n a l c l u b, L a u g h O u t Lo u d, i n Pa r k N o r t h w h i c h m a k e s i t e v e n m o re c o nve n i e n t to enjoy a night of laughs on the town.

s t a r t o p a r t t h e s i l ve r - b e a d e d c u r t a i n b e h i n d h i m i n t h e Ve g a s - s t y l e s h o w r o o m t h a t s e a t s m o r e t h a n 4 0 0 p e o p l e. A n d t h e h e a d l i n e r s k e e p c o m i n g !

S t a r s w h o p e r fo r m e d r e c e n t l y i n c l u d e C a r l o s Mencia, who just finished a sold-out run, A n j e l a h J o h n s o n o f B o n Q u i Q u i f a m e, a n d G a b r i e l I g l e s i a s, w h o i s k n o w n t o p o p i n t o t o w n fo r a s u r p r i s e a p p e a r a n c e a t t h e LO L C l u b. T h e n e x t fe w m o n t h s w i l l b r i n g i n c o m e d y s t a r s C a r l y Aq u i l i n o, B r i a n Po s e h n , Ve g a s r e g u l a r Fa m e d c o m e d i a n R i c h a rd Le w i s, t h e s t a r o f R i t a R u d n e r, J a r e d Fr e i d , S h a w n Wa y a n s a n d “Cu r b Yo u r E n t h u s i a s m ,” h a d t h e h o n o r o f o t h e r s. o p e n i n g L a u g h O u t Lo u d Co m e d y C l u b. N o t o n l y d i d h e c u t t h e r i b b o n , b u t h e w a s t h e f i r s t S a t u r d a y N i g h t L i ve f a n s h a ve a p p r e c i a t e d t h e 26 On The Town | September/October 2017

Anjelah Johnson

chance to see their favorite comics up close a n d p e r s o n a l . LO L a n d I m p ro v h a v e h o s t e d N o r m M a c d o n a l d, C h r i s K a t t a n , To m G r e e n a n d K e v i n N e a l o n , t o n a m e a fe w.

Guests also can expect to see stars from the b i g a n d s m a l l s c re e n s, i n c l u d i n g B r y a n C a l l e n o f H a n g o ve r m o v i e f a m e, a n d N B C d i ve r s i t y w i n n e r To n e B e l l, w h o we n t f ro m w i n n i n g h i s s h o w c a s e a t LO L t o s t a r r i n g i n s e ve r a l s i t c o m s. H o w a p p ro p r i a t e t h a t t h e a t t r a c t i ve, Ve g a s - s t y l e c o m e d y s h o w ro o m s h a ve a t t r a c t e d Ve g a s re s i d e n t s s u c h a s c o m i c - m a g i c i a n t h e Amazing Johnathan and the hilarious Ralphie M a y, a s w e l l a s M i c h e l l e Wo l f, w h o h a s a n H B O special airing soon, and Cristela Alonzo with h e r r e n o w n e d T V s e r i e s.

As amazing as it is to see the headline acts t o u r t h ro u g h b o t h c l u b s, t h e re a l t h r i l l i s getting that sneak peak at the rising stars l i k e C h r i s R o c k , D re w C a re y, D a n i e l To s h , a n d G e o r g e Lo p e z , w h o a l l g r a c e d t h e s t a g e s o f S a n A n t o n i o’s LO L o r I m p ro v Co m e d y C l u b s

Shawn Wayans

a s u n k n o w n s. S o m e t i m e s s e e i n g t h e n e x t big star is only a drink and a comedy club t i c k e t a w a y. W h i l e b o t h c l u b s a r e k n o w n fo r t h e i r l a r g e s h o w r o o m s a n d t h e i r f u l l s e r v i c e b a r s, t h e y a l s o h a ve e xc e l l e n t m e n u s i n c l u d i n g b u r g e r s, s a l a d s a n d a p p e t i z e r s.

S p e c i a l e ve n t s a t LO L a n d I m p ro v l i ve u p t o t h e n a m e. To p G u n s t a r Va l K i l m e r w a s i n t o w n , s o a p o p e r a s t a r S t e ve B u r t o n , a n d H a n n i b a l Burres from the Eric Andre Show and SpiderM a n a re a fe w p o p u l a r V I P p e r fo r m e r s.

Ti c k e t s i n c l u d e a c h a n c e t o g e t t o k n o w yo u r f a vo r i t e c o m i c s a t a m e e t a n d g r e e t a f t e r t h e 9 0 - m i n u t e s h o w. Pr i c e s r a n g e f r o m $ 1 6 - $ 1 7 fo r g e n e r a l a d m i s s i o n t o s p e c i a l - e ve n t p r i c i n g.

O p e n m i c o n Tu e s d a y s a t LO L g i ve s l o c a l acts a chance to hone their skills in hopes of b r e a k i n g o u t o n l a r g e r s t a g e s.

Fo r d e t a i l s a n d t i c k e t s, c h e c k o u t w w w. l o l s a n a n t o n i o. c o m .

September/October 2017 | On The Town 27

Roxaboxen

Stirring Up the Magik in Children’s Theater

By Susan A. Merkner Photography by Megan Coy

N

ow entering its 24th season, Magik Theatre “We select many plays based on books, with the hope offers a magical spot for parents and children to that it will inspire parents and children to have good enjoy fun family shows. conversations about the differences between the play and the book,” said Schwamb, a Tucson native and The 598-seat theater, at 420 S. Alamo St., in mother of a 2-year-old daughter, HemisFair Plaza, presents a season of shows, special Most shows are aimed at ages 5 to 10, and select events and classes.

Theater for the Very Young productions are Megan Coy Schwamb, Magik Theatre’s marketing designed for children under age 5. A variety of manager, said San Antonio’s only nonprofit, professional theater-related classes are offered, and this season family theater selects a range of productions each year, there is a special event specifically for middle and a mix of popular hits and classic children’s literature. high school students.

28 On The Town | September/October 2017

Duck for President Magik Theatre also provides free or discounted tickets free to move around the auditorium if they want to,” for San Antonio school children through its Tickets to Schwamb said.

Literacy program.

“We only sell half the house for these performances, During the 2016-17 season, 54,534 students attended a so it never feels crowded. The lights are adjusted to performance as part of the Tickets to Literacy program. remove any strobe effects, and we bring the sound In the same period, the theater gave away 9,618 free levels down,” so the experience is not overwhelming, she said. “We’ve received very strong positive student tickets for field trips and tours. feedback about these shows.”

“It’s been very successful in helping to introduce children to live theater and literacy,” Schwamb said. “The money This is the first full season that the theater’s new for Tickets to Literacy comes from grants and funding artistic director, Frances Limoncelli, has planned and implemented an entire season, Schwamb said. from individual donors.”

The theater also plans one performance of each show for families with children on the autism spectrum.

The 2016-17 lineup, including age recommendations, includes:

“Although noise is always expected during a show – “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi and Other ‘Just So’ Stories,” Oct. these are kids, after all – we tell the audience before 6 to Nov. 4. Based on “Just So” stories by Rudyard these special shows that noise is OK. Children are Kipling, author of “ The Jungle Book,” the show is September/October 2017 | On The Town 29

James and the Giant Peach good for ages 3 and up; ideal for ages 5-10.

Nights.” Good for ages 3 and up; ideal for ages 5-10.

“Madagascar: A Musical Adventure,” June 15 to Aug. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” Nov. 21 to Dec. 18. The show is based on the hit animated motion 30. A holiday favorite based on the book by Barbara picture by DreamWorks. Good for ages 3 and up; Robinson, the production is good for ages 3 and ideal for ages 5-10. up; ideal for ages 5-10.

Also planned is a production of “A Wrinkle in Time,” “Tomás and the Library Lady,” Jan. 26 to Feb. 17. a special event for middle and high school students, Pat Mora’s book was adapted for the stage by Feb. 9-18. An adaptation from the Newbery Awardplaywright Joe Cruz Gonzalez. The show is good for winning book by Madeleine L’Engle, the show is ages 5 and up; ideal for ages 7-12. suitable for ages 8 and up.

“Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical,” March 2 to April 7. The show is based on the Caldecott Medalwinning picture book by Mo Willems. Good for all ages; ideal for ages 3-7.

Beginning Sept. 16, Magik Theatre’s fall Performing Arts Academy offers evening and weekend classes for ages 3-17 in acting, musical theater, improv and more, at its North Side Performing Arts Center, 5359 Casa Bella Road, near Interstate 10 and DeZavala Road.

“Disney’s Aladdin: Dual Language Edition,” April 24 to June 2. The production features the Academy More information, class registration, and individual Award-winning score from Disney’s animated and season tickets are available at 210-227-2751 classic, based on the original story “1001 Arabian and www.magiktheatre.org.

30 On The Town | September/October 2017

September/October 2017 | On The Town 31

32 On The Town | September/October 2017

Events Calendar

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September/October 2017 | On The Town 33

September/October 2017 Events Calendar Music Notes The Everly Brothers Experience featuring the Zmed Brothers 9/1, Fri @ 8pm Rockbox Theater Fredericksburg Buddy Guy 9/1, Fri @ 8pm Aztec Theatre Bruce Robison 9/1, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Wagon Aces 9/1, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Cactus Country 9/1, Fri @ 8pm The Roundup Outdoor Music Venue Boerne

Social Distortion with Jade Jackson 9/2, Sat @ 8pm Aztec Theatre Broadway Sings the Playhouse 9/2, Sat @ 8pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre The Wagon Aces 9/2, Sat @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Spazmatics 9/2, Sat @ 8pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels Sunny Sweeney 9/2, Sat @ 8pm The Roundup Outdoor Music Venue Boerne

Blackbird Sing 9/1, Fri @ 9pm Sam’s Burger Joint

Bruce Robison & The Back Porch Band 9/2, Sat @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Shane Smith & the Saints 9/1, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

The Georges 9/2, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

34 On The Town | September/October 2017

Del Castillo 9/2, Sat @ 9pm Sam’s Burger Joint Charlie Robison 9/2-3, Sat @ 9pm Sun @ 8pm Gruene Hall Randy Rogers Band 9/3, Sun @ 7:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater Donald Fagen & The Nightflyers 9/3, Sun @ 7:30pm Majestic Theatre Tobin Studio Sessions Colin Hay 9/7, Thu @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center Tobin Studio Sessions The Secret Sisters 9/8, Fri @ 8pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center Guns N’ Roses 9/8, Fri @ 8pm Alamodome

Cody Canada and The Departed 9/8, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Mike and The Moonpies 9/8, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store The Nightowls 9/8, Fri @ 10pm Sam’s Burger Joint Green Day Revolution Radio Tour 9/9, Sat @ 7pm AT&T Center Tobin Studio Sessions Trace Bundy 9/9, Sat @ 8pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the T obin Center 1964 The Tribute 9/9, Sat @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Tessy Lou and Shotgun Stars 9/9, Sat @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

September/October 2017 | On The Town 35

Weldon Henson 9/9, Sat @ 8pm Kendalia Halle Jason Boland & The Stragglers 9/9, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store American Aquarium 9/9, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Ruben V 9/9, Sat @ 9pm Sam’s Burger Joint Sunday Jazz at the Witte Henry Brun and the Latin Playerz 9/10, Sun @ 3pm Will Smith Amphitheater Witte Museum Bryan Adams 9/13, Wed @ 6:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels Janet Jackson State of the World Tour 9/13, Wed @ 8pm AT&T Center Eddie Gomez Trio 9/14, Thu @ 6:30pm The Mexican American Cultural Institute at Hemisfair Park

Blink 182 9/14, Thu @ 8pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels Janie Fricke 9/15, Fri @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville

Victoria Symphony Undisputed Masters with Christine Lamprea, cello 9/16, Sat @ 7:30pm Victoria Fine Arts Center Jody Nix 9/16, Fri @ 8pm Anhalt Hall Spring Branch

Kaki King 9/15, Fri @ 8pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center

Bob Schneider 9/15, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue 9/15, Fri @ 8pm Aztec Theatre

Tribute to Buddy, Bopper & Ritchie The Winter Dance Party 9/16, Sat @ 3pm & 8pm Rockbox Theater Fredericksburg

The Merles 9/15, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Modest Mouse 9/15, Fri @ 8pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels

Luis Fonsi: Love + Dance 2017 World Tour 9/16, Sat @ 8pm Majestic Theatre

Skyrocket 9/15, Fri @ 9pm Sam’s Burger Joint

San Antonio Symphony An Evening with Emanuel Ax 9/16, Sat @ 8pm Sebastian-Lang-Lessing, conductor Emanuel Ax, piano H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

Ben Folds: Paper Airplane Request Tour 9/16, Sat @ 7pm Aztec Theatre

Cody Johnson 9/16, Sat @ 8:30pm John T. Floore Country Store

Jazz’SALive 9/15-16 Travis Park

36 On The Town | September/October 2017

Guy Forsyth Blues Band 9/16, Sat @ 9pm Sam’s Burger Joint Gary P. Nunn 9/16, Sat @ 9pm Luckenbach Dancehall Josh Weathers 9/16, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Fredericksburg Music Club Daniel Hsu, piano 9/17, Sun @ 3pm Fredericksburg United Methodist Mid-Texas Symphony Vibrant Virtuosity 9/17, Sun @ 4pm David Mairs, conductor Daniel Anastacio, piano Jackson Auditorium Texas Lutheran University Seguin Dark Star Orchestra 9/21, Thu @ 7pm Aztec Theatre Ricardo Arjona Circo Soledad Tour 9/21, Thu @ 8pm AT&T Center San Antonio Symphony Kern Performs Rachmaninoff 9/22-23, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sebastian-Lang-Lessing, conductor Olga Kern, piano H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

Boz Scaggs 9/22, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall

Almost Patsy Cline Band 9/22, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Storm Large & La Bonheur 9/22, Fri @ 8pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit 9/22, Fri @ 8pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels

Carolyn Wonderland 9/22, Fri @ 9pm Sam’s Burger Joint

Café Tacvba 9/22-23, Fri-Sat @ 9pm Aztec Theatre

Randall King 9/22, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Thomas Michael Riley 9/23, Sat @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Cole Swindell 9/23, Sat @ 8pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels

Chris Knight 9/23, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall

The Mavericks 9/23, Sat @ 8pm John T. Floore Country Store

John Baumann 9/23, Sat @ 9pm Sam’s Burger Joint

September/October 2017 | On The Town 37

Need To Breathe with Special Guest Gavin DeGraw 9/24, Sun @ 6:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels Chris Botti 9/24, Sun @ 7pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Arts San Antonio 2017 Swiss Cultural Tour Aesch Accordiaon Orchestra and Schlosbrunneli Yodeling Club 9/26, Tue @ 7:30pm Ruth Taylor Recital Hall Trinity University Natalia Lafourcade 9/27, Wed @ 8pm Aztec Theatre Tobin Studio Sessions Bodeans 9/28, Thu @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater 2 Day Pass: Pretty Lights Live 9/29, Fri @ 6pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels Billy Currington 9/29, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys Dancehall

Gov’t Mule 9/29, Fri @ 7pm Aztec Theatre

Randall King 9/29, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

NAS with Wale & Nick Grant 9/29, Fri @ 8pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

David Ramirez 9/30, Sat @ 9pm Sam’s Burger Joint

I Got Soul Hits from Motown & Soul 9/29-30, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 4pm Indigenous 9/29, Fri @ 9pm Sam’s Burger Joint Camerata San Antonio Season Opener Viktor Valkov, piano 9/29, Fri @ 7:30pm First United Methodist Boerne 9/30, Sat @ 3pm First Presbyterian Kerrville 10/1, Sun @ 3pm UIW Concert Hall San Antonio

Max Stalling 9/29, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Marisela 9/30, Sat @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Rock Stars & Stripes With David Victor (formerly of Boston) 9/30, Sat @ 8pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Walt Wilkikns & The Mystiqueros 9/30, Sat @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

J Balvin 9/30, Sat @ 8pm Aztec Theatre

Dwight Yoakam 9/30, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Billy Joe Shaver 9/30, Sat @ 8pm The Roundup Outdoor Music Venue Boerne

Midnight River Choir 9/30, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall

38 On The Town | September/October 2017

Musical Bridges Around The World Child Prodigies – Where Are They Now Nancy Zhou, violin Daniel Anastasio, piano Veronica Williams, mezzosoprano 10/1, Sun @ 7pm San Fernando Cathedral Wilco 10/2, Mon @ 7:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center SOLI Chamber Ensemble On The Verge 10/2, Mon @ 7:30 Pearl Complex - Building 6 10/3, Tue @ 7:30pm Ruth Taylor Recital Hall Trinity University Rick Springfield & Richard Marx 10/4, Wed @ 7:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Tom Jones 10/4, Wed @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Foster The People 10/5, Thu @ 7pm Aztec Theatre Tim McGraw & Faith Hill Soul 2 Soul World Tour 10/5, Thu @ 7:30pm AT&T Center

September/October 2017 | On The Town 39

Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers “Unplugged” 10/6-7, Fri @ 7pm Sat @ 4pm Rockbox Theater Fredericksburg Wagon Aces 10/6, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Willie Nelson & Family 10/6-7, Fri-Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Radney Foster 10/6, Fri @ 9pm Sam’s Burger Joint Asleep at the Wheel 10/6, Fri @ 9:30pm Gruene Hall Tommy Dorsey Orchestra Tribute to Frank Sinatra 10/7, Sat @ 7pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Gilley and Nash A Johnny Cash Tribute 10/7, Sat @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville Mike and The Moonpies 10/7, Sat @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Mattie & Tae 10/7, Sat @ 8pm The Roundup Outdoor Music Venue Boerne

Spoon 10/10, Tue @ 7pm Aztec Theatre

Jack Ingram 10/7, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall

Tobin Studio Sessions Julian Lage & Chris Eldridge 10/10, Tue @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center

Blue Water Highway Band 10/7, Sat @ 9pm Sam’s Burger Joint Chamber Orchestra of San Antonio Music Institute “To Music” – Bach to Bach 10/7, Sat @ 7:30pm Ruth Taylor Recital Hall Trinity University Sunday Jazz at the Witte Adrian Ruiz Quartet 10/8, Sun @ 3pm Will Smith Amphitheater Witte Museum Lila Downs 10/8, Sun @ 7pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Bonobo 10/8, Sun @ 7pm Aztec Theatre Tuesday Musical Club Christine Lamprea, cello with Daniel Anastasio, piano 10/10, Tue @ 2pm Laurel Heights United Methodist

40 On The Town | September/October 2017

Symphony of the Hills Wild, Wild West 10/12, Thu @ 7:30pm Eugene Dowdy, conductor Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville Fort Sam Houston Jazz Series Gerald and Selina Albright 10/12, Thu @ 8pm Fort Sam Houston Theater

The Black Angels with Car Seat Headrest 10/11, Wed @ 7pm Aztec Theatre

Lecrae: All Things Work Together Tour 10/13, Fri @ 6pm Aztec Theatre

Scorpions featuring Megadeath Crazy World Tour 10/11, Wed @ 8pm Freeman Coliseum

Donny Edwards An Authentic Tribute to Elvis 10/13, Fri @ 7pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels

The Beach Boys 10/11, Wed @ 7:30pm Majestic Theatre Crystal Castles 10/12, Thu @ 7pm Aztec Theatre

San Antonio Symphony Harry Potter and the Chamberof Secrets in Concert 10/13-14, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Majestic Theatre

Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels 10/12, Thu @ 7:30pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels

Tribute to Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn and George Strait 10/13-14, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 4pm Rockbox Theater Fredericksburg

Charlie Daniels Band 10/13, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Shinyribs and Charley Crockett 10/13, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Bob Schneider Solo Show 10/13, Fri @ 8:30pm Sam’s Burger Joint Mastodon 10/14, Sat @ 6:30pm Aztec Theatre

Michael Ray 10/14, Sat @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys Dancehall

Carver Community Cultural Center Kenny Lattimore 10/14, Sat @ 8pm Jo Long Theatre at The Carver

Arts San Antonio American Rhapsody: The Gershwin Songbook The Gershwin Big Band 10/14, Sat @ 7:30pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre

The Derailers 10/14, Sat @ 8pm Kendalia Halle The Damn Quails 10/14, Sat @ 8pm The Roundup Outdoor Music Venue Boerne

Band of Heathens 10/14, Sat @ 9pm Sam’s Burger Joint

Fredericksburg Music Club Christopher McGuire, classical guitar Allegro Trio 10/15, Sun @ 3pm Fredericksburg United Methodist

September/October 2017 | On The Town 41

San Antonio Chamber Music Society Pacifica Quartet with Sharon Isbin 10/15, Sun @ 3:15pm Temple Beth-El

Tobin Studio Sessions Joan Osborne 10/20, Fri @ 8pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center

Mid-Texas Symphony Beethoven Unbound 10/15, Sun @ 4pm David Mairs, conductor Craig Sorgi, violin Performing Arts Center, Canyon HS New Braunfels

JD McPherson & Nikki Lane 10/20, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall

Get The Led Out 10/17, Tue @ 7pm Aztec Theatre The Magpie Salute 10/19, Thu @ 7pm Aztec Theatre The Weekend Starboy World Tour 10/19, Thu @ 7:30pm AT&T Center Chris Stapleton 10/20, Fri @ 7pm AT&T Center San Antonio Symphony Hadelich Plays Tchaikovsky 10/20-21, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor Augustin Hadelich, violin H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

Lewis & Martin 10/20, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Gary Allan 10/20, Fri @ 8:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels Thievery Corporation Presented by Sirius XM 10/20, Fri @ 8pm Aztec Theatre Hal Ketchum 10/20, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Satisfaction – The International Rolling Stones Show 10/20, Fri @ 9pm Sam’s Burger Joint Wizard U. 10/21, Sat @ 2pm Aztec Theatre

42 On The Town | September/October 2017

Now That’s Country 10/21, Sat @ 7:30pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels Blanco Performing Arts Johannes Moller & Laura Fraticelli, guitar duo 10/21, Sat @ 7:30pm Upper Blanco Ballroom Victoria Symphony Romantic Masters with Alexandra Switala, violin 10/21, Sat @ 7:30pm Victoria Fine Arts Center Los Lonely Boys with Lisa Morales 10/21, Sat @ 8pm The Roundup Outdoor Music Venue Boerne Mothership & Nightbird Tributes to Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks 10/21, Sat @8pm Sam’s Burger Joint Maria Mauldaur 10/22, Sun @ 8pm Sam’s Burger Joint Gogol Bordello 10/23, Mon @ 7pm Aztec Theatre

Olmos Ensemble Scandinavian Landscapes Jeffrey Sykes, piano 10/23, Mon @ 7:30pm Laurel Heights United Methodist Sawyer Fredericks 10/25, Wed @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center Simply Three 10/26, Thu @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center Roseanne Cash 10/26, Thu @ 8pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels REIK: Tour Des / Amor 10/26, Thu @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Echosmith 10/27, Fri @ 7pm Aztec Theatre Tobin Studio Sessions Jimmy Webb: The Glen Campbell Years 10/27, Fri @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center

Beginnings: Playhouse 2000 Presents A Tribute to Rock Legend Chicago 10/27, Fri @ 7:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrville

Theory of a Deadman 10/28, Sat @ 7pm Aztec Theatre

The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of Goddesses 10/27, Fri @ 8pm Majestic Theatre

Kevin Fowler 10/28, Sat @ 9pm Blue Bonnet Palace

The Highwaymen Live A Tribute to Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash 10/27-28, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 4pm Rockbox Theater Fredericksburg San Antonio Symphony Mendelssohn’s Elijah 10/27-28, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor Rebecca Nash, soprano Kang Wang, tenor Steven LaBrie, baritone Symphony Mastersingers John Silantien, director H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Max Stalling and Almost Patsy Cline Band 10/27, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Skyrocket 10/27, Fri @ 9pm Sam’s Burger Joint

Josh Abbott Band 10/28, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store San Antonio Symphony Halloween Spooktacular 10/29, Sun @ 3pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

Live Theater How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying 9/1-17, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm Woodlawn Theatre Circle Arts Theatre – New Braunfels Dogfight 9/1-17, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm September/October 2017 | On The Town 43

Sheldon Vexler Theatre Don’t Dress For Dinner 9/2-10, Thu @ 7:30pm Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm No show on Fridays The Overtime Theater Bronson Pinchot Civil War Cupcake Experiment 9/1-2, Fri-Sat @ 8pm 9/8-16, Fri-Sat @ 8pm 9/17, Sun @ 3pm 9/22-23, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Greg Barrios Theater A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline 9/2-10/1, Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3:30pm Roxie Theatre Fredericksburg Theater Company The Wonder Bread Years starring Pat Hazell 9/8-9, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Steve W. Shepherd Theater Boerne Community Theatre Hay Fever 9/8-23, Thu @ 7:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm The Classic Theatre San Antonio You Can’t Take It With You 9/8-10/1, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm

The Wimberley Players Making God Laugh 9/8-10/1, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2:30pm Wimberley Playhouse Momma’s Boy 9/12, Tue @ 7:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center The Playhouse San Antonio The Hunchback of Notre Dame 9/15-10/15, Thu-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Russell Hill Rogers Theatre North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio The Bodyguard (Touring) 9/19-24, Tue-Thu @ 7:30pm Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm & 7:30pm Majestic Theatre Boerne Community Theatree The Many Lives of Dobie Gillis 10/5-8, Thu @ 7:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm

44 On The Town | September/October 2017

S.T.A.G.E in Bulverde The Savannah Sipping Society 10/5-22, Thu-Sat @ 8pm dinner served @ 6:30pm Sun @ 2:30pm lunch served @ 1pm No show 9/8 Krause House Circle Arts Theatre – New Braunfels Same Time Next Year 10/6-15, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Roxie Theatre Chicago 10/7-11/5, Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3:30pm Tobin Edge Series Forbidden Broadway 10/12-14, Thu @ 7:30pm Fri @ 8pm St @ 2pm & 8pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center Cirque Du Soleil Crystal: A Breakthrough Ice Experience 10/13-15, Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 3:30pm & 7:30pm Sun @ 1pm & 5pm AT&T Center Smith-Ritch Point Theatre Of Mice and Men 10/13-28, Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm Ingram

Fredericksburg Theater Company On Golden Pond 10/13-29, Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Steve W. Shepherd Theater Performing Arts San Antonio Cabaret 10/13-29, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Carol B. Conway Theatre The Overtime Theater HEX: A Witchy Romantic Comedy 10/13-11/4, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Greg Barrios Theater Woodlawn Theatre Little Shop of Horrors 10/13-11/5, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio The King and I (Touring) 10/17-22, Tue-Thu @ 7:30pm Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm & 7:30pm Majestic Theatre Sheldon Vexler Theatre An Act of God 10/19-11/12, Thu @ 7:30pm Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm No show on Fridays

The Playhouse San Antonio Constellations 10/27-11/19, Thu-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Cellar Theatre

Opera Opera San Antonio Macbeth 9/8 &10, Fri @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm H-E-B Performance Hall At the Tobin Center Alamo City Opera Speed Dating Tonight 9/23-24, Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Buena Vista Theatre UTSA Downtown Campus Placido Domingo Le Canta a San Antonio 10/18, Wed @ 8pm Illusions Theater at the Alamodome

Dance Arts San Antonio Nadi: Love and Longing Leela Samson and Spanda Dance Company 9/15, Fri @ 7:30pm Jo Long Theatre at The Carver

Guadalupe Dance Company 9/29-10/1, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Guadalupe Theater Ballet San Antonio Giselle 10/13-15, Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 2pm & 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Carver Community Cultural Center Tu Dance 10/28, Sat @ 8pm Jo Long Theatre

Cinema EurOperaHD: Nabucco Opera Royale de Wallonie 9/2 (Live) @ 12pm 9/5 (Encore) @ 7pm Regal Huebner Oaks Stadium 14 H-E-B Cinema on the Plaza Kong Skull Island 9/8, Fri @ 8pm Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza at The Tobin Center September/October 2017 | On The Town 45

Starlight Movies in the Garden On The Waterfront 9/22 The Birds 10/13 San Antonio Botanical Garden Fathom Events (for theaters and times – www.fathomevents.com) Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn 35th Anniversary 9/10 & 13 E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial 9/17 & 20 Wall Street 30th Anniversary 9/24 & 27 Steve McQueen: American Icon 9/28 The Met Live: Norma 10/7 (Live) & 10/11 (Encore) The Met Live: Die Zauberflote 10/14 (Live) & 10/18 (Encore) The Princess Bride 10/15 & 18 Bolshoi Ballet: Le Corsaire 10/22 H-E-B Cinema on the Plaza Beauty And The Beast 10/13, Fri @ 8pm Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza

40th Anniversary The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Barry Bostwick Live Q&A 10/23, Mon @ 7:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

Matt Holt 9/13-14 & 17, Wed-Thu @ 8pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Sam Donnelly 9/20-24, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club Rivercenter

Comedy

Jerry Garcia 9/13-17, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club Rivercenter

Carly Aquilino 9/21-23, Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Steve O 9/1-3, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improve Comedy Club Rivercenter Tom Simmons 9/1-3, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Alvin Williams 9/6, Wed @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Sam Demaris 9/6-10, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club Rivercenter Joseph Zimmerman 9/8-10, Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

46 On The Town | September/October 2017

Jay Mohr 9/15, Fri @ 8pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre

Omar Chaparro & Adrian Uribe Imparables: Una Batalla Para Morirse De Risa 9/15, Thu @ 9pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

Corey Michaelis 9/24, Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Chris Garcia 9/28-10/1, Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club Rivercenter Ms. Pat 9/28-10/1, Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Roy Wood Jr. 9/15-16, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Luis de Alba 9/29, Fri @ 8pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre

Chris Mata 9/19, Tue @ 8:30pm Inprov Comedy Club Rivercenter

Flo Hernandez 10/4, Wed @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Frankie Quinones 10/4-8, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club Rivercenter Brian Posehn 9/5-7, Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Chad Prather: Star Spangled Banter Tour 10/6, Fri @ 8pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre The Hodgetwins 10/8, Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club BT Kingsley 10/11-15, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club Rivercenter Rita Rudner 10/13-14, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm & 9:45pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Jared Fried 10/18-19, Wed-Thu @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Marcella Arguello 10/18-22, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club Rivercenter Godfrey 10/20-21, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Tinder Live With Lane Moore 10/24, Tue @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theatre at the Tobin Center chinedu unaka 10/25-29, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club Rivercenter Quinn Hudson 10/25, Wed @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

September/October 2017 | On The Town 47

Big Jay Oakerson 10/26-29, Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Children's Roxie Theatre Disney’s The Little Mermaid 9/2-30, Sat @ 3:30pm

How I Became a Pirate Generation NEXT Education Initiatives 9/26, Tue @ 9:45am & 1pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

The Magik Theatre Rikki-Tikki-Tavi and Other “Just So” Stories 10/6-11/4 www.magikthatre.org for exact days and times

Shopkins Live!

Shop It Up! 10/22, Sun @ 1pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

Exhibitions

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM

LINDA PACE FOUNDATION

ARTPACE

George Catlin’s North American Indian Portfolio Thru 9/4

Incite: Celebrating the works of Chuck Ramirez, Hills Snyder, Frances Stark and more 9/8-1/27/18

Summer 2017 International Artists in Residence Exhibit Rolando Lopez Kang Seung Lee Christie Blizard Thru 9/3 BLUE STAR CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM Insurrection Thru 9/3 Echo and Narcissus Thru 9/3 Augmented Reality Thru 9/3 BIHL HAUS ARTS Golden Memories: Recent Works

by Bihl Haus Goldens Thru 9/16 VSA Annual Exhibition 9/30-10/7 Golden Decade: The 10th Anniversary of the Bihl Haus GO! Arts Program 10/20-11/25

48 On The Town | July/August September/October 2017 2017

That Day: Pictures in the American West by Laura Wilson 9/15-12/10 Yanaguana Indian Arts Market 10/7-8

McNAY ART MUSEUM The Legend Lives: Masterpieces from the Permanent Collection Ongoing

GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER

Rashaad Newsome: KNOT Thru 1/5/18

Ana Fernandez & Ruth Buentello Exhibitions 9/1-10/6

Chuck Ramirez: All This and Heaven Too 9/14-1/14/18

INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES

Stage Frights: Madness, Monsters, Mayhem 9/28-12/31

Texans One and All Ongoing Little Texan, Big World Thru 9/29 The Other Side of the Eagle Ford Shale Thru 10/1 Texas in the First World War Thru 3/11/18

Behind the Screen: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas 9/28-12/31 SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN Art In The Garden: Steel Sculptures of George Tobolowsky Thru 12/17

Grand Opening Weekend (after major expansion) 10/21-22 SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART The Magic of Clay and Fire: Japanese Contemporary Ceramics Thru Fall 2017 Heaven and Hell: Salvation andRetribution in Pure Land Buddhism Thru 9/10

Intercambios: Moderern Photography in Mexico from the Permanent Collection Thru 12/31 Antinous, the Emperor’s Beloved: Investigating a Roman Portrait 9/1-11/26 The Latino List: Photographs by Timothy GreenfieldSanders 10/6-12/31

SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART Kristy Deetz: Through The Veil Thru 11/12

WITTE MUSEUM Whales: Giants of the Deep Thru 9/4 Wild Weather Thru 9/4

Buster Graybill: Leisure Lines 9/14-11/12

Miscellaneous

Chris Engman: Prospect and Refuge 9/14-11/12

FOTOSEPTIEMBRE 9/1-30 - At museums, art centers and galleries citywide

September/October 2017 | On The Town 49

San Antonio World Heritage Festival 9/6-10 – For information visit www.worldheritagefestival.org Eva Shockey 9/12, Tue @ 7:30pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre Deepak Chopra The Future of Wellbeing 9/14, Thu @ 7:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Thunder From Down Under 9/20, Wed @ 7pm Aztec Theatre World Boxing Super Series Yunier Dorticos vs. Dmitry Kudryashov 9/23, Sat @ 4pm Illusions Theater at the Alamodome Mystic Arts of Tibet 9/28-10/1 UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures 31st Annual Gruene Music & Wine Fest 10/5-8 The Naked Magicians: Sleeves Up, Pants Down 10/6-7, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center Oktoberfest 10/6-17 Beethoven Maennerchor

50 On The Town | September/October 2017

San Antonio Beer Festival 10/21 Dignowity and Lockwood Parks Alamo City Comic Con Halloween Edition 10/27-29 Alamodome Dia de los Muertos 10/28-29

Photo Credits: Page 34 (L-R) Buddy Guy Courtesy buddyguy.net Spazmatics Courtesy thespazmatics.net Charlie Robison Courtesy charlierobison.com 1964 The Tribute Photo by Steven Gardner Page 36 (L-R) Janie Fricke Courtesy janiefricke.com Kevin Eubanks Photo by Anna Webber Christine Lamprea Courtesy christinelamprea.com Emanuel Ax Photo by Lisa Marie Mazzucco Page 37 (L-R) Gary P. Nunn Courtesy garypnunn.com Daniel Hsu Courtesy Fredericksburg Music Club Daniel Anastasio Courtesy Tuesday Music Club Olga Kern Photo by Chris Lee

Page 38 (L-R) Almost Patsy Cline Band Courtesy Almostpatsycline.com Storm Large Photo by Laura Domela Chis Botti Photo by Fabrizio Ferri Max Stalling Courtesy maxstalling.com Page 40 (L-R) Nancy Zhou Courtesy Fredericksburg Music Club SOLI Chamber Ensemble Photo by Kemp Davis Rick Springfield Courtesy Tobin Center Richard Marx Courtesy Tobin Center Page 41 (L-R) Asleep at the Wheel Courtesy sonicbids.com Maddie and Tae Courtesy maddieandtae.com Lila Downs Courtesy Tobin Center The Beach Boys Courtesy Majestic Theatre Page 42 (L-R) Kenny Lattimore Courtesy kennylattimore.com Pacifica Quartet Photo by Anthony Parmalee Sharon Isbin Courtesy sharonisbin.com Sebstian Lang-Lessing Photo by Marks Moore

Page 43 (L-R) Los Lonely Boys Courtesy loslonelyboys.com Maria Muldaur Courtesy mariamuldaur.com Page 44 (L-R) Sawyer Fredericks Courtesy Tobin Center Simply Three Courtesy Tobin Center Roseanne Cash Courtesy Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre Rene Fleming Photo by Decca - Timothy White Page 45 (L-R) Troy Peters Courtesy Youth Orchestras of San Antonio

Vikki Carr Courtesy Tobin Center Page 46 (L-R) Sunny Sweeney Courtesy sunnysweeney.com Pat Hazell Courtesy thewonderbreadyears.com Momma’s Boy Courtesy mammasboytheplay.com The Bodyguard Courtesy Majestic Theatre Page 47 (L-R) Forbidden Broadway Courtesy Tobin Center The King and I Courtesy Majestic Theatre Page 48 (L-R) Macbeth Photo by Karli Cadel

Guadalupe Dancers Courtesy Guadalupe Cultural Center Giselle Photo by Alexander Devora Norma Photo by Paola Kudacki / Metropolitan Opera Page 49 (L-R) Die Zauberflote Photo by Marty Sohl / Metropolitan Opera Barry Bostwick Courtesy Tobin Center Steve O Courtesy Improv Comedy Club Jay Mohr Courtesy Charline McCombs Empire Theatre

Page 50 (L-R) Carly Aquilino Courtesy Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Chad Prather Courtesy Tobin Center Marcella Arguello Courtesy Improv Comedy Club Ms. Pat Courtesy Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

September/October 2017 | On The Town 51

52 On The Town | September/October 2017

Culinary Arts 54-62

September/October 2017 | On The Town 53

Charles Gonzalez and Tom Schleuning 54 On The Town | September/October 2017

MIMOSAS, WAFFLES AND GREAT COFFEE: Rosella Expands From 1 to 6 Locations

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

W

hat could give a talented professional with a background in journalism the impetus to make such a drastic career change as that from news anchorman to barista?

“My par tner, Tom, is more of a quiet investor,” Gonzalez said. “He and I met through another venture where he helped curate some ar t exhibits. Tom is a bit of an entrepreneur, and af ter he and I star ted talk ing, things just accelerated to the point where we are today.”

We asked Rosella’s principal and former WOAI and KSAT spor ts repor ter and anchorman Charles Gonzalez that question during a recent The name Rosella originated as a combined form telephone inter view. from the names of Gonzalez ’s two daughters, Olivia Rose and Ella Sofia, ages 10 and 8. “ Ten years ago, my wife, Monik a, and I moved back from M inneapolis where I had been “I like coffee, good coffee,” Gonzalez said. “I got work ing for a T V station (K ARE-T V ). She was a interested in it as a produc t, and my wife and I teacher, and we had been talk ing about doing discovered that there were not a lot of specialty our own thing.” coffee shops around. We saw it as a void to be filled. I wanted to open a place where people That ’s exac tly what Gonzalez has been doing could enjoy some breakfast with their coffee since March 2014, when the original Rosella and not just pastries but also food for lunch location opened at 203 E. Jones Ave. In and more. We added wine and beer as a natural 1,623-square -feet of renovated warehouse ex tension of the food concept.” space near the Pearl k nown as the Hughes Warehouse Building, circa 1918, the seed -- With the imminent addition of two new or coffee bean -- was planted for exponential locations, one downtown in the historic and growth and expansion. centenarian R and Building, 100 E. Houston St., which, thanks to the vision and wisdom Three years af ter the initial grand opening of the San Antonio Conser vation Society, was and with the addition of investor/par tner Tom spared the ignominy of the wreck ing ball some Schleuning, the small but fast- growing local 30 years ago, and with another location in the chain will soon have added five more links to Medical Center at Methodist Hospital, Rosella its holdings. will instantly triple its outlets.

September/October 2017 | On The Town 55

“I t ’s unfor tunate the R and has taken longer to open than anticipated but we’re excited to open and to be doing things a little different than at the Jones location. I t ’s definitely going to have a different feel but still ser ving ver y good coffee,” Gonzalez said. “ The place is going to feel different though, and it ’s going to have a different feel at different times of the day.

There will be a transition between the way it will feel at, say 9 a.m. or 8 p.m., transitioning from restaurant to full bar with liquor.”

HEB at Basse Road and Broadway. “Grab -and- go” refers to the fac t that there will not be seating available. Guests can expec t to be ser ved the same quality fresh coffee from the Rosella brand of roasted beans that also are available for purchase at Blue Star Provision, Central Market and Henrietta’s at La Cantera Resor t and Spa. Selec ted pastr y items from Tina and Luca Kent ’s Bread Box -- think kolaches and more -will be featured.

Finally, the homegrown coffee shop that locals Another full-ser vice Rosella outpost, inside have grown to love is currently work ing on Methodist Hospital, 7700 Floyd Curl Drive, has an agreement to lease space in Southtown, in been designed to make the best use of existing the original iconic Isaac Max well Ar t Studio struc tural steel and glass thus creating yet building at 1009 S. Alamo St. This location is another distinc t feel of its own. also slated to have a Southtown feel of its own, which Gonzalez described as “hybrid breakfast/ Additionally, there are two Rosella Express full cocktail bar in the evening,” “grab -and- go” concept stores that will be opening soon inside of two HEB stores. Using Rosella is open 7 days a week. spaces vacated by IBC Bank , the stores will For more aroma-filled news, check out http:// be located inside the HEB at Alon Market on rosellacoffee.com or call the Jones location at M ilitar y Highway and in the Lincoln Heights 210-277-8574.

56 On The Town | September/October 2017

September/October July/August 2017 | On The Town 57

Laura and Seth Martin with family

58 On The Town | September/October 2017

PERISSOS VINEYARD AND WINERY

LIVES UP TO ITS GREEK NAME

By Olivier J. Bourgoin, aka “Olivier, the Wine Guy” Photography Laura Martin

L

aura Martin and her husband, Seth, chose the Greek word for abundance when establishing their vineyard and winery in Burnet.

ago, we are very much a family business, including two nephews who also provide a helping hand.”

Following an ambitious schedule, the Martins “Farming is in our genes,” Laura said. “On both sides bought their land in 2003, started the winery in of our families, our great-grandparents all owned 2005 and opened their tasting room in 2009. Today, depending on the weather conditions during each family farms.” growing season, Perissos produces about 7,500 Before opening the winery, Seth Martin was a cases of wine annually. homebuilder and Laura worked in the banking industry. They have five children ranging in age “We might get up to about 8,000 cases this year,” from 18 to 6.

Laura said. “We just completed a brand-new winemaking facility which will give us up to 20,000 “We thought it would be nice to raise our children cases’ capacity.” out in the country where they could be free and run around,” Laura said. “Each of our five children is Although not all the grapes used to make the wine involved in the business, starting pretty much since produced at Perissos are estate grown, all of them they were born, in one age-appropriate capacity or are 100 percent grown in Texas. “We buy grapes another, from cellar rat to helping in the vineyards from several growers in different parts of the state or in the tasting room. Just like three generations but it’s all Texas-grown grapes,” she said.

September/October 2017 | On The Town 59

The Martins also have 16 acres of estate grapes under vine at their winery.

Including the seven Martin family members, Perissos employs about 20 people, a combination of full time, part time and seasonal help serving as winemaker assistant, winery workers, staff in the tasting room, and seasonal workers at harvest time.

Smartly, like many other Texas wineries today, Perissos is concentrating its efforts on grape varietals that have recently proven to thrive in the Central Texas climate.

Some familiar French grapes are favored by Perissos such as Malbec, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Roussane and Viognier, as well as some Italian gems, including Aglianico, Sangiovese, Dolcetto and Montepulciano.

The hearty Spanish grape Tempranillo, which has done well in these parts, has found a home here as well.

There are 13 varietals that are used to make wine here. Add to that a few carefully crafted blends and the result is an offering of about 20 wines with something to please every palate, including some whites, reds, a rosé and a fortified wine, Portejas.

Here is a teaser about one of the red blends called Bella, made with 70 percent Tempranillo and 10 percent each Aglianico, Malbec and Viognier. The wine gives off aromas of red licorice and red berries on the nose that carry onto the palate with added flavors of fig and raspberries.

Another one to try is the Racker’s Blend. “We don’t make it every year,” Laura said. “We started making it by request. It’s a blend that includes some Roussanne and Sangiovese, and the blending might change depending on the weather and what nature gives us. We originally made it as a filler wine to top off the barrels of the other wines but we noticed it was aging beautifully and some of our clients who got to taste it liked it, and they asked us to bottle it.

It’s become a customer favorite.”

Perissos Vineyard and Winery 7214 Park Road 4 West, Burnet, Texas 78611 512-820-2950 perissosvineyards.com 60 On The Town | September/October 2017

September/October 2017 | On The Town 61

62 On The Town | September/October 2017

Visual Arts 64-76

September/October 2017 | On The Town 63

FOTOSEPTIEMBRE

HIGHLIGHTS FALL EXHIBITION

By Dan R. Goddard

S

an Antonio artist Chuck Ramirez at the McNay Art Museum, Dallas photographer Laura Wilson at the Briscoe Western Art Museum and Mexico City photojournalist Pedro Valtierra at the Mexican Cultural Institute are among the highlights of Fotoseptiembre, the citywide festival that unleashes a flood of photography exhibits across the city in spaces big and small during September.

Organizers Michael Mehl and Ann Kinser decided to make this year’s festival as open and inclusive as possible by dropping the usual fees for participants.

While most of the city’s museums and galleries will have exhibits, also look for shows in nontraditional venues such as restaurants, artists’ studios, brewing companies, coffee shops and bookstores.

64 On The Town | September/October 2017

“Chuck Ramirez: All This and Heaven Too,” from Sept. 14 through Jan. 14 at the McNay Art Museum, provides a retrospective of the sociable San Antonio bon vivant known for his revealing, large-scale photographs of everyday objects. (See related story, page 72.) Also new at the McNay are “Stage Frights: Madness, Monsters, Mayhem” and “Behind the Scenes: Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas” from Sept. 28 through Dec. 31.

The Linda Pace Foundation celebrates Ramirez’s work with “INCITE,” from Sept. 8 through Jan. 27 at SPACE in CHRISpark. With themes of whimsy and ephemerality, the exhibit is drawn from the foundation’s permanent collection and features works by Hills Snyder, Frances Stark, Diana Thater

in HemisFair Park, surveys the conflict-studded career of the current director of the Cuartoscuro agency. Also, Mexico City photographer Tomas Casademunt’s “Umbrales ( Thresholds)” through Oct. 13, compiles 20 years of images inspired by Organized by the Amon Carter Museum of American Mexico’s “inter-dimensional doorways.”

Art in Fort Worth, Laura Wilson’s “THAT DAY: Pictures in the American West,” from Sept. 15 to Dec. 10 at Other Fotoseptiembre exhibits include “Visible Light the Briscoe Western Art Museum on the River Walk, – Trinity Alumni Photography Exhibition” curated by explores the hard-bitten and fiercely independent Trish Simonite through Oct. 14 at Trinity University’s communities of the West, ranging from legendary Neidorff Gallery; “Worlds Apart – Together” curated West Texas cattle ranches to impoverished Plains by Julie Ledet through Sept. 27 at the University Indian reservations to lavish border-town cotillions. of Texas at San Antonio Main Art Gallery; Ramin Wilson began her career in 1979 working for famed Samandari’s “Body and Mind” through Oct. 1 at Dock fashion photographer Richard Avedon, assisting Space Gallery; Julysa Sosa’s “Trizas” sponsored by him on the controversial project that led to the Lady Base Gallery Sept. 9-28 at AP Art Lab; E. Dan Amon Carter’s groundbreaking 1985 exhibit, “In the Klepper’s “Why the Raven Calls the Canyon” Sept.

1-30 at the Twig Book Shop; and Rodolfo Choperena’s American West.”

“A Few of My Favorite Things” through Oct. 13 at One of Mexico’s most intrepid photojournalists, Musical Bridges Around the World.

Pedro Valtierra has been covering major events in Latin American history for the past 40 years, The San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) explores including the Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua the development of Mexican photography following and the guerrilla movements in Guatemala, El the Mexican Revolution in “Intercambios: Modernist Salvador and Mexico. “Imágenes En Conflicto,” Sept. Photography in Mexico From the Permanent 2 through Oct. 22 at the Mexican Cultural Institute Collection” through Dec. 31. The 1923 arrival of and Cheyney Thompson. Ruíz-Healy Art, which represents the estate of Chuck Ramirez, puts “Chuck in Context” Sept. 14 to Oct. 14 by focusing on two of his little-seen series, “Words” and “Still Life.”

September/October 2017 | On The Town 65

the Italian photographer Tina Modotti and the American photographer Edward Weston marked the introduction of modernism to Mexican photography.

Also included are works by Manuel Alvarez Bravo, Hugo Brehme, Manuel Carrillo and Paul Strand.

gold gilding, and the exhibit explores the behindthe-scenes research and the story of the emperor’s Greek lover who died in mysterious circumstances in 130 A.D.

Twenty-five artists living on or influenced by the Famous San Antonians, such as former mayor Henry United States/Mexico border are featured in “Icons Cisneros and author Sandra Cisneros along with Eva and Symbols of the Borderland” through Dec. 17 at Longoria, Gloria Estefan, America Ferrera, George Centro de Artes in Market Square.

Lopez, John Leguizamo, Pitbull and golf great Chi Chi Rodríguez, are among the 31 influential Latinos Tibetan monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery from the worlds of culture, business, politics and in India will spend Sept. 28 through Oct. 1 creating sports highlighted in “The Latino List: Photography a mandala sand painting on the main exhibit floor

by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders” from Oct. 6 through of the Institute of Texan Cultures. Millions of grains Dec. 31 at SAMA. The large-format photographs by of sand will be painstakingly laid into place to form one of America’s foremost contemporary portraitists the mandala, used as a tool for reconsecrating the are a promised gift to SAMA by the Houston-based earth and healing its inhabitants. When finished, art dealer Hiram Butler, who grew up in Eagle Pass, the mandala will be swept away to symbolize and his spouse, Andrew Spindler-Roesle. the impermanence of all that exists. Also on view through Sept. 24 is “A Photographic Journey Across SAMA looks at a marble portrait of a beautiful youth, the Camino Real,” a trip taken by Christopher Talbot, “Antinous: The Emperor’s Beloved,” a favorite of the Stephen F. Austin State University photography Roman Emperor Hadrian, Sept. 1 to Nov. 26. In 2011, professor, following the Spanish colonial-era trail researchers discovered this ancient sculpture in from northern Mexico through San Antonio and the museum’s permanent collection had traces of Central Texas and on to Louisiana.

66 On The Town | September/October 2017

One of the most interactive and inspiring exhibits exploring the world of mathematics ever to tour -- “MathAlive!” – will visit the Witte Museum from Sept. 30 through Jan. 7. Designed for families and students, the exhibit brings to life the math most likely to intrigue kids – video games, sports, fashion, music and robotics. The nearly 40 unique, interactive experiences include riding a snowboard in 3D, designing your own video game, making a custom skateboard “pop” and designing a more sustainable infrastructure for a city.

For a full calendar of events plus online web galleries curated by Mehl, check out fotoseptiembreusa.com.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 64-65 (L-R) Henry Cisneros and Eva Longoria The Latino List: Photography by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders San Antonio Museum of Arts

That Day – Pictures in the American West The Photographs of Laura Wilson Cowboys Walking, J.R. Green Cattle Company, Shackelford County, Texas – May 13, 1997 Hutterite Girl with Her Horse, Chattahoochee, Surprise Creek Colony, Stanford, Montana, August 15, 1992 Pages 66-67 (L-R) Chuck Ramirez Words: Villa, 2004, 2017 archival pigment Ruiz-Healy Art Nightmare Before Christmas Tim Burton (American, born 1958). Jack Skellington and his dog, Zero, in Jack's Tower, 1993. Painted wood, metal, plastic, glass, paper, and styrofoam, with fabric and found objects. Gift of Robert L. B. Tobin. THEATRE PRODUCTION INFORMATION: 1993 stop-motion animated film. © Disney © Tim Burton McNay Art Museumt September/October 2017 | On The Town 67

Photography Exhibition and Indian Market Highlight Briscoe Museum’s Fall Calendar

By Sharon Garcia Photography courtesy Briscoe Western Art Museum

A

lthough the Briscoe Western Art Museum is a relative newcomer in San Antonio’s arts and culture scene, it’s making its mark with engaging annual programs that draw locals and visitors alike.

downtown San Antonio, the museum will celebrate its four year-anniversary in late October. The Briscoe, 210 W. Market St., heads into the fall season with two dynamic programs that reflect the diversity and richness of the American West.

Located on the banks of the River Walk in the heart of

Renowned photographer and author Laura Wilson

68 On The Town | September/October 2017

will be featured in THAT DAY: Pictures in the American Wilson casts a fresh light on the West — a topic of West, running from Sept. 15 through Dec. 15. The enduring fascination. show is part of Fotoseptiembre USA. The first weekend in October, the Briscoe hosts its Eighty photographs introduce visitors to worlds popular Yanaguana Indian Arts Market -- the only one framed equally by beauty and violence, a West of its kind in Texas. Now in its fourth year, the twodefined by diverse communities outside the day event features dancing, musical performances, suburban middle class. storytelling, artist demonstrations (glassblowing, painting, printmaking, pottery and weaving), Wilson’s subjects range from legendary West interactive art making and Native American-inspired Texas cattle ranches to impoverished Plains Indian food. The event offers visitors a glimpse into tribal reservations to lavish border-town cotillions. Also tradition and contemporary Native culture. featured are compelling portraits of artists who are associated with the region, including Donald Judd, Highlights of this year’s market include a performance Ed Ruscha and Sam Shepard.

by Innastate, a contemporary reggae band from the high desert of New Mexico; a workshop in ledger art The unforgettable images in THAT DAY tell sharply and turquoise 101 seminar; Eagle Point drumming; drawn stories of the people and places that have contemporary Native American flute; and a traditional shaped, and continue to shape, the nation’s most “Hoop of Life” dance performance. Support for dynamic and unyielding land. Text from Wilson’s Native artists, their livelihood and the integrity of journals accompanies the photographs, recalling their artistic process is part of the Briscoe Museum’s her personal experiences behind the camera at the mission. moment when a particular image was captured.

September/October 2017 | On The Town 69

Participating artists represent more than two dozen federally recognized tribes from various parts of the country. The Yanaguana Market is held in accordance with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, legislation that protects Native artists and consumers. Market attendees are assured that what they purchase is authentic and that the materials used are of the highest quality. The market will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 7-8.

Donny Baize, Cowboy, J.R. Green Cattle Company, Shackelford, Texas March 18, 1997 Gelatin Silver Print

Hutterite Girl in Field, Duncan Ranch Colony, Harlowton, Montana, June 17, 1994 For more information and a complete calendar of Gelatin Silver Print events, visit www.BriscoeMuseum.org or call 210299-4499.

Hand and Spur, Y-6 Ranch, Valentine, Texas, Photo Credits: June 3, 1992 Gelatin Silver Print Pages 68-69

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

That Day: Pictures in the American West The Photographs of Laura Wilson 70 On The Town | September/October 2017

Page 70 (L-R) Yanangauna Indian Arts Market

September/October 2017 | On The Town 71

CHUCK RAMIREZ: ALL THIS AND HEAVEN TOO AT THE MCNAY ART MUSEUM

By Dan R. Goddard

T

he lonely, detached head of a Mickey Mouse piñata. The demolished remains of a Mexican breakfast. The empty inner lining of a black, heart-shaped candy box. A woman’s purse opened to reveal personal items. A familiar orange-andwhite Styrofoam cup from a favorite fast-food chain with the focus on the plea: “When I am empty, please dispose of me properly.”

brands, San Antonio artist Chuck Ramirez -- probably inspired by Andy Warhol -- turned the tricks of his trade to contemporary art, creating large-scale photographic “portraits” of smashed piñatas, purses, suitcases, trash bags and other inanimate objects.

Yet his advertising-influenced images – usually enormous prints of a sharply-detailed, solo object engulfed by a white void stripped of context -After years of making vegetables, meat and other manage to be poignant and provocative, often grocery products look alluring and special while spiced with humor and social commentary. And working as a graphic designer for HEB supermarket the objects often were intended to serve as 72 On The Town | September/October 2017

some ways, he loomed larger than his work. But we wanted the art to stand on its own because it needs to be taken seriously,” Barilleaux said. “Instead A popular, gregarious figure in the city’s of everything lined up chronologically, people will contemporary art scene at the turn of the 21st- be able to experience his work more as individual century, Ramirez was beginning to establish an pieces. And we’ll have more than just photographs. international reputation as an artist before his The first thing people will see will be the nine death in a tragic bicycle accident in 2010. Gathering decorated Christmas trees that he created for examples of all his work from his early photographs (Artpace founder) Linda Pace.” of the bottoms of religious statues, “Santos,” from 1996 to his last, “Euro Bags,” in 2009, the McNay Art The photographs will be displayed on white panels Museum is presenting “Chuck Ramirez: All This and hanging from the ceiling throughout the gallery, inspired by the 2016 exhibit of Diane Arbus photographs Heaven Too” from Sept. 14 through Jan. 14.

Barilleaux saw at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in René Paul Barilleaux, McNay’s head of curatorial New York. The Artpace residency exhibit represents affairs, said he wants to present a “holistic” view the major turning point in Ramirez’s career, but the of the artist, including a re-creation of Ramirez’s McNay also will be showing prints and a video shown 2002 Artpace residency exhibit, “Bean & Cheese,” at the Arlington (Texas) Museum of Art and a vignette exactly replicating Artpace’s gallery and featuring from “Long-Term Survivor,” his 1990 Hudson Showroom all of his work from the exhibit 15 years ago, exhibit at Artpace that dealt directly with Ramirez’s including oversize images of fruit cocktail and HIV-positive status. green peas, empty candy box liners and 12 smaller images of raw meat.

“His work is all about mortality and how fleeting life can be,” Barilleaux said. “Some people tend to dismiss “People know the social side of Chuck, and in his work because they consider it too advertisingportraits of his many friends and people he knew in the art world.

September/October 2017 | On The Town 73

driven. He used humor, but there’s more pathos than you might expect.”

Contemporary and now serves as the curator of exhibitions at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, California.

Semmes Foundation intern Hilary Schroeder, who assisted Barilleaux in organizing the exhibit, Ferrer notes Ramirez had a knack for creating an said she was immediately attracted to Ramirez’s irreverent people’s art, but his quirky imagery sense of humor and style. sets him apart from most Latino photographers who generally use the medium to explore their “His work is beautiful and funny, but he was always culture. With a Mexican-American father and thinking about deeper themes,” Schroeder said. Anglo mother, Ramirez straddled the worlds “His images say a lot about who we are. It took of traditional Latino culture and international some detective work to track down everything, contemporary art. but we were able to select works from museum and private collections as well as the estate of “The seemingly random things he showed us Chuck Ramirez.” always held meaning for him,” Ferrer writes. “They told bits of a story and acted as visual indices to Ramirez’s photograph of a lump of hamburger what was then important in his life. By depicting meat, “Ground Chuck,” perhaps his most his subject matter with such polish and in large autobiographical image, is on the cover of scale, he demanded our attention, signifying that the McNay’s catalog for the show, which these kinds of things could be meaningful.” features essays by Elizabeth Ferrer, an expert in Latino photography and former director McNay Art Museum of the Austin Museum of Art, now based in 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. Brooklyn, New York, and Edward Hayes Jr., who 210-824-5368 got to know Ramirez while working at Blue Star www.mcnayart.org 74 On The Town | September/October 2017

Photo Credits: Page 72 (L-R) Chuck Ramirez, 1964-201. Black Sack 2 from Trash Bags, 1998, printed 2001.

Digital print. Collection of the McNay Art Museum, San Antonio, Texas, Gift of Elaine Wolff and Michael Westheimer. © Estate of Chuck Ramirez, Courtesy Ruiz-Healy Art, San Antonio, Texas.

Chuck Ramirez, 1964-2010.Whatacup, 2002 Digital print. Collection of the Art Museum of South Texas, Corpus Christi, Texas. © Estate of Chuck Ramirez, Courtesy Ruiz-Healy Art, San Antonio, Texas.

Page 73 (L-R) Chuck Ramirez, 1964-2010. Whatacup, 2002 Digital print. Collection of the Art Museum of South Texas, Corpus Christi, Texas. © Estate of Chuck Ramirez, Courtesy Ruiz-Healy Art, San Antonio, Texas.

Chuck Ramirez, 1964-2010. Scott from Piñata, 2002 Digital print. © Estate of Chuck Ramirez, Courtesy Ruiz-Healy Art, San Antonio, Texas Pages 74-75 (L-R) Chuck Ramirez, 1964-2010. Black Heart from Candy Trays, 2008.

Digital print. © Estate of Chuck Ramirez, Courtesy Ruiz-Healy Art, San Antonio, Texas Chuck Ramirez, 1964-2010. Louis (Linda) from Purse Portraits, 2005. Digital print. © Estate of Chuck Ramirez, Courtesy Ruiz-Healy Art, San Antonio, Texas.

Chuck Ramirez, 1964-2010. Dulce de Coco from Acenar, 2004. Digital print. © Estate of Chuck Ramirez, Courtesy Ruiz-Healy Art, San Antonio, Texas.

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Eclectics 78-86

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INCLUSION MAKES A BIG SPLASH AT INSPIRATION ISLAND

By Bob McCullough Photography Robin Jerstad

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aves of enthusiasm have greeted San Inspiration Island is the world’s first splash park Antonio’s newest place to cool off – designed with special-needs individuals of all Morgan’s Inspiration Island – since ages in mind and built for everyone’s enjoyment. making its splashy debut in mid-June.

“Like Morgan’s Wonderland, Morgan’s Inspiration But more than providing a refreshing way to Island is not a special-needs park; it ’s a park of deal with summer heat, the newest addition to inclusion,” said Gordon Har tman, founder of the unique Morgan’s Wonderland theme park the Gordon Har tman Family Foundation, which has a “cool” mission – inclusion, that is, to bring since 2005 has pursued endeavors benefiting together those with and without disabilities the special-needs community. “Ever yone – in a fun atmosphere so they can gain a better young and older, with or without special needs understanding of each other. Nonprofit Morgan’s – can recreate in a color ful aquatic environment

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Interstate 35 a half-mile away. Six major elements comprise the $17-million, tropically themed island paradise inspired by Hartman and his wife Maggie’s 23-year-old daughter with special needs, Morgan.

“We decided to call it Morgan’s Inspiration Island The new splash park is open on weekends in because Morgan truly has been the catalyst for September. Prospective guests are encouraged to every project we’ve pursued to help the specialgo online in advance at www.MorgansWonderland. needs community,” Hartman said. com to book admissions.

The River Boat Adventure ride presented by HEB “Our goal is to provide a great guest experience in twists and turns for more than five minutes through an inclusive, safe, comfortable, not overly crowded a jungle setting with bird and animal sounds in environment,” Hartman added. “When Morgan’s the background. Five water play areas – Hang 10 Wonderland opened in spring 2010, we really didn’t Harbor, Rainbow Reef presented by Whataburger, know what to expect, but the park’s popularity Shipwreck Island, Harvey’s Hideaway presented by has grown tremendously and encouraged us to the Harvey Najim Family Foundation and Calypso add Morgan’s Inspiration Island. Now, we have Cove – offer a variety of splashy elements such as two attractions like none other where everyone – rain trees, falls, pools, geysers, jets, water cannons and tipping buckets. regardless of ability or age – can play.” free of physical or economic barriers. Morgan’s Wonderland admits anyone with a special need free of charge, and the same policy is in effect at Morgan’s Inspiration Island.”

Morgan’s Inspiration Island overlooks the theme park’s 8-acre catch-and-release fishing lake. The focal point is a seven-story lighthouse with a rotating beacon on top that can be easily seen from

Just as is the case with Morgan’s Wonderland, every Morgan’s Inspiration Island element is wheelchair-accessible, and waterproof wristbands with RFID technology are available so parents can September/October 2017 | On The Town 79

go to a Location Station and easily ascertain the whereabouts of their children and other members of their party. Other special features include the capability of raising the water temperature at Rainbow Reef so guests with sensitivity to cold can still splash and play.

“In addition, we unveiled with the University of Pittsburgh revolutionary new wheelchairs propelled by compressed air,” Hartman said. “Our guests in expensive battery-powered wheelchairs can’t afford to get them wet, so we have special Morgan’s Inspiration Island PneuChairs™ available first-come, first-served, along with two other waterproof wheelchair models – a push-stroller type for guests needing assistance from a caregiver for mobility and a rigid-frame, manual wheelchair for guests who can push themselves. The first PneuChairs to go into service are prototypes that are already undergoing significant improvements.”

outlets for snacks and beverages; the Surf Shack Gifts and Gear sundries shop offering items such as sunscreen and souvenirs; a panoramic viewing deck; the Lago Vista air-conditioned party/ meeting room; and private cabanas for rent.

“In many ways, creating Morgan’s Inspiration Island feels a lot like it did when our team designed and built Morgan’s Wonderland with a focus on special-needs individuals – it’s never been done before,” Hartman said. “Over the past three years, we collaborated with water park consultants from Texas, Arizona, Florida and Canada as well as local doctors, special-needs therapists, specialeducation teachers, parents and caregivers.”

The 25-acre theme park and new splash park are located in Northeast San Antonio a half-mile west of Interstate 35 at the intersection of Wurzbach Parkway and Thousand Oaks Drive. Both embrace inclusion and intend to make “big splashes” for Hartman said spacious private areas are available years to come. where guests can transfer out of their wheelchairs into Morgan’s Inspiration Island waterproof Detailed information and updates are available at wheelchairs. Other facilities include the Rusty www.MorgansWonderland.com.

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Artistic Destination:

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THE ART OF ANN ARBOR Story and Photography By Julie Catalano

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o describe Ann Arbor, Michigan, as jampacked with arts offerings doesn’t begin to cover the depth and diversity of a vibrant scene that includes museums, galleries, theater, live entertainment venues and a host of creative industries. Oh, and football.

Founded in 1824, Ann Arbor (pop. 118,000) is the population center of Washtenaw County (365,000) and about 28 miles west of Detroit Wayne County Metropolitan Airport. “The county as home to two major universities, the University of Michigan (UM) and Eastern Michigan University,” said Deb Polich, president and CEO of the Arts Alliance (a3arts.org), a nonprofit arts advocacy organization located on Ann Arbor’s charming Main Street.

Established in 1817 and 1849 respectively, the

universities “certainly set the tone for the importance of arts and culture for centuries now,” Polich said.

Not for students only, Ann Arbor made Conde Nast Traveler’s 2014 list of “Best College Towns for People Who Aren’t in College.”

More than 240,000 people each year visit the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA), which boasts 21,000-plus items in Western, Asian and African art and photography. Commemorating UM’s bicentennial in 2017, “Abstractions” is the second part of a major exhibition entitled “Victors for Art,” drawn from the collections of UM alumni, featuring 115 works spanning 3,500 years. It runs through Oct. 29. The university also has an impressive collection of outdoor sculpture, including the brilliant redorange “Orion” (painted steel, 2006) by Mark di Suvero, in front of the museum.

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A lively lineup of live music and enjoyable entertainment spaces grace the area, starting with more than 300 performances a year at The Ark (theark.org), “one of the best folk and roots music houses in the country,” Polich said. Kerrytown Concert House (kerrytownconcerthouse.com) is a restored Victorian home adapted into an intimate, 110-seat concert hall with a year-round series in classical, jazz, cabaret and avant-garde.

Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival (paintdexter.org) draws artists from all over, painting outdoors for four days in summer followed by a threeday exhibition and sale. The two-day A2 Jazz Fest (a2jazzfest.com) brings together multigenerational jazz artists Sept. 8-9 in Ann Arbor.

Nearby Ypsilanti (eight miles east of Ann Arbor) is on the map with its Michigan Elvisfest, hailed by the Chicago Tribune as “one of the best music Entertaining and imaginative, the Ann Arbor Hands- festivals in the Midwest.” Every summer, top-notch On Museum is the perfect family destination with tribute artists and bands celebrate the life and four floors of interactive exhibits in science, math, music of Elvis Presley in Riverside Park. technology and more. Its partner organization, Leslie Science and Nature Center, features a fall Monarch Ypsilanti, Polich noted, is a town to watch, a rising Migration Festival, Astronomy Day Star Party, and star in the area’s arts scene. “A lot of young, creative people are investing their energies there, working Animal Haunts–Northern Neighbors (adults only). together to set up shop and start cool things.”

Festivals abound in Ann Arbor and nearby towns. One of those is DIYpsi, a twice-yearly summer and The immense and immensely popular Ann Arbor winter handmade art fair featuring the best indie Art Fair is four fairs in one, presented by the artists in the area (diypsi.com).

Guild of Artisans and Artists (theguild.org) and encompassing 29 city blocks every summer. The The acclaimed Ann Arbor Film Festival — the 84 On The Town | September/October 2017

oldest experimental film festival in North America — recently announced open call for entries for its 56th annual festival March 20-25. Submissions for shorts and features in animation, documentary, experimental, narrative and music video genres will be accepted until Sept.30 (aafilmfest.org). The festival’s main venue is the beautiful Michigan Theater in downtown Ann Arbor, a historic 1920s movie palace with two screening spaces.

Still, with the Michigan Wolverines holding the record for the most all-time wins in college history, “the best theater in town is football,” Polich said.

Their “stage” is the Big House, the nickname for UM’s stadium, the largest stadium in the country and one of the largest in the world. “It’s all about performance.

You put 110,000 people in there, and it’s pretty spectacular. You have music, you have drama, pomp and circumstance, and you have comedy, depending on which team you’re on. It’s all there.”

For more info, visitannarbor.org.

Photo Credits: Page 82 Nickels Arcade Page 83 (L-R) University of Michigan Museum of Art (both photos) Page 84 (L-R) Hands-On Museum WSD Gallery Page 85 (L-R) University of Michigan Museum of Art Hands-On Children’s Museum

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Literary Arts 88-92

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Book Talk:

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JAMES R. ADAIR Editor, Writer, Scholar and IT Specialist Story and Photography by Jasmina Wellinghoff

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San Antonio native, James R. Adair has such a varied background and interests that he can be called a renaissance man. After earning his B.S degree in computer and Information sciences from Trinity University, he embarked on a multifaceted career that has included a Ph.D. in Old and New Testament studies, pastoral service, mission experiences in the U.S. and abroad and an extensive teaching record at such institutions as the Baptist University of the Americas, Texas Christian University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and others. Along the way he has published a number of scholarly articles in Biblical textual criticism (his “passion”) as well as served as editor of an electronic journal devoted to this field of study. This was back in the 1990s when the digital realm was still developing, so Adair had to develop his own way for digitizing Greek and Hebrew texts that the journal included in its articles. He is also the author “of Introducing Christianity, a comprehensive, vividly written history of Christianity.

Adair is currently the associate director of Support & Technology in the Department of Philosophy and Classics at UTSA, where he also teaches.

In San Antonio literary circles, he is probably best known as the editor of Voices De La Luna, a quarterly literary magazine. Always discovering new territory, Adair has ventured into poetry and is currently working on a novel.

it exclusively online and published the first three issue online. But then, many people wanted to see it in print, too. So, starting with issue 4 in 2009, the magazine has had both a print version and a web presence. I got involved in 2011 as the technical director. Over time, I got more and more involved with all aspects of the magazine and Mo and James eventually asked me to take over as editor.

The goal was for Voices to be the premier literary magazine in all of South Texas. I think we are moving in that direction, particularly in San Antonio where there are no other literary magazines of the same stature. We have published many prominent poets not just from the region but at least a couple of U.S. poets laureate as well as state and city poets laureate. Also, some well-known prose writers.

But we don’t want to make it all about these famous people. Our focus is on San Antonio and South Texas, although not exclusively. Other are welcome to contribute.

JW: Could you briefly describe the magazine’s editorial profile?

JA: We publish poetry and both fiction and creative non-fiction prose. In every issue, we have several original poems, several prose pieces, an interview column, book reviews, and some news items. One feature that is unique to Voices is the therapy section, both poetry therapy and art therapy.

JW: Tell us about the beginnings of Voices De La JW: What exactly are they?

Luna.

JD: We first got involved with poetry therapy JD: It was started by Mo Saidi and James because (co-founder) James is a certified poetry Brandenburg, both poets. James is also a poetry therapist, in fact, the only one in Texas for a while… therapist and Mo, a physician, has always been Both therapies are used to help people deal interested in it, too. At first, they intended to do with difficult life situations – incarceration, drug September/October 2017 | On The Town 89

addiction, family problems, all sorts of things. But others may join a poetry therapy workshop to learn how to express themselves through poetry. It’s an interesting feature and a way of connecting with people who are not necessarily poets or writers, but everyone can learn to express themselves through words or drawings. It showcases the therapeutic nature of the arts.

JW:

organization. What are some other initiatives/ programs that it has been active in?

JA: From the beginning, editors, board members and associated volunteers have been activ in the community in various ways. The poetry therapy workshops are one example. We also sponsor open mic poetry readings open to all; we have monthly free literary nights at the Tobin Library; Voices De La Luna is also a nonprofit our volunteers lead writing groups in places such

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as Haven for Hope and other community settings. is that I see myself as a religious pluralist who And we have an annual youth poetry contest operates primarily from the Christian tradition. I love supported by H-E-B. teaching world religions because every time I teach that class I get new insights into other religions and JW: To switch gears for a moment: How did you get discover so many commonalities. One thing I tell my interested in ministry and Biblical textual criticism? students is “Don’t look only at differences; look at the commonalities between Christianity, Buddhism, JA: I grew up in a Baptist home, my grandfather Judaism, Sikhism, and so forth. We need to learn to was a preacher, my dad was a deacon, so I was transcend our differences and look at what we have always interested in the study of the Bible. I went in common. For me, that’s what the most important. to seminary and while there my outlook broadened a bit and I became interested in the study of JW: Back to writing: You have written short stories, religious traditions and Christian history. As I got poems, and are working on a novel. I would think your older, I branched out even more to the study of life experiences would provide rich material for fiction. the humanities and history in general. Now I teach humanities and religious studies classes. That’s JD: All my short stories have some sort of religious what I really like to do - teach and write. I have focus, like a character who is somehow related been involved with academic writing for years to a religious tradition or an event related to until I discovered creative writing through my religion. None of them is preachy, however, in association with Voices. I am enjoying it. the sense of pushing religion. Where my travels and experiences help is in allowing me to have JW: You have traveled to many places as characters who are not just like me. For instance, a missionary and teacher, how have those one of the characters in my novel is a college experiences impacted you? student from the Valley, whose Moslem family is from Mexico. He talks about the difficulty of JA: I grew up in a relatively sheltered finding a mosque with Spanish services, and that environment. I was not exposed to a lot of sort of thing. And another character is an Armenian variety of thought and experience. My travels Orthodox Christian. Another example is one of my and studies allowed me to meet people of many short stories that is set in Texas but focuses on languages and cultures and help broaden my German settlers from the 1840s. I made up a group horizons considerably. I now have tremendous of people who are religious refugees from Europe appreciation for cultural differences and where they suffered persecution because they differences in perspective. Just an example: were a religious minority… Having a wide range I had heard of something called “liberation of experiences allows you to write stories that are theology ” before going to S. Africa but I never very different from each other. studied it. In S. Africa, however, it was central to what African people were experiencing and JW: What goals do you have for Voices De La Luna it was ver y impor tant to millions of people for the near future? involved in the struggle for liberation from the Apar theid system. I read a lot of books on JA: I would like our visibility and reputation to it and saw liberation theology in action. It sure grow because of the quality product we produce changed my outlook. and I would like to see Voices partner with other literary entities in San Antonio to elevate the JW: How has all of that influence your faith? profile of literature in the city. Having a city poet laureate is a good start but we can build on that.

JA: I have become less and less sure of what I Partnering is a way to bolster not only Voices but believe and know. Though I still have my core beliefs other arts and literary organizations in the city.

I have become more respectful of what other people ---------------------------------------------------------------believe. In the past if people asked me if I was a Christian, I would say, yes, I am a Christian. Today, Mr. Adair’s comments have been edited for the short answer is still “yes,” but the longer answer publication September/October 2017 | On The Town 91

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Out & About with Greg Harrison 94-99

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