CC Magazine - March 2012 by Publication Printer

MARCH 2012

MAGAZINE

BUILDING THE GREEN CORRIDOR

HOW CORPUS CHRISTI IS TAKING THE LEAD IN GREEN ENERGY

FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

TAKING OVER DOWNTOWN MARCH 30-31

TRANS SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA BEETHOVEN’S LAST NIGHT

I’m

FREE and I’m waiting for you to follow me

A Taste of Austin Huge Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten-Free Friendly Menu Fresh Non-veg stuff too. Bohemian atmosphere free wifi fI First Friday ArtWalk: New Art every month, live music USCF rated chess tournaments EVERY Friday Open Mic Second Saturday Bizarre BAzaar: every third Saturday featuring live music, bellydancing, local artists and makers Corpus Christi Books and Beverages: the last Wednesday of every month Yoga on Saturday Mornings

Tango Tea Room 505 South Water Street 361-883-9123

Say hello to Candace, our newest Tea Diva

CC magazine

JEFF CRAFT Publisher

JCRAFT@CCMAGONLINE.COM

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Samantha Koepp, Dale Rankin, Georgia Griffin, Ronnie Narmour, Aletha Eyerman, Austin Prowse, Austin Adams

PHOTOGRAPHY Lenz Photos Courtesy of M & J Photography Miles Merwin, Jan Rankin, Dale Rankin, Ronnie Narmour, Georgia Griffin, Austin Prowse, Jeff Craft, Tony Adams

From the Publisher... We’ve had a great February and looking at March, there’s just a lot going on. On March 6th, Hargreaves, the design firm who is planning Destination Bayfront will present what they’ve designed for us. Cirque Du Soleil will present Dralion March 9th through 11th, we’re sending ace entertainment editor Aletha Eyerman to the show to report back on just exactly how much fun she has. In this issue we have a submission from Austin Adams of the Sierra Club, talking about how CC is making huge strides in green energy production, A new photojournalist, Austin Prowse submitted some great photos from the American Bank Center’s big Showtime Boxing event. Mr. Smarty Pants is back weighing in on the Time-Warner Cable vs. KRIS TV battle, and reminds us that, in the words of Hunter S. Thompson, “Television is a plastic money trench, where pimps and thieves run free and good men die like dogs.” Which brings us to Schlitterbahn, the City has approved zoning for the new park, and Dale Rankin gives you the rest of the story. Wich brings us to The Big Event- Corpus Christi’s Festival of the Arts, March 30 through April 1, downtown at the Art Center and Sherrill Park. This looks to be one of the most fun art events I’ve ever heard about, just the sidewalk art alone is enough to make me head over there with a camera and bring the whole family for a lot of fun stuff. Be sure to welcome spring into your life this month, get outside and enjoy it because summer is looming just around the corner, like a 100 degree, humid bully, just waiting to knock the wind out of your sails. So get out on the beach and enjoy this most beautiful of months in Corpus Christi.

Jeff Craft (Left) CC Magazine writer, Aletha Eyerman, had an unforgettable Valentine’s Day! Here she is with Johnny Legs after the show! (she was so excited she forgot to turn the magazine around for the camera) (Below) Paradise Limousines owner and occasional CC Magazine contributor Tony Adams managed to get the magazine the right way round for his photo.

© Copyright 2011 all rights reserved. CC Publishing, LLC reserves the right to edit, rewrite & refuse editorial materials and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, omissions, or consequence arising from it. CC magazine shall be held harmless indemnified against any third party claims. CC Publishing, LLC accepts no claims made by agents, contributors or photographers. Opinions expressed by contributing writers or columnists are not necessarily those of CC Publishing, LLC or its affiliates. Advertisers appearing in CC magazine present only the viewpoint of the advertisers. CC magazine is printed in the USA. We assume no responsibility for advertising claims made in this publication. All correspondence to this publication becomes the property of CC magazine. Publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without express permission of the publisher and author(s).

er, Aletha orgettable

Johnny (she was t to turn d for the

imousines onal CC or Tony get the way round

08 Beethoven’s Last Night Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be playing at the American Bank Center’s Selena Auditorium at 7:30pm, March 4th. What could be better than TSO’s performances? Their generous spirit! For every single ticket sold, TSO donates at least $1 from that ticket sale to a local charity and have been doing so since the very beginning. Over the past 10 years, TSO has sold over eight million tickets. Do the math and that means they have donated over 8 million dollars to charity!

The Canvas Manuesl Saenz - Manuel goes out on a limb… he explores topics that interest him and that others may not have viewed from the same visual perspective. A case in point was his BFA exhibition titled “Fuschia: Breaking the Rules” – a visual thesis on Gender Illusion.

Building the Green

Corridor

Mr. Smarty Pants

Inside the Center

11 Art Scene 14 STARS Events Page 15 Live Music tonight 18 Dining Guide 21 Night Life & Club guide 21 Personal Services guide 23 The Lenz 24 Showtime Boxing 26 Neuro Drinks 26 Schlitterbahn Update

Festival of the Arts

The Festival of the Arts is an annual weekend of activities and events to promote Corpus Christi as a cultural center. There is a huge diversity of artistic expression in this city, and the Coastal Bend region, that enhances our quality of life offering, exciting activities for both residents and visitors. Georgia Griffin gives us a preview of this great event.

CC CONTACT CC @ 361.443.2137 505 S Water St Suite 545 Corpus Christi, Tx 78401

ADVERTISING JEFF CRAFT 361.443.2137 JAN RANKIN 361.949.7700

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Subscriptions are now available for delivery anywhere in continental United States ONLY $24.95 per year! Place your order at 361-443-2137

For points of distribution go to ccmagonline.com

Building the Green Corridor

By Austin Adams, Clean Technology Advocate

In the race for clean energy markets, it’s first come, first served. Thanks to combined leadership by the city, school districts, and business leaders, San Antonio is neck and neck with Austin for the title of Texas’ clean energy leader. San Antonio’s commitment to 771 megawatts of energy efficiency by the end of the decade has set the path to create and sustain as many as 2,000 new jobs. They’ve also secured at least 800 new jobs in solar manufacturing. But Austin is not about to give up the title so soon: according to labor market projections, over the next 10 years, Austin-area employers in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industry cluster will add almost 30,000 new green jobs representing one-eighth of total job growth for that period. Austin and San Antonio have shown leadership and led with their values on sustainability, and those efforts are paying off in terms of new jobs and investment dollars which are flowing like never before. Other cities are getting wise to this strategy, and it seems that the “Green Corridor” on Interstate 35 might actually expand down past San Antonio all the way to port city and unlikely green candidate, Corpus Christi. As a Corpus Christi native and the son of oil man myself, I know that my home city was built on energy production, so I’m often puzzled why a city that knows the energy business doesn’t lead the way in capitalizing on wind and solar. Not only that, but Corpus Christi has a deep water port, a great university in addition to excellent technical schools and community colleges, and finally, an incredible amount of wind and sun that makes it an ideal candidate to become a center for wind and solar energy generation, manufacturing, and research. Not capturing and selling energy from cheap, clean, and perhaps most importantly, water-free sources of power seems like a wasted opportunity. But Corpus Christi leadership doesn’t seem to want to waste those opportunities anymore. Last year, led by Nueces County Judge Lloyd Neal, energy upgrades like a new air conditioning system, lighting improvements, water conservation measures, 84 solar thermal panels, and 110 photovoltaic solar panels were unveiled at the Nueces County courthouse and jail. These upgrades will save the county at least $500,000 dollars a year. The

recently introduced Corpus Christi Integrated Community Sustainability Plan has interesting plans for the city, including calling for more efficient buildings, incentives for home builders to build solarready homes, and turning a currently foreclosed-upon, mostly abandoned mall into a net-zero energy use building that would also be the home of renewable energy demonstration projects. Corpus Christi is at a crossroads, and if local political and business leaders don’t begin engaging retail electric providers and act assertively in creating and supporting the appropriate infrastructure, the clean energy market will go elsewhere. If it sets a path that relies on clean sources of power that take advantage of its natural resources, create jobs, and protect our environment, it could join the ranks of innovative, dynamic, growing Texas cities.

Ask Mr. Smarty Pants

running ads on KZTV saying they can’t get Time Warner to call them back. After three days of trying Mr. Smarty Pants never talked to a live person there. He talked to some very nice recorded voices who informed him that if he wanted to subscribe he could press 2, or if his television was on fire he could press 3. Now he has a suggestion for them; they should have one that says If you are so mad at us by now that you are looking for your shotgun, press 9! Mr. Smarty Pants would have that one on his speed dial. E-mails to the brass at KRIS fell on similar deaf ears.

He Knows Everything There Is To Know About Corpus Christi

So Mr. Smarty Pants can’t tell you when/if the Great Television Feud of 2012 will be resolved. He can’t even say for sure there are any humans working at Time Warner. Has anyone actually ever been inside their local offices?

mrsmartypants@ccmagonline.com

Dear Mr. Smarty Pants,

It’s been more than two months now since Channel 6 –KRIS- went off of Time Warner Cable. I watched the Superbowl at a bar and that was okay but there are a couple of shows on NBC that I like to watch. Do you have any idea when KRIS will be back on cable? Should I go get rabbit ears or should I just wait until things get back to normal? Bobby Jimenez

“Television is a plastic money trench, where pimps and thieves run free and good men die like dogs.”

TV purgatory Mr. Smarty Pants can say that the digital rabbit ears available now work really well to get an on-air signal. And you can also watch NBC network programming on Time Warner a day late but without the local news. There are also some Internet options available that also work quite well.

The best advice Mr. Smarty Pants can give is to get used to the Nuclear Television Winter. Time Warner is a big outfit and if they flinch then every local station in the country is going to try and hardball them. Until a few weeks ago they had a similar feud with the Madison Square Garden Network in New York and were not broadcasting the Knicks games even as Jeremy Lin became the talk of the town. But there’s a big difference between the 2 million households in the nation’s number one market missing the hottest show in town and viewers in the nation’s 129th market missing Dead Wrong Dale.

Well Bobby, it’s a good time to be a cable customer in Corpus Christi. We hear there is a long line down at the TW office to turn in your box and their competitors are in a feeding frenzy to get people to switch their service. It’s a buyers market. February is a month when television stations do ratings and being dark in thirty percent of the homes in town can’t be a good thing for the folks over at KRIS. Really, how are we going to know about the latest car wreck or who stabbed who in a bar on Sam Rankin Street, or which restaurant forgot to wash the dishes between customers? Oh the humanity.

Here’s guessing that the reason Time Warner isn’t returning phone calls is that they have made their final offer and the Nuclear Television Winter will continue until KRIS decides to cut their losses and cave.

Nuclear Television Winter This situation reminds Mr. Smarty Pants of the Cold War Years and the idea of Mutual Assured Destruction which held that if we fired all our guns at once we would all explode into space together. The television station fired its nuke by withholding its product, including the Superbowl by the way, and Time Warner retaliated by letting them. Now both are experiencing a Nuclear Winter.

It’s time to bring in the brass monkeys.

Having spent too many years in the television wars Mr. Smarty Pants agrees with the late great Hunter Thompson who rightly said, “Television is a plastic money trench, where pimps and thieves run free and good men die like dogs.” But the saddest part of all has been the desperate brayings of the operators over at KRIS who have taken to the airwaves on their sister station, KZTV, to complain that the folks at Time Warner are not returning their phone calls. Seems they want to negotiate but need someone to negotiate with. Be careful what you ask for. It’s like a wailing child sitting alone is his sandbox with no one to throw sand at. Their latest volley is to go on air and plead with viewers to call Time Warner and demand they put Channel 6 back on cable. It reeks of desperation and is just sad.

Is anybody home? Mr. Smarty Pants tried to call Time Warner and find out if there had been any progress in the talks but guess what? Now he understands why KRIS is

Beethovenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Last Night

By Aletha Eyerman I’ve never been a fan of holiday music and allow me this moment to blame it on my mother.

went on to write some of the greatest compositions ever created. His music would bring delight, joy and compassion to billions, but he himself would never hear his last work.”

Imagine growing up in a household where your mom does nothing else from Thanksgiving to the end of December but listen to holiday music to try and get you in the “spirit.” Oh, the horror! I suppose it would not have been so bad had the holiday songs been tempered with other music. But they weren’t so I knew that one day I would move out of the house and never listen to holiday music again.

TSO will be performing “Beethoven’s Last Night” for one final tour before the band begins to focus on its new album and new live concert spectacular. Not to be missed, this unparalleled unique performance combines virtuoso musicianship, story-telling and over the top production. Audiences will immerse themselves into “Beethoven’s Last Night,” with the music and story of the famed composer as he battles for his eternal soul.

Then in 2001, my mother took me to a show. She is a predictable woman but with this show I didn’t really know what to expect because she wouldn’t tell me anything. I played along and Mom and I put on our fancy clothes and jewelry and went to a proper theater - the kind of theater with red velvet chairs, draperies from floor to ceiling, and ushers in tuxedos. We knew how to hit the town.

What could be better than TSO’s performances? Their generous spirit! For every single ticket sold, TSO donates at least $1 from that ticket sale to a local charity and have been doing so since the very beginning. Over the past 10 years, TSO has sold over eight million tickets. Do the math and that means they have donated over 8 million dollars to charity!

Then I saw the marquee: Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Christmas Eve and Other Stories. For real, mom? An orchestra? Boring old men with horns! And worse was that those boring old mens’ horns would be tooting Christmas music! I was in hell.

Al Pitrelli, guitarist and collaborator for TSO, told me that O’Neil, TSO’s creator “is a generous, loving and kind individual” who truly believes in creating goodness and giving to communities. TSO started out with Christmas performances and albums and in the spirit of the holidays, wanted to give something back. Thus, it all began. “It is easy to give around the holidays because that is what everyone does,” offered Pitrelli. O’Neil also realized that it was easy to keep on giving and understood that “hardships don’t just happen around the holidays.” So, the band gave on.

And then the band played. Electric guitars, booming drums, big hair flying around, pyrotechnics! I was at a rock concert. Trans-Siberian Orchestra changed holiday music for me that night and I’m sure, for many others. They’ve taken holiday music to the next level, (Christmas Eve and Other Stories, 1996 and The Christmas Attic, 1998), and now Trans-Siberian Orchestra is amazing audiences with their rock opera treatment of classical music. The band is back in Corpus on March 4th for the final leg of “Beethoven’s Last Night,” the story of Beethoven’s final hours. If you haven’t seen the show, you need to before it’s too late.

Last year TSO performed in Corpus on Mother’s Day. And last year, just like this year, at least $1 of each ticket sold will go to Family Outreach of Corpus Christi, a local charity that helps families find resources and receive counseling, education and support with the ultimate goal of preventing child abuse and neglect. Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be playing at the American Bank Center’s Selena Auditorium at 7:30pm, March 4th. For more information on Trans-Siberian Orchestra go to www.trans-siberian.com. To find out more about Family Outreach of Corpus Christi, please visit: www.familyoutreach-cc.org.

TSO creator, Paul O’Neil explains, “By the age of 21 Beethoven tackled Vienna, at 25 Beethoven realized he was going deaf. He could have given up on his music and life and no one would have judged him harshly but instead he 09

by Samantha Koepp Top Ten Reasons to Have Your One-of- A -Kind Event at American Bank Center There are many special occasions to celebrate throughout one’s life and those experiences are what we remember the most. It can be a difﬁcult task to choose a venue that sets the foundation for either a wonderful or less than wonderful memory. Luckily there are several reasons why you would want to spend your special day at American Bank Center. Here are the top ten reasons: 1) Voted The Corpus Christi Caller Times 2011 Best of the Best location for special occasions and weddings. 2) Event Coordinator. When planning an event, many elements are involved. American Bank Center assigns an Event Coordinator to your event to assist you with the planning process. Your Event Coordinator will help execute your vision! 3) Variety of packages. We will ﬁnd out your event needs and give you all of the options available. You tell us what works for you, and we will make it happen! 4) Vast experience with social events. Since 2005 our convention center has hosted thousands of events ranging from rehearsal dinners, baby and bridal Neuro CorpusChristi Ad PrintReadyFeb9.pdf showers, weddings, quinceaneras, sweet 16s, anniversary parties, graduation

CMY

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5) Professional and friendly staff. From our parking attendants to our event staff, you will encounter professionals who are focused on making your event a success! 6) Onsite catering. Finding the right caterer can be as daunting as ﬁnding a venue but we have that taken care of for you! Our in-house, award winning catering company, Centerplate, can customize a menu for you and wow your guests. 7) Breathtaking views. Our rooms offer some of the most gorgeous views on the bay front! Imagine looking out at the bay, the harbor bridge, the Lexington or the watergardens while in the midst of celebrating. 8) Proximity to great outdoor photo locations. Located next to the beautiful watergardens, sparkling bay and Heritage Park, you can take advantage of the local scenery and historical buildings for great photos before or after your event. 9) An array of room options. Before you start planning your event, one of the ﬁrst things you already have in mind is the date and it can be a gamble trying to book a space for a certain date if the venue can only hold one event at a time. Fortunately we have several room options, ranging from the Henry Garrett Ballroom, Water Garden Room, Rotunda and more. 10) Plenty of parking spaces. While it may not be one of your main concerns, having an adequate amount of parking is an important consideration for your guests. We have several parking lots and can even arrange valet parking. Please contact Julia Powers, SMG American Bank Center Sales Account Executive, at 361-826-4111 to book your event today! American Bank Center is Corpus Christi’s premier event center providing unprecedented guest experiences. For more information, visit us online at www.americanbankcenter.com.

E TH

Center INSIDE THE

celebrations and more.

Art Scene A Few Items Of Note For March

K Space Contemporary 415 D Starr Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401 361.887.6834 KSpaceContemporary.org Wed-Sat 11a – 5p Free Admission

First Friday ArtWalk March 2nd, 2012, 5:30-9pm (ArtWalk) Gallery talk with Dennis Olsen at 6pm Main Gallery Fictive Portraits: Samplings from a Timeless Village – Intaglio prints and monotypes by Dennis Olsen

dramatic effects in her portrayal of life moments, architectural and still life’s, as well as the organic nature of her ﬂoral works.

Art Museum of South Texas 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd Corpus Christi, TX 78401 Tel: 361.825.3500 STIA.org Hours: Tues - Sat 10a to 5p Sundays 1p to 5p Closed Mondays & Holidays

“Chalk It Up For The Arts” March 30th and 31st, and April 1st, 2012

Golden Legacy: 65 Years of Golden Books

At the Art Center and Sherrill Park: A 3-day Celebration of Artistic Expression!!

March 6th through May 27th, 2012

Festival hours:

Antecedent – Cyanotypes by Diana Byers

Michael Scott: Buffalo Bulb’s Wild West Show

Assemblages – Mixed media works by Becky Smith Corner Spot Betty – Paintings by Betty Mobley from the collection of Monica and Scott Ellison

Art Center of Corpus Christi 100 Shoreline Blvd Corpus Christi, TX 78401 361.884.6406 ArtCenterCC.org 10a – 4p Every day except Monday Monday CLOSED Admission is always FREE

WSST Watercolor Society of South Texas Thursday, March 8th, 2012 Opening Artists’ Reception 5p to 9p Award Ceremony 6p Annual juried show featuring works by members of the WSST. Juror: Rae Andrews, internationally known artist, instructor, and now an Austin gallery owner.

Bay Area Art League Annual Member Exhibition, all media. Reception for Solo Show First Friday ArtWalk, March 2nd, 2012, 6p to 9p Kathryn Leeson-Kight: Portraits of the 2011 Rockport Home Tour Friday, February 17th through Saturday, March 4th, 2012 Interior designer and painter Kathryn Leeson-Kight was selected by the Rockport Art Center to paint the portraits of homes shown on the 2011 Tour of Homes fundraiser.

March 9th through June 3rd, 2012 Artist Michael Scott playfully links the Dutch tulip mania with America’s Wild West Show, through the technique and style of Old Master portraiture, using historical imagery and the myths surrounding Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, Scott “examines human gullibility, our susceptibility to natural beauty, and our willingness to be seduced by it.” This exhibition of paintings is enhanced by artifacts used by Scott in his work. Michael Scott, Red Tulip Shooting Game, oil on panel, 17½” X 13”. Check the museum’s website event calendar for other events throughout the month.

Rockport Center for the Arts 902 Navigation Circle Rockport, Texas 78382 Tel: 361.729.5519 RockportArtCenter.com Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10a – 4p Sundays, 1p – 4p Closed Mondays Always Free Admission

Rising Eyes of Texas

Treehouse Art Collective LLC

Reception: Saturday, March 10th, 5-7p

309 North Water Street, Suite D Corpus Christi, TX 78401 361.882.4822 TreehouseArtCC.com Tue-Sat 11a – 8p Sunday Noon to 6p Free Admission First Friday, March 2nd 2012, 5:30p to 9p Featured Artists: Clarice Bookamer & Debbie Cannatella

Every year RCA hosts a statewide juried exhibition for undergraduate and graduate students emerging in the visual arts. Prize winners are awarded to the top three artworks, selected by invited juror. This year’s juror is Colette Copeland, multimedia artist and arts writer for Glasstire and Afterimage. In addition, one artist will be selected for the Rising Eyes Residency, a new program that will result in a solo show in RCA’s Garden Gallery this August. Follow Rising Eyes of Texas

Clarice Bookamer is known for her whimsical, fun “Fish with Attitude” series. Clarice’s ceramics are full of an exciting blending of color and exaggeration. Debbie Cannatella’s work is recognized for the explosion of color, shadow play, and

The Merriman-Bobys House 1521 North Chaparral Street Corpus Christi, Texas 78401 CCFestivalArts.org By Appointment Only Always Free Admission March 2nd, 2012, 6p to 9p

Hot Spot

Art Star

Festival of the Arts

First Friday, ArtWalk

This exhibition presents the most extensive public showing ever of original illustrated art from the beloved picture-book series, the Little Golden Books. Sixty original illustrations by a broad array of American and European artists, chosen from the vast Random House archives, will be featured in the exhibition. This exhibit was organized by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature in Abilene, Texas. Local support comes from the Scripps Howard Foundation. Tibor Gergely, The Great Big Fire Engine Book, 1950; Gouache and watercolor, 22” X 30¼”.

Works on display through April 27th, 2012

on Facebook.

Opening Ceremony and Artists ReceptionFriday March 30th, 5:30pm to 9pm Saturday March 31st, 10am – 7pm Cinema under the Stars ~ 7pm to 10pm An Evening of Cinema, Music & More - Under the Stars! Sunday April 1st, 10am to 6pm Open to the public, Free. New gallery exhibits open, live music, and refreshments.

The

Canvas

Exposing Local Artists…

By Georgia Griffin

Manuel E. Saenz I was introduced to Manuel E. Saenz’ work by Angela Schwengler. If her name is familiar, it’s because I profiled her in this column last year, and I’m pleased to announce that Angela has accepted my invitation to take over my role as curator at the Tango Tea Room.

of personal acceptance. I portray them in all their fabulousness through paintings and prints. Every brush stroke is driven by the recollection of a moment past, and my hands are guided by the memorable dance rhythm in my mind. I depict their images in a realistic manner out of respect and admiration without denying their fierce alter egos, to give them the presence they deserve.

Which brings me back to Manuel E. Saenz – Angela has coaxed Manuel to present his work at the Tango Tea Room for the month of March – and it’s sure to fill the space with the exciting energy of a young painter just getting started. Currently super busy working on getting his masters in education, with all the study and homework that entails, Manuel is making time to put some new pieces together for this upcoming show. Pointing to the work currently on his easel, “That’s something I’m trying to do for my show over at the Tea Room because I want to add some new work to what I’ve had before. I’ve got a couple of drawings that I just finished. It’s like I tell Angela and other people, I have not picked up a pencil or a paintbrush in over a year because I was so burnt out… but then Angela brought up this opportunity for me.”

Sitting down with Manuel we discussed his choice of subject for the BFA show, and what he’s doing now. “I work from photographs just because it’s easier. I’ve met these people, here and there, but I’ve never really talked to them. They’re all entertainers here or from here. Drag queens. So I ask ‘can I use it’ and they say go ahead.” Gesturing toward a Tina Turner look alike piece I was admiring, “That’s Larry. He’s originally from San Antonio, and he’s in (Las) Vegas now. He was in “Miss Congeniality 2”, at the end when they had all the Tinas and she comes out and sings “What’s Love Got to Do With It” and they’re all at the table, he’s there. That one was hard, all the hair and the fringe, and I just had to do it. I just had to stop thinking about it and do it.

Manuel goes out on a limb… he explores topics that interest him and that others may not have viewed from the same visual perspective. A case in point was his BFA exhibition titled “Fuschia: Breaking the Rules” – a visual thesis on Gender Illusion. I went to his website (its-a-mes-art-by-mesaenz.weebly.com) to grab this quote from the accompanying Artist’s Statement: I have been influenced by Lucian Freud, Jenny Saville, and Walt Kuhn who portray their subjects, through painting, in a sensitive and meaningful manner with respect and integrity. I depict these entertainers who, for a brief moment, take the audience to the world of Gender Illusion, paying homage to femininity by perfecting the look and fantasy. These artists personify what should not be measured through gender, but through identity, and are not set from a mold of masculine or feminine attributes. They are proud people who entertain while breaking rules of stereotype without seeking approval from anyone. I appreciate them for this, because they show me another meaning

“That’s my problem, I start over thinking and I get tighter and tighter and start overworking a piece. The close I get then I’m just getting too involved in it. And then it has to start all matching and going together… like that one (motioning toward a tall door-sized piece of a spot-lit performer in a headdress and beaded gown) I worked on it for a whole semester… Joe Peña was my instructor at the time, and I went into his office and said, ‘I’m going to destroy it. I can’t do it, I’m going to destroy it.’ He said do what I told you to do – I was doing flesh tones and going for something really real, realism, and he said ‘but that’s not what your seeing in the photograph” – she was in the spotlight and it was really bright. 12

“So he came over to it and mixed that really bright yellowish white color, and he said ‘do it all over, she’s in the spotlight’… and I’m just looking at him and I’m looking at my painting, and he mixes it and he handed me the brush, he said ‘Do it,’ and he walked away. I’m just looking at my painting, my friend is working next to me and we’re looking at each other, and I just got my brush, and I just started doing it and I must have sounded like a crazy person back there just laughing… ‘Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god!’ I was hidden behind a cupboard in the back, and my friend’s like ‘I’m crying for you’ – but I stepped back from it even before I finished and I’m like ‘I like it so much better’. He said ‘it made her come alive’ once I did that. It wasn’t looking so forced. “Another of my professors from Del Mar, Amorette (Garza), says ‘people are so used to doing what they ‘know’ that they’re not looking at what they’re doing.’ It’s true. I have to stop looking at what I know, and look at what I see. That took me almost a year to do, until I finally broke away from it. I tell people, I’m always going to be a student. I’ll always be learning. “When I started school in 2005 I went into Del Mar saying ‘I already know what I’m doing.’ I know how to do this. I know how to draw. I was just like that… and finally I got to a point where I said ‘oh, I get it…’ as I was slowly realizing I no longer have this mentality that I know it all, that you can’t tell me anything because I already know what I’m doing. Now I may not look at you like I’m understanding you, but that’s because I’m still trying to figure it out. You’re talking in a whole different language from what I taught myself. “Joe was telling me, and I was fighting it. It was like ‘I know what you’re saying but I’m gonna to do it my way. It took him mixing that paint and handing me the brush for me to say, ‘ok, I’ll do it.’ And it worked. Once I did that it just loosened up my style completely. I was so stuck on blending and making it look like it was airbrushed and very smooth and formed... It really broke a habit and I need to keep going with it. It’s hard to keep going. “This whole opportunity (showing at the Tea Room) is the first thing since my BFA. I tell people, I’ve gotten lost. I was used to being in the art department. I’d get up in the morning and go in there and I knew what I was doing. I have to make my own way now and I want my masters, at least one masters; I want to teach to earn a living. So, I’ve gotten into the education department; I’ve got deadlines there now. So I’ve stopped painting pretty much. I have to do it; I know I have to do it. I have a quote, from Henry David Thoreau: Go confidently into the direction of your dreams! Live the life you have always imagined. “Every time I lose focus I try to tell myself that. Right now, for me, it’s just getting up and painting or drawing.”

Events Page March 9-10

Nina & Pinta Ships North American Whole Sale Jewelry & Gift Show Amazing exhibitors, huge variety & low wholesale prices!

Nina & Pinta Replica ships to dock at Corpus Christi Marina See what Archeology Magazine calls the most historically accurate replica ship ever built

Spring into the new year with incredible products in the bead, jewelry, fashion, gift & home decor industry! Rows & rows of WHOLESALE SHOPPING!

Free door prizes every 30 minutes!

Ha rbor P lay

www.ha rbor

house

playhouse.co

bulletin boar d on the wall above St anley’s bed co mes loose and fa lls - ri ght on top of Stanley! The next morning , Stanley La m bchop wakes up flat! In a whirlwind mus ical,Sta nley - the ultimat e exchange st udent scours the gl obe for a so lution to his unusua l prob lem. He’s stam ped, posted and ca ncelle d from Holly wood to France to Ho nolulu and be yond.

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Pre-Register Online: www.RGVShow.com MARCH 9, 2012 @ 12:00PM-6:00PM MARCH 10, 2012 @ 10:00AM-6:00PM

Aurora Arts Theater

MARCH 11, 2012 @ 11:00AM-5:00PM

www.auroraartstheatre.com

AMERICAN BANK CENTER CONVENTION CENTER

FRIDAY, MAR 2-SATURDAY, MAR 31

FREE ADMISSION- OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Corpus Christi Books & Beverages

Last Wednesday of every month

Altar Boyz

Altar Boyz is the hilarious story of a struggling Christian boy-band trying to make it big in New York City. Five talented heartthrobs from Ohio do their best to spread the word of God through pop music. However, can they resist the temptations of the Big Apple? The show is presented in real time as a concert, the last performance of their national “Raise the Praise” tour.

La Palmera Mall www.lapalmera.com

Visit the Easter Bunny March 1st–April 7th: La Palmera Center Court During normal mall hours: Mon–Sat: 10am–9pm Sun: 11am–7pm

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m

This Month’s Book:

The Hunger Games Corpus Christi Books and Beverages shares our love of books, beverages and bad ass desserts the last Wednesday of every month at Tango Tea Room from 6-9pm. This is not your mama’s book club! Grab a friend and a bottle of wine and join us anytime! Books and booze go together like, er, um...books and booze! If you like to read or just like to drink, you have to come to the monthly meeting of this super cool, classy and fun book club! The group is open to anyone interested and we won’t even harass you if you don’t finish the book! For more information on how to join (it is super easy) or to see the totally awesome pictures of past meetings and desserts (Oh! The desserts!) like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CCBooksAndBeverages.

Bizarre Bazaar Monthly Makers & Artists Event

Saturday March 17 2-9pm Live Music, Dance performances Featuring Only Hand-made Crafts & Original Art At the Tango Tea Room 505 S Water Street

T he Mu Adventures sica l Sta nley, J ro.-f F lat YPT One night, th e

Festival of the Arts March 30 - 31 At the Corpus Christi Art Center and Sherrill Park - Street art, performances, sand sculpture, workshops & fun activities for everyone.

Liv

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Compile

Live Music Tonight

The Coastal Bend's Most Complete Live Music Calendar Compiled by Ronnie Narmour

Thursday, March 1st Free Beer Band @ Tarpon Ice House Goodnight Avenue @ Executive Surf Club Whiskey Myers/ Kyle Bennett Band @ Brewster Street John Cortez @ Doctor Rockits

Friday, March 2nd Carol Elliott (5-7) @ Tarpon Ice House Mandy Rowden @ Tarpon Ice House Trysum @ Executive Surf Club Spazmatics @ Brewster Street Bar Nutz @ House of Rock Charlie & the Cool Cats @ Doctor Rockits Saturday, March 3rd Bruce Robison @ 3rd Coast Theater Ballyhoo!/ Tin Can Phone/ Weekday Boys @ House of Rock London Lobster Steam & Such @ Brewster Street Ice House Mandy Rowden @ Tarpon Ice House Carlton Pride and Zion @ Executive Surf Club Another Level @ Doctor Rockits Middle of the Road @ Brewster Street

Sunday, March 4th Trans Siberian Orchestra @ American Bank Center Victory by Birthright/ ECHO/ Rezs @ House of Rock Open Jam w/ Ricke Burnet @ Tarpon Ice House The Weekday Boys @ Doctor Rockits

Monday, March 5th Open Jam w/ Antone Perez @ Doctor Rockits D.R.I./ The Booked/ Switchblade Jesus/ Greedy Mouth @ House of Rock

Tuesday, March 6th Justin Estes Band @ Doctor Rockits Open Mic w/ Rev. Matt Martinez @ House of Rock

Wednesday, March 7th Flat Broke @ Doctor Rockits Beer & Berto @ House of Rock

Thursday, March 8th Free Beer Band @ Tarpon Ice House Aaron Einhouse @ Executive Surf Club Stephen James & Shakedown @ Doctor Rockits Aaron Watson/ Jason Cassidy @ Brewster Street Micheal O’Connor/ Rev. Fred Cook @ House of Rock

Friday, March 9th Hilda Lamas @ The Sea Wall Carol Elliott (5-7) @ Tarpon Ice House Cirque du Soliel presents Dralion @ American Bank Center Scarecrow People @ Back Porch The Groove @ Executive Surf Club The Business/ Downtown Strutts/ The Booked @ House of Rock Antone & the All Stars @ Doctor Rockits Another Level @ Brewster Street

Saturday, March 10th EMT @ The Sea Wall Ruben V @ Back Porch Cody Angel @ Wild Horse Phil Pritchett/ Lighter Ray @ Executive Surf Club

2nd Saturday Sing-Along Piano Show @ Brewster Street Michael Holt & Trophy 500 @ Doctor Rockits Lost Trailers/ Lighter Ray @ Brewster Street CC Symphony Orchestra @ Performing Arts Center TAMUCC

Sponsored by Hours Sun, Tues-Thurs... 11:00AM till 10:00PM Closed MONDAY Fri-Sat 11:00AM-Midnight

Sunday, March 11th Mike Guerra & John Lopez @ The Sea Wall Open Jam w/ Ricke Burnet @ Tarpon Ice House Kabomba/ Peace & Quiet @ Doctor Rockits Ballabajoomba @ House of Rock

Monday, March 12th Open Jam w/ Antone Perez @ Doctor Rockits Acoustic Night w/ Art Barrera @ House of Rock

Live music Friday, Saturday, Sunday Burgers, Seafood, Salads, Sandwiches Dog Friendly ● Full Bar 520 S Shoreline Corpus Christi, TX 78401 361-726-3533

check us out on Urbanspoon.com check us out on Facebook.com

Tuesday, March 13th Justin Estes Band @ Doctor Rockits Open Mic w/ Rev. Matt Martinez @ House of Rock

Wednesday, March 14th Sunglasses and Mushrooms @ Doctor Rockits Death by Stereo/ The Sparring @ House of Rock

Thursday, March 15th Cody Angel @ Back Porch Free Beer Band @ Tarpon Ice House American Aquarium @ Executive Surf Club John Cortez @ Doctor Rockits Local Licks @ House of Rock Jon Wolfe/ Rich O’Toole @ Brewster Street

Friday, March 16th Hilda Lamas @ The Sea Wall Carol Elliott (5-7) @ Tarpon Ice House The Kydells @ Tarpon Ice House Emory Quinn @ Back Porch Randy Rogers/ Kevin Fowler/ Kyle Park @ Concrete Street Cody Angel @ Scuttlebutt’s Scarecrow People @ Executive Surf Club Grant Ewing @ Doctor Rockits The Groove @ Brewster Street

Saturday, March 17th ST. PATTY’S DAY EMT @ The Sea Wall The Kydells @ Tarpon Ice House Cruise Control @ Back Porch Cheers!/ Fayuka/ Hybrid Roots/ Bad Chords/ Flatbroke @ House of Rock Tejas Brothers @ Third Coast Theater Rankin Twins @ Executive Surf Club Pride and Joy @ Doctor Rockits Metal Shop @ Brewster Street

Sunday, March 18th The Kydells @ Tarpon Ice House Stephen James & Shakedown @ Doctor Rockits

Monday, March 19th Open Jam w/ Antone Perez @ Doctor Rockits Chuck Ragan/ Tom Gabel/ Dan Andriano/ Cory Branan @ House of Rock

Tuesday, March 20th Justin Estes Band @ Doctor Rockits Open Mic w/ Rev. Matt Martinez @ House of Rock 15

Wednesday, March 21st Bad Chords @ Doctor Rockits Flatbroke @ House of Rock

Thursday, March 22nd Free Beer Band @ Tarpon Ice House Antone & the All Stars @ Doctor Rockits Wade Bowen/ Curtis Grimes @ Brewster Street

Friday, March 23rd Hilda Lamas @ The Sea Wall Carol Elliott (5-7) @ Tarpon Ice House Terry Rasor @ Back Porch Another Level @ Executive Surf Club The Groove @ Doctor Rockits Le Freak @ Brewster Street Shattered Sun + 11 bands @ House of Rock CC Live w/ Anna Watson @ Performing Arts Center TAMUCC

Monday, March 26th Open Jam w/ Antone Perez @ Doctor Rockits Acoustic Night w/ Art Barrera @ House of Rock

Tuesday, March 27th Justin Estes Band @ Doctor Rockits Open Mic w/ Rev. Matt Martinez @ House of Rock Wednesday, March 28th Mongo Stereo @ Doctor Rockits HOBO @ House of Rock

Thursday, March 29th Free Beer Band @ Tarpon Ice House Antone & the All Stars @ Doctor Rockits Reckless Kelly/ Zack Walther Band @ Brewster Street Autism Beneﬁt @ House of Rock

Saturday, March 24th

Friday, March 30th

Proﬁle @ The Sea Wall Mike Milligan @ the Altar Boys @ Back Porch Chris Watson Band @ Executive Surf Club Palacios Brothers @ Doctor Rockits Out of Bounds @ Brewster Street 3rd Anniversary NetherMedia Show @ House of Rock

Oso Texas @ Back Porch Carol Elliott (5-7) @ Tarpon Ice House The Groove @ Doctor Rockits Five Card Draw @ Brewster Street Whitechapel/ Miss May/ After the Burial/ Structures @ House of Rock

Sunday, March 25th

EMT @ The Sea Wall Joe Mack @ Tarpon Ice House Larry Joe Taylor @ Third Coast Theater Scarecrow People @ Back Porch Time Pilots @ Executive Surf Club Ruben V @ Doctor Rockits Scott H. Biram @ House of Rock Oso Texas @ Brewster Street CC Symphony Orchestra @ Wataburger Field

Mike Guerra & John Lopez @ The Sea Wall Open Jam w/ Ricke Burnet @ Tarpon Ice House Bottom Dollar String Band @ Doctor Rockits Ballabajoomba @ House of Rock

Saturday, March 31st

If your venue or show isn’t listed, let us know! we’ll get your dates in the next issue.

Festival of the Arts “Chalk It Up For The Arts” March 30th, 31st and April 1st, 2012

By Georgia Griffin I sat down for a long talk with Joye LaBarrett, President of the Board of Directors for the Festival of the Arts. This event is really a huge boon to the area and personally I would LOVE to see Corpus Christi really turn out at the Art Center and Sherrill Park the weekend of March 30th – 31st and April 1st, 2012, in support of The Arts this year. This isn’t some expensive thing, nor is it some sort of stuffy, “upper-crusty” or “old fogey” event, folks – It’s FREE and it’s FUN!

who can be in the event to be out on Sherrill Park selling their work, and in the courtyard at the Art Center. Last year we had 123 people apply. There’s always a scramble of last minute applications so I don’t have a final count yet (for this year). They’re coming from everywhere, not just Corpus Christi, or Texas, they’re coming from Massachusetts, New York State, Florida, there was somebody from Minnesota, Colorado, several from California and New Mexico… just everywhere, it’s national.”

The weekend long Festival of The Arts draws visitors from all over the state and the nation, and this year the Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors’ Bureau has gotten creative in it’s support of the event. There will be a package deal available though the CVB website (visitcorpuschristitx.org) or call 1-800-766-BEACH (2322). For event details, visit the Festival Of The Arts website at ccfestivalarts.org.

Many of you may already be aware of the Festival of the Arts through this annual event, or through their promotion of Corpus Christi’s Public Art Collection with its Art Tram Tour of the downtown area of Corpus Christi and participation in the ArtWalk held on the First Friday of each month. “Of course we will have the Art Tram Tour. Also for two days prior to the weekend events, on that Thursday and Friday, we hold free workshops for the students. Part of that is that we will do three public Art Tram Tours on Thursday and Friday for the students. And we will do the Italian Street Painting Workshops, where they have a one-on-one with the artist.” Joye is referring to internationally recognized Italian Street Painting artist, Julie Kirk-Purcell, who will once again be creating a work of art on the tile courtyard of the Art Center throughout the event, in addition to providing student workshops on the Thursday and Friday.

The actual Festival of the Arts itself is an annual weekend of activities and events to promote Corpus Christi as a cultural center. There is a huge diversity of artistic expression in this city, and the Coastal Bend region, that enhances our quality of life offering, exciting activities for both residents and visitors. A 501c3 non-profit corporation, the Festival of the Arts works year round to develop the resources to host this community event that supports appreciation of the arts along with economic and cultural development within Corpus Christi. While busily preparing for this year’s big event, Joye sat down to talk with me. “When the event first started it was strictly in the Art Center and in their north and south parking lots. Now we have expanded to Sherrill Park and will be closing off both Coopers Alley and Kinney Street. The artists go online and register – they submit 5 pieces and are juried for acceptance. They’re not juried by anyone that’s on the board or in anyway associated with the nonprofit.”

“Julie will probably start Wednesday on the piece she’s going to do. She sets up and does her preliminaries that day, and then she’ll be there early working in the courtyard on Thursday morning. Then working with the students on those three workshops a day.” Not to mention completing a massive and intricate piece of temporary art that is always worth the trip down to the Art Center in and of itself.

The application is handled by what’s called a ‘blind process’. “The jurors don’t see the artists’ names, it’s strictly done above board and they select

“The galleries open with all the new artwork (three exhibits this year) inside 16

the Art Center the evening of Friday the 30th. We have live music and refreshments at the opening reception. The artists are all coming and checking in by noon. At 5 o’clock (Friday) we ask them to stop setting up in Sherrill Park and the courtyard, and to come inside for the opening reception. The public is invited to the opening and it’s their opportunity to meet the artists, and to find out where their booth is located. Some of these are returning artists and I get calls throughout the year… “Oh I’ve been trying to contact this artist, I can’t find their business card, they were selling woodwork or pottery, on the bay side…” I get the event map out and by process of elimination I can find them and call the person back to say, “this is their email address to contact them, or this is their web address.” We keep all that information for that purpose. I get at least ten calls per year of people looking for someone that they want to contact. So when they come back, those customers that they’ve had, patrons of the past, want to come to the reception and get to meet them again.” At the opening reception on the night of the 30th they will announce the Best of Show for the two juried exhibits to be held at the festival this year: being HUMAN: Artwork expressive in identity of self, a visual commentary relating to art of introspective works. Laredo native and Texas A&I (now A&M Kingville) graduate, artist Amado Peña, Jr will juror. The Unsung Heroine: Artwork as a visual commentary relating to women’s roles and struggles in society. Juried by Melida Buentello-Olivo, Art History Adjunct Professor from San Antonio’s University of the Incarnate Word.

Christi Seven-Day Film Festival, the Rockport Film Festival. We have now also the South Texas Underground Film Festival, so our plan this year is to get each of those groups to get their best from the events that they’ve had and put them all (together) and show those films on Saturday evening again. We usually have the filmmakers there so they can answer questions (from the audience) and they talk to the group. So that’s Saturday evening from 7p-10p and we do it outside. They set up a huge screen in the courtyard, and we set up tables.”

Another exhibit will be held with Professor Greg Reuter’s class from Texas A&M Corpus Christi. In addition to these exhibits specifically within the Art Center, there will be a great many other artists of all types whose work will be set up in tents on the park. There will be some artists offering onsite demonstrations of sand sculpting, wheel-throwing, hand building, glazing of clay and firing of Raku pottery.

“The park takes all the tents. The KidZone will be set up out in Sherrill Park, where we will be blocking off streets to allow safe access to the playground equipment for parents whose kids may need a break to climb and jump. The south parking lot has two stages; we set up one for music and one for dance and voice. That way there’s always something going on out there for live performances. We’re still looking to provide some sort of theatre event, prehaps in the KidZone (for ages 12 and under), where the kids can experience some sort of one act play. HEB’s H•E•Buddy will be in KidZone this year, and the Half Price Books’ BookWorm will be there. They will be reading books and doing some story telling… also maybe we’ll be able to have somebody do some stage acting.”

“We will have live music Friday night, and then all day Saturday and Sunday it’s continuous entertainment. Some of them will be in the courtyard, some will be in the Meadows Gallery (Art Center) performing, we will have the Chopin Society again, where the students come in and they play continuous classical music. We usually have them take a break and our Sparkling City Light Opera will come in and do an excerpt from an upcoming production, or sometimes they have their vocal workshop students do something. It just depends on what they choose to do. The Corpus Christi Chorale of Texas A&M are going to be performing this year. Avant Studios will be here. Lorrie Pierce’s group, Hourglass Belly Dance, have already confirmed. Oh! And the Texas Riviera Cloggers will be here! Those women are fantastic – they can really CLOG! Last year they weren’t able to perform but they will be back this year; people just go wild for them. Celtic Flair will be there, which is another group that we’ve had in the past. There are always some last minute additions, too.”

On Sunday the excitement is still going strong and kiii-tv3’s Domingo Live will have a remote feed set up at the Art Center with co-host Barbi Leo. The whole weekend’s worth of events is free, and there is something there for everyone. Come on out and “Chalk It Up For The Arts”!!

“This festival covers all of the arts. For cinema we typically have running in the (Dorothy) Kucera Gallery continuous independent films. Then for Saturday evenings we started the “Cinema Under The Stars” where we have the best of local or regional independent films that have been seen through the Corpus

What about the rest of the year, you ask… shouldn’t we be supporting arts year round? You bet we should! The Festival of the Arts foundation does just that. In fact, in December they moved their business offices into the MerrimanBobys House in Corpus Christi’s Heritage Park with an eye to creating a more accessible presence and getting the public more involved in the arts. The FOA at Merriman-Bobys House provides a multipurpose venue for showing and creating art, as well as a creative meeting space. All proceeds from usage fees and sales commissions go toward the non-profit fundraising efforts to maintain and grow the annual festival. Artists may apply to use the studio and short-term collaborative spaces, or exhibit work on a monthly basis within the central gallery. Folks looking for a creative yet peaceful setting to hold meetings and events need look no further than this central gallery space.

A consignment shop has been set up for those who wish to market Continued on Page 26

Dining Guide Tango Tea Room

LOS CABOS Cafe & Cantina Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Yin Yang Fandango & Tango Tea Room Los Cabos Cafe & Cantina in Flour Bluff serves authentic Mexican cuisine made from the freshest ingredients. We have an outdoor patio (smoking allowed) and a full bar.

Live entertainment Thursday through Sunday. 15% discount for seniors and military with proper ID. Kids Eat Free!

939-8300 Phone 939-8302 FAX 9601 S.P.I.D.

With 30+ years of German baking experience and tradition in Germany, owners Juergen & Brigitte Kazenmayer have brought the original tastes, aromas and joys of German breads, pastries, pies and cakes to Corpus Christi, Texas. Committed to maintaining the highest German standard, every product is handmade following age-old German traditions and recipes. There are no short-cuts at JB’s. Every product is made from scratch. We want you to experience the best of Germany in Texas 15137 S.P.I.D. On the Island 361-949-5474 Open Tues - Sat 7 am - 7 pm Sunday 8 am - 6 pm

The Tango Tea Room brings a taste of Austin to Downtown Corpus. Tango serves a variety of Mediterranean and world cuisine, including some of the best vegetarian and vegan fare you can ﬁnd in Corpus. We also specialize in vegan and gluten-free desserts, cupcakes and mufﬁns. Come on down and get your hippie on! 505 S. Water Street in downtown Corpus Christi. 361-883-9123 Tangofandango.com

Holiday Hours:

10-3 Monday through Thursday 10-9 Friday & Saturday 12-6 Sunday

S.P .I.D

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Voted Best Full Service Restaurant 2011 Taste of the Island

Intracoastal Waterfront Dining • NEW menu selections Lunch specials starting at $5.99 • Spectacular sunsets • Scenic view of boats, barges and wildlife • Live music Friday & Saturday nights by local artists • Large “sea-level” patio for parties and events

Located on Padre Island Under the JFK Bridge 13309 S. Padre Island Dr. www.docsseafoodandsteaks.com

361.949.6744 Open Daily 11AM

Like us on Facebook

Libations Amusements 18 holes of miniature golf Open 11 am - 2 am Kitchen Closes @ 1 am 2034 State Highway 361 361 749- Taco (8226)

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Dining Guide

Snoopy’s and Scoopy’s Live Music ● Art Shows

Coffee Waves Port A 1007 State Hwy 361 Port Aransas 361-749-0825 Open 6am-Midnight

Buy One Gelato Get One Free! Only in Port A

Snoopy’s Pier was literally a product of the Redfish Wars, a battle over commercial fishing rights in Texas. Ernie Buttler realized the Redfish Wars signaled the beginning of the end of the commercial fishing industry in Texas. So Ernie decided to give up trying to catch fish and shrimp and start cooking them instead. In August 1980 Ernie and his wife, Corliss, purchased a small bait stand and burger joint with a fishing pier on the Intracoastal Waterway. Over time, the place was transformed with a lot of hard work and patience into a family-friendly seafood restaurant. Special attention is given to providing local harvested quality seafood at affordable prices. Scoopy’s was opened by Ernie’s wife and features home made soups, salads and sandwiches using only Texas products. Scoopy’s is proud of their shrimp salad, known by locals as the best in town. They also have great house made desserts and ice cream by the scoop. 13313 S.P.I.D. · Corpus Christi (361) 949-8815 · snoopyspier.com

C Bar

C Bar offers organic gourmet coffees, artisan level espresso, fresh-baked pastries, assorted panini sandwiches, frozen fruit smoothies and gelato. In addition to CoffeeWaves’ popular menu, C Bar has a full premium bar featuring microbrewery beer, an extensive wine list and super premium liquor. Taking advantage of this unique combination, C Bar serves fresh fruit gelato daiquiris and piña coladas and coffee Bailey’s with gelato. C Bar’s signature drink? Martini Floats! 361-749-0704 165 Social Circle in Cinnamon Shore 5009 Hwy 361in Port Aransas

Town & Country Cafe has great breakfast and lunch specials every day, offering great food at a fair price. Town & Country Cafe is a great location for business meetings and client luncheons and there is no charge for the use of the meeting room.

4228 South Alameda Corpus Christi, TX 78412

(361) 992-0360 Locally Owned and Operated

Taste The Difference! The Gourmet Pizza Our famous Padre Pizza dough is handmade daily. Our sauces are created from the freshest tomatoes and seasoned with our own Chef’s blend of natural herbs and spices. Our lasagna made from scratch daily is the most tasty and delicious you will ever try, and our salad selections are prepared to order using the freshest produce available. 14993 SPID On the Island 949-0787

949-7737 � 15370 SPID- On the Island Located on Padre Island, Island Italian has been serving the community since 1987. A family friendly restaurant, Island Italian also serves beer and wine and is available for private parties of up to 53 people. Flat screen TV and DVD / VHS for meetings. Delivery on Padre Island after 5pm. Daily Lunch and Dinner Specials. Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday 11am to 9:30pm Saturday 10am to 10pm Sunday 5pm to 9:30pm

Located at Ennis Joslin & Ocean Drive Featuring a buffet seven days a week, twice daily. Dine-in amenities include Big Screen TVs, Free WiFi, Daily Beer Specials, Texas A&M Sand Dollars accepted. Military Appreciation on Tuesdays. Visit pizzastate.com for daily specials and online coupons. College Student and Senior Discounts. 6133 S. Alameda, Corpus Christi Tx 78412 (361) 993-3283

d o o f a e S t a e r G and Burgers All you can eat shrimp Wednesdays are back! Thursdays Prime Rib with Twice Baked Potato

Libations Amusements 18 Holes of Miniature Golf

Open 11 am - 2 am Kitchen Closes @ 1 am

One Bite & You’re Hooked

2034 State Highway 361

361 749- Taco (8226)

801 Tarpon, Port Aransas, TX 78373 Open 2pm to 2am Every Day! 361-749-1990 NFL Sunday Ticket, Big 10 Network on 6 Big Screens Happy Hour Monday - Friday 3-7pm Live Music, Never a Cover Book your holiday party, birthday or special event now! In Ace Hardware Strip Center

Personal Services

NEW LOCATION 15033 S.P.I.D Suite On The Island Call for reservations 949-0794 theislandsedgehairsalon.com Roni, Owner/Stylist

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Our goal at The Island’s Edge Hair Salon is to educate our clients. The focus will be on enhancing, balancing & maintaining a realistic hair lifestyle. Owner / Stylist Roni has 19 years experience as a stylist in elite salons and earned 2nd place in a prestigious national color competition.

Live Music

1023 Hwy 361, Ste A pORT aRANSAS tx 361-749-joes

It’s not the oldest bar in Port Aransas but it IS the coldest. Always entertaining, The Flats is where the “locals” hang out. Pool, darts, juke box and live music on the weekends. It’s never too slow and it’s never too busy; get to know the bartenders by name, and you’ll never wait for a drink! Say hi to owners John and Lynda, and meet some new friends!

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KEDT Food & Wine Classic @ Museum of Science & History

Showtime Boxing Hits Corpus

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By Austin Prowse On a stormy Feb. 18 Showtime Boxing held three ﬁghts in the American Bank Center, one of which for a world title between Paul “The Punisher” Williams and no. 2 contender Nobuhiro Ishida of Japan. “There’s gonna be hurricanes, the warning is there, lightning and thunder,” said ﬁght promoter Don King at a Thursday press conference, and thunder there was when Tavoris “Thunder” Cloud defended his world title against former titleholder Gabriel Campillo.

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Casino Night @ Omni Bayfront Hotel

Upgrade your Operating System Neuro Drinks, Operating System for Life By Jeff Craft Corpus Christi has a new(ish) line of smart beverages available. I’m a big fan of functional drinks, so I tried them all myself. These drinks have real effects. While they are more subtle than you might get from a sugar-loaded energy drink, they do have positive effects, and they’re actually good for you. Neuro was founded by Diana Jenkins, the CEO of Neuro. She developed Neuro along with a team of nutritionists and scientists in order to create a beverage system that would upgrade any consumer need over the course of a day. Diana wanted a drink that not only promoted well-being but tasted great without added artificial colors and flavors. Each drink is formulated by leading experts in the areas of nutrition & food science, neurocognitive research, and clinical nutrition, to include a blend of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and proprietary dietary ingredients to enhance specific aspects of our lives: When we need to push the limit, NeuroPassion; When we’re mentally foggy, NeuroSonic; When we’re tossing and turning, NeuroSleep; When the clouds take over, NeuroSun; When we’re stressed, NeuroBliss; When we sweat it all out, NeuroSport; When we slack on our diets, NeuroTrim. NeuroPassion and NeuroSonic both contain caffeine - equivalent to 2 cups of regular drip coffee.

My favorites so far are NeuroSonic, for increased focus without the crash of coffee, and NeuroSleep about 15 minutes before bedtime for a restful sleep, especially if I’ve had a mixed up schedule. Neuro’s 2012 goal is to Upgrade Your Life and the company is proud to sponsor the 20th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party. The money donated to this event along with Neuro’s social media promotion, which will raise additional funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, will help to upgrade the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS. Neuro’s founder, Diana Jenkins, is a celebrated international human rights activist and philanthropist and her commitment to inspiring awareness in order to positively affect social change is a driving force behind Neuro. Learn more, and give it a try: drinkneuro.com Twitter: @Drinkneuro

NeuroSonic: Increases mental alertness and concentration NeuroSleep: Promotes restful sleep with Melatonin NeuroSun: Provides a daily dose of vitamin D (1,000 IUs) without the harmful rays of the sun NeuroBliss: Promotes happiness while helping to eliminate stress NeuroTrim: Promotes weight loss with a unique fiber ingredient that helps control appetite NeuroGasm: Healthy blood flow and playful eneargy. NeuroPassion: A delicious, lightly carbonated drink formulated with ingredients to promote “playful” energy

Schlitterbahn Update

City Council Approves Zoning for Waterpark By Dale Rankin

The planned Schlitterbahn Water Park and Resort and the surrounding development took two steps forward in February as the Corpus Christi City Council unanimously approved the rezoning for the park site on Padre Isles Country Club. Then the developer in the project, Paul Schexnailder, announced he has a commitment from an investor to build a $21 million residential development on the eastside of SPID on Lake Padre. Plans call for a marina and other new developments on the east side of SPID where the residential project would be located that would be connected to the water park and a 3000-foot long Beach Walk retail and residential development on the road’s west side by a proposed $8 million water exchange bridge. The 600 acre development located on what is now the golf course is largely contingent on the bridge. The bridge was approved by voters in a 2004 bond issue and the city council has agreed to fund it but so far no funds have been specifically identified. City Manager Ron Olson told the council late last year that the money for the bridge is available “if the political will” exists to fund it. The developers and the city council must also come to an agreement on a tax incentive plan for the park and the surrounding development.

Festival of the Arts Continued from Page 17 their artworks; various crafts, jewelry, and music CDs are also available at reasonable prices. The house is open from 11am to 2pm daily, and for artists looking to exhibit their work the FOA participates in the monthly First Friday ArtWalk. “The whole mission of the Festival of the Arts is to support all of the arts. When people say “the arts” people think of paintings, oils, some don’t even think of photography, they aren’t realizing how much “the arts covers”, like ceramics and pottery, people say “oh, yeah”. You know, they don’t always give thought to it.” In addition to these existing opportunities, the FOA is looking to expand into holding a summer camp for kids. “We don’t have a real children’s theatre here. I would love for somebody to start one. We would definitely support it in the Festival. I’m hoping that with being here in the new Festival of the Arts headquarters in Merriman-Bobys House in Heritage Park we can help start something like that in the summer for children. Like a small scale [version of New York’s] Shakespeare in the Park. I’d love to do that here, during the summer… It is hot in the summer, but this particular park has trees all over so we would have shade. We have a large enough yard that we could do things, not on a grand scale, but a small thing for kids. We have been talking about what we want to do for the summer program, now that we have this house. We want to have activities in it all the time.” In conjunction with the Corpus Christi First Friday ARTWALK, FOA provides a docent guided Public Art Tram Tour on the First Friday morning of each month at 9:30am and again at 11am. These tours have been expanded, and offer riders unique views of the Corpus Christi public art collection and local architecture with additional historic information as they tour the uptown, downtown, s.e.a.town and bayfront areas of the city. The tour is approximately 50 minutes in length and reservations are recommended.

If you’re interested in taking the tour, or participating in any sort of FOA The owners of Schlitterbahn waterparks, based in New Braunfels, have said activity, attending an event, or making a donation, call 361-883-ARTS (2787). they want to begin construction on the park by June in order to have it open Feel free to stop by the Merriman-Bobys House between 11am and 2pm at by the summer of 2013. 26 1513 North Chaparral, or email them at info@ccfestivalarts.org.

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