January/February 2010 Issue

Paula OwenAsian FestivalMarvin HamlischYonnie BlanchetteJorge “George” CortezHistoric Cameo TheatreSA Stock Show & RodeoPlus 12 Additional Articles

Paula OwenAsian FestivalMarvin HamlischYonnie BlanchetteJorge “George” CortezHistoric Cameo TheatreSA Stock Show & RodeoPlus 12 Additional Articles

ON THE TOWNON THE TOWNJanuary/February 2010January/February 2010

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January-February 2010 | On The Town 3

4 On The Town | January-February 2010

Lair Creative, LLC would not knowingly publish misleading or erroneous information in editorial content or in any advertisement in On The Town Ezine.com, nor does it assume responsibility if this type of editorial or advertising should appear under any circumstances. Additionally, content in this electronic magazine does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the management of Lair Creative, LLC. Since On The Town Ezine.com features information on perfor-mances and exhibits, it is recommended that all times and dates of such events be confirmed by the reader prior to attendance. The publisher assumes no responsibility for changes in times, dates, venues, exhibitions or performances.

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FeaturesYonnie Blanchette: Renaissance Woman 10

As The Decade Turns: What’s On Stage 14in Early 2010?

Q&A With Marvin Hamlisch 20

Historic Cameo Theatre in the Spotlight 24

January-February 2010 Events Calendar 28

Paula Owen: Leadership, Approached Artfully 46

New Year, New Experiences: Museums and 50Art Centers Inaugurate 2010 in Grand Style

Mi Tierra - A Celebration of Life 64An Interview with Jorge “George” Cortez

Pinch Pennies and Dine Well: Champagne 74Appetite on a Beer Pocketbook

60th Annual San Antonio Stock 82Show & Rodeo: February 4-21

Institute of Texan Cultures Celebrates the 86Lunar New Year at the Asian Festival

Laredo Says Happy Birthday, by George 90

Front Cover Photo: Courtesy nainichen.com

Performing Arts Cover Photo: Greg Harrison

Visual Arts Cover Photo: Greg Harrison

Culinary Arts Cover Photo: Myrlys Stockdale / Big Stock Photo

Literary Arts Cover Photo: Barry Gregg / Big Stock Photo

Festivals & Celebrations Cover Photo:Courtesy Museo Alameda

http://nainichen.com


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Lair Creative, LLC would not knowingly publish misleading or erroneous information in editorial content or in any advertisement in On The Town Ezine.com, nor does it assume responsibility if this type of editorial or advertising should appear under any circumstances. Additionally, content in this electronic magazine does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the management of Lair Creative, LLC. Since On The Town Ezine.com features information on perfor-mances and exhibits, it is recommended that all times and dates of such events be confirmed by the reader prior to attendance. The publisher assumes no responsibility for changes in times, dates, venues, exhibitions or performances.

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Departments ContributorsJames BenavidesJulie CatalanoCynthia ClarkThomas Duhon, artistChris DunnDana FossettVivienne GautrauxJohn GriffinGreg Harrison,staff photographerMelinda HigginsMichele KrierChristian LairKay Lair

Claudia Maceo-SharpMarlo Mason-MarieSusan A. Merkner,copy editorNicholas N. MistryAngela RabkeLorraine Pulido-RamerizLauren RossSara SelangoShannon HuntingtonStandley

Sue Talford

Suede TallichetJasmina Wellinghoff

Gerry Lair – Publisher Lair Creative, LLC14122 Red MapleSan Antonio, Texas 78247210-771-8486210-490-7950 (fax)

Box Office: February Film Festivals 40

More Performing Arts: Twice the Laughs 42

Portfolio: The Art of James Wyatt Hendricks 56

More Visual Arts: Muralismo in the City 60

More Culinary Arts: SavorSA.com 70

Book Talk: Modrea Mitchell-Reichert 74and Shelia Rinear – Playwrights, SAT Playwrights Members

More Literary Arts: Grilling by the Book 78

Picture This: On The Town Profiles from 94Year One


Contents page 3


Contents page 3



Performing Arts10-44

Performing Arts10-44



Yonnie Blanchette: Renaissance WomanBy Julie CatalanoPhotography Greg Harrison

When Yonnie Blanchette first learned that she was to be the interim director of the Carver Community Cultural Center, the retired

lieutenant colonel didn’t even flinch. “In the Air Force, you move from assignment to assignment. You’re given a job, and you say yes, and you go.” This assignment, however, was far different from anything she had ever done. After her military retirement, she worked first for the City of San Antonio as a caseworker for the department of community initiatives, then management analyst. In 2005, she became a management assistant and later a special projects manager in the city manager’s office. The interim appointment to the Carver became permanent in May 2008. Freely admitting that she has “no background in the arts whatsoever” -- her undergraduate degree is in social work and her master’s is in human relations -- Blanchette was nevertheless undaunted. “I was never really afraid or intimidated. The Carver is part of the City of San Antonio, and I knew how to get things done there.” She was also realistic: “I was sure that I didn’t necessarily know everything that I was supposed to know, but there was a staff here, so I felt confident that I had the right people around me who would help me

understand the process.” There was plenty to learn, Blanchette says, and she asked plenty of questions: How do we go about getting a season? How do we get that season approved by city council? How do you negotiate with management companies? How do you know what acts to choose? Blanchette then headed to Washington, D.C., to meet with people at the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian and other arts institutions, putting together a season that included the Shirelles, Freda Payne’s Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Garth Fagan Dance Company and more. Besides relying on her 10-member staff (“They work long, strange hours, and they never complain”) Blanchette mined another treasure: her legendary predecessor. “I reached out to Jo Long to try to help me understand all that goes into running this place.” Blanchette says Long is “totally amazing. I knew I would never fill those shoes.” Still, she says, the feedback on her run so far has been good. “I think it’s going in the right direction,” she says, adding with a laugh, “and I didn’t destroy it.” There were -- and still are -- challenges along the way. One was the image of the Carver among the San Antonio community at large. “It was almost as if people had forgotten the Carver was open.” A four-year shutdown of the main stage for major renovations


ending in 2004 didn’t help matters. “It felt like people didn’t think about it anymore. We wanted to get it back on people’s minds, and remind everybody that this truly is a little gem on the East Side.” Another issue was a perception that the Carver is “only African American, and we’re not.” Although the emphasis is on African American artists, their seasons typically show diversity. The current season features the Chinese Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, the Korean-born Ahn Trio, and last fall they featured folk/country musicians Tom Frost, Terri Hendrix, Lloyd Maines and Willis Alan Ramsey. Blanchette is especially proud of the role the Carver plays in the community, citing the Youth Matinee Series, Family Days, and the year-round classes in painting, dance, drumming and theater held at the Carver School for Visual and Performing Arts. Gallery space in the lobby of the Jo Long Theatre for the Performing Arts is provided to local and regional artists. The Little Carver is a 150-seat venue that hosts the Carver Intimate Series, featuring local artists such as the Renaissance Guild, the city’s premier black theater company, and singer Ken Slavin, in a cabaret setting. In her precious little spare time after 50-hour work weeks, Blanchette enjoys “hanging out” with her children, Ashley, 17, and Chris, 11, and husband, Stephen, a wealth manager at USAA. She’s also a road trip enthusiast, ready to hop in the car at a moment’s notice. Her favorite destination? “Anywhere.” At 55, the North Carolina native is petite, trim and youthful, taking everything in stride despite the weighty responsibility of overseeing a center that’s been a cultural institution since 1929. “There are days when I get overwhelmed and say to myself, ‘I’m a social worker!’ “ she says, laughing. But the deeply profound artistic legacy of “the little gem” keeps her going, and she’s excited about a future that she hopes will see more people enjoying the provocative, innovative offerings at the Carver. “I hope that when people are looking for a place to go, they’ll think of us.” It’s a theme that she wants remembered as a rebirth of sorts. “Renaissance. This is a renaissance. We are providing first-class entertainment that’s multicultural and multinational. We’re back.” For a complete calendar listing of the Carver’s season, go to www.thecarver.org.


http://www.thecarver.org



As The Decade TurnsWhat’s On Stage in Early 2010?By Sara Selango


As The Decade TurnsWhat’s On Stage in Early 2010?By Sara Selango


N ot only are we starting a new year, but also a new decade. My, how time flies when you’re having fun? It seems like only yesterday when

we celebrated the arrival of the new millennium.

I venture to say that during those 10 years that passed super-quickly, the city of San Antonio grew up in so many ways. Population was one of them, while quality of life was still another. Regarding the latter, I really enjoy living here and being entertained year after year by everything the city has to offer, from street festivals and rodeos to the world champion San Antonio Spurs and spectaculars on the Majestic Theatre stage.

To me, San Antonio is a very entertaining place, and I can’t help but think it’s only going to get better and better. Take the first couple of months of 2010, for example. They’re packed with electrifying performances that I hope you will take the opportunity to see. Of course, I do have my favorites.

I can’t wait to be a face in the crowd watching Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps at the Majestic. The curtain

goes up for the first time on Feb. 2, and it plays the week. This comedy smash features four actors playing more than 150 characters in a fast-paced tale of an ordinary man on an extraordinary adventure. Next up at the big theater is Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific, which technically is not in the first two months of the year, but it’s oh, so close. Opening night is March 2, and it runs through March 7.

Community theaters promise great evenings and matinees on stage, as well. Starting in January, San Pedro Playhouse offers patrons the chance to enjoy Beehive at the Russell Hill Rogers Theatre and SAT Playwrights PlayFest at their intimate Cellar Theatre. The Woodlawn features Tick, Tick…Boom – The Rock Musical by Jonathan Larson beginning Jan. 8 and continuing to the end of February. Also at the Woodlawn from Jan. 29 through Feb. 28 is Fire on the Bayou – The Cajun Voodoo Musical from Allegro Stage Company. Check the Woodlawn’s Web site to see how these two shows will share one theater.

Neil Simon’s comedic drama Jake’s Women spends the month of February on the Sheldon Vexler stage,



and The Hollow, an Agatha Christie mystery, goes mid-January to mid-February at the Harlequin. Starting Feb. 5 at the Little Carver Civic Center is the Renaissance Guild’s portrayal of August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Out-of-towners during the first two months of the new decade include The Producers at Circle Arts in New Braunfels, First Baptist of Ivy Gap at Boerne Community Theatre, Man of La Mancha by Fredericksburg Theater Company and The Miracle Worker by Playhouse 2000 at the Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater in Kerrville. Also at the Cailloux on the weekend of Jan. 14-17 is A Ride With Bob featuring Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel.

Big-time musical evenings are also very plentiful in early 2010. The San Antonio Symphony starts the year with the solo performance of youthful violinist Nancy Zhou. Zhou, a native San Antonian, will perform with the orchestra Jan. 15-16. Following heris pianist Stewart Goodyear on Jan. 29-30 playing Grieg Piano Concerto. February brings performances by classical guitarist Manuel Barrueco and pianist Benedetto Lupo. Pops aficionados will have the opportunity to enjoy Star Wars and More

John Williams with Michael Krajewski conducting on Jan. 22-23.

Please refer to the events calendar in this publication for additional musical presentations during the January-February time period by Camerata San Antonio, SOLI Chamber Ensemble, San Antonio Chamber Music Society, Tuesday Musical Club, Musical Offerings, Symphony of the Hills, Mid Texas Symphony and more.

San Antonio Opera offers Daughters of the Regiment to opera lovers Jan. 8-10 at Municipal Auditorium, the same venue for Arts San Antonio’s presentation of Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez on Jan. 20. Other Arts SA presentations include Pablo Ziegler Trio for Nuevo Tango on Jan. 30 at Ruth Taylor Recital Hall – Trinity University, Haochen Zhang, the 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition gold medalist, at Charline McCombs Empire Theatre on Jan. 11 and TAO: The Martial Art of Drumming at Laurie Auditorium on Feb. 28. The Carver has four shows on the boards in January and February, starting with Harlem Gospel Choir on Jan.



16 and ending with DBR & The Mission: A Civil Rights Reader on Feb. 27. In between are Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company on Jan. 30 and Ailey II on Feb. 11.

To wrap things up, I want to mention quality entertainment from neighboring performing arts presenters. First up is Kerrville Performing Arts Society with their contribution of two performances of Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez on Jan. 21, two appearances by Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet on Jan. 26 and 28, plus an equal amount of shows by American Big Band on Feb. 21. Accolades are also given to Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre in New Braunfels for their full schedule of events including Winter Dance Party (with Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper tribute artists) – Jan. 9, One Night With You (Elvis Presley by Donny Edwards) – Jan. 23, The Platters – Feb. 5, Radney Foster – Feb. 12, and American Big Band – Feb. 20.

Oops! I almost forgot two multimedia spectaculars, a couple of incredible comedians and one of San Antonio’s greatest events. Take in Pink Floyd

Multimedia Spectacular on Jan. 22, followed by the Michael Jackson Multimedia Tribute on Jan 23. Both are at the Majestic. Then sit back and laugh with Bill Maher on Jan. 29 at Laurie Auditorium and Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias at the Majestic on Feb. 12. Let’s Rodeo San Antonio! The annual event is Feb. 4-21at the AT&T Center and features great entertainers such as Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Darius Rucker, Foreigner, Toby Keith, Trace Adkins and more.

Okay, here are the last two. Tuna Does Vegas hits the boards with eight shows at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre from Feb. 16-21 and Willie Nelson takes the stage at the Majestic on Feb. 28. The new decade looks very promising. Get tickets and go!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Photo Credits:

Page 14-15Jeffrey Kuhn as a Policeman and Sean Mahon as Richard Hannay in The 39 Steps, © Joan Marcus



Page 16-17(Left to Right)

Joe Sears and Jaston Williams of Tuna Does VegasPhoto by Brenda Ladd

Nai-Ni Chen Dance CompanyPhoto courtesy nainichen.com

TAO: The Martial Art of Drumming Photo courtesy drum-tao.com

Loretta Ables Sayre (center) and company Photo by Joan Marcus2008 Broadway Cast Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific

American Big Band Photo courtesy Kerrville Performing Arts Society

Daniel Bernard Roumain Photo courtesy dbrmission.com

Page 18-19 (Left to Right)

Ballet Folklorico de Mexicode Amalia HernandezPhoto courtesy Kerrville Performing Arts Society

Atos TrioPhoto courtesy atos-trio.de

Benedetto LupoPhoto courtesy San Antonio Symphony

Francesca Faridany as Pamela and Sean Mahon as Richard Hannay in The 39 Steps © Joan Marcus

Willie NelsonPhoto by Danny Clinch

Haochen ZhangPhoto courtesy cliburn.org


http://drum-tao.com

http://dbrmission.com

http://atos-trio.de

http://cliburn.org


I must admit, I didn’t realize just how much Marvin Hamlisch has accomplished in his life as a composer and entertainer until I did research for this article. Hamlisch, who will perform two shows for the Kerrville Performing Arts Society on Sunday, March 28 at the

Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater, has amassed an amazing collection of achievements over the course of five decades. The sheer volume of his work is incredible, as is the abundance of his success. Marvin Hamlisch has won every major award, and in some cases three and four times. To have had the opportunity to converse with him was a true pleasure. I hope you enjoy the questions, and the answers.

GL: In preparation for this interview, I read much about you and came away very impressed. For starters, I found that you entered Juilliard at the age of seven as their youngest student ever, had a hit song (Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows recorded by Lesley Gore) by the time you were 21 and landed you first job as the rehearsal pianist for Funny Girl with Barbra Streisand on Broadway prior to graduating from college in 1967 at 23. This is not what I would call an ordinary resume. Just how exciting were these early times for you?

MH: It wasn’t as much exciting as it was nerve wracking to go to Juilliard at the age of seven. There were a lot of other kids there who were wildly talented and so it was more of a competitive school than most. But when I landed the job as a rehearsal pianist for Funny Girl, I felt more at home in a milieu I adored; show business. Going to work every day to hear Barbra Streisand sing was one of the most wonderful times of my life.

GL: In May of 1972 you served as music coordinator for Liza with a Z, 51 minutes of made-for-television musical history from Kander, Ebb, Fosse, and Minnelli. It must have been an extreme pleasure working with these revered individuals?

MH: I have always found that when you work with really smart, brilliant people it not only brings out the best in you, but it makes the process truly memorable. I have also said that if I am the least talented in the room, I am exceedingly happy. Working with John Kander and Fred Ebb and Liza Minelli was one of those great experiences.

GL: I venture to say that no one has ever come close to the success in one decade that you had in the 70s with The Way We Were, The Sting and A Chorus Line. After winning three Academy Awards, two Golden Globes, four Grammy Awards, a Tony and the Pulitzer Prize in this ten-year period, you must have been on top of the world?

Q&A With Marvin Hamlisch

By Gerry Lair with Sue Talford



22 On The Town | January-February 201022 On The Town | January-February 2010

MH: The early 1970s was an absolutely spectacular time for me, however winning prizes can also put pressure on the next part of your career because you start to wonder if you can do it again. Finally you realize it’s not the winning of the prize that is most important, rather it is the doing, the composing, that is the most important part of your musical life.

GL: You wrote many songs that were nominated for Academy Awards including Nobody Does It Better from The Spy Who Loved Me and Through the Eyes of Love from Ice Castles. Both were collaborations with Carole Bayer Sager with whom you were romantically linked at the time. The two of you later teamed with Neal Simon on They’re Playing Our Song which opened on Broadway in 1979 and ran for 1,082 performances. Was this musical a fairly close depiction of your life with Carole?

MH: Neil Simon always thought it was funny and interesting that two people who worked together could also have a relationship. However, he never interviewed me or Carole Bayer Sager about our lives together, so They’re Playing Our Song is his version of what it could have been. I personally love They’re Playing Our Song and am happy that Robert Klein and Lucie Arnaz were the stars.

GL: I must go back and ask about the significance of A Chorus Line in your career. You wrote the score along with lyricist Ed Kleban. Michael Bennett choreographed and directed the show and it won everything. As the winner of the New York Drama Critics Award, nine Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize, the musical earned legendary status with a run of 6,137 performances. Since this was your first Broadway musical, would you talk a bit about opening night?

MH: Opening night of A Chorus Line remains one of the most bittersweet memories of my life. Doing the show with El Kleban and Michael Bennett was a glorious adventure. The show was everything I could have wanted it to be. As I started reading the reviews for the show it became clear that the critics were wild about the show but not as wild about the music. It took a while, with the help of Tylenol and Maalox, to get through the first few nights living with the knowledge that I might have “failed.” However, Walter Kerr wrote a review in the Sunday Times which gave glowing notices to the music. Finally I could go back to eating!

GL: Your association with Barbra Streisand brought you two Emmy Awards in the mid 90s for your contributions to Barbra Streisand: The Concert. They completed your gamut of “special awards.” Only you and nine other individuals have won at least one Oscar, Emmy, Grammy and Tony. This is rarified air indeed.

MH: Each time I am introduced before a performance, I hear the announcer give the list of my awards and I keep wondering – is this my obituary? I am thrilled for these awards, but I don’t look at them on a daily basis – they are in closet and I am pleased to visit them occasionally.

GL: To go one step further, you and Richard Rogers are the only two people to have won all of these awards plus a Pulitzer Prize. I would say you are in very good company.

MH: Since Richard Rogers is one of my idols, I can honestly say I am very happy to be in his company, though I am perfectly aware that I don’t come even close to his achievements or abilities.

GL: I read on your website that you are currently the principal pops conductor for the National Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Symphony and San Diego Symphony. You certainly keep a busy schedule. The obvious question is, how do you find the time?

MH: I have always been good at being “schedule oriented” – meaning that I can divide 16 hours of work-time amongst many different projects. That’s what keeps me sane and able to maintain a busy schedule. GL: With all you’ve accomplished, including being inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 2009, what’s next?

MH: What’s next is simply to continue doing what I love to do – writing, conducting and rooting for the New York Yankees.

For information regarding two performances by Marvin Hamlisch at the Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater in Kerrville on Sunday, March 28, please visit www.kpas.org.

http://www.kpas.org




Historic Cameo Theatre in the SpotlightBy Michele KrierPhoto of Jim Zaccaria by Dana Fossett


Jim Zaccaria, the owner of the Cameo Theatre in historic St. Paul Square, is making history himself these days with his success in attracting theater-goers from

all over San Antonio to performances at the charming theater which dates back to the 1940s.

In the Cameo’s heyday, Louis Armstrong, B.B. King and Fats Domino took to the stage. More recently, theater fans are coming to sold-out performances of Menopause, the Musical, Last of the Red Hot Lovers, Cabaret and Ruthless. I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and The Great American Trailer Park Musical are a few examples of other recent hit shows which garnered rave reviews.

Originally built for families living on the East Side, the Cameo is now an important hub in community theater. Tom Masinter, renowned San Antonio musical theater director, said, “Jim has really made a major contribution to advancing awareness of community theater. Because Jim has encouraged people to see live theater at other venues, his efforts have helped raise the bar for all of us.” Zaccaria credits The Rocky Horror Picture Show for putting the Cameo back in the spotlight it has been enjoying for many years. “We tend to alternate between presenting comedies and musicals,” he says, adding San Antonians have a special love for comedy. Although he’s not an actor, Zaccaria serves in nearly every other capacity for



the theater company, including marketing, developing the program and producing the shows for the 300-seat Cameo. The 70-seat cabaret, called the Zumbro Lounge, is used for a variety of shows. Born in San Antonio, Zaccaria spent several years in New York and Boston, falling in love with the theater scene. That experience, and his devotion to theater, have paid off. The Cameo won seven awards re-cently for its production of The Last of the Red Hot Lovers. “I just like theater,” Zaccaria says, adding, “and I love comedies.”

The Cameo also is known for other presentations, including cabaret shows, live music and comedy, such as the recent Three Blonde Moms run, although live theatrical performances have built its core audience. With a mailing list that any marketing person would envy, Zaccaria keeps his patrons connected and coming back for the next show.

The Cameo is located at 1123 E. Commerce St. Contrary to the perception about parking downtown, many convenient parking areas are located in St. Paul Square.

The Cameo facilities also are available for private receptions, special events or convention groups. The theater is conveniently located downtown off IH-37 at Commerce Street. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, or to make reservations, call (210) 212-5454, e-mail [email protected] and visit www.cameocenter.com.

Photo Credits:

Page 24Jim Zaccaria

Page 25Menopause, the Musical

Page 26(Left to Right)The Great American Trailer Park MusicalHigh Hair & JalapenosRuthlessI Love You, Your Perfect, Now Change

http://www.cameocenter.com

January-February 2010 | On The Town 27 January-February 2010 | On The Town 27


Music NotesSan Antonio Rose Live1/1- 2/28, Fri @ 7pmSat @ 2pm & 7pmSun & Mon @ 7pmAztec Theatre

Brandon Rhyder1/2, Sat @ 8pmGruene Hall

Brad Paisley and Miranda Lambert1/7, Thu @ 7:30pmAT&T Center

American Rhythms: Barber, Copland, Milhaud, Gershwin, ShulmanCamerata San Antonio PresentationKerrville: 1/7, Thu @ 7:30pmFirst Presbyterian Church Boerne: 1/8, Fri @ 7:30pmFirst UnitedMethodist ChurchSan Antonio: 1/10, Sun @ 3pmTravis Park United Methodist Church

Bellamy Brothers1/8, Fri @ 9pmJohn T. Floore Country Store

Winter Dance Party: A Tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens & The Big Bopper1/9, Sat @ 7:30pmBrauntex Performing Arts Theatre, New Braunfels

Wayne Hancock1/9, Sat @ 9pmJohn T. Floore Country Store

If It’s Not Baroque, Don’t Fix ItMusical Bridges Around the World Presentation1/10, Sun @ 3pmMercury Baroque EnsembleAngela Malek, sopranoNathaniel Mayfield, trumpetMcAllister Auditorium, San Antonio College

Claire Huangci, pianoTuesday Musical Club Presentation1/12, Tue @ 2pmLaurel Heights United Methodist Church

Violin SensationSan Antonio Symphony1/15-16, Fri-Sat @ 8pmChristopher Seaman, conductorNancy Zhou, violinMajestic Theatre

Harlem Gospel ChoirCarver Community Cultural Center Presentation1/16, Sat @ 8pmJo Long Theatre

Roger Creager1/16, Sat @ 9pmJohn T. Floore Country Store

Lafayette String QuartetSan Antonio Chamber Music Society Presentation1/17, Sun @ 3:15pmTemple Beth-El

Pink Floyd Laser Show1/22, Fri @ 8pmMajestic Theatre

Star Wars & MoreSan Antonio Symphony Pops1/22-23, Fri-Sat @ 8pmMichael Krajewski, conductorMunicipal Auditorium

Preservation Hall Jazz BandSymphony of the Hills Pops1/23, Sat @ 7:30pmDr. Jay Dunnahoo, conductorKathleen C. Cailloux Theater, Kerrville

Cecile Licad, pianist1/23, Sat @ 5:30pmMcAllister Auditorium, SAC

One Night With You:Donny Edwards as Elvis1/23, Sat @ 7pmBrauntex Performing Arts Theatre, New Braunfels

Multi-Media Tribute to Michael Jackson1/23, Sat @ 8pmMajestic Theatre

Bart Crow1/22, Fri @ 9pmJohn T. Floore Country Store

American Residency: TheMusic of Aaron Jay KernisSOLI Chamber Ensemble Presentation1/25, Mon @ 7pmGallery Nord1/26, Tue @ 7pmRuth Taylor Recital Hall,Trinity University

Berlin PhilharmonicWind QuintetKerrville Performing Arts Society Presentation1/26 & 28, Tue @ 7:30pmThu @ 7:30pmKathleen C. Cailloux Theater

January-February 2010 Events Calendar


January-February 2010 | On The Town 29May-June 2009 | On The Town 29


Grieg Piano ConcertoSan Antonio Symphony1/29-30, Fri-Sat @ 8pmScott Yoo, conductorStewart Goodyear, pianoMajestic Theatre

Pablo Ziegler Trio for New TangoArts San Antonio Presentation1/30, Sat @ 7:30pmRuth Taylor Recital Hall, Trinity University

Ray Wylie Hubbard1/30, Sat @ 8pmGruene Hall

Northern Lights presented byYouth Orchestras of San Antonio1/31, Sun @ 4pmLaurie Auditorium,Trinity University

Bohemian Rhapsody:Martinu, Shulhoff, DvorakCamerata San Antonio PresentationKerrville: 2/4, Thu @ 7:30pmFirst Presbyterian Church Boerne: 2/5, Fri @ 7:30pmFirst United Methodist ChurchSan Antonio: 2/7, Sun @ 3pmTravis Park United Methodist Church

The Platters2/5, Fri @ 7pmBrauntex Performing Arts Theatre, New Braunfels

Chris Knight2/5, Fri @ 9pmJohn T. Floore Country Store

Randy Rogers Band2/6, Sat @ 7pm (doors open)Cowboys San Antonio

NachtmusikMid Texas Symphony2/6, Sat @ 7:30pmDavid Mairs, conductorLarry Mueller, oboeOakwood Baptist Church,New Braunfels

Musical Evenings at San Fernando CathedralMusical Bridges Around the World Presentation2/7, Sun @ 6pmSan Fernando Cathedral, Main Plaza

Haochen ZhangGold Medal Winner - 2009Van Cliburn InternationalPiano CompetitionArts San Antonio Presentation2/11, Thu @ 7:30pmCharline McCombs Empire Theatre

Radney Foster2/12, Fri @ 7:30pmBrauntex Performing Arts Theatre, New BraunfelsEleven Hundred Springs2/12, Fri @ 9pmJohn T. Floore Country Store

Concierto de AranjuezSan Antonio Symphony2/12-13, Fri-Sat @ 8pmDavid Angus, conductorManuel Barrueco. guitarMajestic Theatre

ATOS TrioSan Antonio Chamber Music Society Presentation2/14, Sun @ 3:15pmTemple Beth-El

American Big Band2/20, Sat @ 7:30pmBrauntex Performing Arts Theatre, New Braunfels

American Big BandKerrville Performing Arts Society Presentation2/21, Sun @ 2pm & 7:30pmKathleen C. Cailloux Theater

CantusTuesday Musical Club Presentation2/23, Tue @ 2pmLaurel Heights Methodist Church

Mike McClure Band2/26, Fri @ 9pmJohn T. Floore Country Store

Chopin Piano ConcertoSan Antonio Symphony2/26-27, Fri-Sat @ 8pmBenedetto Lupo, pianoMajestic Theatre

DBR & the Mission: A Civil Rights ReaderCarver Community Cultural Center Presentation2/27, Sat @ 8pmJo Long Theatre

Kyle Park2/27, Sat @ 9pmJohn T. Floore Country Store

Jazz ReflectionsMusical Bridges Around the World Presentation2/28 Sun @ 3pmBennie Maupin, clarinetAlbert Heath, drumsMichal Barnanski, bassMcAllister Auditorium,San Antonio College

Willie Nelson2/28, Sun @ 7pmMajestic Theatre

Tao: The Martial Art of DrummingArts San Antonio Presentation2/28, Sun @ 7:30pmLaurie Auditorium, Trinity University

On Stage

Inspecting Carol1/1-3, Fri-Sat @ 8pmSun @ 3pmCameo Theatre

The Lion KingBroadway Across America Presentation1/2-3, Sat @ 2pm & 8pmSun @ 1pmMajestic Theatre

Hard BargainOvertime Theatre Presentation1/8-30, Thu-Sat @ 8pmSun @ 3pmThe Sterling Houston Theater at Blue Star



Tick, Tick, Boom!1/8-/24, Fri-Sat @ 8pmSun @ 3pm1/31-2/28, Thu & Sun @ 8pmWoodlawn Theatre

SAT Playwrights PlayFest1/8-31, Fri-Sat @ 8pmSun @ 2:30pmCellar TheatreSan Pedro Playhouse

The Rose: Jessie Rose and Friends1/9, Sat @ 7:30pmThe Rose Theatre Company

The Hollow1/14-2/13, Thu-Sat @ 8pm (dinner @ 6:30pm)Harlequin Dinner Theatre

A Ride with BobFeaturing Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel1/15-17, Fri @ 7:30pmSat @ 2pm & 7:30pmSun @ 2pmKathleen C. Cailloux Theater, Kerrville

Alice and the MKUltra Experience1/15-30, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pmThe Rose Theatre Company

Shock Puppets1/22-2/6, Fri-Sat @ 9:30pmThe Rose Theatre Company

Request Concert1/22-23, 2/19-20Fri-Sat @ 8pmThe Sterling HoustonTheater at Blue Star

Beehive1/22-2/21, Fri-Sat @ 8pmSun @ 2:30pmRussell Hill Rogers TheatreSan Pedro Playhouse

Dearly Departed1/27, Fri @ 7:30pmCharline McCombs Empire Theatre

The Producers1/28-2/28, Thu-Sat @ 8pmSun @ 2pmCircle Arts Theatre,New Braunfels

Fire on the Bayou:The Cajun Voodoo MusicalAllegro Stage Company Presentation1/29-2/28, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pmSun @ 3pmWoodlawn Theatre

Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 StepsBroadway Across America Presentation 2/2-7, Tue-Fri @ 8pmSat @ 2pm & 8pmSun @ 2pm & 7:30pmMajestic Theatre

The Miracle WorkerPlayhouse 2000 Presentation2/4-14, Thu-Sat @ 7:30pmSun @ 2pmKathleen C. Cailloux Theater, Kerrville

32 On The Town | January-February 201032 On The Town | November-December 2009

Jake’s Women2/4-27, Thu @ 7:30pmSat @ 8pmSun @ 2:30pm(No shows on Fridays, and no show on Sunday, 2/14)Sheldon Vexler Theatre

Dawnview Crew Episode 92/5-6, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pmThe Rose Theatre Company

First Baptist of Ivy Gap2/5-20, Thu @ 7:30pmFri-Sat @ 8pmSun @ 2:30pmBoerne Community Theatre

Ma Rainey’s Black BottomRenaissance Guild of San Antonio Presentation2/5-21, Fri-Sat @ 8pmSun @ 4pmLittle Carver Civic Center

Shards / My Brother’s Keeper2/12-27, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pmThe Rose Theatre Company

All of This / Where Are We Going?2/12-27, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pmThe Rose Theatre Company

Man of La ManchaFredericksburg Theater Company Presentation2/12-28, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pmSun @ 2pm Steve W. Shepherd Theater

Sob Choke Love 3D!Overtime Theatre Presentation2/12-3/14, Thu-Sat @ 8pmSun @ 3pmThe Sterling Houston Theater at Blue Star

Blood Wedding2/19-27, Wed-Thu @ 7pmFri-Sat @ 8pmSun @ 2:30pmJane and Arthur Stieren Theatre – Trinity University

Night Watch2/25-3/14, Thu-Sat @ 8pm(dinner @ 6:30pm)Sun @ 3pm(lunch @ 1:30pm)S.T.A.G.E – Spotlight Theatre & Arts Group, etc.Bulverde

Fabulous Divas of BroadwayStarring Alan Dalmer2/12-14, Fri-Sat @ 8:15pmSun @ 2:30pmJosephine Theatre

Tuna Does Vegas2/16-21, Tue-Fri @ 8pmSat @ 2pm & 8pmSun @ 2pm & 6pmCharline McCombs Empire Theatre

The Lady’s Not For Burning2/19-27, Fri-Sat @ 8pmSun @ 2pmCoates Theatre @ UIW

At The Opera

Daughter of the RegimentSan Antonio Opera Presentation1/8-10, Fri-Sat @ 8pmSun @ 2pmMunicipal Auditorium

January-February 2010 | On The Town 33May-June 2009 | On The Town 33

Jewish Comm CenterFP

The Dance

En La Sombra De Sus Pasos /In the Shadow of Her Footsteps1/15-17, Fri-Sat @ 8pmSun @ 3pmThe Sterling Houston Theater at Blue Star

Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia HernandezArts San Antonio Presentation1/20, Wed @ 7:30pmMunicipal Auditorium

Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia HernandezKerrville Performing Arts Society Presentation1/21-22, Thu @ 7:30pmFri @ 7:30pmKathleen C. Cailloux Theater

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company:Year of the TigerCarver Community Cultural Center Presentation 1/30, Sat @ 10am & 8pmJo Long Theatre

Ailey IICarver Community Cultural Center Presentation2/11, Thu @ 8pmJo Long Theatre

Standup

Jimmy Shubert1/1-2, Fri-Sat @8pm & 10:15pmLaugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Laurie Kilmartin1/1-3, Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pmSun @ 8:30pmRivercenter Comedy Club

Willie Barcena1/6-10, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pmFri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pmLaugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Randy Lubas1/6-10, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pmFri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pmRivercenter Comedy Club

Pete Correale1/13-17, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pmFri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pmLaugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Barry Friedman1/13-17, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pmFri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pmRivercenter Comedy Club


Ron Shock1/20-24, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pmFri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pmLaugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Marc Ryan1/20-24, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pmFri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm Rivercenter Comedy Club

Ricky Allen1/27, Wed @ 8pmLaugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Cory Kahaney1/28-31, Thu & Sun @ 8pmFri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pmLaugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Marc Unger1/27-31, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pmFri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pmRivercenter Comedy Club

Bill Maher1/29, Fri @ 8pmLaurie Auditorium

Vic Henley2/3-7, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pmFri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pmLaugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Danny Villalpando2/3-7, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pmFri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pmRivercenter Comedy Club

Nick Griffin2/11-14, Thu & Sun @ 8pmFri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pmLaugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Gabriel Iglesias2/14, Sun @ 7pm & 9:30pmMajestic Theatre

Tommy Blaze2/17-21, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8pmFri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pmLaugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Chas Elstner2/17-21, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pmFri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pmRivercenter Comedy Club

Andy Hendrickson2/24, Wed @ 8pmLaugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Maryellen Hooper2/25-28, Thu & Sun @ 8pmFri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pmLaugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Don Barnhart2/24-28, Wed-Thu & Sun @ 8:30pmFri-Sat @ 8:30pm & 10:30pmRivercenter Comedy Club

For The KidsDarwin the DinosaurChildren’s Fine Arts Series Presentation1/8, Fri @ 6:30pmCharline McCombs Empire Theatre

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs1/8-2/6, Tue-Fri @ 9:45am & 11:30amFri @ 7pm, Sat @ 2pmMagik Theatre

Goodnight Moon &the Runaway BunnyChildren’s Fine Arts Series Presentation1/22, Fri @ 6:30pmCharline McCombs Empire Theatre

Ananse: Early in the DayBy Wood and Strings TheatreChildren’s Fine Arts Series Presentation2/12, Fri @ 6:30pmLaurie Auditorium, TrinityUniversity

If You Give a Mouse a Muffin2/16-3/20, Tue-Fri @ 9:45am & 11:30amFri @ 7pm, Sat @ 2pmMagik Theatre

Harry the Dirty DogChildren’s Fine Arts Series Presentation2/26, Fri @ 6:30pmCharline McCombs Empire Theatre

MiscellaneousValero Alamo Bowl1/2, Sat @ 8pmAlamodome

U.S. Army All-American Bowl1/9, Sat @ 12pmAlamodome

Monster Jam1/16-17, Sat @ 7pmSun @ 2pmAlamodome

Harlem Globetrotters1/28, Thu @ 7pmAT&T Center

Arenacross2/20-21, Sat @ 7:30pmSun @ 10amAlamodome

Taste of CIA Cooking and Baking Classes: Sharpening Your Knife Skills1/16, Sat / 9:30am-2:30pmCulinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery

Taste of CIA Cooking and Baking Classes: The Flavors of Asia2/20, Sat / 9:30am-2:30pmCulinary Institute of America at Pearl Brewery

On ExhibitARTPACE

International Artist-In-ResidenceNew Works: 09.3Adriana LaraMario Ybarra, Jr. Adrian Esparzacurated byJens HoffmannThru 1/10

Hudson (Show)Room Alejandro Cesarco1/14-5/2



BIHL HAUS ARTSRevelations in Color: A Year of Paintings by James Saldivar1/15-2/13

3rd Annual On and Off Fredericksburg Road Studio Tour2/20-21BLUE STAR CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER

Kim Bishop: PassageThru 1/2

The Familiar Unknown Featuring Susan Beiner, Rebekah Bogard, Rebecca Hutchinson and Anne Drew PotterOvidio Giberga - CuratorThru 2/13

Sally Weber: Tertium Quid, the Third ThingThru 2/13

INSTITUTO CULTURAL de MEXICO

The Mini Series IIMichael Mehl – CuratorFernanda Chemale – Brazil:ElefanteCidadeSerpenteTom Drahos – France:JainaAlastair Magnaldo – France:Hautes CouturesPhilip Scholz Ritterman – CaliforniaLight DrawingErwin Staiheli – SwitzerlandPassagesBerthold Steinhibler – GermanyGhost TownsThru 1/10

Nuevo León - Imágenes de Nuestra MemoriaMichael Mehl – CuratorThru 1/10

Bajo el Manto de la VirgenThru 1/10

Expresion MexicanaThru 1/10

McNAY ART MUSEUM

The Harmon and Harriet Kelley Collection of African American Art: Works on PaperThru 1/3

Reclaimed: Paintings From the Collection of Jacques GoudstikkerThru 1/10

Recent AcquistionsModern and Contemporary ArtThru 1/10

Onstage in Amsterdam: Prints from the Schouwburg TheatreThru 1/17

Recent Acquisitions of Prints and Drawings1/20-3/14

An Impressionist Sensibility:The Halff Collection2/3-5/9

Impressionist Graphics from the McNay Collection2/3-5/16

36 On The Town | January-February 201036 On The Town | July-August 200936 On The Town | July-August 2009

TruthBeauty: Pictorialism and the Photograph as Art2/3-5/9

MUSEO ALAMEDA

Jesse Trevino: Mi VidaThru 2/28

Arte En La Charreria: The Artisanship of MexicanEquestrian Culture1/27-5/2

SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN

David Rogers’ Big Bugs’Thru 1/3

John Henry: Art In The GardenCurated by Bill FitzGibbonThru 6/1

SAN ANTONIOMUSEUM OF ART

The Art of the Missions of Northern New SpainThru 1/3

Culinary DelightsThru 2/21

Seasons of Beauty: Yoshitoshi’s Thirty-Two Aspects of LifeThru 1/17

SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART & CRAFT

Engaged and FragmentedThru 1/24

Peter Sowiski: Stealth ServiceThru 1/24

Art of Pulp PaintingThru 1/24

Art for GivingThru 1/9

Louis Vega Trevino: Color Shift1/21-4/3

Vincent Valdez: Flashback2/11-4/3

Bruce Metcalf: The Miniature Worlds2/11-4/11

Flipping the Bird2/11-4/18

INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES

Tusks! Ice Age Mammoths and MastodonsThru 1/3

Military Aviation Comes of Age in San AntonioThru 7/4

Nativity Art of Ferdinand PribylThru 7/4

Race: Are We So Different?1/23-5/16

WITTE MUSEUM

Lonesome DovePhotographs by Bill WittliffThru 1/3

Don Yena: Painting the South Texas StoryThru 1/10

Circus Folk: Secrets Behind The Big TopThru 2/14

Colors on Clay: Pottery of San AntonioThru 3/21

Table of Contents: Stories of Hunger and Resilience1/16-4/3

Festivals & Celebrations

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

Extreme Bulls / Randy Houser2/4, Thu @ 7pmLady Antebellum2/5, Fri @ 7pmTim McGraw2/6, Sat @ 1pm & 7:30pmSelena Gomez2/7, Sun @ 1pmJohn Rich withCowboy Troy2/8, Mon @ 7pmDarius Rucker2/9, Tue @ 7pmThird Day2/10, Wed @ 7pmCasey Donahew Band2/11, Thu @ 7pmForeigner2/12, Fri @ 7pmJames Otto2/13, Sat @ 1pm

Rodney Atkins2/13, Sat @ 7:30pmBlake Shelton2/14, Sun @ 1pm Ramon Ayala2/14, Sun @ 7:30pmDierks Bentley2/15, Mon @ 7pmTrace Adkins2/16, Tue @ 7pmAlan Jackson2/17, Wed @ 7pmToby Keith2/18, Thu @ 7pmGary Allan2/19, Fri @ 7:30pmExtreme Bulls / Jake Owens 2/20, Sat @ 1pmEli Young Band2/20, Sat @ 7:30pm

First Friday Art Walk1/2 & 2/6, Fri / 6-9pmSouthtown / Blue Star / King William

Light The WayThru 1/6University of the Incarnate Word

CineFestival ’10 en San Antonio2/4-7Guadalupe Theatre

9th Annual Jewish Film Festival Barshop Jewish Community Center Presentation2/13-17Bijou Theatre

Asian Festival: Year of the Tiger2/20, Sat / 10am-5pmInstitute of Texan Cultures



38 On The Town | January-February 201038 On The Town | July-August 200938 On The Town | September-October 200938 On The Town | July-August 200938 On The Town | July-August 2009

On Screen

Der RosencavalierMetropolitan Opera1/9, Sat @ 12pm1/27,Wed @ 6:30pmCielo Vista 18Fiesta 16 TheatreMcCreeles Mall Cinema

CarmenMetropolitan Opera1/16, Sat @ 12pm2/3, Wed @ 6:30pmCielo Vista 18Fiesta 16 TheatreMcCreeles Mall Cinema

A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor2/4, Thu @ 7pm 2/9, Tue @ 7pmCielo Vista 18Fiesta 16 TheatreMcCreeles Mall Cinema

Simon BoccanegraMetropolitan Opera2/6, Sat @ 12pm2/24, Wed @ 6:30pmCielo Vista 18Fiesta 16 TheatreMcCreeles Mall Cinema

Otello2/11, Thu @ 7pm2/14, Sun @ 3pmEmbassy 14 Theatre

Don Quixote2/25, Thu @ 7pm2/28, Sun @ 3pmEmbassy 14 Theatre

Photo CreditsPage 28(Left to Right)Bellamy BrothersCourtesy liveatfloores.com

Nancy ZhouCourtesy San Antonio Symphony

Lafayette String QuartetCourtsey www.lafayette stringquartet.ca

Michael KrajewskiCourtesy www.michaelkrajewski.com

Page 30(Left to Right)Cecile LicadPhoto by Ken Go

Berlin Philharmonic Wind QuintetCourtesy Kerrville Performing Arts Society

Haochen ZhangCourtesy Arts San Antonio

Eleven Hundred SpringsCourtesy liveatfloores.com

Page 31(Left to Right)Manuel BarruecoCourtesy San Antonio Symphony

American Big BandCourtesy Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre

Page 32(Left to Right)CantusCourtesy singers.com

Daniel Bernard RoumainPhoto by Julieta Cervantes

Page 33(Left to Right)TAO: The Martial Art of DrummingCourtesy Arts San Antonio

The Lion King ©DisneyPhindile Mkhize as “Rafiki” Photo by Joan Marcus

Page 34(Left to Right)The 39 StepsCast members Jeffrey Kuhn, Francesca Faridany, Arnie Burton and Sean Mahon. Photo by Joan Marcus

Daughter of the RegimentCourtesy San Antonio Opera

Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia HernandezCourtesy Arts San Antonio

Ailey IICourtesy Carver Community Cultural Center

Page 35(Left to Right)Bill MaherCourtesy billmaher.com

Gabriel “Fluffy” IglesiasCourtesy Majestic Theatre

Page 36 (Left to Right)Edward HopperAmerican, 1882-1967House by an InletOil on canvas, 26 x 38 in.McNay Art Museum

Charles Sprague Pearce American, 1851-1914Lady with a Fan, ca. 1883Oil on canvas, 27 ¾ x 22 ½ in.McNay Art Museum

Jesse TrevinoLa RaspaAcrylic on Canvas66 x 88 in.Museo Alameda

Arte en la Charreria The Artisanship of Mexican Equestrian CultureMuseo Alameda

Page 38(Left to Right)Louis Vega Trevino Slim, 2009Oil on canvas, 28 x 33 in.Southwest School of Art and Craft

Vincent ValdezBoom, 2007Oil on canvas, 64 x 64 in.Southwest School of Art and Craft

Taiso YoshitoshiJapan (1839-1892)Smoky: the appearance of a housewife of the Kyowa era, 1801-1804 Thirty-Two Aspects of Daily Life, 1888 Woodblock print on paper37.6 x 25.7 cm overall paperLent by Lenora and Walter F. Brown Photography by Peggy TenisonSan Antonio Museum of Art

Gentry WagonFrom Circus Folk: SecretsBehind the Big TopWitte Museum


http://www.liveatfloores.com

http://www.lafayettestringquartet.ca

http://www.lafayettestringquartet.ca

http://www.michaelkrajewski.com

http://www.michaelkrajewski.com

www.liveatfloores.com

http://www.singers.com

http://www.billmaher.com

http://www.billmaher.com



Box Office:

The Barshop Jewish Community Center and the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center offer out-standing film festivals in mid- and early February,

respectively. The JCC’s five-day event takes place at the Bijou Theatre in Crossroads Mall while the Guadalupe’s four-day celebration is on screen at the historic Guadalupe Theatre.

9th Annual Jewish Film FestivalFeb. 13-17By Lauren RossPhotos Courtesy Barshop Community Center

From the beautiful love story of Villa Jasmin to the uproariously funny comedic film A Matter of Size, the Barshop Jewish Community Center’s Jewish Film Festival offers a variety of refreshing features and documentaries taking attendees from one end of the emotional spectrum to the other.

Created in 2001, the JCC’s Film Festival provides the entire San Antonio community with the oppor-tunity to explore Jewish identity, history and culture while sharing in cinematic experiences that speak to all people.

This year’s lineup includes forays into the plight of two freedom fighters/assassins in WWII (Flame and Citron), a suspenseful “who-done-it” (The Last Suspect), the comedic story of Yisrael Campbell, who converted to Judaism not once, but three times (Circumcise Me) and the emotional journeys looking back at the Holo-caust (Menachem & Fred and No. 4 Street of Our Lady). The annual event will be held Feb. 13-17 at the Bijou at Crossroads. Known for its local artsy flavor, the Bijou provides the perfect backdrop for the eclectic mix of 10 films from around the world. Located at Crossroads mall, the venue affords moviegoers a

February Film Festivals



central location and access to restaurant-style fare, along with a terrific selection of beer and wine.

General admission is $8 per person per film or $70 for a package that includes one ticket to each film. Tickets may be purchased at www.jccsanantonio.org, by calling (210) 302-6820 or at the Barshop JCC, located at the intersection of N.W. Military Highway and Wurzbach Parkway.

32nd CineFestival en San AntonioFeb. 4-7By Lorraine Pulido-RamerizPhotography courtesy Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center CineFestival en San Antonio, the nation’s oldest Latino film festival, takes place Feb. 4-7 at the historic Guadalupe Theatre.

CineFestival showcases the best Latino features, shorts, documentaries, animation, experimental films and youth works for its 32nd annual festival. The four-day event features screenings, workshops, panel discussions, networking opportunities, gala celebrations and musical performances. Innovative uses of new technology also will be highlighted through competitions, demonstrations of new cameras and software, and the involvement of youth filmmakers from video programs throughout San Antonio.

One of the movies selected is Don’t Let Me Drown, by director Cruz Angeles, featuring actor Ricardo

Antonio Chavira of Desperate Housewives. Don’t Let Me Drown features an elegantly simple story, layered characters and standout performances. Another stellar movie that CineFestival will offer is Al Más Allá, directed by Lourdes Portillo, and Stages, directed by Meerkat Media Collective.

CineFestival also will feature the prestigious Premio Mesquite audience award and juried awards for best feature, best short, best documentary, and emerging artist.

For information, visit www.guadalupeculturalarts.org or call (210) 271-3151. CineFestival coordinator Manuel Solis is available at [email protected].

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1980 to preserve, promote and develop the arts and culture of the Chicano/Latino/Native American peoples for all ages and backgrounds through public and educational programming in six disciplines: dance, literature, media arts, theater arts, visual arts and music.

Photo Credits:

Page 40-41(Left to Right)Flame and CitronYisrael CampbellAl Más AlláDon’t Let Me Drown


mailto:solizm%40hotmial.com?subject=


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More

PAPerforming Arts

R ivercenter Comedy Club, located downtown near the River Walk on the third level of Rivercenter Mall, has served as a partner in fun and laughter

for patrons of standup humor for nearly 20 years.

Owners Bruce and Colleen Barshop have built a strong reputation for presenting top comedians from around the country, including the likes of George Lopez, Ron White, Drew Carey, Tommy Chong, Chris Rock, Carlos Mencia, Jeff Dunham and Larry the Cable Guy. In addition to the scheduled performers each week, impromptu appearances have happened at times as well. An example of this occurred recently when outrageous funnyman Kat Williams dropped in for the late show.

After almost two decades at Rivercenter Comedy Club, the Barshops have added the 400-seat Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club in Park North Plaza between San Pedro Avenue and Blanco Road on Loop 410.

With the opening of this brand-new facility, comedy fans now have two A-list clubs in the city where every headliner has national credentials ranging from the Tonight Show, Jay Leno and the David Letterman shows, to the Las Vegas, Aspen and Montreal comedy festivals, as well as appearances in Las Vegas or New York. Opening week this past November at Laugh Out Loud featured Richard Lewis.

Add a bit of hilarity to your life by visiting www.sanantoniocomedyclubs.com where you’ll find a listing of comedians performing at both clubs and ticket information.

Twice the laughs are now available in San Antonio – downtown at Rivercenter and uptown at the all-new Laugh Out Loud. Funny thing about parking, it’s free! LOL has complimentary parking right in front of the club, and Rivercenter offers three hours of validated parking in Rivercenter Mall.

Twice the Laughs:Rivercenter and Laugh Out Loud Comedy ClubsBy Suede Tallichet

Left: Laurie KilmartinPhoto courtesy kilmartin.com

Right: Tommy BlazePhoto courtesy tommyblazecomic.com


http://kilmartin.com

http://tommyblazecomic.com




Visual Arts46-62

Visual Arts46-62


Paula Owen: Leadership, Approached ArtfullyBy Vivienne GautrauxPhotography Courtesy Southwest School of Art & Craft


Paula Owen, president of the Southwest School of Art & Craft, has to be one of San Antonio’s best multi-taskers.

Her staff agrees she’s a strong and inspirational leader, efficiently running the nearly $4-million institution that currently ranks in the top tier of U.S. community art schools (and quite possibly may be the largest school of its kind in the country). Since arriving in town in 1996, she’s doubled the art school’s enrollment, and these days, about 4000 very diverse students attend classes there each year.

She’s a published author of an art-related textbook, a frequent writer on art topics, the curator of national exhibitions, and her abstract, minimalist paintings have been exhibited locally and in cities around the country. Considered a thought leader in the arts world, Owen is frequently invited to speak about the visual arts at various conferences and symposia. Recently, she was one of only 40 arts executives from across the country who was selected to attend Stanford University’s summer Executive Program in Leadership.

Owen’s influence within the San Antonio arts community is substantial, and not only because she manages one of the city’s largest arts institutions. “She’s the proverbial iron hand in a velvet glove” says one local arts leader, “who has a reputation for getting things done, and done right, yet with an overarching sense of community.”

Her quiet but firm leadership style has been behind many of the high-value initiatives in the local art scene – for instance, Owen was one of the founders and a Co-Chair of the Cultural Alliance of San Antonio (CASA), which went a long way toward eliminating territoriality among local arts institutions. This year, Owen, along with George Cisneros, is heading up the city’s newest arts festival, Luminaria. And a few years ago, under her auspices, the Southwest School was instrumental in pulling together the Arts Education Task Force that examined the role of the visual arts in our community’s schools.

Owen and the institution she leads are impassioned advocates for honoring the power of art in everyone’s life, in whatever form it may take –in other words, she defines an artist not only as someone who makes art, but also as


Paula Owen: Leadership, Approached ArtfullyBy Vivienne GautrauxPhotography Courtesy Southwest School of Art & Craft


someone who lives creatively. Her vision, and the school’s as well, is that art is for everyone.

“Surely, it’s no coincidence that San Antonio has such an extraordinarily vibrant visual arts scene today, since we’ve had a successful community arts school here for four decades leading the way,” says Janet Flohr, founder of the fine arts print studio Hare & Hound Press and the current Chair of the school’s Board of Trustees.

The art school balances its commitment to teaching traditional art forms with a dedication to contemporary art – and its “consistently provocative” (and always free) exhibitions examine ideas in contemporary art that often fall outside the mainstream. Within recent years, the Southwest School collaborated with the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Library to bring exhibitions by Dale Chihuly, and then Fernando Botero, to San Antonio.

Just as the word “art” is expanding to include more and different materials and modes, the Southwest School of Art & Craft looks toward an expanding future. Physically, its much-loved historic site anchors the southern end of the “Museum Reach” river project, and the art school now owns property along Navarro Street, including the northeast corner of Augusta and Navarro streets, for future expansion.

“While the art school and its historic site have a storied past, I think its future will be just as remarkable,” Owen says. While she didn’t elaborate on the Southwest School’s plans more specifically, she did recall “a favorite” quote of hers – one which looks ahead and not behind, and which sums up her role in helping future artists have a welcoming place to learn -- “the vocation of the artist is the reclamation of the future.”

Photo Credits:

Page 46Paula Owen, presidentSouthwest School of Art and Craft

Page 47Southwest School of Art and Craft campus

Page 48Top: Paula Owen and Felix Padron, executive director of San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs

Bottom: Classroom setting




New Year, New ExperiencesMuseums and Art Centers Inaugurate 2010 in Grand StyleBy Shannon Huntington Standley


The rush of the holiday season has passed, the year has come to a close and a new year is a great opportunity to embark on new experiences.

While the weather is cold and drab, the warm, stunning and vibrant galleries of San Antonio’s art and cultural institutions await.

The first of four seasonal rotations in the San Antonio Museum of Art’s Lenora and Walter F. Brown Asian Art Wing, Seasons of Beauty: Yoshitoshi’s 32 Aspects of Daily Life, comes to an end Jan. 17. Don’t miss this season’s presentation of works by Taiso Yoshitoshi, one of the greatest Japanese woodblock print artists. In addition, SAMA is serving up Culinary Delights. On view through Feb. 21 and featuring the photographs of nationally acclaimed photographer David Halliday, the exhibition focuses on still life compositions using food—a natural subject for an artist who began his career as a chef.

UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures is exploring the

science, history and everyday affect of race and racism. RACE: Are We So Different? is an important exhibition encouraging the understanding of what race is and is not and is on view Jan. 23 through May 16. Through a powerful combination of artifacts, historic and contemporary photographs, multimedia components and interactive activities, RACE provides an opportunity to think and talk about a topic that touches lives daily. The circus is still in town at the Witte Museum! This is your last chance to take a peek behind the canvas with Circus Folk: Secrets Behind the Big Top, on view through Feb. 14. The Witte fantastically unravels the secrets from behind the big top and drew the exhibition from its famous Hertzberg Circus Collection, one of the largest and most impressive collections of circus art and artifacts in the world. The Witte also is hosting Colors on Clay: Pottery of San Antonio, on view through March 21. Drawn from the outstanding private collection of Susan Toomey Frost, this exhibit features a selection of brightly colored tiles decorated to reflect


the popular imagery of Mexico and South Texas. Generically referred to as “San José tiles,” the works were produced locally by small groups of artisans working in a succession of three workshops from 1931 to 1971, led by entrepreneur Ethel Wilson Harris.

Two new exhibitions go up at Artpace Jan. 14. In his self-titled exhibit, Alejandro Cesarco challenges viewers to seek new meaning behind the texts and images of his works. This particular exhibition unites, for the first time, the different components of a body of work entitled Index (2000-2008). Consisting of an alphabetized list of terms and ideas arranged as if indexing a specific publication, the works are half biographical and half theoretical. The exhibition also features a new film commissioned for the occasion, The Two Stories, consisting of the reading and telling of a story, with the two narratives overlapping each other. Also on exhibit as a self-titled show, David Zamoras Casas is a self-trained painter who incorporates three-dimensional objects into his oil and acrylic paintings, including materials such as lace, bones, branches, thorns, skeletons, fabric, flowers and images cut and collaged from porn magazines.

Working with light in the dark at Blue Star Contemporary Art Center is artist Sally Weber. The experience of loss, grief or mourning reveals a thread leading to the unexpected. Tertium Quid, the third thing, is neither the innocence before, nor the despair. It is a merged perception which sees the complexity of the human condition as it is. Closing Feb. 14, The Familiar Unknown features nationally known artists Susan Beiner, Rebekah Bogard, Rebecca Hutchinson and Anne Drew Potter, and is curated by Ovidio Giberga, who is the head of the ceramics department at UTSA. Through the medium of clay, Bogard sculpts fictional animals revealing her real-life stories; Hutchinson creates works based on organic structures and deformities found in nature; Potter blurs anatomical signifiers of gender, race and age; and Beiner transforms the organic into the synthetic.

Many galleries at the McNay Art Museum are swiftly changing, with four new exhibitions debuting in the new year. Leading the schedule is Recent Acquisitions of Prints and Drawings, on view Jan. 20 through March 14. The exhibition features 36 works on paper, showing the rapid growth of this collection in the past three years. Opening Feb. 3 and continuing through May 9 is An Impressionist Sensibility: The Halff



Collection, highlighting 26 American paintings from the outstanding collection of Marie and Hugh Halff. Complementing this exhibit is Impressionist Graphics from the McNay Collection, running Feb. 3 through May 16. The exhibition of 20 prints and drawings are by American artists represented in the Halff Collection, as well as some of their French contemporaries and precedents. Finally, on view Feb. 3 through May 9 is TruthBeauty: Pictorialism and the Photograph as Art, 1845-1945. Drawn from the rich collections of the George Eastman House, TruthBeauty shows the rise of Pictorialism in the late 19th century through more than 130 masterworks from well-known photographers such as Alvin Langdon Coburn, F. Holland Day, Robert Demachy Frederick Evans, Gertrude Käsebier, Heinrich Kühn, Edward Steichen and Alfred Stieglitz.

The Southwest School of Art & Craft debuts four new exhibits with the new year. Opening Jan. 21 in the Ursuline Hall Gallery is Louis Vega Trevino, a local artist, whose new paintings blur color, line and form; Flipping the Bird, opening Feb. 11 in the Navarro Lobby Gallery, is a print portfolio curated by Margaret Craig, chair of the Painting, Drawing and Printmaking Department; an acclaimed San Antonio artist now living in Los Angeles returns to show new works with Vincent Valdez: Flash Back opening in the Russell Hill Rogers Gallery Feb. 11; finally, also opening Feb. 11 in the Russell Hill Rogers Gallery II is The Miniature Worlds of Bruce Metcalf, who is an acclaimed metalsmith, sculptor, professor, writer and arts philosopher.

The Museo Alameda’s dedication to a seminal figure in the Chicano art movement, Jesse Trevino: Mi Vida, is a major retrospective examining the career of nationally recognized artist Jesse Trevino. On view through Feb. 28, the exhibition title is inspired by a work, Mi Vida, which recently was rescued from demolition by art collector Cindy Gabriel. Opening Jan. 27, Arte en la Charrería: The Artisanship of Mexican Equestrian Culture, is an exhibition illustrating one of the richest on-going traditions of Mexico through art objects and costume.

Bihl Haus Arts has two events of note in the January - February time frame starting with Revelations in Color: A Year of Paintings by James Saldivar. The exhibit goes up on Jan. 15 and runs through Feb. 13. Bihl Haus has also organized the 3rd Annual On and Off Fredericksburg Road Studio Tour on Feb. 20-21. For more info: www.onandofffred.org


www.onandofffred.org


Through a variety of mediums, subjects, time periods and cultures, this community is offered experiences second to none. If it has been a while since you took advantage of what the art and cultural stewards of this community have to offer, the new year is a perfect time to experience something new.

Photo Credits:

Page 50John Singer SargentAmerican, born Italy, 1856-1925The Sulphur MatchOil on canvas, 23 x 16 1/4 in.McNay Art Museum

Page 51David HallidayFish Heads and Pumpkins, 2007Archival pigment print, 20 x 30”Courtesy of the artists and Arthur Roger Gallery , New Orleans

Page 52Top: Frank Weston BensonAmerican, 1862-1951Elizabeth and Anna, ca. 1909Oil on canvas, 32 x 25 in.McNay Art Museum

Bottom: La Carta de Amor Colors on Clay: Pottery inSan Antonio Witte Museum

Page 53Top and Bottom: Arte en la Charreria The Artisanship of Mexican Equestrian Culture Museo Alameda

Page 54Top: James SaldivarSweet, 2009Oil on canvas48 x 24 in.Bihl Haus Arts

Bottom: Sally WeberDescent – six part installationFossil, 2006Pulsed laser images between glass, Blue Star Contemporary Arts Center



Portfolio:

The Art of James Wyatt HendricksBy Susan A. MerknerPhoto of James Wyatt Hendricks by Greg Harrison


James Wyatt Hendricks has worked for some of San Antonio’s biggest firms and has been self-employed – often simultaneously.

As an artist, he feels the common push-pull of creative freedom and the need to make a living.

Hendricks carves out time for his artwork – about 10 to 15 hours per week – in addition to holding down a full-time job as an illustrator at Pearson. He’s also the father of two daughters, ages 23 and 10.

“I’m a bit of a workaholic,” Hendricks, 51, says in his soft-spoken, understated manner.

The sculptor, painter and illustrator says he “could almost make a living” from his architectural metal work, which graces homes in The Dominion and Hollywood Park, among other upscale neighborhoods. His art can be found throughout the San Antonio area. Hendricks has produced works for the Lighthouse for the Blind, the Buffalo Soldiers organization and the McNay Art Museum. For the opening of Ronald Reagan High School in 1999 he created a 14-foot

bronze rattlesnake. He recently bid on design work for sculptural light fixtures for the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

A graduate of East Central High School, he attended San Antonio College, where he studied visual arts and graphic design. He credits one of his SAC professors, Mark Pritchett, chair of the visual arts program, with opening his eyes to a variety of artistic styles and expressions.

Another influence on Hendricks’ life was HemisFair, the 1968 world’s fair held downtown, he says. “HemisFair brought in sculptors from around the world. There were all kinds of interesting exhibits and displays. It was just fascinating.”

In the business world, Hendricks has worked at Fairchild Aircraft, where he learned to use Apple computers in his design work. He also was a part-owner of Geomedia, a full-service video and film production house, for seven years.

Hendricks spent 14 years at the San Antonio Express-


58 On The Town | January-February 201058 On The Town | July-August 2009

News as a graphic artist and visual journalist. He was among the approximately 75 editorial department employees laid off during the March 2009 firing frenzy. Before he could begin his job search last spring, Hendricks was offered a full-time position at Pearson, where he had worked previously as an independent contractor, illustrating testing materials. He estimates he has produced about 40,000-plus illustrations.

His San Antonio studio, which he opened almost 10 years ago, is at 918 Nolan St., east of Dignowity Park. It’s housed in a 1920s-era former grocery store with 4,000 square feet of interior space and an adjacent yard where Hendricks can set up his welding projects. Before that, he had operated a studio in Bulverde for nine years.

Hendricks says he learned welding when he was 18, working for construction companies needing metalwork. “I’m a fairly technical person, and I can learn things quickly.”

He fine-tuned his metalworking and blacksmithing skills working with a mentor in Boerne a decade ago. At that point, he also branched out into carving sculpture from stone.

The artist has designed 500 sculpture pieces and can produce 12 works a year, depending on their size and complexity, he says. Painting and illustrating can be profitable, but he cautions that the entire field of visual arts is extremely competitive. Public art commissions, in particular, may pay well but take a lot of time, including designing and bidding.

On his Web site, Hendricks divides his work into six categories: sacred birds, sculpture, painting, public art, drawings/illustration, and prints. Online and in his studio, the artist’s comfort with a wide range of materials is evident.

At home, he has a collection of about 300 art and art history books. “I’m constantly learning,” Hendricks says. “I like all types of art.”

His inspiration has its roots in classical art, he says. But he speaks most enthusiastically about the Modern Art movement because of the skill of its craftsmen. “They did a lot of the work themselves,” he says. “I admire people with the skills to do it in a way that the craftsmanship is there.”



Among the artists who have influenced Hendricks’ work were David Smith, an American Abstract Expressionist sculptor in the 1920s through ‘40s, who created huge, abstract metal pieces, and Isamu Noguchi, a Japanese American artist known in the 1930s and ‘40s for his stone and metal sculpture and public works.

Among his contemporaries, Hendricks says he likes the work of Donald Lipsky of Philadelphia, who created the sunfish sculpture on the new Mission Reach section of the San Antonio River Walk.

Hendricks was commissioned by the Tobin Collec-tion at the McNay Art Musuem in 2009 to create 32 sculptures for table centerpieces at a fundraising dinner. Each piece, which was about 30 inches high, was auctioned as a part of the evening’s fund raising.

“The exposure was great,” Hendricks says with a low chuckle. Now, he just needs more hours in the day.

For more information, visit www.wyatthendricks.com.

Photo Credits:

Page 56James Wyatt Hendricks

Page 57Native AmericansWatercolor and pencil

Page 58Top: Blue TreePainted steel20 feet

Bottom: Free Fall IOil on canvas30 x 30 in.

Page 59Top: Japanese GirlPrisma color (pencil) and water colors

Bottom: Caged Bird I14 x 14 x 8 in. Bronze and steel


www.wyatthendricks.com


MoreVA Visual Arts

These aren’t just concrete with paint thrown about, but images that bring us hope. Our future is not lost. Our children have something to look up to:

Images of hope,” writes poet and San Anto Cultural Arts mural participant Enrico “Caso” Salinas in The Walls.

Salinas could not have put it any better. San Anto’s Comm-

unity Mural/Public Art Program (CMP) does not create art simply for art’s sake. The 37 murals scattered throughout the West Side are meant both to inspire viewers with positive images of this neighborhood’s cultura, and empower those who work on the murals through teamwork, quality artistic training and the opportunity to produce something for the greater community.

“

Muralismo in the CitySan Anto Cultural Arts’ Community Mural/Public Art ProgramBy Melinda HigginsPhotography Courtesty San Anto Cultural Arts



The CMP identifies, trains and mobilizes artistically inclined youth, adults and elder residents to create three to five major murals/public art works per year through the crew system, which teams a lead muralist with crew members. Lead muralists are typically former crew members who have gained enough experience to lead their own projects. Crew nembers are individuals with interest/talent in art who are recruited by word-of-mouth, school presentations or on the street.

Taggers, community artists and art professionals alike have come together through the CMP to work on murals. Even the current CMP coordinator, Ruth Buentello,

started as a participant in the program, and led her first mural when she was 18. Upon her graduation from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Ruth came back to lead the program that first unleashed her talent. She is one of San Anto’s many examples of what can happen when art and passion combine.

San Anto’s work in muralismo helps make our city brighter and more colorful, but it also empowers both viewers and participants to rise up and do good for the community. To support San Anto Cultural Arts or take a guided mural tour for $10 per person, call (210) 226-7466.




Culinary Arts 64-72

Culinary Arts 64-72


Mi Tierra Café y Panaderia in San Antonio’s Mercado is a perpetual celebration; a 24 hours a day, 365 days a year holiday that

never takes one.

A constellation of star-shaped piñatas greet you at the door; multicolored lights festoon the ceilings and walls;

shimmering banners float above you; art, autographed celebrity photos and mementos surround you; the bakery cases are piled high with a dazzling display of conchas, pasteles, breads and candies of all kinds; strolling musicians, “los trovadores,” perform all hours of the day and night; and servers are adorned in bright colors and brighter smiles.

Mi Tierra--A Celebration of Life An interview with Jorge “George” CortezBy Chris DunnPhotography Cynthia Clark


But there is a more serious celebration going on at Mi Tierra -- a celebration of a people, a culture, a vision and life.

Jorge Cortez, eldest son of the restaurant’s founder, Pete Cortez, said, “Mi Tierra had to be more than enchiladas, tamales and tacos. It had to be about life, about love, about our community and, most of all, God’s blessings.”

The restaurant is filled with affirmations of that statement. Outside the restaurant is an “ofrenda,” a permanent Dia de Los Muertos display in remembrance of family, coworkers and friends who have passed away.

In the entryway of the restaurant is a religious shrine, resplendent with crosses, statues of saints and, at the center, the Virgin de Guadalupe. Downstairs, where customers never go, is another little altar and shrine for private meditation.

The massive baroque bar, designed by Armando Sanchez and Jorge “George” Cortez, is imbued with ancient Mayan, Aztec and Mexican symbols, reflecting one of Pete Cortez’s cardinal principles: “Preserve our culture.”

In the back dining room is a huge Jesus Diaz Garza mural dedicated to Latinos who have contributed so much to San Antonio and the United States.

The original dining room, referred to as the “corazon,” or heart, of Mi Tierra, is a memorial to the spirit and vision of Pete Cortez and an affirmation of the family’s mission statement, which includes, “We will glorify God by honoring the vision of our founders…”

That vision began in 1941, when Pete Cortez, a 23-year-old from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and his wife, Cruz, bought a three-table restaurant in the Mercado for $150. The atmosphere of the market, with its farmers and produce workers, Chile Queens serving homemade food, and musicians strolling around, reminded him of home. “He wanted to serve the best to the humblest people -- that’s where he came from,” said Jorge.

Pete acquired his second restaurant in 1951 and named it “Mi Tierra,” “my land,” but holding on to it wasn’t easy.

That area of town was run down; the produce market moved, and Pete had to fight to save the Mercado from being demolished by the city. But he persevered

and eventually acquired the entire city block. Today the Mercado is home to more than 125 shops, and the family owns and operates three restaurants -- Mi Tierra Café y Panaderia, La Margarita Restaurant and Oyster Bar, and nearby Pico de Gallo Restaurant -- as well as two bakeries.

Over the years, the Cortez family has won many awards, including Best Mexican Food in San Antonio, Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Guests, Best Late-Night Dining, Best Margarita and Best Fajitas (which were introduced to the United States in the early 1980s at La Margarita). Since Pete’s untimely passing in 1984, the Cortez family has continued to follow his vision, both in their businesses and community.

Jorge worked with doctors at Santa Rosa Hospital, community leaders and the City of San Antonio to revitalize Milam Plaza near the Mercado, making it an inviting area of green space for children and families in a part of town that greatly needed it. “Many wonderful citizens of this community came together, and we raised money,” he said.

He has also been a driving force behind the Alameda National Center for Latino Arts and Culture, which includes the Museo Alameda, the first museum affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute outside of Washington, D.C., as well as a capital campaign to restore the iconic Alameda Theatre, which, when built in 1949, was the largest Spanish-language entertainment facility in the United States.

His younger brother, Ruben Cortez, won the 2008 San Antonio Restaurant Association Outstanding Restaurateur Award. He is also a leader of the Healthy Restaurants Coalition, which is dedicated to bringing healthy menu choices to San Antonio restaurants. Another brother, David, is actively involved in the National Restaurants Association and a member of its advisory board.

Pete Cortez’s vision is being carried forward by the second and third generations of the family. “It’s a big family affair here,” said Jorge.

Property has already been secured on the north side of town for a new restaurant venture, and in downtown San Antonio, the family hopes to establish an extended cultural zone. “We’re working on a shopping district from San Fernando and the river down to the Mercado,”


he said, “from Houston Street down to Dolorosa Street -- a Zona Cultural.”

But the symbol of that vision will always be Mi Tierra, a San Antonio landmark which hosts more than 2 million visitors a year. “This restaurant is to me like life,” said Jorge. “It’s got its ups and downs. It’s got its joy and at times a little sadness here. It’s almost like a mother that opens her arms…embracing every person that walks through this door.”

Photo Credits:

Page 64George Cortez

Page 66The Cortez Family(Left to Right) Christina Cortez-De La Fuente, Angelica Cortez, Jon Cortez, David Cortez, Michael Cortez, Pete Cortez, Ruben Cortez, George Cortez (seated), Deborah Cortez



Pinch Pennies and Dine WellChampagne Appetite on a Beer Pocketbook By Marlo Mason-Marie

A t this point in time, you don’t have to be rich to enjoy wonderfully prepared cuisine at outstanding eateries in the city and

surrounding area. All you have to do is to figure out how you can most efficiently take advantage of all the “deals” offered by these establishments. I am truly amazed at what’s available and where it’s available.

If you’ve read my previous articles then you know I have successfully wired myself into the “savings network,” so to speak, by joining every restaurant e-mail club imaginable and by wisely investing a few dollars in restaurant discount programs. Now, the deals find me. This is how I pay for my champagne appetite with a beer pocketbook. I strongly suggest you do the same.

Let me begin illustrating what being “wired in” means by mentioning that my recent birthday unleashed an explosive onslaught of e-mail offers. Restaurants, in staggering numbers, couldn’t wait to wish me happy birthday and make an offer I couldn’t refuse. The best of the best were McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant (I wish we had this restaurant in San Antonio) and The Palm. M&S electronically loaded my preferred guest card with $30 to use any way I saw fit, and The Palm sent an 837 Club certificate for a free entrée, excluding only a double steak (I can’t eat two) and lobster tails over three pounds. These were straight up, “come and get it” deals, not “we will give you this if you buy that” offers. I joined each of their customer clubs years ago for a one-time cost of $25 each, and I’ve reaped benefits like these ever since.


© Creasencesro | Dreamstime.com


Houlihan’s was another restaurant that invested heavily in me for my birthday by e-mailing a free entrée certificate with no restrictions that was valid at either lunch or dinner. Since their e-mail club is totally free, I came out mucho dining dollars ahead on this one. Zio’s Italian Kitchen also wanted me to eat free at their place, so I did. Ruby Tuesday offered a high-dollar hamburger for no dollars at all, and I enjoyed it also.

Another way to save big bucks at quality restaurants is by faithfully surfing Web sites for KENS-TV/Good Morning San Antonio and WOAI-TV/4Savers. You never know which restaurant will be offered next at half price. In the past, I’ve bought $50 gift certificates for $25 to Ounce Steakhouse, Las Canarias in La

Mansion Hotel, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Biga on the Banks and Grey Moss Inn. WOAI Radio, and all other Clear Channel stations, offer half-price discounts to restaurants as well. My previous purchases from their service include Tomatillo’s Café y Cantina, Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse, Yard House, Crumpets, Meson European Restaurant and Golden Wok.

Great dining can come at greatly reduced prices, if you know where to look. Check out Restaurant.com, Entertainment.com, EnjoytheCity.com and the KLRN member card, too.

Pinch your pennies and dine extremely well. It’s easy, smart and downright fiscally responsible.


70 On The Town | January-February 201070 On The Town | July-August 2009

MoreCA Culinary Arts

If you want to sink your teeth into San Antonio’s food scene, then sample SavorSA.com, a new, comprehensive site covering food, wine and dining.

Online for just six months, this colorful ezine is wired into the city’s restaurant scene, from openings and closings to changes in menus, chefs and locations. The site also covers major events, such as the New World Wine & Food Festival and KLRN-TV’s annual San Antonio Wine Competition.

If it’s recipes you’re looking for, this is a good place to find them, from articles on making jam out of the bounty of fruit that grows in San Antonio, to how to deep-fry a turkey or make pizzas on the grill.

SavorSA also culls through the huge number of events happening each day in the city, finding those with the most appeal to food and wine enthusiasts.

While readers and local writers contribute to the content, most of the articles are written by SavorSA partners and editors John Griffin and Bonnie Walker. San Antonio food lovers know these two from their days at the San Antonio Express-News where they were the lead writers for the award-winning food and dining sections for more than 10 years.

Equally important is partner Nicholas Mistry, whose photographic skills and Web design have enhanced the site’s appetizing visual appeal.

Among SavorSA’s growing readership are food enthusiasts who are well aware that San Antonio is entering a new level of national recognition for its food scene.

While the city offers some of the tastiest examples of its traditional Tex-Mex, far more culinary excitement is at hand. With the creation of the third and newest campus of the Culinary Institute of America here at the Pearl Brewery, the opportunities for San Antonio becoming one of Texas’s major, serious food centers is at hand. As more young chefs come out of the CIA, more restaurants will be here to offer them professional opportunities.

SavorSA intends to take the lead in tracking what promises to be a vibrant, new culinary consciousness in this city -- and invite you to explore with us all the delicious, new prospects coming up.

If San Antonio is eating it, drinking it or talking about it, SavorSA will keep on top of it. Look for daily updates.

SavorSA.comA Comprehensive Food, Wine and Dining Site

By John GriffinPhotography Nicholas N. Mistry SavorSA

Left: Powdered sugar is the final touch for this homemade tart

Right: Assorted peppers and eggplant from the Olmos Basin Farmers Market


http://www.savorsa.com




Urban74-78

Urban74-78

Literary Arts74-80

Literary Arts 74-80



The San Antonio theater scene may be lively and diverse yet we rarely get to see works penned by local playwrights. Most theatergoers would

probably be hard pressed to name even one local script writer. But that may be changing. An active little group called SAT Playwrights has been nurturing new stage writers since 2002 and producing its members’ works annually during the SAT Playwrights PlayFest since 2004. Thanks to growing audiences, the 2010 fest will be a milestone of sorts as it will be the first to run for four weekends as a regular part of the San Pedro Playhouse Cellar Theater season. Scheduled for Jan. 8 - 31, the festival will feature original plays by eight authors under the umbrella title of Chicago Breezing. (See box). Each script must have a connection to the city of Chicago but what the writers do with that slim requirement is entirely up to them. Past fests had Las Vegas and New Orleans themes. All plays are fully staged by professional actors and directors.

We talked to SAT Playwrights founder and artistic director Modrea Mitchell-Reichert and SAT Playwrights member Sheila Rinear – both prolific script writers – about their group, the state of their art in our city and their own work in order to shed light on this important part of the literary arts. Mitchell-Reichert is probably best known for her two full-length plays, Little Old Ladies on the Lamb and Silver Wings, both produced by the former Steven Stoli Playhouse. A drama teacher for 22 years, Rinear is the author of dozens of short scripts

but is especially proud of three full-length works: Women of Letters, also produced by Stoli; Chasing the Blues, produced by the San Pedro Playhouse and winner of a number of honors; and her newest Cries That Bind, that had a staged reading in November at the Dramatists Guild in New York City. The latter deals with the aftermath of a loved one’s suicide, something that Rinear’s lived through herself after her adult brother killed himself.

JW: Modrea, what motivated you to start SAT Playwrights?

MMR: I wanted a place where I could get together with other writers to discuss writing and I also wanted a chance to see our work produced. There were no playwrights’ groups in town, though other writers’ groups existed. I decided this was an opportunity to focus on playwriting as a unique genre.

JW: How has the organization evolved since its inception in 2002?

MMR: At first, we were just getting together to have workshops or, as we call them, salons, where members’ plays were read by actors and then everyone, actors and other playwrights, offered feedback to the writer whose play was read. In 2004, we introduced our first PlayFest. The following year, the Stoli Playhouse made it part of its season. We eventually introduced

Book Talk:

Modrea Mitchell-Reichertand Shelia RinearPlaywrights, SAT Playwrights membersStory and Photo by Jasmina Wellinghoff



a newsletter that lists information about where to submit work nationally, playwriting competitions, members’ news, etc. This is important because San Antonio doesn’t have a lot of outlets for original works. And the PlayFest has grown and changed. Of course, we continue with our monthly salons. That’s part of our mission – to help playwrights develop their scripts.JW: How has the Play Fest changed?

MMR: The first year, we had one one-act play and several short 10-minute ones. We found out that that didn’t work for an evening of entertainment because the rhythm is different between the two formats. Then we decided to go with the 10-minute format. It’s a challenge for writers to get their story and character development that tight. Clearly you can’t get a whole lot of development but in ten minutes you can create characters with considerable depth. There’s usually a lot of back story that’s hinted at which makes it interesting for the audience because theater engages the imagination much more than other genres. Also, because writers are given a specific theme, they have to write a new script, they can’t just pull something out of the drawer and submit. This encourages them to write. The 10-minute format also allows for more writers to have their stuff produced.

JW: The chosen themes seem to revolve around specific cities, New Orleans, Las Vegas and now Chicago. Why?

MMR: What I was trying to do is to give some cohesion to the evening. We started with physical locations but it doesn’t mean that it won’t change in the future. To get an audience interested in new works, the more you can tell them upfront and kind of give them a sense of what to expect, the more receptive they will be. It increases their comfort level.

JW: Are the actors and directors all volunteers?

MMR: They were until last year when we were able to pay them stipends from ticket sales which we split with the San Pedro Playhouse. We hope to do the same this year. But the real reason we have been able to get quality actors and directors is the artistic challenge. For a director to get to shape a new work is a joy. It’s the same for an actor to get a role that’s never been done before. It’s also an opportunity for new artists to build a portfolio.

JW: Sheila, as a playwright, how do you benefit from

belonging to SAT Playwrights?

SR: I belong to other writers’ groups but I really like the dynamics of this group. It’s a very safe environment for writers. Everyone is helpful and supportive. They always start by pointing out what’s good (about the work) and then suggest that you look at this or that you might want to change or rework. Modrea will not pick a play for the fest unless we workshop it. When you see the results of the rewriting that members do thanks to the salons, you realize she is holding the standards up and I want to be part of that kind of group. The salon they gave me last April for Cries That Bind was so helpful. I thought the play was in pretty good shape at the time but the suggestions that were made – Oh my gosh! – they were fabulous. We have very intelligent participants who get very excited about each other’s work.

JW: How do you feel when you see your words brought to life by actors and directors?

SR: I trust actors and directors because I know they want to do a good job. I’ve directed some of my own pieces but I prefer to have someone else do it because it’s more fun to see what their take will be. Theater is a collaborative effort.

JW: Is this collaboration the reason you write plays instead of, say, novels?

SR: You know how they tell you to do what you did as a kid if you want to be happy as an adult? Well, ever since I was little, in the summer time my sister, my cousins and I would put on plays for which I would create the scripts. I love to write, to read and do research but I am really a people person. And if I know I am going to share the experience with other people, it’s like getting ready for a party. I love the process of working with other artists.

JW: Modrea, why have you chosen to write for the stage?

MMR: Plays are organic and visceral. Actors generate an energy that connects with an audience and draws them into the action. If done well, a play will touch, sometimes exacerbate, the emotions, the imagination or the intellect, so there is a catharsis… Plays connect to us on an immediate, unfiltered level; have an immediate impact.



JW: Most playwrights seem to lean toward one or a couple of preferred themes. What are you interested in?

MMR: I tend to write about the experiences of characters who don’t quite fit in, the outsiders. In my one-act The Gift, for instance, the main character is an Asian war widow who arrives to visit her Ohio in-laws for the first time. They have never met her and they see her as somehow responsible for their son’s death. She’s an outsider. Most people have that outsider experience in some situations in their lives. What interests me is how the individual deals with it.

JW: Are you both having plays in this month’s PlayFest?

SR: I am. It’s called I Didn’t Sign On for That. It’s a parable. I happened to see an article in the New York Times about a blog for women whose husbands lost their jobs on Wall Street (due to the financial crash). So I have these three women whom I call Widows of the Wall Street Economic Downturn meet in a bar and react to what is happening. The fourth character is the bartender who serves as a Greek chorus. He gives the audience permission to laugh.

JW: Generally speaking, what can be done to encou-rage more San Antonio playhouses to produce original plays by San Antonio authors?

MMR: I think playhouses want to support original work. However, two forces hinder them from offering full-length productions. One is local audiences’ reservations about new work. Original is unfortun-ately often equated with avant-garde, edgy, or gratuitous use of profanity… The second force is economics. If an original script draws only a meager attendance, the theater has to consider the ramifications of staging another such script. That’s why I like the 10-minute format in the PlayFest. It’s a smorgasbord of flavors and styles, united by a theme, which allows someone to experience these new writers and become a little more receptive to seeing original work in the future.

SR: Modrea has been a one-woman force in educating San Antonio audiences. Last year (at the Play Fest) they had to turn people away. If the festival gets the reputation that its plays are fun for the audience – even though some are very serious, too – that educates them to look for more such work.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

SAT Playwrights 2010 PlayFestJanuary 8-30, 2010

Chicago BreezingCellar Theater, San Pedro Playhouse

The following plays will be presented:

I Didn’t Sign on for That! written by Sheila Rinear

The Right Thing,written by Mary Ellen Rainwater

Bread and Roses,written by Rebecca Burroughs

Shopping,written by Mellissa Marlowe

Doctor’s Secret Remedy,written by Antoinette Winstead

The Phone Call,written by Lindsey Van de Kirk

Love is Like Chicago,written by J.C. Alvarez-Klebahn

Masquerade,written by James Venhaus

For ticket information and reservations contact box office at

733-7258

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •



MoreLA Lit erary Arts

In January and February, San Antonians are used to dodging the RVs of “Winter Texans,” recognized by their Midwestern and Northern license plates, as

they make their way through our fair state to the coast and the valley so low. They come to share what we, being Texans, boast about: our mild winters. We fire up our grills year round simply because we can. With the Stock Show and Rodeo within hollerin’ distance and folks coming in to enjoy the sites and shows, set out Texas BBQ, photographs by Wyatt McSpadden, to set the mouths of your guests watering as you prepare to smoke and sear. If you were to feel a chill, you can warm yourself over the pictures of the firepits; the smell of wood smoke exudes from the pages of this fine coffee table book. Bridging photography of wide open spaces with authentic recipes, Cooking the Cowboy Way by Grady Spears with June Naylor contains recipes for beans as you might expect. Fajitas and vaquero migas, too. I am willing to believe that these were indeed inspired by “campfires, chuck wagons and ranch kitchens.” I’ll even

bet that cowboys would have eaten cauliflower gratin if they’d had the ingredients handy, or at least when their mamas served it to them.

While you no doubt guard your own personal barbecue recipe, the following cookbooks are sure to inspire some reconsideration of the ingredients and techniques by the likes of Emeril Legasse. That T-bone on the cover of Emeril at the Grill lures you in. For the more open-minded grillers, there within lie recipes for things you might never have considered grilling, side dishes and beverages to boot.

If somehow you have been deprived of grilling know-how, it is not too late. Based on the success of his grilling books, look to an older reference: The Barbeque Bible, second edition by Steven Raichlen, author of How to Grill and BBQ USA. Raichlen brings in the grilling flavors of Asia and the Caribbean as well as the traditional spices seasoning beef, pork, fish, fowl and vegetable. The answers to all of your grilling questions sizzle in the pages of these books.

Grilling By the BookBy Claudia Maceo-SharpPhotos Courtesy Twig Book Shop

(Left) Cooking The Cowboy Way by Grady Spears with June Naylor

(Right) Emeril at the Grill by Emeril Lagasse





Festivals & Celebrations82-93

Festivals & Celebrations82-93



60th Annual San AntonioStock Show & Rodeo|Feb. 4-21By Angela RabkePhotography Courtesy San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

Once a year, the world-famous San Antonio Spurs pack up their bags, hop on a plane and head out of town for two weeks of excitement.

They’re not on vacation, though — they’re taking their game on the road to make room for 2,160 tons of dirt, which is a good sign that the rodeo is taking over the AT&T Center.

The transformation brings an entirely new set of athletes to San Antonio from all over the world — human and animal athletes. The bullriders, barrel racers and ropers that make the trip to this rodeo are at the top of their game. Only the best in the business qualify to ride in San Antonio, with the hopes of winning a piece of the $1 million purse.

“The cowboys and cowgirls that compete in our rodeo are at the top of their game. We’re always honored to

host them, and we do everything we can to make San Antonio their home away from home,” says Pam Rew, one of the assistant executive directors at the rodeo.

The affection appears to be mutual. Every year, members of the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) vote to select the Rodeo of the Year, which is the equivalent of a national championship in the rodeo world. And each year for the past five years, San Antonio has been selected as the Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year, making it the only rodeo besides Rodeo Houston to win for five consecutive years.

For those who are lukewarm about the actual rodeo, it does not hurt that each of the 21 performances ends with a lineup of musical acts that appeal to country and western music lovers, plus a few special nights dedicated to Norteno, Christian and pop acts.


Let’s Rodeo San AntonioFP Editorial

The 2010 show brings Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Selena Gomez, Journey and many more. The rodeo is continuing its program, called “The Star Experience,” that allows individuals to purchase a ticket to watch the concert performance from the actual dirt in the rodeo arena — up close and personal!

There might be some who would be surprised to find a rodeo taking place in the heart of the nation’s seventh-largest city, but location might be one aspect of the event’s success. Rodeo planners have access to all of the amenities of the AT&T Center, which they share with the Spurs, the support of 5,000 volunteers and the enthusiasm of a city that embraces cultural events.

The weather in February can be unpredictable, but it seems that more often than not, it is perfect. For families with young children, the stock show grounds are an ideal place to visit and provide more than one full day of activity and entertainment. During the week, the grounds are active but not heavily crowded, and children can experience multiple petting zoos, the largest junior livestock show in the world, carnival rides and pig races. Adults enjoy acres of unique shopping opportunities and the types of food that are found only at fairgrounds: kettle corn, corn on the cob, funnel cake and the famous fajitas that volunteers grill nonstop throughout the event.



Let’s Rodeo San AntonioFP Editorial

“Every year, we work hard to bring back the traditions that people have come to love, but we also work hard to provide new exhibits. We try to provide a little something for everyone,” says Rew.

The volunteers roaming the grounds are reminders that over the course of San Antonio’s favorite February activity, the 1 million-plus visitors can feel great knowing that their money is going to a great cause. Hundreds of kids show their animals in hopes of winning a space in the auctions, where supportive businesses and individuals purchase the prize-winning animals and dedicate the proceeds to the students’ educations. Additionally, money is distributed through

scholarships, grants, endowments, show premiums and the calf-scramble program. Since its inception, the stock show and rodeo has raised more than $96 million for Texas youth.

Tickets to the rodeo can be purchased online at sarodeo.com, ticketmaster.com, at the AT&T Center Southwest box office, any Ticketmaster location or by calling 1-877-63-rodeo.

The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is a volunteer organization that emphasizes agriculture and education to develop the youth of Texas. For more information, visit www.sarodeo.com.


www.sarodeo.com



For more than 20 years, San Antonio’s Asian community has shared its tradition of the Lunar New Year celebration. The Asian Festival, which

moved to the Institute of Texan Cultures in 2000, was originally a “family reunion” for the San Antonio Asian community. The Institute will celebrate a decade of hosting the Asian Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20.

The Asian Festival is scheduled around the time of the Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year. In China, the Indian subcontinent and the island nations of the Pacific —including native Hawaiian culture — the Lunar New Year is a time of great celebration, marked with festivals, dance, food and fireworks.

The festival will begin with a traditional Lion Dance Parade, complete with drums, cymbals and fireworks to frighten away evil spirits. The San Antonio Lion Dance Association leads the parade, with two-person teams in elaborate lion costumes performing synchronized dance and acrobatic feats.

The day’s activities continue with other music and dance performances, from the Matsuri Japanese Dancers to the India Association of San Antonio, which recently sponsored the “Diwali” Festival of Lights. Guests can enjoy the sounds of traditional instruments and performances from classically trained Okinawan dancers, to Hawaiian hula-style fire dancing, to the Filipino Binasuan, a test of balance in which dancers

Institute of Texan Cultures Celebrates the Lunar NewYear at the Asian Festival By James BenavidesPhotos Courtesy ITC


perform with glasses of water on their heads.

The Asian Festival is an opportunity for San Antonians to learn more about Asian cultures through a variety of lectures, including Eastern religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism, customs such as the Japanese tea ceremony, and the unique history of various regions and nations. Participants from Ikebana International and the San Antonio Bonsai Society exhibit their intricately arranged botanicals, following a minimalist philosophy of aesthetically pleasing displays. Storytellers use the Japanese tradition of Kamishibai to bring folktales to life with large illustrated cards and hand puppets. The Chinese Women’s Club invites guests to learn the domino-like game of mah-jongg, which is much different than the matching game commonly found on computers.

Martial arts organizations perform throughout the day, showcasing several styles of self-defense. Many demonstrators take a few moments to speak on the history of martial arts and discuss philosophies of discipline and honor that govern their respective practice. Kendo demonstrates traditional styles of swordsmanship. Tai Chi Chuan demonstrates a deliberate and meditative exercise. Sumo demonstrates how the ancient wrestling form relies on dexterity and footwork to off-balance an opponent.

In addition to dance, music and martial arts, Asian Texans celebrate the New Year with food. Favorites include Thai-style bubble drinks, Japanese sushi, Chinese-style egg rolls, spring rolls and stir-fry. The Indian and Pakistani vendors offer a selection of curry, samosas and tandoori dishes. Filipino foods served at the festival include a popular adobo chicken and a noodle dish called pancit. The Aloha Kitchen serves island standards including kalua pork and an assortment of tropical desserts. The St. Philip’s College culinary arts program, the Aloha Kitchen, the Pakistani group and many others will demonstrate and share the secrets of cooking Asian-style cuisine.

Vendors also will have a wide selection of colorful clothing, jewelry and novelties for purchase. Many import fine art, fabrics, craftwork and literature from overseas. This is a good opportunity to take home a reminder of the Asian Festival experience and a memento of the New Year.

The Asian Festival is a great opportunity to share a day of fellowship with San Antonio’s diverse Asian community and to participate in their traditions. The festival is entertaining, educational and family-friendly. Advance tickets and more information are available at TexanCultures.com.


http://texancultures.com



Think of Laredo, and you don’t automatically think “George Washington.” But maybe you should. Every winter for the past 113 years, this Texas city has

staged a blowout on the border that pays tribute to the first president in what is the largest celebration of its kind in the nation. Two parades, a debutante ball, a Mardi Gras style block party, and about three dozen other events featuring food, drink, music and merriment attract nearly half a million visitors and pump an estimated $14 million into the local economy.

“It’s very reminiscent of Fiesta,” explains Anselmo Castro, Jr., president of the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association (wbcalaredo.org) for 2009-2010. Although not as large in scale, the party lasts longer, this year from January 21 to February 21. “Over 30 days we have 39 events, with most of them concentrated in two big weekends, February 12-13 and February 19-20.”

And while San Antonio’s bash honors the fallen heroes of the Alamo and San Jacinto, Laredo’s festivities commemorate a different type of battle -- a mock conflict in 1898 between Indians and “the white man” for control of Laredo, according to history. The simulated battle ended when the defenders fell and the mayor presented the key of the city to the Great Chief Sachem (Washington’s code name during his freedom fighting days when the Sons of Liberty dressed in Indian disguise) as a sign of unconditional surrender. Sachem then in turn presented the key to Princess Pocahontas, who represented a “vanishing race.” The celebration lasted for two days, ending with a re-enactment of the Boston Tea Party.

In modern times, says Castro, the event has come to symbolize a greater understanding among the peoples of the Americas, and to promote Laredo as a patriotic and culturally vibrant city. Still, he admits, the first question

Laredo Says Happy Birthday, by George!By Julie CatalanoPhotos Courtesy Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association


people ask about the annual celebration is: Why?

The answer might be found in the celebration’s focal point: the abrazo (hug) ceremony, featuring the Abrazo Children (two from each side of the U.S./Mexican border), who meet in the middle of the International Bridge connecting Laredo and Nuevo Laredo to exchange heartfelt hugs. The hugs symbolize friendship, goodwill, and a mutual appreciation between the two countries. After the children embrace, the U.S. and Mexican dignitaries also meet their counterparts in the middle of the bridge and share the same gesture to commemorate the close ties between “Los Dos Laredos” and between the U.S. and Mexico. This year’s ceremony takes place on February 20.

History and symbolism aside, the event has garnered an international reputation for being one gigantic party.

And that it is, confirms Castro. “It’s huge. There are so many things going on.” Along with the elegant cocktail parties, lavish balls, majestic pageants featuring ornate hand-beaded gowns, and other formal events, Castro stresses that they strive to keep the celebration “inclusive of everybody. We try to keep our ticket prices low.”

You can’t get lower than free, and one of the earliest free events is the street festival Jamboozie on Saturday, January 23, from 4-12 midnight. “This is our version of Mardi Gras,” says Castro. “It’s located in the area that was once the entire city of Laredo in 1898. There’s beads. There’s masks. You name it, it happens.”

Other free and low-cost events include:

* American Historical Theatre George Washington Performance. Wednesday, February 10, 7 p.m., Texas A&M International University Center for the Fine and


Performing Arts.

* Carnival. February 11-21 (hours vary). Laredo Entertainment Center parking lot. $2 admission, individual tickets .75 each.

* Family Fun Fest and Musicale. Saturday, February 13, 12-5 p.m. Laredo Community College campus.

* Stars and Stripes Air Show Spectacular. Sunday, February 14, 11 a.m. $5 adults, 12 and under free. Laredo International Airport.

* Youth Parade Under the Stars. Thursday, February 18, 6 p.m. Free general seating, bleacher seating $3 at gate, $2 pre-sale.

* Jalapeno Festival. Friday, February 19, 6-12 midnight, Saturday, February 20, 3 p.m. - 1 a.m. $10 at gate, $5 pre-sale (Friday); $15 at gate, $10 pre-sale (Saturday). El Metro Park & Ride, Thomas and Hillside.

* Washington’s Birthday Parade. Saturday, February 20, 9 a.m. Free general seating, bleacher seating $5 at gate, $4 pre-sale.

* Fireworks Extravaganza. Sunday, February 21, 8 p.m. Free admission. L.I.F.E Downs on Highway 59 East.

“It takes a huge chunk of community effort to make this a success every year,” says Castro, citing the numerous corporate and organizational sponsors that contribute time, money and talent to the festivities. He also assures first-times that they won’t be disappointed. “If you’ve never been, come. Come and enjoy because it is one big party. We like to call it the celebration with something for everyone because there is something for every member of the family.”

For a complete calendar of events and ticket information, www.wbcalaredo.org.

For information on Laredo, www.visitlaredo.com.

Photo Credits:

Page 90The Society of Martha Washington Colonial Ball

Page 91Washington’s Birthday Parade

Page 92Top: Fireworks ExtravaganzeBottom: Jamboozie Street Festival


www.wbcalaredo.org

www.visitlaredo.com



Picture This: On The Town Profiles from Year One. Thanks For Letting Us Tell Your Stories.



Picture This: On The Town Profiles from Year One. Thanks For Letting Us Tell Your Stories.





January-February 2010 | On The Town 99 November-December 2009 | On The Town 99 January-February 2010 | On The Town 99

Photo Credits:

Page 94

Top: L-RJohn TooheyPresident and ExecutiveDirectorArts San AntonioMarch-April 2009Photo: Greg HarrisonStory: Angela Rabke

Brad BrauneArtistMarch-April 2009Photo: Gerry LairStory: Gerry Lair

Alex RubioMosaic Art Program March-April 2009Photo: Courtesy Blue StarContemporary Art Center Story: Gabriella Scott

Bottom: L-RDianna Barrios TrevinoLos Barrios Restaurant,La Hacienda Los BarriosMarch-April 2009Photo: Greg HarrisonStory: Chris Dunn

Betty WardArtist, Co-Founder of Artist Foundation of San AntonioMarch-April 2009Photo: Todd JohnsonStory: Susan A. Merkner

Jim CullumJim Cullum Jazz BandRiverwalk Jazz on Public RadioMay-June 2009Photo: Greg HarrisonStory: Susan A. Merkner

Page 95

Top: L-RSavion GloverTap dance legendMay-June 2009Photo: Courtesy Carver Community Cultural CenterStory: Deirdre Murphy

Ken FrazierDirector Sheldon Vexler TheatreMay-June 2009Photo: Courtesy SheldonVexler TheatreStory: Lauren Ross

Carla VelizArtistMay-June 2009Photo: Courtesy Carla VelizStory: Paloma Cortez

Bottom: L-RAndrew and Maureen WeissmanIl Sogno and Sand Bar Restaurants May-June 2009Photo: Greg HarrisonStory: Chris Dunn

Patty OrtizExecutive Director Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center May-June 2009Photo: Courtesy Guadalupe Cultural Arts CenterStory: Angela Rabke

Bryce MilliganPoet, PublisherWings Press May-June 2009Photo: Jasmina WellinghoffStory: Jasmina Wellinghoff

Page 96

Top: L-RSusan and Buddy TrevinoDirectors, Joffrey Ballet Workshop TexasMay-June 2009Photo: Suzanne FrenchStory: Julie Catalano

Mary CarrikerGolf San Antonio Director of First Tee and Amateur GolfMay-June 2009Photo: Courtesy Golf San AntonioStory: Tony Piazzi

Mark RichterFounder and Artistic DirectorSan Antonio OperaJuly-August 2009Photo: Greg HarrisonStory: Susan A. Merkner

Middle: L-RAnya Grokhovski-MichaelsonFounder and Artistic DirectorMusical Bridges Around The WorldJuly-August 2009Photo: Liz Garza-WilliamsStory: Julie Catalano


Gilbert DuranArtistJuly-August 2009Photo: Cynthia ClarkStory: Paloma Cortez

Bill FitzGibbonsExecutive DirectorBlue Star Contemporary Art CenterJuly-August 2009Photo: Rick HunterStory: Gabriella Scott

Bottom: L-RLarry WestHot Glass SculptorJuly-August 2009Photo: Greg HarrisonStory: Greg Harrison

Suzy and Cappy LawtonCappy’s, Cappyccino’sLa Fonda on MainJuly-August 2009Photo: Greg HarrisonStory: Chris Dunn

Chris BrooksExecutive ChefRuth Chris Steak HouseJuly-August 2009Photo: Greg HarrisonStory: Bonny Osterhage

Page 97

Top: L-RCarmen TafollaAuthorJuly-August 2009Photo: Jasmina WellinghoffStory: Jasmina Wellinghoff

JoAnn BoonePresident and CEORio San Antonio CruisesJuly-August 2009Photo: Cynthia ClarkStory: Angela Rabke

Jack FishmanPresident and CEOSan Antonio SymphonySeptember-October 2009Photo: Greg HarrisonStory: Lisa Cruz

Middle: L-RJesse TrevinoArtist, MuralistSeptember-October 2009Photo: Dana FossettStory: Paloma Cortez

Marise McDermottPresident and CEOWitte MuseumSeptember-October 2009Photo: Cynthia ClarkStory: Julie Catalano

Damien WatelBistro Vatel, Ciao Lavenderia,Ciao2, Bistro BakerySeptember-October 2009Photo: Greg HarrisonStory: Chris Dunn

Bottom: L-RJay BrandonAttorney and Mystery NovelistSeptember-October 2009Photo: Jasmina WellinghoffStory: Jasmina Wellinghoff

Kirk FeldmannExecutive Director and PartnerArts Center EnterprisesNovember-December 2009Photo: Greg HarrisonStory: Julie Catalano

Mayra WorthenFounder and Artistic DirectorBallet San AntonioNovember-December 2009Photo: Dana FossettStory: Michele Krier

Page 98

Top: L-RMarion Oettinger, Jr.The Betty and Bob Kelso Director of the San Antonio Museum of ArtNovember-December 2009Photo: Greg HarrisonStory: Angela Rabke

Carlos CortésFaux Bois SculptorNovember-December 2009Photo: Cynthia ClarkStory: Paloma Cortez

Joe CosniacRistorante Paesanos, Zuni Grill, Rio Rio CantinaNovember-December 2009Photo: Greg HarrisonStory: Chris Dunn

Middle: L-RBarbara RasDirectorTrinity University PressNovember-December 2009Photo: Jasmina WellinghoffStory: Jasmina Wellinghoff

Louise LockerElf LouiseNovember-December 2009Photo: Cynthia ClarkStory: Paige-Ramsey Palmer

Yonnie BlanchetteExecutive DirectorCarver Community Cultural CenterJanuary-February 2010Photo: Greg HarrisonStory: Julie Catalano

Bottom: L-RMarvin HamlischComposer, PerformerJanuary-February 2010Photo: Courtesy Kerrville Performing Arts SocietyStory: Gerry Lair/Sue Talford

Paula OwenPresidentSouthwest School of Art & CraftJanuary-February 2010Photo: Courtesy Southwest School of Art & CraftStory: Vivienne Gautraux

Jim Zaccaria Cameo TheatreJanuary-February 2010Photo: Dana FossettStory: Michele Krier

Page 99

Top: L-RJames Wyatt HendricksArtist, SculptorJanuary-February 2010Photo: Greg HarrisonStory: Susan A. Merkner

Jorge “George” Cortez Mi Tierra, La Margarita, Pico de GalloJanuary-February 2010Photo: Cynthia ClarkStory: Chris Dunn

Modrea Mitchell-Reichert and Shelia Rinear PlaywrightsJanuary-February 2010Photo: Jasmina WellinghoffStory: Jasmina Wellinghoff




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