Lorenzo Gomez, author of ‘The Cilantro Diaries’ will be the keynote speaker at the 2019 Lit ‘n Lunch on Tuesday, March 5.
Assistance League of San Antonio will be hosting its 2019 Lit ‘n Lunch on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at The Witte Museum’s Mays Family Center. Lorenzo Gomez, III will keynote the event. (Assistance League of San Antonio, 2019)
Lorenzo Gomez is a San Antonio native and author of the celebrated book, ‘The Cilantro Diaries: Business Lessons From the Most Unlikely Places,’ which provides practical and entertaining advice for business-starters young and old. A local celebrity known for thinking outside the box and keeping it real, he is the Chairman of the Board of Geekdom and the 80/20 Foundation and co-founder of Techbloc. He is also an expert in ecosystems development, a public speaker, an author, a podcast host and a compelling storyteller. Now the Chairman of the Board for both Geekdom and The 80/20 Foundation, Mr. Gomez has had a notably positive impact on the tech industry in San Antonio, the city’s economic growth and its tremendous revitalization. ‘The Cilantro Diaries’ is the story of how Mr. Gomez went from a grocery stockroom to the boardrooms of two private companies, and beyond, without a college degree. He is a dynamic speaker and eager supporter of Assistance League of San Antonio.
Lit ‘n Lunch provides a wonderful opportunity for corporations and individuals to support Assistance League of San Antonio’s charitable programs while enjoying a local author-focused lunch. In addition to the keynote speaker, the event will also include a Wall of Wine raffle, a decadently themed basket auction and a Clothe A Child Auction conducted by KENS 5 Evening Weather Anchor, Bill Taylor. The auction will provide an opportunity for guests to raise their bid card and donate to Assistance League of San Antonio’s key programs, Togs For Tots and Operation School Bell®. Togs For Tots provides new clothes for infants to 4-year-olds, while Operation School Bell provides new school clothes to kindergarten through fifth graders. Nearly 500 guests attended Lit ‘n Lunch in 2018, raising almost one-quarter of Assistance League of San Antonio’s annual program budget. Each year at Lit ‘n Lunch, Assistance League of San Antonio grants the Rising Star Award to a high school student who has shown great literary potential. A student from Judson Independent School District is the recipient of the 2019 Rising Star Award.
Chris Fuglestad as Curly and Amanda Golden as Laurey in ‘Oklahoma!’ now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.
Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘Oklahoma!’ the story of Laurey Williams, a farm girl who is courted by two rival suitors, the confident cowboy Curly McLain and the unstable farmhand Jud Fry, all while Oklahoma is on its way to becoming a state. It opened on February 22 with much acclaim and runs until Sunday March 17. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. There will be a special Saturday matinee show on March 9 at 2p.m., with no evening show that day. Tickets are available online or by calling the Box Office at 210-267-8388.
‘Oklahoma!’ is set in 1906 Western Indian Territory and begins when cowboy Curly McLain (Chris Fuglestad) is looking forward to a brand-new day, “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,” as he wanders into Laurey Williams’ (Amanda Golden) yard. The two tease each other back and forth while Laurey’s Aunt Eller (Rebecca Trinidad) watches their playful banter. Meanwhile, cowboy Will Parker (Kevin Cox) has returned from a visit to the modern Kansas City, “Kansas City,” bedazzled and filled with souvenirs and tells everyone about his experiences. Laurie is torn between Curly and Jud Fry (Brian Hodges) and has accepted an invitation from Jud to a social just to spite Curly. She purchases “smelling salts” from Ali Hakim (Ivan Ortega), a Persian peddler, in the hopes that it will help her sort out her feelings and while under its spell,“Dream Ballet,” she realizes that Curly is the man for her. At the social, the rivalry between the local farmers and the cowboys boils over, “The Farmer and the Cowman,” until Aunt Eller breaks it up by firing a gun. After the drama at the lunch box auction designed to raise money for the school house, Curly and Laurey finally end up together. They get married and everyone rejoices in celebration of the territory’s impending statehood, “Oklahoma!”
This being Rodgers and Hammerstein’s first musical, it has withstood the test of time and has become a classic for good reason. It has humor, heart and romance as well as dark and shocking moments when Jud confronts Laurie about her feelings for him. The dance numbers are so infectious and toe-tapping fabulous that guests will be sure to be singing “Oklahoma” well past the end of the show. Amanda Golden and Chris Fuglestad have the necessary onstage chemistry to portray Laurey and Curly while the set and costumes transport the audience to the early age of cowboys and square dances. The dream ballet sequence is gorgeous , kudos to Jeremy Rhom and Emily Rhom for a job well done. Show highlights include “Kansas City,” “Lonely Room” when Jud’s dark side is explored and “The Farmer and the Cowman” during the town social. Sometimes the dialogue is hard to understand due the accents but that is just part of its charm. Overall, “Oklahoma” is a fun musical with plenty of singing and dancing that will appeal to all ages. But please, try not to boo Brian Hodges during his curtain call, he is just an actor playing a part.
Upcoming promotional performances:
Pride Night – Friday March 8, 25% off tickets with code: PRIDE
ASL (American Sign Language) Night – Saturday March 16, 25% off tickets with code: ASL
Let the good times roll at Fast Eddie’s. Come celebrate Mardi Gras from March 1 to March 3 (Fat Tuesday). Catch some beads and wear a mask. There will be a photo booth onsite, plus DJ sets on Friday and Saturday and drink specials flowing on Hurricanes, plus buy one and keep the glass. (Fast Eddie’s, 2019)
Fast Eddie’s Billiards & Sports Bar San Antonio locations:
9910 W Loop 1604 N Suite 113
San Antonio, TX
La Panaderia has the colorful King Cake for Mardi Gras. Photo: Giant Noise, used with permission.
With Fat Tuesday, March 5, around the corner, it is time to indulge in fun, traditional treats such as the colorful King Cake. San-Antonio-based restaurant/bakery, La Panadería is run by Mexican brothers José and David Cáceres who have always, and will always, continue to embrace bread cultura (culture). (La Panadería, 2019)
La Panadería is already known to provide San Antonians with their tortas, conchas, pan dulce and Rosca De Reyes fix all year long. For the first time ever, the bakery will be preparing a San Antonio spin on New Orleans’ traditional purple, green and gold colored King Cake. La Panadería’s ‘King Cake Rosca’ is their original Rosca de Reyes recipe with a twist: the sweet cake is covered with bright Mardi Gras-colored icing, sprinkles and filled with chocolate chips inside. For those who wish to fill up for Fat Tuesday, the special cake is available now through mid-March.
8305 Broadway St.
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 375-6746
301 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 592-6264
Celebrate Mardi Gras the German way at Krause’s Café. Photo: Krause’s Café, used with permission.
Krause’s Café and Biergarten in New Braunfels is celebrating Mardi Gras and Karneval by hosting Krause’s Karneval. Experience Cologne, Germany’s traditional Karneval, with six days of events leading up to Mardi Gras. Guests can expect six days of live music, traditional German fare and libations, stein holding competitions and more. There is still time to catch the celebrations. (Krause’s Café, 2019)
Inspired by the Cologne Carnival in Germany (Kölner Karneval) which is famous for lively street parties and parades, costumes, candy and flower throwing and plenty of bier in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday – the Krause’s Karneval will follow suit, replicating this popular German Carnival – New Braunfels style.
During the Rose Monday parade in Cologne, it is not uncommon to see party-goers warming up with Glühwein (hot-spiced wine) or drinking German bier from Hofbrau to Warsteine. Krause’s will be making Glühwein throughout Mardi Gras and the biergarten’s 70+ taps, including these German favorites, will be supplying the libations.
German dishes created by Chef Jeremy ‘Boomer’ Acuna will include the Solm’s Platter which pays homage to the German founder of the town or the new Indianola Platter, both great for large Mardi Gras party-goers. Locals who want to get in their Fat Tuesday indulgences in can expect Bavarian pretzels, bratwurst, kartoffel poppers and select food and drink specials.
Saturday, March 2
7p.m. – Tapping of the keg
7p.m. to 10p.m. – live music by AlpenMusikanten
8:30p.m. – Masskrugstemmen competition
Sunday, March 3
4p.m. to 6p.m. – March Dachshund Races and Humane Society of New Braunfels adoption event. Watch dachshunds race their way to the finish line on the turf patio. Dog dress up is encouraged because Krause’s awards trophies for Best Costume, Cutest Pup and Best Trick at every race – no registration required.
Monday, March 4
3p.m. to 6p.m. – Pups & Pints Happy Hour featuring Diamond Dachshund Rescue of Texas, Texas Husky Rescue, Barking Bad Bakery, and New Braunfels Puppy Playland.
Fat Tuesday, March 5
6p.m. to 9p.m. – live music by Honky Tonk Saints
Food and drink specials like Shiner Beer
Krause’s Cafe + Biergarten
148 S Castell Ave
New Braunfels, TX 78130
The Public Theater of San Antonio’s 2019-2020 season includes such hits as ‘Into the Woods’ and ‘Elf The Musical,’ Photo: Public Theater of San Antonio, used with permission.
The Public Theater of San Antonio recently announced their upcoming 2019-2020 season, including the Russell Hill Rogers Theater and Cellar Theater. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2019)
The Russell Hill Rogers Theater September 13 through October 13 – ‘Mary Poppins’
A musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film. Based on one of the most popular Disney movie of all time, this is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, and breathtaking dance numbers. With a little bit of magic, Mary and Bert remind all of us that anything can happen if you let it.
November 22 through December 22 – ‘Elf The Musical’
Buddy embarks on a journey to discover his true identity and is determined to win over his new family. This modern-day holiday classic reminds us that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
January 31 through February 23 – ‘A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder’
A distant heir to a family fortune, Monty sets out to speed up the line of succession by using a great deal of charm and a dash of murder while falling in love. Non-stop laughs will see the doomed heirs meet their end in the most creative and side-splitting ways. Based on the novel ‘Israel Rank’ by Roy Horniman.
March 27 through April 19 – ‘Bright Star’
A refreshingly hopeful tale of love and redemption set against the backdrop of the 1920s and 1940s American South. Alice meets a young soldier that awakens her longing for the child she once lost. An uplifting journey holds you tight in its grasp with deep emotion and beautiful melodies. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
May 15 through June 7 – ‘Amelie’
An extraordinary young woman lives quietly in the world but loudly in her mind. We learn that to find happiness we have to risk everything and say what is in our hearts. Amelie, the imaginative dreamer, finds her voice, discovers the power of connection and sees possibility around every corner.
July 10 through August 9 – ‘Into the Woods’
Everyone’s favorite storybook characters are intertwined for a timeless story played out in a magical world. The enchanting and touching collection of fables are set to one of the most dynamic scores ever written. The result is an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make.
Cellar Theater October 18 through November 17 – ‘First Date’
A casual drink at a restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner. Delightful and unexpected twists, supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents, sing and dance Aaron and Casey through ice-breakers, appetizers and a potential dating disaster. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
December 27 through January 19 – ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’
Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog. Under suspicion, he is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington. This profoundly moving play about adolescence, fractured families, mathematics, colors and lights takes us on a thrilling journey that upturns his world. Based on the novel by Mark Haddon.
February 28 through March 22 – ‘Admissions’
The head of an admissions department and the Headmaster at a prep school are fighting to diversify the student body. Personal ambition collides with progressive values when their son sets his sights on an Ivy League university. This controversial drama explodes the ideals and contradictions of liberal white America. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
April 24 through May 10 – ‘Lonely Planet’
Jody stays in his map store all the time. Carl has been bringing chairs into Jody’s store and leaving them there. Through their interaction, the two realize how grateful they are to have such a strong lasting friendship. This compassionate play reveals friendship and fear in the age of AIDS. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
June 12 through June 28 – ‘More Better Beautiful’
Alice Pring wakes with no recollection of the prior night and finds a stranger, that has an identical twin, asleep in her living room. Elements of noir and romance show the secrets we keep, the lies we tell and the people who accept us in spite of our mistakes. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
August 14 through August 30 – ‘Fade’
Lucia, a young writer, quickly becomes friends with a studio janitor named Abel. As they share stories, similar plots begin to find their way into the TV script. Fade is a play about class, race, and how status does not change who you are at your core. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
SA Examiner 