Mo Amer’s Texas Homecoming Tour comes to San Antonio

Stand-up comedian, writer, Palestinian American and longtime Houstonian Mo Amer is excited to announce his upcoming Texas homecoming tour this fall. The tour kicked off with a special three-night, five-show run in Amer’s hometown of Houston in late August and will be followed by San Antonio in early October and wrapping up in Austin on November 2. Tickets for all upcoming Texas shows are now available for purchase online. (Mo Amer, 2019)

Coming off the heels of the success of Amer’s acclaimed Netflix comedy special The Vagabond and a recurring role on the smash-hit Hulu series Ramy, the tour marks Amer’s first official stand-up performance in his hometown since achieving international fame and recognition. Named one of the ‘Top Ten Comedians You Need to Know’ by Rolling Stone, Amer is proud to be the first Arab American to star in his own nationally televised one-hour stand-up special.

Amer’s November 2nd show at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas, will mark his first time taking the stage in Austin stage since filming The Vagabond at the same venue in 2018. Having recently performed at large-scale arenas internationally like the Royal Albert Hall in London and Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia, Amer’s Texas shows will offer a much smaller, more intimate settings for fans. Tickets for the Austin show are now available for purchase.

Mo Amer’S Fall 2019 Texas Tour:

Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club in San Antonio, TX
- Thursday, October 3 at 8p.m.
- Friday, October 4 at 7:30p.m.
- Friday, October 4 at 9:45p.m.
- Saturday, October 5 at 7p.m
- Saturday, October 5 at 9:30p.m.
Paramount Theatre in Austin, TX
- Saturday, November 2 at 7p.m.

Born in Kuwait, Amer fled to the United States as a refugee in 1990 with his family, where they relocated to Houston, Texas. Twenty years later, Amer finally received his US citizenship. Much of Amer’s comedic inspiration draws on his experience as an immigrant and Arab American-retelling autobiographical anecdotes of his unusual, circuitous and often humorous life story. His improvised, conversational style of comedy largely centers around political satire, race relations and related observational comedy.

In addition to his Netflix special The Vagabond and role on Hulu series Ramy, the latter of which was just renewed for a second season, Amer’s television credits to date include Comedy Central’s @midnight, TRU TV’s Comedy Knockout and HBO’s Crashing. He also appeared on Bassem Youssef’s historic show, AlBernameg (dubbed ‘The Daily Show of Egypt’) and made his debuts on CBS’ Late Night with Stephen Colbert and NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon within the last year.

“I’ve been fortunate to have traveled the globe, and I can testify, Texas truly is a place unlike any other. Getting back to my roots and performing again in front of some of my very first fans will make for a really special experience. I’ve got lots of surprises up my sleeve for this tour, and I couldn’t be more excited to get back to my home in Texas.” – Mo Amer

Hallowine Run to benefit Culinaria

hallowine19 — HallowWine Run benefits Culinaria and welcomes all participants. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.

This year’s HalloWine Run, sponsored by HEB and Gold’s Gym, is set for Saturday October 26. It will benefit Culinaria and will take place at The Shops at La Cantera. Guys, ghouls, little monsters and furry friends set the pace at the third annual HalloWine Run. This four-mile fun run through The Shops at La Cantera will be filled with more treats than tricks and the finish line reception will feature an array of bites from some of San Antonio’s best chefs, along with adult beverages to get your blood pumping. All levels of runners are welcome and encouraged to participate, including four-legged furry beasts. Even mini-monsters 11 years old and younger can enjoy a wicked awesome Tot Trot just for them. There will be awards for the fastest finishers and best costumes. (Culinaria, 2019)

HalloWine run registration is available online. From August 27 through October 8 the cost is $35; from October 9 through 20, $40 and October 26 through Race Day (if space allows) $45. Tot Trot: Trot only, $10; Trot Plus T-shirt, $20 (must register by October 13 to receive T-shirt). Pre-race festivities begin at 7a.m. with the race beginning at 8a.m.

Spectator Pass: Those who want to enjoy the food and festivities following the race may purchase Spectator Passes for $20 (ages 5+). Spectator Passes will be available for purchase at Packet Pickup with a valid driver’s license; on race day before the race at the Culinaria booth and at the race registration site. Passes must be picked up at Packet Pickup or on Race Day at the Culinaria booth. Individuals who do not have proof of purchase or an I.D. will not be able to collect their badges and will not be served at the reception.

The Shops at La Cantera
15900 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 582-6255

San Antonio Food Bank announces new projects to combat hunger

According to the 2018 American Community Survey, San Antonio has earned the dubious recognition of having the highest percentage of people living in poverty among the Top 25 most populous metropolitan areas. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2019)

In the wake of this news, the San Antonio Food Bank is announcing two new capital projects to help meet the need and transform services to individuals living in poverty in the region.

On Friday September 27, Eric Cooper is expected to announce the building of a new Culinary Center targeted for the organization’s westside campus. The facility will have the ability to prepare more than 100,000 meals a day for children facing hunger.

Cooper will also announce the building of a one-of-a-kind apartment complex that they will build, own, and manage on their campus adjacent to their New Braunfels Food Bank. The apartments will be a component of a larger program offered by the Food Bank to help families with children afford to live and thrive in the ever-growing community of New Braunfels.

San Antonio Food Bank
5200 Enrique M. Barrera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78227

‘Dear Evan Hansen’ at the Majestic Theatre – ticket information

North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio has experienced new levels of demand for tickets during the 2019-2020 season, including the San Antonio premiere of ‘Dear Evan Hansen,’ which will be playing eight performances at the Majestic Theatre, Tuesday December 17 through Sunday December 22. Due to this unprecedented demand, tickets are extremely limited and are expected to sell quickly during a pre-sale offering that opens at 10a.m., Tuesday October 1 through Thursday, October 3; pending availability, the public on sale date is October 4. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2019)

Due to the expected high demand for tickets, patrons are encouraged to sign up for the Broadway in San Antonio email list. This will be the main channel for distributing information about the ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ pre-sale, including a dedicated link to purchase tickets.

‘Dear Evan Hansen’ also announces a digital ticket lottery in San Antonio, offering fans the chance to purchase a limited number of $25 tickets available per performance. The digital lottery will begin accepting entries 48 hours prior to the first performance and entries will be accepted until 9a.m. local time the day before the performance. Fans who have been selected will be notified daily via email and can then purchase up to two (2) tickets at $25 each. The ticket lottery will continue on a rolling basis for every performance in the engagement. All entrants are encouraged to follow Dear Evan Hansen on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for additional lottery news and information.

Lottery entrants must be 18 years or older. A valid, non-expired photo ID that matches the name used to enter is required for pickup. Seat locations awarded by the lottery are subject to availability. Additional lottery requirements are available online.

‘Dear Evan Hansen’ is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. The winner of six 2017 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ features a book by Tony Award-winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy®, Tony® and Academy Award® winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman) and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Next to Normal).

The Broadway production recently celebrated its two-year anniversary with a special donation to the Smithsonian, where the show’s iconic blue polo and arm cast will now be part of the permanent collection of the National Museum of American History in Washington, DC. A record-breaking US national tour launched in October 2018 and is currently playing across North America, and a limited engagement recently opened at Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre, where it runs through July 21, 2019. The show’s second international production will open in the West End on November 19, 2019 at London’s Noel Coward Theatre.

EVO Entertainment Group’s fall events

fallevomenu — Fall menu offerings at participating EVO locations. Photo: Felicia Curtis, used with permission.

EVO Entertainment Group, the family-owned entertainment operator with locations throughout South Texas, is excited to announce its programming for fall 2019. Guests can settle into the autumn season and cozy up to culinary and entertainment specials from now through November. EVO’s fall fun includes the launch of a new LTO menu filled with fall-themed cocktails, pumpkin-themed events for both adults and children, as well as various film activations like a free Mean Girls screening. (EVO Entertainment Group, 2019)

Mean Girls Day Free Movie Night: Thursday, October 3 at 7p.m.
Join EVO in celebrating the iconic comedy, Mean Girls, with a free screening of the film in the Flex room at The SPOT Cinema Eatery & Social Haus. Guests who come dressed in pink like The Plastics will receive half off select appetizers. There will be $5 frozen jack and cokes on special to cheers to the cult classic. Seating is first come, first served.
Participating locations: San Marcos at the Spot

Fall LTO Menu Available now until December 1
Available from September through December 1, EVO has launched its Fall Limited Time Menu (LTO) for movie-goers, gamers and bowlers looking for fall-themed food and cocktails. Patrons can find seasonal flavors at EVO’s open kitchen and bar all curated by a culinary manager.

- Pecan Old Fashioned – This fall take on the classic cocktail uses Texas pecan whiskey and Buffalo Trace and was created to make patrons feel right at home for the cozy fall months. ($10)
- Pumpkin Spiced Shake – Guests can get their pumpkin fix by selecting from pumpkin or vanilla ice cream and spiking their milkshake with vodka and Bailey’s Pumpkin Spice. ($10)
- Sweet Potato Hummus – Starters reminiscent of a fall harvest include sweet potato hummus, blended in-house and served with veggies and fresh-baked pita chips. ($8)

Participating locations: Schertz, Kyle and the SPOT in San Marcos

Pumpkin Carving Party – Wednesday, October 16 at 7p.m. with Hocus Pocus playing at 8p.m.
EVO is proud to present its Pumpkin Carving Party to gear up San Antonians and Austinites for Halloween. Tickets include a pumpkin, carving tools and access to the pumpkin carving area where EVO will be showing Hocus Pocus. Guests 18 and over are invited to enjoy items from the fall menu and those 21 and up can take advantage of specials on pumpkin craft beer. Tickets are $12 and will be available for purchase on October 1 on the website, Eventbrite and Facebook.
Participating locations: Schertz and Kyle

Drunken Pumpkin– Wednesday, October 16 at 7p.m. with Hocus Pocus playing at 8p.m.
Drunken Pumpkin invites San Marcos locals to experience a Pumpkin Carving Party to prepare for Halloween madness. Tickets include a pumpkin, carving tools and access to the pumpkin carving area where EVO will be showing Hocus Pocus. This is an 18 and up event which features fall menu items and specials on pumpkin craft beer. Tickets are $12 and will be available for purchase on October 1 on the website, Eventbrite and Facebook.
Participating locations: the SPOT in San Marcos

Pumpkins & Popcorn- Saturday, October 26 at 10:30a.m.
The Halloween event Pumpkins & Popcorn will be held for children and includes a small pumpkin, painting and decorating supplies, along with a popcorn and candy treat. Tickets will be sold on the website, Eventbrite and Facebook and a limited amount will be available for purchase at participating EVO locations. $10 – for Pumpkin & Popcorn; $15 – Pumpkin & Popcorn plus $10 Game Card.
Participating locations: Schertz and Kyle

Charlie’s Angels VIP Ladies Night– Thursday, November 14 at 6p.m. with the movie at 7:30p.m.
To celebrate the reboot of Charlie’s Angels, EVO is hosting a Charlie’s Angels VIP Ladies Night event.. A pre-show cocktail hour that includes a champagne bar, passed appetizers, desserts, a $5 specialty cocktail and a small gift. Tickets are coming soon to the website, Facebook and Eventbrite.
Participating locations: Schertz, Kyle, and The Spot

Independence Brewing Co releases new beers for fall

spacehighboy — Space Case Highboy is one of the new beers Independence Brewing Co is releasing for the fall season. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission.

Independence Brewing Co. recently announced the release of two seasonal beers just in time for fall: a double IPA dubbed “Space Case Highboy” and a Redbud Berliner Weisse infused with strawberries and raspberries. The specialty releases come just before the brewery’s 15th anniversary and just after the passage of the beer-to-go sales amendment, which enable manufacturing breweries to sell up to one case of beer to-go per person, per day. The brewery will be celebrating their 15^th anniversary with an all-day art and music festival at the brewery on Saturday October 19. (Independence Brewing Co., 2019)

As part of Independence’s rotating Berliner Weisse series, the new Strawberry Raspberry Redbud is a flavorful iteration that delivers an unmistakable mélange of sweet strawberry and tart raspberry. The beer has a jammy aroma of hand-picked berries and a subtle maltiness on the palate. The finish is long, crisp and fruit-forward to celebrate peak berry harvest season in the Lone Star State. It is perfect for sipping as the temperatures begin to drop and the days begin to shorten.

Space Case Highboy is the latest addition to Independence’s rotating 16-ounce double IPA series. The intergalactic inspiration for the beer’s name comes from the variety of hops head brewer Brannon Radicke used; Comet for citrusy notes, Galaxy for tropical notes and Apollo for a thrust of bitterness. He designed the beer to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11’s moon landing.

As of September 1, fans of Independence Brewing Co. can visit the brewery to purchase up to one case of canned beer, or the equivalent of 288 fluid ounces, to take home per day. Patrons can bring their own growlers to be filled in the tap room and the brewery has plans to sell crowlers in the near future.

Both seasonal brews are available on a rotational basis at the taproom and at local retailers throughout Texas. Cans are hard to miss on store shelves, with bright pink and purple graphics against Independence’s recently redesigned matte-black backdrops.

As one of the longest standing craft breweries in Central Texas, Independence is proud to continually release new brews alongside their core lineup, Austin Amber, Stash IPA, Power & Light Session IPA, Redbud Berliner Weisse, Convict Hill Oatmeal Stout, and Native Texan Pilsner.

Independence Brewing Co.
3913 Todd Ln Ste 607
Austin, TX 78744
(512) 707-0099

Twin Liquors announces Great Whiskey Release Raffle

Twin Liquors, Texas’ fine wine and spirits retailer, is pleased to announce the Great Whiskey Release, a raffle opportunity to win a chance to purchase fine and rare whiskey. The whiskey offerings and lineup are unique to each marketplace location and can be previewed on Instagram and Facebook. Participants must be present to enter and win. The raffles start at 5:30p.m. and each attendee will be able to enter once. The raffle closes at 6:45p.m. and raffle drawings start at 7p.m. sharp.

Highlights of the Twin Liquors San Antonio Great Whiskey Release include:
Suntory Yamazaki 18 Year
Pappy Van Winkle 10 Year 107
William Larue Weller
Old Forester Birthday 2017
Old Forester Birthday 2018

Twin Liquors San Antonio Marketplace
12955 San Pedro Ave
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 403-2322

City of San Antonio announces citywide Day of the Dead celebration

dayofdeadpic — Day of the Dead San Antonio will be a citywide celebration of Dia de los Muertos. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This November, San Antonio, will host a new heritage festival marking Día de Los Muertos, Mexico’s holiday of remembrance. The City of San Antonio, Visit San Antonio and Day of the Dead San Antonio have partnered to launch Day of the Dead San Antonio, a citywide celebration destined to become a new tradition. Beyond a three-day festival to be hosted in La Villita from Friday November 1 through Sunday November 3, Day of the Dead San Antonio creates an official period of Día de los Muertos observation across the city, bringing authentic Mexican traditions to San Antonio and inviting residents and visitors to join in the festivities. (City of San Antonio, 2019)

Day of the Dead San Antonio, presented by H-E-B, offers an inclusive and diverse slate of events for the entire city. From a new River Walk parade to lectures, museum exhibitions, festivals, live music and performances, a 5K race and more, Day of the Dead San Antonio brings Mexican traditions to San Antonio to celebrate culture, family and life. Day of the Dead San Antonio’s activities will reach across the city to educate, enlighten and entertain.

Highlights of the festival include “Catrineras on the River”, a new river parade illuminating the San Antonio River with the spirit of the Day of the Dead. Co-hosted by official parade partner Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation, Catrineras on the River will feature more than 22 barges spotlighting local San Antonio organizations, with local children aboard many of the barges. This first-ever river parade will feature custom-made barges that mirror the colorful, flat-bottom gondola-like traijneras in Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just south of Mexico City.

The river parade also serves as the grand opening of Day of the Dead San Antonio, launching the festival with a special ceremony afloat a barge on the San Antonio River. Mariachis and Day of the Dead dancers portraying La Danza de Los Mojigangas will fill the Arneson River Theater as part of the kick-off. Mojigangas, or giant dancing puppet figures, are a traditional part of Day of the Dead celebrations, providing the perfect start to the Day of the Dead San Antonio festival in La Villita.

From November 1 through 3, everyone can join in the festivities in La Villita Historic Art Village. Visitors can experience the picturesque Altar de Muertos, have their faces painted with traditional calavera designs and immerse themselves in the experiences surrounding the Day of the Dead. Among the decorations on display in La Villita will be 15 giant skulls painted by local artists and businesses to add a special local touch. Decorated skull sculptures will line downtown’s Houston Street, turning it into Mexicraneos Street, leading revelers to Frost Tower.

Traditions and art are woven throughout Day of the Dead San Antonio. A Catrina depicting Selena will reign over the Day of the Dead festivities from her customized altar at the corner of S. Alamo and Market Streets. Standing more than 8 feet tall and adorned with more than 2 million beads, the Catrina was handcrafted by more than 40 indigenous Huichol artisans in Mexico and took two months to produce. There will be fifteen more Catrines and Catrinas displayed across the city.

Day of the Dead San Antonio links San Antonio with Mexico’s enduring Día de Los Muertos traditions, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This bridging of cultural heritage will build upon the city’s profile as a place of historic richness, enduring traditions, memorable tastes and unforgettable hospitality.

“…The Day of the Dead celebration will be a time for San Antonio to celebrate our ancestors, community, heritage and neighbors. As we look forward to a holiday that’s focused on the memories we’ve created, I look forward to the memories our community will create through this celebration for years to come.”- San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg

‘Art and the Animal’ exhibition at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

briscoecommunityday The Briscoe Western Art Museum invites everyone to get wild during ‘Art and the Animal,’ an exhibition featuring more than 100 paintings and sculptures reflecting the beauty of animals from around the world. The Society of Animal Artists’ 59th Annual Exhibition and Tour, ‘Art and the Animal,’ opens at the Briscoe with a weekend of special events September 19 through 22 and will be open to the public September 20, 2019 through January 5, 2020. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2019)

Opening weekend began with a Sneak Peak party on Thursday. Guests had a chance to be among the first to see this new exhibit while mingling with the artists and enjoying light bites and specialty cocktails created to celebrate ‘Art and the Animal.’ The exclusive preview reception at the Jack Guenther Pavilion also featured remarks by Wes Siegrist, artist and Executive Director of Society of Animal Artists.

The Society of Animal Artists (SAA) is devoted to promoting excellence in the artistic portrayal of the creatures sharing our planet. SAA’s membership represents a who’s who of artists from around the world and the Society’s work has been on display at more than 100 institutions across North America. ‘Art and the Animal’ is SAA’s first San Antonio exhibit. The exhibition is free with museum admission and will be on display during regular museum hours.

Other opening weekend activities include:
Wild West, Wildlife! Community Day Saturday, September 21 from 12p.m. to 4 p.m.
Walk on the wild side of the West and enjoy ‘Art and the Animal’ as it comes to life with a free community day. Meet some real wildlife with animals from San Antonio Zoo, make memorable wildlife crafts, experience hands-on demonstrations, enjoy special animal-themed story times and leave your mark on a special mural created by Wes Siegrist, Executive Director of SAA. Seigrist has created a 5’ x 10’ mural of bison in the west for visitors to help complete. The piece will then be displayed at the Briscoe during ‘Art and the Animal.’ Admission to Wild West, Wildlife! is free for the entire family and includes access to the museum.

Wildlife of West Texas Film Screening Sunday, September 22 at 1p.m.
The Briscoe has partnered with Wild Texas Film Tour to share a collection of short films that showcase wildlife, adventure and conservation stories from West Texas. Featured films include Lions of West Texas, Pronghorn Revival and Return of the Desert Bighorn. The screening is included with museum admission.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum is open daily and admission is free for children 12 and under, as well as active duty members of the military and up to four members of their family. Regular museum admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students and $5 for retired military, first responders, educators, fireman and police officers. The Briscoe Western Art Museum has extended hours and free admission every Tuesday from 4p.m. to 9p.m.

Briscoe Western Art Museum
210 W. Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 299-4499

Twin Liquors launches e-commerce delivery service

Twin Liquors, Central Texas’ fine wine and spirits retailer, recently launched a delivery service in San Antonio with a limited time offer. Throughout the month of September, Twin Liquors customers in the San Antonio area will receive free delivery on all online or in-app orders over $30. Customers can shop online or the Twin Liquors app, available to download on iOS and Android app stores. Online store hours: Monday – Saturday, 11a.m to 7p.m. (Twin Liquors, 2019)

Founded in downtown Austin, Texas, Twin Liquors began as one small store and has emerged as a successful “home-grown” Austin company. Its unique and well-respected reputation throughout the United States comes from having impeccable team members, outstanding customer service, conveniently located stores, an extensive selection of fine wines and premium spirits from around the world as well as substantial community involvement. Twin Liquors currently operates over 80 neighborhood stores in Central Texas.

SA Examiner

A books, music, movie, and business news blog

Month: September 2019