Month: December 2019

Hopdoddy raises $100K for charities nationwide

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Hopdoddy Burger Bar’s Goodnight/Good Cause burger. Photo: Hopdoddy Burger Bar, used with permission.

As part of the Hopdoddy Burger Bar mission, aiming to do what is right includes giving back to the community. With each Goodnight / Good Cause burger sold, Hopdoddy donates a portion of the proceeds to local charitable organizations. This year, Hopdoddy is proud to announce that the restaurant raised more than $100K for charities in Texas, Arizona, California, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Colorado. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2019)

Hopdoddy partnered on the Goodnight / Good Cause burger with the following charity organizations this year:

  • HAAM (Austin, TX)
  • Lone Star Paralysis (Austin, TX)
  • Millican Alliance (College Station, TX)
  • Make a Wish North Central Texas (Dallas, TX)
  • Periwinkle Foundation (Houston, TX)
  • Silver & Black Give Back (San Antonio, TX)
  • Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock (Phoenix, Arizona)
  • Surfrider Foundation (San Clemente, California)
  • Stax Music Academy (Memphis, TN)
  • W.O. Smith Music School (Nashville, TN)
  • Granville Community School, (Oklahoma City, OK)
  • Camp Courage (Denver, Colorado)

The Goodnight / Good Cause burger is available at all Hopdoddy locations and is made with Angus beef, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, jalapeños, caffeinated barbecue, Sassy Sauce, lettuce and tomato served on a fresh baked bun.

“As a team of some 1500+ team members, we at Hopdoddy are proud of the positive impact we make in our communities through our Goodnight / Good Cause partnerships. Since its inception in 2010 and with the continual support of our guests and team members, we have been able to contribute over $1,000,000 to local programs that do right. Hopdoddy remains steadfast in our commitment to ‘do right’ by continually evaluating the programs and people we support to ensure that we are truly living our mantra of ‘Best Today, Better Tomorrow’ and genuinely ‘doing right’ by those we are so fortunate to serve.” – Jeff Chandler, Hopdoddy CEO

Founded in Austin in 2010 by Guy Villavaso, Larry Foles and Chuck Smith, Hopdoddy Burger Bar is a nationally-recognized burger and beer joint. Hopdoddy stands out for its “from scratch” ethos and a menu that includes burgers, hand-cut Kennebec fries, farm fresh salads and handcrafter milkshakes. They also offer vegetarian menu items, including the newly launched Impossible Cheesesteak. Alongside its burgers Hopdoddy also carries a variety of local craft beers on tap, can and bottle and a has a full bar featuring regional spirits, house-made liqueurs and freshly squeezed juices. Named “The Best Burgers in America” by Food & Wine, Hopdoddy has locations in Texas, Arizona, Colorado and California with more to come.

 

Theater review: ‘Elf The Musical’ at The Public Theater

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James R.Welch as Buddy the Elf in The Public Theater’s production of ‘Elf The Musical.’ Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

Now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio’s Russell Hill Rogers auditorium is ‘Elf The Musical.’ Time is running out to catch this modern day holiday classic before it ends on Sunday December 22. ‘Elf The Musical’ is the story of Buddy the Elf who embarks on a journey to discover his true identity and is determined to win over his new family. Tickets are available online and at the box office by calling (210) 733-7258. Prices are $45 for adults, $35 for military members with ID, $25 for seniors age 60 and older and students with ID and $20 for children aged 12 and under. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Education Night for Thursday December 19 is sold out.

‘Elf The Musical’ begins as Santa (Robert M. Moritz) sits down to watch TV after delivering presents only to discover that the football game he wanted to watch was recorded over. So instead, he decides to tell the audience the story of Buddy, the Elf. The story moves to the North Pole, where Buddy (James R. Welch), an oversized elf, is excited about another day working in Santa’s workshop. “Happy All the Time” At work, the shop manager (Kennith Andrew Patterson) informs the Elves that they must work harder this year because more and more humans do not believe in Santa and that Christmas spirit is what makes Santa’s sleigh fly. While on a break, Buddy finds out he is actually a human and, with Santa’s approval, goes to New York City in search of his father, Walter Hobbs (Brandon R. Mace).

Buddy locates Walter but finds a less than enthusiastic father who is forced to take Buddy with him to work. Now wearing a business suit, Buddy’s curiosity and playfulness are a distraction and when he mistakenly shreds an important manuscript, Walter tells Buddy to get out of his life. He ends up at a Chinese restaurant with several other “Santas” and “Elves” on Christmas Eve who complain about Christmas and children. “Nobody Cares About Santa.” During this time, Buddy forgets that he should be out on a date with Jovie, a co-worker (Mariel Ardila) who is upset and waiting in front of the restaurant where they were supposed to meet. “Never Fall in Love.” Eventually, Buddy is accepted by his father, finds love with Jovie and decides not to return to the North Pole with Santa.

Elf is one of the most beloved Christmas movies and ‘Elf The Musical’ is a wonderful adaptation of the hit New Line Cinema film by David Berenbaum. With a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin it brings the story of Buddy the Elf, who was raised among the elves in the North Pole, to life. The comedy and charming story translate well on stage and James R. Welch is the perfect choice to portray the loveable and innocent Buddy. Show highlights include “Happy All the Time” at the North Pole where the elves are happily working building toys and “Nobody Cares About Santa” when the different “Santas” complain about the state of Christmas. The bright and cheerful staging and costumes leaves little doubt that this is a Christmas musical and it is hard not to smile through the entire production. ‘Elf The Musical’ is a fun family friendly production and a must-see to celebrate the holiday season.

Pearl to host third annual holiday Posada on Wednesday

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This year’s Posada will be on Wednesday December 18, Photo: Matt Buikema, used with permission.

This Wednesday December 18 from 6:30p.m. to 9p.m., Pearl will host its third annual Posada, inspired by the Mexican tradition of Las Posadas. Community members are invited to join the Posada and become pilgrims traveling by candlelight in a procession throughout the property, beginning at Pearl Park. (Pearl, 2019)

Las Posadas is a nine-day Christmas celebration in Mexico and Latin America, centered around the ritual re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s quest to find lodging in Bethlehem. The evening includes live mariachi music, lotería, traditional Mexican bingo for children and traditional treats of buñuelos, tamales and Mexican hot chocolate provided by Ms. Chocolatier, Churro Star, La Hacienda, CIA and Panifico Bakery. This event is free and open to the public. Representatives from Mission Concepción and Father David Garcia will lead community members in a procession throughout the Pearl property followed by live music by Mariachi Mexica.

Pearl Campus
303 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215

The Squeezebox to host Familia, Food & Oldies this Sunday

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Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This Sunday December 15 at 6p.m., The Squeezebox will be hosting “Familia, Food & Oldies,” a holiday celebration. The event will include FREE cabrito tacos while supplies last and all the accompanying sides, prepared by local chef Teddy Liang. DJ Aaron Peña will be spinning oldies all night. Bar offerings include happy hour prices all night long as well as FREE Michelada upgrades by local family company Twang, featuring their recently launched Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix. (The Squeezebox, 2019)

Starting on Tuesday December 10, The Squeezebox is also launching Karaoke Nights hosted by local Karaoke DJ Nicki Martinez. Karaoke Nights will be every Tuesday from 10p.m. to 2a.m. and will include happy hour pricing at the bar all night long.

The Squeezebox
2806 N St Mary’s St
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 314-8845

Tickets for the 20th anniversary tour of ‘Rent’ go on sale Friday

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The 20th Anniversary Tour of ‘Rent’ returns to the Majestic Theatre in March and tickets go on sale Friday. Photo: Google

North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio announces that due to popular demand, the 20th anniversary tour of ‘Rent’ will return to San Antonio for five performances Friday May 1 through Sunday May 3, 2020 at the Majestic Theatre. Performance times are 8p.m. Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m., Sunday. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 13 at 10a.m., start at $40 and are available online, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787, or by visiting the Majestic Box Office. The Majestic Box Office does not accept single ticket orders over the phone; all ticket sales must be made in person. Majestic Box Office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday hours vary weekly, call (210) 226-3333 to verify. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling (210) 226-5967. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2019)

‘Rent’ is set in the East Village of New York City and is an inspiring musical about friends and artists struggling with addiction, poverty and most of all love. Winner of the Tony Award® for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, it is a re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème and follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven struggling artists in New York’s Lower East Side. With its universal themes of love and hardships it has become a pop culture phenomenon that appeals to people of all ages. Its message of joy and hope in the face of fear reminds people to measure their lives with love, which is the only thing that matters.

In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway and forever changed the landscape of American theater. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s ‘Rent’ continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. Based on original direction by Michael Greif, Evan Ensign re-stages the 20th anniversary tour. Original Broadway creatives Marlies Yearby, Angela Wendt and Tim Weil are joined by Jonathan Spencer, Keith Caggiano, MiRi Park and Matthew E. Maraffi to make up the creative team for the tour.

Majestic Theatre
224 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-3333

PechaKucha San Antonio Vol. 36 at the Tobin Center

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PechaKucha San Antonio Vol. 36 will take place this Wednesday December 11. Photo: Jessica Giesey, used with permission.

PechaKucha San Antonio, the global arts and culture series that hosts speakers who share their passions in a unique format, is excited to announce the lineup for its Volume 36 edition, scheduled for Wednesday, December 11 at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. The night begins with a welcome reception at 6:30p.m. followed by presentations starting at 7:30p.m. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2019)

Vol. 36 will feature a talented group of locals. The six presenters include:

  • Michael “Mikey” Nye, Photography & Audio Documentarian
  • Reggie De La Garza, Upholstery Sorceress
  • Robert Lopez Flynn, Native Texas Cotton Chopper
  • Missi Smith, Artist
  • Alyson Alonzo, Electronic RnB Producer/Singer
  • David Zamora Casas, Multi-disciplinary Contemporary Artist

Emcees for the evening include News 4 San Antonio anchor Randy Beamer as well as founder of the Rivard Report, Robert Rivard. The welcome reception will feature live music by Travis Buffkin and complimentary bites curated by local chefs and restaurants.  Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased online. PechaKucha San Antonio is presented in partnership with the Las Casas Foundation.

Pronounced “PEH-chuh KOO-chuh,” PechaKucha is a 20 image x 20 second arts and cultures series. It hosts speakers who share their passions in a unique format: Each presenter gets exactly 20 images, and each slide advances automatically every 20 seconds (for a total time of 6:40). San Antonio’s first quarterly PechaKucha Night was held in February 2011 and now attracts hundreds of attendees to venues throughout San Antonio. It showcases a broad range of individuals, including architects, artists, makers, academics, community leaders and more. PechaKucha (Japanese for “chit chat”) is an event format developed by Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture to encourage creative professionals to share projects and ideas that they are passionate about. Since it began in 2003, PechaKucha has expanded to more than 1000 cities around the world.

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
100 Auditorium Cir
San Antonio, TX 78205

Theater review: ‘A Christmas Carol, the Musical’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

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Isidro Medina as Ebenezer Scrooge in the Woodlawn Theatre’s production of ‘A Christmas Carol, the Musical.’ Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

After a successful opening weekend, ‘A Christmas Carol, the Musical’ continues tonight at the Woodlawn Theatre and runs until Monday December 23. ‘A Christmas Carol, the Musical’ is the story of the mean-spirited Ebenezer Scrooge who, on Christmas Eve, receives visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Be and is given a chance for redemption. This family friendly holiday production plays Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Ticket are: Adults $30, Senior/Military/First Responders $24, Children/Student $18 and are available online or by calling the Box Office at 210-267-8388.

‘A Christmas Carol, the Musical’ takes place on Christmas Eve in 1843 in London where Ebenezer Scrooge (Isidro Medina), an ageing miser who dislikes Christmas, first encounters the three ghosts of Christmas as a candle lighter-Past (Jillian Sainz), a charity show barker-Present (Bob Galindo) and an old beggar woman-Yet to Be (Giselle Galindo). “Nothing To Do With Me” That night at home, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his deceased business partner, Jacob Marley, (Michael Cooling) who warns him to repent or face condemnation in the afterlife and informs him that three spirits will visit him during the night. “Link by Link” As Jacob Marley predicted, the ghosts visit Scrooge at one, two and three o’clock that night. They remind him of his past, show him the joys of Christmas Day in the present and foretell a grim future if he does not change his ways. Recognizing his faults, Scrooge wakes up on Christmas Day and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful “Happy Christmas” before spending the day reconnecting, making amends and sharing love with those who mean the most to him.

With the holiday season in full swing, now is the time to enjoy a holiday classic like ‘A Christmas Carol, the Musical’ with the family. It has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and book by Mike Ockrent and Lynn Ahrens and is a delightful reminder of the magic of the season. From the first notes of “Hear the Bells,” the audience is surrounded by Christmas cheer and nostalgia from this classic production. For those who think they have seen it all, there is always something new to discover about the story. Show highlights include the hilarious “Link by Link” when the ghost of Jacob Marley and other ghosts visit Scrooge and “Fezziwig’s Annual Christmas Ball” in the Present, during the big Christmas party, which has an abundance of singing and amazing dance sequences. With outstanding performances by the entire cast, beautiful costumes and plenty of holiday cheer, ‘A Christmas Carol, the Musical’ is a production the entire family can enjoy together. It is definitely a must-see. The show is shorter than expected and runs two hours with a 15 minute intermission.

Upcoming promotional nights.
Pride Night – Friday December 13, 25% off tickets with code: PRIDE
ASL (American Sign Language) Night – Saturday December 21 – 25% off tickets with code: ASL

Old West Christmas Light Fest in Boerne

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Old West Christmas Light Fest is now open through Christmas Day. Photo: Google

Holiday magic comes to life at Old West Christmas Light Fest in Boerne. Set in an Old West town, it is brimming with lights, music, games, activities and flavor. Experience holiday glow and some of the best Christmas lights in the San Antonio area in a true Texas setting where Santa and his Holly Jolly Herd of longhorns are ready to pull his sleigh across Texas. Delight in a synchronized light show set to music, play laser tag in the lights, escape holiday stress with family fun in the Old West’s Christmas Escape Rooms and snap sweet pictures in Candyland. Bring family, friends and camera: pictures with Santa are always free at Old West Christmas Light Fest. (Old West Christmas Light Fest, 2019)

Old West Christmas Light Fest is open from 6p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday through Sunday evenings until Sunday December 15 then every night December 19 through 25, including Christmas Eve and Christmas night.

Hinojosa Family Lights has taken over the ranch this year. Come see the magic that features Christmas classics and surprise songs in a synchronized Old West Light Show. The show is included in admission to Old West Christmas Light Fest and runs continuously. Escape holiday stress in one of the Old West’s Christmas Escape Rooms. With two holiday-themed rooms, guests can make Christmas memories with friends and family while trying to beat the clock. Or save Christmas by playing Laser Tag in the Lights, electronically defending holiday fun surrounded by the glow of thousands of Christmas lights. There is also a Candyland Instagram room where guests can snap share-worthy shots all season long and holiday cooking decorating classes. Two special nights of romance will take place on December 8 and December 15 with “Romance Under the Lights” with a host of local romance writers greeting fans and getting in on the holiday fun. Fill your holiday gift list by shopping the Old West merchants and fill your belly with flavors from a variety of food trucks on site each night. No matter what you choose, a night at Old West Christmas Light Fest is one to remember. Every night features music, with beer and wine at the bar and hot cocoa and s’mores by the campfire. Santa is at his favorite ranch to hear holiday wishes through Christmas Eve and photos with Santa are free.

Tickets are available online and are $15 per person ages six and older and children five and under are free. Family 5-packs are available for $60. Members of the military, active duty, guard, reserves and all retired service members, as well as first responders and their immediate families receive a $5 discount. Season passes are $45 per person. Onsite parking is included.

Enchanted Springs Ranch
242 Hwy 46 W
Boerne, TX 78006

Take exit 540 off of I-10 and travel three miles west

Texas Monthly LIVE at the Witte Museum

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Texas Monthly LIVE will take place this Wednesday December 4 at the Witte Museum. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Texas Monthly LIVE, presented by the 80|20 Foundation, is bringing the unique experience of a live issue of the magazine reimagined for a theatre audience to the Witte Museum on Wednesday, December 4 from 7p.m. to 8:45p.m. The first Texas Monthly LIVE performance premiered in Austin in the Spring of 2018 and has been performed in Austin, Houston, Brownsville and Dallas. San Antonio will be the fifth and final stop of the 2019 tour. This marks the first year that the magazine will bring the event to San Antonio audiences. (Texas Monthly, 2019)

Mixing music, video, narration, and live performances, this special 90-minute editorial production will take audience members on an unforgettable storytelling journey. Texas Monthly LIVE will feature stories and performances curated and performed by Texas Monthly editors, showcasing the breadth and depth of Texas. Hosted by Texas Monthly columnist David Courtney, this unique event will explore the sights, sounds and feelings of Texas and will have the audience laughing, reminiscing and dancing.

Ticket holders will have access to the exclusive after-party following the show where guests will have the opportunity to explore the first-floor exhibits of the Witte Museum after dark. After-party experiences will be custom-produced by the Witte’s curatorial staff and will bring the exhibits to life with special activations curated based on the stories from the Texas Monthly LIVE performance. Museum activations include: Chili Queens at the Alamo, Better Living through Botánicas, Water Runs Through It: San Antonio River as Lifeblood and How Beef Became BBQ. Light bites and beverages will be available for purchase. The after-party will take place until 11p.m. VIP tickets to the show are sold out but General Admission tickets are still available online until the day of the event for $20.

Performance highlights (subject to change)

  • Confessions of a Skinny Bitch / Executive editor Patricia Sharpe fondly reflects on her upbringing as a picky eater and how it led her on her journey to becoming Texas Monthly’s food editor.
  • Patient Observation / Executive Editor Skip Hollandsworth recounts his younger years in Wichita Falls, Texas when he stepped inside the gates of the local state hospital and realized that every town has another side.
  • Star Hunter / The Rio Grande Valley is steeped in lore. Senior Editor Carlos Sanchez tells the tale of one Brownsville resident that began 1.3 billion years ago.
  • Life, In Dog Years / Following the death of her father and the inheritance of his beloved corgi, Executive Editor Mimi Swartz explores the way her family expresses love through their pets.
  • The Biggest Wild Plant Catalog in the World / Executive Editor Katy Vine tells the story of one man in Austin who has been cataloguing all of the plants in Texas since 1971.
  • G-L-O-R-I-A / Executive Editor Michael Hall tells the story of the Gloriathon, when, in the summer of 1999, he and dozens of Austin’s finest musicians, performed Van Morrison’s song “Gloria” for 24 hours as a way to say goodbye to a beloved club — and a beloved era.

The Witte Museum
3801 Broadway St.
San Antonio, TX 78209