Day: May 6, 2021

Briscoe Western Art Museum presents Still in the Saddle: A New History of the Hollywood Western

Special exhibition, trivia night, and a summer film series brings Hollywood to the River Walk, Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

This summer, the Briscoe Western Art Museum will showcase the Hollywood Western in a new light during Still in the Saddle: A New History of the Hollywood Western, premiering at the Briscoe May 28 – September 6, 2021. Step back in time and see the classic films in the context of then-current events, including the turbulent 1960s. Pairing historical context with film insights and facts to highlight the films and the genre in a new perspective, Still in the Saddle showcases the cinematic art and storytelling of the Western. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2021)

From an actual red carpet, velvet ropes and the unmistakable smell of popcorn to film clips rolling throughout the exhibition, the Briscoe will transform into a 1960s movie theater featuring almost 60 vintage original movie posters, as well as movie costumes and dozens of authentic lobby cards. Display screens throughout the exhibition will feature film clips illustrating representative moments of the genre, and costumes worn by John Wayne in the movies “Chisum,” “The Cowboys,” and “The Undefeated” will be on display.

The cinema focus is an opportunity for the Briscoe to spotlight the culture of the American West through the art of movies. “In the 1940s and 50s, the Western was the most popular movie genre in America. Even through the social unrest, political turmoil, economic uncertainty, and generational change we witnessed from 1969 to 1980, Hollywood Westerns continued to capture audience attention,” explains Michael Duchemin, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum. “As the world outside of the theater doors changed, many thought the Western would ride off into the sunset. Yet the Western remained as rich and complex as at any time in its history. Looking at these films in the social context of the period provides a renewed appreciation of the stories these films share.”

Still in the Saddle was organized by the Briscoe with guest curator Dr. Andrew Patrick Nelson, a historian of American cinema and culture, film programmer, museum curator, and media commentator. Nelson is Chair of the Department of Film and Media Arts and Associate Professor of Film Studies at the University of Utah, as well as the author and editor of numerous books and essays on Western cinema, including “Still in the Saddle: The Hollywood Western, 1969-1980,” and “Contemporary Westerns: Film and Television since 1990.”

Also this summer, the Briscoe’s popular Summer Film Series returns, kicking off with “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” on Sunday, May 30. The Summer Film Series features an iconic film on the third Sunday of each summer month, with 1970’s “Little Big Man” on June 20, “True Grit” on July 18, and “The Long Riders” on August 22. “The Shootist” will close out the summer on Sept. 5. Guest curator Andrew Patrick Nelson will introduce each movie and explain how it relates to Still in the Saddle. Each film is free for members and $ 10 for future members or enjoy both general admission to the Briscoe and the film for $12. Briscoe Summer Cinema passes include three films for $25 or enjoy all five films for $50 and receive an individual museum membership, granting you unlimited access to the Briscoe’s exhibitions and programming throughout the year. Tickets are available online.

Red Carpet Fun
Still in the Saddle events and programming include an opening preview party, a curator’s talk and meet and greet, and the kick-off of the Briscoe’s popular Summer Film Series. Note: All events will follow COVID safety protocols. Event details and scheduling are subject to change.

• Exclusive Preview Party:
Still in the Saddle: A New History of the Hollywood Western Exhibition
Thursday, May 27, 6p.m. to 8p.m.

Join guest curator Andrew Patrick Nelson, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Film and Media Arts and Associate Professor of Film Studies at the University of Utah, and Briscoe CEO and President Michael Duchemin, Ph.D., to go behind the velvet ropes for a first look at Still in the Saddle. The event includes complimentary valet, beer, wine, specialty cocktails, and light bites. Free for Briscoe members and $25 for future members, tickets are available by calling 210.507.4864.

• Meet & Greet and Curator’s Talk with Andrew Patrick Nelson
Saturday, May 29, 2 p.m.

Join the Briscoe’s guest curator Dr. Andrew Patrick Nelson, Chair of the Department of Film and Media Arts and Associate Professor of Film Studies at the University of Utah, for an in-depth look at this summer’s blockbuster exhibition, Still in the Saddle. Nelson will analyze the films that comprise the exhibition and discuss how the 1960s made the Western richer and more diverse. Included with museum admission.

• Briscoe Summer Film Series: “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”
Sunday, May 30, 1p.m.

Start your summer with a Western classic, paired with an old-fashioned malt from Cheesy Jane’s food truck, sweet treats from Candy Counter, and free beer from Ranger Creek Brewing as the museum morphs into a draft house cinema to give everyone the full movie theater experience. Guest curator Dr. Andrew Patrick Nelson, Chair of the Department of Film and Media Arts and Associate Professor of Film Studies at the University of Utah, will introduce the 1969 classic, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and highlight how it fits into Still in the Saddle. Free for members and $10 for future members or enjoy both general admission to the Briscoe and the film for $12.

• Wild West Trivia at the Briscoe
Friday, June 11, 7p.m. to 9p.m.

Enjoy a fun night of Western trivia and test your smarts at the Briscoe’s first Wild West Trivia Night. Bring your friends to create a team or join a table of soon-to-be-friends and test your smarts. Teams will revel in friendly competition while enjoying food and signature cocktails. Participants must be 21 to attend. The event is $10 for individual or $50 a team for a team of six people.

Pearl launches new slim can and lifestyle guide

Pearl’s new 12 oz. slim can for Pearl xXx. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

The Pearl Brewing Company announced this week the launch of a new 12 oz. slim can for Pearl xXx beer in conjunction with the announcement of Fine Times, a new online lifestyle guide for Texans looking to explore the best food, fashion, and lifestyle the state has to offer. The new website is the product of a partnership with the Texas Food & Wine Alliance that encourages Texans to explore the elevated gems Texas has to offer by visiting the brand’s curated list of must-see restaurants, shops, artisans and local makers, hotels, bars, and attractions. (Pearl, 2021)

Fine Times features suggestions on things to do and see in Austin, San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and West Texas, which includes cities like Marfa, Lubbock, El Paso, and others. The guide will rotate seasonally to highlight curated recommendations on the website.

“We are delighted to partner with Pearl Brewing on Fine Times,” said Mariam Parker, Executive Director of the Texas Food & Wine Alliance. “The breadth of talent in the Lone Star State can’t be beat. We are grateful to be able to highlight the movers and shakers that make us proud to call Texas home.”

Established in 1883, with production beginning in 1886, Pearl Brewing has been a timeless icon in Texas. Pearl Beer made its latest resurgence in May of 2020 with the launch of Pearl xXx. Brewed in the Texas hill country, Pearl xXx has an ABV of 3.8%, and is made with the finest ingredients including premium Czech Pilsen malt, caramel malt, and a touch of wheat for a smooth, modern take on a classic American lager. A touch of citrus at the end of the boil gives it a truly distinct flavor. The can was designed by Austin-based agency Guerilla Suit, and the look is inspired by the original characteristics of the brand, including its iconic clamshell shape and script, and is updated with a new timeless look.

Pearl Beer’s slim cans will be available at select retailers in all major Texas cities, with six-packs available at a suggested retail price of $9.49. Fans of the brand can use Pearl xXx’s beer finder tool on its website to find a retailer nearest to them. 

The Pearl Brewing Company, commonly known as Pearl, is an American brewery established in 1883 in Downtown San Antonio, with its first production beginning in 1886. Pearl Beer is proudly based in downtown San Antonio. Pearl is owned by Pabst Brewing Company, one of the largest independently owned American brewing companies.

The Texas Food & Wine Alliance is dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in South Texas culinary communities through grants, educational programming, and events. Guided by an all-volunteer board of directors and committees made up of culinary and community-minded professionals, the Alliance’s work ensures a strong local food system and inspires and showcases Texas and beyond through the power of our diverse culinary communities.

“Pearl Beer is an iconic part of Texas’ history and the new slim can format is the next step in its 135 year-long legacy. The new can design comes at a perfect time and allows us to show up in more exciting places and spaces as people begin to come together more and more. We are thrilled to be expanding our presence state-wide and launching Fine Times, our guide to the finer life in Texas. This guide is another way we can shine a light on some of the great things Texas has to offer.” – Pearl Brand Manager and Texas native Daniel Crawford.