Celebrate Valentine’s Day at a luxury Texas retreat

The Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is a modern retreat in downtown San Antonio. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

This year for Valentine’s Day, couples are seeking romantic weekend getaways for a change of scenery that is still close to home. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner reservation or planning a sweet staycation, these three Lone Star State destinations are offering the perfect getaways for couples. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, Thompson San Antonio, Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection, 2022)

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa | SONORA, TX
Located on 13,000 acres in the heart of Texas Hill Country, JL Bar Ranch is the ideal destination for couples seeking an off-grid getaway this Valentine’s Day. From relaxation at JL Bar’s spa to outdoor excursions on horseback or ATVs, couples can choose their own adventure while visiting the ranch. JL Bar also offers wine tastings with the property’s resident Sommelier, outdoor games, an infinity pool and hot tub with unrivaled sunset views, shooting instruction, romantic outdoor dining, and more. For added seclusion, each of JL Bar’s 32 luxury accommodations boasts a private patio. With Valentine’s Day on a Monday this year, guests can extend their romantic weekend and receive a fourth night free when booking a three-night stay.

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk | SAN ANTONIO, TX
Opened in February 2021, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is a modern retreat soaring 20 stories above San Antonio’s celebrated River Walk– capturing the contemporary spirit of this historic Texas city and this year, promises to be the ideal Valentine’s Day destination. Couples can enjoy a romantic date night at landmark restaurant Landrace, from James Beard Award finalist Steve McHugh, including a Valentine’s Day menu, rose table décor, and special entertainment. The enchanting rooftop lounge, The Moon’s Daughters, which floats high above the River Walk, is going all out with a “Love Stinks”-themed singles vibe Monday – Thursday leading up to Valentine’s Day. Events include pre-fixe menu, live entertainment and a Sexology Pop-Up on January 29, and February 5 and 12. On Superbowl Sunday, February 13, The Moon’s Daughters will be hosting a Thompson Tailgate, with grilled menu items and large format drinks. Guests can also book the Thompson San Antonio Spa Spatastic Room Package, which includes champagne, a $100 spa credit and a spa retail amenity item. Lastly, the hotel is offering a new Thompson Temptation Room Package, which includes a bottle of prosecco delivered to the room, a special amenity from San Antonio’s Sexology Institute, and a late 2p.m. check out on Sundays.

Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection | AUSTIN, TX
With intimate spaces tucked throughout the historic property, Commodore Perry Estate offers the perfect retreat for a Valentine’s Day filled with vintage, one-of-a-kind charm and romantic moments. The resort has special offerings for the holiday, from private couples yoga classes and gourmet fireside s’mores on the Estate grounds, to a ‘crafting your own vintage Valentine’ experience, perfect for families, featuring snacks, beverages and a wide selection of art supplies. Couples can also arrange a romantic picnic on the lawn, featuring a cozy blanket made for lounging and a basket filled with chilled Champagne and a selection of gourmet bites. Feel the warm embrace of romance in the Mansion’s oval library. For the Valentine’s Day weekend, the luxury resort will have a lush Valentine’s floral installation in the sophisticated library that offers the ideal backdrop to snap some instant photos of your romantic moments together. Reserve your experience and savor floral-inspired cocktails paired with a selection of canapes and bite-sized sweet treats.

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Valentine’s Day spa packages from Hiatus Spa + Retreat

With Valentine’s Day coming up next month, award-winning Texas day spa Hiatus Spa + Retreat has 2022 Valentine’s Day spa packages available to gift loved ones, or yourself, this year.(Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2022)

Valentine’s Day Gift Card In-Spa Promo
Buy a $250 gift card for $200.

Greatest Love of All
Invest in yourself this year with The Tailor-Made Facial and The Signature Massage. Two hours to just do you. ($179, $220 value)

The Unforgettable
The super-customized Yours Truly Massage is paired with The One & Only Mani-Pedi and The Sparkler Facial for a spa day that will leave you glowing, and forever ours. ($348.99, $420 value)

With eight locations across Texas, eight years on Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies, and an innovative spa subscription model, Hiatus Spa + Retreat is a fresh kind of full-service spa that has changed the wellness industry. Powered by products with green ingredients and a high-touch experience, Hiatus’ personalized approach to wellness is driven by the view that regular relaxation should be an empowering part of a healthy, happy lifestyle.

Yonder Mountain String Band’s new album Get Yourself Outside

Get Yourself Outside will be released February 25, 2022. Photo: Yonder Mountain String Band, used with permission.

From selling out Red Rocks Amphitheatre at a time when that was unheard of for a string act, to standing at the microphone in front of tens of thousands at festivals like Bonnaroo, Yonder Mountain was the initial spark in an acoustic inferno decades ago that endures headlong into the 21st century—one burning brightly in an ongoing tidal wave movement that now includes marquee names like Billy Strings, Greensky Bluegrass, and The Infamous Stringdusters. With their latest album, Get Yourself Outside, Colorado-based quintet Yonder Mountain String Band once again echoes out into the universe its place as not only a pioneering jam-grass act but also one of the most innovative, intricate groups in the live music scene—something the groundbreaking ensemble has proudly held high for the better part of a quarter-century. (Yonder Mountain String Band, 2021)

Coming up on their 25th anniversary as a band, Yonder Mountain String Band continues to innovate and evolve, and on February 25, 2022, will unveil Get Yourself Outside—their first studio album with new member, mandolinist Nick Piccininni. Piccininni joins Aijala, fellow founding members, bassist Ben Kaufmann and banjoist Dave Johnston, and fiddler Allie Kral who joined the band in 2015 for the band’s inspired and energized post-pandemic lineup debut. Relix premiered the first single from Get Yourself Outside, the hard-charging “Into The Fire.” Fans can hear “Into The Fire” now at this link and pre-order or pre-save Get Yourself Outside before its release right here.

In addition to the upcoming album announcement, YMSB just dropped a long list of February and March tour dates beginning with their official album release show at Denver’s newly-opened and incredibly popular Meow Wolf Convergence Station where concert-goers will experience a one-of-a-kind immersive music and art experience, before heading down to Florida, through the Southeast, and across to Texas. A full list of dates is below and ticket information is available online.

Catch Yonder Mountain String Band on tour:
1/27 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory
1/28 – Seattle WA – Neptune Theatre
1/29 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall
1/30 – Bellingham, WA – Wild Buffalo House Of Music
2/1 – Arcata, CA – Arcata Theatre
2/2 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall
2/3 – Nevada City, CA – Miners Foundry Cultural Center
2/4 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern
2/5 – Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre
2/6 – Flagstaff, AZ – Orpheum Theater
2/24 – Denver, CO – Meow Wolf Convergence Station – official album release show
2/26 – Steamboat, CO – Winter Wondergrass
2/27 – Steamboat, CO – Winter Wondergrass
3/11 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live
3/12 – Immokalee, FL – Southland Bluegrass and Wilderness Festival
3/13 – Key West, FL – Parade Grounds at Fort East Martello
3/15 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
3/16 – Savannah, GA – Victory North
3/17 – Live Oak, FL – Suwannee Spring Reunion
3/18 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
3/19 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Bluegrass Festival
3/20 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
3/23 – Fayetteville, AR – George’s Majestic Lounge
3/24 – Austin, TX – Scoot Inn
3/25 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
3/26 – Dallas, TX – The Studio at the Factory
4/2 – New Orleans, LA – venue TBA
4/28 – Poughkeepsie, NY – venue TBA
4/29 – Baltimore, MD – venue TBA
5/6 – Black, MT – venue TBA
5/7 – Cincinnati, OH – venue TBA
5/8 – Cincinnati, OH – venue TBA

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Walmart to award scholarships for National Hispanic Institute Leadership Experience

Walmart and the National Hispanic Institute are partnering to provide tuition scholarships. Photo: National Hispanic Institute.

The National Hispanic Institute (NHI), a nonprofit organization providing leadership education to top-performing Latino high school students across the United States and throughout the Americas, is partnering with Walmart to provide tuition scholarships for a select number of students from Oklahoma and Texas to attend a 2022 Lorenzo de Zavala (LDZ) Youth Legislative Session program. (Walmart, 2022)

The program will host 200 top academic students in a weeklong leadership experience on the campus of Austin College in Sherman, Texas, on July 10-17, 2022. The $20,000 in scholarship money from Walmart — $10,000 for Oklahoma students and $10,000 for Texas students — will provide tuition support.

The LDZ program, launched in 1983, is designed to inspire civic engagement and develop public policy skills. The eight-day immersive program, hosted in coordination with universities, uses a format in which participants declare candidacies and run for offices in executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, and work to propose and enact legislation while developing personal and community identity through a series of exercises that culminate in the three-day legislative session.

Through NHI’s signature community equity building approach, students form communities, develop constituencies, and craft strategies to leverage strengths and capacities.

“The LDZ experience prompts a personal transformation whereby students feel competent, in control of their life direction, valued in the eyes of others and engaged in adding equity and worth to their community. It nurtures young minds to engage in proactive solutions as a lifelong process.” – Gloria de Leon, NHI co-founder and architect of the LDZ experience.

“Walmart is excited to sponsor this important program and the work that NHI is going to develop future Latino leaders. As an alum, I can tell you first hand that the LDZ program has an established track record of engaging high school students and inspiring them toward greater civic engagement, and we want to enable students to experience this transformative program through this scholarship fund.” – Ivan Jaime, Director of State and Local Government Relations for Walmart in Oklahoma and Texas.

Current Oklahoma and Texas college-bound high school sophomores and juniors with an 88/100 or 3.2/4.0 grade point average are encouraged to apply. Scholarships will support a portion of the LDZ program’s tuition cost — $995 for the full week, including meals, housing, and tuition. A special committee of NHI alumni and community members in Oklahoma is working on additional fundraising if students need assistance with the balance and transportation arrangements.

Students are encouraged to promptly submit their online application to the National Hispanic Institute for the Texas LDZ. Select “Walmart Scholarship Candidate” if you are from Oklahoma or Texas to be considered for the award. Students must apply with a $25 application fee for consideration.

Students who cannot attend this program due to conflicts in dates may apply to alternate LDZ sites as well, and depending on funding, may be considered for this award. The first round of admissions will be accepted beginning February 4, 2022, and conclude once the program has reached capacity in mid-March.

The National Hispanic Institute was founded in 1979 to establish an institutional presence in Latino community life, with an organized strategy to prepare the next generation of leaders. NHI researches emergent leadership in youth, and guides them to envision their value beyond the attainment of college degrees and careers into the realm of community leadership.

Jack Reacher television adaptation on Amazon Prime Video

The new Reacher tv series will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on February 4, 2022. Photo: amazon

Lee Child is one of the world’s leading thriller writers. He was born in Coventry, raised in Birmingham, and now lives in New York. It is said one of his novels featuring his hero Jack Reacher is sold somewhere in the world every nine seconds. His books consistently achieve the number-one slot on bestseller lists around the world and have sold over one hundred million copies. Two blockbusting Jack Reacher movies have been made so far. A TV series adaptation of Jack Reacher will premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on February 4, 2022. All eight episodes of the first season will drop at once. It stars Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher. (amazon, 2022)

The first season will adapt the “Killing Floor” novel. Jack Reacher is a former major in the United States Army Military Police Corps who now roams the United States taking odd jobs and investigating suspicious and frequently dangerous situations. In “Killing Floor,” Jack Reacher gets off a Greyhound bus in the fictional town of Margrave, Georgia because he remembers his brother mentioning that a blues musician named Blind Blake died there. Much to his surprise, shortly after his arrival he is arrested in a local diner. He must try to prove his innocence.

Blue Star Contemporary accepting submissions for 2022 Open Call for Artists

There is no application fee to apply and the deadline is March 1, 2022. Photo: Blue Star Contemporary

Blue Star Contemporary (BSC), San Antonio’s first and longest running contemporary art non-profit, is currently accepting applications for their 2022 exhibition cycle. Artists based in Texas, nationally, and internationally are eligible for this open call and are invited to submit a portfolio of their work to be considered for future exhibition opportunities, public programs, and other special projects. Exhibitions in development draw from competitive applicants whose work aligns with BSC’s mission and core values. San Antonio artists founded BSC in 1986 as a space to show their work, thus supporting and exhibiting work by our region’s artists remains a central part of our programming, in addition to working with artists from across the globe. (Blue Star Contemporary, 2022)

Artists should submit a portfolio to give the organization an understanding of the visual and conceptual themes within their practice and their voice as artists. The submission helps BSC identify artists that align with the organization’s creative vision and audiences. Exhibitions are planned approximately two years in advance.

BSC’s values of equity, diversity, and inclusion are foundational to our mission to serve all artists. These values are demonstrated by creating the conditions for an approachable application process, by continuing efforts to support artists of all backgrounds, and by working towards inclusivity and accessibility for applicants. Blue Star Contemporary inspires the creative genius in us all by nurturing artists through innovative contemporary art and fulfills this mission guided by five core values– being artist-centric, forward-thinking, inclusive, educational, exceeding expectations, and surprising visitors. Artists we engage share in these values and conduct themselves with integrity and respect when collaborating with BSC and its staff.

BSC is a W.A.G.E. certified organization. We pay all exhibiting artists an honoraria based on our operating budget and W.A.G.E. guidelines. Artists participating in or leading public programs are also paid an honoraria.

Artists can visit Blue Star Contemporary for more information on eligibility and application guidelines. There is no application fee, deadline to apply Is March 1, 2022. Direct questions regarding the submission process should be directed to Jacqueline Saragoza McGilvray, Curator and Exhibitions Manager by phone at jack@bluestarcontemporary.org.

BSC was founded for artists by artists in 1986 in a grassroots movement sparked by the cancellation of the first major museum exhibition of contemporary art in San Antonio. Six arts supporters and artists founded Contemporary Art for San Antonio to provide an exhibition venue for artists and the public. With the support of a handful of donors and property developers, the founders, artists, and volunteers converted an abandoned warehouse into a gallery for the first annual Blue Star Exhibition. Over the years, BSC has grown to encompass a professional staff, a robust calendar of onsite and offsite exhibitions, community collaborations, creative youth development programs, international exchange opportunities for artists, and public art projects.

Blue Star Contemporary

Upcoming events at San Antonio Museum of Art

The San Antonio Museum of Art is bringing visitors new exhibitions, new art installations, and a new executive director. Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art

The San Antonio Museum of Art is kicking off the New Year with a new executive director, new installations and new exhibitions in 2022. Following an international search, the Museum recently named Emily Ballew Neff, PhD, as its new executive director, just in time to welcome new works and exhibitions from renowned artists, including Wendy Red Star. From February 11 through May 8, 2022, contemporary artist Wendy Red Star will evaluate identity, cultural heritage, and American history in her mid-career survey and latest exhibition, Wendy Red Star: A Scratch on the Earth. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2022)

New Art Installations
Now through June 26, 2022 visitors can explore new acquisitions from San Antonio artists in SAMA’s Contemporary gallery. SAMA acquired nine artworks by eight San Antonio-based artists, including Jennifer Ling Datchuk, Jenelle Esparza, Joe Harjo, Jon Lee, Ethel Shipton, Chris Sauter, Naomi Wanjiku Gakunga, and Liz Ward. SAMA acquired the works as part of an initiative developed to support the city’s visual artists and reflect the vibrancy of the community and its rich cultural landscape. All of the artworks, which include textiles, painting, photography, prints, and sculpture, mark first entries by the artists to SAMA’s collection.

Upcoming Exhibitions
Wendy Red Star: A Scratch on the Earth: February 11, 2022 – May 8, 2022
Drawn from the collection of The Newark Museum of Art and museums across the country, Red Star’s mid-career survey will include photography, textiles, and film and sound installations, produced over a period of fifteen years. An immersive video will be screened inside a sweat lodge recreated within the gallery at the heart of the exhibition. An enrolled member of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Tribe, Red Star works across disciplines to explore the intersections of Native American ideologies and colonialist structures, both historically and in contemporary society. Drawing on pop culture, conceptual art strategies, and the Crow traditions within which she was raised, Red Star pushes photography in new directions—from self-portraiture to photo-collage and altered historical photographs—to bring to life her unique perspective on American history. The importance of family, Indigenous roots of feminism, Crow mythology, history of the Montana landscape, and the pageantry of Crow Fest are among the subjects that Red Star brings to life in this exhibition.

Upcoming Events
24th Annual Mays Symposium: Contemporary Perspectives on Native American Art

Native American cultures have often been romanticized, appropriated, or erased from the canons of art history. This symposium seeks to provide greater context, understanding, and inclusivity through fresh insights into the personal and societal narratives that are woven into the practice of contemporary Native American artists.

Virtual Keynote with artist Wendy Red Star
Friday, February 25, 2022 at 6p.m.
(Virtual)

Lectures and Panel Discussion
Saturday, February 26, 2022 from 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m.
(In-person and live-streamed)

Artist Presentations by:
Joe Harjo, Artist, Chair of Photography, Southwest School of Art
Ruben Olguin, Artist, Educator

Panel Discussion by:
Joe Harjo
Dakota Hoska, Assistant Curator of Native Arts, Denver Art Museum
Risa Puelo, Independent Curator, Writer
Ruben Olguin
Moderator: Dr. Annette Portillo, Professor, University of Texas, San Antonio

Visit here for tickets.

The San Antonio Museum of Art serves as a forum to explore and connect with art that spans the world’s geographies, artistic periods, genres, and cultures. Its collection contains nearly 30,000 works representing 5,000 years of history. Housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of San Antonio’s River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art is committed to promoting the rich cultural heritage and life of the city. The Museum hosts hundreds of events and public programs each year, including concerts, performances, tours, lectures, symposia, and interactive experiences. As an active civic leader, the Museum is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the city and the region, and to supporting its creative community.

San Antonio Museum of Art

First impression: Doña Carmen’s Restaurant

Doña Carmen’s Restaurant #4 – South Padre Island. Photo: Sandra Cruz

It has been a busy couple of months so I have not had a chance to explore much, but last month while at South Padre Island for an art walk, we decided to have lunch nearby. Determined to have Mexican food, we drove around until we came upon a colorful sign advertising Doña Carmen’s Restaurant. It was odd because it was the first time we noticed this restaurant but decided to take a chance. Since then, Doña Carmen’s Restaurant opened a location in Los Fresnos and we recently had breakfast there. During our visit, they were only open until 4p.m. but we suggested they stay open later because like us, some people like to go out for dinner. I am so happy that now the Los Fresnos location is open until 9p.m. so we can go there for dinner one of these days after work.

Doña Carmen’s Restaurant #4 – South Padre Island
This location has a Doña Carmen life-sized cartoon cardboard cutout by the front door to greet guests. As soon as you enter, the welcoming sights and smells of a Mexican restaurant beckon you to satisfy your taste buds with a variety of delectable dishes. I thought I was only going to have one or two options, being that I do not eat meat in all its forms and it is rare to have more than one option at restaurants. Much to my surprise, the menu is extensive and I had trouble deciding what to order. I opted for the Entomatadas. The plate consists of four, yes, four entomatadas, rice, beans, and lettuce and tomatoes. The serving size is generous and the tomato sauce is made from scratch. The food tastes homemade, just as I had hoped. I ordered a jamaica flavored “agua fresca” and it comes served in a personal sized pitcher so it was much more than I could finish there. It is so delicious and thankfully I was able to take the rest of it to go. The hubbs went with the Bistek Ranchero, which also comes with rice, beans, and lettuce and tomatoes. I cannot stress enough how impressed we are with the quality of the food. Everything is fresh and made to order. Our only complaint is that they charge extra ($1.99 each) for additional flour tortillas. Other than that, it was a lovely visit. The wait staff is efficient and friendly.

#4 – 5800 Padre Blvd, Suite 101
South Padre Island, TX 78597
(956) 484-2314
Business hours:
Open every day 7a.m. to 4p.m.

Doña Carmen’s Restaurant #5 – Los Fresnos
Saturday mornings call for breakfast on the go. We got there bright and early since they open at 7a.m. After we ordered our coffee, the server brought over a small bowl filled with animal crackers to complement the coffee. What an original idea! We finished those before our breakfast dishes arrived. I ordered the Chilaquiles Rojos with eggs topped with cheese and it comes with refried beans and lettuce and tomatoes, which is weird because it is breakfast. Again, the serving size is more than enough and the flavors are undeniably homemade. The hubbs had the Huevos Divorciados, over easy, and they come with a side of bacon, refried beans and fried tortilla bits topped with salsa and shredded cheese.

#5 – 407 W Ocean Blvd, Suite A
Los Fresnos, TX 78566
(956) 254-2402
Business hours:
Saturday 7a.m. to 3p.m.
Sunday Closed
Monday – Friday 7a.m. to 9p.m.

Suffice it to say, we will definitely eat at Doña Carmen’s Restaurant again, whether at the South Padre location or the Los Fresnos one. The ambiance is friendly, the customer service is excellent and the food is authentic and tastes homemade, “just like grandma used to make.” The quality of the food is certainly not “fast food” grade and anyone looking for a hearty Mexican meal, whether it be for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, will be in for a delightful treat. So stop by next time and treat your taste buds to a “fiesta,” or better yet, treat the family out for a fabulous meal. They will thank you for it.

Price range: $ – $$

Terror Films to release Last Radio Call and Evil at the Door

Last Radio Call will be available across digital and Video on Demand platforms on January 21. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Genre distributor Terror Films will officially launch their YouTube AVOD channel in 2022 with two new releases. The first film will be Isaac Rodriguez’ found footage horror film Last Radio Call on January 14, followed by Kipp Tribble’s home invasion horror film Evil at the Door on January 21. The films will premiere exclusively on the Terror Films channel featuring a live chat event with the filmmakers, cast and fans during the premiere. The films will be released wide, across Digital and Video On Demand platforms one week later after their premieres. (Terror Films, 2022)

In addition to new releases, the channel will also feature the distributor’s entire library of diverse, indie horror films, which will eventually expand to an international audience.

“This is such an exciting time for us as a company. This was a necessary, next step in our ongoing efforts to grow our brand while increasing the reach and revenue streams of our amazing library of horror films.” – Terror Films’ President Joe Dain

Written and Directed by Isaac Rodriguez, who also produced alongside Cynthia Bergen, Last Radio Call centers around Officer David Serling, who went missing inside the abandoned Yorktown Memorial Hospital. One year later, his wife has hired a film crew to help bring light on what really happened that night. Using recovered body cam footage, she discovers a dark secret that sends her spiraling down a horrific path of ancient evil. She must now face an unknown terror to find the answers she desperately seeks. Starring Sarah Froelich, Jason Scarbough, June Griffin Garcia, Ali Alkhafaji, KeeKee Takatsuki, Bert Lopez, and Makayla Rodriguez, the film will be available across digital and Video On Demand platforms January 21, one week after it debuts on the Terror Films Channel.

Written and Directed by Kipp Tribble, who also produced alongside Patrick Rivera, Kenny Yates, and Executive Producer Richard Siegelman, Evil at the Door centers around a secret guild that has operated for nearly a century, known as The Locusts. Once a year this guild treats its members to a night of curated home invasions (aka, “runs”), known underground as “The Night of The Locusts.” With 180 minutes to do as they please with the occupants of the selected home, four masked men enter the home of Daniel and Jessica and begin to engage in sick, twisted games with them. Unbeknownst to the intruders, Liz, Jessica’s younger sister, is hiding under the bed. While the run time winds down, Liz plots her escape as The Locusts realize there is a traitor in their group. But will the division among the intruders be enough distraction for Liz to survive before The Locusts’ clock runs out? Starring Bruce Davison, Andrea Sweeney Blanco, Robert Allen Mukes, Kipp Tribble, Kenny Yates, Sunny Doench and Richard Siegelman, the film will be available across digital and Video On Demand platforms January 28, one week after it debuts on the Terror Films Channel.

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio hosting auditions for ‘Aladdin’

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is searching for San Antonio’s most talented dancers, gymnasts, actors, performing artists and special needs artists ages 3-19 as they host auditions for ‘Aladdin’ on Saturday, January 22, 2022. Young artists will have a chance to train with the best of the best in San Antonio and perform in this spectacular professional level production at the beautiful Majestic Theatre. This spring production marks the first time CBSA has brought ‘Aladdin’ to the stage and it promises to be an extraordinary experience for all. (The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2022)

Genies are not the only ones who can make wishes come true. The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA), has been in the business of wish-granting for almost seven years, turning young performers’ dreams of taking center stage into a reality. This year, the company is holding open auditions for Aladdin 2022 at the Dance Center of San Antonio on Saturday, January 22, from 12:30p.m. to 5p.m. All dancers, gymnasts, actors, and performing artists ages 3-19, including those with special needs, are invited to register for an audition time online. All performers will be cast in roles that highlight and highlight their individual talents and strengths and allow them to soar—–no magic carpet required.

‘Aladdin 2022’ is a brand-new production for CBSA, and it promises to be filled with all the magical sights and sounds that fans of the original have come to know and love. Taking place at the Majestic Theater, on May 6 and 7, this world-class production will have something for the whole family. From spectacular digital and physical scenery to grand special effects, live music, and interactive elements, it will expose audience members to a whole new world.

‘Aladdin 2022’ offers young performers the chance to train with the best of the best from Master Ballet Teachers to the most talented local choreographers. They will also have the unique opportunity to work with Vanessa Bessler, former Prima Ballerina, and founder of CBSA. Bessler, who has earned the Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding Teacher Award for the past seven consecutive years, is world-renowned for discovering and cultivating young, local talent. Under her guidance, these elite artists have had the privilege to train in some of the world’s best academies including the Royal Ballet School in London, the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia, and the School of American Ballet in New York City, to name a few. Through recognition, awards, and scholarships from the most prestigious ballet competitions and schools in the world for many of its dancers, CBSA has elevated San Antonio to the world stage, making it a strong player in the performing arts world.

Awards and accolades aside, what sets CBSA apart is that it is the only professional-level dance company in Texas to offer lead roles to dancers as young as eight-years-old. Designed to bridge the gap between young students and professional dancers, it serves as a gateway for young artists interested in pursuing a professional dance career, pointing their toes in the right direction.

Dance Center of San Antonio
126 W. Rector, Suite 120
San Antonio, TX 78216

The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is an authentic, professional-level ballet company that produces professionally staged productions highlighting San Antonio’s most talented children. Dancers are selected by invitation or audition. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is a nonprofit organization 501(c)3. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) seeks to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds.

Dance Center of San Antonio

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Month: January 2022