‘Lone Stars’ is Justin Deabler’s debut novel. Photo: amazon
Justin Deabler grew up in Houston. He dropped out of high school when he was fifteen, went to Simon’s Rock College, and graduated from Harvard Law School. He is the General Counsel for the Queens Public Library. His debut novel “Lone Stars” follows the arc of four generations of a Texan family in a changing America. (amazon, 2021)
In “Lone Stars,” Julian Warner, a father at last, wrestles with a question his husband posed: what will you tell our son about the people you came from, now that they are gone? Finding the answers takes Julian back in time to Eisenhower’s immigration border raids, an epistolary love affair during the Vietnam War, crumbling marriages, queer migrations to Cambridge and New York, up to the disorienting polarization of Obama’s second term. And in these answers lies a hope: that by being true to ourselves―as immigrants, smart women, gay people―we find power in empathy.
The Harlingen Public Library is putting out an official call for art submissions for its Virtual Spring Art Show. Photo: Harlingen Public Library, used with permission.
The Harlingen Public Library is once again hosting a Virtual Art Show and is reaching out to the community for submissions. The Harling Public Library is putting out an official call for art submissions for a Virtual Spring Art Show. Artists should send a photo of their work and responses to the Entry Form. The photo should be high resolution (at least 1000 x 1000 pixels), suitable for a family show and any medium is acceptable. All ages are invited to participate but may submit only one piece of art. Participants will have a chance to win some new art supplies via a raffle. Submission deadline is Monday, March 29, 2021. The library website and social media will display the Virtual Spring Art Show on the Harlingen Public Library Facebook page on April 5 at 10a.m. to kick off National Library Week. More information, as well as the Entry Form, is available online. (Harlingen Public Library, 2020)
The Harlingen Public Library provides dynamic and engaging services for a diverse and evolving community. Mission statement: “We exist to build bridges that strengthen the ties of our community. We create innovative pathways for people to connect with information and each other. Working together, the people of our community can experience infinite opportunities and growth. We are the bridge builders; we make ways where none exist.”
Gaby Natale was featured in NBC-Telemundo 2021 Unstoppable Women List. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Just in time for Women’s History Month and anticipating International Women’s Day, Gaby Natale was featured in the opening episode of the the 2021 Unstoppable Women List, a yearly campaign by NBCUniversal’s Telemundo network highlighting extraordinary women in business, entertainment, and sports. The triple EMMY-winning TV host, bestselling author, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur shared her 2-decade journey in the show “En Casa con Telemundo,” going back from the launch of her TV show from a carpet warehouse in West Texas in 2007 to becoming the first Latina author published by HarperCollins Leadership with the release of her book The Virtuous Circle in 2021. (AGANARmedia, 2021)
Gaby’s inspirational story was included in NBC-Telemundo’s Unstoppable Women digital properties and featured in the hit show “En Casa con Telemundo”, kicking off the network’s Women’s History Month Celebrations. Past Unstoppable Women honorees include vice president Kamala Harris, designer Carolina Herrera, singer and entrepreneur Gloria Estefan, actress Lupita Nyong’o and activist Monica Ramirez. Unstoppable Women’s comprehensive approach includes public service announcements, on-air and digital campaigns with inspiring messages and speaker series.
Gaby Natale is a triple Daytime EMMY® winner, TV personality, bestselling author, and motivational speaker. She is the executive producer and host of the nationally-syndicated TV show SuperLatina on PBS’ Vme network. People magazine named Natale one of 2018’s “25 Most Powerful Latinas,” highlighting the inspirational story of how she went from a local TV show that started out of a carpet warehouse to becoming the only Latina in US history to win triple back-to-back Daytime EMMYs. Natale is also the founder of AGANARmedia, a marketing company with a focus on Hispanic audiences that serves Fortune 500 companies such as Hilton Worldwide, Sprint, AT&T, eBay, and Amazon. Natale holds a bachelor’s in International Relations and a master’s degree in Journalism from the University of San Andres and Columbia University.
“As challenging as 2020 and 2021 have been for most of us, I’ve always believed in the resilient spirit of my community. I want to remind people in these difficult times that there is no shame in starting over. I had to do it myself many times. I went from being an unemployed college graduate in Argentina to becoming an entrepreneur in the United States, winning 3 Daytime Emmys, publishing a bestselling book, and launching my line of beauty hair products. There were many false starts and setbacks along the way. I know what it feels like to start from zero.”- Gaby Natale
International Waffle Day is March 25 but Max’s Wine Dive has specials all month long. Blueberry Gingersnap Waffle. Photo: Max’s Wine Dive, used with permission.
Max’s Wine Dive is going all out for International Waffle Day the entire month of March. Guests can indulge in waffles this March at Max’s Wine Dive. Corporate Executive Chef Beto Gutierrez has created two new unique waffles to be featured at all Max’s Wine Dive locations in celebration of International Waffle Day, Thursday, March 25, 2021. (Max’s Wine Dive, 2021)
The Blueberry Gingersnap Waffle is topped with bourbon caramel and vanilla ice cream and priced at $14 and is sure to satisfy that sweet tooth. For those who prefer a more savory meal, check out the Smoked Salmon Waffle. This waffle is topped with spinach, capers, pickled onions, hard-boiled egg, and creamy dill sauce elegantly priced at $16 per entrée. These specialty waffles will be available at all Max’s Wine Dive from Wednesday, March 3 to Wednesday, March 31. Hurry in and try-out of these tasty treats.
Ashley Dreyfus’ ‘There Is No Place Like Home’ was the winner of the 2020 can design competition. Photo: Pabst Blue Ribbon, used with permission.
Pabst Brewing Company, which recently brought its headquarters to San Antonio, is excited to announce the debut of its new art gallery in the Alamo City, Pabst Blue Ribbon Studios, opening on March 13, 2021. The pop-up gallery will feature 2020 Pabst Blue Ribbon can designs submitted by emerging artists from across the U.S. and will feature artwork created by the 2020 winner of the company’s annual can design competition. (Pabst Blue Ribbon Studios, 2021)
Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR) hosts an annual competition for emerging artists to create a can design that will be featured on 12-pack cases and displayed in stores for the entire year. The top five finalists are commissioned by PBR, second and third place winners receive cash prizes, and the grand prize winner takes home $10,000 in addition to being awarded the opportunity to have their design appear on millions of PBR cans across the world. Their designs will be among the 25 finalists’ art that will be displayed at Pabst Blue Ribbon Studios in Southtown San Antonio starting March 13, 2021.
Pabst Blue Ribbon Studios will display the 25 finalists’ art designs for 90 days. After that period, Pabst plans to commission different artists who will showcase their artwork in the space, rotating the artists monthly. Artists will be announced with a planned gallery opening starting each month. Gallery opening events will follow all social distancing protocols and limited capacities; employees and guests will be required to wear a mask.
In addition to the can design competition, Pabst has commissioned hundreds of murals across the country – something the company plans to continue in San Antonio and beyond. In addition to Pabst Blue Ribbon Studios, Pabst Brewing Company has plans for other art installations that will be made accessible to the San Antonio community in Spring 2021.
Pabst Blue Ribbon Studios is located at 1112 S. St. Mary’s St. in San Antonio. The gallery will be free and open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays starting Saturday, March 13, 2021; the gallery will also be open on the first Friday of every month and will include a live DJ set on those evenings. Gallery hours are noon to 6p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and 4p.m. to 10p.m. on first Fridays.
Since 1844, Pabst has been American-owned and operated, and is North America’s largest privately held brewing company. Pabst’s portfolio includes iconic brands with deep ties to American heritage, such as its flagship Pabst Blue Ribbon and others such as Lone Star, Rainier, and Old Style. Their people and their brands are committed to embracing change and making a positive impact on the communities they serve.
“The goal for Pabst Blue Ribbon is to continue to build upon the vibrant arts and culture scene that already exists here in San Antonio. As we settle into our new home here in San Antonio, we look forward to the opportunity to continue to engage with the local community by expanding the city’s public arts offerings with the introduction of our new gallery space, the creation of public murals and more, that not only share the story of our brand, but of up-and-coming artists from across the U.S. and those here in our great city.” – Matt Bruhn, President of Pabst Brewing Company.
Movies by Moonlight in the Garden will be this Friday March 6, 2021. Photo: San Antonio Botanical Garden
This Friday, March 5, Movies by Moonlight in the Garden continues with two family friendly movies on the lawn: The Lion King and Glory Road. Cozy up under the moonlight with family or friends for a special double feature at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Guests are encouraged to bring low riding lawn chairs and blankets. Drinks and food will be available for purchase. Guests are asked to follow all COVID-19 visitor guidelines during their visit at the Botanical Garden. (San Antonio Botanical Garden, 2021)
Fee: $20 adults ($18 member) and $15 child ($13.50 member). Tickets available online. The first movie will begin shortly after the sun sets around 6:45p.m. Movies are subject to change.
The Lion King (2019) (G) – After the murder of his father, a young lion prince flees his kingdom only to learn the true meaning of responsibility and bravery.
Glory Road (PG) – In 1966, Texas Western coach Don Haskins led the first all-black starting line-up for a college basketball team to the NCAA national championship.
The San Antonio Botanical Garden was first imagined nearly eight decades ago by civic influences Mrs. R.R. Witt and Mrs. Joseph Murphy. Forty years of planning and partnerships finally blossomed on May 3, 1980 with the official opening of the Botanical Garden. Since that day, the formal gardens and collections of native Texas plants have evolved to make the Botanical Garden one of the most noteworthy botanical centers in the state, educating and inspiring visitors from around the world.
On Sunday February 28, the Brownsville Society for the Performing Arts presented The Brownsville Guitar Festival Concert with Connie Sheu, Xavier Jara, and Matt Palmer live-streamed on Facebook. This was an excellent opportunity for the community to hear a variety of guitar performances by some of the best guitarists around.
This hour and a half concert consisted of three outstanding guitarists who each brought their best a-game and performed almost a half-hour each of inspiring music. Connie Sheu began her set with a few words about what music means to her and it would have been nice to hear some personal words from the other guitarists. They performed classical guitar selections from Vicente Asencio, Dilermando Reis, Sergei Rudnev, and other composers.
For a live-streamed concert, the quality of the sound and visuals was exceptional and the transition between performers went smoothly. Hopefully, the community appreciates the efforts of the BSPA to bring this level of performances to the masses. Congratulations to everyone involved and may there be more in the future, whether in person or live-streamed.
Performer profiles: Connie Sheu studied U.S. History and Music at Columbia University and earned a Master of Music from the Juilliard School. She completed her Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Southern California. She is a dynamic guitarist, devoted teacher, and ardent advocate of classical guitar.
Xavier Jara earned his master’s degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in May 2020. He is the 1st prize winner of the 2016 Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition. A native of Minnesota, he was a student of Alan Johnston at the MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis until 2011 when he moved to Paris, France to study with Judicaël Perroy.
Matt Palmer holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The University of Arizona and has appeared as a soloist throughout the United States, Europe, Mexico, Canada, South America, and the Caribbean. A recent recipient of the “Up and Coming Guitarist of the Year” award by Guitar International Magazine, Matt has been described by critics as “a young artist about to make a real dent in the world of classical guitar.” (Premier Guitar Magazine)
The Brownsville Society for the Performing Arts (BSPA), located in Brownsville, Texas, was founded in 1994, and its mission is to enhance quality-of-life in the community through cultural entertainment, striving to produce quality programming to a largely underserved community. Of special interest to the BSPA are performing arts that are mostly inaccessible to a large portion of the community. To the best of its ability, the BSPA generates performance opportunities, organizes competitions, endows scholarships, provides financial assistance, holds master classes and clinics, and supports similar activities with a clear educational value. BSPA helps those that pursue a career in music and dance education or other work in the performing arts field.
Blue Star Contemporary will be screening the all-video CAM Perennial exhibition. Photo: google
Blue Star Contemporary, San Antonio’s first and longest-running contemporary art nonprofit, is pleased to announce its roster of Spring 2021 events in celebration of Contemporary Art Month and beyond. These events take place online, on-site, or at special venues following every precaution to ensure COVD-19 safety. More information on these events and how to register is available online. (Blue Star Contemporary, 2021)
First CAM Perennial exhibition Outdoor Screening Thursday, March 11, 2021 | beginning at 6:30p.m. at 116 Blue Star
In partnership with Contemporary Art Month, BSC hosts an outdoor screening of a selection of videos in the first chapter of the 2021 all-video CAM Perennial exhibition, Here, the river runs both ways, by curator Doreen A. Rios. All artists included in the exhibition were selected by CAM guest curator Doreen A. Rios from the CAM Open Call.
Chapter 1: Territory as body “Our task is to make trouble, to stir up potent response to devastating events, as well as to settle troubled waters and rebuild quiet places.” – Donna Haraway
RECAPTCHA (2020), Heather Warren-Crow, 4:04 min. Conceptual Migrant (2020), Patty Ortiz, 7:01 min. Don’t Shhh Me (2020), Patty Ortiz, 3:58 min. The Romance of Seeking (2020), Hannah Spector, 5:32 min. Visible nest (2020), Julia Zipporah, 1:00 min. #BIRDEATINGOTHER (2020), Julia Zipporah, 2:00 min. Institute of Memory (2015), Daniel Jackson, 2:50 min. _AnOldRuinousVault_H264 (2021), Daniel Jackson, 2:10 min. A Love Affair with the Desert (2020), Karen Y. Martínez, 2:55 min.
Second CAM Perennial exhibition Outdoor Screening Thursday, March 18, 2021 | beginning at 6:30p.m. at 116 Blue Star
In partnership with Contemporary Art Month, BSC hosts an outdoor screening of a selection of videos in the second chapter of the 2021 all-video CAM Perennial exhibition, Here, the river runs both ways, by curator Doreen A. Rios.
Chapter 2: Territory as land “The knowledge that makes a difference in changing the world is knowledge that travels and mobilizes, shifting and creating new forces and agents of history in its path.” – Anna Tsing
Uncertain Site (2020), Hugo Santana, 3:01 min. Archive for the Unconceivable (2020), Hugo Santana, 8:08 min. (be)coming home (2019), Francis Almendarez, 3:48 min. Dinner as I Remember (2017), Francis Almedarez, 3:14 min. untitled (point in movement) (2015), Betelhem Makonnen, 3:05 min. (w)here is here (2015), Betelhem Makonnen, 2:33 min. Separated Together (2020), Hedwige Jacobs, 0:10 min. Personal Space (2020), Hedwige Jacobs, 0:59 min. Oceanic feeling (2021), Hannah Spector, 7:59 min. Impresiones y paisajes (2019), Verónica Gaona, 5:21 min.
About the 2021 CAM Perennial Exhibition: Here, the rivers run both ways Curated by Doreen A. Ríos When thinking about territories it becomes clear that the first one we inhabit is our body. As we keep expanding the definition, we come to terms with the fact that most territories grow outside our skin, yet our need to visualize said territories is very much embedded in our collective imagination through its representation. Uncharted territories that become lines, traces, boundaries. Always in motion, always recreating their behaviors. Navigating real and imagined territories is an act of placing ourselves within a series of moving flows and everchanging landscapes. This exhibition expands on the notion of wandering, the intimate – yet collective – daydreaming and, of course, the cultural mythologies delineated by migration, gentrification, gender, and communication systems. Scripted in two chapters – territory as body and territory as land – this selection reveals a series of unstable and fragmentary cartographies where constant hybridization is key. The visitor becomes a traveler between physical and symbolic territories inside a city that behaves as a dynamic system in flux where art is released into the wild to activate other sensibilities outside the white cube.
Blue Star Contemporary’s programs celebrate Contemporary Art Month and beyond. Photo: google
Blue Star Contemporary, San Antonio’s first and longest-running contemporary art nonprofit, is pleased to announce its roster of Spring 2021 events in celebration of Contemporary Art Month and beyond. These events take place online, on-site, or at special venues following every precaution to ensure COVD-19 safety. More information on these events and how to register is available online. (Blue Star Contemporary, 2021)
Lottie Mae Lounge pop up exhibition featuring Jorge Villarreal Saturday and Sunday, March 6 – 7, 2021, 10a.m. – 5p.m. at Phil Hardberger Park | 8400 NW Military Highway, San Antonio, TX 78231. Register at this link.
For San Antonio’s Contemporary Art Month, Lottie Mae Lounge is pleased to present the work of artist Jorge Villarreal in partnership with Blue Star Contemporary and the Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy in a special pop-up exhibition. This two-day exhibition inside Lottie Mae Lounge, a fully renovated 1979 Airstream Sovereign, highlights Villarreal’s participation in BSC’s Berlin Residency Program in 2019, featuring artworks inspired by three months spent at the renowned Künstlerhaus Bethanien artist residency in Germany.
Xavier Gilmore performance of Anoriginal Drive for Contemporary Art Month kick-off. Friday, March 5, 2021 | 6:30p.m. Online via @bluestarart Facebook Live. Livestream for viewing in-person at the CAM and Slab Cinema drive-in located in Artpace San Antonio’s parking lot at 513 N. Flores St. Click here to register via Eventbrite.
AnOriginal Drive is a multidisciplinary performance by Xavier Gilmore in collaboration with Andrea Vocab Sanderson, Anthony Francis, Kellen Stanley, Nick Long, and Edwin Stephens. Through sound, scent, and video, they explore the spiritual “Roll, Jordan, Roll” through improvisation and communication. This performance will officially mark the beginning of Contemporary Art Month in San Antonio.
Family Saturday art kit pick-up Saturday, April 10, 2021 | 10a.m. – 6p.m. at 116 Blue Star while supplies last.
Family Saturdays at Blue Star Contemporary continue with the BSC Art Kit. Packed with self-guided activities and artist-created projects, the BSC Art Kit comes with everything you need to let your creativity and imagination take control. A self-guided scavenger hunt will take you through our galleries for a closer look at contemporary art and our at-home art projects will extend our exhibitions into the comfort of your home. Perfect for artists of all ages, but designed especially for children ages 5 – 9, the BSC Art Kit encourages families to explore BSC’s current exhibitions through fun-filled, hands-on activities that encourage reflection and creativity. Make a reservation to explore our gallery kit in hand. Family Saturdays in April will continue all month long while supplies last.
Texas Talks Art: Ryan Takaba with Jacqueline Saragoza McGilvray April 20, 2021,12:00p.m. 12:30p.m. via ZOOM. Register here.
Texas Talks Art is a multi-institutional initiative intended to introduce the work of artists across the state of Texas to a wider audience and to foster collaboration between local non-profit arts organizations. Taking the form of virtual 30-minute lunchtime talks, the series features 50 Texas artists and artist collectives in conversation with 50 Texas curators beginning in January 2021 and continuing throughout the year. Texas Talks Art is built on a belief in the need to work collectively to support the remarkable and diverse community of artists living and working in Texas. The series features an intergenerational roster of artists working across mediums and at differing points in their careers. Texas Talks Art encourages dialogue between arts professionals and emphasizes the broad range of concerns and questions that animate Texas-based artists.
“When did you forget you were an immigrant?” Ongoing Through May 9. Participate by calling (210) 342-2667
Now through May 9, 2021 Blue Star Contemporary and Sanctuary City Project invites the public to reflect on its current exhibition by answering the question “When did you forget you were an immigrant?” To participate and leave a response call (210) 342-2667 and follow the prompts.
Sanctuary City Project is a social practice project of artists Sergio De La Torre and Chris Treggiari that engages communities to generate conversations around the history and policies of immigration in the US. Artists De La Torre and Treggiari invite the San Antonio community to reflect on their ideas, personal experiences, and histories with migration through call and response and additional community activations. The exhibition in the gallery includes screen printed posters installed and for take away, a digital timeline representing qualitative and quantitative research surrounding the sanctuary ordinances and immigration issues, a video work compiling peaceful immigration protests since President Trump’s election.
Blue Star Contemporary (BSC) is the first and longest-running nonprofit venue for contemporary art in San Antonio, Texas. Founded by artists and grown from a grassroots art exhibition in 1986, BSC arose from the need to provide a platform for the work and ideas of contemporary artists. As an artist-centric, educational, forward-thinking, inclusive institution that strives to exceed expectations, 30,000 residents and cultural tourists experience contemporary art with BSC each year through its exhibitions, public art projects, and education programs. In 2017, BSC became the only San Antonio arts organization to be W.A.G.E.-certified, solidifying its commitment to fair compensation of artists and creative professionals.
Aoife O’Donovan and Che Apalache. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
On Earth Day 2021, Colorado’s favorite multimedia nonprofit, eTown, will be receiving an incredible 30th birthday gift; an induction into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. On April 22, eTown will be inducted into the CMHOF during a virtual concert and celebration honoring eTown’s 30th b’Earthday. (IV-PR, 2021)
Launched on Earth Day in 1991, eTown has grown into a widely respected internationally syndicated radio show—airing on more than 300 stations worldwide—while sticking to its mission to help create a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable world through its musical, social, and environmental programming. Additional event details, including the lineup of performers and how to watch the live stream, will be announced later.
Leading up to the event, fans are encouraged to revisit eTown’s podcast and video archives, including the treasure trove of finale collaborations like Margo Price and Swamp Dogg covering John Prine’s “Sam Stone” or Che Apalache and Aoife O’Donovan putting a bilingual spin on Cat Stevens’ “Peace Train.” A collection of eTown finales can be found at this link and the entire eTown video archive is available right here.
eTown, the internationally syndicated radio broadcast, podcast, and multimedia- and events-production nonprofit, launched on Earth Day 1991 in Boulder, Colorado. Since then, eTown has produced musical, social, and environmental programming all focused on its ongoing global mission—to educate, entertain, and inspire a diverse audience through music and conversation to create a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable world. Prior to the pandemic, eTown recorded shows in front of a live audience in eTown Hall, a 17,000 square foot former church in downtown Boulder which has been renovated and transformed into a solar-powered performance and recording facility—likely the only zero-carbon facility of its kind in North America. Recently, eTown pivoted to all-virtual episodes and is aired on over 300 radio stations nationwide.
Founded in 2011, Colorado Music Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization with the mission of celebrating the state’s music heritage and inspiring the future of Colorado music through their museum, educational programming, induction concerts, and events. Since the inaugural induction of John Denver and Red Rocks Amphitheatre on April 21, 2011, CMHOF has hosted eleven inductions, honoring more than forty musicians, individuals, and institutions who have made a mark on Colorado’s music history. Sharing the legacies of Colorado music, inductee biographies, videos and memorabilia are exhibited at the Hall of Fame’s museum, located at the Trading Post at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado.
“We’re honored that eTown is being inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. We’ve been working hard for thirty years to bring great music to our audience. What Helen and I started back in ’91 has lasted longer and grown more than we ever imagined, and it means so much to be recognized by the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.” – eTown Founder and Host Nick Forster.
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