On Tuesday November 6, Shake Shack locations will have specials for voters who present their “I Voted” sticker. Photo: Shake Shack, used with permission.
Tomorrow, November 6 is Election Day and all Shake Shack locations will be offering a special deal. Voters who show a Shake Shack Team Member their “I Voted” sticker will score free fries with any purchase. This freebie will also be redeemable via the Shake Shack App with the code “ivoted” and voters will need to show their sticker when they pick up their order. (Shake Shack, 2018)
Since 2004, Shake Shack’s mission is to Stand For Something Good®, from its premium ingredients and caring hiring practices to its inspiring designs and deep community investment. It is a modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers and flat-top Vienna beef dogs, 100% all-natural chicken sandwiches, spun-fresh frozen custard, crinkle cut fries, craft beer and wine. With its fresh, simple, high-quality food at a great value, Shake Shack is a fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal.
Shake Shack
7427 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 107
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 277-4770
There are two more chances to catch the hilarious ‘Avenue Q’ at the Woodlawn Theatre this weekend. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.
This is the last weekend to catch the funniest show produced so far at the Woodlawn Theatre stage. ‘Avenue Q’ is the Tony-Award winning musical that features dysfunctional twenty-something puppets coping with personal insecurities and identities while living on Avenue Q. There are two show times left: Saturday at 7:30p.m. for ASL Night and Sunday at 3p.m for the final matinee. Tickets prices are $30 for adults, $24 for senior/military/first responders, $18 for children/students and groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount.
*’Avenue Q’ contains adult language, and explicit content and situations. Parental discretion is advised.
‘Avenue Q’ is set on a fictional street in an “outer-outer borough” of New York City and begins as Princeton, who is a puppet and a recent college graduate, is feeling anxious about where his life is going. He wants to find his purpose in life, but first he must find somewhere to live and a job but he has no job experience and an English degree “What Do You Do with a B.A. in English?” He starts looking for an apartment on Avenue A with no luck until he gets to Avenue Q. His new neighbors include puppets like Kate Monster, a kindergarten assistant teacher, roommates Rod and Nicky and humans like Brian, an aspiring comedian and his Japanese fiancée Christmas Eve. Upon getting to know each other, they argue about whose life sucks most “It Sucks to Be Me” and the winner turns out to be Gary Coleman, the building superintendent. Kate and Princeton make a love connection and have a one-night stand after being egged on to drink by the Bad Idea Bears, two adorable but cunning troublemakers. Most of the neighbors have their own dramas but help each other when times get tough. In the end, the cycle begins again after a new college graduate comes around looking for an apartment to rent “What Do You Do with a B.A. in English? (Reprise)” and the cast reminds Princeton that in the real world, some people never find their purpose, but life goes on and everything, good and bad, is temporary “For Now.”
Based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, this coming-of-age story is performed by puppets and is animated by visible puppeteers in full view of the audience and alongside human actors. It is both nostalgic, because it uses Sesame Street like scenery, puppets and props like dancing letters and modern, because the themes of unemployment, homelessness and racism make it relatable and a show for the times. Show highlights include “It Sucks to Be Me” when the neighbors share how much their lives suck and “The Internet is for Porn” when Trekkie Monster and the neighbors explain to Kate the reality of the Internet. Some of the songs may be uncomfortable to hear, “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist” and “Schadenfreude,” but they address subjects that should be discussed. There are plenty of ‘did they just say that’ moments along with ‘should I be laughing at this’ guilty pleasures, but it is definitely worth catching this production. The cast handles the puppets and the off-color humor with class and the quality of the singing is top notch as usual. ‘Avenue Q’ combines heart with tough, mature subjects in an entertaining way to make this a must-see musical. Of course, it is for adults only, so please leave the little ones home.
Mi Golondrina is one of the pop-up shops at Pearl this fall. Photo: Mi Golondrina, used with permission.
This holiday season, Pearl is welcoming Mexican-inspired pop-up shops to get guests into the holiday shopping mood. These shops will feature a variety of handcrafted collections, ranging from vintage Mexican masks to high-end artisan apparel and accessories and will available through December. (Pearl, 2018)
In conjunction with Pearl’s second annual Día de los Muertos celebration November 1 and 2, Mexico City-based artist Karima Muyaes comes to Pearl to sell and showcase her Día-themed artwork. As an internationally renowned artist and printmaker, Muyaes creates artwork with iconic imagery and characteristic style. Large format paintings, prints, paper skulls and vintage Mexican masks will be available. Muyaes’ altar/ofrenda in honor of the 43 Mexican male students who disappeared in 2014 will also be on view.
Founded in June 2013 by Cristina Lynch, Mi Golondrina works with skilled artisans to pair centuries old embroidery techniques with modern styles. Each one-of-a-kind piece in the Mi Golondrina collection is handcrafted in Mexico while the finishing details are added by their talented team in Dallas, the end result being a curated collection of high-end artisan apparel and accessories.
Artist Karima Muyaes
November 1 through November 11. Closed Monday. Open Tuesday through Sunday 10a.m. to 6p.m.
Mi Golondrina
November 23 through December 22. Closed Sunday and Monday. Open Tuesday through Saturday 11a.m. to 5p.m.
All pop-up stores will be located behind Local Coffee.
Pearl
302 Pearl Parkway Suite 110
Next to Ten Thousand Villages on Avenue A
San Antonio, TX 78215
This year’s Dia de los Muertos celebration will be on Thursday November 1 and Friday November 2. Photo: Matt Buikema, used with permission.
The second annual Dia de los Muertos celebration at the Pearl is scheduled for Thursday November 1 and Friday November 2. Pearl honors the rich traditional Mexican holiday that remembers family and friends who have passed away with altars/ofrendas, live music, a procession, art making and more. The event is free and open to the public and costumes and face painting are encouraged. (Pearl, 2018)
Both days will feature traditional altars created by local and regional artists including Emma Tenayuca, Cruz Ortiz, Al Rendon, Cristina Sosa Noriega and students from Bonham Academy, Twain Academy, Hawthorne Academy and Lamar Academy. Visitors are also invited to honor their loved-ones by contributing to Pearl’s community altar. Several restaurants and retailers on the property will also have their own altars.
Mexico City-based artist Karima Muyaes will also be creating an altar and will be Pearl’s artist-in-residence for Dia de los Muertos. Muyaes’ artwork will be showcased and available for purchase from November 1 through November 11. As an internationally renowned artist and printmaker, Muyaes creates artwork with iconic imagery and characteristic style. Large format paintings, prints, paper skulls, and vintage Mexican masks will be available for sale. Muyaes’ altar/ofrenda in honor of the 43 Mexican male students who disappeared in 2014 will also be on view.
Pearl will have a special La Catrina, a skeletal woman figure adorned in a fine dress and hat, often referred to as Mexico’s Grand Dame of Death, from Mexico City – Estela Williams. Williams is a Mexico, Canada and UK-based actress and performer and will be performing as La Catrina during the event.
Schedule for this event: November 1 from 4p.m. to 9 p.m. (all at Pearl Park):
• 5p.m. to 5:45p.m. – Live music by Tallercito de Son
• 5:50p.m. to 6p.m. – Ambassador Reyna Torres Mendívil of the Consulado General de México en San Antonio to give remarks
• 5:30p.m. to 7p.m. – Sugar Skull Demo at Hotel Emma.
• 6p.m. to 6:15p.m. – Erica Prosper Nirenberg children’s reading
• 6:15p.m. to 7p.m. – Procession which will include Southwest School of Art children, Matachines, Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Calavera stilt walkers, Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Cabezudos, Las Monas, Selena doll, Frida dolls
• 7p.m. to 7:45p.m. – Live music by Conjunto Heritage Taller
• 8p.m. to 9p.m. – Live music by Volcán
November 2 from 5p.m. to 9p.m. (all at Pearl Park):
• 5p.m. to 5:15p.m. – Dr. Reyes children’s reading
• 5:30p.m. to 6:15p.m. – Live music by Conjunto Heritage Taller
• 5:30p.m. to 7p.m. – Sugar Skull Demo at Hotel Emma.
• 6:30p.m. to 7:15p.m. – Live music by San Antonio Mariachi Academy
• 7:30p.m. to 9p.m. – Live music by Azul Barrientos and Band
Pearl Brewery
303 Pearl Parkway, Suite 300
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 212-7260
Amanda Miguel and Diego Verdaguer, along with their daughter Ana Victoria will be performing at the Aztec Theatre this Friday November 2. Photo: Diam Music, used with permission.
Internationally renowned husband and wife duo Amanda Miguel and Diego Verdaguer successfully launched their ‘Siempre Juntos U.S. Tour 2018’ recently at The Wiltern in Los Angeles. The tour features their daughter, Latin ®Grammy nominated artist Ana Victoria only on select dates. They will be making a stop in San Antonio on Friday November 2 at 8p.m. when they perform at the Aztec Theatre with Ana Victoria. Tickets start at $49.50 and are available online. Other Texas dates include November 3 at the Houston House of Blues and November 4 at the Dallas House of Blues, both will include Ana Victoria as well. (Vesper Public Relations, 2018)
The highly anticipated concert with the acclaimed Argentinean-Mexican musical couple attracted an inter-generational crowd who passionately sang along for nearly two hours to songs that made them cry and laugh, emotions that re-appear each time the couple performs on stages throughout the world. Their daughter Ana Victoria accompanied them on stage and proved that she is also a talented singer with her own style. After the Los Angeles show, Amanda and Diego traveled to Sacramento and San Francisco, where they drew strong crowds of diehard fans who came to listen and sing along to the music that makes them remember and relive their passions.
Amanda Miguel has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide during her 35 plus year career. With 12 studio albums and multiple awards from around the globe, she is considered one of the most representative Latin American artists since the early 1980s for songs such as “Él Me Mintió,” “Mi Buen Corazón,” “Hagamos un Trato,” “Donde Brilla el Sol,” “Castillos,” “Como un Títere,” “Cosquillas en el Pecho,” “Dudas,” “Las Pequeñas Cosas” and “El Gato y Yo”. She currently has more than 650 million views on YouTube.
Diego Verdaguer is a multi-platinum selling artist and has been nominated for three Latin Grammys®. A composer of more than 50 classic songs, Diego has sold more than 20 million records and has been accredited with 20 Gold records. On YouTube, Diego has more than 260,000 followers and has more than 730 million views. He has also produced more than 20 records, 9 of which are Amanda Miguel’s. He is best known for his singles “Volveré,” “El Pasadiscos,” “La Ladrona,” “Pideme”, “Quien de los dos será” and “Voy a conquistarte”– the latter in the Regional Mexican genre.
Siempre Juntos U.S. Tour 2018 is full of musical surprises and features a dynamic repertoire of classic songs, thanks to the tremendous talent of Amanda Miguel and Diego Verdaguer whose performances always receive standing ovations from their many enthusiastic fans.
Aztec Theatre
104 N St. Mary’s St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 812-4355
‘The Burn Zone: A Memoir’ is the fascinating story about one woman’s experience with a cult. Photo: In Her Image Photography, used with permission.
Aside from being a surf model and a professional Argentine Tango dancer, Renee Linnell is a serial entrepreneur who has founded or co-founded five companies and has an MBA from New York University. She is currently working on starting a publishing company to give people from diverse walks of life an opportunity to tell their stories. In her new book ‘The Burn Zone: A Memoir,’ she recounts how being smart and successful did little to prevent her from being severely brainwashed and lured into a cult and how people unknowingly give up their power in their desperate search for answers to life’s biggest questions.
‘The Burn Zone’ is the story of one woman’s search for Truth and the struggle to forgive and be free. It starts off with a Preface where Renee Linnell summarizes what she has learned along the way: that the only way to find real happiness is through embracing what makes each person unique. The Introduction sets up how her journey began with a meditation seminar in California in 2006 that changed her life, for better or worse. Her first experience with Lakshmi, the guru, in that seminar, was so intense that she knew without a doubt that it was exactly what she needed. The term ‘Burn Zone’ refers to the first few rows in a meditation session where the energy is the strongest. She was looking for answers; for guidance to help her navigate life’s unfortunate circumstances: death and a volatile homelife. The rest of the book is separated into six parts: Seeking, Tantra, Crucible, Alone, Into the Light and Whole. In Seeking, she describes her traumatic childhood and adolescence while Crucible is where her life starts to unravel and she wakes up to the realization that she was in a cult.
Cults are sometimes associated with poverty and living a sheltered life, but that is not always the case. Despite being educated and having travelled the world from an early age; she visited close to fifty countries by her early twenties, Renee Linnell’s search for deeper meaning left her vulnerable. She wanted to believe that her spiritual guides and gurus had her best interest at heart so she blindly followed their advice but it left her isolated and heartbroken. After seven years, she faced reality and after some deep soul searching, managed to finally find herself. This page turner of a memoir is part cautionary tale, part inspirational story that speaks volumes about what makes people human and their longing to belong. The language is down to earth and easy to understand without any complicated meditation terms to learn. She simply tells her story in the hopes of inspiring others to live their true self. ‘The Burn Zone’ is recommended for readers who appreciate memoirs with spiritual and meditation themes.
“Embrace your skeletons in the closet. Pull them out and paint them pink. Celebrate them. Your skeletons are probably the most interesting part about you. Your difference is your destiny.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Tickets for ‘Jersey Boys’ go on sale Friday October 26 for performances in February 2019. Photo: Joan Marcus, used with permission.
Tickets for the return engagement of the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning hit musical ‘Jersey Boys’ go on sale today, Friday October 26. The story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, it will be playing only three performances at the Majestic Theatre on Friday February 1 and Saturday February 2, 2019, as part of the North Park Lexus Broadway In San Antonio 2018-2019 season. Show times are 8p.m.Friday and 2p.m. and 8p.m., Saturday. (Broadway in San Antonio, 2018)
Tickets, starting at $40, are available online, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787 or by visiting the Majestic Box Office or online. 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. Orders for groups of 15 or more may be placed by calling (210) 226-5967.
‘Jersey Boys’ is the behind-the-music story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story – a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. The show features all their hits including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh What A Night,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “Working My Way Back To You.”
Directed by two-time Tony® Award-winner Des McAnuff, ‘Jersey Boys’ won the 2006 Tony® Award for Best Musical, the 2006 Grammy Award® for Best Musical Show Album, the 2009 Olivier Award for Best New Musical and the 2010 Helpmann Award for Best Musical (Australia). ‘Jersey Boys’ is written by Academy Award®- winner Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe and choreography by Sergio Trujillo.
Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700
‘Waitress’ will play at the Majestic Theatre from January 8 through January 13, 2019.
**** Update: All audition spots have been filled. Please check back in case additional spots open ****
‘Waitress,’ the Tony nominated musical, will be premiering at the Majestic Theatre January 8-13 for eight performances as part of the 2018-2019 North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio season and is looking for two young girls to perform the role of “Lulu” for the duration of the engagement. (Broadway in San Antonio, 2018)
‘Waitress’ tells the story of “Jenna,’ an expert pie baker working at a local diner and stuck in a loveless marriage. Her salvation comes in the form of her daughter, “Lulu.” It will play for eight performances only from Tuesday January 8 through Sunday January 13, 2019. Ticket prices start at $40, are available online at Ticketmaster online, by phone at (800) 982-2787 or by visiting the Majestic Box Office. Show times are 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 8p.m. Friday; 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday
The character of “Lulu” is a sweet and carefree 4 to 5-year-old who appears in the production’s final scene. Qualified young girls should be shorter than 4’2” and be no older than 5 years and 3 months. Individual applicants are welcome, as are sets of twins or siblings. Space is limited to the first 60 applicants to register online.
The “Search for Lulu” will take place in San Antonio for the first 60 registered applicants from 1p.m. to 5p.m., on Monday, November 12 at the Hotel Valencia, 150 East Houston street and check-in will be at the Siena Room on the first floor, street level. The audition will consist of the child reading two lines from the show. If possible, parents should bring a current head shot and resume for each child. Headshot, resume and prior acting experience is not required. The character of “Lulu” will be cast locally in each tour market and two girls are chosen to share the role. Each girl chosen will perform in four performances each during the one-week engagement.
The search for Lulu auditions:
Monday, November 12 from 1p.m. to 5p.m.
Hotel Valencia
150 East Houston Street
check-in at the Siena Room on the first floor, street level
Southerleigh Oyster Bar will now have Happy Hour every afternoon with food and drink specials. Photo: Southerleigh, used with permission.
Starting Thursday, October 25th, Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery will host happy hour at the recently opened oyster bar. Happy hour will take place in the afternoon Monday through Sunday from 3p.m. to 5p.m. with specials on food and drink. Featured items on the menu include $1 pressure fried wings and 75 cent fried biscuits. Dipping sauces are only 25 cents each with flavor options like Crystal Mayo, Black Garlic Ranch, Sweet & Spicy Tiger Sauce, Creole Honey Mustard, Roasted Jalapeño, Texas Sweet Onion BBQ and Texas Honey. There will also be $2 off all beer, wine, punches and mixes. This happy hour is only valid at the oyster bar and is not applicable to the restaurant. (Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, 2018)
The inviting walk-up bar opened late September and features six Southerleigh beers on tap, plus several varieties of fresh seafood, including oysters, gulf shrimp, crab, caviar and more. The oyster bar is open daily during normal restaurant hours. More information is available online.
Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, helmed by San Antonio Chef Jeff Balfour, brings a modern take on Texas’ cross-cultural cuisine to Pearl. Influenced by the coastal classics of Chef Balfour’s upbringing in Galveston married with the comfort of southern cuisine, Southerleigh boasts a curated, seasonally shifting menu that reflects Chef Balfour’s innovative craftsmanship. Southerleigh houses a custom manufactured brewery designed by Portland Kettle Works, bringing brewing back to Pearl with up to twenty different beers on tap.
Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery
136 E Grayson St., Ste 120
San Antonio, TX 78215
The James Beard Foundation Celebrity Chef Tour dinner will be held at Hotel Emma this Sunday October 28.
On Sunday October 28, the James Beard Foundation’s Celebrity Chef Tour Series is headed to Hotel Emma at the historic Pearl to serve up a night of fine dining. Eight renowned chefs from around the country will showcase their culinary talents at the event, each featuring a signature dish. The evening will consist of dinner and dessert followed by a Q & A with the event’s chefs. Tickets are on sale online and are $175 for James Beard Foundation members and the general public. (Hotel Emma, 2018)
The night will begin at 6:30p.m. with a cocktail reception hosted by Hotel Emma’s Chef John Brand followed by a multi-course dinner with wine pairings and ending with a decadent dessert course, all benefitting the James Beard Foundation. The dinner will feature dishes from special guests including Charleen Badman from FnB in Scottsdale, Arizona; Rick Lopez from La Condensa in Austin, Texas; Steven Redzikowski from Oak in Boulder, Colorado and Acorn in Denver; Daven Wardynski from Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort in Amelia Island, Florida and hometown chefs Tim McDiarmid from Tim The Girl and Steve McHugh from Cured.
The James Beard Foundation’s Celebrity Chef Tour showcases tastes from the country’s top chefs in cities across the nation for an interactive culinary experience to remember. The event is sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, US Bank, Whispering Angel Rosé and popular San Antonio bakery-café La Panaderia as the local sponsor. Brothers David and José Cáceres will provide loaves of their freshly baked kamut , birote and telera rolls for the dinner and will be in attendance to support their local chefs.
SA Examiner 