Float Fest 2018 in San Marcos

floatfest18
Float Fest 2018 in San Marcos is set for July 21 and July 22. Photo: Chad Wadsworth, used with permission.

Float Fest is the only festival in the world that combines the Texas tradition of floating the river with live music. The fifth annual summer music festival will take place on Saturday July 21 and Sunday July 22 in San Marcos, TX and will offer attendees a highly curated mix of alternative, rap, indie rock and EDM performers. This year, the Texas event will feature two main stages and offer fans a chance to catch every moment of main stage action with non-overlapping sets.  Headliners, including Tame Impala, Bassnectar, Snoop Dogg, Modest Mouse, Run The Jewels, Cold War Kids and Lil Wayne, will close out the fest each night. Float Fest will also host popular local and regional bands to showcase their talent. Cold War Kids will replace Glass Animals who, due to unfortunate circumstances, had to cancel their appearance. The full music performance schedule and ticket information is available online. (Float Fest, 2018)

Float Fest also organizes a river cleanup project, Keep the River Clean, which includes cleaning up the river before, during and after the festival with divers and boats to ensure a safe and clean zone. They partner with local businesses such as Don’s Fish CampTexas State Tubes and The Eyes of the San Marcos River as well as local businesses, employees and volunteers to keep the river clean. The festival and partners will work together to encourage ways for guests to float responsibly, assist with trash pick-up and do a deep river clean up. Activities implemented include mesh biodegradable trash bags available for free with tubes for floating, River Wranglers on canoes to help take trash bags, trash receptacles available after tubing at shuttle pick up stations and the Float Fest crew cleaning up the river before, during and after the festival with divers and boats. Float Fest cleanup efforts this year brings more initiatives for an efficient clean up.

Additional festival efforts include:

  • Cooler Checks at the tubing shuttle pick up tent. No glass or styrofoam is allowed on the river.
  • Float Fest Staff will be at the river entrance to assist tubers into the river with their coolers, bags and additional items.
  •  Float Fest staff at the river exit taking tubers’ mesh bags and disposing in trash receptacles and providing them assistance as they exit the river.
  • Two River Clean up stations will be set up along the float with 40 staff members to take trash from tubers as they float by.  There will also be lifeguards at these stations.
  • A “Human Net” just beyond the river exit consisting of 4 people will collect any remaining floating debris that might make it past the exit point.
  • Top Water Clean ups via Kayaks and Canoes will assist on Saturday morning and evening, Sunday morning and evening and Monday morning and evening. Before, during and after the event.
  • Kayak and Canoe Team will make regular trips all day Saturday and Sunday during the festival times into the evening on the river cleaning up trash and helping tubers as needed.
  • Divers will do a river bottom clean up on Tuesday following the festival.  They will focus on any remaining debris and anything that sunk to the river floor that might have been left behind.

National Michelada Day with Twang

michelada
Twang products can be used to make the perfect michelada for National Michelada Day. Photo: Jacquline Fierro, used with permission.

A michelada is defined as a Mexican cerveza preparada made with beer, lime juice and assorted sauces, spices and peppers and served in a chilled, salt-rimmed glass. Thursday July 12 is National Michelada Day, a day dedicated to sipping on the popular Mexican beer cocktail. Twang is a family-owned and operated creator and manufacturer of premium-flavored salts, sugars and seasonings based in San Antonio, Texas. ZAS! products are available throughout the country in 46 states, in grocery stores, convenience stores and online.

Their products feature salts and seasonings, including Beer Salt, and are designed to easily add flavor to drinks and elevate home-made alcoholic beverages to cocktail bar status. Twang Clamato Salt and Michelada Beer Salt are two products specifically designed to pair with the michelada, the spicy, tomato lime mix introduced to by Mexico, which has since become a staple throughout South Texas where the family behind Twang is based. While Micheladas originated in Mexico, their fun, zesty style has reached spicy drink lovers across the country. (Twang, 2018)

Recipes:

Twang Classic Michelada w/ Michelada Beer Salt:
Michelada Beer Salt
1 Lime
4 oz Clamato Mix
1 Dash Worcestershire
2 Dashes Tabasco
1 12oz Beer
Ice (as needed)
1 Lime Wedge Garnish
Rim a glass with Michelada Beer Salt. In a shaker with ice combine, lime juice, clamato, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce; shake well to chill. Pour in class with ice; fill with beer. Add lime wedge for garnish.

Twang Classic Michelada w/ Clamato Salt:
Clamato Salt
1 Lime
4 oz Clamato Mix
1 Dash Worcestershire
2 Dashes Tabasco
1 12oz Beer
Ice (as needed)
1 Lime Wedge Garnish
Rim a glass with Clamato Salt. In a shaker with ice combine, lime juice, clamato, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce; shake well to chill. Pour in class with ice; fill with beer. Add lime wedge for garnish.

Tickets for ‘Wicked’ at the Majestic Theatre go on sale Friday July 13

wicked18
‘Wicked’ returns to the Majestic Theatre in September and tickets go on sale this Friday July 13.

San Antonio’s most popular musical, ‘Wicked,’ returns to the Majestic Theatre when it opens the 2018-2019 North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio season. It will play for 24 performances starting on Wednesday September 26 and will run through Sunday October 14. Tickets go on sale at 10a.m. this Friday July 13. Tickets start at $53.50 and are available through Ticketmaster online by calling 800-982-2787 or by visiting the Majestic box office. The Majestic box office does not accept single ticket orders over the phone; all ticket sales must be made in person. Majestic Box Office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday. Orders for groups of 15 or more may be placed by calling (210) 226-5967. (Broadway in San Antonio, 2018)

‘Wicked’ is based on the 1995 bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire and has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. It is the story of two girls who meet in the land of Oz before Dorothy drops in. One is Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West who is born with emerald green skin and is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is Glinda, the Good Witch of the North who is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. Their friendship is put to the test through a series of events including a similar love interest, their reaction to the Wizard’s corrupt government and Elphaba’s eventual fall from grace. The plot makes several references to events in the 1939 film ‘The Wizard of Oz’ as a back story.

Since opening in 2003, ‘Wicked’ has been performed in over 100 cities in 15 countries around the world and has thus far been translated into six languages: Japanese, German, Dutch, Spanish, Korean and Portuguese.  The musical has amassed nearly $4.5 billion in global sales and has been seen by nearly 55 million people worldwide. Declared “The Best Musical of the Decade” by Entertainment Weekly and “A Cultural Phenomenon” by Variety, ‘Wicked’ is the recipient of over 100 international awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards.

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

Monthly retreats at Hiatus Spa + Retreat

hiatusfinal
Hiatus Spa + Retreat offers guests a different package each month.  Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.

Each month, Hiatus Spa + Retreat creates special “Monthly Retreat” packages for guests to escape their daily routines and enjoy unique body treatments that end with a specialty cocktail. The upcoming monthly retreats include Tuscan Sun in July, Pacifica in August and Lotus in September. (Hiatus Spa + retreat, 2018)

July Monthly Retreat: Tuscan Sun
80 minutes. $195 | $128 h-circle
Whether memory or fantasy, let Tuscan Sun call to mind one of the most beautiful and distinctive corners of the Earth. Essences of Cypress, Blood Orange and Wisteria blend with Mediterranean Sea Salt for an aromatic body polish. A refreshing Vichy rinse and a nourishing olive body butter massage will leave guests glowing and ready to sip an Aperol Prosecco Spritz.

August Monthly Retreat: Pacifica
80 minutes. $195 | $128 h-circle
For August, the package incorporates an Awapuhi scrub butter made with Hawaiian red alaea salt and blended with Geranium, Ylang Ylang and Cedarwood for an exotic aromatic body polish. A gentle Vichy rain gives way to a rhythmic Lomi Lomi style massage, followed by a mouthwatering Mai Tai.

September Monthly Retreat: Lotus
80 minutes. $195 | $128 h-circle
A warming body scrub of Verbena Powder blended with essences of Palmarosa, Sandalwood and Lime will uplift and focus the mind as Fall approaches. A cleansing Vichy rinse, an invigorating massage and a refreshing kiwi capiroska complete the package.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat
312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 4, Ste 4112
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 202-3355

Independence Brewing Co. brings ‘Native Texan Films’ series to Alamo Drafthouse

independencenativetexan
The summer film series ‘Native Texan Films’ is a tribute to the new Native Texan beer from Independence Brewing Co. Photo: Independence Brewing Co., used with permission.

Independence Brewing Co. is partnering with Alamo Drafthouse to bring a Texas-inspired summer film series celebrating the launch of the new pilsner Native Texan. The series “Native Texan Films” will take place from July 17 to August 27 and includes Texas-inspired film screenings at Alamo Drafthouse locations statewide. Each of the selected films, which include Friday Night Lights, Dazed and Confused and Urban Cowboy, is inspired by Texas pride as a tribute to the company’s new, authentically Texan pilsner. (Independence Brewing Co., 2018)

The film series will kick off with a screening of Bottle Rocket in Denton, Texas, where the cult classic was filmed nearly 23 years ago. Additional films will be screened at Alamo Drafthouse locations in Austin, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Dallas (Las Colinas), Houston, Laredo, Lubbock, New Braunfels and San Antonio. Admission will be free to the public; however, attendees can reserve a seat by purchasing a $5 voucher, which can be redeemed at the theater for an ice-cold can of Native Texan or another concession item.

The full Native Texan Films screening schedule:

Independence Brewing Co. chose Alamo Drafthouse as the venue for its summer film series because of its distinct Texas roots and the fact that the cinema house was founded on the principle of enjoying great beer while watching great films. Tickets are now available for all 11 of the scheduled film screenings. Details are available online.

Independence Brewing Co. is a local craft beer brewery and taproom located in Southeast Austin, Texas. Founded by Amy & Rob Cartwright in 2004, Independence Brewing Co. has grown from a small mom, pop, and dog operation to a team of 40 people producing more than 17,000 barrels each year with distribution throughout Texas and Arkansas. Independence Brewing Co. is now one of the largest and most beloved breweries in Central Texas.

Television adaptation: ‘Sharp Objects’ by Gillian Flynn

sharpobjectsbook
The series Sharp Objects, based on Gillian Flynn’s book, premieres on HBO on Sunday July 8.

Gillian Flynn is an American mystery author and former television critic for Entertainment Weekly. She has written three novels including “Sharp Objects,” “Dark Places” and “Gone Girl.” “Gone Girl” became an instant bestseller and was adapted into a movie starring Ben Affleck. Her debut novel, “Sharp Objects,” follows a newspaper journalist who must return to her hometown to report on a series of brutal murders.  It  has been adapted into a limited series on HBO starring Amy Adams. It premieres on Sunday July 8.

According to Amazon, in “Sharp Objects” Camille Preaker is an emotionally troubled reporter who is fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital. She now faces a troubling new assignment which involves returning to her tiny hometown to cover the murders of two preteen girls. It has been years since she has spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or the half-sister she barely knows who is a beautiful thirteen-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Once she is settled in, she finds herself identifying with the young victims and is haunted by her own demons. If she wants to get to the bottom of the story and survive being back home, she must unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past.

Ole San Antonio events for this week at Pearl

oleflamenco
Flamenco at the Stable. Photo: Matt Buikema, used with permission.

To celebrate San Antonio’s Tricentennial and its Spanish heritage, Pearl announces Olé, San Antonio: When San Antonio Meets Spain. This summer-long celebration will take place from Friday June 15 to Sunday September 16 to commemorate the city’s 300th anniversary. There will be events and activities related to four main pillars: gastronomy, music and dance, arts and architecture. Events will include new programming while also incorporating existing Pearl activities. (Pearl, 2018)

Events scheduled for Olé, San Antonio this week, July 3 through July 8 includes Sound Cream at Pearl Park, a performance by Spanish artist Carlos Rodriguez and a Flamenco Tablao dinner.

Thursday, July 5: First Thursday Night Market at 4p.m.

Journey into Spain by joining Pearl for the Olé edition of First Thursday Night Market. San Antonio’s esteemed flamenco troupe, Arte y Pasion, led by dancer and artistic director Tamara Adira, presents a visually stunning and theatrical performance of traditional Spanish dance. Night Market goers will still be able to purchase items from their favorite vendors with Spanish-themed goods.

Friday, July 6: Flamenco Performance by Carlos Rodriguez at 8:30p.m.

Pearl Amphitheater will host Madrid-based Carlos Rodriguez for a Spanish dance performance. He will perform along with his eight-person company of musicians and dancers, Bendita, which blends original flamenco music (performed live) with Spanish dance styles ranging from Fandangos to Rumbas. This event is free and open to the public. Pearl Amphitheater overlooks the San Antonio River and is located between La Gloria and Hotel Emma.

Sunday, July 8: Flamenco Tablao featuring Carlos Rodriguez and Chef Johnny Hernandez at 6p.m.

Join Pearl Stable in a Spanish-inspired “tablao” to showcase dynamic entertainment and great culinary fare. Madrid-based Carlos Rodriguez will perform while guests enjoy a Paella Valencia by Chef Johnny Hernandez. Doors open at 6p.m. and performance begins at 6:30p.m. Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased online.

Pearl
303 Pearl Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 212-7260

‘The Wizard of Oz’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

wizardofozcast18
Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ Cast includes, from left to right: Rachel Pena, Aiden Michael, Madeline Gutierrez, Ivan Ortega, Joshua Buce with Manny as Toto. Photo courtesy of Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre is the family favorite musical ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ This show opened last Friday and will run through Sunday July 29 with show times every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is based on the popular 1939 movie adaptation of Frank L. Baum’s novel and comes to life onstage at the Woodlawn Theatre bringing with it the magic and music that has captivated audiences for almost 80 years. Tickets are on sale online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. Prices are $18 for students and children, $24 for seniors, military and first responders and $30 for adults. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2018)

‘The Wizard of Oz’ is the story of Dorothy Gale who lives in a farm in Kansas with her Aunt Em, Uncle Henry and dog Toto. After being blown away by a twister, she ends up in the magical world of Oz where she meets Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion. Together they journey to the Emerald City in search of a brain, a heart, courage and a way back home. It includes memorable songs such as “Over the Rainbow,” “If I Only Had a Brain” and “The Merry Old Land of Oz.” Cast includes Madeline Gutierrez as Dorothy, Aiden Michael as Scarecrow, Ivan Ortega as Tin Man and Joshua Buce as Lion. Jamie Rodriguez is the Musical Director and Michelle Pietri is the Choreographer.

During the run of ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ the Woodlawn Theatre is accepting donations to benefit SNIPSA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping homeless and unwanted animals in and around San Antonio. A complete list of requested items is online. The theater has partnered with Bihl Haus Arts to incorporate local visual art with performance art and David Guerrero, a retired NISD art teacher, will be exhibiting his works in the Woodlawn Theatre lobby. Upcoming promotional nights include Pride Night – July 7, ASL (American Sign Language) Night – July 14 and Student Night – July 20.

Woodlawn Theatre
1920 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 267-8388

‘Mamma Mia!’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio

mammamia
‘Mamma Mia!’ opens Friday July 6 at The Public Theater of San Antonio.

Up next at The Public Theater of San Antonio is the global smash hit ‘Mamma Mia!’ It will be playing in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater from Friday July 6 through Sunday August 5. This jukebox musical is based on the music of ABBA with music and lyrics by Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and some songs with Stig Anderson. Book is by Catherine Johnson. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Thursday July 5 is ‘Pay-What-You-Can’ preview day and on opening night Friday July 6, there will be a reception following the performance. Tickets are available online or at the box office at (210) 733-7258 and are $35 for adults, $25 for military members with ID, $25 for seniors age 60 and older and $20 for students with ID. Groups of ten or more receive a special rate. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2018)

‘Mamma Mia!’ takes place on the Greek Island of Kalokairi.  Twenty-year-old Sophie is getting ready to marry her fiancée Sky and wants her father to walk her down the aisle, but she doesn’t know who he is. When she discovers her mother’s old diary with details about the men she dated, she invites them to the wedding. Donna, Sophie’s mother, has invited her two best friends, practical and no-nonsense Rosie and wealthy and multi divorcee Tanya to the wedding. The three of them were once part of the girl group “Donna and the Dynamos.” During the next 24 hours, new love will bloom and old romances will be rekindled. ‘Mamma Mia!’ has been seen by over 54 million people around the world in 14 different languages and is one of the longest running shows on Broadway. With its enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship it is the ultimate feel good show that keeps audiences coming back for more. Featured songs include “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me” and “Money, Money, Money.”

The Public Theater of San Antonio
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

Fast Eddie’s 2nd Annual Hot Dog Eating Competition

fasteddiehotdogs
Fast Eddie’s 2nd Annual Hot Dog Eating Competition takes place this Tuesday July 3 at all locations. Photo: Fast Eddie’s, used with permission.

Attention all foodies: Fast Eddie’s Annual Hot Dog Eating contest is back. This Tuesday July 3, head over to Fast Eddie’s or Eddy’s Tavern from 11a.m. to 11p.m. for the 2nd Annual Hot Dog Eating Competition. (Fast Eddie’s, 2018)

Fee is only $5 to compete for the grand prize. There will cash prizes for the winners and a month of FREE pool in July. Come out and enjoy the fun, and $2.75 Bud Light brews and $4 Will Turkey. Event will be at all Fast Eddie’s Billiards & Sports Bar locations nationwide.

San Antonio locations:

9910 W Loop 1604 N Suite 113
San Antonio, TX

7616 Culebra Rd #103
San Antonio, TX

502 Embassy Oaks
San Antonio, TX