The Home for the Holidays Special Event Series at the TSC Performing Arts Center in Brownsville. Photo: Sandra Cruz
Last Sunday November 28, the UTRGV School of Music and Patron of the Arts returned to the stage at the TSC Performing Arts Center in Brownsville for their Home for the Holidays series. During this free event, the community enjoyed musical performances by the UTRGV Symphony Orchestra, the UTRGV Wind Orchestra, and the UTRGV Master Chorale.
The night of holiday music began with a pre-concert music in the lobby by the UTRGV Trombone Choir to entertain the audience until the auditorium doors opened. The night’s first half of the concert series consisted of the UTRGV Master Chorale singing This Endris Night and What Sweeter Music, the UTRGV Symphony Orchestra performing holiday classics like How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Stille Nacht. The intermission entertainment came courtesy of the UTRGV Horn Choir and for the second half of the evening’s performances, the UTRGV Master Chorale and UTRGV Wind Orchestra performed such classics as Sleigh Ride and The Christmas Song and the UTRGV Wind Orchestra performed The Polar Express and The Bells of Christmas, among other holiday favorites. The audience participation portion was a holiday sing along with the UTRGV Master Chorale and Wind Symphony of Deck the Hall, Jingle Bells, O Christmas Tree and We Wish You A Merry Christmas. The UTRGV Jazz Combo kept the momentum going in the lobby with a post-concert performance.
The UTRGV School of Music successfully kicked off the post-Thanksgiving holiday season with a wonderfully nostalgic night of music. Everyone from the musicians to the singers brought a much needed magical night of music for the community to enjoy. They performed to a nearly packed auditorium and all the night’s performances were delightful and deserve the spotlight just as much as the athletes. Hopefully, there will be more such concerts in the near future.
Patron of the Arts is the performance and membership series of the UTRGV School of Music that has provided Rio Grande Valley residents and visitors with excellent artistic programs for over 35 years. The program was created in 1984 in Brownsville, Texas, to provide the community and students with opportunities for learning and enrichment by attending live events by professional guest musicians as well as visual artists. Patron of the Arts was also intended to provide a venue for faculty and student performances to highlight the considerable talent we have in the Rio Grande Valley. (Patron of the Arts, 2021)
UTRGV Trombone ChoirUTRGV Symphony OrchestraUTRGV Horn ChoirUTRGV Jazz Combo
JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa is a Texas Hill Country’s luxury resort located in Sonora, Texas. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.
Texas Hill Country’s luxury resort The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa is offering luxurious holiday and private party experiences, allowing guests to make the 13,000-acre, 32-room luxury resort their very own this festive season and as businesses begin planning 2022 travel and team-building initiatives. Ideal for family getaways or an elevated remote working experience, birthday events, bachelorette parties, corporate retreats, intimate wedding ceremonies and other special occasions, The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa offers customizable packages to accommodate all types of guests. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)
The sweeping Texas Hill Country resort is located deep in the heart of Sonora, Texas, and is one of the country’s leading working ranch experiences, naturally distanced destinations, and Texas’ only luxury ranch resort. The naturally distanced boutique resort is a study in rustic elegance, providing a customized, Texan experience that connects guests to nature with activities and programming including:
Indoor and outdoor site options for big parties
Dozens of outdoor-driven activities for guests, ranging from ATV adventures and a pro-designed putting green to hikes, swimming, outdoor yoga classes, horseback riding and horse psychology, wine tasting, guided shooting instruction and 3D archery, and cooking classes.
On-site salon & spa allows guests to unwind. Services include massages and spa treatments alongside a full nail/salon menu.
Archer’s Nest Villa, a seven-bedroom villa with a private swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, home theater, and more; it’s perfect for partial buyouts, bachelorette parties, family vacations, bride’s quarters, and more.
A private FBO airport hangar, allowing guests to charter a private plane and avoid large airports.
Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.
Proceeds from the September 19 gala will benefit the San Antonio Museum of Art, Ballet San Antonio, The Public Theater of San Antonio, San Antonio Chamber Choir, and YOSA. Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art, used with permission.
“We are thrilled to come together with these extraordinary performing arts nonprofits to empower the arts in our community. We have much to celebrate after this past year. We hope people will join us in supporting the arts in San Antonio.” – Dr. Emily Sano, Co-Interim Director, Coates-Cowden-Brown Senior Advisor for Asian Art
The “Celebration” gala is chaired by Kristin and Dick Tips. Funds raised during the gala will support the missions of the San Antonio Museum of Art, Ballet San Antonio, The Public Theater of San Antonio, San Antonio Chamber Choir and YOSA.
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.
Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café on Main Street at The Shops at La Cantera. Photo: Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café, used with permission.
Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café located on Main Street at The Shops at La Cantera is celebrating its second anniversary in San Antonio through community give back. The restaurant’s “Eat Here, Feed There” program will benefit two charities it partnered with during its grand opening – the San Antonio Food Bank and Culinaria. (Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café, 2021)
As part of “Eat Here, Feed There,” Sweet Paris will donate five percent of all crêpes sold to the charities during the month of September. The San Antonio Food Bank, which serves Southwest Texas, provides food for 120,000 individuals weekly – a number that reflects the pandemic’s local impact. Sweet Paris also partners with the San Antonio Food Bank year-round with an ongoing campaign to donate fourteen cents per participating crêpes sold to provide one meal to a child in need. The not-for-profit Culinaria promotes San Antonio as a premiere food and wine destination through year-round events including Restaurant Weeks, Chef Swaps, Hallowine Run, and Food Trails.
“Giving back is just a part of our company tradition. We’re thrilled to be celebrating our second anniversary and thankful we can give back to this community which has welcomed us so warmly.” – Strategic Partner Stephan Raveneau, Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café
Recently, Sweet Paris announced its Build Your Own Crêpes catering menu, which is ideal for anyone planning a party for a group of twenty guests or more for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Catering professionals will customize a menu for your event and budget. For party planning call or text (832) 967-8396 or submit your request to Stephan Raveneau. Orders can be prepared on site or served boxed as a complete meal.
Founded in Houston, Texas in 2012, Sweet Paris has locations in Rice Village, CityCentre, Katy, Highland Village, College Station, The Woodlands, Baybrook, Sugar Land, Austin, San Antonio, and Nuevo Vallarta — with new locations coming soon.
Turkey Cranberry Brie Crepe. Photo: Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café, used with permission.
Bakery Lorraine is celebrating ten years in business. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.
In honor of National Prosecco Day and the bakery’s 10th anniversary this Friday August 13, Bakery Lorraine is running a fun special to celebrate. Bakery Lorraine is celebrating in elegant fashion with a “Prosecco and Macaron Happy Hour”– $6 glasses of prosecco all day while supplies last + each glass comes with a complimentary macaron of the guest’s choosing. The special is available at Bakery Lorraine’s Pearl and Rim locations in San Antonio and the Domain Northside location in Austin only on Friday, August 13, during regular business hours. (Bakery Lorraine, 2021)
Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Food & Wine and CNN’s Eatocracyblog named it one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery also serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, including items like its breakfast parfait, the quiche Lorraine, chicken potpie, an assortment of salads and soups, and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has three locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in San Antonio’s Medical Center, and one in San Antonio’s RIM shopping center, including now an Austin location at Domain Northside.
Whataburger will host its first ever systemwide fundraiser to benefit Feeding America®. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
Orange Spirit Week is Whataburger’s annual tradition of honoring its legacy while giving back to the communities it serves. This year, in honor of its 71st anniversary, Whataburger is partnering with Feeding America® to help provide at least 2.5 million meals through local food banks across Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. (Whataburger, 2021)
From Sunday, August 8, through Sunday, August 15, customers who donate a minimum of $1 at any of the more than 850 Whataburger restaurants across these ten states will receive a thank-you coupon for a free Whataburger with the purchase of a medium fry and 32-ounce drink. A $1 donation helps provide at least ten meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local member food banks. Whataburger guarantees a minimum donation of $250,000 with no maximum set.
Every dollar donated during the week-long fundraiser will go to Feeding America and its member food banks in the local communities. It is all in support of Whataburger Feeding Student Success, the company’s signature community program operating at the intersection of food insecurity and education and focusing on helping students at all levels of education achieve their goals and dreams.
The 2021 celebration will kick off in San Antonio on Sunday, August 8, with a drive-through teacher appreciation event at The DoSeum. As part of the Whataburger Feeding Student Success program and Whataburger’s commitment to providing support for education in the communities it serves, the event will include classroom supply and summer swag giveaways for teachers with whom student success begins. Teachers will also have the opportunity to participate in drawings for classroom grants and receive free meals from the Whataburger Food Truck, which debuted during last year’s Orange Spirit Week, among other fun activities. Teachers must show their school IDs for entry into the event.
During the week, Whataburger employees, known as Family Members, will assemble and deliver 10,000 school supply bags to local organizations across ten states.
“Feeding America is doing such amazing work through their network of food banks. All of us at Whataburger are looking forward to joining our customers in showing support for them during Orange Spirit Week. We invite our friends and neighbors to visit their local Whataburger throughout the week and donate to help keep our children nourished and on the path to bright futures.” – Ed Nelson, Whataburger CEO
The magic of Whataburger started on Aug. 8, 1950, in a tiny burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. An entrepreneur named Harmon Dobson set out to build a burger so delicious that customers would take that first bite and say, “What a burger!” Today, Whataburger is known for delicious burgers, big flavor, and the brand’s pride in taking care of its guests, communities. and employees, known as Family Members. Orange Spirit Week celebrates its founding and the foundation for success that Dobson created. Today, Whataburger is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 850 locations across its 14-state footprint, and sales of more than $2.8 billion annually. Whataburger has 50,000 Family Members (employees) and more than sixty million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it.
Events include a new Human Rights Campaign installation, a celebration of all things LGBTQ+, and more. Photo: Hopscotch, used with permission.
Hopscotch, the immersive art gallery in downtown San Antonio, is excited to announce a variety of programming, specials and more for the month of August including a new LGBTQ+ celebration, new installation from the Human Rights Campaign, yoga, nonprofit partnerships and more. The gallery will also begin opening its doors to the public on Thursdays at 2p.m. starting August 5. These are some of the events coming up in August and beyond. (Hopscotch, 2021)
Human Rights Campaign Installation Hopscotch will officially debut its newest installation on Thursday, August 5. The gallery has partnered with the Human Rights Campaign to bring GAZE to San Antonio. GAZE transports guests into a world that encourages them to see beyond their own experience and into a future that is full of light, love, and acceptance for all. Rainbow colors shine on through designs etched into acrylic panels illuminated by a programmatic array of LED lights. The subtly shifting colors make for an ever-changing and layered experience that mirrors the ever-changing exterior world.
Equality is on the move. This installation will change over time, progress is the ultimate interactive experience. Guests can become a member of the Human Rights Campaign in the Hopscotch Gift Shop. Their participation moves equality forward and helps the change occur.
The Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation together serve as America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBTQ+ equality. They have spent 40 years creating the most powerful movement for equality that the world has ever seen. By inspiring and engaging individuals and communities, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
ThursGayz at Hopscotch – 7p.m. to 11p.m. Ongoing – First Thursday of each month. In addition to opening to the public on Thursdays, Hopscotch is implementing Thursgayz on the first Thursday of every month starting August 5. Thursgayz is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and allies that will feature DJs, dancing, drag queens, drink specials, diversity, disco, and more. For the special price of $20, guests will get exclusive access to the entire gallery and all festivities. Specialty cocktails, including the Rain on Me Rita, Pride Paloma, and Seltzers will be available for purchase at happy hour pricing at the bar. There is no cover charge for the lounge or patio. All guests over the age of 18 are welcome. The $20 tickets for Thursgayz are available online.
For the inaugural Thursgayz event on August 5th guests can expect: • Music by DJ LilLatinPup • Entertainment from drag queen Maria Maria Whitney • Food from Backwoods BBQ available for purchase • Complimentary cookies from Tiff’s Treats (while supplies last) • Photo opportunities that celebrate all things pride • Be some of the first to experience the new GAZE art installation in partnership with the Human Rights Campaign.
Sunday Storytelling – The Warrior Women Project: A Sisterhood of Immigrant Women August 7 from 3p.m. to 5p.m. Hopscotch will be hosting a book signing event with Dr. Lulu, AKA the Momatrician, on Sunday, August 7. Dr. Lulu is a board-certified pediatrician and mom of three. She is proudly Nigerian and a youth suicide prevention activist. As the CEO of Teenalive.com and Dr. Lulu’s Youth Health Center, she is dedicated to youth suicide prevention. She is a TEDx, United Nations and Global Pan African Speaker, a 3-time bestselling author and a freelance writer. Dr. Lulu tells the story of twenty-two immigrant women from thirteen different countries and their plight with joy, pain, success, failure and love in “The Warrior Women Project.” This book takes readers on a journey in an attempt to educate, entertain and emphasize the embodiment of strength within immigrant women. Guests are encouraged to stop by, grab a copy of the book and get it signed by Dr. Lulu.
Hopscotch plans to do more regular storytelling events and artist talks to continue to highlight and uplift the amazing voices in our community.
Cocktails for a Cause – Martinez Street Women’s Center Hopscotch is continuing its Cocktails for a Cause campaign. Each month, a different nonprofit is highlighted through various activities such as providing discounted or free tickets for members, sending staff to volunteer for the organization, sharing information about the non-profit on social media, and collecting physical and monetary donations on behalf of the organization. Through the “Cocktail for a Cause” series, a portion of the proceeds from the sales of the Cocktail of the Month goes directly to the non-profit. This August proceeds from the “Solidarity Spritzer” help support the Martinez Street Women’s Center. The cocktail can be purchased in Hopscotch’s lounge for $12.
Solidarity Spritzer – Waterloo No. 9 Gin, House-made Blackberry Sage Syrup and Fresh Lemon Juice topped with Prosecco.
Tiff’s Treats + Hopscotch Collaboration Tiff’s Treats is partnering with Hopscotch for a variety of upcoming events. Starting in August on Sunday mornings, Hopscotch ticket holders can enjoy complimentary warm cookies from 10a.m. to noon while supplies last. Hopscotch will also be hosting an Instagram giveaway in honor of National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day on Wednesday, August 4 for two tickets to the gallery and a $100 Tiff’s Treats gift card on Hopscotch’s Instagram page.
Cookies for Community – Martinez Street Women’s Center During August, Hopscotch visitors will receive a code to use when they purchase Tiff’s Treats. 20% of the sales from those cookies will be donated to Hopscotch’s non-profit of the month – Martinez Street Women’s Center.
Third Eye Awakening – Saturday, August 28 at 8:30a.m. Guests are invited to make their way down the Hopscotch rabbit hole and unroll their mat in a consciously curated yoga and art experience designed to awaken the mind and body while inspiring the soul with the immersive masterpieces at the gallery. Inspired by the mural Conscious by local artist Los Otros, the yoga class led by Mobile Om will interweave breath, mindful movement and meditation into a holistic experience aimed to unlock guests’ connections to their third eye consciousness, the home of their intuition and imagination. After a blissful savasana, guests can awaken their taste buds with a refreshing Rabbit Hole Rita to sip while they enjoy exclusive access to browse the Hopscotch gallery. The yoga sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. and space is limited. Guests are required to bring their own mats.
Tickets for Third Eye Awakening are $45 and are available online.
Food Trucks ChipKabob and Backwoods BBQ will make their respective returns to Hopscotch in August. See below for dates that they will be serving at Hopscotch.
“We are thrilled to come together with these extraordinary performing arts nonprofits to empower the arts in our community,” said Dr. Emily Sano, Co-Interim Director, Coates-Cowden-Brown Senior Advisor for Asian Art. “We have much to celebrate after this past year. We hope people will join us in supporting the arts in San Antonio.”
Throughout the evening, gala attendees can enjoy performances by participating organizations in the Tobin’s H-E-B Performance Hall, as well as a live auction, catered dinner, and a live performance by renowned 10-piece band, Professor D., at the conclusion of the evening in the Carlos Alvarez Theater overlooking the Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza. Tickets are on sale now including individual and VIP options, as well as sponsorship options. Purchase tiers are available below:
Individual Ticket – $300
Includes audience seating in the H-E-B Performance Hall for the arts showcase
Cocktails and a buffet in the Red and Charline McCombs Lobby
VIP Tickets for Two – $1,000
Includes cabaret seating, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails during the artists showcase
Cocktails, buffet, and a reserved cocktail table in the Red and Charline McCombs Lobby
Tiered Sponsorship Packages
Sponsorship levels are available ranging from $2,500 to $10,000
More information on each sponsorship tier is available online.
The “Celebration” gala is chaired by Kristin and Dick Tips. Funds raised during the gala will support the missions of the San Antonio Museum of Art, Ballet San Antonio, The Public Theater of San Antonio, San Antonio Chamber Choir and YOSA.
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.
Twin Liquors’ Italian Wine Month features 20% off sales and virtual tastings with Italian winemakers. Photo: Twin Liquors, used with permission.
Beginning today, July 6, Twin Liquors is excited to announce the launch of Italian Wine Month in all Twin Liquors locations. Now until July 31, all Italian wines will be 20% off 2+ bottles. For those who may not be familiar with Italian wines, this is the perfect time to try something new. Twin favorites include the Natale Verga Governo Red Blend, Prosecco Rosé, and the Sorrentino Southern Italian Red Blend. For the full list of Italian wine offerings, please visit Twin Liquors online or stop into your neighborhood Twin. (Twin Liquors, 2021)
Additionally, Prosecco week is July 19 – July 24 and to celebrate, Twin Liquors is hosting a virtual prosecco tasting with winemakers from Italian wineries Mionetto, La Marca, and Natale Verga on Wednesday, July 21. The virtual tasting will kick off at 6p.m. CDT and viewers can RSVP in the link provided here.
Be sure to also check out the Twin Liquors Summer Entertaining Guide designed to provide advice on hosting this summer season. Whether “Entertaining at Home” means having a few friends over for dinner or inviting your closest friends to a backyard get-together, Twin Liquors has you covered with everything you need for beverages. Featuring cocktail combo packs with recipes, wine pairings (including Italian wines!), and tips for hosting, the entertaining guide has something for everyone!
July 6 – July 31: Italian Wine Month
Wednesday, July 21: Virtual Prosecco Tasting
Twin Liquors is open Monday – Saturday from 10a.m. to 9p.m. Online hours are 11a.m. to 8p.m. To find a Twin Liquors store near you visit Twin Liquors online. You may also through their website or Twin Liquors app, which is available on IOS and Android stores. Twin Liquors also offers online ordering and in-store pickup and/or delivery to all stores.
Born and raised in downtown Austin, Texas, Twin Liquors began as one small store and has developed into a successful “home-grown” Texas family-owned company. It has developed a unique and well-respected reputation throughout the United States for having impeccable team members, outstanding customer service, conveniently located stores, extensive selections of fine wines and premium spirits from around the world, and substantial community involvement. Twin Liquors currently operates 100+ neighborhood stores from Austin to San Antonio, the Hill Country to Houston, and the DFW area with their Sigel’s branded stores.
La Panadería’s festive Fiesta-themed croissant. Photo: Giant Noise, for La Panadería, used with permission.
Fiesta is back and arriving just in time for Fiesta 2021, San Antonio staple La Panadería will release a festive Fiesta-themed croissant, available at its Broadway, Houston St. and La Cantera Heights locations exclusively during Fiesta June 17-27. A sweet addition to any Fiesta celebration, La Panadería will offer its popular Tres Leches Croissant filled with strawberries and cream and adorned with Fiesta-colored frosting. The Fiesta treat will be available to order online and in-store. (La Panadería, 2021)
Since opening La Panadería in San Antonio in 2014, the Cáceres brothers’ mission has been to share Mexico’s “Bread Cultura,” bringing the art of their beloved pan dulce items to the Texas market that have since become a culinary staple for residents and visitors to San Antonio alike. La Panadería has seen great success in San Antonio and has shown resilience throughout the uncertain times the global coronavirus pandemic has brought on. The bakery, which specializes in handmade bread, pan dulce and pastries inspired by Mexico’s Golden Era, or Epoca de Oro, draws influence from French, Italian and American bread making techniques. La Panadería’s unique approach to breadmaking includes a minimum 48-hour fermentation process that results in artisan bread and pastries unlike any other. All three of La Panadería’s locations offer indoor and al fresco dining as well as online ordering.
SA Examiner 