Category: community events

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio hosts open call for auditions

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is hosting auditions on Saturday August 27, 2022. Photo: The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is searching for San Antonio’s most talented vocalists, dancers (ballet, tap, folklorico, jazz, hip-hop and contemporary), gymnasts, actors, performing artists, and special needs artists ages 3-19 as they host auditions for the Children’s Nutcracker on Saturday, August 27, 2022. Young artists will have a chance to train with the best of the best and perform in this spectacular professional level production at the grand Lila Cockrell Theatre. The production combines the cherished, traditional holiday ballet with Broadway style musical theatre, showcasing multidisciplinary art to include singing, dancing, acting and more. (The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2022)

The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is holding open auditions for The Children’s Nutcracker at the Dance Center of San Antonio on Saturday, August 27, from 12p.m. – 6p.m. Dancers from various disciplines including ballet, tap, folklorico, jazz, hip-hop and contemporary along with gymnasts, actors, vocalists, and performing artists ages 3-19, including those with special needs, are invited to register for an audition time online. All performers will be cast in roles that showcase and highlight their individual talents and strengths and allow them to shine.

The Children’s Nutcracker has become a beloved holiday tradition filled with all the joyful sights and sounds that fans have come to know and love. Taking place at the Lila Cockrell Theatre, on December 9 and 10, this world-class production will have something for the whole family. From a pre-show holiday market to spectacular digital and physical scenery, captivating special effects and interactive elements, The Children’s Nutcracker is designed to make spirits merry and bright.

The Children’s Nutcracker 2022 offers young performers the chance to train with the best of the best, from Master Ballet Teachers to internationally acclaimed dance artist and choreographer David Bagley. Bagley has had the honor of training with over 80 acclaimed dance institutions throughout the world, working alongside celebrities such as Sandra Bullock, Jerry Lewis, Twenty One Pilots, and more. Performers will also have the unique opportunity to work with Vanessa Bessler, former Prima Ballerina, and founder of CBSA. Bessler, who has earned the Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding Teacher Award for the past seven consecutive years, is world-renowned for discovering and cultivating young, local talent. Under her tutelage, these elite artists have had the privilege to train in some of the world’s best academies including the Royal Ballet School in London, the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia, and the School of American Ballet in New York City, to name a few. Through recognition, awards, and scholarships from the most prestigious ballet competitions and schools in the world for many of its dancers, CBSA has elevated San Antonio to the world stage, making it a strong player in the performing arts world.

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

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

A Night at the Chef’s Table: four San Antonio Chefs come together for a good cause

Landrace’s A Night at the Chef’s Table will kick off Hunger Action Month. Photo: OpenTable

Enjoy an extraordinary evening with four acclaimed San Antonio chefs and James Beard Award nominees on Wednesday August 31 when they join forces to collaborate on one unforgettable dinner. Chef Steve McHugh welcomes friends and culinary talents to the kitchen at Landrace: John Russ of Clementine; David Caceres of La Panaderia; and Esaul Ramos of 2M Smokehouse. (Landrace, 2022)

This diverse culinary lineup will prepare a special four-course dinner to kick off Hunger Action Month in September, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness about food insecurity in San Antonio. With a portion of event proceeds going to the San Antonio Food Bank, guests can help fight hunger and feed hope together.

The evening begins with a welcome cocktail at 6:30p.m. followed by dinner at 7p.m. Tickets are $400.00 per person with a wine pairing add-on available. Book on OpenTable.

 

Texas Book Festival announces Janet Evanovich appearance

Best-selling author will be appearing at this year’s Texas Book Festival in November. Photo: Texas Book Festival

Texas Book Festival is proud to host author Janet Evanovich, “the most popular mystery writer alive” (NYT) and author of 42 New York Times bestsellers, as she presents her new novel, “Going Rogue,” on Sunday, November 6 at 2:30p.m., at the 2022 Texas Book Festival. With “Going Rogue,” the mega-bestselling author returns with the latest book in her massively popular Stephanie Plum series. (Texas Book Festival, 2022)

Book tickets to see this beloved author are now available. Each book ticket includes one copy of “Going Rogue” and admits one person to the conversation and the book signing session. Proceeds from book ticket sales support the annual Festival and our year-round literacy programs, as well as keep the Festival free. A book signing session will immediately follow the event.

Texas Book Festival
First Baptist Church
901 Trinity St.
Austin, TX 78701

BOOK TICKET: $37 | Includes one copy of Going Rogue and admission to the session and the signing line.
SEATING: Seating for book ticket holders will open at 1:45p.m on Sunday, November 6. Book tickets are required to attend this session.
SIGNING: A book signing session will follow the event on-site.

Over the last twenty-six years, Janet Evanovich has written a staggering forty-two New York Times bestsellers. In addition to her #1 bestselling Stephanie Plum novels and many other popular books, Janet is the author of “The Recovery Agent,” the start of a blockbuster new series.

Superhero Adventure Night at San Antonio Museum of Art

San Antonio Museum of Art’s Choose Your Destiny: A Superhero Adventure Night will be this Friday, July 29, 2022. Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art, used with permission.

The San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) is calling all heroes and villains to enjoy its interactive Choose Your Destiny: A Superhero Adventure Night on Friday, July 29, 2022, from 6p.m. to 8:30p.m. in the Great Hall. Those brave enough to take on the challenge will be able to create their own path through the galleries by answering riddles, but make the wrong choice and players could meet their demise. This unforgettable evening is available for all ages and is free with Museum admission, following required pre-registration (free of charge). (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2022)

At sunset, friends and foes are encouraged to grab a blanket and head to the West Lawn for a screening of the cult classic ‘90s film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Rated PG). Fuzed will be onsite serving refreshing drinks, spirits, and paletas while Stone Bro’s Pizza will be offering the Ninja Turtle’s favorite hot and delicious pizza from 6p.m. through the end of the film. After the movie, guests can grab a photo with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle van that will be positioned at the Museum’s entrance. SAMA is overjoyed to embrace art and superhero lovers alike for a one-of-a-kind evening.

 

Fiesta’s Taste of the Republic announces venue change

Fiesta’s VIP culinary kickoff party is moving to the Alamo for 2023. Photo: Taste of the Republic

Texas is home to one of the most diverse food cultures in America. Since 2017, Taste of the Republic has celebrated that culture as the VIP culinary kickoff party of Fiesta Fiesta, the official opening event of Fiesta San Antonio. Raising the standard even higher for Fiesta 2023, they are proud to announce that Taste of the Republic has a new home: The Alamo. (Taste of the Republic, 2022)

Join them at the Gardens of the Alamo from 6p.m. to 10p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023. Guests will sample gourmet bites from 12 local chefs, with food representing each culinary region of Texas, accompanied by a wide selection of wine, beer, spirits and cocktail pairings as they mingle with Fiesta Royalty. A portion of each ticket will help support the Fiesta Commission and the Remember the Alamo Foundation.

“I am beyond thrilled that we’re bringing the premier celebration of Texas food to the ultimate symbol of Texas: The Alamo” said Chef Brian West, whose Texas Culinary Manifesto laid the foundation for Taste of the Republic and its Six Food Republics of Texas.

“San Antonio is recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy, and it represents the confluence of cultures that makes Texas so unique,” Chef West said. “By being at the Alamo, we feel we’ve raised this event to the level it’s always deserved.” 

Taste of the Republic is supported by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Patron Tequila, Dos XX Beer, Republic National Distributing Company, Sysco, Telemundo 60 and the Texas Culinary Alliance.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The Moon’s Daughters kicks off full moon series

The Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk’s signature rooftop lounge, The Moon’s Daughters is unveiling a new ‘Cosmic Night’ series this Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

The Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk’s signature rooftop lounge The Moon’s Daughters is unveiling a new “Cosmic Night” series that will take place whenever a full moon lands each month. On July 13, hotel guests and the public alike can watch July’s full Buck Moon in all its glory, which will be the biggest and brightest supermoon of the year. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2022)

Inspired by the Greek goddess of the moon, The Moon’s Daughters lives up to its name offering a full celestial experience with the Cosmic series, equipped with a telescope to see the moon glitter along with tarot insight curated by Astrologer & Card Reader Kate Wind. On July 13, guests will find a Cosmic Coaster under their cocktail inspired by the Buck Moon. The Cosmic Coaster adds a flair of entertainment where guests will have the chance to scan a QR code, receive a prompt to think of questions, followed by unique insights, and will conclude with a positive affirmation. The Cosmic Coaster is a perfect ice breaker for a group or first date while The Moon’s Daughters is the best way to experience the full moon overlooking San Antonio’s sparkling skyline.

The July 13 celebration of the full Buck Supermoon, named after the season that bucks grow their antlers, will be the biggest and brightest supermoon of 2022. Fitting for The Moon’s Daughters, the popular rooftop restaurant and bar will be illuminated by the moon, shining its brightest at 9:05p.m. from the top of Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk.

‘Hadestown’ coming to San Antonio’s Majestic Theatre

‘Hadestown’ will play at the Majestic Theatre in September and tickets go on sale this Friday July 15, 2022. ‘Hadestown’ North American tour – Photo by T Charles Erickson, used with permission.

‘Hadestown,’ the winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards® including Best New Musical and the 2020 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album, will come to San Antonio as part of the 2022-2023 North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio Season. The show will play at the Majestic Theatre September 13-18, 2022. Tickets go on sale on Friday July 15, 2022 at 10a.m. through the Majestic Theatre, Broadway In San Antonio, or in person at the Majestic Theatre box office. Ticket prices start at $40. (Majestic Theatre, 2022)

‘Hadestown’ is the most honored show of the 2018-2019 Broadway season. In addition to the show’s eight Tony Awards®, it has been honored with four Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Outstanding New Broadway Musical, and the Drama League Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical. “It tells a version of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Eurydice, a young girl looking for something to eat, goes to work in a hellish industrial underworld to escape climate-change induced poverty before her poor singer-songwriter lover Orpheus comes to rescue her and together show others the way to escape.” (Wikipedia, 2022)

The North American touring production of ‘Hadestown’ stars Morgan Siobhan Green as Eurydice, Chibueze Ihuoma as Orpheus, Tony Award® winner Levi Kreis as Hermes, Kimberly Marable as Persephone, and Olivier Award® nominee Kevyn Morrow as Hades. Belén Moyano, Bex Odorisio, and Shea Renne play The Fates. The Workers Chorus features Jordan Bollwerk, Lindsey Hailes, Courtney Lauster, Eddie Noel Rodríguez, and Jamari Johnson Williams. The swings for the touring production include Tyla Collier, Ian Coulter Buford, Alex Lugo, J. Antonio Rodriguez, and Cecilia Trippiedi.

The acclaimed new musical is by celebrated singer-songwriter and Tony Award® winner Anaïs Mitchell and developed with innovative director and Tony Award® winner Rachel Chavkin. ‘Hadestown’ marks the first time in over a decade that a woman has been the solo author of a musical: writing the music, lyrics, and book, and is the fourth time in Broadway history a woman has accomplished this creative feat.

The show originated as Mitchell’s indie theater project that toured Vermont which she then turned into an acclaimed album. With Chavkin, her artistic collaborator, ‘Hadestown’ has been transformed into a genre-defying new musical that blends modern American folk music with New Orleans inspired jazz to reimagine a sweeping ancient tale. Following two intertwining love stories — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — ‘Hadestown’ invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Mitchell’s beguiling melodies and Chavkin’s poetic imagination pit industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love. Performed by a vibrant ensemble of actors, dancers, and singers, ‘Hadestown’ delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience.

Balcones Heights Jazz Festival returns

The Balcones Heights Jazz Festival will kick off its highly-anticipated 28th season on Friday, July 15, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The Balcones Heights Jazz Festival will kick off its highly-anticipated 28th season on Friday, July 15, 2022 and continue with a second concert on Friday, July 29, 2022. Each performance will take place at the Amphitheater at Wonderland of the Americas. Headlining will be Rob Zinn and Jeff Ryan on July 15, 2022 with Tony Saunders opening. Peter White will headline on July 29, 2022 with local Johnny P & the Wiseguys opening. (Balcones Heights Jazz Festival, 2022)

“We are excited to feature live jazz concerts again this summer with two back-to-back July performances presenting a stellar line up of dynamic national and local artists at the beautiful, sparkling Wonderland Amphitheater.” – Director Economic Development & Public Affairs at City of Balcones Heights Lorenzo Nastasi

“Balcones Heights’ uniqueness is that we are dedicated to providing FREE family-friendly, high-quality music for all to enjoy. We are thrilled to welcome the sights and sounds of our signature jazz festival, bringing residents and visitors from all over South Texas to experience our city’s charm and hospitality over these two weekends.” – City of Balcones Heights Mayor Suzanne de Leon

The first opener on July 15 will be Billboard recording artist and bassist Tony Saunders. Saunders is an American bass and synthesizer player who has had an incredible multi-faceted career that has found him “vibin’” with everyone from Eric Clapton and David Crosby to Les McCann, Joe Sample, and Chaka Khan. He has been recognized as a two-time Emmy Award winning bassist, composer, and producer, and is also the son of legendary keyboardist, Merl Saunders

After his performance, headliners Rob Zinn and Jeff Ryan will kick off their show. Rob Zinn is a multi-faceted talent working as a veteran vocalist, trumpeter, and flugelhornist. He is internationally recognized as a smooth jazz artist and composer. In 2016, Zinn emerged as an independent smooth jazz artist and composer with the release of his debut album, “Yesterday Again,” showcasing a multitude of styles including funk, Latin, R&B, rock, pop and urban jazz.

Paired with Zinn will be one of contemporary jazz’s top emerging artists and saxophonists, Jeff Ryan. Ryan, an international sensation, has captivated thousands with his robust jazz sounds. “Double Up” was the first single released in May 2020 from his latest album “Duality.” It debuted as the number one “Most Added” on the Smooth Jazz Billboard. In 2020, Ryan was also named 2020 Billboard Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year. His second single from this album “Sentimental Soul” landed the number one spot on the Billboard Chart and was later named 2021 Billboard Song of the Year.

Opening the concert on July 29 is Johnny P & the Wiseguys, a velvety ensemble led by vocalist, songwriter, and trumpeter Johnny Panzarella. Johnny P is a New York native from a close-knit Italian family. The rat-pack style band plays original tunes as well as innovative musical arrangements of classic favorites. The Wiseguys are composed of multiple talented musicians featuring pianist Travis Davis, bassists Max Garcia Jr. and Doug Bennett, Roger Escobar on tenor sax, David Woodard on trombone, and drummers Johnathan Alexander and Jay “Jaybird” Buried Mitthauer.

Following is headliner and one of the jazz industry’s greatest icons, British-born, LA-based guitarist and smooth jazz artist Peter White. White first played for the Balcones Heights Jazz Festival in 2010 and returned in 2015. This is his third appearance in Balcones Heights. White is set to give a simmering performance to end the summer concert season. White’s lyricism and energy is unparalleled and sure to create a beautiful sound for his broad audiences. He has found huge success in his musical career winning multiple awards through four decades working as a multi-instrument musician, performer, and writer with other artists and solo on his own highly regarded albums.

In 2020, the Balcones Heights Jazz Festival evolved from a summer concert season to a year-long concert series, which was adopted pre-pandemic to spread concerts throughout the year. Since 1994, the Balcones Heights Jazz Festival has captivated jazz aficionados from in and around Texas with a free stellar line-up in the festival’s laid back and family-friendly atmosphere. Regulars or “jazz babies” grab their favorite spots along the edge of the sparkling reflecting pool and fountains of the city’s main hub, Wonderland of the Americas.

The Balcones Heights Jazz Festival is produced through a partnership of the City of Balcones Heights, Wonderland of the Americas, and iHeartMedia. David Muñoz is back again to host as he has at the Jazz Festival every year since the event’s inception. Muñoz, known as San Antonio’s very own “Jazzman,” is serving as emcee and co-producer of the festival. David also hosts “Smooth Jazz San Antonio” on KQXT/Q101.9 HD-2 and iHeart Radio App/Texas Central Region.

General admission to the festival is free and parking is free at Wonderland of the Americas, 4522 Fredericksburg Road, Balcones Heights, Texas. Wonderland of the Americas is located at the intersection of IH-10and Loop 410, just a few minutes from downtown San Antonio and minutes from the South Texas Medical Center.

Hillside seating around the Amphitheater is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Fans sometimes stake out their spots as early as the Monday preceding the Friday concert. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site. Attendees can also visit the Food Court inside Wonderland of the Americas. No coolers and outside food and beverages are allowed at the Amphitheater.

Briscoe Western Art Museum celebrates National Day of the Cowboy

Briscoe’s Day of the Cowboy celebration will feature free admission, live music, cowboy games, food trucks, art, and more. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Celebrating the legacy of the cowboy, cowgirl, and vaquero, the Briscoe Western Art Museum presents its National Day of the Cowboy celebration on Saturday, July 23, 10a.m. – 5p.m. at the museum’s campus on the banks of the River Walk. The free community event, which includes free admission to the museum and its exhibitions, features indoor and outdoor activities for cowpokes of all ages, with live music in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden, a chuck wagon with tasty cowboy treats, artist demonstrations and hands-on arts, crafts and games for all ages to enjoy. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2022)

Cowboy Fun Under the Sun – And Throughout the Museum

One of the Briscoe’s most treasured annual events, National Day of the Cowboy works to highlight, share and preserve America’s cowboy culture and pioneer heritage. It was founded in 2005 as a day to celebrate and preserve the heritage of the American cowboy, cowgirl, and vaquero in the United States. The state of Texas declared it a day of honor in 2015 and the Briscoe annually hosts a celebration event, throwing open the doors of the museum to honor the cowboy, cowgirl, and vaquero in us all.

The celebration pairs perfectly with its fantastic summer exhibition The Sons of Charlie Russell: Cowboy Artists of America. Premiering at the Briscoe and including works from 17 public and private collections, The Sons of Charlie Russell features 70 works of art showcasing the forefathers of Western art and how their great works provide foundations, traditions and ideals for today’s contemporary artists. On display through September 5, the exhibition is the first and only time these works will be viewed together. While visitors may not be able to rope and ride alongside the cowboys and ranch hands often depicted in Western art, thanks to immersive technology in the exhibition, visitors are able to see themselves as shadow outlines in the paintings, striking poses as they add themselves to the scene.

Other National Day of the Cowboy Celebration highlights include:

  • Free admission and activities for the whole family, including scavenger hunts through the Briscoe. Museum volunteers will be on hand to share details about the museum’s art and artifacts, highlighting works that relate to lives and work of cowboys, cowgirls and vaqueros.
  • Cowpoke games and crafts, where you can outfit yer’self in a bolo tie and spurs, try your hand at silversmith etching, make a stick pony and try out some barrel racing, learn how to rope and ride, herd some balloon animals, do a little bull riding, toss horseshoes, craft a cowhand puppet, and more.
  • Demonstrations of how to craft the essential tools of the cowboy trade by members of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association of saddle making, braiding, and forging.
    • See the leather work and tooling that goes into making a saddle with saddle maker Troy West.
    • Learn the art of rawhide braiding from braider Leland Hensley.
    • Watch forger Wilson Capron shape metal into bits, spurs and more with a live forging demonstration in the Briscoe’s McNutt Sculpture Garden.
  • Western art brought to life through a live sculpting demonstration by Jason Scull, one of the Cowboy Artists featured in The Sons of Charlie Russell.
  • Lil Partners Reading Zone, offering up cowboy tales. Sit a spell and enjoy a book reading with Emily Wilson, the Briscoe’s Curator of Art. Wilson’s children’s book, “Charlie Russell and the Gnomes of Bull Head Lodge,” crafts a modern fairy tale based on the life of Charles M. Russell (1864–1926), the namesake of The Sons of Charlie Russell Stop by to learn the art of gnome-making so you can craft your own cowboy gnomes.
  • Storytime at the Stagecoach, featuring the story of Mary Fields, the first African American woman stagecoach driver. For many years, Fields traveled the West with her pet eagle, never losing a single horse or package. Hear her story as Antoinette Lakey reads from “Fearless Mary: Mary Fields, American Stagecoach Driver.” A community leader, researcher, and dramatist, Antoinette Lakey currently serves as Artistic Director for Teatro Anansi, an organization with a mission to connect, celebrate and commemorate African American theatre, performing arts and history within the greater San Antonio community.
  • Chuck wagon cooking with samples of peach cobbler and beans, along with food truck grub available to satisfy any hungry cowpokes.
  • Surrounded by the beauty of the garden’s fantastic bronze sculptures and lush greenery, kick back and soak in the sounds of West with live music throughout the day, including singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Clint Tomerlin.

Preserving and presenting the art, history and culture of the American West through engaging exhibitions, educational programs and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is located on the San Antonio River Walk at 210 W. Market Street in the beautifully restored 1930s former San Antonio Public Library building. Named in honor of the late Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. and his wife, Janey Slaughter Briscoe, the museum includes the three-story Jack Guenther Pavilion, used for event rentals and programs, and the outdoor McNutt Sculpture Garden.

Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

French Festival and Petanque ‘Bocci’ Tournament at The Shops at La Cantera

The Bastille Day French Festival, sponsored by Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café, will take place on Saturday July 16 with live French Gypsy Jazz music by Nashville artist Irenka. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Join us on Main Street at The Shops at La Cantera for a Bastille Day French Festival, sponsored by Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café, 10a.m. to 8p.m., Saturday, July 16, 2022. More than 16 teams from San Antonio, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston will compete in the Petanque “Bocci” Tournament. Enjoy $5 beer and wine and $5 small bites presented by San Antonio vendors including Sweet Paris; Sur La Table; Mon Chou Chou; Luciano Ristorante & Pizzeria, Tardif’s, and more. (Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café, 2022)

French classic cars will be displayed with live French Gypsy Jazz music by Nashville artist, Irenka, from noon to 5p.m.

TEAM SIGN-UP – Petanque Tournament

Team of two is $40; each member will receive FREE French Festival T-Shirt, two bottles of water, two beverage tickets, and two crepes from Sweet Paris.

The top three teams will be awarded prizes. Payments can be made in advance and on site with cash or credit card. Register in advance by calling (832) 967.8396 or via email.

Register on site at 9:30a.m., booth on Main Street at The Shops at La Cantera. Tournament starts at 10a.m. 

The Shops at La Cantera – Main Street
15900 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78256

Courtesy photo, used with permission.