Category: community events

Children’s Ballet of San Antonio debuts ‘Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp’

Aladdin dancers at Estancia del Norte. Photo: Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.

A poor young man, a beautiful princess, a wealthy Sultan, a powerful sorcerer, and a magical genie come together on stage in the enchanting, exotic adventure that is the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio’s debut production of ‘Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp’ at the Majestic Theatre. Set against the mystical background of the Arabian city of Agrabah, the ballet tells the story of Aladdin and how his quest for self-discovery ultimately becomes an adventure in true love. From flying carpets to other big surprises, this debut production will take audiences on a journey to far-off lands where wishes do come true. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2022)

Based on one of the most famous folktales from “The Book of One Thousand and One Nights,” the show features all the splendor and richness of the culture. Award-winning CBSA founder and artistic director Vanessa Bessler spent countless hours researching and immersing herself in all the details to provide the most authentic production for her audiences. The show will feature a combination of the classic Disney orchestral scores audiences loved from Aladdin, along with original live scores created specifically for CBSA by local French Lebanese composer Gabriel Nohra. Using traditional Arabic instruments including the Oud, Bendir, Darbuka, and Kanun, Nohra provides the musical backdrop for the talented array of young performers to showcase their skills. Award-winning choreographers Bessler and Nick Fearon, along with Feleacia Quezergue have created spectacular numbers that highlight the abilities of each dancer while integrating traditional numbers choreographed by Karen Barbee, who specializes in the cultural dances of the land of Aladdin. It is the perfect combination of culture and creativity, enhanced by the dazzling costumes brought in from London, Moscow, and the Far East. The final effect will cause the audience’s hearts to soar—no magic carpet required.

Featuring performers ranging from internationally acclaimed classical dancers to gifted special needs artists ages 3-19, the production showcases a variety of disciplines and talents. Award-winning dancers including hip-hop, jazz, tap, and contemporary will take the stage with a talented array of young performers including actors, musicians, gymnasts, and singers for this larger-than-life production. Leading this talented cast is founder and former Prima Ballerina and seven-time Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding Teacher Award winner Vanessa Bessler. Under her watchful eye, CBSA has become a gateway for young artists interested in pursuing a professional dance career. The 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 arts world.

Performance dates and times
Friday, May 6, 7p.m. to 9p.m.
Saturday, May 7, 2p.m. to 4p.m.
Saturday, May 7, 7p.m. to 9p.m.

The Majestic Theatre
224 E. Houston Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
Tickets are available on the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio website.

Admission proceeds directly benefit CBSA in fulfilling its mission to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds. Donations from the event will benefit dance scholarships for special needs and underserved youth, as well as the transportation and organization of several hundred Title 1 school students to attend each performance. Funds also go to the production costs of theatre, costumes, lights, and special effects that allow these dancers to perform in San Antonio’s top theatres in professional productions as part of their professional-level training.

The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is an authentic, professional-level ballet company that produces professionally staged productions showcasing San Antonio’s most talented children. Dancers are selected by invitation or audition. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is a nonprofit organization 501(c)3. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) seeks to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds.

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk’s Landrace Dinner Series is back

The four course dinner, set for Thursday April 21, will be paired with spirits from Blackland Distillery. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk Dinner Series is officially back. This month, the hotel’s signature restaurant Landrace has partnered with Texas based distillery, Blackland Distillery. Blackland is a grain to glass distillery in Fort Worth, Texas that uses North Texas grains from TexMalt, a Fort Worth craft malt house that partners with local Texas farms to grow, produce, and source high quality grains from Texas farmers and supplies breweries and distilleries all over the state of Texas. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2022)

Similarly, Landrace, from James Beard Award finalist Chef Steve McHugh, is Steve’s ode to Texas products, farmers and producers. “Landrace” refers to an heirloom strain of plant or breed of animal that has been nurtured and allowed to remain unchanged. Guiding Steve’s concept is his fascination with ingredients, his deep appreciation for Texas’ heritage farmers and growers, and his belief that something tastes better when it is prepared and served near where it was grown.

Change up your date nights or dinner gatherings and join Chef Steve Mc for a four-course dinner on Thursday, April 21 from 7p.m. to 10p.m. This dinner will be paired with spirits from Blackland along with menu items including Tuna Ceviche, White Asparagus Salad, Coal Fired Roulade of Organic Chicken, and Springtime Smores. You can find the full menu below. Tickets are $120 per person.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Niche celebrates 25th anniversary with multiple events

Events include a fashion show, trunk shows, an in-store birthday party, stitching lessons, and more. Photo: Niche, used with permission.

Beloved local clothing store, Niche, is celebrating 25 years in business this spring and summer with multiple events from April through August. The fashion brand was founded in 1997 by mother/daughter team Nilgün and Ayse Derman. Niche’s flagship boutique is located at Pearl. In honor of the brand’s 25th anniversary, the clothing company will host sewing classes, trunk shows, a birthday party featuring special sales, a fashion show, and more. (Niche, 2022)

The Niche 25th Anniversary Fashion Show, scheduled for May 19, will be the highlight and largest event of the series, featuring an in-store fashion show with special discounts, a selfie wall, wine, cocktails, and gift bags for guests. Space is limited so guests are encouraged to reserve a spot through the Eventbrite link HERE.

“We are so excited to celebrate 25 years in business! People tell us that when they wear Niche, they can count on always getting compliments on their outfits,” said Niche Co-owner Ayse Derman. “Not only do we want you to feel good because you look good, but we pay attention to the cuts and the textiles so it also feels good to wear.” 

A full list of Niche’s 25th anniversary events include:

  • April 13, 2022: Stitch at Niche Sewing Workshop – Niche Store from 5:30p.m. – 7:30p.m.
    • The topic for this class is the Sashiko method of mending. Participants will learn basic hand sewing stitches used to mend and reinforce garments. Materials will be provided. RSVP via the Eventbrite link HERE, space is limited.
  • April 28 – 29, 2022 – Fall Trunk Show – Niche Store from 11a.m. – 6p.m.
    • Browse and place advance orders for the Fall 2022 collection, delivered in July/August. Each Niche clothing item is locally designed and made with the majority of products used being sourced from environmentally responsible companies. This both helps reduce the shipping cost and remove unnecessary waste associated with fashion.
  • May 7, 2022 – Claudia Lobao Trunk Show – Niche Store from 11a.m. – 3p.m.
  • Meet the designer and shop the new collection from San Antonio based jewelry designer Claudia Lobao
  • May 14 – Pop-Up with La Coronita hats – Niche at Pearl store from 11a.m. – 3p.m.
    • Shop handmade and customizable hats from local company La Coronita. In store with owner Roma Villavicencio.
  • May 19, 2022 – 25th Anniversary Fashion Show – Niche Store from 6p.m. – 8p.m.
    • Niche will host an in store retrospective fashion show during an evening that includes special discounts, wine, cocktails, and gift bags for guests. Space is limited – to reserve your spot on the guest list visit HERE.
  • May 20 to 31, 2022 – 25th Anniversary Gallery – Niche Store from 11a.m. – 6p.m. Monday – Friday / 10a.m. to 6p.m. on Saturday / 11a.m. – 4p.m. on Sunday
    • Visit Niche for a gallery style retrospective of highlights from 25 years of Niche collections. Guests can also shop special reissues of some of the most beloved styles from seasons past. Garments will be on view during store hours, and open to the public.
  • June 9, 2022 – Swap + Shop – Niche Store Courtyard from 4p.m. – 7p.m.
    • Guests are invited to bring a new or gently worn Niche item from past collections and swap it with another Niche garment. Wine will be available for customers 21+.
  • June 15, 2022 – Stitch at Niche Sewing Workshop – Niche Store from 5:30p.m. – 7:30p.m. 
    • The topic for this class is the Sashiko method of mending. Participants will learn basic hand sewing stitches to be used to mend and reinforce garments. Materials will be provided. RSVP via the Eventbrite link HERE, as space is limited.
  • June 25, 2022 – Nilgün & Ayse’s Birthday Party – Niche Store from 10a.m. – 6p.m.
    • Celebrate the dynamic mother-daughter duo’s birthday and their 25 years in business. Guests will receive 25% off one clothing item and will be able to enjoy some sweets and bubbles.
  • August 18 – 19, 2022 – Sidewalk Sale – Pearl from 11a.m. – 6p.m.
    • Join Niche and additional Pearl retailers for a sidewalk sale. Niche will have some deep discounts for guests to take advantage of on these two dates. Subscribe to Pearl’s newsletter for more information closer to date plus additional event information here.

Niche is a modern apparel collection with rich textiles & textiles and distinctive architectural details. It is available in high-end boutiques across the country. Designer Nilgün Derman founded the brand in the mid-90s in a small cottage nestled in a “niche” of live oak trees in Castle Hills, Texas. What started as a small artwear group evolved into the ready-to-wear collection it is today. Nilgun, her daughter Ayse Derman, and their dedicated team continue to design and make the collection in Central Texas. The flagship boutique, Niche at Pearl is located at the Historic Pearl in San Antonio, Texas across the San Antonio River from company headquarters. The collection draws inspiration from this energetic district of culture and creativity in the Alamo City. Stitch at Niche, a curated fabric store & project space, is also located within the boutique where you can find unique DIY kits, gorgeous textiles by the yard, trims, interesting buttons and sewing thread.

First taste of Ladino: an exclusive meal by Chef Berty Richter

Richter to partner with Chef John Brand for Ladino preview dinner on April 19; proceeds to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank. Photo: Ladino, used with permission.

For one-night only, the highly anticipated restaurant from Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, Ladino will be hosting a sneak peek ticketed dinner in the Elephant Cellar at Hotel Emma on Tuesday, April 19 at 6:30p.m. Executive Chef of Ladino, Berty Richter is partnering with Chef John Brand to create a pre-fix menu featuring some of the dishes that will be at Ladino, which is slated to open in summer 2022. A portion of proceeds from the dinner will go to San Antonio Texas Food Bank. (Ladino, 2022)

Tickets are $225 and will include wine pairings. The menu is as follows (please note items are subject to change):

WELCOME DRINKS
Raki Cocktail

DIPS
(served with warm pita)
Zaalouk- fire roasted eggplant
Spiced green tahini
Muhamarra
Spicy whipped feta
Hummus
Schug, Amba

COLD MEZE
Fennel/Pomelo salad
Apio- Celery root in orange and olive oil

HOT MEZE
Saganaki- greek style fried cheese
Shishbarak- beef and chard dumplings, smokey tomato

MAIN
Lamb Shawarma- Roasted shoulder (think middle eastern “barbacoa”)
Fish Kebabs
Chicken-Halloumi Kebabs

Condiments
Onion Parsley sumac salad
Rocket
Beef fat “kaymak”

DESSERT
Knafe- with salted cream and smoke

Hotel Emma at Pearl
136 E Grayson St
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 448-8300

The team behind Emmer & Rye, the Austin-based, nationally renowned hospitality group, is excited to announce their latest concept and first concept for San Antonio, Ladino. Led by Executive Chef Berty Richter, Ladino will pay homage to Berty’s Sephardic roots with a menu centered around the charcoal grill which plays a lead role in the Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisines. Described as a Mediterranean Grill House, Ladino will be a celebration of all the cultures combined, starting from the decor, the ambiance and the music, to the beverages and food. Using a wood burning oven, Ladino will feature freshly made pita and other regional specialties accompanied by an abundance of Mezze, vegetables, spices, and herbs that are playful and bold. Ladino will be located in the Pearl at 200 E Grayson St #100, San Antonio, TX 78215 and is slated to open in summer 2022.

Celebrate National Poetry Month at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

The Briscoe Western Art Museum presents The Poetry of Art: National Poetry Month Celebration and Reading. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Celebrate National Poetry Month by enjoying an afternoon of poetry inspired by art as the Briscoe Western Art Museum hosts “The Poetry of Art:  National Poetry Month Celebration and Reading” in honor of San Antonio’s 2022 Ekphrastic Poetry Contest on Sunday, April 10, 2p.m. – 4p.m. The free reading and celebration is part of National Poetry Month San Antonio and will be held in the Briscoe’s McNutt Sculpture Garden, 210 W. Market Street, San Antonio. Admission to the reading is free. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2022)

Showcasing poetry inspired by select artworks at the Briscoe Western Art Museum, the McNay Art Museum, Ruby City, the San Antonio Museum of Art, and the Witte Museum, “The Poetry of Art” will feature local poet laureates reading their work and Jim LaVilla-Havelina, San Antonio’s National Poetry Month Coordinator, as well as adult and youth winners of San Antonio’s 2022 Ekphrastic Poetry Contest. Former San Antonio poet laureate Carmen Tafolla will read a poem inspired by a piece of art from the Briscoe, while other San Antonio poet laureates will be on hand to read their poems based on works from other local institutions. The pairings featured in this year’s ekphrastic poetry effort include Jenny Browne, the McNay Art Museum; Jim LaVilla-Havelin, San Antonio Museum of Art; Octavio Quintanilla, the Witte Museum and current San Antonio Poet Laureate, Andrea Vocab Sanderson, Ruby City.

An ekphrastic poem is based on a piece of art, taking an existing piece of visual art and using written words to describe and expand on the theme of that work of art. Many of these poems explore hidden meanings or an underlying story. Each local art institution selected one work from their collection to feature in the 2022 Ekphrastic Poetry Contest for adult and youth poets.

The featured works include:

  • The Briscoe Western Art Museum, With No Roof but a Resistol, Bruce Greene.
  • The McNay Art Museum, The Sole Sitter, Willie Cole.
  • Ruby City, Hub, 3rd Floor, Union Wharf, 23 Wenlock Road, London N1 7ST UK, Do Ho Suh.
  • San Antonio Museum of Art: Landscape of Four Seasons, Unkoku Togan.
  • The Witte Museum, Carretta Wheel from a Tejano Freighter.

From its McNutt Sculpture Garden to the museum’s beautifully restored historic home inside the former San Antonio Public Library building, the Briscoe’s collection spans 14 galleries, with special exhibitions, events and a fantastic Museum Store, providing art, culture, history and entertainment. Museum hours, parking and admission details are available online.

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.

Heart of Texas Concert Band presents the music of Robert Russell Bennett

The Heart of Texas Concert Band will be performing music composed or arranged by Robert Russell Bennett this Sunday April 10, 2022. Photo: Heart of Texas Concert Band, used with permission.

Robert Russell Bennett will always be close to the top of the most influential American musicians. His association with the greatest figures of the 20th century including Richard Rodgers, George Gershwin, Igor Stravinsky, and Sergei Rachmaninoff is well documented. The Heart of Texas Concert Band has scheduled a performance consisting entirely of music either composed or arranged by Robert Russell Bennett, including “Suite of Old American Dances,” “Four Preludes,” “Rose Variations,” and “The Sound of Music.” This concert will be held this Sunday, April 10, 2022 at 3p.m. at Johnson High School. (Heart of Texas Concert Band, 2022)

Admission is free, no tickets are needed. Venue is wheelchair accessible.

Johnson High School 
23203 Bulverde Rd 
San Antonio, TX 78259

Other concerts coming up:
May 8- Mother’s Day Concert
In the British Isles

July 4 – “The Sounds of Freedom”
With the San Antonio Chorale Society and the River City Ringers

Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel to see our newest posts there. To make your secure online PayPal donation, visit Heart of Texas Concert Band.

For a mail-in contribution:
HTxCB
4128 Warm Winds
San Antonio, TX 78253

Mission:

  • To provide challenging performance opportunities for adult musicians of all ages.
  • To provide opportunities for qualified young musicians to enrich their musical education by playing in an adult ensemble.
  • To stress the importance of music as an integral part of the community culture and to actively pursue better integration and heightened awareness of the arts.
  • To interact in a cooperative spirit with all cultural organizations in the community.
  • To cooperate with the local schools and community organizations in planning all activities.

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‘Carmen From Mexico’ returns to the Guadalupe Theater

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s Teatro Salon announces the return of ‘Carmen From Mexico’ this April 15 and 16. Photo: Anthony Garcia, used with permission.

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s Teatro Salon proudly announces the return of Anna De Luna’s original solo performance of ‘Carmen From Mexico.’ Scheduled for April 15 and 16, 2022 at the Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St., curtain is at 8 p.m. with general admission of $12. ‘Carmen From Mexico’ was presented as a world premiere at the historic Guadalupe Theater in 2021 to sold out audiences. Tickets are available here. Teatro Salon is a project of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center that showcases and helps develop new work by theater artists. (Teatro Salon, 2022)

‘Carmen From Mexico’ is an original solo multimedia play with live musical accompaniment that reflects the playwright’s own personal family history of her mother’s “illegal” immigration from Mexico to South Texas. Playwright Anna De Luna portrays her mother Carmen (in several stages of her youth) in this powerful true story of survival, struggle and yet sometimes comical experiences of adapting to South Texas racism and prejudices.

“We are so excited to bring back Anna De Luna’s wonderful and powerful one-woman show, and especially thrilled knowing that our production of Carmen From Mexico has been selected to tour the stage of Denver’s own Su Teatro Cultural & Performing Arts Center scheduled for April 22 and 23, 2022.” – Jorge Piña, Guadalupe Theater Manager.

“I am so honored to back at the Guadalupe Theater stage, having presented this production as a world premiere at this historic theater last year.” – Anna De Luna.

De Luna has performed in various leading roles at the Guadalupe Theater and Jump-Start Performance Company.  She also appeared at the Public Theater in ‘Anna In The Tropics,’ for which she received the San Antonio Globe Award for Best Actress.  She produced her original solo plays ‘Chicana Atheist,’ ‘The AIDS Lady,’ and ‘My Arab Fall’ with sustaining success.  In 2016 De Luna was selected Creative of the Month by the City of San Antonio Department for Culture and Creative Development.  ’Carmen from Mexico’ was first presented as a short 20-minute work-in-progress at the Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival in 2018 and at Jump-Start Performance Company in 2019.

Photo: Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, used with permission.

EVO Entertainment celebrates 25th anniversary of ‘Selena’ with special screening

EVO Entertainment is hosting a special screening of the movie ‘Selena’ on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Photo: EVO Entertainment Group, used with permission.

EVO Entertainment Group is celebrating the queen of Tejano music with a special 25th Anniversary screening of Selena on April 7, 2022 at 7p.m. at EVO’s Springtown, Schertz, Southlake, Kyle, and Belterra Village locations. In addition to seeing Jennifer Lopez breathe life into the Latin music legend, guests 21 years of age or older can look forward to a specially curated “Como la Flor” Margarita to enjoy during the film. The prickly pear margarita features sweet, fruity notes and a signature purple color inspired by the late singer. To commemorate the special night, Selena fans will each receive a complimentary gift and can enjoy themed, interactive activities around the screening. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit EVO Entertainment Group. (EVO Entertainment Group, 2022)

EVO Entertainment Group is an Austin based out-of-home entertainment operator made up from several innovative brands including EVO Entertainment, EVO Cinemas, and EVO Concerts. Since its launch in 2014, EVO has gained a reputation as a leader in innovation, as well as one of the fastest growing independent cinema circuits in the country.

Celebrate Fiesta at Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk will be hosting several Fiesta events. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

Fiesta is San Antonio’s annual festival and signature event that honors the memories of those lost at the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. Since 1819, Fiesta has celebrated the city’s rich and diverse culture. This year, join San Antonio from March 31 to April 10 in honoring the city’s vibrant history with music, parades, art, and exhibitions. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2022)

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is the best place to stay for the celebration, not only because of its prime location on the River Walk and the Fiesta Flambeau Parade route, but because of its numerous events right on property. Join the hotel on March 31 for the Night in Thompson San Antonio Kick Off Party + Fiesta Medal Reveal at their rooftop restaurant and bar, The Moon’s Daughters. From 4p.m. to 6p.m., the enchanting lounge will have live entertainment from local favorite Mariachi Nuevo Estillo, Fresca Fiesta cocktails (the Thompson take on the Watermelon Fresca), and even a Fiesta Medal giveaway to the first 50 attendees. All proceeds from the specialty cocktail will go to B.I.G. LOVE Cancer Care. On Saturday, April 2, guests and residents of the hotel can enjoy the Cenote Pool Fiesta, with festive cocktails, delicious pool snacks, luxurious cabanas, and unmatched city views.

On April 6, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk will be hosting a special tasting of different spirits at their signature restaurant, Landrace. The Taste of Landrace will take place from 4:30p.m. to 6:30p.m. and will be accompanied by live entertainment from Mariachi Nuevo Estillo.

Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

Don McLean releases new ‘Vincent’ music video in celebration of Van Gogh’s birthday

Don McLean releases new video in celebration of Van Gogh’s birthday and World Bipolar Day. Photo: Vivien Killilea-Getty Images for Lighthouse Immersive and Impact Museums, used with permission.

In collaboration with Immersive Van Gogh and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD), folk rock legend Don McLean will release a new music video of his song “Vincent,” also known as “Starry, Starry Night.” The video was recorded at Immersive Van Gogh Los Angeles and is being released in commemoration of Van Gogh’s birthday and World Bipolar Day on Wednesday, March 30.  Viewers are encouraged to make a donation to support the ISBD. Anyone making a donation of $40 or more will receive a two-for-one coupon code (valid through April 30) to visit Immersive Van Gogh in any of the 14 cities where it is currently being presented. After making the donation, the donor will receive an email from ISBD with instructions on how to redeem the offer. The exhibition will open in San Antonio starting May 26 through September 5 of this year and tickets are now on sale here. To make a donation to the ISBD, click here. (Immersive Van Gogh, 2022)

Van Gogh, born March 30, 1853, is widely thought to have struggled with bipolar disorder or other mental illness, and tragically took his own life in 1890. World Bipolar Day, recognized annually on March 30, is a world-wide awareness initiative that provides a platform for education and discussion. The video release also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the song’s rise to No. 2 on Billboard Charts in March of 1972.

“I am excited to release this video in collaboration with Immersive Van Gogh and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders. Van Gogh himself struggled with mental health, and by launching this video, we hope to support mental health awareness as a tribute to Van Gogh on his birthday. This is an especially meaningful way for me to commemorate the 50 th anniversary of a song that so many people have told me has a special personal resonance for them.” – Don Mclean

“Don McLean’s song is truly a classic. We are grateful for the opportunity to bring wider awareness and understanding about bipolar disorders thanks to this collaboration.” – Immersive Van Gogh producer Corey Ross

“Approximately 2% of the general population has bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, and it affects women and men equally of all ages. We are delighted to partner with Immersive Van Gogh through this initiative that celebrates both Van Gogh’s birthday and World Bipolar Day, to raise awareness of this illness and the important work of our organization and its members.” – President of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Professor Gin Malhi

Don McLean is a Grammy award honoree, a Songwriter Hall of Fame member, and a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. His smash hit “American Pie” resides in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and was named a top 5 song of the 20th Century by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA). A New York native, Don McLean is one of the most revered and respected songwriters in American history. After paying his dues in the New York club scene in the late ‘60s, he went on to score mega-hits like “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” “Castles in the Air” and many more. In 2021, Don received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrated the 50th anniversary of “American Pie,” and recorded a version of the song with a cappella group Home Free.

The mission of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) is to foster international collaboration in education, research, and clinical care to improve the lives of those with bipolar disorder and related conditions. The ISBD has members from over 50 countries, and over the past two decades has become the leading source for emerging research in the field of bipolar disorders. This year will mark the ninth celebration of World Bipolar Day.

Lighthouse Immersive brings together two of Toronto’s preeminent production companies, Starvox Entertainment and Show One Productions, to bring the world premiere of Immersive Van Gogh, Immersive Frida Kahlo and Immersive Klimt: Revolution to over a dozen North American cities. Working directly with the Italian masters of immersive digital art and other leading global creators, Lighthouse Immersive has custom-designed all exhibits to distinctly envelop the various architectural settings they inhabit. To date, Lighthouse Immersive has sold over 4.8 million tickets to Immersive Van Gogh across North America, with Artnet recently commenting on the wave of immersive galleries, calling it “one of the largest coordinated art phenomena of all time.”