Category: community events

‘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.”

‘Jekyll & Hyde’ at the Camille Playhouse

‘Jekyll & Hyde’ opens at the Camille Playhouse on Friday April 1, 2022. Photo: Camille Playhouse

Coming up at the Camille Playhouse is ‘Jekyll & Hyde,’ based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic thriller. Opening night is Friday April 1 and the show will run until Sunday April 10, 2022. Performance dates are Friday, and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are $25 for general admission and are available online or at the box office by calling (956) 542-8900. ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ was conceived for the stage by Steve Cuden and Frank Wildhorn with book & lyrics by Leslie Bricusee, music by Frank Wildhorn, orchestrations by Kim Scharnberg and arrangements by Jason Howland. The performance will run approximately 90 minutes without intermission. (Camille Playhouse, 2022)

‘Jekyll & Hyde’ is the gripping tale of a brilliant mind gone horrifically awry, set to a powerful pop-rock score by Frank Wildhorn with book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. In an attempt to cure his ailing father’s mental illness by separating “good” from “evil” in the human personality, talented physician Dr. Jekyll inadvertently creates an alternate personality of pure evil, dubbed Mr. Hyde, who wreaks murderous havoc on the city of London. As his fiancée Emma grows increasingly fearful for her betrothed, a prostitute, Lucy, finds herself dangerously involved with both the doctor and his alter ego. Struggling to control Hyde before he takes over for good, Jekyll must race to find a cure for the demon he has created in his own mind.

Camille Playhouse
1 Dean Porter Park
Brownsville, TX 78520

Photo: Camille Playhouse

Twin Liquors brings back dollar sale

The fine wine and spirits retailer is offering deals at highly discounted prices during The Dollar Sale from March 31 through April 2, 2022. Photo: Twin Liquors, used with permission.

Texas’ favorite sale, The Dollar Sale, is returning this spring at Twin Liquors. Featuring incredible savings on all wine and spirits across the store, Twin Liquors drops the price to the absolute lowest, then adds $1. Shoppers can look forward to amazing prices on collectible wines, rare whiskies and other popular spirits. (Twin Liquors, 2022)

Since the first Dollar Sale was activated 10 years ago in honor of their 75th anniversary, the sale has been a way for Twin Liquors to thank their customers and this year is no exception. Now celebrating their 85th anniversary, the Twin Liquors team is looking forward to bringing back the fan favorite sale after the pandemic forced a hiatus. The Dollar Sale will take place at all 100+ Twin Liquors locations, and will include for the first time their six Sigel’s locations in Dallas. To locate the store nearest you, visit Twin Liquors – Dallas locations. 

The Dollar Sale
Thursday, March 31 – Saturday, April 2, 2022
10a.m. – 9p.m

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. Their unique and well-respected reputation throughout the United States includes 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.

Music festival MerleFest announces lineup

MerleFest will take place from April 28 through May 1 in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Photo: google

MerleFest, presented by Window World, is proud to announce the next round of artist additions for MerleFest 2022, which will be held April 28-May 1, 2022. Trampled By Turtles, Colin Hay, and The Steel Wheels will join an already outstanding lineup which includes performances by Emmylou Harris, Greensky Bluegrass, Rissi Palmer, Old Crow Medicine Show, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Steep Canyon Rangers, Allison Russell, We Banjo 3, and more. MerleFest is the annual homecoming of musicians and music fans held on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (MerleFest, 2022)

Hogslop String Band will be hosting this year’s late night jam. Jam guest artists will be announced in the coming weeks. Additional fan favorites announced today include Barbaro, Big Daddy Love, The Contenders, Damn Tall Buildings, David Childers and The Serpents, Desure, Eli Yacinthe, Jake Blount, Kaia Kater, Nat Myers, Shannon McNally, Shay Martin Lovette, Sister Sadie, Tenille Townes, Time Sawyer, and Tray Wellington.

In addition to those mentioned above, the following artists and bands have previously been announced: Alison Brown, Andy May, Arlo McKinley, Banknotes, Caleb Caudle, Carol Rifkin, Charles Welch, Darrell Scott, Donna the Buffalo, Dr. Bacon, Happy Traum, Jack Lawrence, Jeff Little Trio, Jerry Douglas, Jim Lauderdale, Joe Smothers, Kruger Brothers, Laura Boosinger, Mark Bumgarner, Mitch Greenhill, Pete & Joan Wernick, Peter Rowan, Presley Barker, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Roy Book Binder, Sam Bush, Scythian, T. Michael Coleman, The Arcadian Wild, The InterACTive Theatre of Jef, The Local Boys, The Waybacks, Tony Williamson, Wayne Henderson, and 49 Winchester.

Tickets for this year’s festival are on sale now and available online or by calling 1-800-343-7857. Festival vendor and volunteer application windows are now open. 

MerleFest 2022 will host its second annual MerleFest Mega Raffle to support scholarships at Wilkes Community College. Tickets are on sale now. The Mega Raffle drawings will be held during the festival on Sunday, May 01, 2022, at the Raffle/Silent Auction Tent from 1p.m. – 2p.m. Over $170,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. Only 5,000 tickets will be sold, and ticket holders do not have to be present to win. Raffle tickets are $100 each and include two entries to the MerleFest Mega Raffle drawings. 

MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel, and blues, and expanded to include Americana, classic rock, and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 13 stages during the course of the multi-day event. MerleFest is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs.

Hotel Contessa announces Fiesta programming

Hotel Contessa announces River Parade tickets for sale, programming, food and drink specials, and more. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Hotel Contessa is excited to announce its programming during Fiesta (March 31 – April 10) including river parade tickets and dinner tickets, free live music, specialty cocktails, and more. (Hotel Contessa, 2022)

Texas Cavaliers River Parade Tickets – The hotel will be selling ticket packages for the Texas Cavaliers River Parade on April 4. Hotel Contessa is selling tickets for three different viewing areas at the hotel, including riverside seats, patio seating at Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails, and the hotel’s River Terrace. All have direct views of the River Walk and access to the parade. All tickets feature food and beverage options. To view and purchase the specific ticket packages see here.

Prefix Dinner during Texas Cavaliers River Parade – Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails will host a special prefix dinner during the Texas Cavaliers River Parade on Monday, April 4, beginning at 7p.m. Guests will be treated to a three course dinner along with a carafe of cucumber margarita. Tickets are $150 a person and include direct access and views of the Texas Cavaliers River Parade, dinner, carafe of margarita, gratuity, tax, and valet parking. Children have the option to choose from the kids menu. Guests have the option to purchase a table. Tables sit four and are $600.00. Tickets for the dinner are available here.

Live Music During Fiesta – Hotel Contessa will feature free live music in the hotel’s atrium on the River Walk level on Thursdays – Sundays throughout Fiesta. The public and hotel guests alike can enjoy dinner and drinks while taking in the sounds of Fiesta.

The live music schedule includes:

  • Thursday, March 31 – live mariachi music, stilt walkers, and folkloric dancers
  • Friday, April 1 – live mariachi music
  • Saturday, April 2 – Brandon Padier
  • Sunday, April 3 – Randy Cordero
  • Monday, April 4 – Michael Alanis 
  • Thursday, April 7 – live mariachi music, stilt walkers, and folkloric dancers
  • Friday, April 8 – live mariachi music
  • Saturday, April 9 – TBA
  • Sunday, April 10 – Weston Ripps

Specialty Fiesta-themed Cocktail Menu – Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails will feature five curated cocktails from March 31 through April 15 to honor San Antonio’s favorite party. Representatives from Deep Eddy Vodka and Austin Cocktails will also be onsite throughout Fiesta to offer tastings to the public and hotel guests.

Hotel Contessa Fiesta Medals – Hotel Contessa will be selling its Fiesta medals for $10 at Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails while inventory is available.

Immersive Van Gogh exhibition secures San Antonio venue

After securing a venue, the opening date for Immersive Van Gogh San Antonio has been rescheduled for May 26. Photo: Lighthouse Immersive, used with permission.

Lighthouse Immersive, the producers behind the blockbuster Immersive Van Gogh exhibition, announced a venue and new opening date for Immersive Van Gogh San Antonio. The new Lighthouse ArtSpace San Antonio will open at 221 Burleson in Dignowity Hill, a few blocks from the San Antonio Museum of Art, on Thursday, May 26 and will run through September 5, 2022. (Lighthouse Immersive, 2022)

“We sincerely apologize for the delay. A proper venue for these unique immersive experiences needs to satisfy a long list of criteria, and locating an optimal space in San Antonio has presented some challenges. With the help of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, however, we have finally found a venue that suits all of our needs and we are on-track to open May 26. We would like to extend our gratitude to our patrons for their patience and to the Tobin Center for getting us situated.” – Corey Ross, producer at Lighthouse Immersive

The new Lighthouse ArtSpace will transform the former industrial space into a welcoming gallery to showcase the breathtaking animated projections of Vincent van Gogh’s work, set to a sumptuous musical score featuring both contemporary and classical music. The venue offers high ceilings so that Van Gogh’s art will tower over viewers. Lighthouse ArtSpace San Antonio is easily accessible near the intersection of I-35 and I-281 and offers ample parking. Lighthouse Immersive’s Global Creative Director David Korins, best known for his work on the musicals Hamilton and Dear Even Hansen, will outfit the venue with interactive elements that will provide audiences with a richer understanding of Van Gogh.

Lighthouse Immersive has opened 16 Lighthouse ArtSpaces across North America, gallery spaces dedicated to immersive art presentations that merge the boundaries between entertainment and culture to give visitors the sense that they are immersed within the artwork, interacting with art as never before. The Lone Star State already has two Lighthouse ArtSpace venues in Dallas and Houston, where more than 200,000 visitors have already experienced Immersive Van Gogh, and some have had a chance to experience the new Immersive Frida Kahlo exhibition.

Ticketholders for dates prior to May 26 will be contacted by Lighthouse Immersive over email with a set of tickets for an alternative date. If the new date is not optimal, ticketholders can easily reschedule. If they are unable to attend, they will be instructed on how to receive a full refund.

Immersive Van Gogh is a visually spectacular digital art exhibition that has received widespread critical acclaim throughout North America. Immersive Van Gogh invites audiences to “step inside” the iconic works of post-Impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh, evoking his highly emotional and chaotic inner consciousness through art, light, music, movement and imagination. The Italian creative team have custom designed their vision to fit the unique architecture of each Immersive Van Gogh venue.

The touring exhibition has sold over 4.6 million tickets across North America, securing its place as one of the most sought-after attractions on the continent. Featuring state-of-the-art technology and immersive storytelling, Immersive Van Gogh has been called “a mesmerizing interactive experience” by Architectural Digest and “breathtaking” by NBC’s TODAY Show, with the New York Times calling it an “artistic spectacle.”

Ticket prices start at $39.99 ($24.99 for children 16 or younger), with timed and flexible ticket options available.

 

Tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar at the Majestic Theatre on sale Friday

The company of the North American Tour of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar.’ Photo: Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman, used with permission.

Following critically acclaimed, sold-out engagements in the UK, the reimagined 50th Anniversary tour of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ will come to the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, TX from July 5-10, 2022. Tickets to the 2017 Olivier awarding-winning production from Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre go on sale to the general public on Friday March 25, 2022 at 10a.m. through the Majestic Theatre, Broadway in San Antonio, or in person at the Majestic Theatre box office. (Broadway in San Antonio, 2022)

Aaron LaVigne leads the show as Jesus, joined by Jenna Rubaii as Mary. Omar Lopez-Cepero joins the cast as Judas. The tour also features Alvin Crawford as Caiphas, Tommy Sherlock as Pilate, and Tyce Green as Annas. Pepe Nufrio returns to the tour as the standby for Jesus and Judas.

The ensemble includes David Andre, Sara Andreas, Courtney Arango, Wesley J. Barnes, Milena J. Comeau, Lydia Ruth Dawson, Derek Ferguson, Brian Golub, Brittany Rose Hammond, Garfield Hammonds, Quiana Holmes, Darrell T. Joe, Sheila Jones, Jacob Lacopo, Paul Louis Lessard, Eric A. Lewis, Tommy McDowell, Danny McHugh, Jenny Mollet, Sarah Parker, Erick Patrick, SandyRedd, Cooper Stanton, and Chelsea Williams.

Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, acclaimed director Timothy Sheader and cutting-edge choreographer Drew McOnie helm the North American tour of this iconic musical. Rounding out the creative team is set and costume design by 2016 Tony Award nominee Tom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by Keith Caggiano and Nick Lidster, with music supervision by Tom Deering and North American music supervisor David Holcenberg.

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him,’ ‘Gethsemane,’ and ‘Superstar.”

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ is a proven musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. As demonstrated by NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, this epic work attracted over 9.6 million viewers, earned the highest ratings in its time period, and received the highest critical ranking of any live musical event on network TV. On September 17, 2021, a variety of special edition Jesus Christ Superstar albums, remastered at Abbey Road, were released. These special anniversary editions are a celebration of the original 1970 double concept album and it’s continued success spanning an incredible 50 years.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, selling out two consecutive engagements in 2016 and 2017. The production played a West End engagement at the Barbican in 2019 before returning to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in concert version during the summer of 2020.

The North American tour of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ is produced by Stephen Gabriel and Work Light Productions, and will have traveled to more than 50 cities during its three-year run. The original production was produced by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.