The exhibit, which was originally set to end on September 5, is now on display in San Antonio until September 25, 2022. Photo: TxTroublemaker Photography, used with permission.
Lighthouse Immersive is excited to announce that Immersive Van Gogh San Antonio is extending its stay in San Antonio until September 25, giving visitors an additional three weeks to see the works of Vincent Van Gogh projected in an immersive lightshow. The venue has been carefully outfitted by a creative team that designed the show to meet the venue’s specifications, creating floor-to-ceiling imagery reflecting the famous artist’s works. Lighthouse Immersive’s Global Creative Director David Korins (best known for his work on the musicals Hamilton and Dear Even Hansen) has also decorated the venue with interactive elements to provide audiences with a richer understanding of Van Gogh. (Lighthouse Immersive, 2022)
Tickets are now available for purchase for the extended dates starting at $39.99 ($24.99 for children 16 or younger), with timed and flexible ticket options available.
Sunday – Thursday: 10a.m. to 8p.m. Friday & Saturday: 10a.m. to 9p.m. Tickets to reserve a time slot can be purchased in advance online.
Immersive Van Gogh San Antonio 221 Burleson San Antonio, TX 78202
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. Starvox Entertainment is Canada’s fastest growing live entertainment company responsible for bringing hit shows like The Art of Banksy to Toronto and Show One Productions is a full-service production company presenting concerts with high-profile classical musicians, opera stars, and orchestras. 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.
In the last year, the Canadian company has announced or opened new galleries in 21 U.S. cities including Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York City and Orlando. 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.”
Carriqui will showcase South Texas foodways—from the Rio Grande Valley to the Texas coast and north to San Antonio. Image courtesy of Don B. McDonald Architect, used with permission.
Potluck Hospitality is excited to announce a new restaurant coming to a historic and landmark San Antonio space. Carriqui (pronounced KHER-ih-key) will open at Pearl in what was formerly the building that housed Boehler’s Liberty Saloon and Liberty Bar. The new 380-seat, 11,000 square foot restaurant will open to the public in September 2022. Carriqui is located at 239 E Grayson St., San Antonio, TX 78215. (Potluck Hospitality, 2022)
Carriqui is named after the green jay of South Texas, the only place in the US where you can find this colorful and gregarious bird. The flightpath of the carriqui is the inspiration for the menu, which will showcase South Texas foodways—from the Rio Grande Valley to the Texas coast and north to San Antonio. The menu will feature fresh seafood from the Gulf, Rio Grande-inspired botana platters, pit-cooked barbacoa and brisket, a masa program, and a robust cocktail and beverage program.
“We are thrilled to announce Carriqui, which has been in the making for years. As stewards of the storied structure, we are excited for the building’s next chapter. We have assembled a great team to showcase the foodways of South Texas and welcome all of San Antonio to gather, relax and celebrate here.” – Potluck Hospitality CEO Elizabeth Fauerso
A team of food and beverage industry veterans make up the leadership at Carriqui. Executive Chef Jaime Gonzalez, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena and former Executive Chef at Supper at Hotel Emma in San Antonio will lead the kitchen. Nash Zink will serve as Chef de Cuisine and Cassie McCloud will head up the bar program at Carriqui. Michael McClellan will serve as General Manager and Dominique Campa will serve as Assistant General Manager.
“It is an honor to work on this project. I am deeply passionate about the culinary program at Carriqui, which pays tribute to the flavors and foods that are central to our region. The food and experience will be warm and familiar–like you are spending time in the home of a close friend who also happens to be a great cook.” – Executive Chef Jaime Gonzalez.
Don B. McDonald Architects and Troy Jessee Construction, both of San Antonio, conceptualized and executed the interior design. Architect Don McDonald and Designer Kristen Weber led the charge on creating new spaces that would compliment the historic structure and pay homage to the building’s past lives. The restoration of the historic building (it was moved twice) lasted years and involved the expertise of dozens of artisans, building specialists, and tradespeople.
In the early days of Pearl, Boehler’s Liberty Saloon served as the watering hole and social center for the brewery’s workers. In 1933 when prohibition ended, Pearl Brewery’s first truck delivered to this special location. Then from 1985 until 2008, the building was home to San Antonio’s heralded Liberty Bar, which moved to the King William neighborhood in 2016.
Carriqui aims to honor its past and usher in the next chapter with the very best offerings of food and atmosphere with every intention of creating a space for joyful gathering. Carriqui was created by and for San Antonians, and the experience of being at Carriqui will resonate deeply for locals with its sense of history and home, and for visitors, it will offer a glimpse into what makes San Antonio special.
Carriqui will be open to the public seven days a week and will offer lunch and dinner service. The restaurant features three different main dining spaces: The Carriqui House, The Rock House, and Courtyard & Back Porch. Private dining options for large groups and parties will also be available. The official opening date for Carriqui will be announced soon.
The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center announces the 43rd annual CineFestival at the historic Guadalupe Theater. Photo: google
San Antonio’s original Latinx film festival returns on July 6 through July 10 at the historic Guadalupe Theater with a large Texas filmmaker presence. Featuring 85 films, including 22 films from San Antonio and 24 films in the Lone Star State, CineFestival San Antonio continues to support local and regional filmmakers while offering a well-rounded program to local audiences that also includes national and international films that highlight artistic excellence and diversity. (Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 2022)
“The amazing response that CineFestival San Antonio got this year to our call for entries, receiving a record number of submissions from filmmakers from across the State and the US, local and international, is a testament to the privileged position San Antonio has as a cultural hub, bridging the cultures of South Texas and the state’s borderlands with the rest of Texas and beyond. This response means focusing the film festival in local and regional works while reflecting artistic excellence in Latinx and indigenous filmmaking is the right path for a festival with such an amazing history to continue in a relevant trajectory that is meaningful to both audiences and participating artists.” – CineFestival Programmer Eugenio del Bosque.
The 43rd annual CineFestival San Antonio will feature 24 screenings showcasing 12 feature films and 73 short films. The festival will open on July 6 with the San Antonio premiere of PEPE SERNA, LIFE IS ART (Dir. Luis Reyes, 2022), a joyous look at the life and work of groundbreaking Mexican-American character actor Pepe Serna, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas whose hundred-plus charismatic scene-stealing roles paved the way for generations of Chicanx actors in Hollywood and beyond.
The closing night film will be the world premiere of ‘Cuerpo,” directed by San Antonio’s own Mark Zuñiga, an ambitious horror film set in 18th century San Antonio exploring the culture and clashes between the Spanish colonists and the indigenous people they are trying to convert; a recipient of the San Antonio Film Commission’s local filmmaker grant, “Cuerpo” is a passion project produced and shot in the San Antonio area with local cast, crew, and an original score.
Other feature films include:
World premiere of the comedy “An Awesome Action Movie,” directed by Luis Antonio Rodriguez and shot in McAllen, Texas, and starring veteran Mexican actor Hector Soberón;
Sundance acclaimed documentary “Mija” by Isabel Castro;
Mexico’s powerful documentary “Comala” by Gian Cassini, which has strong ties to San Antonio;
“A Run for More” by Ray Whitehouse, which follows Frankie Gonzales-Wolfe as the first trans woman to run for city council in her hometown of San Antonio, Texas;
SXSW laureate Iliana Sosa’s “What We Leave Behind,” a love letter to the El Paso native director’s grandfather and an intimate and insightful exploration of her own relationship with him and his homeland;
The social justice horror film “Madres” by Ryan Zaragoza, co-written by San Antonio native Marcella Ochoa who will be in attendance and will also offer a master class for registered filmmakers.
“Jockey” by Clint Bentley, featuring an award-winning performance by Mexican-American thespian Clifton Collin’s Jr., grandson of Aguilares, Texas native character actor Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez, most famous for his humorous sidekick roles in 1950s and 1960s John Wayne westerns.
“Earth Mother,” directed by Austin’s Brandon Polanco and starring San Antonio’s Annette Mia Flores.
“Capitol Barbie” by New Mexico native Riley Del Rey is a TV pilot, and a new programming line for CineFestival. A political show about a translatina on Capitol Hill, “Capitol Barbie” deals with delicate and socially pertinent themes, raising questions and opening conversations around racism, homophobia, and transphobia in the work place. The screenplay is written by trans and indigenous filmmakers Riley Del Rey and Violet Martinez.
The Mezquite Awards will be bestowed in two main categories: Audience Awards for the public’s favorite feature film and Jury Awards for Best Texas Short Film. A panel of industry professionals will be part of this year’s festival jury, who will choose the jury award-winning documentary and narrative films from a collection of 14 short films made in Texas, including works from Austin, Buda, Denton, El Paso, Houston, Laredo, and San Antonio.
The ever-popular San Antonio showcase will featuring eight short films made by local artists, including works made by Nathaniel Avila, Guillermina Zabala, Esmeralda Hernandez, Ái Vuong, Samuel Díaz Fernández, Lisa Salinas Sosa, Miguel Contreras IV, Raymond Ramos, and Violeta de León Dávila.
43 CineFestival San Antonio will offer ten free screenings, including Family Day with the Texas premiere of “Ainbo, Spirit of the Amazon” by Richard Claus and Jose Zelada, a US-Peruvian animated feature in the spirit of “Moana” and “Frozen;” and Senior Cinema, featuring an exclusive reprise screening of the documentary “Pepe Serna: Life is Art” dedicated to San Antonio’s elderly film lovers.
Free screenings will also include short film showcases including the Texas short film showcase featuring works from Austin, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Greenville, El Paso; a selection of international short films from Mexico, Brazil, Cuba, Peru, Spain, and Venezuela; a collection of short films showcasing Latinx and indigenous talent from around the US; and the always eye-opening Youth Day screenings, featuring films made by artists 18 years old or younger which includes works made in San Antonio, the Rio Grande Valley, Dallas, Arizona, Connecticut, Peru, and Spain.
All 43 CineFesitval San Antonio screenings will take place at the historic Guadalupe Theater, located at 1301 Guadalupe Street, San Antonio, TX 78207. Full festival schedule and tickets are available online. Individual tickets are $8 and festival passes are $40. The 43 CineFestival San Antonio is made possible thanks to the continuing support of the National Endowment for the Arts, the San Antonio Film Commission, the City of San Antonio Department of Arts and Culture, and the Ford Foundation.
Photo: Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, used with permission.
Blue Star Contemporary unveils three new summer exhibitions on July 1, 2022. Photo: google
Blue Star Contemporary (BSC), San Antonio’s first and longest- running contemporary art nonprofit, proudly unveils three new summer exhibitions opening to the public on First Friday July 1, 2022 at 6p.m.Andreas Till: De Ami, focuses on the influence of the presence of American troops in artist, Andreas Till’s, hometown Heidelberg, Germany. The Other Side, is a small selection of films by Faezeh Nikoozad, Aki Pao-Chen Chiu, Breech Asher Harani, and Fumiko Kikuchi . Fake Plastic Forest features photographic and lens-based work by France Dubois, Annette Isham, Işık Kaya, and Leigh Merrill. The exhibitions will be on view through October 9, 2022. (Blue Star Contemporary, 2022)
ANDREAS TILL: DE AMI focuses on the influence of the presence of American troops in artist, Andreas Till’s, hometown Heidelberg, Germany and the relationship between Germans and Americans between 1945 and 2013 born out of this presence. His research is based on found material from various archives such as the Rose Library in Atlanta and the Archive of the City of Heidelberg as well as various personal collections. The artist’s personal collection chronicles a lifelong friendship between former editor and publisher of the Atlanta Constitution, Ralph Emerson McGill and Till’s grandmother Else Volkwein.
Andreas Till (b. 1984) holds a M.A. in Photographic Studies from the Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Germany. In 2010, he received a Fulbright scholarship to the Fine Art Photography and Integrated Media program (M.F.A.) of Ohio University in Athens, OH. He currently lives in Hamburg, Germany where he works as a photo editor.
THE OTHER SIDE brings together a small selection of films referencing ideas of transitions and events that foundationally change someone, i.e., “to be on the other side of something.” Works also allude to ideas of mortality and the spiritual concept of metaphysical selves entering a new plane.
This group of films was selected from Darmstädter Sezession’s 2021 prize shortlist for its collaborative Projection/Projektion grants and screenings programs with BSC. This will be the first screening of these films in San Antonio.
Featured Films Asb by Faezeh Nikoozad Translating Erasure by Aki Pao-Chen Chiu BINTANA (Window) by Breech Asher Harani I know where you are right now by Fumiko Kikuchi
FAKE PLASTIC FOREST features the work of France Dubois, Annette Isham, Işık Kaya, and Leigh Merrill; contemporary photographers and lens-based artists dealing with themes of artifice, truth and fiction, and the theatricality of our interactions with nature. Collectively these themes relate to ideas of preservation, the transcendent practice of experiencing nature, and seeking representations of nature to process and release intense events and emotions such as fear and grief. Our various relationships with nature are revealing of personal and collective selves. The urgency to reflect on these relationships is ever-present as we globally contend with humanity’s impact on our environment and consider transnational identities. The selected artists can be considered in the context of numerous other female photographers throughout the history of the medium who have used their environments, both natural and human made, as the site/studio where the work is made, and a part of the subject. These artists used the context of vast landscape, forests, and trees as well as fabricated, nature-inspired spaces, as sites and pivotal subjects for addressing themes such as psychology and mysticism.
Blue Star Contemporary, 116 Blue Star, San Antonio, TX 78204
Blue Star Contemporary is an anchoring cultural institution in San Antonio and a destination for residents and tourists alike. Located along the banks of the San Antonio Riverwalk, BSC is a central highlight between the bustle of downtown and the UNESCO World Heritage San Antonio Missions. BSC has remained true to its artist-centric foundation alongside this fiscal and programmatic growth. BSC is San Antonio’s first WAGE-certified organization, committed to transparent and equitable payments to artists for their creative contributions to BSC’s exhibitions and education outreach programs. Through its commitment to artists with a social practice, tuition-free youth arts education programs, and community-centric fundraising, BSC is dedicated to equity and social justice in all its endeavors.
Whataburger awards 940 students across 14 states over $2M in scholarships. Photo: Whataburger
As part of Whataburger’s support for students in its communities, the brand has given 940 students across 14 states over $2M in scholarship funding for the 2022-2023 academic school year. (Whataburger, 2022)
The company’s two scholarship programs—the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship and the Whataburger Family Foundation Scholarship are part of the brand’s commitment to help students pursuing college, university and not-for-profit vocational education achieve their dreams.
Whataburger has given 940 scholarships worth over $2 million to students across its 14-state footprint through the company’s two scholarship programs—the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship and the Whataburger Family Foundation Scholarship.
$600,000 in scholarship funding was given to students, non-employees and employees, as a part of the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship and contribution from Dr Pepper.
An additional $1.5M in scholarships was awarded exclusively to Whataburger employees and their dependents as part of the Whataburger Family Foundation Scholarship.
Applications will reopen in December for the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship.
The magic of Whataburger started on August 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 890 locations across the country.
Bakery Lorraine’s Buttermilk pie. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.
To celebrate the Fourth of July next week, Bakery Lorraine has pies for pre-order for any Independence Day get-togethers. The bakery is offering an Apple pie, made with five different kinds of apples, and a Buttermilk pie topped with berries. The 9” pies are $28 each and serve eight. (Bakery Lorraine, 2022)
Orders can be made online for pickup at the following San Antonio locations: The Rim, Pearl and Medical Center. The pies are also available for pre-order at Bakery Lorraine’s Austin location at Domain NORTHSIDE. The last day for pre-orders is this Wednesday, June 29 at noon. Pick up for pre-ordered pies is Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3. Additionally, a limited number of pies will be available in-store at the Pearl location only on Monday, July 4 on a first come, first served basis.
Grupo Animo members Class of 2019: ‘Youth Nation Network.’ Photo: Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, used with permission.
The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center announces Grupo Animo 2022, a summer theater camp for students between the ages of 13 and 18 years old. This three-week theatrical camp is at no cost to students and will take place at the historic Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St, from July 5 to 22, 2022. Camp will take place Monday through Friday from 1p.m. to 5p.m. Its summer program will culminate with a student showcase created and performed by Grupo Animo company members on Saturday, July 23 at 7p.m. (Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 2022)
Grupo Animo is the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s resident youth theater company consisting of youth (ages 13-18) members from all backgrounds and areas of San Antonio and beyond. Under the mentorship of professional teaching artists and directors, Grupo Animo’s company members are guided through a three-week summer theater experience, allowing youth a platform to make their voices heard through thought-provoking, engaging, and culturally relevant, performance-based Teatro.
“It is critical, even more so now in light of recent events in Uvalde, that students are taught to use their natural talents to creatively express themselves, working cooperatively to share their thoughts and feelings about the world they live in. We strive to provide a safe space for our members to feel comfortable no matter what race, sex, economic background, or sexual orientation. Lastly, we understand that through Chicano, Latino, and Native American arts and culture, we can revolutionize how we imagine the world.” – Jorge Piña, Guadalupe Theater Manager.
Founded in 1993, Grupo Animo’s mission is to use teatro/theatre to instill an understanding of the value of culture, creativity, and community. Grupo Animo’s goal at the end of the program is to have taught students basic history and practice of teatro/theatre, acting, teamwork, poetry, creative writing, movement, and videography.
Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails is inside Hotel Contessa on the River Walk. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.
Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails is bringing a taste of Spain to San Antonio with its first ever Paella on the River Walk Patio event on Thursday, June 30 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. In addition to authentic paella and sangria, Ambler will host guests for a performance from world-renowned flamenco guitarist Randy Cordero. There will be three different types of paella available including game paella (quail, pork belly, rabbit, Spanish chorizo), seafood paella (shrimp, mussels, clams, scallops), and vegetarian paella (bell peppers, artichokes, asparagus, peas, okra, sweet potato, vegetarian stock). Live paella cooking presentations will start at 6:30p.m. Tickets are now available for purchase in two different options, VIP and General Admission, but both feature all-you-can-eat paella. (Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails, 2022)
VIP tickets are $100 per person and include: • All-you-can-eat paella • Complimentary valet parking • All you can (responsibly) drink Sangria during the event • Reserved table • Access to entertainment • Gift Bag • Ticket for Raffle for a 2 night stay and experience at Hotel Contessa • Designated VIP Badge
General Admission tickets are $50 per person and include: • All-you-can-eat paella • Complimentary valet parking • Welcome drink – sangria • Access to entertainment
Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails (Inside Hotel Contessa) 306 West Market Street San Antonio, TX 78205 River Walk level
The new Twin Liquors location will feature a tasting bar and education room. Photo: google
Yesterday Twin Liquors announced the grand opening of its newest location in Alamo Heights. The store will be located in the same shopping center it is currently in, but will be moving into the old Stein Mart location at 99 E Basse Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209. With a bigger space, the new liquor store will boast a tasting bar and education center along with a fine wine room, expanded product selection and more. (Twin Liquors, 2022)
GRAND OPENING – Thursday, 6/23
Business Hours: Monday – Saturday 10a.m. – 9p.m.
Twin Liquors Alamo Heights 99 E Basse Rd San Antonio, TX 78209 *former Stein Mart location
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 that has 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.
The new limited time $4 Fireball Margarita will be available July 1-4, 2022. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
On Friday, July 1, 2022, Taco Cabana invites guests 21 years of age or older to try the all-new refreshing Watermelon Margarita, available at all Texas locations for just $4. At select participating locations throughout Texas, guests can spice up their Independence Day Weekend with a limited-time Fireball Margarita from Friday, July 1, 2022 through Monday, July 4, 2022 for just $4 as well. Guests can also enjoy a wide variety of Taco Cabana’s $3 classic frozen margarita flavors statewide including Lime, Strawberry, Mango, Mangonada and Strawberry/Mango. (Taco Cabana, 2022)
Pair these tantalizing summer margaritas with Taco Cabana favorites like the Dozen Taco or Flauta Boxes or TC’s Kickin’ Grande Nachos – all are a perfect addition to any 4th of July gathering. Beer lovers can also cool off with a bottled beer including Miller Lite ($3.25), Bud Lite ($3.25), Shiner Bock ($3.75) or Dos Equis XX ($3.75) and a three-pack of the newly-launched Carne Asada Street Tacos for $5.29 or one of the 16 new combinations of Smothered Burritos.
Watermelon margaritas available beginning Friday, July 1, 2022. *Fireball Margarita and dozen flauta boxes available Friday, July 1, 2022 – Monday, July 4, 2022. All other TC food offerings are available now.
*Fireball Margarita available only at select Texas locations.
TC food offerings and To-Go Margaritas are available through curbside pick-up, drive-thru, in-restaurant, and via mobile order through the MyTC! App.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of June 21, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
SA Examiner 