JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in the Texas Hill Country has activities planned for the long Memorial Day weekend. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Memorial Day is right around the corner, and JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa is offering an exciting weekend full of festivities and outdoor-driven activities that everyone in the family can enjoy. From concerts in the private indoor/outdoor FBO hangar to special holiday dining options, Memorial Day Weekend with JL Bar will kick off summer on a high note. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)
Across the resort’s 13,000 sprawling acres in the heart of Texas Hill Country, guests will be able to take part in:
Music & Memories: On Saturday, May 29, Shenandoah will be performing a live concert at JL Bar’s Private FBO Hanger in honor of the men and women who gave their lives serving our Country. The concert is fully open to the public with general admission tickets available for $75 and VIP Tables available for $1200. Additionally, Hotel guests can upgrade to a table for just $480. Tables will be exclusively roped off near the front of the stage and can seat up to 8 people. The concert doors open at 6:30p.m. and Shenandoah takes the stage at 9p.m.
Firework Food: JL Bar’s Chef Sergio has curated a special menu for dinner on Saturday, May 29. For only 32.95/adults and $12.95/kids, guests can indulge in a few of his signature dishes – southern style catfish and shrimp, fried country potatoes, and more. The resort will also offer a brunch from 11a.m. to 2p.m. on Sunday, May 30, 2021.
Stay Awhile: The stunning Hill Country resort is offering an exclusive Memorial Day weekend rate starting at $499/night – book 3 nights and guests can receive their 4th night free. Holiday stays can be booked online or by calling 855-414-3337.. Resort guests will also receive free general admission tickets to the concert.
Hill Country Adventures: On top of all the holiday activities, the resort will be offering outdoor experiences including horseback riding and a horse psychology experience, off-road ATV adventures, a Putting/Chipping Green, weekend yoga, wine tasting, and clay and skeet shooting.
Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art, used with permission.
This year, the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) will once again participate in Blue Star Museums — a national collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and museums across the U.S. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, SAMA will offer active duty military personnel, including the National Guard and Reserves and their families, free general admission into the Museum. This summer, visitors to SAMA can explore new and current exhibitions on view, including Movie Metal (on view through June 20, 2021) and America’s Impressionism: Echoes of a Revolution (on view starting June 11, 2021) as well as SAMA’s collection of works. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2021)
The San Antonio Museum of Art serves as a forum to explore and connect with art that spans the world’s geographies, artistic periods, genres, and cultures. Its collection contains nearly 30,000 works representing 5,000 years of history. Housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of San Antonio’s River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art is committed to promoting the rich cultural heritage and life of the city. The Museum hosts hundreds of events and public programs each year, including concerts, performances, tours, lectures, symposia, and interactive experiences. As an active civic leader, the Museum is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the city and the region, and to supporting its creative community.
Peeler Farms presents ‘Music Fare’ featuring Robert Ellis and Gordy Quist. Photo: google
On Saturday, June 5, Peeler Farms will present “Music Fare,” an outdoor, limited capacity live performance by singer-songwriter Robert Ellis and Band of Heathens’ Gordy Quist at Peeler Farms in Floresville, TX. Tickets are now on sale online for $100 each, which includes the live performance and a meal prepared by Peeler Farms. This performance marks the first of a three-performance series of live shows that will be presented by and at Peeler Farms this summer. (Peeler Farms, 2021)
The performance will take place at Peeler Farms, located at 3007 FM539, Floresville, TX 78114 on Saturday, June 5. Gates will open at 6p.m. and performances will begin around 7p.m. A catered meal by Peeler Farms is included in the cost of the ticket and will feature Peeler Farms Wagyu Brisket Flautas, Peeler Farms Wagyu Steak Tacos with homemade corn tortillas, chimichurri with queso fresco, Mexican potato salad, and Orobianco Water Buffalo Gelato for dessert. Alcohol will not be available for purchase onsite, but guests 21 years of age or older are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages and coolers, if desired.
The 26th annual Texas Book Festival in October will consist of virtual events and in-person activities. Photo: Texas Book Festival, used with permission.
Texas Book Festival is excited to announce that the 26th annual Texas Book Festival will take place October 25 through October 31 as a hybrid event. Starting Monday, October 25, virtual sessions will lead up to the Festival Weekend on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol and along Congress Avenue in downtown Austin. The Festival will include a diverse lineup of established, emerging, and debut literary talent of all ages. (Texas Book Festival, 2021)
The 2020 all Virtual Festival featured more than 175 authors, illustrators, poets, journalists, artists, and thought leaders including Matthew McConaughey, Dean Koontz, and Erin Brockovich. The annual First Edition Literary Gala was held virtually and raised more than $600,000 to fund all the nonprofit organization’s literary and literacy programs.
In 2021, book enthusiasts can look forward to the return of everything they love about the Texas Book Festival, including a terrific author lineup, timely and thoughtful panel topics, food trucks, a Saturday evening Lit Crawl, and more.
The 2021 Texas Teen Book Festival will also take place during the hybrid Festival, featuring conversations with acclaimed Young Adult authors. The annual First Edition Literary Gala will take place Friday, October 29 as an in-person celebration featuring some of literature’s brightest stars and storytellers, with indoor and outdoor seating options. Guests can attend sessions in the outdoor tents and are welcome to visit the in-person and virtual Exhibitor Marketplace, which features book publishers big and small, university presses, booksellers, independent authors, and a wide variety of items for the literary shopper.
With a vision to inspire Texans of all ages, the Texas Book Festival connects authors and readers through experiences that celebrate the culture of literacy, ideas, and imagination. Founded in 1995 by former First Lady Laura Bush, Mary Margaret Farabee, and a group of volunteers, the nonprofit Texas Book Festival promotes the joys of reading and writing through its annual Festival Weekend, the Texas Teen Book Festival, the Reading Rock Stars Title I elementary school program, the Real Reads Title I middle and high school program, grants to Texas libraries, and year-round literary programming. This year’s hybrid Texas Book Festival will take place from October 25 through October 31, with virtual events October 25 – 28 and the Festival Weekend taking place on the grounds of the Texas Capitol October 30 – 31, featuring renowned authors, panels, book signings, and children’s activities. Thanks to generous donors, sponsors, and volunteers, the Festival remains free and open to the public.
“Festival-goers have shared with us how eager they are to see us return downtown, safety permitting. And now, encouraged by growing vaccination numbers and only after many conversations with authors, publishers, attendees, partners, other event organizations, and the City of Austin, we’re eager as well. We’ll never abandon what we learned about virtual, though—readers told us they enjoyed that too. Stepping into the hybrid space provides everyone the opportunity to participate in a big, vibrant, diverse Festival program, virtually or in-person.” – Literary Director Matthew Patin.
There is an open call for restaurants who wish to participate in the upcoming Culinaria Restaurant Weeks in August. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.
The biggest celebration of dining is back this August 14-28 with San Antonio Restaurant Weeks. The organization behind Culinaria, a bi-annual event, is issuing a call for restaurants to participate. “It’s a challenge for us to connect with every individual restaurant in San Antonio, so, we want to make sure that the opportunity is open to all,” says Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, President and CEO of Culinaria. (Culinaria, 2021)
For participation, restaurants agree to offer patrons a three or four course fixed price menu that is $20 for lunch and/or dinner for $35 or $45. Restaurants must offer both dine-in and take-out and can sign-up online to participate. Culinaria benefits from a donation back from each of the menus purchased and uses funds to support its mission of promoting San Antonio as a culinary destination while also supporting the hospitality industry and community.
“The fun of Restaurant Weeks is that it gives our audience a chance to visit old favorites or discover a new find that they have been wanting to try and just haven’t make it yet. In turn, it’s giving restaurants a boost in dining in what is typically a slower time for them during the end of the summer season.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge
Culinaria is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting San Antonio as a premier wine and food destination while fostering community growth and enrichment. Culinaria is a registered 501 c (3) tax-exempt organization. A volunteer board of directors who represent the community and guide the organization in its mission to champion the wine and food industries governs Culinaria.
The Alex Meixner Band will perform on May 27, 28 and 29. Photo: Krause’s Café & Biergarten, used with permission.
Due to popular demand, Krause’s Café & Biergarten is excited to add an additional night of music by nationally acclaimed musician and polka music favorite, The Alex Meixner Band, on Saturday, May 29 (the May 27 and 28 shows are almost sold out). Doors open at 5p.m. with The Lederhosen Junkies as the opening act and Alex Meixner will take thehttp://www.krausecafe.comstage at 7p.m. Locals are encouraged to come and enjoy the squeezebox sounds of The Alex Meixner Band while enjoying classic German favorites with a New Braunfels twist, such as Krause’s Bavarian Pretzel and Texas Schnitzel. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online or through Eventbrite. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2021)
Alex Meixner is a nationally acclaimed musician, performer, and a leading advocate of polka music. Alex has cross-pollinated his versatile playing styles through pop music, funk, jazz, and polka. He is an active ambassador for polka music, revitalizing interest coast to coast, resulting in sold-out shows, renewed cultural interest, and growing mainstream acceptance.
Krause’s Café & Biergarten 186 S. Castell Ave. New Braunfels, TX 7813
Krause’s Café & Biergarten, a New Braunfels historic restaurant, opened in 1938 and honors the previous traditions of the restaurant with the addition of a ‘biergarten,’ live music, and more. The menu reflects New Braunfels’ German heritage as well as South Texas flavors. Over 70 beers are available on tap with local, regional, and international options. The restaurant also features cocktails and wines on tap. Krause’s Café is located at 186 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, next to the popular New Braunfels Farmers Market.
JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in Sonora, Tx. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.
To offer its guests an immersive look at the life on a West Texas ranch, the luxury JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in Sonora, TX has introduced a one-of-a-kind Horse Psychology Experience for guests and locals. Before you can find true harmony and develop rapport with a horse, it is best to try and understand the nature of a horse—and this experience does just that. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)
Led by the working ranch and resort’s equine experts Jon Joseph and Sydney Béïque, guests can learn about horse psychology, the basics of horse behavior, and how to be comfortable around horses; for example, guests will learn that a round pen makes it easier to train horses as well as techniques for optimal upkeep and engagement. This provides a deeper appreciation for the majestic animals as well as a fun, engaging way to immerse yourself in Texas Hill Country ranch culture.
In addition to JL Bar’s classic horseback riding excursions across the property’s sprawling 13,000 acres and Cowboy Cookout adventures alongside their 32 luxurious accommodations and top-notch spa, the Horse Psychology Experience is a once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience that belongs on any traveler’s bucket list. Guests and locals can partake in this special one-hour course for as low as $50 and gain a deeper understanding and comfort level when interacting with horses.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the program and answers by JL Bar’s equine expert Jon Joseph:
Horse Psychology + Equine Program:
What inspired the JL Bar team to introduce the Horse Psychology experience to guests?
Jon/Sydney wanted to change guests minds and teach them “why horses do what they do.” For example, understanding the history of horses, the body language of a horse, herd mentality of horse and why some are leaders and some are followers, etc.
What are a few examples of how guests can interact with a horse by going off their body language and emotions to train them? What are a few things guests learn during the horse psychology experience (i.e. round pen, how to approach, etc.)? Can you explain why round pen is better for training?
When guests arrive, Jon likes the horses to be the calm and allow guests to approach them. To get here, he has the horses go in the round pen and run laps to get in exercise, etc. Once that’s done he gives them a signal to follow him and stand next to him while interacting with guests. During this time, the horses know it’s their break to be calm, be loved on, and no need to be scared of the guests. If they leave his side and start acting crazy, they know they will have to do the round pen again.
Round pen is best to use because if the pen has corners the horse will typically end up staying in the corner with their backside facing you. They will not run around or express interest with humans.
How many horses are on property? Can you share any of their personalities, guest favorites, recent additions, etc.? What kinds of horses are on property?
There are 8 horses that guests can ride (all ex-show horses), 2 horses in training that are not in front of guests yet, and 2 babies (1 born on the Ranch in last March).
Chexamillion is a fan favorite among guests, he is in retirement mode from a successful show career and is very calm and good with all guest types.
Outside of the horse psychology experience and horseback riding excursions, are there any other ways that guests can interact with the horses during their stay?
Guests can partake in a “Horse Meet & Greet.” JL Bar has noticed it is typically younger or older guests that come and participate. Guests can come love on the horses and take pictures with them. JL Bar is currently building a new barn and once it is ready guests will be able to help take care of the horses by brushing them, help feeding them, etc.
Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.
Performances of ‘Our Town’ will be at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.
The Classic Theatre of San Antonio’s production of ‘Our Town’ opens at the San Antonio Botanical Garden this Thursday, May 13, 2021. It will run until Sunday May 30 with performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30p.m. The San Antonio Botanical Garden is the perfect place to physically distance, get some fresh air, and connect with nature, all while enjoying some Theatre in the Rough. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2021)
Thornton Wilder’s ‘Our Town’ tells the story of the fictional American small town of Grover’s Corners between 1901 and 1913 through the everyday lives of its citizens. How do the characters find meaning and contentment with their choices as their dreams, relationships, and futures unfold? It is directed by Mark Stringham and cast includes John Boyd, Brian Eanes, Christi Eanes, Sam Egger, Alyx Irene Gonzales, Vincent Hardy, Jonathan McDonald, Michael McCaslin, Adam Ochoa, Magda Porter, Keli Rosa Cabunoc Romero, Ian Rossmeier, Mark Stringham, Cheryl Tanner, Chad Thompson, and Bella Villarreal.
Tickets are available online and range from $24.00 to $39.00. Guests are asked to bring their own chairs and/or blankets to each performance and there will be masks and chairs available for purchase, if need be. There is no intermission for this production. COVID-19 Safety Policies and visitor information can be found online.
Ticket Policies • Ticket sales are final. There are no refunds. Plays, dates, and artists are subject to change without notice. • The Classic Theatre of San Antonio reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone. • No refunds will be issued to latecomers. • Cell phones and/or recording devices are not permitted to be used in the theatre during a performance. Use of such devices may result in ejection without refund. • Please do not text during the performance – it is distracting to actors and audience members alike. • The Classic Theatre of San Antonio reserves the right to make schedule and production changes. When possible, we will call all ticket holders regarding the cancellation of a specific performance. • Children under the age of four will not be admitted to performances at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. • There is no dress code. Many patrons dress in business casual for regular performances.
La Panaderia now offering boozy coffee and caffeine free options at La Cantera Heights location. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.
San Antonio favorite La Panaderia recently opened a third location in La Cantera Heights, bringing their signature pan dulce to Northwest San Antonio with a new, fun, caffeinated addition – boozy coffee. Their boozy coffee options are now available as part of the new location’s extended bar program, and is available exclusively at La Cantera Heights. Guests can delight in signature sips such as the Carajillo (Espresso + Licor 43), the Frida Kahlo (Espresso + Kahlua), and the Paolo Rossi (Espresso + Grand Marnier) in addition to classic brunch cocktails and mimosa kits. The new coffee cocktails are the perfect addition to the brunch menu and can be paired with classic dishes such as the Ranchero Eggs Benedictine, French Toast or the unique new “Elvis” Croissant, filled with peanut butter whipped cream, bananas, and bacon. (La Panadería, 2021)
For those looking for a caffeine-free beverage, the new bar program also includes “Besos” (La Panaderia’s house blend margarita, frozen margarita and Frosé) and select wines from Texas, California and France.
Since opening La Panadería in San Antonio in 2014, the Cáceres brothers’ mission has been to share Mexico’s “Bread Cultura,” bringing the art of their beloved pan dulce items to the Texas market that have since become a culinary staple for residents and visitors to San Antonio alike. La Panadería has seen great success in San Antonio and has shown resilience throughout the uncertain times the global coronavirus pandemic has brought on. The bakery, which specializes in handmade bread, pan dulce and pastries inspired by Mexico’s Golden Era, or Epoca de Oro, draws influence from French, Italian and American bread making techniques. La Panadería’s unique approach to breadmaking includes a minimum 48-hour fermentation process that results in artisan bread and pastries unlike any other. All three of La Panadería’s locations offer indoor and al fresco dining as well as online ordering.
Special exhibition, trivia night, and a summer film series brings Hollywood to the River Walk, Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
This summer, the Briscoe Western Art Museum will showcase the Hollywood Western in a new light during Still in the Saddle: A New History of the Hollywood Western, premiering at the Briscoe May 28 – September 6, 2021. Step back in time and see the classic films in the context of then-current events, including the turbulent 1960s. Pairing historical context with film insights and facts to highlight the films and the genre in a new perspective, Still in the Saddle showcases the cinematic art and storytelling of the Western. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2021)
From an actual red carpet, velvet ropes and the unmistakable smell of popcorn to film clips rolling throughout the exhibition, the Briscoe will transform into a 1960s movie theater featuring almost 60 vintage original movie posters, as well as movie costumes and dozens of authentic lobby cards. Display screens throughout the exhibition will feature film clips illustrating representative moments of the genre, and costumes worn by John Wayne in the movies “Chisum,” “The Cowboys,” and “The Undefeated” will be on display.
The cinema focus is an opportunity for the Briscoe to spotlight the culture of the American West through the art of movies. “In the 1940s and 50s, the Western was the most popular movie genre in America. Even through the social unrest, political turmoil, economic uncertainty, and generational change we witnessed from 1969 to 1980, Hollywood Westerns continued to capture audience attention,” explains Michael Duchemin, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum. “As the world outside of the theater doors changed, many thought the Western would ride off into the sunset. Yet the Western remained as rich and complex as at any time in its history. Looking at these films in the social context of the period provides a renewed appreciation of the stories these films share.”
Still in the Saddle was organized by the Briscoe with guest curator Dr. Andrew Patrick Nelson, a historian of American cinema and culture, film programmer, museum curator, and media commentator. Nelson is Chair of the Department of Film and Media Arts and Associate Professor of Film Studies at the University of Utah, as well as the author and editor of numerous books and essays on Western cinema, including “Still in the Saddle: The Hollywood Western, 1969-1980,” and “Contemporary Westerns: Film and Television since 1990.”
Also this summer, the Briscoe’s popular Summer Film Series returns, kicking off with “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” on Sunday, May 30. The Summer Film Series features an iconic film on the third Sunday of each summer month, with 1970’s “Little Big Man” on June 20, “True Grit” on July 18, and “The Long Riders” on August 22. “The Shootist” will close out the summer on Sept. 5. Guest curator Andrew Patrick Nelson will introduce each movie and explain how it relates to Still in the Saddle. Each film is free for members and $ 10 for future members or enjoy both general admission to the Briscoe and the film for $12. Briscoe Summer Cinema passes include three films for $25 or enjoy all five films for $50 and receive an individual museum membership, granting you unlimited access to the Briscoe’s exhibitions and programming throughout the year. Tickets are available online.
Red Carpet Fun Still in the Saddle events and programming include an opening preview party, a curator’s talk and meet and greet, and the kick-off of the Briscoe’s popular Summer Film Series. Note: All events will follow COVID safety protocols. Event details and scheduling are subject to change.
• Exclusive Preview Party: Still in the Saddle: A New History of the Hollywood Western Exhibition Thursday, May 27, 6p.m. to 8p.m.
Join guest curator Andrew Patrick Nelson, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Film and Media Arts and Associate Professor of Film Studies at the University of Utah, and Briscoe CEO and President Michael Duchemin, Ph.D., to go behind the velvet ropes for a first look at Still in the Saddle. The event includes complimentary valet, beer, wine, specialty cocktails, and light bites. Free for Briscoe members and $25 for future members, tickets are available by calling 210.507.4864.
• Meet & Greet and Curator’s Talk with Andrew Patrick Nelson Saturday, May 29, 2 p.m.
Join the Briscoe’s guest curator Dr. Andrew Patrick Nelson, Chair of the Department of Film and Media Arts and Associate Professor of Film Studies at the University of Utah, for an in-depth look at this summer’s blockbuster exhibition, Still in the Saddle. Nelson will analyze the films that comprise the exhibition and discuss how the 1960s made the Western richer and more diverse. Included with museum admission.
• Briscoe Summer Film Series: “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” Sunday, May 30, 1p.m.
Start your summer with a Western classic, paired with an old-fashioned malt from Cheesy Jane’s food truck, sweet treats from Candy Counter, and free beer from Ranger Creek Brewing as the museum morphs into a draft house cinema to give everyone the full movie theater experience. Guest curator Dr. Andrew Patrick Nelson, Chair of the Department of Film and Media Arts and Associate Professor of Film Studies at the University of Utah, will introduce the 1969 classic, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and highlight how it fits into Still in the Saddle. Free for members and $10 for future members or enjoy both general admission to the Briscoe and the film for $12.
• Wild West Trivia at the Briscoe Friday, June 11, 7p.m. to 9p.m.
Enjoy a fun night of Western trivia and test your smarts at the Briscoe’s first Wild West Trivia Night. Bring your friends to create a team or join a table of soon-to-be-friends and test your smarts. Teams will revel in friendly competition while enjoying food and signature cocktails. Participants must be 21 to attend. The event is $10 for individual or $50 a team for a team of six people.
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