Brownsville Guitar Festival presented by Brownsville Society for the Performing Arts

On Sunday February 28, the Brownsville Society for the Performing Arts presented The Brownsville Guitar Festival Concert with Connie Sheu, Xavier Jara, and Matt Palmer live-streamed on Facebook. This was an excellent opportunity for the community to hear a variety of guitar performances by some of the best guitarists around.

This hour and a half concert consisted of three outstanding guitarists who each brought their best a-game and performed almost a half-hour each of inspiring music. Connie Sheu began her set with a few words about what music means to her and it would have been nice to hear some personal words from the other guitarists. They performed classical guitar selections from Vicente Asencio, Dilermando Reis, Sergei Rudnev, and other composers.

For a live-streamed concert, the quality of the sound and visuals was exceptional and the transition between performers went smoothly. Hopefully, the community appreciates the efforts of the BSPA to bring this level of performances to the masses. Congratulations to everyone involved and may there be more in the future, whether in person or live-streamed.

Performer profiles:
Connie Sheu studied U.S. History and Music at Columbia University and earned a Master of Music from the Juilliard School. She completed her Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Southern California. She is a dynamic guitarist, devoted teacher, and ardent advocate of classical guitar.

Xavier Jara earned his master’s degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in May 2020. He is the 1st prize winner of the 2016 Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition. A native of Minnesota, he was a student of Alan Johnston at the MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis until 2011 when he moved to Paris, France to study with Judicaël Perroy.

Matt Palmer holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The University of Arizona and has appeared as a soloist throughout the United States, Europe, Mexico, Canada, South America, and the Caribbean. A recent recipient of the “Up and Coming Guitarist of the Year” award by Guitar International Magazine, Matt has been described by critics as “a young artist about to make a real dent in the world of classical guitar.” (Premier Guitar Magazine)

The Brownsville Society for the Performing Arts (BSPA), located in Brownsville, Texas, was founded in 1994, and its mission is to enhance quality-of-life in the community through cultural entertainment, striving to produce quality programming to a largely underserved community. Of special interest to the BSPA are performing arts that are mostly inaccessible to a large portion of the community. To the best of its ability, the BSPA generates performance opportunities, organizes competitions, endows scholarships, provides financial assistance, holds master classes and clinics, and supports similar activities with a clear educational value. BSPA helps those that pursue a career in music and dance education or other work in the performing arts field.

George Winston at the Tobin Center

Acclaimed pianist/composer George Winston released his 15^th solo piano album, Restless Wind, on May 3, 2019 and is currently on tour. Restless Wind beautifully documents Winston’s sociological observations in American history with renditions of stunningly relevant works by musical greats such as Sam Cooke, The Doors, Stephen Stills, George & Ira Gershwin, Country Joe McDonald and others. He will be performing at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts this month and due to popular demand, a second performance has been added. Performances are set for Saturday February 15 at 8p.m. and Sunday February 16 at 7p.m. at the Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater. General Admission tickets are $39.50 and VIP General Admission tickets are $85 and are available online. In support of the San Antonio Food Bank, 100% of merchandise sales at the concerts will go to benefit their great work. (JP Cutler Media, 2020)

George Winston is undeniably a household name. He has inspired fans and musicians alike with his singular solo acoustic piano songs for more than 40 years while selling 15 million albums. A tireless road warrior playing nearly 100 concerts annually, live performance for Winston is akin to breathing. Winston’s music is evocative, offering a chance to take a step back from perpetually busy lives and let the mind adventurously wander. Restless Wind is a portrayal of Winston’s place in a chaotic world, his compositions extend solace with an idiosyncratic grace. Reflective of Winston’s catalogue of famed albums, Restless Wind is the next chapter for the pianist’s ambitious recordings. It captures Winston’s inimitable melodic language where piano textures and tones set the stage for vivid renderings of classic compositions. Winston’s latest song collection exhibits his masterful artistry of adapting ensemble arrangements to solo piano with magnificent results.

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
100 Auditorium Circle
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 223-8624

Guitarist Eric Johnson at the Aztec Theatre

Eric Johnson, the Austin, Texas based prolific guitarist, vocalist, composer and multi-instrumentalist, will release a new studio offering titled EJ Vol II, on February 28, 2020. To celebrate this 11^th studio album, Johnson has a 55-date tour planned, spanning nearly 3-months. The tour will hit every major city across the U.S. and will also enter into Canada, for one show in Toronto as well. Locally, he will be performing at the Aztec Theatre on Thursday January 30. (Mad Ink PR, 2020)

With EJ Vol II, he presents new repertoire that combines electric and acoustic arrangements and once again represents a collection of originals with a couple of select covers. Among the new songs, there is deep meaning and messaging with each track, sometimes figurative while at times literal. On “Waterwheel,” he captures personal feelings about the gift of the flow of the spirit and synchronicity of all things under the universe in creation, utilizing the water wheel or an old paddle wheel that turns in water as the metaphorical symbolism. The song “Golden Way,” approaches finding the true higher path in life, while the poignant “For the Stars,” captures his introspection surrounding the loss of his mother as he looks up towards the sky at night wondering where she is now. Along with the 11 original songs there are two covers on the album; The Beatles “Hide Your Love Away” and Eric’s arrangement of Bert Jansch’s take on the traditional “Black Waterside.”

The new 2020 tour titled “Classics: Present and Past” will feature EJ Vol. II alongside selections from his prolific career. The EJ touring band will feature Roscoe Beck on bass (Leonard Cohen, Robben Ford, Dixie Chicks), Tom Brechtlein on drums (Kenny Loggins, Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, Robben Ford), and on keyboards + second guitar, Dave Scher (a rising star from the Austin music scene).

Among Johnson’s many accolades are a Grammy award for “Cliffs of Dover,” a lifetime induction into the Guitar Player Gallery of Greats and his listing among the “100 Greatest Guitarists of the 20th Century” by Musician. In his hometown of Austin, a city full of guitarists, the readers of the Austin Chronicle have voted Eric Johnson the city’s “Best Electric Guitarist” and “Best Acoustic Guitarist” in their yearly poll year after year. They also named him “Electric Guitarist of the Decade” and one of the top five “Musicians of the Decade.”

“Classics – Present and Past” Tour. Complete tour available online.
January 14          Miner Auditorium                      San Francisco, CA
January 15          Crest Theatre                               Sacramento, CA
January 16          Sunset Cultural Center              Carmel, CA
January 17          The Grove of Anaheim              Anaheim, CA
January 18          The Regent Theater                    Los Angeles, CA
January 19          Majestic Ventura Theater         Ventura, CA
January 21          House of Blues                            San Diego, CA
January 22          Rialto Theatre                             Tucson, AZ
January 23          The Crescent Ballroom              Phoenix, AZ
January 24          KiMo Theatre                              Albuquerque, NM
January 25          Paramount Theatre                    Denver, CO
January 26          The Lincoln Center                     Fort Collins, CO
January 29          House of Blues                             Dallas, TX
January 30          The Aztec Theater                      San Antonio, TX
January 31          House of Blues                             Houston, TX
February 1          Paramount Theatre                    Austin, TX
February 18       Cain’s Ballroom                            Tulsa, OK

Fredericksburg Peach Market and Free Country Concert Series

eatingpeaches — The Fredericksburg Peach Market will take place at The Shops at La Cantera on Saturday July 13 along with the first concert in the Country Music series. Courtesy photo: used with permission.

The Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau brings a taste of the Texas Hill Country to The Shops at La Cantera on Saturday July 13 from 10a.m. to 6p.m. Peach growers from the Hill Country Fruit Council will sell prized fresh peaches, while other specialty producers and wineries from Fredericksburg will offer wine, jellies, jams, salsas, soaps, lotions and more for sale in the mall’s common areas from Center Court to Forever 21. Later that day, Thomas Michael Riley will open The Shops at La Cantera’s free Country Music series in conjunction with Luckenbach Texas at 7p.m. on Main Street. Weldon Henson, Tessy Lou & The Shotgun Stars and Two Tons of Steel round out the line-up for the summer. (The Shops at La Cantera, 2019)

Shoppers are encouraged to bring the family, including canine companions, on leash or in carrier, and enjoy The Shops at La Cantera’s open container policy which allows visitors to sip and shop. Luciano’s Pizzeria and Tiny Cantina sell and serve beer and wine and issue wristband to wear while consuming the beverage on property.

Summer Concert Series on Main Street, 7p.m.

Saturday, July 13 – Thomas Michael Riley – Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Texas Music Awards

Wednesday, July 17 – Weldon Henson – Prepare to dance to what people think is arguably the best Texas Made Honky Tonk

Wednesday, July 24 – Tessy Lou & The Shotgun Stars – A mix of mountain, country, Americana, originals and bluegrass. Paramount featured one of their songs in Downsizing, starring Matt Damon and Kristen WiigWiig.

Wednesday, July 31 – Two Tons of Steel – “Band of the Year” on 12 separate occasions; “Album of the Year;” “Best Country Band” S.A. Current ten times; ‘Best Male Vocal’ honors four times. Before Americana or Texas Country, Two Tons of Steel rocked a sound that blends the best of musical worlds and pushed the envelope with a signature brand of country meets punk.

The Shops at La Cantera
Peach Market in the Common areas from Center Court to Forever 21, Music on Main Street
15900 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 582-6255

April events at Pearl

diadelnino,jpg — For the first time, A Día del Nino celebration is coming to the Pearl this April. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

April at Pearl is setting up to be a busy one with various activities planned for the whole family. Programming for the month includes Poetry at Pearl, a Mi Golondrina retail pop-up, the First Thursday Night Market, Bidi Bidi Party, a Battle of Flowers After Party and Día del Niño. Also, Gustav’s Geysers have reopened at Pearl Park, making it the perfect destination for spring time fun. (Pearl, 2019)

Poetry Month at Pearl in April – Various activations throughout Pearl Campus all month
In honor of National Poetry Month, Pearl will celebrate the art of the written word with various poetry-themed activations throughout the property. Pearl has commissioned local poets to create works in collaboration with select stores. Celebration of Things: Window Poems features the work of three San Antonio Poet Laureates and three Texas Poet Laureates; poems are installed on the storefronts of The Tiny Finch, Niche, Local Coffee, Bakery Lorraine, LeeLee, Vintage Bouquet Bar and The Twig. Typewriter Rodeo will also be at the First Thursday Night Market on Thursday, April 4, where Poem Wranglers will create free, custom poetry for visitors on their vintage typewriters. The Twig will have a book signing with Kari Anne Holt and Sean Petrie of the Typewriter Rodeo where they will sign copies their recent publication “Typewriter Rodeo: Real People, Real Stories, Custom Poems.” All events are free and open to the public.

Mi Golondrina Pop Up – March 5 – June 1 from 11a.m. to 5p.m.
Mi Golondrina, a collection of handcrafted high-end artisan clothing and accessories made in Mexico, returns to Pearl. Guests can shop the collection at the Pearl pop-up store, located next to Niche and The Sporting District.

First Thursday Night Market – Thursday April 4 from 4p.m. to 8p.m.
First Thursday Night Market returns to Pearl for the month of April. Visitors can shop with their favorite local Farmers Market vendors and artisans while enjoying music by regional performers. Mojo-Ramba will perform at Pearl Park from 5:30p.m. to 7:30p.m. and. St. Duke’s in Pearl Parkito from 4p.m. to 8p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Bidi Bidi Party – Tuesday April 16 from 6p.m. to 9p.m.
Pearl will host a Bidi Bidi Party on Tuesday, April 16 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. at Pearl Park. DJ Manolo Black will spin the best of cumbia and Latin music to honor the Queen of Tejano. The event is free and open to the public with food and drinks for sale at the Bottling Department.

Battle of Flowers After Party at Pearl – Friday April 26 from 12:30p.m. to 5p.m.
Pearl will host its annual Battle of Flowers After Party at Pearl Park. Guests can enjoy specials from the Bottling Department while dancing along to Sound Cream and DJ Catwalk. The event is free and open to the public with food and drinks for sale at the Bottling Department and Southerleigh Oyster Bar.

Día del Niño – Tuesday April 30 from 4p.m. to 6p.m.
Since 1925, Día del Niño is an annual celebration in Mexico honoring children and this year, Pearl brings the celebration to Pearl Parkito. Pearl will honor this tradition by partnering with the Instituto Cultural de México (ICM) to bring an evening of bilingual storytelling, traditional Mexican games, face painting, and more. Día del Niño is free and open to the public with food and drinks available for purchase throughout Pearl property.

Pearl
303 Pearl Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 212-7260

Amanda Miguel and Diego Verdaguer at the Aztec Theatre

Internationally renowned husband and wife duo Amanda Miguel and Diego Verdaguer successfully launched their ‘Siempre Juntos U.S. Tour 2018’ recently at The Wiltern in Los Angeles. The tour features their daughter, Latin ®Grammy nominated artist Ana Victoria only on select dates. They will be making a stop in San Antonio on Friday November 2 at 8p.m. when they perform at the Aztec Theatre with Ana Victoria. Tickets start at $49.50 and are available online. Other Texas dates include November 3 at the Houston House of Blues and November 4 at the Dallas House of Blues, both will include Ana Victoria as well. (Vesper Public Relations, 2018)

The highly anticipated concert with the acclaimed Argentinean-Mexican musical couple attracted an inter-generational crowd who passionately sang along for nearly two hours to songs that made them cry and laugh, emotions that re-appear each time the couple performs on stages throughout the world. Their daughter Ana Victoria accompanied them on stage and proved that she is also a talented singer with her own style. After the Los Angeles show, Amanda and Diego traveled to Sacramento and San Francisco, where they drew strong crowds of diehard fans who came to listen and sing along to the music that makes them remember and relive their passions.

Amanda Miguel has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide during her 35 plus year career. With 12 studio albums and multiple awards from around the globe, she is considered one of the most representative Latin American artists since the early 1980s for songs such as “Él Me Mintió,” “Mi Buen Corazón,” “Hagamos un Trato,” “Donde Brilla el Sol,” “Castillos,” “Como un Títere,” “Cosquillas en el Pecho,” “Dudas,” “Las Pequeñas Cosas” and “El Gato y Yo”. She currently has more than 650 million views on YouTube.

Diego Verdaguer is a multi-platinum selling artist and has been nominated for three Latin Grammys®. A composer of more than 50 classic songs, Diego has sold more than 20 million records and has been accredited with 20 Gold records. On YouTube, Diego has more than 260,000 followers and has more than 730 million views. He has also produced more than 20 records, 9 of which are Amanda Miguel’s. He is best known for his singles “Volveré,” “El Pasadiscos,” “La Ladrona,” “Pideme”, “Quien de los dos será” and “Voy a conquistarte”– the latter in the Regional Mexican genre.

Siempre Juntos U.S. Tour 2018 is full of musical surprises and features a dynamic repertoire of classic songs, thanks to the tremendous talent of Amanda Miguel and Diego Verdaguer whose performances always receive standing ovations from their many enthusiastic fans.

Aztec Theatre
104 N St. Mary’s St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 812-4355

Music and Cocktails weekend at La Cantera Resort & Spa

nightowls — The Nightowls will be performing on Saturday September 15 as part of the Music and Cocktails weekend at La Cantera Resort & Spa. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

La Cantera Resort & Spa, a part of the Destination Hotels collection, in partnership with the San Antonio Cocktail Conference present a Music and Cocktails weekend from Friday September 14 through Sunday September 16. Friday and Saturday events will benefit children’s non-profits through Houston Street Charities. The weekend event includes tastings, seminars and free music. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2018)

Schedule of events:
Friday, September 14 – 8p.m. to 10p.m.
Free jazz concert by saxophonist Roger Tamez on Plaza San Saba. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited to 1,000 people.

Saturday, September 15, Cocktail Seminars – 11a.m. to 4p.m.
$50 per person
o Texas Cocktails, presented by Nico Martini, author of Texas Cocktails and Chris Caldwell, resort Beverage Manager.
o Coffee Tequila Martinis Deconstructed, presented by Juan Pablo DeLoera, Avion Tequila.
o Japanese Whiskey & Mizuwari (Highball) History, presented by Rashidi Barrett, Beam Suntary.

Saturday evening – 8p.m. to 10p.m.
Free concert by The Nightowls on Plaza San Saba. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited to 1,000 people.

Sunday, September 16 – 10:30a.m. to 3p.m.
Gospel Brunch at Signature Restaurant, $50 per person
Live music by Wesley Bray and the Disciples of Joy. A pre-fix Southern style menu inspired by Chef Andrew Weissman, Bourbon Punch, Champagne and hand-crafted cocktails.

Tickets for the seminars can be purchased a la carte and guests can opt for a one or two-night stay at La Cantera Resort & Spa, the ideal retreat for sophisticated fun, poised at the pinnacle of 550-acres. It offers a pristine oasis with stunning views of the Texas Hill Country, an ideal backdrop for a weekend to celebrate music and mixology.

Cocktail Seminars tickets are $50 per person and are available online. Gospel Brunch is $50 per person, for reservations call (210) 247-0176.

La Cantera Resort & Spa
16641 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, TX
(210) 558-6500

Mexican rock band Zoé to perform at Aztec Theatre

zoephoto — Zoe is bringing their current tour to the Aztec Theatre on April 26. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Zoé is a Latin Grammy Award winning Mexican rock band and on Thursday April 26 they are performing at the Aztec Theatre in San Antonio. This event is appropriate for all ages and doors open at 7p.m. with the show starting at 8p.m. Tickets start at $45 and are available online. Their current tour is in support of Aztlan, their sixth studio album, which contains the new single “Clarividad” and will be released this Friday April 20. Other Texas dates include El Paso on 4/25, McAllen on 4/27, Dallas on 4/29 and Houston on 4/30. (Zoé, 2018)

Founded in Mexico City in 1994, Zoé has achieved success in Mexico and most Spanish-speaking countries with albums such as Rocanlover, Memo Rex Commander y el Corazón Atómico de la Vía Láctea and Reptilectric. With more than 1.5 million records sold, band members Jesus Baez (Keyboards), Sergio Acosta (Lead Guitar), Leon Larregui (Vocals), Rodrigo Guardiola (Drums) and Angel Mosqueda (Bass) make up one of Mexico’s premiere Latin Alternative groups and are now embarking on a world tour to celebrate their musical history which has been a soundtrack to the lives of their fans.

They have performed at some of the most important festivals and stages around the world including Mexico City, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States at Coachella. Last year they premiered their film “Zoe: Panoramas” along with its soundtrack. The film ‘Panoramas’ premiered earlier this year in movie theatres in 20 U.S. cities and was screened at film festivals in Mexico, Colombia and the United States.

Aztec Theatre
104 N St. Mary’s St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

Spring Jazz at La Cantera in April

springjazz17 — TheSpring Jazz at The Falls is back at La Cantera. Photo: The Shops at La Cantera, used with permission.

Spring Jazz at The Falls is back at The Shops at La Cantera this April. This is a series of free outdoor concerts at The Falls whose goal is to showcase and foster an appreciation for all forms of jazz through free, quality live musical performances. These concerts will be on Wednesdays from 7:30p.m. to 9:30p.m. on April 5, April 12 and April 19. They are free and open to the public but no outside coolers or pets allowed. Guests may bring their own blankets and chairs. Chair placement begins one hour prior to show time. This year’s performers include San Antonio’s own Wednesday Ball and Roger Tamez as The Show, Latin Grammy nominated composer and guitarist Sergio Lara and acoustic jazz guitarist Peter White. Schedule is subject to change. (The Shops at La Cantera, 2017)

Wednesday April 5 – Wednesday Ball and Roger Tamez as The Show. This duo is the ultimate dance, soul and R&B band and features vocalist Wednesday Ball, a local MacArthur High School graduate, and the talented Roger Tamez, another San Antonian and multi-instrumentalist. Their influences include Jill Scott, Mary J Blige, Stevie Wonder and others.

Wednesday April 12 – Musical artist and composer Sergio Lara. He is a renowned guitarist and composer who was nominated for a 2001 Latin Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album. He has contributed to more than a dozen CD compilations with musicians like Dave Brubeck, Pat Matheny and Ottmar Liebert.

Wednesday April 19 – Acoustic guitarist Peter White. As a versatile and prolific multi-instrumentalist, the British native’s career has consisted of folk rock and keyboardist for and co-writer with Al Stewart. He released his first solo album in 1990.

The Shops at La Cantera
15900 La Cantera Pkwy
On Main Street near Bar Louie
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 582-6255

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