Trinity University is hosting the first PechaKucha of 2026. Photo: Ben Yanto, used with permission.
PechaKucha San Antonio Vol. 48: Celebrating 50 Years of KRTU
PechaKucha San Antonio, the global arts and culture series, is back! Kicking off the 2026 season is Volume 48, a special event honoring the 50th Anniversary of KRTU 91.7 FM. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2026)
Join us for a night of rapid-fire storytelling, local flavors, and community celebration at the historic Laurie Auditorium.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Location: Laurie Auditorium, Trinity University (One Trinity Pl, San Antonio, TX 78212)
6:30 p.m. – Welcome Reception (Live music & bites)
7:30 p.m. – Presentations Begin
Tickets: $10 per person. Available at the door or online (online orders subject to fees).
A Golden Anniversary for KRTU
For five decades, Trinity University has been the heartbeat of San Antonio’s jazz and indie scene. Since flipping the switch as a modest 50-watt station in 1976, KRTU has grown into a cultural powerhouse. It remains a vital hands-on learning lab and holds one of the largest in-studio jazz collections in the nation. This Volume is our tribute to the “grooves” that have defined our city for 50 years.
The Volume 48 Presenters
Our lineup features seven diverse local voices, each sharing their passion in the signature 20×20 format:
Emcee: Bria Woods (Multimedia storyteller and Content Director at KRTU).
Live Music: JJ Lopez will be spinning soul, jazz, and disco-twist vinyl during the reception.
Food & Drink
Come hungry! The evening features complimentary bites from some of San Antonio’s favorites:
CheeseMé Charcuterie Boards
OK Kitchens
Roundabout
Olla Express Coffee
Tio Pelon’s Salsita
Cocktails and other beverages will be available for purchase.
What is PechaKucha?
Pronounced “PEH-chuh KOO-chuh,” this Japanese-inspired format (meaning “chit chat”) challenges speakers to be concise and engaging. Each presenter shows 20 images, and each slide advances automatically every 20 seconds. That’s exactly 6 minutes and 40 seconds to tell a story.
Since its San Antonio debut in 2011, PechaKucha has become a quarterly staple, bringing together architects, artists, and community leaders to share the ideas that move them.
The Furious will be released in theaters in May. Photo: Lionsgate, used with permission.
Why We Can’t Get Enough of the Rush: The Magic of Action Cinema
There’s a reason audiences flock to the theater for a high-octane thriller. Between the adrenaline, the clear stakes, and the visceral storytelling, action movies offer a perfect escape. We love watching high-risk worlds where courage and determination are tested in the most explosive ways possible.
The Hong Kong Influence
When it comes to elevating the genre, Hong Kong action movies are in a league of their own. They bring a signature blend of:
Stylized Choreography: Fight scenes that feel like a fluid, precise dance.
Intense Physicality: Sequences often performed by the actors themselves.
Emotional Depth: Themes of honor, loyalty, and sacrifice that make every punch and kick feel meaningful.
This fusion of artistry and intensity creates a cinematic experience that is as memorable as it is thrilling.
🎬 New Movie Spotlight: The Furious
If you’re looking for that perfect blend of artistry and intensity, mark your calendars. Directed by the legendary Kenji Tanigaki, The Furious is an English-language Hong Kong action powerhouse that recently took the Toronto International Film Festival by storm. (Cinematic Red PR, 2026)
The Plot
After the daughter of Wang Wei (Xie Miao) is kidnapped by a criminal network, he finds himself trapped in a web of corruption. With the police refusing to help, Wei goes on a solo rampage to get her back.
He finds an unlikely ally in Navin (Joe Taslim), a relentless journalist searching for his own missing wife. Together, the duo takes on a ruthless criminal underworld in an explosive martial arts showdown fueled by pure vengeance.
Essential Details
Category
Information
Release Date
May 29, 2026
Genre
Action
Rating
R (Strong bloody violence and language)
Runtime
113 Minutes
Director
Kenji Tanigaki
Starring
Xie Miao, Joe Taslim, Yang Enyou, Brian Le, Joey Iwanaga
Producers: Bill Kong, Shan Tam, Frank Hui
Writers: Mak Tin Shu, Lei Zhilong, Shum Kwan Sin, Frank Hui
Night of Artists celebrates 25 Years of defining the future of western art. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
A Quarter-Century of the West: The 25th Anniversary of ‘Night of Artists’
For 25 years, San Antonio has served as the heartbeat of the Western art world. It began as a single evening event in 2001 and has blossomed into the Briscoe Western Art Museum’sNight of Artists Exhibition and Art Sale, one of the premier Western art events on the planet. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2026)
While the exclusive opening weekend is a legendary sold-out celebration, the beauty of this collection belongs to everyone. From March 29 through May 10, the public is invited to experience (and even purchase!) works from this landmark 25th-anniversary show.
Why This Year is Special
The 2026 exhibition is a powerhouse of contemporary talent, featuring over 300 new works. It reinforces San Antonio’s reputation as a top-tier destination for the genre, showcasing:
Renowned Icons: Legends like Thomas Blackshear II, Greg Beecham, G. Russell Case, and Sean Michael Chavez.
New Voices: Exciting artists who are currently redefining what “Western Art” means today.
Diverse Media: A stunning array of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media.
The Briscoe Purchase Award: Every year, the museum selects one piece to acquire for its permanent collection, ensuring the best of today’s Western art is preserved for future generations.
Go Behind the Canvas: Artist Events
Want to see how the magic happens? The Briscoe is hosting two exclusive opportunities to learn directly from the masters:
The Experience: Join West Texas native Mary Ross Buchholz for an intimate look at her graphite and charcoal process. All materials and lunch are included! Space is limited—register early.
🖌️ Artist Demonstration with Teal Blake
When: Thursday, May 7 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Cost: Included with museum admission
The Experience: Watch Teal Blake lead a live watercolor demonstration. It’s a casual setting where you can ask questions about his authentic portrayals of cowboy life and his creative journey.
Plan Your Visit: Dates & Special Offers
The six-week public exhibition is the only time this specific collection will be available for viewing in one place.
Public Exhibition & Sale: March 29 – May 10
Locals Day (May 3): Free admission for San Antonio and Bexar County residents.
Mother’s Day (May 10): Free admission for all moms—the perfect final day to catch the show.
Visiting the Briscoe
Located on the south end of the River Walk, the Briscoe is an “oasis of Western beauty.” Beyond the Night of Artists gallery, you can explore the McNutt Sculpture Garden and 14 galleries of history and art.
Hours: Thursday – Monday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays)
Admission: Always FREE for children 12 & under and active-duty military.
Briscoe Western Art Museum 210 W. Market St San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 299-4499
Don’t miss the largest community band festival in Texas. Photo: Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association.
San Antonio Community Bands Unite for Texas’ Largest Musical Festival
Music is more than sound. It’s how a community hears itself.
Get ready for a day filled with harmony, heritage, and horns! The Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association (GSACBA)is proud to announce the 5th Annual Community Band Music Festival. (Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association, 2026)
Whether you’re a lifelong musician or just a lover of live performance, this event promises to be the premier musical gathering of the season.
📅 Event Details
When: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: The Biergarten at Beethoven Maennerchor
Address: 422 Pereida St, San Antonio, TX 78207
Admission: Open to the public!
A Massive Scale of Talent
This isn’t just a local recital; it’s a massive collaborative effort. The GSACBA brings together 11 community bands from across the San Antonio area, featuring more than 500 musicians throughout the day.
Highlights include:
The Oldest German Band Outside of Germany: Experience a direct link to San Antonio’s rich cultural history.
The Heart of Texas Concert Band: Enjoy the sounds of this award-winning ensemble.
A Unique Venue: Relax in the historic King William District outdoors in the iconic Beethoven Maennerchor Biergarten.
Why the Music Matters
Beyond the notes on the page, these community bands serve a vital purpose in our city. They build strong bonds, connect generations, and preserve the traditions that make San Antonio unique.
“This festival highlights the effectiveness of our community bands in a way that brings people together and gives them a place to belong.”
By attending, you aren’t just listening to music, you’re supporting an ecosystem that strengthens the minds of performers and listeners alike while bringing joy to thousands.
Don’t miss out on the largest community band festival in Texas. Grab a seat in the Biergarten and help us celebrate the soundtrack of our community.
Photo: Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association
Singer-songwriter Ivonne Galaz. Photo: Vesper Public Relations, used with permission.
Ivonne Galaz Redefines the Corrido: The Visual Journey of “Nadie Sabe”
Los Angeles, CA — Singer-songwriter Ivonne Galaz, the first woman to break into the corridos tumbados movement, has unveiled the official music video for her most emotional and socially charged single to date: “Nadie Sabe.”(Vesper Public Relations, 2026)
The visual transforms the song, an anthem for those silenced or rejected for living their truth, into a cinematic narrative of resilience, loneliness, and rebirth.
What are Corridos Tumbados?
For those new to the genre, corridos tumbados (or “trap corridos”) are a modern subgenre of Mexican music. They blend traditional acoustic storytelling with:
Hip-hop and Trap elements
Urbano-influenced lyrics
Themes of street life, romance, and luxury
While the genre has been popularized by artists like Natanael Cano and Peso Pluma, Galaz is reclaiming the medium to highlight deep-seated social issues.
A Desert of Isolation and Rebirth
Filmed in the sweeping desert of Phoenix, Arizona, the video uses stark, open terrain as a metaphor for the emotional reconstruction many LGBTQ+ youth face after abandonment.
The Journey: Galaz walks alone with her guitar, symbolizing the internal search for identity and safety.
The Symbolism: Solitary doors scattered across the sand close one by one, representing the “no” and the exclusion experienced by marginalized youth.
The Message: As one door closes, another opens, signaling a path toward freedom and self-discovery.
The Skyline: In the distance, the Phoenix skyline represents a society that watches from afar, often failing to support those who dare to be themselves.
“The corrido has always told the stories of the people. Now it’s time to tell ours — the stories of those who only want to live and love freely.” — Ivonne Galaz
Music as a Mission: “Corridos Rescue Corridos”
“Nadie Sabe” is more than just a song; it is a pillar of Corridos Rescue Corridos, a cultural movement reclaiming the genre as a tool for empathy and social transformation.
In partnership with The TransLatin@ Coalition (TLC) and The OC LGBTQ+ Center, this initiative aims to raise awareness and funds for LGBTQ+ and 2TGI youth in vulnerable situations. Through this project, Galaz connects the traditional purpose of the corrido, telling the stories of the people, to the lived realities of those who have been displaced or erased.
About Ivonne Galaz
Ivonne Galaz is a trailblazing artist reshaping regional Mexican music. As the first woman to perform corridos tumbados, she has become a cultural force known for her authenticity and raw lyricism. With “Nadie Sabe,” she transforms her art into a mission, using music as a tool for visibility and change.
Photo: Vesper Public Relations, used with permission.
Family-friendly Easter in SATX includes egg hunts, brunch buffets, and sweet surprises. Photo: Corinne San Antonio.
Hop Into Spring: The Best Easter Brunch & Treats in San Antonio (2026)
With Easter Sunday arriving on April 5, San Antonio’s vibrant culinary scene is blooming with festive specials. Whether you are looking for whimsical pastries to take home or a refined rooftop brunch with skyline views, these local favorites have you covered.
Bakery Lorraine is bringing back its highly anticipated seasonal sweets, featuring bright spring flavors and adorable aesthetics.
Key Lime Coconut Tart: A graham cracker crust filled with sweet-tart key lime custard, topped with a toasted coconut “nest” and malt chocolate robin’s eggs.
Easter Egg Moon Pie: Graham cracker shortbread sandwich with lemon honey marshmallow fluff, dipped in white chocolate.
Gluten-Free Sticky Sweet Potato & Pecan Cake: Topped with toasted pecans, toffee sauce, and brown butter orange buttercream.
Chocolate Mousse Bunnies: Dark chocolate mousse shaped into bunnies on a vanilla shortbread base.
The Holiday Box: A curated sampler featuring all four seasonal desserts (Pre-order only).
Signature Carrot Cake: A 7″ double-layer cake with pineapple, coconut, walnuts, and cream cheese frosting.
Pro Tip: Pre-orders are open through Monday, March 30. Limited items will be available in-store from March 23 to April 5.
Spend your holiday in one of San Antonio’s most iconic luxury settings. Gallery on the Park is offering a sophisticated menu focused on the fresh flavors of spring.
Featured Entrée: Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass with fresh spring accompaniments.
Featured Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake Pavlova—light, elegant, and perfectly seasonal.
The St. Anthony Hotel announces a ton-worthy high tea service at Gallery on the Park. Photo: Summerside Creative Studio.
Step Into Elegance: High Tea at The St. Anthony
There is something undeniably magical about the ritual of tea. It’s an invitation to slow down, indulge in fine flavors, and engage in the lost art of conversation. This March, we invite you to Gallery on the Park for an afternoon of “High Tea & Timeless Elegance”—an experience inspired by the grand traditions of a bygone era. (The St. Anthony, 2026)
The Experience
Located inside the historic St. Anthony Hotel, our tea service is more than just a meal; it is a curated journey through taste and sound. Guests will enjoy:
A Three-Tier Service: Featuring handcrafted patisserie, warm pastries, and delicate savory canapés.
Premium Selections: A variety of fine teas paired with house-made breads and elegant bites.
Regency Atmosphere: Transport yourself to a 19th-century salon with a curated instrumental playlist that brings a playful, Bridgerton-style charm to the room.
Pro Tip: Dressing the part is highly encouraged! Whether it’s your finest floral lace or a sharp waistcoat, embrace the timeless charm of the occasion.
Event Details & Reservations
Signature tea-inspired cocktails and classic 1900s-style drinks will also be available for purchase to complement your experience.
Established in 1909 and known as the “Queen of San Antonio,” The St. Anthony has long been a sanctuary for royalty, celebrities, and tastemakers and blends historic grandeur with modern sophistication. Located just steps from the River Walk and the Alamo, it remains the cultural soul of downtown San Antonio.
Local restaurants are offering curated specials and limited-time offerings for the Irish holiday. Photo: Clementine.
San Antonio St. Patrick’s Day Guide: From Green Beer to Chef-Driven Menus
With St. Patrick’s Day fast approaching, San Antonio is proof that you don’t need to be in Dublin to find the “luck of the Irish.” Local favorites—including Clementine, Smashin Crab, and Muck & Fuss—are raising a glass with festive specials.
Whether you’re looking for a refined culinary experience or a front-row seat to a green river, here is how to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day in the Alamo City. (Clementine, Smashin Crab, Muck & Fuss, Ácenar HotMex & Coolbar, Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar, 2026)
Clementine: A Refined Irish Feast
On March 17, Clementineis putting a seasonal, chef-driven spin on the holiday with a one-day-only edition of its famous Feed Me experience. Forget the corned beef clichés; this menu reimagines Irish flavors through a sophisticated lens.
Highlighted Dishes: Hot pot cabbage with fried oysters, potato and Irish cheddar terrine, and Irish lobster agnolotti.
The “Pot of Gold”: Guests will enjoy a sweet surprise ahead of dessert.
Note: The regular à la carte dinner menu is still available. Reservations are recommended via OpenTable.
Smashin Crab: Green Beer & After Parties
This New Orleans-inspired seafood staple is bringing back its fan-favorite green beer, available all St. Paddy’s weekend.
After Party Happy Hour: Smashin Crab recently debuted a new happy hour during the final hour of service each day. While other spots are winding down, this is the perfect place for a post-parade celebration.
Details: Check their website for specific location hours and menu promotions.
Muck & Fuss (New Braunfels): Pints & Tots of Gold
Located in the heart of downtown New Braunfels, Muck & Fuss is offering a deal that’s hard to pass up.
The Special: The “Pint and Tot of Gold”—buy any pint and get half-off tater tots.
The Twist: You can turn any beer on tap green for the holiday.
Keep the Party Going: Head next door to their sister concept, Sidecar at Prince Solms Inn, for a vintage speakeasy vibe.
Ácenar HotMex & Coolbar: River Parade Views
If you want to be where the action is, Ácenaroffers a front-row seat to the San Antonio River Walk.
The Experience: Watch the river turn green from their scenic riverside patio while enjoying contemporary Mexican light bites and craft cocktails.
The Vibe: It’s the ideal “home base” for those attending the annual St. Patrick’s Day River Parade.
Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar: The Jameson Paloma
This Southtown icon is blending Irish spirit with Mexican flair by introducing a limited-time Jameson Paloma, available all weekend long.
Complimentary Tastings: On March 17, guests can enjoy free samples of the festive cocktail.
Location Perk: Located just a short walk from the River Walk, it’s a convenient stop for parade-goers looking to fuel up before or after the festivities.
Pro Tip: San Antonio’s River Walk gets incredibly busy during the parade. If you’re planning to visit Ácenar or Rosario’s, try to arrive early to snag a spot!
Nicole Kidman stars in Scarpetta. Photo: Amazon Prime Video.
From Page to Screen: Why We Can’t Get Enough of Forensic Noir
Crime and forensic novels continue to dominate best-seller lists because they offer the perfect cocktail of suspense, mystery, and intellectual challenge. Stories by icons like Agatha Christie and Patricia Cornwell invite us to step into the role of the detective, meticulously analyzing clues and motives alongside the characters. The detailed exploration of forensic science adds a layer of grit and realism, revealing how microscopic evidence can uncover massive, hidden truths.
While these novels delve into the darker side of human nature, they almost always offer the catharsis of justice served. For many of us, the real thrill lies in that race against the clock: can we piece together the mystery before the final revelation?
The Long-Awaited Arrival: Scarpetta on Prime Video
As a lifelong fan of these novels, I am counting down the days for the new series on Amazon Prime Video. Having devoured the Patricia Cornwell Scarpetta novels for years, seeing this world come to life is a dream come true. (Amazon Prime Video, 2026)
Developed by Liz Sarnoff and produced by powerhouse duo Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis, Scarpetta is set to be the television event of the season.
Mark Your Calendars:Scarpetta premieres on Amazon Prime Video on March 11, 2026.
Meet the Cast
The series boasts an incredible A-list ensemble to bring these beloved characters to life:
Actor
Role
Character Description
Nicole Kidman
Kay Scarpetta
The brilliant forensic pathologist.
Jamie Lee Curtis
Dorothy Scarpetta
Kay’s complicated older sister.
Ariana DeBose
Lucy Farinelli
Kay’s tech-savvy niece.
Bobby Cannavale
Pete Marino
The rugged former detective.
Simon Baker
Benton Wesley
The calculated FBI profiler.
Who is Kay Scarpetta?
Kay Scarpetta is more than just a medical examiner; she is a trailblazer. Inspired by the real-life former Virginia Chief Medical Examiner, Marcella Farinelli Fierro, MD, Scarpetta uses cutting-edge forensic technology to speak for the dead. (Patricia Cornwell, 2026)
Throughout the book series, Scarpetta—a woman of Italian descent—navigates intense investigations across the American South, from the humid streets of Florida and Virginia to the historic corridors of Charleston, South Carolina.
About the Author: Patricia Cornwell
Patricia Cornwell didn’t just write crime fiction; she revolutionized it. While working as a computer analyst at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia, she sold her first novel, Postmortem.
It was the world’s first “bona fide” forensic thriller, paving the way for the explosion of forensic-focused entertainment we see today in film, TV, and literature.
A Legacy of Excellence
Cornwell’s impact on the genre is staggering:
Award-Winning Debut:Postmortem was the first book ever to win the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity awards, plus the French Prix du Roman d’Aventure, in a single year.
Global Reach: Her books have sold over 120 million copies in 36 languages across 120 countries.
Literary Honors: She has received the Sherlock Award, the Gold Dagger Award, and the Medal of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters.
Beyond the Morgue
While Kay, Lucy, and Marino are her most famous creations, Cornwell’s curiosity knows no bounds. Her diverse bibliography includes:
True Crime: A definitive account of Jack the Ripper’s identity.
Lifestyle: Two cookbooks (Food to Die For and Scarpetta’s Winter Table).
Other Fiction: Series featuring Boston detective Win Garano and reporter Andy Brazil.
Here is a curated “Essential Scarpetta” reading list to get you into the right mindset for the show:
1. Postmortem (The Origin)
You can’t skip the book that started it all. This is where we meet Kay in Richmond, Virginia, hunting a serial killer known as “Mr. Nobody.” It establishes her grit, her friction with Pete Marino, and the high-tech (for the time) forensic methods that changed crime fiction forever.
2. Body of Evidence (The Introduction of Benton Wesley)
If you’re excited to see Simon Baker as the FBI profiler, this is a must-read. It deepens the relationship between Kay and Benton and introduces the recurring theme of Kay’s past coming back to haunt her.
3. The Body Farm (The Science)
This novel takes Kay to the actual University of Tennessee Anthropological Research Facility. It’s peak forensic procedural and features a young Lucy (played by Ariana DeBose in the show) starting to show her tech genius.
4. From Potter’s Field (The Ultimate Villain)
Every great detective needs a Moriarty. For Scarpetta, that means Temple Gault. This book is a chilling, snowy cat-and-mouse game in New York City that shows just how high the stakes can get for Kay’s family.
5. Point of Origin (The Fire)
This is a pivotal emotional turning point for the “Core Four” (Kay, Marino, Lucy, and Benton). It involves a series of high-stakes arsons and a massive twist that changes the trajectory of the series for years.
Pro-Tip for the TV Series
Since Jamie Lee Curtis is playing Dorothy (Kay’s sister), you might want to pay extra attention to their sibling rivalry in the earlier books. Dorothy is often the “flighty” contrast to Kay’s “grounded” professionalism, it’s going to be fascinating to see that chemistry on screen.
Hands-on ‘Bug Squad’ exhibition lands at The DoSeum for Spring. Photo: The DoSeum, used with permission.
Adventure Awaits: Meet the “Bug Squad” at The DoSeum!
Looking for the perfect Spring Break destination for the family? Look no further. Bug Squad, a hands-on, high-energy exhibition exploring the extraordinary world of insects, has officially crawled into The DoSeum. (The DoSeum, 2026)
This isn’t just a science lesson, it’s a superhero origin story. The touring exhibition features talking animatronic members of the Bug Squad, each with their own unique storylines that highlight their incredible “super” abilities and biological traits.
Interactive Play & Sensory Exploration
The Bug Squad exhibition is designed to be a fully sensory experience, blending education with active play. Your little explorers can burn off some energy while learning how the tiny world works:
Spider Web Escape: Scale the web and zoom down the slide.
Ant Colony Climber: Navigate the tunnels just like a hard-working ant.
Dragonfly Flight: Take to the skies in a virtual reality experience to see the world through a dragonfly’s eyes.
Plan Your Visit: Bug Squad is open now through April 5.
More to Explore at The DoSeum
With over 90,000 square feet of interactive space, The DoSeum is a powerhouse for STEM, literacy, and the arts. Beyond the bugs, make sure to check out these fan-favorite galleries:
Little Town – Organized by a mix of businesses along a wide, encircling boulevard, Little Town includes child-scaled immersive environments. each a familiar, themed space where kids learn by role-playing the adults in their lives.
Semmes Foundation Spy Academy – Step into the world of espionage and intrigue as you embark on the ultimate quest to become a Master Spy.
Calm Corner – Calm Corner offers a peaceful retreat to unwind and recharge for little ones, and adults alike.
Imagine It! – This exhibit provides multiple ways to explore story-making, with “try-on” characters, environment-based scenarios, and connections to the written word.
Sensations Studios – Through intuitive learning and experimentation, Sensations Studio makes light and sound come alive.
About The DoSeum
Since 1995, The DoSeum has served as San Antonio’s premier museum for children. With 68,000 square feet of indoor exhibitions and 55,000 square feet of outdoor space, it is a cornerstone of interactive learning, empowering families to explore, create, and discover together.
SA Examiner 