Pearl announces January programming

pearlfitnessinpark
Fitness classes are just one series of events taking place at Pearl in 2020. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

For 2020, Pearl is excited to announce Thinking & Drinking at Pearl—the newest offering in the array of amazing programming already hosted throughout the year. In addition, Pearl will bring back free weekly fitness sessions open to the public to begin the first week in January and continue into the warmer months. (Pearl, 2019)

Thinking & Drinking at Pearl
Join us for a series of philosophical conversations about music. Why do we listen to sad songs if they make us sad? Should Bob Dylan have been eligible for the Nobel Prize in Literature? If an improvisation is made up on the spot, how can we expect it to sound good? These are just a few philosophical questions about music—fundamental conceptual questions raised by the way we make and listen to music. Led by Trinity University professor Dr. Andrew Kania, guests will get a chance to think through some of these issues out loud—helped along by libations from the best of the Pearl’s drinking establishments. Each session is capped at 15 participants and includes two beverages. Tickets available online.

    • Wednesday, January 15 at 6p.m. – High Street Wine Co.
      Sad Songs Say So Much: Music and Emotion – If music is just sounds, how can it be happy or sad? What is the significance of our emotional responses to music? And why do we listen to sad music if it makes us sad?
    • Wednesday, January 22 at 6p.m. – Southerleigh
      Strange Sounds: What is Music, Anyway?Musicians seem to be able to incorporate just about any sounds into their compositions. But what makes those sounds music? How can one note be higher than another? What can the musical experiences of deaf people tell us about music?
    • Wednesday, January 29 at 8p.m. – Jazz, TX
      Making Music: Performance, Improvisation and Recording – What is the difference between being overheard making music and performing for an audience? Are recordings just that – records of performances – or are they an art form in their own right? What makes a performance an improvisation? This conversation is followed by a live performance.

Pearl is thrilled to continue free community workout classes led by local fitness providers weekly on Tuesday evenings beginning in 2020. Throughout the year, partners will include Pilates Platinum, Smart Barre, Nomadik Yoga, Zumba with Mau Garcia and Joy Ride.

    • Tuesday, January 7   | Pilates Platinum | 5:30p.m. | Pearl Park
    • Tuesday, January 14 | Pilates Platinum |  5:30p.m. | Pearl Park
    • Tuesday, January 21 | Pilates Platinum |  5:30p.m. | Pearl Park
    • Tuesday, January 28 | Pilates Platinum |  5:30p.m. | Pearl Park

“Pearl is dedicated to bringing San Antonians and visitors together through compelling, dynamic events. The thoughtful 2020 programming will help everyone start the new year off right and further enhance Pearl’s offerings.” – Elizabeth Fauerso, chief marketing officer, Pearl

Pearl Brewery
303 Pearl Parkway, Suite 300
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 212-7260

Pearl to host third annual holiday Posada on Wednesday

posada
This year’s Posada will be on Wednesday December 18, Photo: Matt Buikema, used with permission.

This Wednesday December 18 from 6:30p.m. to 9p.m., Pearl will host its third annual Posada, inspired by the Mexican tradition of Las Posadas. Community members are invited to join the Posada and become pilgrims traveling by candlelight in a procession throughout the property, beginning at Pearl Park. (Pearl, 2019)

Las Posadas is a nine-day Christmas celebration in Mexico and Latin America, centered around the ritual re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s quest to find lodging in Bethlehem. The evening includes live mariachi music, lotería, traditional Mexican bingo for children and traditional treats of buñuelos, tamales and Mexican hot chocolate provided by Ms. Chocolatier, Churro Star, La Hacienda, CIA and Panifico Bakery. This event is free and open to the public. Representatives from Mission Concepción and Father David Garcia will lead community members in a procession throughout the Pearl property followed by live music by Mariachi Mexica.

Pearl Campus
303 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215

Evenings on the Edge at Topaz: summer pool parties to benefit charities

eveningsonedge
This year’s Evenings on the Edge at Topaz pool parties begin on Thursday June 6. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission. 

Evenings on the Edge at Topaz are evening events that benefit local charities and feature live entertainment. This series of popular sunset adult pool parties is back this summer at La Cantera Resort & Spa every Thursday beginning June 6, except for Thursday July 4, and running through August 8 from 7p.m. to 11p.m. Tickets are $30 if purchased in advance; guests must be 21 and over and ID is required. Event is free for resort guests: all they must do is simply present their key at the register desk to receive their wrist bands. Tickets at the door are $40 and Valet at the door is $10. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2019)

Ticket includes a summer-inspired cocktails and live performances and/or DJ, all with the unrivaled Hill Country views as backdrop. This year, the series includes themed evenings and additional fun and excitement. Attendees will receive a complimentary cocktail upon entry and a Moet Chandon toast at sundown. In the event of inclement weather, ticket will be honored at a future event based on availability; tickets are non-refundable.

Ten private cabañas also are available for rent and require 24-hour cancellation. A portion of ticket sales and cabaña rentals benefit local charities. A Topaz Sunset Pass is available for $150 per person ($300 value) and includes one ticket to each Evenings on the Edge event. Available through week 6, July 18, of 2019 Evenings on the Edge season. Detailed information on cabaña rentals and Topaz Sunset Passes is available online.

• Thursday, June 6 – San Antonio Zoo; Theme: Yacht Club; Music by The Night Owls
• Thursday, June 13 – Viola’s Huge Heart; Theme: Summer Chic
Thursday, June 20 – San Antonio Food Bank; Peanut Butter and Jelly donations requested
• Thursday, June 27 – Silver and Black Give Back; Theme: Throwback Thursday – wear vintage jersey
• Thursday, July 11 – Culinaria; Theme: White Party
Thursday, July 18 – August Heart; Theme: Summer Chic
Thursday, July 25 – Fashion Group International; Theme: Best of the 70s and 80s; Music by Finding Friday
Thursday, August 1 – Eva’s Heroes; Theme: Little Polka-Dot Bikini
Thursday, August 8 – San Antonio Library Foundation: Theme: Beach Party; Band TBD

La Cantera Resort & Spa
16641 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500

D-Day Remembrance Concert at UIW

bandlogo
County Line Community Band will perform with the 323rd Army Band on June 2 for a D-Day Remembrance Day concert. Courtesy photo: used with permission. 

On Sunday June 2, the County Line Community Band will join forces with the 323rd Army Band, “Fort Sam’s Own,” in a joint performance of their “D- Day Remembrance Concert” at the University of the Incarnate Word at 6:30p.m. in the Luella Bennack Concert Hall. This year marks 75 years since the landings on the Normandy beaches in France that began the liberation of Europe and the eventual end to World War II. As a special part of this concert, the bands will premiere a new musical composition by local composer, Charles Booker, titled “Undaunted Courage” that pays homage to the Service-members who landed on the beaches and gave their full measure of devotion to our country. (County Line Community Band, 2019)

Commander and Bandmaster of the 323rd Army Band, CW4 Jono Ward and County Line Community Band Director, Toby Knight, would like to invite the public to this first of its kind joint performance between “Fort Sam’s Own” and one of San Antonio’s premier local community bands. This concert is FREE and open to the public. FREE reserved seating can be acquired at eventbrite by searching for “D-Day Concert.” The evening will help remember this monumental event in American History and to honor the Veterans from our greatest generation.

University of the Incarnate Word
4301 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 829-6000

Float Fest 2019 announces artist line-up and new venue

floatfest19
Float Fest 2019 will take place in Gonzales and tickets are now on sale. Photo: Chad Wadsworth, used with permission. 

Float Fest, the only festival in the world to combine the Texas tradition of floating the river and live music, recently announced a new venue for its 2019 festival. It will take place on Saturday July 20 and Sunday July 21 and will be moving to Gonzales, TX, which is about an hour outside of Austin as well as about an hour outside of San Antonio. The new location provides a greater proximity for Houston fans since it is about two hours from Houston. (Float Fest, 2019)

The festival will have all the amenities of floating the river, camping and live music, with the property being three times larger than past festivals. With river access to float being on-site at this year’s festival, no more shuttles are needed, which means immediate access to the water upon arrival. The camp grounds are a pecan orchard, with beautiful 200+ year old trees that provide tons of shade right by the Guadalupe River as well as larger camping sites with 20×20 spaces available. The festival also includes Improved traffic flow with multiple exit points. The new venue is a private ranch located in Gonzales county, just a few miles away for convenience with amenities such as hotels, restaurants, retail, supermarkets, and more.

Weekend tickets, day tickets and a limited amount of VIP tickets are now available for purchase online. Attendees will be able to enjoy a highly curated mix of alternative, rap, indie rock and EDM performers with two main stages that will offer fans a chance to catch every moment of main stage action with non-overlapping sets.

The 2019 Float Fest headliners Major Lazer, Portugal. The Man, Gucci Mane, Kaskade, Zeds Dead, Ice Cube, Big Gigantic and The Flaming Lips will close out the festival each night, performing popular crowd favorites. Other artists include Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Grouplove, Big Boi, Jungle, St. Lucia, Houndmouth, G Love & Special Sauce, Missio, The Floozies, Goldfish, Sego and Cowboy Diplomacy.

Gates to float the river will open at 8a.m. and tubing tickets can be purchased separately online; everyone must have a concert ticket to float the river. Held on the sprawling Guadalupe River on a private ranch, the festival grounds are quintessential to Central Texas. The festival features ample on-site parking and immediate access to the Guadalupe River. Float Fest will also have over 35 local unique food vendors for attendees to enjoy.

Additional features at Float Fest 2019 include:
• VIP lounge with complimentary Wi-Fi
• VIP side-stage viewing decks on both stages
• Early camping load in, offering patrons the opportunity to arrive Friday, July 19, set up their campsite, float the river and kick-off the party a day early
• Early wristband pick up at off-site locations
• Showers on the campgrounds
• Shade & Arcade Lounge: All new shade and arcade lounge with 24-hour weekend access of 30 assorted arcade games along with chilly-cool AC and complimentary Wi-Fi ($35 day passes and $50 weekend passes to access this lounge)
• An expanded General Store with tubing accessories such as phone pouches, tubes, and more
• Lockers for storage.

Each year, Float Fest also organizes a river cleanup project, Keep the River Clean, through partnerships with local businesses. Float Fest cleanup efforts include mesh biodegradable trash bags available for free with tubes for floating, River Wranglers on canoes to help take trash bags, trash receptacles available after tubing at shuttle pick up stations, and the Float Fest crew cleaning up the river before, during, and after the festival with divers and boats to ensure a safe and clean zone.

Float Fest
2855 South US Highway 183
Gonzales, TX 78629

Spring Jazz at the Falls at The Shops at La Cantera

SpyroGyra
Spyro Gyra will be performing as part of this year’s Spring Jazz at the Falls. Courtesy photo: used with permission. 

For the past nine years, the Spring Jazz at the Falls concerts at The Shops at La Cantera have earned a reputation for artistic creativity. This free, family-friendly event, located at The Falls near the Yard House, showcases and fosters an appreciation for all forms of jazz through free, quality, live musical performances. The Jazz at the Falls concert series has expanded to include local talent alongside national and international artists. This year’s jazz performances, presented by Porsche of San Antonio, are from 7p.m. to 9p.m., Wednesdays April 3, 10 and 17. The 2019 Spring Jazz at the Falls showcases Tejano Saxophonist Joe Posada; Latin Jazz by The Brew and Smooth Jazz by Spyro Gyra. Enjoy specialty sips, snacks, exclusive giveaways, photo opportunities and shopping incentives. Bring your lawn chairs; placement is allowed starting one hour prior to show at 6p.m. Schedule is subject to change. No outside coolers allowed. (The Shops at La Cantera, 2019)

Concert lineup:
Wednesday April 13 – Joe Posada, Jazz/Tejano Saxophonist
Joe Posada, one of Tejano music’s most celebrated saxophonists, is also recognized as a timeless vocalist and a well-versed lyricist. In November 2013, Posasda won his second Latin Grammy for a collaboration with David Lee Garza. A seven-time Tejano Award and four-time Tejano Academy Award winner, native San Antonian Posada, also is an accomplished composer. He has managed to successfully fuse the sounds of Jazz and Tejano by creating a melodic flow that music lovers find intriguing.

Wednesday April 10 – The Brew, Latin Jazz
The Brew consist of three brothers Michael Rodriguez (classical and electric guitar), Joe Rodriguez (harmonica, percussionist congas) and Mark Rodriguez (bassist). Continually inspired by jazz and Latin artists, The Brew has introduced a more organic, nouveau flamenco flavor into the band’s performances, following the influence of Ottmar Liebert, the Gipsy Kings, Jesse Cook and Strunz and Farah. An accomplished group with an incredible grass roots following, The Brew has opened for such diverse notables as the Rippingtons, George Howard, Everette Harp, Jeff Lorber, Chuchito Valdez, Hiroshima, Acoustic Alchemy, Larry Corryel and Kirk Whalum.

Wednesday April 17 – Spyro Gyra
Spyro Gyra has performed more than five thousand shows, released thirty-one albums (not counting “Best Of…” compilations) and sold over ten million albums while earning one platinum and two gold albums. Since the mid-1970s, long before the radio-generated buzzwords “New Adult Contemporary” or “Smooth Jazz,” Spyro Gyra was creating its own instrumental hybrid, incorporating elements of R&B, Latin, Brazilian and whatever struck their collective fancy into an infectious sound which coincidentally became a forerunner of today’s popular style. Signature songs include “The Shaker Song,” “Morning Dance” and “Catching the Sun.” The sound is described as smooth jazz with tropical flair.

The Shops at La Cantera
15900 La Cantera Parkway
The Falls, on the east end of Main Street near Yard House
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 582-6255

Mariachi Lab: Ole Edition at Pearl

mariachilab
Mariachi Lab returns with an Ole, San Antonio edition to help celebrate the city’s connection to Spain. Photo: Pearl, used with permission. 

Mariachi Lab at Pearl returns for a new Olé, San Antonio edition with local artists and Spanish guitarist Luis Gallo. The second annual Mariachi Lab will take place on September 16 from 1p.m. to 8p.m. in a day-long and campus-wide finale to Olé, San Antonio, Pearl’s summer-long initiative celebrating the city’s cultural connection to Spain. Mariachi Lab showcases mariachi talent from San Antonio, from youth to top-level performers, along with interactive workshops and activities for children. (Pearl, 2018)

Las Mujeres Showcase in the Pearl Stable is a ticketed event and new to this year’ s event. This headlining show will feature a collaboration between Vanessa Del Fierro of Las Coronelas and renowned Spanish guitarist Luis Gallo. Madrid-based Gallo performs on an international circuit and is one of the most acclaimed guitarists in the flamenco scene. He hails from Madrid, Spain and is well-versed in jazz, classical and flamenco genres and one of the most acclaimed guitarists in the flamenco scene. Gallo performs on an international circuit while remaining firmly rooted to his Spanish origins. His latest project – Caminos de la Guitarra (“Paths of Guitar”) – traces the historical journey of the guitar back to 15th century Spain.

Pearl is partnering with area high schools, San Antonio Mariachi Academy, Guadalupe Cultural Arts and the Consulate General of Mexico. In addition to live performances, workshops and activities, Pearl will feature vendors such as Mr. Piñata and Snake Hawk Press. Restaurants will also feature different specials that day to celebrate Olé’s finale.

Mariachi Lab performances are free and open to the public except Stable performances, which are $25 per person. Tickets for Stable performances can be purchased online.

Mariachi Lab schedule:

Amphitheatre: Youth Showcase – 1p.m. to 6p.m.
Parkito: Romanticos Showcase – 3p.m. to 6p.m.
Pearl Studio: Workshops – 2p.m. to 5p.m.
CIA Shade Structure: Rincón del Alebrijes –  1p.m. to 5p.m.
The Stable: Las Mujeres Showcase – 2p.m. to 6p.m. ($25 per person)
Pearl Park: Mariachi Main Showcase – 4p.m. to 8p.m.

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

Upcoming Ole, San Antonio events at Pearl

luisgallo
Luis Gallo will perform at the Pearl on Monday September 3 as part of the ongoing Ole, San Antonio celebration which ends on September 16. Photo: Pearl, used with permission. 

To celebrate San Antonio’s Tricentennial and its Spanish heritage, Pearl has been hosting Olé, San Antonio: When San Antonio Meets Spain. This summer-long celebration commemorates the city’s 300th anniversary and runs until Sunday September 16 with events and activities related to four main pillars: gastronomy, music and dance, arts and architecture. Events include new programming while also incorporating existing Pearl activities. (Pearl, 2018)

Events scheduled for Olé, San Antonio for Monday September 3 through Sunday September 16:

Monday, September 3: Luis Gallo: Caminos de la Guitarra at 6p.m.
· Stemming from Madrid, Luis Gallo, a well-versed guitarist in jazz, classical and flamenco genres will perform his latest project–Caminos de la Guitarra (“Paths of Guitar) at Pearl Park. This event is free and open to the public with food and drink available for purchase in the Bottling Department.

Wednesday, September 5: Master Class: Queso (Cheese) at 10:30a.m. and 5:30p.m.
· Hotel Emma will host its final Master Class: Queso (Cheese). Expert Max McCalman will be the cheese connoisseur of the day, talking through the range and traditions of Spanish cheeses. There will be a short documentary, lesson from the expert and a cheese and wine pairing. Larder and Sternewirth will be carrying tapas and dishes specifically designed to highlight Spanish cheeses. Tickets are $25 and available online.

Thursday, September 6: Federico Garcia Lorca Cava Reception at 5p.m.
· Join Pearl for a cava reception and program celebrating the creative works of Federico Garcia Lorca with actor, playwright, and musician Jose Ruben DeLeon. This event is located at Galería Olé (302 Pearl Parkway, Suite 110) and is free and open to the public.

Thursday, September 6: First Thursday Night Market Olé Edition at 4p.m.
· For this First Thursday Night Market Olé Edition, acclaimed Spanish guitarist, Luis Gallo, will collaborate and perform with students from the Guitar Program at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Night Market goers will be able to purchase items from their favorite vendors with Spanish-themed goods. This event is free and open to the public.

Friday, September 14: Flamenco Tablao: Luis Gallo and Aaron Prado + Chef Johnny Hernandez at 6p.m.
· Journey into Spain as Pearl Stable transforms into a Spanish-inspired “tablao” to showcase dynamic entertainment and great culinary fare. Performances will include The Aaron Prado Trio and Luis Gallo. Chef Johnny Hernandez will begin the evening with passed tapas and dinner served family-style. Bar services includes beer, Spanish wines, and signature Spanish cocktails. Tickets are $150 and available online. This event is located at Pearl Stable.

Sunday, September 16: Mariachi Lab at 1p.m.
· Olé’s spectacular finale, Mariachi Lab, will return for the second year. Showcasing mariachi talent from across San Antonio including high school, college, all-female and top-level professional performers. There will be multiple live performances throughout the day. Pearl Stable will host a ticketed event with performances by all-female groups such as Mariachi Flor de Jalisco, Damas de Jalisco, Las Coronelas and Las Altenas. Tickets for the Stable event are $25 and are available online. All other performances are free and open to the public. This event will be held at various locations around Pearl.

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

Bottling Department celebrates one year anniversary at Pearl

bottlingdept
Bottling Department at Pearl is celebrating its one year anniversary this month. Photo: Bottling Department, used with permission.

Bottling Department, San Antonio’s first ever food hall, will celebrate its one-year anniversary at Pearl on Tuesday July 24 with complimentary birthday cake, live music, food and drink specials from 5p.m. to 8p.m. Tapas specials will be available all day. (Bottling Department, 2018)

Guests will be able to enjoy:

  • $5 Frozé (frozen rosé) and Peach Mimosas at The Bar
  • Tapas Tuesdays specials, as part of Olé, San Antonio program, at all the vendors including Tenko Ramen, Maybelle’s Donuts, The Good Kind, Bud’s Southern Rotisserie and Fletcher’s Hamburgers
  • Complimentary birthday cake for all guests while supplies last
  • Complimentary Bottling Department tote bag with any purchase at the Food Hall. Must show proof of purchase with receipt, valid starting at 5p.m. while supplies last
  • Music by DJ Steven Lee Moya

Bottling Department houses five independently owned food vendors that span a wide range of cuisine, along with a bar serving wine and beer curated in partnership with High Street Wine. Adjacent to Pearl Park, Bottling Department offers guests a welcoming place to dine, drink and relax while enjoying interactive water features, the nearly two-acre lawn of Pearl Park, and the abundant shade of the Pearl Pavilion. The tenants include Bud’s Southern Rotisserie, specializing in Southern comfort food with a soul deep in the heart of Louisiana; Fletcher’s, an all-American hamburger concept, Maybelle’s, offering gourmet donuts and fried pies made daily; Tenko, a fast-casual ramen bar; and The Good Kind, a healthy modern market and café.

Bottling Department
312 Pearl Parkway, Building 6
San Antonio, TX 78215

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