New Year’s Eve show at Jazz, TX

jazztxdancing — Jazz, Tx at the Pearl is having a New Year’s Eve show this Saturday. Photo courtesy of Jazz, TX, used with permission.

The Pearl’s newest upscale music venue, Jazz, TX, is having a New Year’s Eve show featuring venue owner and musician Doc Watkins and his orchestra. Ticket price includes dancing, featured show by Doc Watkins and his Orchestra and a full dinner that includes prime rib, crab cakes, shrimp, parmesan risotto and braised kale. Beverages are not included but will be available for purchase. This is a black tie event with the early show starting at 6p.m. and the late show at 10p.m. Early show bar seating is $150 per person and $200 per person for reserved table seating. Late show bar seating is $150 per person (sold out) and $200 per person for reserved table seating. Tickets may be purchased online. (Jazz, TX, 2016)

Jazz, TX is owned and operated by renowned musician Brent “Doc” Watkins. It is located in the cellar of the Bottling House and hosts musical acts include jazz, blues, big band, Texas swing, salsa, conjunto and Americana including Doc Watkins. It is open from Tuesday through Saturday and aside from music guest can enjoy a wide variety of food, beverages, wine and spirits.

Jazz, TX
312 Pearl Pkwy, Suite 6001
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 332-9386

Theater review: ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’

‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ opened last weekend at the Woodlawn Theatre and runs until December 23. It is based on the “coat of many colors” biblical story of Joseph and is completely sung through with limited spoken dialogue. Joseph was his father’s favorite and that made his 11 brothers jealous and they vowed to get rid of him. Instead of killing him they sell him as a slave to traveling merchants who take him to Egypt. Eventually he rises to power and ends up helping and forgiving his brothers despite what they did to him.

The story begins with the introduction of the brothers and their obvious dislike for Joseph for being their father’s favorite, especially after his father gives him a coat of many colors during “Joseph’s Coat.” This disdain grows as Joseph tells them of his dreams which suggest that in the future they will bow down to him. Travis Eades does an outstanding job of bringing the character of Joseph to life and his vocals are strong, especially during his poignant solo on “Close Every Door.” The brothers work well together as a group and play off each other’s strengths during group performances like “One More Angel in Heaven,” “Those Canaan Days” and “Benjamin Calypso.” The scene stealer of Act II is Trey Hoadley, who plays Pharaoh and gives an “Elvis-like” performance on “Song of the King.” He even goes down to the audience and gives one of his scarves away while the audience cheers him on. “Joseph Megamix” wraps up the night as the cast, now dressed in colorful tie-dye outfits, performs a medley of the night’s songs as they dance with the audience and file past them to the lobby.

Overall “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor” is filled with humor, catchy musical numbers and universal themes of family and forgiveness. The cast is big and sometimes the stage looks crowded but the family friendly story line makes it a must see for the season. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Additional show dates are on Wednesday December 21 and Thursday December 22 at 7:30p.m. Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388.

Theater review: ‘Jersey Boys’ at the Majestic Theatre

jerseyboyspic16 — ‘Jersey Boys’ is playing at the Majestic Theatre until Sunday December 11. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

There is plenty to do in town this chilly weekend but for anyone looking for something to do indoors there are still four more chances to catch ‘Jersey Boys’ at the Majestic Theatre. ‘Jersey Boys’ is the story of Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy De Vito and Nick Massi, known collectively as Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. It is the true story of a group of blue collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks who became one of the biggest American pop music groups of all time.

After a successful opening night on Tuesday, ‘Jersey Boys’ is still going strong playing to an older crowd who undoubtedly remembers Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons during the highlight of their careers. The show starts with a French rendition of December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night) and gives way to Tommy DeVito, played by Matthew Dailey, who shows up, introduces himself and begins to narrate the story of the band. Throughout the show they each take turns narrating from his point of view. This is an excellent way of bringing the audience into the story and thereby making it more personal. Show highlights include their first hit “Sherry” and “My Eyes Adored You” which Frankie Valli, played by Miguel Jarquin-Moreland, sings to his wife. While Act One is the story of the band’s inception, Act Two is a highlight reel of their best hits. Judging by the audience’s reaction during “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” this was the audience favorite performance of the night. It is a must see for die hard fans.

‘Jersey Boys’ is now playing at the Majestic Theatre. Upcoming show times are 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. Ticket prices begin at $30 and orders for groups of ten or more can be made by calling (210) 226-5967. Single ticket orders must be done in person at the box office. Disclaimer: contains adult language.

Christmas shows at Jazz, TX

jazztxflyer — Jazz, TX at the Pearl is hosting Christmas big band shows this month with Doc Watkins and his orchestra. Photo courtesy of Jazz, TX, used with permission.

Jazz, TX, the Pearl’s newest upscale music venue, is hosting Christmas big band shows this month featuring owner and musician Doc Watkins and his orchestra. The band will play holiday classics like Winter Wonderland, Jingle Bells and A Charlie Brown Christmas in big band style. Guests will be able to enjoy an evening of Christmas music as well as dinner and cocktails from the new winter menu. This menu features winter and holiday flavors including the Garlic Goat Cheese Dip and Fried Pickled Mushrooms and cocktails like Siesta ‘Till Work and Fall Back Cocktail. Upcoming shows are on Friday December 9, Saturday December 10, Friday December 16, Saturday December 17 and Friday December 23 from 8:30p.m.to 11:30p.m. Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased online. (Jazz, TX, 2016)

Jazz, TX
312 Pearl Pkwy, Bldg 6 Suite 6001
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 332-9386

Free Jazz concert at La Cantera Resort & Spa on Thursday

paultaylor — Acclaimed smooth jazz saxophonist will be performing at the annual tree lighting ceremony at La Cantera Resort & Spa this Thursday. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The holidays are in full swing and La Cantera Resort & Spa, part of Destination Hotels luxury collection, is getting into the holiday spirit. This Thursday December 1 the luxury resort is hosting a free Jazz concert featuring acclaimed smooth jazz saxophonist Paul Taylor who will perform before the annual tree lighting celebration. Guests will be able to enjoy holiday treats and photos with Santa with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of San Antonio. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2016)

Guests are encouraged to bring a toy for the Boys & Girls Club and in return will receive a bag of La Cantera freshly baked holiday cookies. The evening’s event will take place from 6p.m. to 9p.m. with Santa lighting the tree at 7:15p.m.

La Cantera Resort & Spa
Plaza San Saba, just off the main lobby
16641 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500

Last Rooftop Jazz Concert of the Year

2016 Artpace Rooftop Nov 18_SQUARE POST — The last Rooftop Jazz Concert of the year is this Friday November 18 at Artpace. Photo courtesy of Artpace, used with permission.

Artpace is a contemporary art space located in downtown San Antonio created to support artists with residences, exhibitions and educational programs to foster the creative process. In a combined effort with local jazz station KRTU Jazz 91.7, Artpace is bringing the final installment of their Members Only Rooftop Jazz Concert Series this week. This series aims to bring together members of Artpace and KRTU to celebrate art and jazz. These concerts highlight a particular jazz theme celebrating historical figures and styles performed by local and regional artists. Guests are able to mingle while enjoying a night of jazz and drinks.

This week’s concert will take place on Friday November 18 from 8p.m. to 11p.m. In a night of Jazz Meets Motown, there will be a live soul and jazz performance by Bill King Quintet featuring vocalist Michelle Garibay of PM Soul. They will perform classics by Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight & the Pips. Food and drinks will be provided by Alamo Beer, Pedernales Cellars and Pinch Crawfish Kitchen. Art performers will include video projectionist Chris Jackson and DJ Chris Galvan will provide the background music for dancing the night away. The event is open and free to KRTU and Artpace members only. Various levels of memberships are available starting at $35. More information on memberships is available online. (Artpace, 2016)

Since it opened in 1995 Artpace has housed more than 200 artists through the International Artist-in-Residence program. Every year they host three residencies that include a Texas-based artist, one national artist and one international artist who are each chosen by a guest curator. After an eight week residency the artists will have their exhibits on site for two months. The purpose of these residencies is to give artists every opportunity to grow by giving them the resources they need.

Artpace
445 North Main Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 212-4900

Jazz, TX now offers salsa lessons

Jazz, TX is the Pearl’s newest upscale music venue owned and operated by renowned musician Brent “Doc” Watkins. It is located in the cellar of the Bottling House and hosts musical acts include jazz, blues, big band, Texas swing, salsa, conjunto, Americana and Doc Watkins himself. It is open Tuesday through Saturday and aside from music, guests can enjoy a wide variety of food, beverages, wine and spirits.

As of today Saturday November 12 Jazz, TX will also begin hosting Salsa lessons every Saturday from 1p.m. to 4p.m. Every hour will feature a different style of salsa dancing and will be taught by Semeneya, San Antonio’s #1 studio for Latin and salsa dancing. Each session is $12 and students of all levels are welcome. (Jazz, Tx, 2016)

Jazz, TX
313 Pearl Pkwy, Bldg 6 Suite 6001
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 332-9386

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