Category: Outdoor activities

San Antonio Charter Moms launches new Summer of Play event series

The Summer of Play series is designed for families to gather, grow, and get to know one another. Photo: San Antonio Charter Moms, used with permission.

San Antonio Charter Moms invites families to have some fun in the sun, while learning a thing or two, during the new Summer of Play event series. The family-friendly meetups are designed to help children shed bad habits brought on by the pandemic while having fun along the way. From increasing finger strength and dexterity to balancing screen time and sharpening social skills – each event offers valuable educational tips from local experts mixed with creative, hands-on activities to keep kids entertained. (San Antonio Charter Moms, 2022)

Summer of Play brings San Antonio Charter Moms’ thriving online community to life through in-person playdates with an informative twist. The casual come-and-go events are free and open to the public at area splash pads around the city. San Antonio Charter Moms Founder and Executive Director, Inga Cotton and team will be on-site to answer education-related questions offering families an ideal opportunity to go straight to the source for expert advice. From discussing local school options to summer camps, enrichment activities around town, learning loss solutions, and more.

“Summer presents an ideal time for us all to regroup and get kids back on track by introducing and enforcing good habits and saying goodbye to the bad. After speaking with hundreds of parents, students and educators alike, there is no doubt the pandemic took its toll academically and socially. With all that has happened over the last few years; we can’t wait to come together to discuss post-pandemic challenges and solutions. But mostly, we look forward to having some fun as we laugh, learn and share.” – Inga Cotton, Founder and Executive Director of San Antonio Charter Moms.

Summer of Play is designed as a celebratory next chapter to the nonprofit’s award-winning Charter a Voyage of Learning campaign launched at the start of the pandemic to help parents navigate distance learning and parenting challenges while social distancing. Due to its success, the campaign continues to grow and evolve, offering activities and online support to keep children active, learning, and having fun through the summer and beyond. Summer of Play events are free and open to the public. Families are encouraged to bring a sack lunch and stay awhile.

STEMulate Curiosity: A Playdate with BASIS San Antonio – Build your child’s math and science skills through fun, hands-on activities with educators from BASIS San Antonio.

SPLASH PAD Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair
434 S Alamo St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

Thursday, June 9, 2022, at 10a.m. – 12p.m.

Conversations to Connect: A Playdate with nextTalk – Kim Elerick, co-host of the nextTalk podcast on cyber parenting, offers advice for building good habits, balancing screen time, and keeping kids safe online.

SPLASH PAD at Voigt Park
700 El Portal
Hollywood Park, TX 78232

Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 10a.m. – 12p.m.

Strong Hands Strong Writers: A Playdate with TamboRhythms – Occupational therapist Jorge Ochoa explores fun ways to help kids use their fingers and build prewriting skills.

SPLASH PAD at Pearsall Park
4838 Old Pearsall Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78242

Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 10a.m. – 12p.m.

San Antonio Charter Moms (SACM) began as a blog in 2012 when Founder Inga Cotton was inspired to help San Antonio families more easily find good information about high-quality school options. Starting with a focus on the growing local charter school offerings, the blog has evolved into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that shares fair information about all types of schools. Established in 2018 as a nonprofit, SACM can accept funding that enables it to grow in ways that support accomplishing its mission of being the most trusted information source on education in the region. This growth includes Spanish-language blog post translations, surveying target publics, holding meetings with decisionmakers, supporting public speaking, community outreach and enhancing mobile technology.

Pearl presents Summer Night Markets every other Wednesday

The Summer Night Markets will feature free live music curated by Stable Hall and a wide variety of art, artisan goods, and food from local vendors. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

If the summer weather makes it too hot to shop during the day, then this series of events is right up your alley. Pearl is excited to announce 2022 Summer Night Markets beginning in May. Guests are invited to spend their summer nights at Pearl while exploring products from local vendors, including San Antonio staples such as Kin Khao and Last Place Burgers, in addition to goods like beautifully handwoven baskets from The Koncierge or the intricate hand-pressed greeting cards from Works of a Quirk. The Summer Night Markets will feature more than 40 vendors each week. (Pearl, 2022

Along with the variety of vendors, guests can also enjoy free live music curated by the highly anticipated Stable Hall group, a new music venue opening at Pearl in Spring 2023. The local artists include The Brothers WayFare, Mariachi Las Coronelas, Noah Harris, Spud Sims, Kathryn Legendre and Juliette McConkey.

  • May 18 – 5p.m. to 9p.m.
    • Performance by Mariachi Las Coronelas
  • June 1 – 5p.m. to 9p.m.
    • Performance by Noah Harris
  • June 15 – 5p.m. to 9p.m.
    • Performance by Spud Sims
  • July 6 – 5p.m. to 9p.m.
    • Performance by Kathryn Legendre 
  • July 20 – 5p.m. to 9p.m.
    • Performance by Juliette McConkey

Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, which operated from 1883 to 1999. Located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River, it is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable—both built in 1894—and numerous plazas. Today, Pearl is home to dozens of unique culinary concepts, one-of-a-kind retail, weekend markets, residential communities, innovative office tenants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America, and the award-winning Hotel Emma. Pearl is a vibrant district where community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer.

Sound Cream Airstream returns to Pearl for special Bidi Bidi Party celebration

Thursday’s Bidi Bidi Party will be in honor of Selena’s birthday. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

Pearl and Park Bar at the Food Hall at Bottling Department are excited to welcome Sound Cream Airstream back to the park to celebrate Selena’s birthday on Thursday, April 21 from 6p.m to 9p.m. Sound Cream Airstream is an “all-in-one mobile discotheque” that puts on a dance party and DJ showcase. DJ Manola Black will be spinning Selena hits, Tejano favorites, cumbia, and more in honor of the Queen of Tejano. The event is free and open to the public.

Enjoy treats from San Antonio’s first food hall, The Bottling Department, which includes the restaurants Tenko Ramen, Mi Roti, Chilaquil and Kineapple. The Food Hall offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with tableside delivery and option to use QR codes for customers seated at select outdoor tables.

Pearl Park
312 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215

Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, which operated from 1883 to 1999. Located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River, it is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable—both built in 1894—and numerous plazas. Today, Pearl is home to dozens of unique culinary concepts, one-of-a-kind retail, weekend markets, residential communities, innovative office tenants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America, and the award-winning Hotel Emma. Pearl is a vibrant district where community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer. 

Discover warm weather in Colorado with Auberge Resorts Collection

Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado. Photo: Auberge Resorts Collection, used with permission.

Colorado is an amazing vacation destination year-round, and summer is no exception. Auberge Resort Collection’s luxury Colorado properties are unveiling new, immersive seasonal activities and offerings; from Via Ferrata to Aspen Food & Wine. (Auberge Resorts Collection, 2022)

Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection (Aspen, CO)

  • Aspen Food & Wine x Hotel Jerome Epicurean Passport: Hotel Jerome is giving guests unprecedented access to one of the most exclusive cultural happenings in town, the highly anticipated Aspen Food & Wine Festival.  With the Hotel Jerome Epicurean Passport**, guests receive insider access to an array of exclusive events and curated programming from June 16 -19, including:

○      Black on Black Dinner in the Garden

○      Black on Black After Party at Bad Harriet

○      La Grande Dame Lunch in the Garden

○      La Grande Dame Garden Lounge

○      Death & Co (TBC)

○      Bartender Bash at Bad Harriet

○      Casa Dragones Cocktail & Caviar Lounge

○      Madre Mezcal After-Hours Speakeasy

  • Theatre Aspen Summer Cabaret Series: This summer season, take in performances by top performers as Hotel Jerome’s Grand Ballroom transforms into a Summer Cabaret. Enjoy a seated chef’s dinner followed by a special Theatre Aspen production.
  • Aspen’s Hottest Speakeasy, Bad Harriet: Nestled beneath the historic Aspen Times building, discover Hotel Jerome’s newest bespoke cocktail experience, now featuring a refined menu of small bites and cocktails inspired by powerful women throughout history, the destination offers master alchemists and a lively, dynamic atmosphere.
  • Miron Crosby x Hotel Jerome, VIP Experience: Send a message of absolute adoration to the person you love most with a stay at Hotel Jerome and a pair of custom Miron Crosby boots. This summer season, the highly coveted bespoke cowboy boots from Highland Park Village, in Dallas, TX will walk the streets of Aspen, and Hotel Jerome guests will have the opportunity to engage in a truly unique experience. Pen a handwritten message that the Miron Crosby team transcribes onto leather for that special someone. The Miron Crosby message box will be waiting in the room with a bespoke invitation to bring their message to the (brand new) Miron Crosby studio for a private consultation to choose and customize their perfect boot, with the message sewn into the liner for the ultimate gift (and heirloom to treasure forever).

Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection (Telluride, CO)

  • Private Fishing & Picnic: Gain access to the pristine and secluded wilderness of Telluride. Among the most naturally gifted stretches of the entire Dolores, Lightenburger Ranch is an angler’s dreamscape of spectacular fly fishing and picture book ambiance. Guests will enjoy a private fly fishing lesson followed by an exquisite picnic lunch prepared by the Madeline culinary team.
  • 2nd Annual Alpine Cookout: Madeline Hotel & Residences invites epicureans to celebrate the spirit of Southwestern cuisine at Taste of Auberge: Annual Alpine Cookout at Madeline on July 2, 2022. The second annual event will draw visiting culinary icons, such as Salt Lake City celebrity Chef Viet Pham, Texas all-star Chef Dean Fearing, Phoenix famed chef Mark Tarbell, and Santa Fe legend Mark Kiffin, who will collaborate with Executive Chef Bill Greenwood on a mouthwatering menu, including Chef Pham’s famed Pretty Bird signature hot chicken sandwich.
  • Blues x Brews Multi-Course Dinner: The Telluride Blues & Brews Festival Brewers Showcase will kick off in style on Thursday, September 15 at 6p.m. with an evening of brews, world-class fare and, of course, music. This culinary experience will pair six courses of curated, modern mountain cuisine from Executive Chef Bill Greenwood with unique craft beers and conversation with brewers. Stay tuned for the menu, brewery lineup and pour list, along with additional event information.
  • Madeline x RESET: The property has debuted an exclusive partnership with RESET Telluride, a private, ultra-luxury wellness and trekking retreat launching in May 2022.

○      Madeline x RESET Retreat: This first-of-its-kind private retreat combines ultra-luxury wellness with guided backcountry trekking in the stunning beauty of the San Juan mountains. Three personalized pathways empower every RESET guest to challenge and indulge in equal measure, while experiencing boundless hospitality, in the greatest outdoors. Break out of tired patterns and tap into your highest potential.

○      Madeline x RESET In-Room Meditation: Take a moment to unplug and recharge with a five-minute guided sleep meditation to promote a restful night in partnership with RESET.

Music festival MerleFest announces lineup

MerleFest will take place from April 28 through May 1 in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Photo: google

MerleFest, presented by Window World, is proud to announce the next round of artist additions for MerleFest 2022, which will be held April 28-May 1, 2022. Trampled By Turtles, Colin Hay, and The Steel Wheels will join an already outstanding lineup which includes performances by Emmylou Harris, Greensky Bluegrass, Rissi Palmer, Old Crow Medicine Show, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Steep Canyon Rangers, Allison Russell, We Banjo 3, and more. MerleFest is the annual homecoming of musicians and music fans held on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (MerleFest, 2022)

Hogslop String Band will be hosting this year’s late night jam. Jam guest artists will be announced in the coming weeks. Additional fan favorites announced today include Barbaro, Big Daddy Love, The Contenders, Damn Tall Buildings, David Childers and The Serpents, Desure, Eli Yacinthe, Jake Blount, Kaia Kater, Nat Myers, Shannon McNally, Shay Martin Lovette, Sister Sadie, Tenille Townes, Time Sawyer, and Tray Wellington.

In addition to those mentioned above, the following artists and bands have previously been announced: Alison Brown, Andy May, Arlo McKinley, Banknotes, Caleb Caudle, Carol Rifkin, Charles Welch, Darrell Scott, Donna the Buffalo, Dr. Bacon, Happy Traum, Jack Lawrence, Jeff Little Trio, Jerry Douglas, Jim Lauderdale, Joe Smothers, Kruger Brothers, Laura Boosinger, Mark Bumgarner, Mitch Greenhill, Pete & Joan Wernick, Peter Rowan, Presley Barker, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Roy Book Binder, Sam Bush, Scythian, T. Michael Coleman, The Arcadian Wild, The InterACTive Theatre of Jef, The Local Boys, The Waybacks, Tony Williamson, Wayne Henderson, and 49 Winchester.

Tickets for this year’s festival are on sale now and available online or by calling 1-800-343-7857. Festival vendor and volunteer application windows are now open. 

MerleFest 2022 will host its second annual MerleFest Mega Raffle to support scholarships at Wilkes Community College. Tickets are on sale now. The Mega Raffle drawings will be held during the festival on Sunday, May 01, 2022, at the Raffle/Silent Auction Tent from 1p.m. – 2p.m. Over $170,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. Only 5,000 tickets will be sold, and ticket holders do not have to be present to win. Raffle tickets are $100 each and include two entries to the MerleFest Mega Raffle drawings. 

MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel, and blues, and expanded to include Americana, classic rock, and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 13 stages during the course of the multi-day event. MerleFest is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs.

The Classic Theatre presents ‘A Doll’s House, Part 2’

‘A Doll’s House, Part 2’ opens on Thursday March 10 at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Photo: sRagnar Fotografi

Calling all theatre lovers! The Classic Theatre will kick off its first outdoor production of the year with the Tony-nominated play, ‘A Doll’s House, Part 2,’ which will run from March 10-27, 2022 and stars local favorites Anna Gangai and Vic Treviño. Outdoor and COVID-safe performances will be held Thursday, Friday, and Sunday evenings at the San Antonio Botanical Garden beginning at 7:30p.m. Join us after the opening night performance (Thursday, March 10) for a complimentary glass of champagne, as you meet and mingle with the cast, crew, staff, and board members of The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. (Classic Theatre, 2022)

The play picks up where the original ‘A Doll’s House,’ created by Henrik Ibsen and embraced by activists throughout the last century, leaves off. And no, you do not have to see the original play in order to enjoy the fiery debate in this rich sequel. Hnath takes away the century-long guesswork of what might have become of our lead character, Nora, after ‘A Doll’s House’ concludes. Wit, artistry, and raw emotion make this piece as impactful as the original drama, especially in this era of “Me too.”

The synopsis of ‘A Doll’s House, Part 2’ from Playbill.com reads, “In the final scene of Ibsen’s 1879 ground-breaking masterwork, Nora Helmer makes the shocking decision to leave her husband and children, and begin a life on her own. This climactic event — when Nora slams the door on everything in her life — instantly propelled world drama into the modern age. In ‘A Doll’s House, Part 2,’ many years have passed since Nora’s exit. Now, there is a knock on that same door. Nora has returned. But why? And what will it mean for those she left behind?”

Enjoy a thought-provoking and extraordinary evening as you watch Nora, one of our most important dramatic heroines, return to the home and family she left all those years ago. What will she find? And what will you find as you reexamine her story?

Tickets for ‘A Doll’s House, Part 2’ are available online. This production will feature an ASL interpreted evening on March 25, 2022. Please visit The Classic’s website and social media pages for additional events tied to this show.

Guests are asked to bring their own chairs and blankets to the performance. The Classic Theatre will have masks and chairs available for purchase if needed. Masks are required.

San Antonio Botanical Garden
555 Funston Place
San Antonio, TX 78209

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is a small nonprofit professional theatre in San Antonio, Texas that is committed to producing excellent theatre that is relevant, diverse, entertaining and transformative. The theatre produces five main stage shows a year, along with a Second Series of smaller productions in partnership with local and national artists. Founded in 2008 by Chris Cheever, Asia Ciaravino, Anthony Ciaravino, Diane Malone, Rick Malone, Terri Peña Ross, and Allan S. Ross; The Classic Theatre has earned more than 70 Alamo Theatre Arts Council (ATAC) Awards and works with The Actor’s Equity Association.

Birds, Bees & Butterflies event at Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort

Birds, Bees & Butterflies will take place at Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort over a two month period starting March 1, 2022. Photo: Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort, used with permission.

Learn about Texas birds, bees, butterflies, and the plant life that support them during a two month-long special event at Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort from March 1 through April 30, 2022. With 100 family-friendly activities, Birds, Bees & Butterflies will shine a light on education and conservation through hands-on activities and fascinating presentations. (Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort, 2022)

With 100% volunteer participation from local and regional experts, associations, and businesses, nearly all activities are free to overnight guests. The general public is welcome to pay a day-use park fee to access the nature park during these activities and enjoy other amenities like the nature trails and private lakefront.

Activities include six different themed nature walks, two synchronized group butterfly releases, numerous photo safaris, seed planting for pollinators, several nature crafts, watching an observational beehive, building, and flying butterfly kites (did you know the wind is a pollinator?), and an interactive bird beak buffet to demonstrate how different birds use their beaks.

Presentation topics include landscaping to promote pollinators, the relationship between deer management and bird habitat, monarch butterflies 101, the life of the hive, “hoo’s” in your neighborhood, rethink your landscape, what are native plants, intro to bees in Texas, and the Hives for Heroes a program empowering Veterans as they transition away from a life of service through beekeeping and honeybee conservation. In addition, the day-use park fee for veterans is a reduced fee.

Photo safaris promise to be popular activities as they combine the popular hobbies of nature photography and wildlife. The hive dive experience is restricted to beginner and intermediate beekeepers wearing a full beekeeper’s outfit. The opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional is invaluable as new-bees grow their skills. Several bee observation hives will be available for viewing to the public, along with Q&A with bee experts.

The Big Sit is a semi-competitive international group birding activity started in 1992 by a New Haven, CT, birding club. Participants observe and document birds from within a 50 ft. circle and report their findings through eBird, a free app. Three respected local birders will lead the Canyon of the Eagles team on Monday, April 18, from 7a.m. to 9a.m. and 4p.m. to 7p.m. People with and without birding experience are all welcome – this is an excellent introduction to the camaraderie and fun of birdwatching.

Another highlight of Birds, Bees & Butterflies, held on April 30, the final day of the two month-long special event, is the City-Nature Challenge. This is a Texas Parks and Wildlife program encouraging folks to get out and enjoy nature while documenting what they see through the use of the free iNaturalist app. This friendly competition pits regions in Texas against one another.

There will be two synchronized releases of butterflies into nature in honor of loved ones, hopes, dreams, and wishes on Monday, March 14 (reserve via email by March 3) and Saturday, April 16 (reserve via email by April 4). Both releases will be from 1p.m to 2p.m. with reservations available by email. Butterflies are $5 each. Participants are encouraged to linger and watch the butterflies find their way into nature.

Special thanks to Highland Lakes Master Gardeners, Marble Falls Master Naturalists, Capital Area Master Naturalists, Highland Lakes Chapter of the Native Plant Society, All Things Wild Rehabilitation, AgriLife for Burnet County, Texas Beekeepers Association, Hives for Heroes, Texas A&M Beekeeping Program, University of Texas, Texas Parks & Wildlife, McKane Apiary Service & Bee Removal, Woodlynns Farm, Luedecke Photography, and Fain’s Honey.

Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort is a 940-acre nature park located in the Texas Hill Country. It is home to 16 miles of groomed nature trails, three miles of private lakefront on Lake Buchanan, the Eagle Eye Observatory, and Overlook Restaurant. Located within the Edwards Plateau region, the park is the nesting ground for Golden-cheeked Warblers, Black-capped Vireo, and American Bald Eagle. To learn more about the programs and to book reservations for guestrooms, RV sites, and tent campsites, please visit Canyon of the Eagles online. 

Valentine’s Day activities at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

The Briscoe’s McNutt Sculpture Garden. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Let romance take root in the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden during the museum’s “Sips and Sounds of the West” series on Friday, February 11. With live music, dinner and dancing under the stars, kick up your heels with your Valentine or grab your posse and enjoy a night out with friends surrounded by the beauty of the fantastic bronze sculptures and lush greenery that create the perfect getaway on the banks of the River Walk. Doors open at 6:30p.m. with music, drinks, and food until 8:30p.m. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2022)

Sips and Sounds of the West features singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Clint Tomerlin, with fantastic food truck fare available from Benjie’s Munch. Tickets are $5 per person for museum members, $15 per person for non-members, and include two free beer/soda/water tickets, with beer generously provided by Ranger Creek Brewery. Adding a sweet note for Valentine’s, each ticket also includes a complimentary chocolate covered strawberry.

Guests can also partake in the Briscoe’s annual tradition of penning a Pony Express Love Letter to be hand delivered by the museum as a tip of the hat to the historic horse-mounted riders mail delivery system. This year, the museum will be hand delivering letters to local frontline and healthcare workers. Guests can also pen a mad-lib to show their love to their honey or their friends. In addition to Sips and Sounds, visitors can stop by the museum during regular hours to craft letters of encouragement, thanks and support for our healthcare heroes, February 4 through 13.

The museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden offers the perfect respite during any River Walk visit. With the lights of downtown in the background, the garden becomes magical at night, making it the perfect spot for a date night or a night out with friends. If weather conditions turn frosty, the event will overlook the River Walk from the Briscoe’s Jack Guenther Pavilion.

The Briscoe’s collection of Western art and artifacts highlights the stories of the West through visual art. Collection highlights include Santa Anna’s sword, works by Frederic Remington, Pancho Villa’s last known saddle, a fantastic Alamo diorama and artifacts, contemporary and historic paintings and sculptures, as well as cowboy and Native American relics, weapons and photography. The museum is located on the south end of the River Walk, near the Arneson River Theatre and La Villita, with convenient parking at the Riverbend Garage directly adjacent to the museum or one of many downtown surface lots. Museum hours, parking and admission details are available online.

Balcones Heights Jazz Festival Christmas Concert

Multitalented Slim Man returns to headline the Balcones Heights Jazz Festival Christmas Concert. Photo: San Antonio Magazine

The inimitable, multitalented Slim Man will be headlining the Balcones Heights Jazz Festival Christmas concert on Friday, December 3. Local artist and jazz crooner Ken Slavin will serve as opening act at 7:30 p.m. The free concert will be held at Wonderland of the Americas Amphitheatre in Balcones Heights, Texas. (Balcones Heights Jazz Festival, 2021)

Slim Man, whose birth name is Timothy Camponeschi, is a singer, songwriter, bassist, producer, cook and teacher, and his charm and style have made him a crowd favorite. He will be performing for the 13th time for the jazz festival. He has recorded 12 CDs and was named Best Jazz Vocalist at the acclaimed Coachella Music Awards in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. JD Considine of Rolling Stone magazine described Slim Man’s style as “a near-perfect example of how jazz and soul can be combined as pop.”

Slim Man. Photo: Discogs

Jazz crooner Ken Slavin is a popular and award-winning classic vocalist based in San Antonio. He recently made his New York City debut at the famed Metropolitan Room and produced a CD of the event, which is available at all major online music stores. He is celebrating 25 years as a professional singer in 2015 and recently became a voting member of the GRAMMY Awards.

“We are thrilled to close out our final 2021 concert series on a high note featuring Ken Slavin and Slim Man onstage for a holiday rendition. Slim Man closing out 2021 and marking his 13th year with us will be the event jazz fans will not want to miss out on.” – Director Economic Development & Public Affairs at City of Balcones Heights Lorenzo Nastasi.

“Bringing yet another facet of Christmas joy to Balcones Heights Jazz Festival fans is such a part of who we are as a city, and we are looking forward to concluding the series with talent like Ken Slavin and Slim Man.” – City of Balcones Heights Mayor Suzanne de Leon.

In 2020, the Balcones Heights Jazz Festival evolved from a summer concert season to a year-long concert series, which was adopted pre-pandemic to spread concerts throughout the year. As live entertainment was halted due to COVID-19, the City of Balcones Heights featured its first ever virtual Christmas Jazz Festival in December 2020. It was produced and posted online featuring local artists MiChelle Garibay-Carey and Zarabande.

The Balcones Heights Jazz Festival has captivated jazz aficionados from across Texas since 1994 with a free, stellar lineup and a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere. Outdoor seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Regulars, or “jazz babies,” come early to grab their favorite spots along the edge of the sparkling reflecting pool and fountains of the city’s main hub, Wonderland of the Americas.
Food trucks will be available.

When he was 5 years old, Slim Man saw a movie, “The Five Pennies,” with his dad, and when Louis Armstrong came on the big screen to play the trumpet and sing, he told his dad, “That’s what I want to do.” Slim Man studied trumpet for the next nine years and taught himself how to play piano and guitar. After studying piano, composition and harmony at Peabody Institute in his native Baltimore, Slim Man began working as a songwriter for Motown Records. His songs have been recorded by The Temptations, Angela Bofill, Carl Anderson and others. Slim Man also recorded a CD for Motown, giving birth to his signature style.

Slim Man also offers singing lessons, focusing on breathing techniques, simple performance hacks, vibrato control, and finding the appropriate range, tone and style.

He has been busy in the kitchen, too, creating recipes for his cookbooks. In 2016, he released “Slim Man Cooks,” containing 52 recipes that include plenty of Italian dishes, all with his own twist, as well as some of his own original recipes. The PDF version also includes links to dozens of videos as well as 52 charming stories—humorous tales about his family, his wild ride in the music business and his canine sidekick, Batu. Slim Man just released a sequel, “Slim Man Cooks 2,” which contains 30 new recipes, 30 stories and 30 videos.

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa offers festive and business packages

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa is a Texas Hill Country’s luxury resort located in Sonora, Texas. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.

Texas Hill Country’s luxury resort The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa is offering luxurious holiday and private party experiences, allowing guests to make the 13,000-acre, 32-room luxury resort their very own this festive season and as businesses begin planning 2022 travel and team-building initiatives. Ideal for family getaways or an elevated remote working experience, birthday events, bachelorette parties, corporate retreats, intimate wedding ceremonies and other special occasions, The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa offers customizable packages to accommodate all types of guests. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)

The sweeping Texas Hill Country resort is located deep in the heart of Sonora, Texas, and is one of the country’s leading working ranch experiences, naturally distanced destinations, and Texas’ only luxury ranch resort. The naturally distanced boutique resort is a study in rustic elegance, providing a customized, Texan experience that connects guests to nature with activities and programming including:  

  • Indoor and outdoor site options for big parties
  • Dozens of outdoor-driven activities for guests, ranging from ATV adventures and a pro-designed putting green to hikes, swimming, outdoor yoga classes, horseback riding and horse psychology, wine tasting, guided shooting instruction and 3D archery, and cooking classes.
  • On-site salon & spa allows guests to unwind. Services include massages and spa treatments alongside a full nail/salon menu. 
  • Archer’s Nest Villa, a seven-bedroom villa with a private swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, home theater, and more; it’s perfect for partial buyouts, bachelorette parties, family vacations, bride’s quarters, and more.
  • A private FBO airport hangar, allowing guests to charter a private plane and avoid large airports. 

 

Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.