Category: Outdoor Recreation

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.

Celebrate Thanksgiving at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa

This Thanksgiving, give thanks to the great outdoors, Texas BBQ, and more at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, the family owned and operated, 13,000-acre Texas Hill Country retreat in Sonora, invites families and loved ones to give thanks with outdoor experiences, world-class Texas BBQ and dining, and the chance to make long-lasting memories. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)

Programming and offers include:

  • Fanciful Feasts: On Thanksgiving (November 25), JL Bar Ranch’s talented Executive Chef Sergio Rico and the culinary team are hosting its annual Thanksgiving Feast, to include a Chef-attended carving station with sage brined, slow-roasted turkey with gravy, Mesquite Smoked Sirloin, and Honey Lavender Spiral Glazed Ham; a buffet featuring holiday classics like Cornbread Dressing, Pecan-crusted Sweet Potato Casserole, Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and a Balsamic Reduction; a Salad Bar; and Desserts including Pumpkin Cheesecake with Cinnamon Chantilly Cream, Bourbon Pecan Tart, Coconut Cream Tart, and more. The holiday meal will be available for three seatings (11a.m., 1p.m., and 4:30p.m.) with limited reservations. Price: $59.95 (guest rate); $79.95 (non-resort guest); half-off for kids 12 & under.
  • Take Care of Holiday Shopping Early: JL Bar Ranch’s General Store will host a Thanksgiving Day-only sale with 10% off most purchases in-store. Give the gift of JL Bar coolers, apparel, and more with this one day only
  • Outdoor Adventure: Embrace the crisp November weather with the resort’s robust outdoor activities, from hiking and horseback riding to ATV/UTV adventures and 3D archery. A complete list of activities is available online.  
  • A Multi-Gen Villa Escape: The stunning Archer’s Nest Villa is an ultra-private retreat within the Ranch: this beautiful ranch home has 7 bedrooms & 6 bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, a swimming pool with a slide, an outdoor kitchen & BBQ pavilion, home theater and more (private chef & butler options are available). 

Agarita continues to bring the arts to the community through mobile concerts

Agarita was founded by Daniel Anastasio (piano), Marisa Bushman (viola), Ignacio Gallego (cello), and Sarah Silver Manzke (violin). The new mobile concert hall is scheduled to complete its season run through all ten city districts. Photo: Agarita

Agarita, San Antonio’s innovative chamber ensemble, has announced that it will be performing six more of its unique Humble Hall mobile concerts during the remainder of the year. The outdoor, open-air concerts, featuring classical and contemporary music, are part of a series taking place in all the city’s 10 districts. (Agarita, 2021)

“At a time where classical music and the arts are needed even more to connect, we’re thrilled to continue to bring free concerts to San Antonio and throughout South Texas. Our theme is bringing the music to you without financial barriers and without the extra expense of traveling to a concert hall or venue. We’re excited to have fulfilled our goal, by the end of year, to have performed in every district in San Antonio, exposing our live music and artist expression to new audiences.” – Marisa Bushman, viola and Agarita executive director.

All ages are welcome and attendees are invited to bring a chair or blanket. The concerts, which are outdoors, are sponsored by the Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts. Performances will be held at the following times and locations:

Saturday, October 30
1p.m., Castle Hills, The Commons, 207 Lemonwood Drive
4p.m., District 4, Christus Santa Rosa, 2827 Babcock Road

Sunday, November 7
11a.m., District 4, Pearsall Park, 5102 Old Pearsall Road
3p.m. District 5, Roosevelt Park, 331 Roosevelt Ave.

Saturday, December 18
11a.m., District 6, location TBD
3p.m., Districts 9 and 10, McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road

Agarita’s Humble Hall, the first of its kind in Texas, debuted in December 2020 and provides easy public access to world-class performances while reinventing the traditional concert experience. The concerts are bilingual and open to the public. They last approximately 45 minutes, with no intermission, and include members of Agarita discussing their art with audiences, thereby forging a deeper connection with them.

Other sponsors for The Humble Hall series include Blossom Storage Ltd., US Signs New Braunfels, Humble House Foods, Terra Nova Violins, Chula Boyle, Marco Chalaby, Angela Pfeiffer, Wine Guys, Alexander Vineyards, Pulmonary Consultants of San Antonio, San Antonio Symphony League, H-E-B, and the Paulena F. Mitchell Testament Trust.

An innovative chamber ensemble dedicated to producing bold, collaborative musical events, Agarita offers a new way to experience classical and contemporary music. Rooted in San Antonio and founded by Daniel Anastasio (piano), Marisa Bushman (viola), Ignacio Gallego (cello), and Sarah Silver Manzke (violin), Agarita nourishes the local community through artistic collaborations, community engagement and free, adventurous programming. With concise, eclectic performances that are “splendid – unified, spirited, [and] well prepared” (Greenberg, Incident Light), the young chamber group offers a new, open-armed experience for listeners.

Agarita was recently named San Antonio Magazine’s Best of the City 2021: Culture winner for its collaboration with area partners. It collaborates intimately with local artists of various genres to weave cross-artistic narratives for each concert. Agarita’s past collaborations have included the McNay Art Museum’s Pop América exhibit, lighting artist Chuck Drew, Cameron Beauchamp from the Grammy Award-winning vocal group Roomful of Teeth, chef Elizabeth Johnson and Pharm Table restaurant, poet Laura Van Prooyen, sculptor Danville Chadbourne, educational arts institution SAY Sí and the Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival for a concert inside San Antonio’s historic Mission San José.

As a nonprofit organization, Agarita believes that the arts should be accessible to everyone in its community. Agarita presents free public concerts, performs at local schools, and offers opportunities for other artists through its collaborations.

Pearl’s Food Hall at Bottling Department now serving breakfast

Food Hall at Pearl is now offering breakfast items seven days a week. Shown: Chilaquil breakfast. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

Pearl is excited to announce that breakfast is now available throughout the week at the Food Hall at Bottling Department. Each of the tenants inside Food Hall are now offering breakfast items Monday through Sunday to provide more options to guests, workers and those that live at Pearl. (Pearl, 2021)

Guests can find breakfast items like tacos from Chilaquil, breakfast rotis from Mi Roti, smoothies from Kineapple, sandwiches from Fletcher’s Hamburgers and a Tori Katsu Breakfast Sando from Tenko Ramen. The Food Hall is now open at 8a.m. and breakfast is served until 11a.m. each day.

The team at Food Hall at Bottling Department is excited to be able to bring more options to its guests throughout the day.

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.

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa is ideal off-grid destination for group activities

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in scenic Sonora, Texas. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, a hidden gem in picturesque West Texas is set amidst 13,000 acres deep in Texas Hill Country. The serene location allows visitors to relax, connect and enjoy the pure unfiltered beauty and peace of Sonora. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)   

JL Bar offers guests the best of Texas with warm southern hospitality, unparalleled service, and one-of-a-kind experiences. With over 30,000 square feet of unique indoor and outdoor meeting and event space and a private FBO airport, JL Bar is the ideal space for meetings, corporate events, incentive groups, and more.  

  • Location: Situated in Sonora, TX, a short drive from Austin, San Antonio and Dallas/Fort Worth areas, the property offers the best of both Texas Hill Country and West Texas. Guests can also arrive into  The JL Bar Ranch and Resort Full Service Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Airport, via privately chartered jet or personally owned aircraft.
  • Luxury Cabins & Cottages: JL Bar Ranch boasts 16 standalone luxury cabins and 16 spacious guest rooms with premium amenities, as well as the exclusive Archer’s Nest Villa, a six-bedroom villa that accommodates up to 12 guests and has a private swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, and a full home theatre.   
  • Meetings and Event Spaces: With more than 30,000 square feet of meeting and event spaces on property, companies have their pick of nine locations while they build morale and team spirit. The airport hangar doubles as an event space capable of holding over 1,200 people, and there are also more intimate meeting room locations that are perfect for breakout sessions and collaborative team building/grouping. 
  • Group Adventures: Groups will never need to leave the property, from a full equestrian program featuring horseback riding and a horse psychology experience to off-road ATV adventures, a Putting/Chipping Green, weekend yoga, wine tasting, Cowboy Cookouts and clay and skeet shooting, JL Bar Ranch can craft an exceptional itinerary with on-property activities and incentives for groups to enjoy.
JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa offers meeting and events spaces. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa offers exclusive Texas Hill Country adventure getaways

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

As summer gives way to fall and people continue to seek off-grid, outdoor-driven escapes, the picturesque JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa brings adventure at every turn with an array of activities, ranging from horseback riding and UTV off-roading to intimate group wine tastings. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)

Activities include:

  • Seven-day Schedule & Sips at MV Brew: The 13,000-acre resort is now accessible seven days a week for overnight guests seeking an immersive extended stay that captures the West Texas Lifestyle. New for overnight guests in August 2021, JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa opened MV Brew Coffee House, which proudly serves Starbucks Coffee alongside daily fresh- made pastries, grab and go snacks, and refreshments exclusively to JL Bar Resort Guests. The coffee house is named after resort owner James Archer’s MV2 Entertainment Company in Nashville and offers indoor seating and ample outdoor space to enjoy a fresh cup o’ joe, the closest of its kind within an 80-mile radius.
  • A Family Affair at Archer’s Nest, the resort’s private villa: Following a recent upgrade, the private and luxurious Archer’s Nest Villa now boasts seven bedrooms that accommodates up to fourteen guests in addition to a private oasis swimming pool, large pool house with fully equipped kitchen, and a full home theatre room. The grand accommodation is the ideal destination for family reunions and small groups. 
  • JL Bar Takes Flight: As one of the leading point-to-point getaway destinations with its Full-Service Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Airport , the resort’s private airport offers an abundance of amenities that are rare for a private airstrip (especially at a resort), including a 5300’ x 80’ asphalt top runway and facilities capable of handling a variety of aircraft from a single engine Cessna to a Gulfstream 650, hangar space for multiple jets, crew and passenger lounges, single point or over-wing fuel, in-flight dining from the resort’s private chef, and more. JL Bar Ranch & Resort Airport provides FAA certified weather, minimal air traffic in the immediate area, and is one of the most efficient for refueling cross-country flights. While some guests may choose the few-hour drive to Sonora, TX, cross-country travelers looking to refuel and recharge for the night, aviation enthusiasts, and luxury travelers looking for a seamless getaway experience can arrive via privately chartered jet or personally owned aircraft.
  • Harvest Season Wine Excursions: The luxury resort and working ranch now offer a new all-inclusive day trip excursion to Fredericksburg, inclusive of transportation, a local wine tasting and lunch, and shopping along Fredericksburg’s iconic Main Street. For on-property wine experiences, Sommelier and Equine Experts Jon Joseph and Sydney Beique host wine tastings and have curated an extensive wine list to pair with the resort’s culinary offerings.
  • On the Hunt: As entrusted stewards of the land, the ranch manages the property to be productive for during the fall hunting season while conserving and nurturing vital habitat for wild game—orchestrating a harmonious balance between wild game and domestic livestock on the property, with horseback riding and a Horse Psychology Experience alongside world-class guided hunting excursions.

End of Summer pool party at La Cantera Resort & Spa

The End of Summer pool party will include Vegas style showgirls, showmen, and complimentary small bites and toast at sunset. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.

An End of Summer Soirée, “Viva La Cantera” pool party at Topaz, presented by La Cantera Resort & Spa, will take place Thursday September 2 from 7p.m. to 11p.m. La Cantera Resort & Spa will donate a portion of the proceeds to Spurs Give, the official nonprofit of Spurs Sports and Entertainment. Sip on summer-inspired cocktails and relish in small bites with unrivaled views of the Texas Hill Country as backdrop. At sunset, enjoy a complimentary toast courtesy of Moët & Chandon. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2021)

There will be Vegas style showgirls, showmen, and tunes by DJ Celina and guests are encouraged to come dressed in white chic attire. Event partners are Dillard’s at The Shops at La Cantera, Dior at Dillard’s, Land Rover of San Antonio, Spurs Give, Belvedere, and Moët & Chandon.

Tickets are $150 per person and guests must be 21 and over; ID required. For a limited time use promo code “sunkissed” for $50 off the admission price. Resort guests will simply present their room key at the registration desk to receive their wrist bands. Stay the night with a two ticket package that includes a one-night stay, double occupancy, resort fees and tax for $450. To purchase tickets or make reservations, visit La Cantera Resort . Tickets are non-refundable. In the event of inclement weather, ticket will be honored for a future event based on availability.

Thursday, September 2, 7p.m. to 11p.m.

  • 7p.m. – doors open, complimentary cocktail from Belvedere
  • 7p.m. to 8p.m. – complimentary small bites
  • 8:30p.m. – sunset toast courtesy of Moët & Chandon
  • 9p.m. – let the party begin! 21 and over only

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

JL Bar Ranch, Resort and Spa’s Texas Hill Country wine weekend getaways

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa offers exclusive Texas Hill Country wine weekend getaways. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.

With over 50 unique and visually stunning wineries scattered throughout the region, there is somewhere new to explore and fall in love with around every bend in Texas Wine Country. Also known as Texas Hill Country, Texas’ growing wine region is one of the most visited wine destinations in the United States and is the fifth largest wine-producing state in the country. Now, visitors can experience the heart of Texas Hill Country and a taste of its terroir with JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa’s exclusive wine programming and excursion. (JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa, 2021)

Set on 13,000 acres in Sonora, Texas, JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa offers unmatched luxury amidst the rolling hills of West Texas. The 32-room boutique resort is just a few hours’ drive (or a short flight on a private plane into JL Bar’s Private Airport FBO) and is perfect for travelers looking to relax and unwind with a glass of wine, with new wine-centric experiences. 

The resort has two renowned Sommeliers overseeing the resort’s wine program and tasting experiences and has recently launched a Fredericksburg Wine Tasting Experience for guests to enjoy a getaway stay that immerses them in all things Texas, with activities and amenities including:   

  • Fredericksburg Wine Excursion: The luxury resort and working ranch now offers new day-trip excursions that allows guests to experience the best of Texas Hill Country’s wine with a day trip to Fredericksburg that includes transportation, a local winetasting and lunch at Victoria Gimino Vineyard, shopping on Fredericksburg’s Main Street, and more.
  • Wine Tasting at JL Bar Ranch: “Drink:” By day, Sydney Beiqueand Jon Joseph lead JL bar Ranch’s equine program, but by night the couple lead the resort’s wine program as Level 2 and Level 1 Sommeliers, respectively. They have curated a wine list on property that is solely small-production wines. Their motto is “if you can buy it in a store, we won’t offer it on the ranch.” All are high-quality, thoughtfully selected wines, available both during meals and as a private wine tasting experience.  
  • Cowboy Cookout: The culinary team at JL Bar Ranch has designed a decadent and interactive social distancing-approved dining experience with its new Cowboy Cookout. Guests can take in the Texas Hill Country views with a horseback ride to the property’s cookout camp, enjoy cocktails and snacks as the culinary team prepares a lavish steak dinner, and relax to country music while soaking in the magnificent sunset.  
  • Hill Country Adventures: From a full equestrian program featuring horseback riding and a horse psychology experience to off-road ATV adventures, a Putting/Chipping Green, weekend yoga, wine tasting, and clay and skeet shooting, JL Bar Ranch’s slew of activities and programming take place primarily outside for the ultimate adventure.   

Lightscape making its Texas debut at the San Antonio Botanical Garden

San Antonio’s newest holiday event will be making its Texas debut this holiday season. Photo: San Antonio Botanical Garden

San Antonio’s newest holiday event, Lightscape, is making its Texas debut at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Guests will be enchanted by magical light displays set along a beautifully illuminated one-mile path winding through the Botanical Garden. These captivating illuminations will dazzle the senses and the show will proudly include installations unique to Texas created by local and international artists. This exciting display will run from November 19, 2021 to January 2, 2022. (San Antonio Botanical Garden, 2021)

The trail will feature a one-of-a-kind experience blending new works, including a field of Texas bluebonnets, with guest-favorites, such as the show stopping Cathedral of Light, an impressive towering cathedral arch tunnel sparkling with 10,000 lights.

This holiday event routinely sells out in other cities, so be sure to mark your calendars and buy your tickets early. Botanical Garden members will receive an exclusive 48 hour pre-sake and ticket discount. Become a member today to guarantee tickets for your preferred date.

Tickets go on sale to Botanical Garden members on Wednesday, June 2 and public on-sale begins Friday, June 4, 2021.

The San Antonio Botanical Garden’s tranquil 38 acres serve as a living museum of native and imported plant life for visitors to appreciate, learn from, and enjoy. Its mission is to inspire people to connect with the plant world and understand the importance of plants in our lives.