April events at Pearl

diadelnino,jpg — For the first time, A Día del Nino celebration is coming to the Pearl this April. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

April at Pearl is setting up to be a busy one with various activities planned for the whole family. Programming for the month includes Poetry at Pearl, a Mi Golondrina retail pop-up, the First Thursday Night Market, Bidi Bidi Party, a Battle of Flowers After Party and Día del Niño. Also, Gustav’s Geysers have reopened at Pearl Park, making it the perfect destination for spring time fun. (Pearl, 2019)

Poetry Month at Pearl in April – Various activations throughout Pearl Campus all month
In honor of National Poetry Month, Pearl will celebrate the art of the written word with various poetry-themed activations throughout the property. Pearl has commissioned local poets to create works in collaboration with select stores. Celebration of Things: Window Poems features the work of three San Antonio Poet Laureates and three Texas Poet Laureates; poems are installed on the storefronts of The Tiny Finch, Niche, Local Coffee, Bakery Lorraine, LeeLee, Vintage Bouquet Bar and The Twig. Typewriter Rodeo will also be at the First Thursday Night Market on Thursday, April 4, where Poem Wranglers will create free, custom poetry for visitors on their vintage typewriters. The Twig will have a book signing with Kari Anne Holt and Sean Petrie of the Typewriter Rodeo where they will sign copies their recent publication “Typewriter Rodeo: Real People, Real Stories, Custom Poems.” All events are free and open to the public.

Mi Golondrina Pop Up – March 5 – June 1 from 11a.m. to 5p.m.
Mi Golondrina, a collection of handcrafted high-end artisan clothing and accessories made in Mexico, returns to Pearl. Guests can shop the collection at the Pearl pop-up store, located next to Niche and The Sporting District.

First Thursday Night Market – Thursday April 4 from 4p.m. to 8p.m.
First Thursday Night Market returns to Pearl for the month of April. Visitors can shop with their favorite local Farmers Market vendors and artisans while enjoying music by regional performers. Mojo-Ramba will perform at Pearl Park from 5:30p.m. to 7:30p.m. and. St. Duke’s in Pearl Parkito from 4p.m. to 8p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Bidi Bidi Party – Tuesday April 16 from 6p.m. to 9p.m.
Pearl will host a Bidi Bidi Party on Tuesday, April 16 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. at Pearl Park. DJ Manolo Black will spin the best of cumbia and Latin music to honor the Queen of Tejano. The event is free and open to the public with food and drinks for sale at the Bottling Department.

Battle of Flowers After Party at Pearl – Friday April 26 from 12:30p.m. to 5p.m.
Pearl will host its annual Battle of Flowers After Party at Pearl Park. Guests can enjoy specials from the Bottling Department while dancing along to Sound Cream and DJ Catwalk. The event is free and open to the public with food and drinks for sale at the Bottling Department and Southerleigh Oyster Bar.

Día del Niño – Tuesday April 30 from 4p.m. to 6p.m.
Since 1925, Día del Niño is an annual celebration in Mexico honoring children and this year, Pearl brings the celebration to Pearl Parkito. Pearl will honor this tradition by partnering with the Instituto Cultural de México (ICM) to bring an evening of bilingual storytelling, traditional Mexican games, face painting, and more. Día del Niño is free and open to the public with food and drinks available for purchase throughout Pearl property.

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

San Antonio Book Festival announces The Moth storytellers

sabf19 — The San Antonio Book Festival takes place this Saturday April 6. Photo: San Antonio Book Festival, used with permission.

The San Antonio Book Festival (SABF), the free and family-friendly literary-themed event, is taking place this Saturday April 6, along with The Moth. In the age-old tradition of true stories told live, The Moth is an international storytelling show that features five storytellers on stage sharing an authentic experience from their own personal lives. The Moth shows are renowned for the great range of human experience they showcase and the performances dance between documentary and theater, creating a unique, intimate, and often enlightening experience for the audience. (San Antonio Book Festival, 2019)

This year’s lineup has just been revealed and includes:
Visual artist from the Eastern Shawnee Nation of Oklahoma Alistair Bane
Bestselling author Kate Braestrup
Mexico native and bestselling author Reyna Grande
Acclaimed novelist Ernesto Quiñonez
Award-winning designer Lori Weitzner of Lori Weitzner Design

The Moth will be at The Majestic Theatre on Friday, April 5 at 7p.m. and will showcase five authors as they share their own personal story. General Admission tickets range from $25-$45 and are available online. VIP tickets are $100 and include admission to the exclusive afterparty with The Moth storytellers and producers, San Antonio Book Festival authors, and complimentary food and beverages.

The mission of the San Antonio Book Festival is to unite readers and writers in a celebration of ideas, books, libraries and literary culture. The signature program of the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, SABF was first presented in April 2013. Founding Partners are the Texas Book Festival, the San Antonio Public Library and Southwest School of Art. Through active partnerships with school districts and community organizations focused on literacy, education and culture, the Festival connects with educators, parents and students, pre-K through college. SABF reaches out to those who are well read and those who love to read well.

The Moth is a non-profit group based in New York City dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling. Since its launch in 1997, The Moth has presented thousands of stories told live and without notes.
Moth shows are renowned for the great range of human experience they showcase. Each show starts with a theme, and the storytellers explore it, often in unexpected ways. Since each story is true and every voice authentic, the shows dance between documentary and theater, creating a unique, intimate, and often enlightening experience for the audience.

The Majestic Theatre
224 East Houston Street
San Antonio, TX, 78205

Pet Education Project headquartered in San Antonio

Pet Education Project offers free humane education to San Antonio Schools. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Pet Education Project (PEP!) has chosen San Antonio as a new home, offering free humane education to San Antonio schools. The programs are innovative, entertaining and make it easy to educate children on important topics such as spaying and neutering, pet adoption and animal safety. Studies also show that teaching compassion and preventing animal abuse prevents human violence. (Pet Education Project, 2019)

“We are beyond thrilled to launch our humane education initiatives in San Antonio. Teaching kindness, empathy and responsibility will not only better the community, but will pave the way for a brighter future for families and their pets. San Antonio is an incredibly vibrant city and we cannot imagine a better place to bring our colorful programming and build our headquarters.” – Erica Falbaum, founder of Pet Education Project (PEP!).

PEP! Is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to teaching kids empathy and compassion toward animals and core responsibilities of pet ownership, which in turn reduces euthanasia in animal shelters. Pet Education Project (PEP!) Pet Education Project is a humane education organization dedicated to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters by educating children ages preschool through 6th grade. Our inspirational and positive programs focus on teaching kids compassion toward animals and empowering them with pet ownership responsibility skills. PEP! has educated over 1 million kids worldwide and has been featured on national TV such as the Hallmark Channel and in People Magazine.

32nd annual Old Settler’s Music Festival

The Old Settler’s Music Festival takes place April 11 through April 14. Courtesy photo: used with permission.

The Old Settler’s Music Festival will take place Thursday April 11 through Sunday April 14 in Tilmon, TX, conveniently located less than an hour from Austin and San Antonio and approximately two hours from Houston. More than a music festival with a stellar lineup of established and up-and-comers in roots, Americana, and folk, Old Settler’s Music Festival is a completely unique experience built by a community of regular campers returning every year, an army of volunteers who put the festival on and newcomers who discover the vibe for the first time. The festival is an authentic celebration of the food, art, and heritage that constitute Texan culture in the setting of world-class live music entertainment. Ticket information, including details on VIP gold and platinum packages, is available online. (Old Settler’s Music Festival, 2019)

Old Settler’s Music Festival will once again feature a diverse representation of Texas’s culinary roots, including staples like Lockhart’s Black’s Barbecue and Austin’s Torchy’s Tacos and popular food trucks like Llano’s Oh My Pizza Pie and San Marcos’s Buddy’s Crepes. Vendors include: The Original Black’s Barbecue, Four Brothers’ Venezuelan Kitchen, Tamale Addiction and more.

Old Settler’s Music Festival welcomes artisans from around the region to showcase their works, including jewelry, clothing and a variety of crafts. As a festival open to fans of all ages, Old Settler’s will again have a petting zoo and pony rides by Down on the Farm and Joyful Bubbles will make human and car size bubbles, much to the delight of the festival’s younger attendees.

Headliners Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit will perform their intimate acoustic set at 8:30p.m. on Friday, April 12 and Saturday’s headliner Brandi Carlile will take the stage the following night at 8:30p.m. Full schedule of performers is available online.

The festival has announced the finalists in its Old Settler’s Music Festival’s Youth Competition, presented by the Center for Texas Music History. The Center for Texas Music History at Texas State University works to document, preserve and celebrate the rich musical heritage of the Southwest through courses, publications, and events. The following finalists will compete on Saturday, April 13 at the festival, when a winner and two runners-up will be chosen:

• Claire Ashton, 13 (Austin, TX)
• Cristina Bolen, 17 (Lockhart, TX)
• Elijah Delgado, 16 (Austin, TX)
• Riley Edwards and Julia Blackmon, 17 and 16 (Austin, TX)
• Ethan Hanson, 18 (New Braunfels, TX)
• Mathias Lattin, 16 (Houston, TX)
• Madi Meeks, 17 (Austin, TX)
• Giri and Uma Peters, 14 and 11 (Nashville, TN)
• Jade Vondrew, 17 (Buda, TX)
• Kendale Walker, 12 (Cypress, TX)

Lent specials in San Antonio

shrimpdish — Southerleigh is one of the local restaurants offering special Lent dishes. Photo: Giant Noise, used with permission.

Lent season is in full swing and local restaurants are offering patrons the chance to enjoy delectable fish dishes throughout the season, including Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery and Davila’s BBQ. (Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, Davila’s BBQ, 2019)

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery is no stranger to the sea. Drop by the restaurant anytime for their famous Fried Snapper Throats, Hot Fish Sandwich, Alaskan King Crab legs, Seafood Towers featuring shrimp, crab and oysters, Crab Rice and more. Southerleigh specializes in seafood, making them the perfect destination for good eats during the Lenten season.

Davila’s BBQ has an all you can eat catfish special every Friday during Lent. For $11.99 guests can have all the catfish they want along with Cole slaw, French fries, and hush puppies as sides. This offering is valid all day on Fridays during Lent.

Book review: ‘Dark Blossom’ by Neel Mullick

Neel Mullick is the Head of Product and Information Security at a Belgian family-office technology company and has degrees in Software Engineering from Carnegie Mellon, USA and Business Administration from INSEAD, France. He mentors women entrepreneurs through the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, is involved in raising a generation of digital and socially-aware leaders with the Steering for Greatness Foundation (Nigeria), supports improvement in the quality of life of domestic workers at Emprendedoras del Hogar (Peru) and is helping IIMPACT (India) break the cycle of illiteracy plaguing young girls from socially and economically impoverished communities. In his new book “Dark Blossom,” the lives of Cynthia, a therapist, and Sam, her new client, intertwine in a story that shows a glimpse of what lies under the surface of apparently normal people.

“Dark Blossom” begins as Sam, who is struggling to deal with his son’s death a day before his thirteenth birthday, shows up at Cynthia’s office, seemingly ready to start counseling. His depressed demeanor and volatile mood say another story. Tragically, his son and wife were killed in an automobile accident which cruelly shattered his world. Cynthia has recently restarted her counseling practice after taking half a year to deal with a bitter divorce, so she sees in Sam a sort of kindred spirit who so desperately needs her help. At first she tries to brush off the similarities between them as coincidence, but when he meets her daughter Lilly, the pieces of the puzzle start coming together. Sam knows too much about their personal lives and as it turns out, he as well as Lilly have secrets. She has more to do with the death of Sam’s family than anyone knows and his presence in Cynthia and Lilly’s life is no accident.

Neel Mullick’s debut novel is part thriller/part drama and offers readers an inside view of a therapist’s mind as she deals with patients and how to properly treat them. Told in the first-person point of view of Cynthia, it starts off as a routine trip to a therapist’s office and soon unravels as situations are more complicated than they seem. Sam clearly is resisting Cynthia’s help, but it becomes evident that he has plans of his own. Even though it is a short book, the character development is excellent as it gives the necessary background needed to propel the plot forward. It is well written, with easy to understand language and the author tells the story without any extraneous information. Since this emotional rollercoaster of a novel is fast paced and a page turner, it can easily be read in a few days, but the plot twist and surprise ending will dwell in readers minds for days. To interact with them, the author has created a competition where readers can chime in with their opinions. Details and rules are available online. “Dark Blossom” is a suspenseful novel that packs an emotional punch and is recommended for readers who enjoy getting lost in the inner workings of the mind.

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

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

Theater review: ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ at the Majestic Theatre

The Tony Award®- nominated Broadway revival of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ returns to the Majestic Theatre this week. It opened last night and will play for eight performances through Sunday March 31 with showtimes at 7:30p.m. through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. Tickets start at $40 and are available through Ticketmaster online, by calling (800) 982-2787 or by visiting the Majestic Box Office. This acclaimed revival of the classic musical is the story of Tevye, a Jewish milkman whose three eldest daughters get married, each one moving further from traditional ways, as he copes with the growing anti-Jewish sentiment in his country.

‘Fiddler on the Roof’ is set in the Russian shtetl of Anatevka in 1905 where Tevye, (Yehezkel Lazarov) lives with his wife (Maite Uzal) and five daughters. The opening scene consists of Tevye pointing out the fiddler and explaining why he sits on rooftops and remains there despite the danger—because it is tradition. He goes on to explain the various Jewish customs, one of which is arranged marriages “Prologue: Tradition.” His three eldest daughters are not looking forward to their eventual arranged marriages “Matchmaker, Matchmaker.” When Yente (Carol Beaugard), the matchmaker, matches Tevye’s older daughter Tzeitel (Mel Weyn) with Lazar Wolf, the butcher (Jonathan Von Mering), she resists because she wants to marry her childhood friend Motel (Jesse Weil). Tevye gives in to her wishes and the family celebrates the wedding Tzeitel and Motel “The Wedding” until Russian soldiers interrupt it. Tevye’s two other daughters also wish to marry for love and their choice of husband is anything but traditional. The story ends on a somber note as the government forces everyone in the village to relocate “Anatevka.”

This revival production proudly introduces a new generation to the iconic musical adored across the globe. From the first mesmerizing notes of “Prologue: Tradition” to the reverence of “Sabbath Prayer,” it is a treat to experience live. Yehezkel Lazarov is outstanding as Tevye, especially during the infectious “If I Were a Rich Man.” His witty conversations with God make his character relatable. The breaking of the fourth wall draws the audience in to empathize with the characters and share in their human experience. Highlights include “Prologue: Tradition” by the Tevye and the Villagers, “To Life” as the men celebrate when Lazar Wolf is matched with Tzeitel and “The Wedding” which includes The Bottle Dance, a crowd pleaser that drew the most applause and cheers. At the center is the importance of family traditions and faith as the older generation tries to hold on to these values in the face of a changing world. With topics such as family and history, the occasional self-deprecating humor and spectacular dancing, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ is a must-see musical with universal appeal.

PechaKucha San Antonio Vol 33

www.joshhuskin.com — Carmen Tafolla, State Poet Laureate, will be one of the presenters at this year’s PechaKucha at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Photo: Josh Huskin, used with permission.

PechaKucha San Antonio, the global arts and culture series that hosts speakers who share their passions in a unique format, is excited to announce the lineup for its Volume 33 edition, scheduled for Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at the San Antonio Museum of Art. The night will begin with a welcome reception at 7p.m., followed by presentations starting at 8:15 p.m. PechaKucha San Antonio is presented in partnership with the Las Casas Foundation. (PechaKucha, 2019)

Vol. 33 will feature a talented group of locals that includes writers, authors, artists and more.
Presenters include:
· Michaele Thurgood Haynes, Cultural Anthropologist
· Annie Montgomery Labatt, Gallery Director/Professor
· Jesse Mata + Elaine Wolff, Fiesta’s Fifth Column
· Franco Mondini-Ruiz, Compulsive Artsessive
· Michael Quintanilla, Disco Confessionist/Glue Gun Expert
· Carmen Tafolla, State Poet Laureate

Emcees for the evening include popular News 4 San Antonio anchor Randy Beamer as well as artist Justin Parr. The welcome reception will feature live music and complimentary bites curated by local chefs and restaurants. Tickets are $5 per person and are available online.

PechaKucha San Antonio would not be possible without the support of annual sponsors, including Centro Properties, Lake Flato Architects, Zurich International Properties, Schroeder Art, MBS Fitness, San Antonio River Foundation, RYNO General Contractors and Artist Gary Sweeney.

Pronounced “PEH-chuh KOO-chuh,” PechaKucha is a 20-image x 20 second arts and cultures series that hosts speakers who share their passions in a unique format. Each presenter gets exactly 20 images, and each slide advances automatically every 20 seconds (for a total time of 6:40). San Antonio’s first quarterly PechaKucha Night was held in February 2011 and now attracts hundreds of attendees to venues throughout San Antonio. It showcases a broad range of individuals, including architects, artists, makers, academics, community leaders and more. PechaKucha (Japanese for “chit chat”) is an event format developed by Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture to encourage creative professionals to share projects and ideas that they are passionate about. Since it began in 2003, PechaKucha has expanded to more than 1000 cities around the world.

San Antonio Museum of Art
200 W Jones Ave.
San Antonio, TX 78215

Easter Bunny at North Star Mall

Easter is right around the corner and everyone is invited to come visit and sit for a special Spring-time photo with the only female Easter Bunny in Texas, exclusively at North Star Mall. Commemorative photo packages start at $29.99. All children under 12 receive a complimentary surprise when they strike a cozy pose with Ms. Easter Bunny, located in front of Macy’s. (North Star Mall, 2019)

Ms. Easter Bunny is furry, fluffy and full of hugs. She is also fashionable and easy to spot in her brightly colored, polka-dot apron with deep pockets that sometimes hold additional surprise treats for her pint-sized friends. The Easter Bunny will greet visitors during mall hours beginning Tuesday, March 26 through Saturday, April 20, when she leaves to deliver eggs to children around the globe. The Easter Bunny does take occasional carrot breaks. North Star is closed Easter Sunday.

PET NIGHTS: Ms. Easter Bunny also welcomes cats and dogs for three nights only, Monday April 1, Thursday April 4 and Monday April 15 from 5p.m. to 8p.m.Pets must be on a leash and guests are asked to use the entrance by The Cheesecake Factory.

Tuesday, March 26 through Saturday, April 20
Monday through Saturday 10a.m. to 8p.m.
Sunday 12 noon to 6p.m.

North Star Mall
Located inside the mall in front of Macy’s
7400 San Pedro
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 340-6627

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