Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ at The Classic Theatre

tempestpic — Allan Ross as Prospero, Grace Lamberson as Miranda and Hunter Wulff as Ferninand in The Classic Theatre of San Antonio’s production of ‘The Tempest.’ Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

The mission of The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is to produce classic plays with contemporary connections and this continues with their next production. William Shakespeare’s comedy ‘The Tempest’ opens at The Classic Theatre stage on Friday February 17 and will run until Sunday March 12, 2017. This is considered one of Shakespeare’s last and greatest work and is part fairy tale and part romance with a touch of magic. The story is set on a remote island where Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, plots to restore his daughter Miranda to her rightful place as princess of Milan using illusion and skillful manipulation. It features begrudged creatures and drunken clowns, charmed royals and magical spirits who all struggle between the temptation for revenge and the grace of forgiveness and humility. Mark McCarver is the director and co-founder Allan S Ross stars as Prospero and Grace Lamberson as Miranda. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2017)

Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Ticket prices are $25 for general admission, $20 for senior, military, educator or SATCO and $10 for students and are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450. There will be a complimentary champagne reception on opening night Friday February 17, 2017. Following the Sunday March 5 show at 3p.m. there will be a ‘Community Talk Back’ discussion about the play.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450

Live from Jazz, TX radio series

jazztxband — Live from Jazz, TX will be taping starting Wednesday February 22. Photo by Hilmy, used with permission.

Patrons who have enjoyed Jazz, TX will be pleased to know that the venue has announced a new radio show series with San Antonio’s NPR affiliate, Texas Public Radio (TPR). Titled Live from Jazz, TX, the show will tape five shows onsite beginning on Wednesday February 22. It will feature owner Doc Watkins along with special guests with an interview segment, audience Q&A and an abundance of music. The first five tapings will focus on San Antonio’s live music scene and will feature local favorites like Doc Watkins, Pierre, Poree, Jim Cullum and Robert V. Tapings will be on Wednesdays through March 22 at 8:30p.m. Cover is $20 per person and audience participation will be encouraged by way of Q&A and other activities. Live from Jazz, TX will air on TPR’s 89.1 FM in San Antonio every Saturday in April from 7p.m. to 8p.m. (Jazz, TX, 2017)

Taping schedule:
February 22 – Doc Watkins and his Orchestra
March 1 – Doc Watkins with special guest Pierre Poree
March 8 – Doc Watkins with special guest Jim Cullum
March 15 – Doc Watkins with special guest Ruben V.
March 22- Doc Watkins and his Organ Quintet

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 and Americana including Doc Watkins. Business hours are Tuesday through Saturday and aside from music guest can enjoy a wide variety of food, beverages, wine and spirits.

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

‘Pippin’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

This month the Woodlawn Theatre will open its 2017 season and first on the list is the local production of the Tony Award-winning ‘Pippin’. This musical journey of a young prince in search of fulfillment opens Friday February 10 and runs through Sunday March 12. It is sponsored by KONO 101.1 and has a show rating of PG-13 for suggestive dance style and some adult language. Show times are every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at 210-267-8388. Prices are $18 for students and children, $24 for seniors and military and $29 for adults and all tickets are subject to a $3 service fee. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2017)

‘Pippin’ uses a mysterious performance troupe led by a Leading Player to tell the story of Pippin, a young prince who is searching for meaning and significance to his life. To prove his loyalty to his father, he goes to war but when the Leading Player convinces him to fight tyranny, Pippin kills Charles and takes over the throne. After he realizes his mistake he convinces the Leading Player to bring his father back to life. Pippin then falls in love with a widow with a young son and must decide whether to settle down or continue to make magic with the dazzling troupe of performers. The show is directed by Katie Benson with musical direction by Josh Pepper and choreography by Alonzo Corona. Even though the characters of Pippin and his father Charlemagne are real life people from the Middle Ages this particular show makes no reference to true historical facts. Rather, it explores the glories of war, the temptations of love and the intrigues of political power before unveiling that happiness lies not in the extraordinary but in the ordinary moments of everyday life. With Trevor Chauvin as Pippin and Gianna Rodriguez as the Leading Player the show features styled dancing, high-flying acrobatics, wondrous music and soaring songs including the popular “Magic To Do.”

Woodlawn Theatre
1920 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 267-8388

30th Annual Asian Festival

asianfestival17 — The 30th Annual Asian Festival takes place this Saturday February 4 at the Institute of Texan Cultures. Photo: google

Saturday January 28 was the Chinese New Year and The Institute of Texan Cultures is celebrating the year of the rooster with the 30th Annual Asian Festival on Saturday February 4, 2017 from 10a.m. to 5p.m. This festival not only celebrates the New Year but it also honors the many Asian cultures who call Texas home. It began as a small family gathering to celebrate the Chinese New Year and has since grown into a city wide celebration that includes other Asian communities as they get together to share their unique culture and traditions. Advance tickets are available online and at The Institute of Texan Cultures store for $8 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets will also be available at the gate.

The festival usually starts with a Lion Dance to greet the Chinese New Year and chase away evil spirits. This family friendly event includes music, food and cultural performances to create a fun, multi-cultural celebration. Authentic Asian American food vendors will offer food from Japan, Korea, Laos and others and guests will be able to enjoy traditional Asian dance and musical performances on three different stages. There will be demonstrations of martial arts, henna painting, palm readings and cooking as well as vendors selling crafts including dolls, artwork, clothing and other gifts.

The Institute of Texan Cultures
801 E Cesar E Chavez Blvd
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 458-2300

Valentine’s Day specials in San Antonio

raspberryrose — Bakery Lorraine’s Raspberry Rose Japonaise are among the Valentine’s Days specials that will be available throughout San Antonio. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and for anyone looking for ideas to celebrate the most romantic day of the year, the following is a guide of events and specials that local businesses will offer guests. More details are available online. (Giant Noise, 2017)

Boiler House – will have specialty menu items and regular dinner items served on Valentine’s Day. Dinner hours are 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Bakery Lorraine – will have special pastries available on Valentine’s Day and throughout the month of February including: Heart Shaped Pop Tarts, Heart Shaped Moonpies, Raspberry Rose Japonaise and Specialty Macaroons. There will also be tuxedo macarons which are chocolate dipped strawberry macarons designed like a strawberry tuxedo for $3 each. Bakery hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Paramour – will be having a Valentine’s Day special event, “Catch Flights, not Feelings” that includes chocolate flights paired with a curated cocktail. Options include: First – Chocolate covered cherries paired with The Sands Cocktail. Second – Dark chocolate covered caramels with sea salt paired with House Barrel Aged Old Fashioned. Third – White chocolate and mixed nuts paired with Paramour’s Carajillo; Licor 43, Mezcal, Coffee, Fresh Cream. Paramour will also be offering special champagne bottles for purchase. Each bottle purchased includes a free charcuterie board. There will also be additional split bottles of champagne without charcuterie boards for $75. Business hours are 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Hotel Contessa – the hotel’s restaurant, Las Ramblas, will be offering a Valentine’s Day dinner for $55 per person. Reservations are required between 5 p.m. – 9 .m. The hotel is offering a SUITEheart Special: a gorgeous suite, bottle of sparkling wine, breakfast for two in Las Ramblas and a late checkout time. Dinner hours are from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Jazz, TX – will be offering a special Italian themed performance with Frank Sinatra tunes by Doc Watkins and Johnny P and an Italian cuisine prix fixe 3 course meal during dinner on Valentine’s Day for $150 per couple, limited to 40 couples. Seating is at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.
Southerleigh – will be offering dinner specials off the regular dinner menu for couples on Valentine’s Day. They will also be offering complimentary his and her matching beer glassware to cheer to a romantic evening. Dinner hours are from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Frank – will be offering special $12 El Libre wines by the bottle. Options include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé. All day on Valentine’s Day, by appointment, Frank’s owner Daniel Northcutt will be on site to marry loved ones who want to tie the knot in the repurposed Methodist church. Call ahead of time at 210.265.5292. Business hours are 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Additional Whataburger sauces at H-E-B

whataburgerketchup — H-E-B stores will now carry Whataburger’s Buffalo Sauce, 40-ounce Fancy Ketchup and 40-ounze Spicy Ketchup. Photo courtesy of Whataburger, used with permission.

Whataburger fans will be pleased to hear that Whataburger and H-E-B are releasing Buffalo Sauce, 40-ounce Fancy Ketchup and 40-ounce Spicy Ketchup at H-E-B stores. Customers will now have a new flavor and two long-time fan favorites in a new size. The new Signature Sauces include: Buffalo Sauce – The flavor of the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich lives on this sauce. It is tasty and buttery and has just the right touch of heat for home-cooked meals. 40-ounce Fancy Ketchup – Originally launched at H-E-B in 2013 in 20-ounce bottles, Whataburger’s Fancy Ketchup now comes in a larger 40-ounce size. On the Facebook fan page, fans have described the condiment as “life-changing,” “best on the planet” and “ketchup of the gods.” 40-ounce Spicy Ketchup – First introduced as a limited-time offer in 2011, Whataburger’s Spicy Ketchup was added to H-E-B shelves in 20-ounce bottles and made permanently available in all restaurants in 2013. This jalapeño-infused condiment with a taste bigger than Texas is a fan favorite that combines sweet and spicy flavors. (Whataburger, 2017)

Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. He wanted customers to take one bite and say “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Since then Whataburger now has over 700 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals everyday with superior customer service. Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.

CIA Bakery Café returns to Pearl

20160311_091608 The Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio recently announced the return of the popular CIA Bakery Café to Pearl. For nine weeks starting on Monday February 13 and running until Wednesday April 12 the pop-up café will offer a variety of signature sweet and savory bakery items, new creations, specialty coffee and tea and daily aguas frescas. This pop up Bakery Café was created to give visitors an exciting dining experience while giving students the experience of working in a bakery. It is the most important course for the CIA baking and pastry arts majors graduating in April with their AAS degrees. Students will work in both the front and back of house at the café under the direction of Chef Dubernard, Chef Patrick Clark and Instructor Amandy Carranza. (CIA Bakery Café, 2017)

Business hours will be Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch from 8a.m. to 2p.m. and will have patio and interior seating. The menu will rotate and will feature house-made soups, salads, sandwiches and lunch specials. Pastry selections will include house-made pastries, bagels, breakfast breads, cookies, breads and desserts. Favorite dishes return, including the Chocolate XS Cake, Opera, Alfajores and White Chocolate Banana Tarts, along with the “Best Breakfast Sandwich Ever” and a reincarnation of the House-Cured Bacon Mac and Cheese. New items for this year include Chocolate Truffles and select healthy items.

The Culinary Institute of America was founded in 1946 as is the world’s premiere culinary college. It is an independent, not for profit facility that offers associates degrees in the culinary arts and baking and pastry arts. Students can also earn bachelor’s degrees in management, culinary science and applied food studies. With campuses in New York, California, Texas and Singapore it trains thousands of students that are bound for the foodservice and hospitality industry.

CIA Bakery Café
312 Pearl Pkwy, Ste 2102 – entrance located off Karnes Street
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 554-6464

Shop local for Valentine’s Day at Pearl

vday17 — Shop local for Valentine’s Day at Pearl. Photo: google.com

February is the month of love and the boutiques and at Pearl have put together a handy shopping guide to make it easier to shop for a Valentine’s Day gift. Starting with special deals at this week’s First Thursday, shoppers are encouraged to shop local at Pearl and give thoughtful and unique gifts from local businesses. (Pearl, 2017)

Gift ideas for women:
The Tiny Finch – Choose from a variety of small art prints, each hand signed and printed on 100% cotton rag paper.
Lick Honest Ice Creams – Pick up the Foxwares bowl and wooden ice cream spoons to create the perfect set.
Curio at Hotel Emma – The 14K pave double heart necklace makes a memorable gift.
Ten Thousand Villages – Give the gift that keeps on giving by purchasing jewelry and supporting makers in developing countries.
Larder – Indulge in a gift basket filled with wine, chocolate and body products.
Adelante – Stock up on jewelry for the trendy girl.
Niche – Get the latest from the Niche Spring 2017 collection. The Cabana dress in red is a flirty and fun addition to any wardrobe.
LeeLee – The Adina Reyter 14K pave necklace is a must have.
Bakery Lorraine – Satisfy any sweet tooth with delicious macarons from the bakery.
Bike World – A bicycle rental is the perfect gift for adventurous couples. Rentals are rent one get one half off.
The Synergy Studio – Violet love headbands for women who love to get fit.

Gift ideas for men:
The Sporting District – Mckittrick’s Fine Goods candle “Shut The Blinds” is made from the finest soy wax and scented with delicious oils.
Leighelena – exotic Santa Fe Stoneworks knife or stunning onyx, coral and natural wood liner lock knife with clip.
Local Coffee – The Murago from Katanga, Burundi, Merit Light Gray Sweatshirt and Hario V60 Dripper are perfect for the coffee lover.
High Street Wine Co. – Enjoy the Terra Valentine Cabernet from Napa Valley; a big, bold red wine that brings power and elegance to any occasion.
Dos Carolinas – Purchase a special Valentine’s guayabera for the one you love.

Gift ideas for children:
Roo & Me – Choose from an assortment of clothing and gifts.
The Twig Book Shop – Choose from a variety of cards or books about love.

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

First Thursday at Pearl

pearlnewpic — The next First Thursday at Pearl on February 2 will include specials just in time for Valentine’s Day. Photo courtesy of Pearl, used with permission.

First Thursday at Pearl was created to give guests an evening of family fun and shopping deals. The next First Thursday is this Thursday February 2 from 5p.m. to 7p.m. Pearl kicks off the month of love as guests will be able to take advantage of in-store specials at Pearl’s boutiques and enjoy live music by National Standard. (Pearl, 2017)

Exclusive specials for this month’s First Thursday include:
Cured – there will be a “Roses & Chocolate” demo. The bar will present a sample of a Rose Pedal Cocktail while the kitchen will do a demo on chocolates and how to decorate with them.
Leighelena – guests will be able to enjoy complimentary Rosé from 5 to 7 p.m.
Niche – there will be an artist reception with Barbara Natoli Witt. Guests can enjoy wine and sweet treats, meet the artist and view the current collection.
Roo & Me – there will be a 50% off sale to make room for new spring merchandise. Tiff’s Treats and champagne will also be offered.
Twig – guests have a variety of books and cards to choose from.
Ten Thousand Villages – specials include 25% off all handcrafted jewelry and select Valentine’s gifts.
Curio – Gifts include a variety of Valentine’s themed merchandise.

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

New exhibitions at Artpace

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. With the new year Artpace is proud to present a series of special exhibitions and events. Michelle Grabner, Spring 2017 Residency Guest Curator, has selected three artists from the Texas Open Call list to showcase their work for the Spring 2017 Hudson Showroom. The exhibition is titled Did You Ever See Such A Thing As A Drawing Of A Muchness? and will include artists Natasha Bowdoin, Harold Mendez and Rodrigo Valenzuela. It will be on exhibit from January 26 through April 30, 2017. Doors open at 6p.m. and admission is free and open to the public with complimentary drinks and appetizers on the Artpace Rooftop. (Artpace, 2017)

The gallery space formerly known as Window Works has been renamed Main Space for its location in downtown San Antonio and will showcase local artists. The first exhibit on this new space will feature San Antonio artist Benjamin McVey who will relocate his studio for the exhibition titled Open and will be on display from January 26 through April 30, 2017.

Artpace is a non-profit contemporary art organization that includes residencies, exhibitions and educational and community programs. 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 N Main Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 212-4900

SA Examiner

Your Insider Source For Entertainment And Business Headlines