Neltje Doubleday is an artist and philanthropist who has created a variety of awards and programs to encourage writing and the arts. This includes the Neltje Blanchan Literary Award and the Jentel Foundation which supports artists’ residencies at her ranch in Banner Wyoming. In her new memoir ‘North of Crazy’ she writes about her life growing up in a world of cultural prestige. It was released yesterday and this Saturday October 8 Hotel Emma at the Pearl will be hosting an exclusive book signing from 10a.m. to 11:30a.m. It will be held at the hotel’s library and those interested in attending should RSVP to Colin Rinehart at colin@giantnoise.com. Books are available for pre-order now at the Twig Books Shop and will be available for purchase during the book signing.  (Hotel Emma, 2016)

‘North of Crazy’ is an unconventional memoir about a woman who for years has used no last name, going only by her first name. As the daughter of a publishing mogul she grew up in a world where children are raised by nannies, tutors, chauffeurs, gardeners, butlers, maids and other staff members. They are often sent to private schools and ignored by their parents. On the surface she had everything she needed but her dark family life included an alcoholic father and a mother incapable of love. The family was divided by money and power and she was expected to grow up to be a wife and mother. In an attempt to escape her childhood trauma she filled her time with parties and martini-fueled evenings. Eventually she broke from her family with her two children and moved to the base of the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming. She is now an abstract expressionist painter and has had her work exhibited from the Rocky Mountains to Florida.

The Library at Hotel Emma
136 E Grayson St
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 448-8300

October is National Seafood Month and this month Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is celebrating thirty years of serving the exciting flavors of the French Quarter.  The French Quarter inspired restaurant was founded in 1986 at 6015 Westheimer Road in the Galleria area of Houston.  Since then it has added 36 locations in eight states including Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Georgia, New Mexico and Texas.  San Antonio locations include one at 76 NE Interstate 410 Loop and a new one coming in the summer 2017 at 15715 IH 10 West in the Northwest side of town.  To mark this anniversary Pappadeaux is thanking San Antonians with weekly specials, iconic dishes, a photo sharing contest with the hashtag #Pappadeaux30 and giveaways from October 9 through October 31, 2016 (Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, 2016)

Pappadeaux’s weekly specials are for dine-in only and include half price Gulf oysters for $6.95 on Sunday and Monday, Half Price Seafood Platter for $13.45 on Tuesday and Wednesday and Two 1-Pound Live Maine Lobsters for $29.95 on Thursday and Friday.  Guests of legal age will be able to enjoy a Cat-30 Hurricane made specifically for the occasion.  It is made with Flor de Caña seven year aged rum, house made Fassionola syrup, fresh lime juice and topped with soda and Hennessy V.S. and served in a traditional hurricane glass and decorated with a festive flair.  A special birthday dessert will consist of a Bananas Foster Cheesecake and will include banana cream cheesecake and vanilla pound cake, caramelized bananas, warm Bananas Foster sauce with salted pecans and brown sugar crust.   Starting on Sunday October 9 fans can share a photo celebrating Pappadeaux’s birthday for a chance to win a $150 restaurant gift card.  Winners will be announced at the end of the month and gift cards will be awarded in November.

October is here and so are the chills and thrills of the season. That being said, the Woodlawn Theatre is putting on the local production of ‘Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.’ It opens this Friday October 7 and runs until Sunday November 6, 2016. Show times are 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 $17 for students and children, $23 for seniors and military and $26 for adults with an additional $3 service fee. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2016)

‘Sweeney Todd’ is the winner of 22 Tony® Awards and a dark musical tale of love and vengeance with music by Stephen Sondheim. It is the story of Benjamin Barker who returns to London after serving fifteen years in jail for a crime he did not commit. He swore vengeance against the corrupt Judge Turpin who convicted him and tore his family apart. Taking the alias Sweeney Todd he sets up shop as one of the finest barbers in the city. His plan for vengeance begins to take form when he meets Mrs Lovett. She is a local pie maker who would do anything for him and together they formulate a plan that favors them both but leads them down a dangerous, thrilling path with deadly consequences. The cast includes Roy Bumgarner as Sweeney Todd and Sara Brookes as Mrs Lovett. Rick Sanchez serves as director and Josh Pepper as music director.

Several special events centered on the show are scheduled during the month. This includes an October 10 sneak peak performance on the Tobin Center’s outdoor River Walk Plaza at 6p.m. during FarmART. It will feature the adult and teen cast of the show. There will also be Halloween costume contests and festivities on October 28 and 29 before each show. ‘Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ TEEN plays on October 23, 24 and 25 at 8p.m. Preferred seating is $15 and general seating is $10.

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

The Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award winning ‘Jersey Boys’ returns to San Antonio in December. It will be playing at the Majestic Theatre for eight performances only from Tuesday December 6 to Sunday December 11, 2016. Tickets go on sale today and can be purchased at the Majestic Theatre box office, online, through Ticketmaster online or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Prices begin at $30 and orders for groups of ten or more can be made by calling (210) 226-5967. Single ticket orders must be done in person at the box office. Box office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday hours vary. Performances are at 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2016)

‘Jersey Boys’ is the story of Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy De Vito and Nick Massi, known collectively as Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. It is the true story of a group of blue collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks that became one of the biggest American pop music groups of all time. They wrote their own songs and had a unique sound that helped them sell 175 million records worldwide all before the age of thirty. The story is told from their point of view and includes such hits as ‘Sherry,’ ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry,’ ‘Oh What A Night’ and ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.’ It won the 2006 Tony® Award for Best Musical and it is directed by two-time Tony® Award winner Des McAnuff. Disclaimer: contains adult language.

Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, Tx 78205
(210) 226-5700

Good news for anyone who cannot get enough of Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Tomorrow, Friday September 30 is opening night of the local production of the beloved tale at The Playhouse San Antonio. This family friendly production will run through Sunday October 30 in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater with show times on Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets prices range from $12 to $42 and are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 733-7258. Cast includes Carlye Gossen as Belle and Jeff Jeffers as Beast. (The Playhouse San Antonio, 2016)

According to Wikipedia, Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is a musical based on the 1991 movie of the same name with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. It is the story of a prince who is transformed into a hideous beast as punishment for his cruel ways and the young woman he keeps captive in his castle. When an old beggar woman comes to the prince’s castle asking for refuge from the cold he cruelly turns her away. The woman then transforms into a beautiful enchantress and turns the prince into a beast and his servants into household items. She gives him a rose in an hour glass and tells him that the only way to break the spell is to learn to love another and earn her love before the last petal falls. Years later, Belle, a young beautiful woman from a small town, wanders into the woods looking for her lost father. She finds him imprisoned in a castle’s dungeon and strikes a deal with Beast that allows him to go free but she must remain behind. Soon they become friends and eventually break the spell when they fall in love and Beast is returned to his human form. Musical performances include audience favorites ‘Be Our Guest’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast.’

The Playhouse San Antonio
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

Aguas frescas are traditional non-alcoholic Mexican drinks made with natural fruits, flowers or seeds and blended with sugar and water. Inspired by these drinks, MillerCoors has released Zumbida, aguas frescas with a kick, or toque de piquet. Zumbida has a fruit flavor characteristic of these Mexican drinks with a little extra. Zumbida Mango is the first flavor released and combines a sweet flavor with a hint of carbonation and a touch of alcohol. The result is a crisp, clean finish with a 4.2 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) which makes it the perfect drink for any social occasion. Since the taste is similar to wine coolers, anyone can enjoy this drink, even if they are not familiar with aguas frescas. It comes in 6-pack 12 ounce bottles and is now available in select markets in California, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, Denver and Texas, including San Antonio. (Zumbida, 2016)

MillerCoors has created a wide selection of high quality beers and flavored malt beverages and ciders. As a combination of Miller Brewing Company and Coors Brewing Company they offer domestic favorites like Coors Light, Coors Banquet, Miller Lite and Miller High Life. In their quest to become America’s best beer company, they offer an uncompromising promise of quality, a keen focus on innovation and a commitment to sustainability.

The Houston Art Fair is one of the country’s biggest fair and features modern and contemporary art in a variety of media. It is taking place this week from Thursday September 29 through Sunday October 2, 2016 at Silver Street Event Space. Now under the direction of Urban Expositions, this year’s event will showcase more than thirty galleries featuring works from emerging and established artists, exclusive VIP home tours, panel discussions and food and drink options from local area vendors. Tickets are still available and may be purchased online. Prices are $20 for general admission ($25 at the door), $75 for two tickets which includes return admission all weekend and $100 for two tickets which includes return admission all weekend. Event hours are Thursday from 6p.m. to 10p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11a.m. to 7p.m. and Sunday from 11a.m. to 6p.m. VIP ticket holders can take advantage of early admission Friday and Saturday from 10a.m. to 11a.m. (Houston Art Fair, 2016)

Houston Art Fair kicks off on Thursday with and opening night preview benefitting FotoFest International. FotoFest is an international non-profit photographic arts and education organization and will be presenting a video installation on the show floor. Executive Director Steven Evans will lead a panel discussion at the Houston Art Fair Lecture Series and there will also be a tour of the facility. Local artist collective Alabama Song will have a unique installation at the entrance to the fair. Some of the exhibitors for this fair include Blue Rain Gallery from Santa Fe, New Mexico, Deborah Colton Gallery from Houston, Texas, Fernando Luis Alvarez Gallery from Stamford, Connecticut and Palette Contemporary Art and Craft from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Silver Street Studios
2000 Edwards Street
Houston, TX 77007

Sunday September 25 is the next SíClovía from 10a.m. to 3p.m. along Broadway Street. SíClovía is San Antonio’s version of CiClovía, an event that originated in Bógota, Columbia more than 30 years ago.  It is a free event that involves making a section of downtown streets available for residents to walk, run, ride a bicycle or do anything that gets them moving and therefore physically active.  The streets become temporarily car free five hours and the route will connect city parks with many Reclovía areas along the way where people can join in activities such as exercise classes and other activities for children. Water will be available at every Reclovía and there will be beverages for sale along the way. Pets are welcome but must be on a leash and owners need to pick up after them.

There will also be a 5K Run and a 5K Walk along with other activities.  Early bird entry fees are $25 for the walk/run and $10 for ages 14 and under.  Those who wish to participate can still do so by registering the day of the race for $30 from 6a.m. to 7:45a.m. at the race site.  Packets may be picked up at the YMCA at TriPoint on St Mary’s Street or at the race site from 7a.m. to 7:55a.m.  Awards will be given to the top two male and female in each age group and top two male and female overall and masters.  They will be handed out immediately after the race in Alamo Plaza.  Age groups include 14 and under, 15 – 19, 20-69 in ten year increments and 70 plus.

There are plenty of excellent shows coming up at Sam’s Burger Joint but one of them stands out because the musician is from Texas. Jesse Dayton is a country-blues-punk guitarist from Beaumont and he will be performing next Thursday September 22, 2016. Tickets to the show start at $15 and may be purchased online. Doors open at 7p.m. and the show begins at 8p.m. The Texas guitarist and singer/songwriter is also releasing his new album The Revealer on September 16 through his new record deal with Blue Elan Records. (Mad Ink PR, 2016)

Jesse Dayton has been building a cult following with his guitar shredding, country-infused Americana sound. His first record through Justice Records, Raisin’ Cain, was released in 1995 and gained critical acclaim. This led to him being hired to play lead guitar by country legends Waylon Jennings, Ray Price, Johnny Bush, Willie Nelson and Glen Campbell. He formed his own label in 2002 and has also acted in movies and music videos and produced several records for other artists. He has written two screenplays and wrote and directed “Zombex,” a new horror movie starring Malcolm McDowell. Currently on tour with X’s John Doe, he will do several solo shows before heading out with the Supersuckers and The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band on a US tour.

Sam’s Burger Joint
330 E Grayson St
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 223-2830

Now playing at the Majestic Theatre is ‘The Sound of Music’ and last night’s opening performance played to a full house. The show is the story of Maria, a postulant who is sent to work as a governess to a large family when she begins to second guess her decision to become a nun. Eventually she falls in love with the children and their widowed father Captain von Trapp. The Captain opposes the Nazis so when he is ordered to accept a commission in the German navy he and Maria flee Austria with the children.

The action begins at the Nonnberg Abbey as the nuns perform ‘Preludium’ and transitions smoothly into one of the audience’s favorite scene that includes Maria singing ‘The Sound of Music.’ As soon as the von Trapp children enter the stage they captivate the audience, especially Gretl, the youngest. Melody Betts, who portrays Mother Abbes, closes out the first act with her amazing rendition of ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain.’ Kerstin Anderson and Ben Davis work well together as Maria and Captain von Trapp and their chemistry makes the show work. Highlights include Maria and the children’s ‘Do-Re-Mi’ and Maria and Mother Abess’ ‘My Favorite Things.’ This family friendly musical appeals to both fans of the show as well as newcomers and is a must see.

‘The Sound of Music’ runs until Sunday September 18, 2016. Upcoming performances are Thursday at 7:30p.m., Friday at 8p.m., Saturday at 2p.m. and 8p.m. and Sunday at 7:30p.m. Tickets start at $30 and are available online, by phone at (800) 982-ARTS (2787) and at all Ticketmaster outlets including the Majestic Theatre box office.

Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700