Tag: San Antonio

Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center announces partnership with SAY Sí

Both groups will present an intense four week theatrical workshop in June for San Antonio area youth. Photo: Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center.

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s youth theater company Grupo Animo will collaborate this summer with Teatro ALAS, the youth theater company of SAY Sí. Both youth groups will form to present an intense four-week theatrical workshop that will lead to an original play written by the students. This unique collaboration is offered to students between the ages of 13 and 18 at no cost. (Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 2024)

Due to the pending renovations of the historic Guadalupe Theater, classes will take place at SAY Sí, 1310 S. Brazos, San Antonio, TX 78207, June 3 to 28, 2024, Monday through Friday from noon to 5p.m. with a final performance on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 7p.m. SAY Sí is located down the block from the historic Guadalupe Theater.

“These two westside youth theatre troupes have an amazing opportunity to share their methods and creative voices as well as celebrate solidarity in this collaboration.” – Amalia Ortiz Teatro ALAS Studio Director

“In light of recent events across the world, it’s imperative that we empower students to harness their innate abilities, fostering creative expression and collaborative engagement to articulate their perspectives and emotions regarding the world around them. Grupo Animo is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment where all members feel welcome, regardless of race, gender, economic background, or sexual orientation. We recognize the transformative power of Chicano, Latino, and Native American arts and culture in reshaping our perceptions of the world.” – Jorge Piña, Guadalupe Theater Arts Director

Grupo Animo is the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s resident youth theater company, founded in 1993 and consisting of youth (ages 13-18) from all backgrounds and areas of San Antonio, and Bexar County. Under the mentorship of professional teaching artists and directors, Grupo Animo company members are guided through a four-week summer theater experience, allowing them a platform to make their voice heard through thought-provoking, engaging and culturally relevant, performance-based Teatro/Theatre.

Grupo Animo’s mission is to use Teatro/Theatre to instill an understanding of the value of culture, creativity, and community.

SAY Sí is a national award-winning year-round, long-term, nonprofit arts-based youth development program for San Antonio area students in grades 6 through 12 that provides opportunities for these students to develop artistic and social skills in preparation for higher educational advancement and professional careers. SAY Sí programs serve over 200 students from all of San Antonio’s school districts and has an active public schedule of art events. SAY Sí accepts diverse students from all areas of San Antonio, but first priority is given to students from low economic households.

Teatro ALAS (Activating Leadership, Art & Service) operates as a collaborative ensemble known as the ALAS Youth Theatre Company. Committed to the creation of new and original performance work by, for and about San Antonio youth, ALAS challenges students to draw from their own experiences, observations, and insights to produce theatre of relevance to their lives and their communities. Emphasizing leadership skills and civic engagement, ALAS creates work that addresses community needs and concerns, challenges prejudices and social injustice, and celebrates diversity and difference.

Grupo Animo and Teatro ALAS’ goal at the end of the program is to teach students basic history and practice of Teatro/Theatre, acting, teamwork, poetry, creative writing, movement and performance. The summer program will culminate with a student showcase created and performed by the student members.

Grupo Animo instructors include Clint Taylor and Sarah Tijerina.
Teatro ALAS instructors include Lilith Tijerina and Solstiz Ibarra-Campos.

DATES: June 3 to 28, 2024
TIME: Noon to 5p.m.
LOCATION: SAY Sí, 1310 S. Brazos, San Antonio, TX 78207
PHONE: SAY Sí – (210) 201-4950
PHONE: GCAC – (210) 271-3151

To register for this summer’s production, please visit Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center. The deadline to RSVP is June 1, 2024.

Grupo Animo Class of 2023. Photo: Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, used with permission.

Pullman Market opens at Pearl in San Antonio

The highly anticipated destination centered around Texas food and local agriculture features a specialty grocer, tortilleria, bakery, quick-service eatery, restaurants, and more. Photo: Robert Lerma, used with permission.

There is always something new and exciting going on at Pearl. From the farmers market to restaurants and special events, guests have a variety of of shopping and dining options. Some of my most memorable moments in San Antonio took place there. Today, I’m happy to share that today, Pullman Market is making its grand debut.

Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group’s Pullman Market, the largest culinary market in the Southwest, opens at Pearl on Tuesday, April 23. Visitors will be able to enjoy the market’s specialty grocer, featuring Texas-based produce and goods from over 150 suppliers throughout the state. Two of the market’s four restaurants, Fife & Farro and Mezquite, are also set to open on April 23. (Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, 2024)

“Pullman Market is the first project of its kind in San Antonio and the region. We’re most excited about providing a space for guests to get a taste of the ideals that make this city great: community, hospitality and high-quality food. There’s something for everyone at Pullman Market. You can grab a quick bite, stay awhile at one of our restaurants, discover fresh local ingredients or grab something premade to make mealtime easy – knowing it’s all been sourced with a commitment to quality and sustainability in an effort to offer the best we can for our community.” – Kevin Fink, Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group Partner

The 40,000-square-foot market is located in the former Samuels Glass Company headquarters at Pearl, which has continued to evolve as a culinary hub of San Antonio. Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery located just north of downtown San Antonio. Located in the heart of Pearl, Pullman Market was designed by award-winning Texas architecture firms Clayton Korte and Burton Baldridge and interior design firm Joel Mozersky Design.

Pullman Market celebrates everything food related and is about creating easier relationships between local producers and the community. The specialty market features over 150 Texas vendors supplying fresh produce, meat, cheese, wine, beer, and more. The market also features a retail section with a selection of locally sourced home and beauty goods, chef supplies, toys and more, as well as a high-quality grab-and-go meal case. Visitors will also be able to pick up provisions from the on-site tortilleria and sourdough bakery.

In addition to the specialty market, Pullman Market features five casual to-go concepts with items such as burgers, tacos, ceviche, sandwiches, coffee and ice cream, the latter of which includes flavors created by award-winning pastry chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph. Pullman Market also includes four restaurant concepts, two of which will open on April 23: Fife & Farro and Mezquite.

Fife & Farro is a family-friendly, no-reservations-required eatery specializing in wood-fired sourdough pizza and handmade heritage grain pasta. Fife & Farro is open for dinner only from 5p.m. to 10p.m. Monday and Tuesday and for lunch and dinner from 11a.m. to 10p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.

Mezquite focuses on the cuisine of Sonora, Mexico, with a dedicated mezcal bar named Mezcaleria. Mezquite and Mezcaleria are open for lunch and dinner from 11a.m. to 10p.m. Thursday-Tuesday and for dinner only from 5p.m. to 10p.m. on Wednesday.

The remaining Pullman Market full-service restaurants, Isidore and Nicosi, are scheduled to open later this spring. Isidore will feature an elevated dining experience where reservations will be required and the menu will change regularly, highlighting the best ingredients of the season. Nicosi, created by Bristol-Joseph, will be an intimate dessert bar with 20 seats and a no-phone policy. Stay tuned for an opening announcement in the coming weeks.

Pullman Market is located at 221 Newell Ave., San Antonio, TX 78215. The market’s operating hours are 8a.m. to 9p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 8a.m. to 10p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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 the 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.

Tickets on sale now for 42nd annual Tejano Conjunto Festival

The legendary festival to feature the best in Tejano Conjunto music. Photo: Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center

Tickets are on sale now for the 42nd Tejano Conjunto Festival (TCF) en San Antonio, May 15-May 19, the first and longest-running conjunto festival in the country. It is internationally recognized as the most influential event for this beloved South Texas musical tradition. TCF will encompass five robust days of live performances and dancing, including a special Seniors Dance and Conjunto Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 2024)

The free Seniors Dance will be held on Wednesday, May 15, for seniors ages 55 and older with music from Los Hermanos DeLeón and Felipe Perez y sus Polkeros. The Hall of Fame ceremony on Thursday, May 16, will feature a special dinner and dance. It will showcase esteemed Hall of Fame inductees from previous years including Bene Medina y su Conjunto Águila, Eddie “Lalo” Torres, Boni Mauricio y Los Máximos, Ruben Garza y La Nueva Era, and Santiago Jimenez. Jr., who has been nominated for three Grammys. Both the Seniors Dance and the Hall of Fame event will take place at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9186, 650 VFW Blvd, and are co-sponsored by KEDA Radio.

The main weekend line-up for the 42nd Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival at Rosedale Park, 303 Dartmouth St, will feature three days of the best in conjunto music from Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19, 2024.

On Friday, May 17, the Festival kicks off with Conjuntazzo with Joel & Sarah, Los D Boys, Gilberto Pérez Jr. y su Conjunto, Los Conjunto Kings de Flavio Longoria, David Flores y Los Tremendos Alacranes, and Los Desperadoz.

On Saturday May 18, the festival features student conjuntos from Rio Grande Valley, Retoño, J.R. Gómez y Los Conjunto Bandits, Mando y La Venganza, Conjunto Prestigio, Bernardo y sus Compadres, Impozzible, Los Tellez, Los Monarcas de Pete y Mario Díaz, Ruben de la Cruz, Los Cucuys de Rodney Rodriguez, and Lázaro Pérez y su Conjunto.

On Sunday, May 19, the Tejano Conjunto Festival starts with student conjuntos from San Antonio and then closes out with the Texas Sweethearts, Linda Escobar, Susan Torres y Conjunto Los Pinkys, Cindy Ramos y su Conjunto, Los Delta Boyz, Santiago Garza y la Naturaleza, Eva Ybarra y su Conjunto Siempre, Los Texmaniacs with Flaco Jimenez, and Los Fantasmas del Valle.

Prepare for an unforgettable experience as these legendary performers ignite the stage with their mesmerizing melodies and infectious rhythms.

The festival draws an enthusiastic  audience of more than 10,000 fans, dancers, and musicians from across Texas and the United States, as well as Mexico, Europe, and Asia. The crowd has grown over the years to include legions of fans who return each year to dance and celebrate Conjunto culture. The Tejano Conjunto Festival has become a model for many other Conjunto festivals that have appeared since it started in 1982, and is credited with highlighting the singular music and culture of South Texas Tejanos. This year’s events will be held at Rosedale Park (303 Dartmouth St) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9186 (650 VFW Blvd). Tickets and sponsorship packages are now available.

TCF is one of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s most beloved annual events. Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Executive Director, Cristina Ball is the director, Dan Margolies is the producer. It was founded by Juan Tejeda, the first Xicano Music Program Director of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, who continues to serve as an advisor. 

“Celebrating the Tejano Conjunto Festival is a vibrant tribute to the heartbeat of San Antonio’s and South Texas’ rich cultural landscape encompassing music, dance and community spirit. Like the soulful melodies of conjunto music, this festival resonates as a beacon of Tejano and Chicano heritage, unity, and empowerment, echoing through generations with enduring strength and resonance.” – Juan Tejeda, the first Xicano Music Program Director of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center and founder of the Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio

“This year’s festival holds the promise of an unforgettable celebration,  shining a spotlight on the rich traditions of Tejano and conjunto music. We’re looking forward to creating lasting memories at this remarkable event.” – Cristina Ballí, Executive Director at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center was founded in 1980 as a nonprofit, multi-disciplinary organization. Located in the heart of San Antonio’s westside, the Guadalupe is one of the largest community-based organizations in the US with the mission to cultivate, promote and preserve traditional and contemporary Chicano, Latino, and Native American arts and culture through multidisciplinary programming.

2024 Official Poster. Poster Overall Contest Winner Designed by San Antonio native Anna Arce

Red Bull Batalla: worldwide rap battle tournament at Paper Tiger

Red Bull Batalla returns to Fiesta San Antonio. The world’s biggest Spanish language freestyle rap competition takes over Paper Tiger. Photo: Red Bull Batalla, used with permission.

Red Bull Batalla, the world’s largest Spanish-language freestyle rap competition, returns to San Antonio as part of Fiesta San Antonio 2024, bringing together some of the America’s best freestyle rappers to battle it as part of a bracket-style tournament on Saturday, April 20 at Paper Tiger. (Red Bull Batalla, 2024)

After a successful debut last spring, Red Bull Batalla returns to San Antonio, welcoming 16 aspiring MCs, a quarter of which hail from the Lone Star State. 

These Latino lyricists will put their wit, creativity, and stage presence to the test over a series of bracket-style knockout rounds all for a chance to compete at the USA National Final later this fall, and potentially the 2024 International Final in Madrid, Spain this November.

Immediately following these intense rap battles, attendees will be treated to music performances from a pair of hip-hop stars – fast-rising Mexican rapper/singer Tornillo and Houston’s very own Bo Bundy – to close out San Antonio’s Red Bull Batalla Regional Qualifier.

Attendees will be able to get their hands on a brand new metal created to commemorate Fiesta San Antonio 2024. Designed by Texas-based Monarch Trophy Studio, these special medals are limited in quantity and offered as a first-come, first-served gift to attendees.

Photo: Red Bull Batalla

Throughout the evening event, guests will also be treated to several tasty cocktails curated by Red Bull, as well as free haircuts and beard trims courtesy of some of San Antonio’s premier barbers and hair stylists including Faded Culture and Kurly Kutz, among others. This barber pop-up experience will be available first come, first serve starting when doors open at 8p.m.

Fans 18+ are encouraged to RSVP for Free online today to reserve their spot in advance, although prices increase to $5 the week of the event. 

USA REGIONAL QUALIFIER – EVENT INFORMATION:

DATE: Saturday, April 20
TIME: Doors open at 8p.m., rap battles start at 9p.m.
LOCATION: Paper Tiger (2410 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212)

MCS:
• Boss
• Cuban **
• Heavy
• Magimbri **
• RuRa
• Pharaon
• Maluque
• White Caracas **
• Oner
• YENKY ONE
• Jordi **
• Versomc
• J Luna
• TREBOL
• LINK_ONE
• CAS **

** MCs based in Texas

JUDGES:
• Chester – Spanish freestyle legend and longtime California scene icon
• Skiper – Red Bull Batalla Mexico National Final 2021 Champion and freestyle OG
• Barba – San Antonio and Texas Native, Barba is a mainstay in the Texas freestyle scene

HOST:
• Racso White Lion – Official host of the 2023 Red Bull Batalla USA season and creator of the Indigo Freestyle League based in Orlando, Florida
• Fluffy – Host of Red Bull Batalla and Official host of the Texas freestyle league, Urban RapStars

DJS:
• DJ Lobo – Resident DJ for Texas freestyle league Urban RapStars
• Rudy Rios – San Antonio native and resident DJ at Vibras bar

Since 2005, Red Bull Batalla has provided a platform for the best hip-hop improvisors in the Spanish-speaking world to connect, develop, and compete. Within the last few years, the Red Bull founded project has become the world’s biggest international freestyle battle competition, uniting Spanish speaking Latin America and Spain. The roots of this improvised rap scene are as deeply connected to hip hop as they are to the improvisation styles of traditional folk troubadours. It has evolved into a style completely distinct from that of hip hop in North America. With Batalla, Red Bull gives an opportunity for young MCs to train, perform and improve their improvisation and rapping skills.

Photo: Red Bull Batalla

Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association to hold annual festival

The Community Band Music Festival will take place next Saturday April 20, 2024. Photo: GSACBA

The Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association will hold its signature event, the third annual Community Band Music Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2023 from 10a.m. to 9p.m. The GSACBA is composed of ten community bands in the San Antonio area and more than 300 musicians will perform throughout the day. They have all teamed up to present some amazing wind band music for the public. Starting the day will be the oldest German Band outside of Germany, the Boerne Village Band, which was founded in 1860 and will present authentic German Music. The GSACBA has partnered with the Beethoven Männerchor to present this festival in their outdoor Biergarten in the King William district. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. Entrance fee: Donations are appreciated. (Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association, 2024)

The Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit as recognized by the IRS. It is the overall purpose of the GSACBA to serve community bands with the following specific purposes:

• Synergize the efforts of community bands in the greater San Antonio area
• Establish and manage the community bands music festival
• Harmonize efforts for musician recruitment among bands
• Offer performance planning coordination among bands
• Organize collaborative ventures with composers and arrangers
• Spearhead innovative fundraising initiatives
• Coordinate joint musical performance opportunities

Beethoven Männerchor
422 Pereida St.
San Antonio, TX 78210

Book event: Annual San Antonio Book Festival

The annual San Antonio Book Festival is taking place this Saturday. Photo: San Antonio Book Festival, used with permission.

Exciting news, fellow book lovers! The annual San Antonio Book Festival is happening this weekend. I was lucky enough to be at the inaugural event and it was so much fun. Book festivals are vibrant celebrations of literature that bring together authors, publishers, and avid readers to explore everything book related. These events cater to book enthusiasts and offer a platform for diverse voices and narratives to thrive. From panel discussions to book signings, they foster an immersive experience where attendees can explore the world of storytelling. Book festivals ignite a passion for reading, sparking intellectual discourse and fostering a sense of community among bibliophiles. With their eclectic mix of genres and authors, these festivals serve as catalysts for inspiration, creativity, and the enduring love affair with the written word.

The San Antonio Book Festival (SABF), taking place at the Central Library and UTSA Southwest Campus in downtown San Antonio, is excited to celebrate their 12th annual festival this Saturday, April 13 from 9a.m. to 5p.m. The festival will feature nearly 100 national, regional and local authors including 66 sessions for guests to attend. A full list of all the sessions at the festival is available online. The festival is FREE and open to all ages. (San Antonio Book Festival, 2024)

SABF is also hosting its Authors in Schools program in partnership with San Antonio ISD and Edgewood ISD on Friday, April 12. Participating authors include Pedro Martin (Mexikid) and Kazu Kibuishi (Waverider). The Authors in Schools program helps encourage a passion for reading among children and teens, pairing award-winning authors with underserved, low-income schools to deliver presentations, tell funny stories, share personal journeys, and describe the process of writing their books. All students in attendance receive a free, signed copy of the author’s book to take home. This year’s Authors in Schools program will impact over 1,500 students.

Authors in Schools:
• 2p.m., Friday, April 12, 2024

San Antonio Book Festival:
• 9a.m. to 5p.m., Saturday, April 13, 2024

Authors in Schools:
• Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Middle School, SAISD
1130 E Sunshine Dr, San Antonio, TX 78228
***Author: Pedro Martin (Mexikid)
• Alonso S. Perales Elementary School, Edgewood ISD
1507 Ceralvo St, San Antonio, TX 78237
***Author: Kazu Kibuishi (Waverider)

San Antonio Book Festival:
• Central Library and UTSA Southwest Campus
600 Soledad St. and 1201 Navarro St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

The mission of the San Antonio Book Festival (SABF) is to unite readers and writers in a celebration of ideas, books, libraries, and literary culture. SABF was first presented in April 2013. Founding partners include the San Antonio Public Library, UTSA Southwest Campus, the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, and Texas Book Festival. This “Fiesta for the mind” is a gift to visitors and the citizens of San Antonio, free and open to all.

Children’s Ballet of San Antonio performs Mean Girls JR

The special version of the beloved film and Broadway show will debut in San Antonio for the first time. Photo: Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.

Go back to school with the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio and their first-ever musical production, the smart and ferociously funny Mean Girls JR. Premiering Friday, April 5 at the Dance Center of San Antonio’s brand-new Black Box Theatre, the production adapts Tina Fey’s iconic movie and subsequent Broadway smash hit for audiences of all ages, presented by a cast of the region’s finest young performers. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2024)

Mean Girls JR. tells the story of student Cady Heron who must learn to navigate the treacherous social hierarchy of high school when her family moves to suburban Illinois from Kenya. Cady may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her new school. How will this naive newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on “The Plastics,” a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a queen bee without getting stung.

Showtimes: Friday, April 5 at 7:30p.m., Saturday, April 6 at 7:30p.m., Sunday, April 7 at 2p.m. and 6p.m.
Tickets: $20, available for purchase online

Mean Girls JR. is a version of the hit musical Mean Girls that has been adapted for performance by students. The musical, featuring a book by Tina Fey (30 Rock), lyrics by Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde), and music by composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), was adapted from Fey’s 2004 film. Mean Girls opened on Broadway in 2018 and was nominated for 12 Tony Awards.

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio and its sponsor school, the Dance Center of San Antonio, are the leading providers of youth dance instruction and performance opportunities in the region. In less than 10 years, CBSA performers and Dance Center students have won numerous international awards and world-renowned scholarships, and founder Vanessa Bessler is a nine-time consecutive winner of Youth America Grand Prix’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year. The Dance Center was recently recognized as among the top 2.5 percent of dance institutions in the nation. Local audiences delight in CBSA’s biannual professional-grade performances held in San Antonio’s top theatres. Now CBSA is pleased to bring another performing arts opportunity to San Antonio with this Broadway-style musical, the first show to be held in the Dance Center of San Antonio’s new venue, the Black Box Theatre.

Among the stunningly talented CBSA cast are Valeria Velasco as Regina and Madison Aikens as Cady, both committed students of the Dance Center of San Antonio’s Musical Theater day program. Aikens recently won Best Performer in a Musical at the 2023 Broadway World Austin awards. Velasco, is a member of the Texas Cultural Trust’s Young Masters Program, a prestigious scholarship program recognizing excellence in the performing arts. These stars and their CBSA cast members are supported by an experienced production team including specialists in vocal performance, choreography, and theater direction.

The interactive, multimedia production is the perfect show to debut in the new Black Box Theatre at the Dance Center of San Antonio, an intimate performance venue in North Central San Antonio. “The close proximity of the audience allows for intimate and interactive shows,” says Bessler. “Because the black box theatre allows for multiple configurations and settings, it gives young performers the opportunity to play with and explore the space to make creative artistic choices.”

Mean Girls JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International, one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 70,000 professional, community and school theatres.

Mean Girls JR. is yet another example of the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio’s ambitious vision for youth performing arts. Don’t miss your chance to see San Antonio’s young stars in action as they dance and sing their hearts out in the city’s coziest new theatre.

The Black Box Theatre at Dance Center of San Antonio
126 West Rector Drive, Suite 120
San Antonio, Texas 78216

Fiesta’s Taste of the Republic announces 2024 chef lineup

Tickets are now on sale for Fiesta’s culinary kickoff event on April 18, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Mark your calendars, folks! This year’s Fiesta San Antonio is scheduled for April 18-28 and it’s time to start making plans. What started out as a way to honor the heroes of the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto with a Battle of Flowers parade has grown into a city wide celebration and ‘party with a purpose.’ The Taste of the Republic is the opening event and will take place at the Briscoe Western Art Museum.

 

Taste of the Republic, the official culinary opening event of Fiesta® San Antonio, is excited to announce its all star chef lineup for the event on Thursday, April 18, 2024. The following San Antonio chefs will create and serve their vision of Texas cuisine from the six culinary regions of the state defined by the event’s co- founder, Chef Brian West. Tickets for the event are available for purchase now. (Taste of the Republic, 2024)

This year’s participating chef lineup, curated by Chef Brian West, includes:

• Chef Jessie Kuykendall of Mipa
• Chef Ceasar Zepeda of Saucy Bird
• Chef Jose Ochoa of Palenque Grill La Cantera
• Chef Juan Carlos Bazan of Cuishe Cocina Mexicana & Toro Kitchen + Bar
• Chef Braunda Smith of Lucy Cooper’s Ice House
• Chef Benjamin De Los Santos of Benjie’s Munch
• Chef Ernie Bradley of The Cherrity Bar
• Chef Lisa Astorga- Watel and Chef Damien Watel of Bistro09
• Chef Joe Melig and Chef Esaul Ramos of 2M Smokehouse
• Chef Kristina Zhao of Dashi & Sichuan House
• Chef Andrew Gutierrez of SA Pops

“We are so excited to bring together an excellent group of San Antonio chefs once again to celebrate Texas’ unique culinary traditions. We can’t wait to celebrate the best of San Antonio and to kick off Fiesta with all of our guests.” – Chef Brian West.

Ticket holders will be able to sample dishes from all the aforementioned chefs. Each dish is paired with a specific wine to compliment it, and beer and cocktails will also be served. Tickets for the event are $125 per person and a portion of the ticket sales goes toward supporting the San Antonio Fiesta Commission.

Taste of the Republic will be held at the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Jack Guenther Pavilion in downtown San Antonio (210 W. Market Street, SA 78205). The event starts at 5p.m. Taste of the Republic’s Main Sponsors include High West Distillery, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Proximo, Brugal 1888 rum, Perry Homes Foundation, HeartBrand Beef and Dos Equis.

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Fermenteria opens taproom in San Antonio

Fermenteria, a unique new alcoholic beverage, introduces hard water kefir to the San Antonio market. Photo: Giant Noise Partners, used with permission.

San Antonio’s newest taproom — Fermenteria — is now open for business at 2243 East Commerce. Fermenteria is a hard water kefir beverage that is naturally fermented and alive with hundreds of strains of probiotics, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Kefir grains are used to balance the fermentation environment, then flavored with botanicals and natural extracts for a lightly sweet and effervescent finish. The alcohol is created from a wild yeast culture that occurs within the fermentation process. (Fermenteria, 2024)

Fermenteria is owned by entrepreneur Jade Sheppard, who studied at the University of Texas in Austin. The team at Fermenteria learned how to make hard water kefir after first trying it in Nicaragua and spent the last two years working with brew masters in central Texas to build a formula and method that would allow her to brew it commercially.

“When I first tried hard water kefir, I was astonished at how light and bubbly it was because it gave me a great little buzz with no hangover. I couldn’t be more excited to share this great drink with the Central Texas community. Now that we’ve opened our doors, Fermenteria will be a fantastic, healthy alcoholic alternative.” – owner Jade Sheppard.

Every ingredient used at Fermenteria is curated for quality and flavor profile. Water kefir beverages contain 100% naturally occurring enzymes, probiotics, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support  the gut’s biome, aiding in metabolism and strengthens the immune system. Fermenteria’s alcoholic beverages contain 5% alcohol, zero sugar, and are only 100 calories. Flavors include Pineapple Lemongrass, Brut, Hibiscus Sangria, Paloma, Thai Lime Coconut, and Orange Elderflower. The taproom will also be serving several non-alcoholic options including nitro cold brew coffee and espresso beverages in addition to some water kefir flavors. Non-alcoholic flavors include Pineapple Coconut, Butterfly Pea Tea Lemonade, and Strawberry Lime Tulsi.

The taproom is open Wednesday through Sunday. Operating hours are 4p.m. to 10p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4p.m. to midnight on Fridays, 11a.m. to midnight on Saturdays, and 11a.m. to 9p.m. on Sundays. In addition to enjoying Fermenteria in the taproom, guests can also purchase growlers to-go or bring in their own container. Fermenteria will soon be bottling its product to be available at local grocery and convenience stores; more information to be announced at a later date. Local bars and restaurants interested in carrying Fermenteria on tap can contact the taproom for more information.

With a commitment to work alongside the small business community, Fermenteria will host a free monthly community event for San Antonio residents to look forward to. Each event will give back proceeds being donated to a local nonprofit. The first community event at Fermenteria will be held from 6p.m. to midnight on Saturday, April 13. The event will benefit the Thrive Youth Center, a shelter for LGBTQ+ youth.

Fermenteria
2243 East Commerce
San Antonio, TX 78203

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa officially opens spa

The Spa at Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa is set to open on March 8, 2024. Photo: Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, used with permission.

The Spa Plaza San Antonio opens to the public and guests on March 8 with signature treatments and wellness rituals including feather therapy, crystal wand massages, ayurvedic massages, Rainbow Chakra Mats, virtual relaxation journeys, custom tea ceremonies, and the use of oils indigenous to South Texas. Located on the grounds of the Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection, The Spa Plaza San Antonio is surrounded by lush gardens and greenery and sits within two 19th-century homes, the Elmendorf-Tyler House and The Staffel House, built in the 1850s. The homes were thoughtfully restored to preserve the property’s rich history and transformed into a luxury spa setting featuring six treatment rooms, a Zen Lounge, and a Wellness Concierge. (Plaza San Antonio, 2024)

The Spa Plaza San Antonio offers a restorative approach to health and wellness, including a selection of treatments like Body Rituals, Massage Rituals, Skincare Rituals, Nail Rituals, Immersion Packages, and Enhancements. Guests will be guided through a holistic spa experience to enhance the mind, body, and spirit.

In honor of this momentous opening at Plaza San Antonio, The Spa is offering a Buy One Get One Free promotion for guests who take advantage of this offer by Sunday, March 31. The offer is valid for services scheduled until December 31, 2024 and is subject to availability and excluding blackout dates. This promotion is NOT applicable to add-ons. The free service must be equal to or more than the first service. Standard spa booking terms and conditions still apply. To redeem this promotion and confirm availability, guests must call the spa at 210-353-8016 or stop in and mention the promo code: Wellness2024. 

The Spa Plaza San Antonio Opening: Friday, March 8, 2024
***Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 9a.m. – 6p.m.

BOGO Offer: Now through Sunday, March 31, 2024
***Services can be scheduled through December 31, 2024
***Scheduling is based on availability

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection
555 S Alamo St.
San Antonio, TX 78205