News Roundup, Aug. 19, 2021
Most classical music groups are on vacation or performing elsewhere, but the Agarita Chamber Players are here and starting their new season Tuesday at the San Antonio Museum of art. Artistic director and pianist, Daniel Anastasio, chose the musical program in response to the current SAMA exhibit of American Impressionists. The exhibit is gorgeous and the music sounds very promising, chosen to showcase American musical voices from the early and mid-century decades of the 20th century. The concert is free, as are all Agarita offerings. (Aug. 24 at 5:30 p.m., San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave., 78209; 210-978-8140) To read more about this concert and Agarita’s season, see feature story from Aug.17 on this site.
Music of other genres will be well represented across the city in the upcoming days. Last week we already mentioned the popularity of tribute shows, and here’s one that’s bound to be popular: “1964: The Tribute,” which, you can probably guess, features the music of the Beatles. (Aug. 21 at 6 p.m.; Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St.; tickets $34-$49; 210-226-5700, www.majesticempire.com)
Songstress Miranda Lambert will appear at the Whitewater Amphitheater three days in a row, Friday -Sunday. She’s won more awards and nominations that we could possible list here and her hit song “Bluebird” earned more than 260 million on-demand streams, in addition to being named one of the best 2020 songs by Billboard. (Aug.20-22, 8 p.m.; Whitewater Amphitheater, 11860 F.M. 306, Suite 1; New Braunfels; 830-964-3800; www.whitewaterrocks.com)
A few weeks ago, we told you about Garrett T. Capps’ soon-to-be-released new album “I Love San Antone.” Now, it’s here, and there will be a celebration at the Lonesome Rose, the St. Mary’s St. venue that he runs and co-owns. He is also the author of “Born in San Antone” an appealing Americana-style number that’s been around for a while. We are told that the new album features other artists that he admires, including Santiago Jimenez. The release party is at 9 p.m., Aug. 20; Lonesome Rose, 2114, St. Mary’s St., 210- see the lineup of acts at the club, go to www.thelonesomerose.com/live-music-calendar. (The release part is at 9 p.m., Aug. 20; Lonesome Rose, 2114, St. Mary’s St.; 210-455-0233, www.thelonesomerose.com)
And if you are in the mood to be outside at a lively country fair, head to Castroville for St. Louis Day on Aug. 22. It’s the 139th annual celebration that will feature live bands, dance troupes, games, raffles and, of course, food. The event kicks off Saturday night ay 6:30 p.m. with an old-fashioned biergarten, live music, food & drinks. It all happens in Koenig Park, which should not be hard to find. For more info go to www.SaintLouisDay.com.
Poetry can also be part of summer fun, and Gemini Ink, San Antonio’s Writing Arts Center, has dreamed up a unique “beach” poetry event – the Best Summer Poetry Reads for the Beach: A Poetry Boost & Discussion, scheduled for Aug.28. The workshop will be led by poet and Gemini Ink’s executive director, Alexandra van de Kamp, who will recommend “Best Reads.” Sample poems from various collections will be read and discussed. Among the latter are books by Natalie Diaz, Morgan Parker, Barbara Ras, Urayoan Noel and others. Participants are encouraged to bring along their own favorite poetry books. (Sat. Aug. 28, 10 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; $50 ($40 for members); to register, go to www.geminiink.org)
And do you know who is also into reading? Artpace! They have a book club they call Reading Red Book Club. The current selection is the exhibition catalog for one of the current exhibits, “Slowed and Throwed.” That may be an unusual selection but the story of the man who inspired the exhibit was unusual and interesting. He is the late Houston hip-hop DJ, known as DJ Screw who invented a novel way to mix music – chopped & screwed – to create different sounds and rhythms. The artists in the exhibit tried to emulate his style in their respective visual arts media. Participation in the book club is free but you have to register by Aug. 25. You can buy the book at Artpace. For inquiries, write to info@artpave.org.
And summer fun can also be had at the Briscoe Western Art Museum, where the summer series of Western movies, is continuing with the screening of “The Long Riders,” about the bank and train robbers, Jesse James and brother Frank. Two real-life brothers, James and Stacey Keach, portrayed the outlaws in the 1980 film. The film also featured other actors-brothers who played other robbers-brothers. in the film. The movie is free with museum admission. It’s also an opportunity to view the current exhibit of Western movie posters, “Still in the Saddle.” Snacks will be available for purchase while beer will be free, courtesy of Ranger Creek Brewery. (Aug. 22, 1-4 p.m., Briscoe Museum, 210- W. Market ST. 78205; 210-299-4499, www.briscoemuseum.org)
Though San Antonio theaters are gearing up for the start of their new seasons in September, the Jump-Start Performance Co. has been pretty active throughout the summer. Now comes “Better Butter,” a collection of short plays that will be streamed live on Fridays and Saturdays, Aug. 20-21 and Aug. 27-28, at 8 p.m., and Sundays, Aug. 22 and 29, at 4 p.m. The pieces will be performed by their creators: Neenah Alexis, Gio Lugo, Sarah Tijerina, Lilith Tijerina and Clint Taylor. The press release says that “’Better Butter’ is not only a show, but also a multi-cultural ensemble of writers and performers who share stories and glimpses of their real-life experiences in hope of building stronger human connections.” They will be assisted by technical director Solstiz Ibarra-Campos. The nice Jump-Start folks let you pay what you wish, from $0 to $15. Tickets at https://dojour.us/e/15110 and www.jump-start.org.
Actually, The Woodlawn Theater has also been working hard and presenting all kinds of events and even successful in-person performances. And they keep on going. The upcoming fully staged theatrical production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” is opening Aug. 26. (Shows Fridays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. There will be two special performances: 2 p.m. Sept. 11 and at 7 p.m., Sept. 16. Social distancing and masks are encouraged. To see details, go to www.thewoodlawntheatre.org.) The Woodlawn usually partners with another charitable organization, in this case the Special Olympics Texas, and asks patrons to donate small items such as masks and hand sanitizers.
The Mastersingers are also looking forward to a live, in-person season. The choir organization that performs with the San Antonio Symphony, has issued a call for new members. If you have a good voice and like to sing, this is a great opportunity to join this prestigious chorus that’s been in existence for 77 years. To get an audition appointment, call choir manager, David Uminski at 210-260-2082; www.samastersingers.org/auditions-1. Audition dates are Aug. 21 and 28.
And Bihl Haus Arts is inviting First Responders and other front-line workers to a special free “COVID Coping” workshop designed to help relieve stress and anxiety that these workers experience and live with on a daily basis. Presenters Jim LaVilla-Havelin and Jill Ewing will guide participants through a variety of activities involving art and journaling that aim at relaxing mind and body. All materials, lunch, and other resources will be provided. Unfortunately, only 15 people can be accommodated at this time. Sign up by Wednesday, Aug. 25 at www.BihlHausArts.org or call 210-383-9723 to attend.
And we want to remind you that the FOTOSEPTIEMBRE Festival is just around the corner. More about that in an upcoming story.
And here’s a treat for you, courtesy of the Cactus Pear Music Festival which wrapped up its hybrid 2021 fest a few weeks ago. We are including a link to a delightful End of Season Musical Moment, featuring violist Kaya Katarzyna Bryla-Weiss performing Aleksey Igudesman’s Scherzo for Solo Viola. Enjoy!
https://www.cpmf.us/musical-moment-season-end.