By BETT BUTLER, Contributor Dr. Katchie Cartwright’s new EP Rainy Afternoon might have been tailor-made for the COVID-19 era. Recorded in Austin shortly before the pandemic hit, it’s both soothing and energizing. Catchy melodies and Brazilian rhythms provide a perfect soundtrack for sequestering at home. The title cut opens with cascading musical lines evoking rivulets of flowing water. Flutist Cartwright trades counterpoint with …
The Youth Orchestras of San Antonio, known as YOSA had to cancel the December showcase involving more than 400 young musicians due to growing concerns over the new wave of COVID infections. Needless to say, the musicians were disappointed as were their instructors and audiences. At the time, YOSA promised a virtual showcase in January and it is delivering on …
“Prayer to the Invisible” is poet Diane Frank’s tribute to a friend she lost in a synagogue shooting. But both she and we felt that this poem speaks to everyone who has lost a loved one, and, in fact, to all of us, during this perilous time. Frank is a prominent San Fransisco-based poet and a cellist with the Golden …
The women’s art organization, GAGA, that we introduced to you last year, continues to grow and present shows by its members, albeit mostly online. The latest, “A Winter’s Song” includes 40 artists and is available for viewing on GAGA’s website, www.gagaart.org. Just about all works are for sale at very reasonable prices, so, it’s a great place to start or …
By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF, Editor You work mostly in mixed media compositions that include a variety of objects and sculptural elements. How did you develop an interest in mixed media and why do you find it so compatible with what you want to say?I tell my students that one of the best things about mixed media is that the possibilities are …
The author of today’s poem, Edward Vidaurre, is the author of seven poetry collections and the McAllen poet laureate 2018-2019. Pandemic PhlegmBy Edward Vidaurre A year in gridlockStuck, like trying to run in a dreamParalyzed, a year-long congestion of the soul I dreamed I kept punching a 45-year-old manAnd his face was bloody and my fists were rawBut my knuckles …
So, here we are, in 2021, hoping for a happier, healthier new year!The arts scene is just regaining momentum after the post-Christmas lull but there are some fun choices despite all the gloomy news about the pandemic and other things. Let’s start with live in-person events. The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is presenting a show featuring the talented …
Last week, we, here, at ARTS ALIVE SA, came up with the idea of a survey that, we thought, might lift people’s spirits at this time of fear and uncertainty. Our little survey was not scientifically designed. We just asked about 100 folks to share their experiences and tell us about the positive, comforting “silver linings” of life in semi-lockdown. …
Today’s poem is by Austin-area poet, Shelly Barber, who is also an advocate for people with mental illness. The included image comes from “The Anatomy of Fear,” published by The WEEK magazine, Dec. 14, 2019. Developing Agoraphobia By Shelly Barber Crazy stalks me as a rabid fanIn love with how well I portray its likenessI cringe deeper in the shadowsBut it …
