News Roundup, Aug. 2, 2024
Flutists from across the U.S. and the world have gathered in San Antonio for the National Flute Association’s 52nd Annual Convention. The flutists will bring hundreds of flute recitals, workshops, masterclasses and more to downtown San Antonio Aug. 1-4. The big event is Gala di Concerti on Saturday night, an All-flute-Concerto concert, which will be performed with the San Antonio Philharmonic conducted by Troy Peters, the artistic director of YOSA (Youth Orchestras of San Antonio) and the director of the UTSA Orchestra. (Aug. 3 at 8 p.m.; Lila Cockrell Theater; 200 E. Market St.;210-207-8500; tickets are $15-$40; www.nfaonline.org/convention).
The Olmos Ensemble’s Summer Concert Series – “Baroque Era to the 21st Century” is about to begin
with violinist Eric Gratz and pianist Euntaek Kim performing works by Beethoven, Syzmanowski and more. (Aug. 4 at 3 p.m.; Shepherd King Lutheran Church, 303 West Ramsey Rd., 78216; 210-344-5881; to reach the Olmos call 210-269-1925 or email olmosensemble@gmail.com. All concerts are free but donations accepted. The summer series continues through August.)
The AGARITA ensemble is always active. Coming up is a special concert with the songstress Azul Barrientos who has charmed many San Antonians with her repertoire of Mexican songs.
( Aug. 23 at 7:30 p.m., Stable Hall at Pearl, 307 Pearl Parkway, 78215; free tickets will be available starting Aug. 9. Also, this Friday, Aug. 2 is your last chance to see the exhibit in the Agarita Loft
“Unobstructed Horizons” featuring the work of Charlie Kitchen, Hailey Marmolejo and Dani Becknell.
(Aug. 2, 7-9 p.m.; 724 S. Alamo St., #2)
As you may recall, we told you about URBAN-15’s 50th anniversary celebration which is still going on. The next event is “Tribute to la Musica Chicana” which will feature composer, Robert Ojeda, and his Bronze Band. It will be a hybrid event with a performance and a lecture about the rich, intertwined musical histories of Texas and Mexico. Ojeda and his musicians will contextualize each musical piece by explaining its historical background. (Aug. 10, 5-7 p.m., URBAN-15 Studios, 2500 S. Presa. See more at events@urban15.org or call 210-736-1500)
RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles promises “psychedelic visuals” nostalgia and good vibes.
(Aug. 4 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Majestic Theater, 224 E. Houston St., tickets are $39-$120;
www.majesticempire.com/events/rain)
The String Queens (violin, viola & cello)have a repertoire that spans a huge time period, from the Baroque to the jazz age and to today’s Billboard charts. They have performed at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center among many prestigious performance halls. This concert celebrates the 90th anniversary of the chartering of the SA Alumnae chapter of the Delta Signa Theta Sorority. (Aug. 2 at 8 p.m.; Carver Center, 226 N. Hackberry; 210-207-7211; tickets are $75, via Ticketmaster; More at https://thecarver.org;
To reach the group write to TheStringQueens@gmail.com)
Legends of HipHop will take over the Frost Bank Center, among them ICE CUBE, THUGS -N-HARMONY, Amanda Perez, E-40, N2 DEEP, and others. (Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m.; Frost bank Center, 1 Frost Bank Center Drive, 78219; tickets are $53-$110, at Ticketmaster.)
Country singer/songwriter Drake White mixes country, blues, funk, rock and reggae, in his foot-stomping
live shows that took him to Nashville and beyond. This weekend, he will soon be in San Antonio.
(Aug. 9 at 8 p.m.; Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway, 78215; tickets start at $25. https://www.stablehall.com)
If you enjoy smooth jazz, you should know about the Jazz on the Water concert series at the beautifully-designed Buena Vista Theater. Upcoming: Greg Manning with Ryan- late show (Aug. 3 at 9:30 p.m.;
www.buenavistalive/events-and-tickets.)
Another big event in town is the San Antonio Film Festival which is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Screenings take place in the Tobin Center and the Radius Center nearby (106 Auditorium Circle). Over 200 films are being screened, plus there are industry panels, red-carpet premieres, networking events, celebrity guests and fun after-parties. A number of movies deal with San Antonio themes. For the complete schedule go to www.safilm.com/screenings.
More films will be shown at McNay Art Museum during its inaugural Summer Film Series. The McNay opened in 1954 and the films shown will be from that time. www.mcnayart.org
Art Spark Texas is seeking visual artists with a mental health diagnosis in San Antonio and surrounding areas to submit art to the organization’s Expressions Art Show. The juried exhibit will be on view at Bihl Haus Arts on October. To get an entry form contact Susan Beattie at 210-908-1776 or seabeattie@yahoo.com. Deadline for entries is Aug. 6, 2024. Art Spark Texas can be reached at 512-454-9912.
Collective Care Fest will feature bands, poetry, workshops, zines and a community mural. The event is dedicated to fostering community and mutual aid and care. (Aug. 3, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Brick at Blue Star
108 Blue Star #1773; for info call 646-912-4165 or brickatbluestar@gmail.com
And here’s something that may bring benefits to the performing arts. The Magik Theater called upon all who work in and enjoy theater and other stage arts to call their representatives and ask them to support the STAGE ACT! The act would create a new grant program through the Economic Development Administration, providing $1billion annually for non-profit theaters over five years, for a total investment of $5 billion in non-profit theater. Find your representative at www.usa.gov/elected-officials
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