Arts Alive San Antonio

Music, music, everywhere!

Camerata San Antonio will present its second program of the new season, “Longing,” which will showcase a selection of piano trios. The beautifully curated program explores the theme of longing through works of Mel Bonis, Schubert, Weinberg and Brahms. The trio of performers includes violinist Matthew Zerweck, cellist Kenneth Freudigman and pianist Viktor Valkov. They will play in intimate settings where you can closely observe the musicians’ interaction and the intricate details of their performances.  As usual, the concert will be performed in three different venues, to expose more people to the beautifully crafted music. (Oct. 4 at 4p.m. in Kerrville- First Presbyterian Church, 800 Jefferson St.; Oct. 5 at 3 p.m. in San Antonio, Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, 11093 Bandera Rd., and Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in San Antonio, 510-Belknap Place. (To reserve tickets, go to
www.cameratasa.org; students of all levels get free admission.).

At the AGARITA LOFT, you can join cellist Ignacio Gallego and pianist Daniel del Pino for a recital of Spanish and Spanish-inspired music: “Los Cantos de la Tierra.” (Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m.; the AGARITA LOFT, 724 S. Alamo, St. #2; waitlist available. However, the program will be repeated Oct. 5 at 7p.m., Ruth Taylor Hall, Trinity University; free and open to all.)

St. John’s Lutheran Church will host its next First Friday with violinist Bassam Nashawati, performing music by Vivaldi, Faure, Chopin, Saint-Saens, and Villoldo. All concerts begin at noon on the first Friday of each month, and are presented in the church’s sanctuary. (free and open to the public, followed by a luncheon with a suggested $10 donation. (Oct. 4, noon to 1 p.m.; St. John’s Lutheran Church, 502 E. Nueva, 78205; 210-223-2611; https://stjohnssa.org)

The Heart of Texas Concert Band is beginning its 16^th season – “Old World and New” – this Sunday, with music from Spain, Cuba, Mexico and more. The program explores Hispanic heritage through the music of Emmanuel Chabier, Oscar Navarro, George Gates, Sousa’s “Cuban Suite” and a Mozart concerto.
(Oct. 6 at 3 p.m.; Medina Valley Fine Arts Center, 8449 FM 471 S; Castroville, Tx 78009; suggested donation: $10.; https://heartoftexasconcertband.org)

The Kerrville-based Symphony of the Hills will start its 2024-25 season “highlighting the passion of Spain” at its first concert of the season “Bolero.” The orchestra will perform music by great composers
such as Villa Lobos, Rodrigo, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Ravel, including his well-known “Bolero.” Other famous works included are: the enchanting “Concierto de Aranjuez,” by Rodrigo and “Capricio Espanol” by Rimsky-Korsakov. (Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.; pre-concert reception starts at 6 p.m.; Cailloux Theater, 910 Main, in Kerrville. Box Office 830-896-9393 or www.symphonyofthehills.org)

If you were a fan of the Beatles – and millions of people were – you’ll probably want to see “1964 The Tribute” this Sunday at the Charline McCombs Theater. Rolling Stones magazine call this show “The best Beatles tribute on Earth.” The cast will play on period instruments, wear appropriate clothing and hair styles. (Oct. 6 at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m.; Empire Theater, 226- N. St. Mary’s, 78205; tickets are $37-$99; call 1-888-246-3185 or go to contact@mjesticempire.com)

Saxophonist Jesse J will present a concert of soft jazz at the Buena Vista Theater. (Oct. 5 at 7 p.m.; 50, West Cesar Chavez Blvd, 78207; 210-458-3288)

We already told you a bit about the new OPERA SANTONIO production titled “Cruzar La Cara de la Luna,”
which will have its second and final performance Saturday. It’s, apparently “a smash sensation around the globe” (in other productions.) The opera tells the story of a Mexican family divided by borders but united by heritage. What’s unusual about this opera is the inclusion of live Mariachi musicians, namely the Mariachi Campanas de America, here in San Antonio. (Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $30-$145 at
tickets@tobincenter.org)

And there’s a Jazz and R&B Festival. From what we could find out, this is supported by The Strong Group Association, whose mission is to create unique experiences for “a blossoming community of live entertainment afficionados, and provide support for artists, producers, managers and agents.
Performers at the fest include soul-jazz saxophonist, Tom Turner, R&B vocalist Rayvon Foster and Kai Hicks. (Oct. 12, 7-11 p.m.; Hangar 9, 8081 Inner Circle Rd., 78235; tickets are $40-100 at
www.eventbrite.fi/e/the-strong-group-association-jazz-and-rb-festival-tickets)

And there’s more! The Japan America Society will present the Aki Matsuri Fall Festival, billed as “fun for the whole family.”  Japanese performances, and games for kids, food vendors selling merch, crafts, and more (Oct. 5 at 11a.m. – 4 p.m., Camargo Park, 5738 Castroville Rd., 78217; free admission.)

Artpace announced the return of DreamLab. This Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., you are invited to take part in a number of activities, helped by professional artists. Activities include crafting Nichos, making pinch pots and participating in a collaborative mural with artist Kim Chbeir. All ages are welcome.
(Oct. 5, 11a.m. – 4p.m.; registration encouraged; 445 N. Main, 78205; 210-212-4900; info@artpace.org

Yesterday, former San Antonio poet laureate, Octavio Quintanilla, officially introduced his new poetry collection – “The Book of Wounded Sparrows.” The new book is already on the National Book Awards prestigious longlist. Quintanilla is a professor of English at Our Lady of the Lake University. Another of his recent creations, “The Impossible Hours,” has received the 2024 Ambrogio Prize given by the Academy of American Poets. Hopefully, there will be other chances to meet him and have him sign the new collection. Quintanilla’s first poetry collection is “If I Go Missing,” which was published by Slough Press in 2014. (We had the opportunity to review “Sparrows,” and we highly recommend it.)

And speaking of books, you can find a lot of good ones at Boerne Book Festival, which is a celebration of all things literary. The fest focuses on Texas and its rich history. (Oct. 5. Main Plaza Park in Boerne; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; www.boernebookfest.com)

The Green Book: Guide to Freedom, will be screened Friday at the Carver Community Cultural Center. This movie, written and directed by Yoruba Richen, takes a deeper look inro the real story of Victor H. Green’s “The Negro Motorist Green Book” during the Jim Crow era and beyond. (Oct. 4 at 6 p.m.; Carver Center, 226 N. Hackberry, 78202; 210-207-2234; https://thecarver.org/event/j-darius/)
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