News Roundup. August 1,2025
The San Antonio Philharmonic is back in action and has just performed a special concert at the Scottish Rite Hall to celebrate the conferral of the Order of the Rising Sun with Gold Rays, upon former San Antonio mayor Henry Cisneros by the government of Japan. The evening featured performances highlighting the friendship between Japan and the United States, with works from both Japanese and American composers.
The Philharmonic also announced that the 2025-2026 season subscriptions are available
Another announcement that will make Mariachi fans happy is that the famed Mariachi Vargas will return to San Antonio for the 31st Annual Mariachi Extravaganza, described as “the most anticipated mariachi music event in the world.” The group first performed in San Antonio in 1979 as part of the city’s inaugural mariachi music fest. Tickets for the 2025 event went on sale July 28 for subscribers of the Mariachi newsletter, www.Mariachimusic.com and on Aug. 1 for the general public.
The Olmos Ensemble will present its Summer Concert Season this summer as it usually does.
Four concerts are planned: Aug. 10: Baroque Sonatas; Aug. 17: American Wind Quintets; Aug. 24: A Trio of Trios; and Aug. 31: will feature the return of pianist Anton Nel. The represented composers include Bach, Barber, Voight, Khachaturian, Doppler, Prokofiev and others.
The performers are Eric Gratz (violin); Mark Teplitsky (flute); Ilya Shterenberg (clarinet); Jeff Garza (bassoon) and Julian Schwarz (instrument not identified). Guest artists include internationally renowned pianist Anton Nel; Gurwitz Piano Competition Gold Medalist Scott Cuellar, and others. (Concerts starts at 3 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of San Antonio at 7150
I -10, 78213.)
At the Majestic, catch Dave Koz and Friends – The Ultimate Summer Party, featuring Marcus Anderson (saxophone); Leo P., (baritone Sax) and Marcel Anderson (vocals.) “All your favorites in one show” says the announcement. Tickets are $48 – $210; www.majesticempire.com
If you are ready to rock don’t miss your chance to celebrate “One Night of Queen” with Gary Mullen and The Works! In 2000, Gary Mullen won the Granada TV program “Stars in their Eyes” with his performance of Queen’s lead singer, Freddie Mercury. (Aug. 2, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.; Tobin Center for the Performing Arts; tickets@tobincenter.org)
Uncle Lucius will be at Pearl Hall with their roots rock and country soul. (Aug. 8 at 7 p.m.; tickets $10-$20 at www.tixr.com or www.stablehall.com
URBAN-15 has an open call for drummers with experience. The selected individuals will be performing at a variety of events, including Luminaria, Dia de Los Muertos and international festivals. Call them at 210-736-1500 or email events@urban15.org.
The San Antonio Ragtime Society meets every other month on even numbered months to talk about and play some ragtime “on a lovely Steinway piano” at the Steinway Piano Gallery, 1201 N Loop 1604. Free; www.saragtime/og. And there’s live music every Friday at Arcadia Live Theater, 717 Water St. in Kerrville; call 830- 3155483; more info at www.thearcadialive.org
August Black History Film Series –today: “James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket.” Baldwinwas a major American author, a civil rights activist and, for two decades, a prophetic voice calling Americans to confront their shared racial tragedy. (Today at 5:30 p.m.; The Little Carver, 226 N. Hackberry; free but registration required;
The Theater scene is getting livelier. There are two performances left of the popular play “Dragons Love Tacos” at the Magik Theater: August 2 at 2 p.m., and Aug. 3 at 3 p.m.
The company is holding auditions for its 31st season, seeking non-equity performers, ages 18 and up, with daytime availability to work on the main stage or on tour. Upcoming productions are “Red Riding Hood,”; “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” and “Tomas and the Library Lady.”
Auditions are scheduled for Aug. 8, from 4-8 p.m. and Aug.9 at 2-6 p.m.
The Overtime Theater is soon opening “YAZOO, MISS’SSIPPI, a comedy written by Jean Ciampi.
with performances running Aug. 15 to Sept. 6, 2025. The play was the winner of the 2024 Robert J. Pickering/JR Colbeck Award for Playwriting Excellence, the second such award for the author. It’s directed by Rob Barron, current president of the Overtime. Tickets at the door or online at www.theovertimetheater.org.
The visual arts are pretty much always well represented. We have included here just a few things. If you haven’t yet visited the Dock Space Gallery, in the Lone Star Art District, it’s a good time to do so, perhaps during the Second Saturday Artwalk in the Lone Star Art District. For more info contact Bill FitzGibbons at 210-723-3048; www.dockspacegallery.com.
Brackenridge Park has become more interesting and easier to navigate thanks to the
Brackenridge Park Conservancy that designed a special map noting all the art stops along the way, with the story behind each. This Art Installation Guide is accessible on the Conservancy’s new website. Tucked throughout the park are cultural treasures and architectural “marvels” ready to be discovered. From public art installations to historic landmarks dating back more than a century, the park is now home to some of the city’s most scenic and storied locations. You can start your walk here: https://brackenridgepark.org/things-to-do/art-installations/
The San Antonio Art League + Museum is offering a workshop: “Out of the Blue- Cyanotype Blueprinting using botanicals, found objects & photo negatives with Melissa Grace Young.
(Aug. 9. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; SEMMES GALLERY; $125+$20 supply fee; 130 King William, 78204)
And speaking of SAALM, try to see the clever and truly innovative exhibit “The Fine Art of Dining” that features artworks arranged as full-scale table installations, complete with center pieces, place settings, utensils and more. Works from artists across Texas – ceramicists, fiber
artists, sculptors and others -came together in a whimsical, elegant and sometimes provocative exploration of what it means to gather and share a meal. (open every day till Aug. 8; 130 King William St., 78204; 210-223-1140)
Luminaria announced 13 recipients of the spring 2025 Working Artist Fund. Thirteen women artists from Bexar County will receive the micro-grant for activities that support artistic growth.
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