NEWS ROUNDUP, May 28, 2021
Hollywood Westerns’ popularity may have declined in recent times but in its heyday, the Western was cinematic gold. A new exhibit at the Briscoe Western Art Museum looks at the story of the genre from the late 1960s through the 1980s. Titled Still in the Saddle: A New History of the Hollywood Western, the show “allows everyone to literally walk through the history of the Western in this dynamic period,” states the press release. Many will remember the films, including “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “True Grit,” and “The Wild Bunch.”
To create the right kind of atmosphere, the exhibition has transformed the Briscoe into a 1960s movie theater. Some 60 vintage movie posters are displayed together with movie costumes, and film clips from actual Westerns will show representative moments of the genre. You’ll see costume items worn by John Wayne in several movies, loaned by the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum.
This being 2021, the story of societal changes during the above-mentioned period, and changing views on certain subjects, are also examined. Those who would like to learn more about the rise and fall of Hollywood Westerns can take part in a Meet & Greet with curator Andrew Patrick Nelson Saturday, May 29 at 2 p.m. (included with museum admission.
To accompany the exhibit, the museum is offering a movie series, starting with “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” on May 30,” Little Big Man” on June 20, “True Grit” on July 18, “The Long Riders” on Aug. 22 and “The Shootist on Sept. 5. Exhibit curator, Andrew Patrick Nelson will introduce each film and explain how it relates to “Still in the Saddle.” For Summer Cinema passes call 210-299.4499. (Exhibit closes Sept. 6; Briscoe Museum, 210 W. Market St. open Thursday-Monday; www.briscoemuseum.org)
Blur Star Contemporary is also opening a new exhibit “The Sitter” next Thursday. It will feature works by artists who use “contemporary portraiture and figuration” to tell a story and generate conversation about the depicted subjects. Do not expect traditional portraits. Participating artists are: La Vaughn Belle, Suzette Bross, Ruth Leonela Buentello, Carmen Cartiness Johnson, Madison Cowles Serna, Natan Dvir, Sarah Fox, LaToya Hobbs, Loc Huynh, David Johnson & Philip Matthews, Zora Murff and Cruz Ortiz. (Opens June 3, closes Sept. 5; Blue Star Contemporary, 116 Blue Star, 78204; https://bluestarcontemporary.org)
Artpace is welcoming a new group of artists-in-residence for the summer: Ivan Argote (from Colombia via France); Nao Bustamente (from Los Angeles), and Michael Menchaca, from San Antonio. The trio was originally scheduled to be in San Antonio for the summer of 2020 but – you already know – COVID-19 interfered with those plans. They will live and work at Artpace until July 19. Their work will be on exhibit July 15-Sept.5. Artpace is now open by appointment. (445 N. Main Ave., 78205; www.artpace.org)
One by one, theater companies are also returning to in-person shows. We are happy to let you know that the Overtime Theater is ready to entertain you after more than a year of being dark. It is presenting Scott McDowell’s latest: “Tricksters: A Dark Comedy of Godly Proportions.” Here’s how the show is described: “Once every 100 years in a bar at the edge of reality, a very special game is played. The Gods of Trickery and Mischief meet to play a game unlike any other – one full of deviousness, bravado and bragging… and tonight is that night. But their worlds are about to be disrupted when a new guest is invited.”
Curious? We are. (May 28 – June 12; Friday-Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday June 6 at 3 p.m.; tickets $15; all performers are fully vaccinated. Masks recommended for patrons who have not been vaccinated. It’s a small theater. Tickets at www.ShowTix4u.com)
The Public Theater of San Antonio is getting ready to announce its upcoming productions on June 1. So, we’ll tell you more next week.
The Magik Theatre is back on stage, too, and it is presenting a charmer – Charlotte’s Web, the story of Wilbur, the lovable pig who is in danger of becoming someone’s dinner but gets saved by the kind-hearted spider named Charlotte. The play is an adaptation of the E.B. White’s story that explores bravery, selfless love and the importance of friendship. (through July 3; The Magik is located in the Hemisfair Park downtown; tickets at www.magiktheatre.org/event/charlottesweb/) To get info on summer camps visit the theater’s website.
The San Antonio Symphony will perform its Classics VIII concerts May 28 and 29, at the Tobin Center. It will probably be a very special evening for the musicians as their former artistic director, Sebastian Lang-Lessing, will be their conductor for the occasion. On the program: “Siegfried Idyll” by Wagner and Symphony No. 40 in G Minor by Mozart. (8 p.m. both days; for more info go to https://sasymphony.org;
tickets at tickets@tobincenter.org)
Last weekend, Camerata San Antonio performed its first in-person concert,” Strum,” in more than a year. The video premiere of “Strum” is slated for 3 p.m., May 30. They promised to send the link “very soon” but we have not received it yet. Just search for Camerata San Antonio YouTube channel on Sunday and chances are, it will be there.
If you are the mood for dancing, head to John T. Floore’s Country Store this Sunday to enjoy a Helotes tradition, Floore’s Dine and Dance, that will keep things lively from noon to 7 p.m. The music will be provided by Dale Watson and Billy Mata & the Texas Tradition! Contact the venue by emailing to info@liveatflores.com.
There will be lots of good music at Sam’s Burger Joint this weekend, from Thunderstorm Artis, the 2020 spring season finalist on The Voice (Friday), to a Grateful Dead Tribute Band (Saturday), and Austin-based Jennifer Fuentes, who made a splash on American Idol in 2003 and sang the national anthem in the White House (Sunday). https://samsburgerjoint.com.
Another finalist from The Voice, Jordan Matthew Young, will perform Friday at St. Paul Square for free at an outdoor concert in the Courtyard. (8 p.m. May 28, 1160 E. Commerce.)
Should you want to learn some ballet moves and poses, the San Antonio Museum of Art is giving you a rare opportunity to sample this beautiful but demanding art form. Professional ballet dancers/instructors lead Ballet in the Garden classes once a month through August 8th. Next up is the Sunday, June 13 class, with Zane Terry, an instructor with Ballet Conservatory of South Texas, and former member of Ballet San Antonio. (8:30 – 9:30 a.m.; $35 per class or $90 for all of them; less for SAMA members. Contact 210-978-8100 or info@samuseum.org)
Attention visual or multidisciplinary artists! the DoSeum is accepting applications for its 2021 Artist-in-Residence program, seeking an artist who has experience in creating miniature scenery or other miniature work. The chosen person’s work will complement DoSeum Express: Tiny Trains and Trolleys, a new holiday exhibition featuring working train sets. Application deadline is June 18. For information contact Meredith Doby, VP of Exhibits, at mdoby@thedoseum.org.
URBAN-15 is officially accepting submissions for the 2021 Josiah Media Festival, open to young filmmakers from around the world. Deadline: August 18, 2021. For more info: www.urban-15.org/josiah-media-festival-submit/.
The literary organization, VOICES DE LA LUNA, which publishes the eponymous literary magazine, is offering a Zoom workshop, Elements of Poetry with Dario, June 3, 6-8 p.m. Topic: The Sound of Poetry. For information email voicesdelaluna@outlook.com. The workshop is free but small donations are appreciated. You’ll get a Zoom link after signing up.