Original Play, Concerts Coming Up
By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF, Editor –
In San Antonio, most arts organization remain active throughout the summer months and the offerings remain as high caliber as during what is traditionally called “the season.” Here are a few things coming up!
The Public Theater of San Antonio, is presenting “Sink, Florida, Sink,” the first play chosen through its Fresh Ink program designed to find and produce innovating new scripts. Written by New York-based David Kimple, the work focuses on a small Florida town which has repeatedly been devastated by violent hurricanes. The few surviving inhabitants struggle to keep things together as a different kind of upheaval hits them “when someone from their past returns to the island,” says the press release. Difficult decisions loom as the play progresses.
“Sink, Florida, Sink,” (a great title that’s bound to attract attention) is directed by San Antonio-based Shannon Ivey, the founder of Theater for Change, and features Alyx Irene Gonzales in the central role of Violet, and Ivan Ortega as the other protagonist Sebastian. Others in the cast are: Caleb Craig, Robby Vance and Meredith Bell Alvarez.
The play “may contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.”
“Sink Florida, Sink” runs through June 30; Cellar Theater, Public Theater of San Antonio, in San Pedro Park; 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays; 210-733-7258, www.thepublicsa.org
The Agarita Chamber Players, the newest chamber ensemble to grace our concert stages, has something special planned for June 21: 360-Degree VIEW: WOMEN IN MUSIC, a program featuring women composers from past and present. The remarkable lineup includes many names you probably never heard of and that is what makes this occasion so special. From 19th century French composer Melanie (Mel) Bonis to contemporary living creators such as Missy Mazzoli and Jessica Meyer, the concert promises to be a journey of discovery. Also included are Irish composer Joan Trimble who died in 2000; Amy Beach, the first female American to write symphonic music, and African-American composer Florence Price, who died in 1953.
The “360-degree View” refers to the setup for the concert that will allow the audience to surround the players.
Agarita was founded by pianist Daniel Anastasio, violist Marissa Bushman, cellist Ignacio Gallego, and violinist Sarah Silver Manzke. For this occasion, the quartet will be joined by mezzo-soprano Veronica Williams and pianist Jean Park.
June 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Radius Center, 106 Auditorium Center; free; a reception provided by Pharm Table will follow the concert
And here’s another remarkable concert that’s unfortunately born out of sad circumstances. JAZZ For A Friend is organized by the friends of Rene Saenz, to honor the renowned saxophonist who has suffered a stroke recently. The terrific lineup includes the George Prado Regency Band, Small World/Polly Harrison and Kyle Keener, PM Jazz/Pat Carey and Michelle Garibay-Carey, Chris Villanueva Quartet, Doc Watkins Trio and the King William Jazz Collective “with a surprise guest vocalist.”
The event takes place June 24 from 7 to 11 p.m.’ URBAN 15 Studio, 2500 S. Presa, 78210. Suggested minimum donation is $10 but larger donations are welcome. All proceeds will go toward Saenz’s medical expenses. For info call 210-736-1500 or go to urban15@dcci.com.
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