Arts Alive San Antonio

Though the holidays are behind us at this point, there are new and interesting arts happening coming up. Many admirers of the late singer Selena are looking forward to “Selena Vive!” the musical tribute to her memory. Selena’s songs will be performed by Isabel Marie Sanchez accompanied by the San Antonio Philharmonic orchestra, conducted by Felipe Tristan, a GRAMMY-winning conductor. Sanchez has performed in similar tribute concerts all over the U.S. (Jan.4 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 5 at 2 p.m., Majestic Theater, 224 E. Houston; tickets are $25-$90, www.majesticempire.com)

The AGARITA Chamber Music Quartet always has something interesting to offer. This week it’s a conversation between pianist Daniel Anastasio and poet Naomi Shihab Nye, one of San Antonio’s best -known poets. They will discuss the collaborative process, the power of mixing poetry and music, and how dialogues across artistic media can unlock new insights for both artists and audiences. Included will be premiere performances from a new collaborative recital between the two. (Jan. 7 at 6:30 p.m., Agarita Loft, 724 S. Alamo, second floor accessible by stairs only; free tickets at https://www.eventnrite.com)

In the spirit of the award-winning documentary, “The Quilt,” Musical Bridges Around the World aristswill highlight music genres born and formed by African American history and culture. This concert is part of DreamWeek, San Antonio. (Jan 12 at 7 p.m., San Fernando Cathedral, free with registration. Go to http://www.musicalbridges.org)

The Symphony of the Hills, a 75-piece orchestra based in Kerrville, is presenting its annual Pops Concert: “Epic Journey: “Seas and Stars” on Saturday, Jan. 4. This pops concert is devoted to the great music written about life’s greatest journeys in exploration, whether by sea or through the air and into space.” Included are: music from the “Titanic”, Handel’s “Water Music,” Gilbert & Sullivan ‘s “Overture to Pirates of Penzance” and a number of other beloved compositions. (tickets are (hopefully) still available. Call the Cailloux Theater box office at 830-896-9393. Complete concert info can be found at www.symphonyofthehills.org.

Speaking of Kerrville, the dates of the Kerrville Renaissance Festival have been announced: Jan. 18-19; Jan. 25-26 and Feb. 1-2, 2025. For more info go towww.KerrvilleRentFest.com.

Camerata San Antonio will present its first concert of the new year, exploring the music of J.S Bach –
“Bach Reflections”- in a program that will be performed in three performances, two in San Antonio and one in Kerrville as this group usually does. This program presents the composer’s original works and a modern reflection of his style. Bach’s influence has permeated music history and continues to inspire new generations of composers and performers. The first concert coming up is the Kerrville one. (Jan. 10 at 4 p.m.; First Presbyterian Church Kerrville. 800 Jefferson St., 78028; 830-321-0303; free but reservations required; contact Camerata at 210-492-9519. Contact the church at 830-321-0303; matelp@hotmail.com)
The second concert on Jan. 11 is at 3 p.m. at the Christ Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, 11093 Bandera Rd, and the third will take place Jan. 12 at 2p.m. at the Christ Episcopal Church, 510 Belknap Place in San Antonio. Tickets can be reserved at www.cameratasa.org.

URBAN-15’s Josiah Media Festival is underway every day through Jan. 31. It started streaming online for free on Dec. 16^th and will end at the end of January. The films shown were all created by young filmmakers 21 years old or younger. The fest is named after Josiah Miles Neundorf, a talented filmmaker from San Antonio who died in 2006. At the end of January, films will be judged by a panel of judges and cash prizes will be awarded to the deserving young filmmakers.

At the TOBIN Center, you can see “Cirque Kalabante- Afrique En Cirque” a show inspired by daily life in Guinea. This performance shares the beauty, youth and artistry of African culture. According to promotional material, this event “makes every theater vibrate with energy.” (Jan, 7, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.;
tickets are $34.50; Tobin Center, 100 Auditorium Circle, 78205; info@tobincenter.org)

Now, let’s look at some visual arts developments. Artpace is presenting “Songs for Fran and Donny,” a group exhibition celebrating the legacy of the late scholar, curator and educator, Dr. Frances Colpitt and her husband, Donny Walton. Curated in collaboration with Artpace alum artists, Constance Lowe and Hills Snyder and others, the exhibition features new works by Artpace-affiliated artists inspired by the couple. Running concurrently is a touring exhibition opening at the UTSA Main Art Gallery that showcases Colpitt’s scholarship and mentorship through selected artworks and ephemera. The list of participating artists is long: Nate Cassie, Ken Little, Michele Monseau, Andra Caillouet and other artists influenced by Colpitt. (Opens Jan. 16, 6-9 p.m. The exhibition will be on view through June 26 of this year. (445 N. Main Ave., 210-212-4900)

At the Dock Space Annex, just south of downtown, poet and artist, Octavio Quintanilla’s exhibit, “Subversive Imagination” is installed. Officially opens with a reception and poetry reading Jan.11, 2025, 6-9 p.m.  Quintanilla is a former Poet Laureate of San Antonio. (Dock Space Annex, 107 Lone Star Blvd., 78204; 210-723-3048; www.dockspacegallery.com)

A South Texas Aesthetic: Paintings and Sculptures by Noe Perez and Jason Scull is an exhibit featuring two award-winning artists: landscape painter Noe Perez and sculptor Jason Scull, who create western-themed art. (The Museum of Western Art, 1550 Bandera Hwy, Kerrville, TX 78028; 830-896-2553; free
http://museumofwesternart.com)

Ruby City has announced the acquisition of 66 works by 26 artists for the Linda Pace Foundation Collection. The newly purchased works include 14 artists new to the collection. Familiar names are Nate Cassie, Alex de Leon, Jim Mendiola, Lordy Rodriguez, and others. (Ruby City, 150 Camp St.; 210-227-8400)

The literary organization, Gemini Ink, has formed a book club, Lit Minds. It’s reading “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down” by Anne Fadiman. The book offers an opportunity to discuss healthcare, culture and the human condition, according to the announcement. (Jan. 8 at 6:30 p.m.; 1111 Navarro St., 78205,
210-734-9673, info@geminiink.org)