News Roundup, 10,18,2025
NEWS ROUNDUP, Oct. 17, 2024
High caliber ballet performances are not frequent events in San Antonio, so ballet lovers can look forward to the up-coming performance of Ballet San Antonio’s “Don Quixote,” this weekend.
The ballet is an adapted version inspired by Miguel Cervantes’ famous 17th century tale that follows the protagonist on a heroic quest to vanquish his enemies and win the heart of the beautiful Dulcinea.
The ballet, “packed with Spanish flair, castanets and tambourines,” includes a cast of 26 professional ballet dancers and School of Ballet San Antonio’s students, performing the original choreography by Patrick Armand. Principal dancers, Brenna Mulligan-Olson and Michael Agudelo will dance the main roles. “We are thrilled to bring back this charming 17th century classic,” said artistic director Sofiane Sylve. (Four performances: Oct. 18 at 7 :30 p.m.; Oct. 19 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and October 20 at 2.m.; Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle; tickets are $25 – $132 at the Tobin Box Office or tickets@tobincenter.com)
Another but different musical experience is: SUGAR SKULL!, a Dia de Muertos Musical Adventure, a touring bilingual/bicultural musical for young audiences and families, that uses traditional regional music and dance from Mexico to tell the story of 12-year-old Vita Flores who thinks her family has gone “loco” planning a celebration for a deceased loved one. Why throw a party for the dead? But when a spirited candy skeleton springs to life, Vita finds herself on a magical musical journey to unravel the true meaning of Dia de Muertos. (Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Tobin Center; tickets are $24.50; See above about how to buy.)
A major arts event this weekend is Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival that was first envisioned as a festival of light but has become a showcase for all the arts and artists. In fact, some 100 artists working in multiple genres will be featured. Also, this year, the festivities have been moved to a new location with historic roots, the St. Paul Square. Another San Antonio arts organization, Urban -15, which is known for spectacular laser shows, will debut “a laser light-show of epic proportions” in collaboration with “Laser Wizard” Tim Walsh. While The latter will control the laser beams, Urban-15’s Illuminated Dance and Drum Ensemble will perform original new works. (Oct.19 at 10p.m.; HEB Plaza at the Alamodome, located in front of the North entrance, 100 Montana Street, 78203; for more info: www.luminaria.org)
And there’s more for music lovers! The highly respected, Olmos Ensemble is celebrating its 30th anniversary season with a concert/fundraiser at the Malu & Carlos Alvarez Theater at Texas Public Radio
To participate, get tickets at www.olmosensemble.com. You can also mail a check to the ensemble at P.O. Box 701864, 78270. There will be a musical showcase featuring the ensemble, small bites, libations and a birthday cake. The first concert of the regular season will take place the following day, with music of Aaron Copland, John Harbison, and more. (Oct. 21 at 7p.m. at Shepherd King Lutheran Church; free with a suggested donation; post-concert reception included; https://www.olmosensemle.com/october-21-program)
SOLI Open Mic VIII: The SOLI Chamber Music Ensemble is calling San Antonio musicians to perform any contemporary classical work for a live audience at Texas Public Radio. The station will record the concert for a broadcast on KPAC; the performance/recording session is Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Alvarez Theater, at Texas Public Radio; Contact SOLI at marketing@solichamberensemble.com)
Here’s something for fans of mariachi music: This Saturday, Mariachi Azteca de America and invited guests from Los Angeles, Mariachi Nuevo Mujer Dos Mil – an all-female ensemble-will perform atthe “Sigue la Tradicion Scholarship Concert” at the Diane Bennack Concert Hall at the University of the Incarnate Word. Several other mariachi ensembles will also participate. (Oct. 19, at 7:30 p.m. 4301 Broadway)
The San Antonio Choral Society is paying tribute to the past six decades with “a rockin’ start to its 60th season. The choral is reuniting with the X-Factor band to sing favorite pop-rock songs of the past six decades, with hits by the Beatles, Queen, Bon Jovi, Selena, Taylor Swift and more. And audience participation is “highly encouraged.” (Oct. 20 at 5 p.m., University Methodist Church, Student Worship Center, 5185 De Zavala; tickets are $5-$18 at www.sachoralsociety.ticketbud.com/tribute)
BexarBrass Band will play a concert in the park – Beautify San Antonio Park – sponsored by the King William Association. The group is dedicated to carrying on the traditions of New Orleans jazz, while incorporating sounds of funk, rock, reggae and hip-hop. (Oct. 20, starting at 5:30 p.m.; free; all ages welcome.) Another brass band, Puro Brass,” will celebrate at 6 p.m. at St. Mary’s University’s Treadway Recital Hall; 520 Fordham, 78228; both concerts are free.
Eclipse, a Tribute to Journey, is a regional touring act performing throughout Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana. The band covers all hits that Journey’s fans love to hear. (Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Arcadia Live Theater, 717 Water St., Kerrville, 78028; 830-3155483, www.thearcadialive.org)
The Day of the Dead River Parade will feature the URBAN-15 drum and dance ensemble. Beginning at the Weston Center, the floats will begin their routes around downtown at 7 p.m.; Oct. 25; more at https://urban15.org.
At the Shops at La Cantera, you’ll have the opportunity to see the Catrina Live Exhibit. Six Catrina icons – Mexicana, Castilla, Fiesta, Alebridge, Monarcha and Xochiquetzal – represent cultural symbols of Dia de los Muertos. Every Catrina is dressed in custom-designed, hand-crafted attire. Displayed in rotation, three at the time for 30-minute intervals, the live exhibit allows interaction and photo opportunities for shoppers. Classical music vocalists will perform traditional Mexican songs. In addition, the San Antonio Artists Collective Gallery in the shopping center will showcase a selection of Dia de Los Muertos-inspired paintings created by local artists. (Oct. 20, 2-4 p.m.; The Shops at La Cantera, 15900 La Cantera Parkway.)
Mehregan Persian Autumn Festival 2024 will take place Oct. 20, 5-9 p.m. on Main Plaza, organized by the Mehr Foundation, San Antonio, that’s committed to celebrating Persian arts and culture.
The Frost Bank Center brings to town big names and this time it’s KoRn with special guests Gojura & Spiritbox KoRn is an American “nu metal” band from Bakersfield CA (Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m., Frost Bank Center at 1 Frost Bank Center Drive, 78219; 210-444-5140.Tickets are $98 -$169+ via www.ticketmaster.com/events/)
On the theater front, today is the last day to see the new play by San Antonio playwright, Mono Aguilar, titled “Lup and Lil,” who may or may not be Mary, mother of Jesus and Lilith, Adam’s first wife. The play presents their first meeting around the time of Jesus’ death, and follows their friendship through centuries, to the Mexican revolution and present-day San Antonio. (Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.; Deco Ballroom, 1906 Fredericksburg RD.; tickets start at $12.
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