Arts Alive San Antonio

We often start the NEWS ROUNDUP with music news and events but today we’ll begin with dance, which at this time of the year often means “The Nutcracker.” Ballet San Antonio opened its run of the iconic ballet last week but there’s another big one: The Children’s “Nutcracker” performed by the
Children’s Ballet of San Antonio. The Award-winning CBSA is a professional-level ballet company that produces professionally staged productions showcasing San Antonio’s most talented children. The production is a family-friendly adaptation of the classic Christmas ballet. The company’s mission is to create professional-grade performance opportunities for “pint-sized prima ballerinas, talented young adult dancers and special need performers.” The 90-minute show ensures young audiences stay enthralled and inspired. CBSA’s founder is former prima ballerina, Vanessa Bessler, a nine-time winner of
Youth America Grand Prix’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year. (Shows take place Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. and
Dec. 14 at 3 p.m.; Lila Cockrell Theater, 200 E. Market St., 78205; tickets, $45, via Ticketmaster; for more info contact the company at 210-462-7660 or info@childrensballetofsanantonio.org)

The San Antonio Choral Society, a 60-year-old organization, will have its final concert of 2024 this Sunday, “Christmas Around the World,” featuring the music from Mexico, Ireland, Germany, Africa and more. (Dec. 15 at 3 p.m.; Oblate Chapel, 285 Oblate Drive; tickets are $5-$18; kids under 12, free; you can get tickets at the door)

First Presbyterian Church downtown is once again hosting its free “gift to the city” – The Midday Noels Concert Series, for three Thursdays at noon, featuring a variety of music and musicians, including the Dirty River Jazz Band, the church’s own pianists, seasonal songs for two pianists, a choral celebration and more. For in-person attendees, all three performances will also offer $15 hot lunch. (Dec.5,12 and 19, 12, noon to 12:40 p.m.; First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio, 404 N. Alamo St., 78205; for info call 210-271-2730; www.fpcsanantonio.org)

Christmas at First Presentation: Now All is Well at First Baptist Church will combine choirs and orchestra
The service is always a feast for the senses. (Dec. 14 and 15 at 6 p.m.; First Baptist Church, 515 McCullough, 78215; 210-226-03632; https://fbcsa.org)

The AGARITA Chamber Players are a very active group. On Wednesday they will perform “Transfigured Night” by Arnold Schoenberg, a string sextet “masterpiece” that weaves a tale of love, conflict, and ultimate redemption,” says the announcement. It will be played by two violinists, two violists and two cellists. (Dec. 18 and 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Agarita Loft, 724 S. Alamo #2 (second floor, accessible only by stairs.) The music is described as “a string sextet masterpiece that weaves a tale of love, conflict and redemption.” Free parking at the United Way of San Antonio lot.

And tomorrow, Dec. 13, you can hear pianist Daniel Anastasio who will guide listeners through the history of musical structures and talk about how composers use them. (same location)

We can all celebrate the spirit of the season with HOLIDAY IN BLUE! Performed by the United States Air Force Band of the West, with special guests: Canadian Brass! (Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 18, also at 7:30 p.m.; Tobin Center for the Performing Arts; get free tickets.)

Texas Crooner, William Beckman, will stop at Stable Hall as part of his 2024 Las Posadas Tour.The evening will feature a special set of Christmas music, Spanish songs, storytelling and select Beckmann originals. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation which supports children’s charities. (Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.; Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway, tickets are $39-$119;
info@stablehall.com.)

And for folks who enjoy a singalong, there’s Martin Burniston’s Christmas Singalong at the Arcadia Live Theatre in Kerrville. (Dec.14 at 6 p.m., Arcadia Live Theatre, 717 Water St., Kerrville, 78028; 830-315-5483; boxoffice@thearcadialive.org)

The Tobin has a treat for jazz lovers. Jazz master, pianist and bandleader, Doc Watkins, will perform Dec. 19 at 8 p.m.; $35-$99.50. He owns and runs a jazz club in San Antonio and co-hosts a weekly radio program, “Live at Jazz TX, “ on Texas Public Radio.

Jaime Ramirez presents “Mr. Winnebago & Friends” at the Little Carver Friday. Ramirez is a San Antonio pianist/composer, who has performed and toured locally and nationally for 25 years. “Mr. Winnebago” has evolved into a character that describes his signature style and his transient life as a traveling performer. (Dec. 13 at 8 p.m.; Little Carver Theater at the Carver Community Cultural Center; tickets are $15 – $27 at the box office, 210-207-7211; https://thecarver.org/gallery.)

Holiday Night City is back. The event will feature Mariachi Las Antenas and Los Gatos 512. In addition to music, Holiday Night City offers photo ops, vendors, fire pits and more. (Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. TPR HQ at 321 W. Commerce.; for more call 210-614-8977)

The Guadalupe’s Latino Bookstore invites readers to this month’s Texas Authors Series where they’ll have an opportunity to meet authors Julio Lucero, Sally Smith and Mary Jane Torres. The authors will read from their new books. Books are available for purchase; (1300 Guadalupe St.; free and open to all.)

The Guadalupe Dance Company and Academy will perform the annual La Pastorela Folklorica at the Tafolla Middle School Auditorium, located at 1303 W. Cesar Chavez Blvd. The annual holiday celebration is a fun representation of the traditional shepherd’s play with a folklorico and flamenco flair. (Dec. 15 at 3 p.m.) The center is also continuing the new initiative of table reading brand new plays. (Latino Bookstore, Dec. 21 at 3 p.m.; free)

And here’s more jazz: Saxophonist Walter Beasley is a virtuoso who will take over the Buena Vista Theater on Dec. 14 when he takes the stage as part of “Jazz On the Water” concert series. (501 W. Cesar Chavez Blvd, 78207; contact box office at 210-458-3288.