Arts Alive San Antonio

NEWS RROUNDUP, 12/20/2024

The holidays are just around the corner and there are fewer arts events in the upcoming days as people prepare for Christmas and other holidays of the season. Still, there are concerts, shows and celebrations. Let look at what’s coming up!

Step into the festive spirit with Mariachi Sol de Mexico Presents Jose Hernandez’ Merry-Achi Christmas
at the Tobin Center. The “iconic” mariachi band will once again come to Texas this holiday season to play
authentic Mexican music. You’ll get a chance to enjoy traditional Mexican carols played by “an incredible mariachi band,” says the announcement. The concert will also feature a fusion of Mexican and American Christmas songs “presented in the most passionate and creative way.” (Dec. 20 at 8 p.m.; Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, 78205; $ tickets are $29.50 at the box office or by calling 210-223-8624; also at tickets@tobincenter.com)

The Heart of Texas Concert Band will be joined by River City Ringers and the Dianne Brumley Chorale   to present “Christmas Dreams” this Sunday. (Dec. 22 at 3 p.m.; Trinity Baptist Church Sanctuary, 319 Mulberry Ave., 78212; suggested donation is $10, no tickets necessary; for info call 210-863-7308 or
visit https://heartoftexasconcertband.org)

The Youth Orchestra of San Antonio, known as YOSA, and the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio (CCSA) will join forces for an evening filled with classic Christmas songs and other holiday favorites in a
“Holiday Spectacular,” that will include lively orchestral arrangements to poignant choral pieces. Both organizations are led by very competent directors. (Dec. 21 at 7 p.m., Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 115 Auditorium Circle, 78205; 210-223-8624; To contact YOSA call 210-737-0097)

The TubaMeisters, a group of tuba players, will play for the public on the River Walk this weekend.
The annual event invites anyone who plays a tuba or baritone horn to join the concert. In addition to the all-volunteer instrumentalists, there will be short performances by ensembles from UTSA and St. Mary’s University. (Dec. 21 at 12, noon to 1:15 p.m.; Arneson River Theater; 418 Villita St.; free and open to the public. (For more info about the TubaMeisters visit https://thetubameisters.com/)

The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays- is a “mind-blowing showcase featuring the most incredible illusionists on earth. (Dec. 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Tobin Center; tickets are $39.50; tickets@tobincenter.org
or at the box office, or by phone 210-223-8724.)

Rising jazz sensation, Stella Cole will bring her signature voice and holiday spirit to San Antonio for a single concert at the picturesque Japanese Tea Garden on Friday. The intimate performance will feature a blend of holiday classics, jazz standards, and some surprises, set against the serene beauty of the landscape.  “The holiday concert promises to be “a magical evening of music, nostalgia and Joy,” says the press release. She will be accompanied by a jazz trio. (Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m.; Japanese Tea Garden, 3853 N. St. Mary’s St.; 78212; 210-559-3148; https://saparks.org/japanese-tea-garden/)

At the Stable Hall you can see the San Antonio-based Kin Faux, which has become a staple on the Texas music scene by blending Texas country with Southern rock and Red Dirt. The band’s signature sound is shaped by blazing fiddle, strong vocal harmonies and driving rhythms, telling stories about the struggles and resilience of working-class communities. (Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.; Stable Hall 307 Pearl Parkway, 78215;
$22-$95; https://www.stablehall.com)

If you are willing to drive to Kerrville, you may be able to enjoy The Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show. The group mixes holiday standards with selections from their Grammy-winning holiday classic album: “Go Tell it on the Mountain” and the spirited “Talking Christmas” album. The beloved gospel ensemble remains fresh and popular. (Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.; $61-$76; Arcadia Live Theatre, 717 Water Street, Kerrville, 78028; 830-315-5483; www.thearcadialive.org)

If you missed all the previous productions of “The Nutcracker,” don’t fret! More are coming.
The San Antonio Youth Ballet will be presenting its annual performance of the holiday classic, accompanied by the South Texas Symphonic Orchestra. The Youth Ballet is a pre-professional program whose mission is to cultivate the art of dance. The educational program, provides young dancers opportunities to train and perform in a professional environment.
(Dec. 22 at 2 p.m.; The Scottish Rite Theater, 308 Ave. E, 78205; tickets are $10-$54; to reach the ballet school call 210-802-7931; to call the theater call 210-369-8311 or write to info@acpaainc.org)

And yet another “Nutcracker” will grace the stage of Our Lady of the Lake Thiry Auditorium, performed by Alamo City Dance Company. The ballet will feature 85 performers in 160 roles and is accompanied by the live orchestration of the Symphony Viva. (Dec. 22 at 2 p.m.; tickets are $20-$45; Thiry Auditorium at Our Lady of the Lake University. For more info call 210-434-6711, or Alamo City Arts at 210-369-8311.
www.alamocityarts.org)

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is still playing at the Wonder Theater at the Wonderland of the Americas Mall, through Dec. 23; Box Office 210-267-8388 or buy tickets at www.wondertheatre.org) And here’s something different and fun: The URBAN -15’s Holiday Laser Show 2024. It’s a multimedia spectacular of technology artforms with choregraphed laser beams, 3-D animation and light effects, set to traditional holiday music and original electronic compositions. The Holiday Laser Show is presented at no charge to the community and features two shows on one day. (Dec. 22, starting at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; University Wellness & Activities Center at Our Lady of the Lake University; 411 SW 24^th St., 78237;210-434-6711; free; to contact URBAN-15 call 210-736-1500.