Arts Alive San Antonio

We have to start with theater news again because there are new significant developments in the San Antonio thespian world.

The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, which is known primarily as a presenter of a wide variety of visiting shows, has made the decision to start producing its own stage productions. That’s potentially a game changer. They call the new enterprise IOOA Productions, describing the live theater project as “offering innovative, and diverse performances that foster understanding, community, and culture in San Antonio.” It will also, “celebrate the transformative power of theater and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse performing arts environment.”

The first show is a fully staged performance of Patrick Barlow’s “The 39 Steps,” directed by David Connelly, which will run Aug. 31 to Sept. 3. There are also plans to stage Beth Henley’s famous “Crimes of the Hearts” in the spring of 2024.

In addition to these two productions, 100A will also present four “Industry Night Readings,” starting with “A Dog’s House” by Micah Schraft which will be presented on July 31of this year. You can buy season tickets that include everything for $97.50. (Both subscriptions and single tickets are available now at
www.tobincenter.org, by phone at 210-223-8624, and in person at the Tobin box office; 100 Auditorium Circle, 78205)

And there’s news from the Public Theater, which just recently announced its new deal with the Classic Theater. The most recent press release, however, announced a new leadership team for the Public, and the Classic’s name is no longer mentioned. “The Board of Trustees for the theater reorganized the top leadership team to focus on the right priorities for the organization: artistic experience for creatives, the audience experience for patrons, and sound business practices,” said the press release. The new leadership team consists of Producing Artistic Director, J. Robert “Jimmy” Moore, who will lead the overall artistic vision of the company; Rick Sanchez, who will be in charge of marketing, sales and Audience Experience; Christina Casella who will be the managing director, and Asia Ciaravino as President and CEO. We wish them all the best! Visit www.thepublicsa.org.

The not so good news is that the number of theater companies is diminishing. Fortunately, The Wonder Theater is gaining a new momentum heading into the new year at their new digs in the Wonderland of the Americas Mall. Right now, you can see “Grease” at their old home, The Woodlawn Theater. (1920 Fredericksburg Rd.; www.woodlawntheatre.org, 210-267-8388)

On the music front, there are shows here and there and everywhere. But there’s also an important music film premiere: “The Quilt: A Living History of African American Music,” presented by Musical Bridges Around the World. Starring Cynthia Freeman Gibbs and Lauren Anya Jwahir Hunter, and an ensemble of musicians, this documentary explores the music genres born and formed by the African-American history and culture. The music of the past connects with music from the present, like layers of a quilt, hence the title. It is described as “family-friendly.” (July 23 at 2 p.m.; Carver Community Cultural Center,
226 N. Hackberry St.; for free tickets register at www.mbaw.org/quilt)

  At the Tobin, you can see Air Supply, the soft rock duo with their timeless hits like “All Out of Love” and “Making Love Out of Nothing.” (July 23 at 7:30 p.m.; tickets $59.50 at box office 210-223-8624 or tickets@tobincenter.org)

The Latin Music Series continues at the San Antonio Zoo through Aug. 5. On July 22 the performers include Conjunto Cats, and Stefani Montiel. (July 22 at 5-9 p.m., SA Zoo, 3903 N. St. Maty’s St.; free to members and included in admission for other visitors.)

Hail the Sun and Being as an Ocean, bands will entertain at the Rock Box Saturday. (July 22, 6-11:30 p.m.; 1223 E. Houston St., 210-677-9453; $25-$27, at Eventbrite, www.eventbrite.com/e/hail-the-sun-tickets)

At the Shops at Rivercenter the summer Concert Series continues with Rollfast Ramblers, “a Central Texas institution.” Texas music, original songs and covers that span many styles, from Western Swing to polkas and jazz. (July 22 at 5:30-7:30 p.m.; free.)

Self-taught guitar maestro, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, who was a great influence on Stevie Ray Vaughn, will play at the Aztec Theater Saturday. (July 22 at 8 p.m.; Aztec Theater, 104 N. St. Mary’s St.; tickets are $35-$229.50; 210-812-4355, www.theaztectheatre.com)

If you are willing to drive to Austin, Alicia Keys will be at the Moody Center on Monday. (July 24 at 8 p.m.; Moody Center 2001 Robert Dedman Dr., 78212; 512-651-7600; tickets $70-$282)
https://moodycenteratx.com)

Here’re some news from the literary world. The Latino Bookstore and the San Antonio Public Library will host the Texas Authors Series 2023 featuring two authors this weekend: Reyna Grande and Omar Valerio-Jimenez. This event will take place at the San Antonio Central Library, 600 Soledad. They will be discussing the impact of Texas Rangers on Mexican-Americans. (July 22 at 2-4 p.m.; the Red Library downtown, free)

San Antonio poet, novelist and a Dominican friar, James Dennis has published a new book of poetry titled, “Listening Devices.” The late, great Texas Poet Laureate, Carol Coffee Reposa, said this about the book and the author: “James Dennis brings a near Renaissance breadth of vision to bear on a dizzying array of topics…, no doubt about it: Dennis is a poetic wizard.” We agree. These poems are insightful, wise, revealing, sometimes surprisingly amusing, and always engaging. One of the poems in the book, “Plague Ghazal” was first published in Arts Alive San Antonio and was included in our anthology Yellow Flag Poems. “Listening Devices” can be found at the Twig Bookstore, the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Bookstore and directly from the author at www.jamesrdennis.com.

New galleries seem to pop up across the city lately. One such gallery is the Wanderlust Ironworks Gallery which is currently showing the work of well-known San Antonio artist, Raul Rene Gonzalez. Named “THEN and NOW” the exhibit includes new concrete-based artworks and a selection of abstract paintings created between 2015-2022. “These new concrete-based artworks are inspired by construction, playing with building blocks, nature and street vendors. According to what the painter wrote, this gallery will soon become the personal gallery space for Simon and Autumn Saleh, owners of Wanderlust Ironworks. Both owners are sculptors, working in a variety of materials. So, stay tuned for news from Wanderlust.

We just mentioned the San Antonio Central Library above in connection with literary work, but the library also features works of art, including a number of striking sculptures. Well-known San Antonio wood sculptor, Danville Chadbourne is showing his unique, colorful sculptures at the Central Library right now. This weekend will be a good time to visit the place and listen to a special conversation between Chadbourne and Gary Sweeny, himself an artist, arts writer and storyteller. (July 22, 3-5 p.m.; 600 Soledad, 210-207-2500; in the gallery.)

And speaking of wood artists, we should mention Darryl Dunn, a woodworking furniture maker and artist, specializing in reclaimed and salvaged wood. After teaching himself the art of carpentry, he began to craft one-of-a kind art pieces. His work is currently on display at the Carver Community Cultural Center, through Sept. 1 (Carver Center, 226 N. Hackberry, 78202; 210-207-2234; https://thecarver.org)

And there’s always something fun at the Briscoe Western Art Museum. The Museum will celebrate that very American icon – the cowboy – on the National Day of the Cowboy this Saturday. The community event includes free admission and a bunch of indoor and outdoor activities. Cowboys of all ages will enjoy music, games, crafts, a chuck wagon with tasty treats, artist demonstrations and hands-on fun.
One of the Briscoe’s most treasured annual events, the day highlights and preserves America’s cowboy culture and pioneer heritage. It’s also an opportunity to see the impressive current exhibit “Southwest Rising: Contemporary Art and the Legacy of Elaine Horwitch. (Briscoe Museum, 210-W. Market St., 78205; free, 210-299-4499; www.briscoemuseum.org/)

We told you in earlier reports about the “Still Brewing Art” exhibit at the San Antonio Museum of Art, that embraces and focuses on the history of the SAMA building, which started life as the Lone Star Brewery. The exhibit will be on view until Sept. 3. A special event is planned for Friday, July 28 when Theresa McCulla the Curator of the American Brewing History Initiative at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History, will explore the importance of beer to histories of urban change and culture. (July 28 at 6 p.m.; tickets free for SAMA members and $5 for non-members; 210-978-8140, https://www.samuseum.org)

                                                                      In Brief

The Contemporary at Blue Star needs a New Media and Communications coordinator; https://contemporarysa.org; 210-227-6960; Deadline Aug.31.

The founders and organizers of the FotoSeptiembre Festival are inviting you to register if you or your organization are planning to participate in the 2023 photography showcase. Deadline is Aug. 15; For details go to The Guidelines Page on www.fotoseptiembre.com/fotoseptiembre/2023.

Contemporary Art Month is just a few months away. The organizers are accepting submissions from San Antonio-based and Houston-based artists, working in any medium, and at any stage of their career. The submission deadline is Friday, Sept. 1; 210-630-0235