Arts Alive San Antonio

The two festivals we announced here last week are in full swing right now.

The CineFestival, which focuses on Hispanic/Latino filmmakers opened yesterday and continues through July 10. Altogether, 85 films will be screened, including 12 feature films and 73 short ones, both documentaries and fiction stories. All screenings take place at the Guadalupe Theater. Some screenings are free, most notably Family Day which will feature the premiere of “Ainbo, Spirit of the Amazon” by Richard Claus and Jose Zelada, July 7. It’s a story of a young heroine and her spirit guides, an armadillo and a tapir, who together try to save their home in the Amazon Rainforest.

Other free events are: The US-Peruvian animated feature in the spirit of “Moana” and “Frozen,” and Senior Cinema which will reprise the opening night screening of “Pepe Serna: Life in Art,” the story of the actor’s life and career in Hollywood. (July 8 at 12 p.m.)

The fest also focuses on San Antonio and Texas filmmakers, though not exclusively. The San Antonio Showcase is scheduled for July 9 at 12 p.m. And there’s a lot more! To learn more about the fest read our story from 7/6/2022 on this site. (To see the entire schedule, go to www.guadalupeculturalarts.org)

The Cactus Pear Music Festival’s concerts this weekend are: “French Whispers” and “Swan Song.” The latter starts with contemporary composer Kathryn Mishell’s duet “Swan Song for Stephanie,” that festival founder, violinist Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio, will perform with  cellist Lachezar Kostov.. Also on the program: Richard Strauss’ Capriccio and Dmitri Shostakovich’s Piano Quintet in G Minor, for piano, two violins, viola and cello. (July 9 at 7 p.m.)

“French Whispers” will feature compositions by Cecile Chaminade, Vincent d’Indy and Nadia Boulanger, performed by Sant’Ambrogio, Yanagitani, Colin Sorgi, Katarzyna Bryla-Weiss, Anthony Ross and Beth Rapier. (July 8 at 7 p.m.) Concerts take place at the Trinity Baptist Church, 319 E. Mulberry Ave.  For more info and tickets call 210-838-2218 or go to www.cpmf.us. Only 250 people per concert.

The annual Balcones Heights Jazz Festival is coming up next weekend with the first concert on July 15. More about that fest later.

Maverick City Music’s Kingdom Tour will stop at the AT&T Center July 9. This is a multi- cultural, multi-racial, genre-bending ensemble that specializes in contemporary worship music. Multiple GRAMMY AWARD winner, Kirk Franklin, will appear with them, as well as special guests, Jonathan McReynolds and Housefires. (July 9 at 6:45 p.m.; AT&T Center, 1 AT&T Parkway; tickets $55-$414)

Gilberto Santa Rosa, the winner of 6 GRAMMY AWARDS and one of the most successful Latin music vocalists, will charm his listeners at the Alvarez Theater in the Tobin Center. His “Necesito un Bolero” won Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. The show will be followed by a “Salsa Social” at 9:30 p.m. (July 9 at 8 p.m.; $44.50-$150; separate tickets for the salsa social, $10-$14; Tobin Center, 100 Auditorium Circle; tickets@tobincenter.org)

The Masked Singer National Tour, hosted by Natasha Bedingfield, will also make a stop at the Tobin. Audiences may expect to see their favorite characters brought to life by celebrity guests and new performances. According to the promo material, “Masked Singer” is the # 1 broadcast entertainment program for adults 18-49, excluding sports. (July 12 at 7:30 p.m. Tobin Center, $49.50- $99.50; for tickets see above)

One of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s best-loved musicals, “Jesus Christ Superstar” is taking over the Majestic Theater stage for several nights. This version is based on a 2017 production staged by London’s Regent Open Air Theater, directed by Timothy Sheader and choreographed by Drew McOne. It won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. (July 8 at 8 p.m.; July 9 at 2 & 8 p.m.; and July 10 at 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Majestic Theater, 224 E. Houston; tickets $40-$125, www.majesticempire.com or 210-226-3333.)

Local theaters have new productions as well.

Teatro Audaz is presenting “The Mesquite Tree” by David Davila, through July 10. Directed by Vanessa Rae Lerma, the play revolves around Blanca who makes ends meet but wants more for her granddaughter and family. The cast includes Cindy Rodriguez Martinez, Anastasia Islas, Elizabeth Ramirez, Alejandra Wagnon and Laura T. Garza. The company performs at the Cellar Theater at the San Pedro Playhouse. The Cellar is part of the Public Theater of San Antonio. (Everyday through July 10 at 7:30 p.m.; Teatro Audaz at the Cellar Theater, 800 W. Ashby PL., 78212; $15-$25 at boxoffice@teatroaudaz.com or by calling 361-444-3931)

This is the last weekend to see the Woodlawn Theater’s production of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid.”
It’s a big, colorful, dynamic show, featuring songs you’ll recognize.  (Friday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m., final performance at 3 p.m. Sunday; buy tickets in-person at the box office (2-5 p.m.) or by phone 210-267-8388.) For a cheaper version you may want to see the Woodlawn Theater Academy’s version. Shows July 14-17, tickets $10. Woodlawn Theater, 1920 Fredericksburg Rd.)

The Magik Theatre is opening “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” on July 9. Based on Eric Carle’s books, the production “faithfully adapts” four of Carle’ stories. Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the show features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets. It will run through Aug. 7 (Magik Theatre, 420-S. Alamo, Hemisfair Park, 78206; 210-227-2751, www.magiktheatre.org)

“All Shook Up” at the Circle Arts Theater in New Braunfels is a new concoction of Hollywood film cliches “plus a few brand-new cliches” the company just made up. “The story is all New/The Hits are all Elvis” says the show poster. (Everyday through July 31; Circle Arts Theater, 124 Elizabeth St., New Braunfels, 78130; 830-837-6172, www.circleartstheatre.org)

Gemini Ink, San Antonio’s Writing Arts Center, will celebrate the release of Dario Beniquez’s debut poetry collection, “Zone of Silence” with a reception and reading. Beniquez has served as a volunteer facilitator for Gemini ink’s Open Writers’ Lab for 23 years. He will be joined by the Lab co-facilitator, Robert Allen, and special guest, poet Jonathan Fletcher. (July 8 at 6:30 p.m.; Gemini Ink, 1111 Navarro St., 78205; 210-734-9673; free. Beniquez will also teach a poetry workshop on July 9, 1-4 p.m.; to register go to https://bit.ly/dariopoetic)

Speaking of books… book lovers will be pleased to hear that the Book Cellar at the Central Library is back in business, selling gently-used books – and some new ones, too. The Book Cellar bookstore will be open Thursday-Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can park in the library’s garage while you are shopping. Thousands of books are waiting for you. You can also donate “gently-used books and media.” Call 210-227-9519 to schedule “curbside” assistance.” (Central Library, 600 Soledad St., open 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. every day through July 30.)

On the visual arts front, there’s always something going on.

The Centro Cultural Aztlan is opening a new exhibit by Xavier Garza, titled “The Return of Quetzalcoatl – Heroes, Villains and Space Monsters.”  (Did they get the idea from “Tony Parker’s Heroes and Villains” at SAMA?) In the Aztlan exhibit, however, legendary characters such as La Llorona, Los Duendes and Las Lechuzas, return to do battle with ancient deities like Quetzalcoatl. But there’s a twist. They are all interpreted as visual depictions of modern-day “lucha libre” heroes, villains and monsters. The images pay homage to the golden age of lucha libre films, says the press release, “where masked heroes did battle against vampires, zombies, space aliens and other monstrosities.” (Centro Aztlan, 1800 Fredericksburg Rd, Suite 103; Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; 210-432-1896; more about it next week)

A new art work installed at the San Antonio International Airport, looks like a flag but an unusual one.  That’s because it’s really an installation created by artist Jeffrey Stenbom, from 100 military uniformsdonated by USAA employees. The uniforms were actually worn in military conflicts, dating back to World War I. Imagine handling the fabric that a soldier wore so long ago, perhaps while being in serious danger! We already told you about this last week but now we can also show you the picture of this precious 25-foot by 12-foot American Flag, that took the artist more than 1000 hours to weave together. IT is located in the lobby of Terminal B.

In connection with the exhibit, “Status of Women in San Antonio” at the city-owned Culture Commons Gallery, downtown,there will be a film screening on July 13, at 6 p.m. The title: “Not Done: Women Remaking America.” (Free and open to the public… if you can find nearby parking!)

The Museum of Western Art in Kerrville has a beautiful exhibit named “The Heavens Declare! Celebrating the Glory of the Skies.”  Eleven artists are represented with 90 works. You’ll need to hurry, however, as the show is closing July 9. (Museum of Western Art, 1550 Bandera Highway, Kerrville, 78028; 830-896-2553; www.museumofwesternart.com)

And here’s something that will likely be of interest to many San Antonians who frequented the Institute of Texan Cultures.  The beloved museum is owned by UTSA and it has been closed now for a couple of years. At this time, UTSA is inviting public input regarding “three feasible scenarios” that were developed through ITC Centennial 2068, a community engagement process. So, join in to talk about ITC’s next 50 years. You can do so every day through July 12, 8 a.m. -5 p.m.; 210-458-2300; TexanCultures@utsa.edu, or at https://provost.utsa.edu/itc-visioning/community-conversations/round-3/

Artpace is currently accepting applications from Texas artists for the 2024 International Artist-in-Residence program. Deadline is September 30, 2022. The open call is the organization’s primary resource for identifying artists who are interested and eligible to participate in this program. This list is also a resource Artpace shares with prominent directors, curators and writers from around the world. To find out more, visit www.artpace.org, and click on “Apply Here.” Artpace can be reached by phone 210-212-4900 or info@artpace.org.

The City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture wants artists to know that they can apply to receive recovery grants funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The ARPA 4 Arts Program will distribute a total of $4 million. Now through July 29, individual artists can apply to receive up to $7,500, while eligible nonprofits will receive funding based on budget size and the communities they serve. It is hoped that the program will be able to assist at least 133 artists and 40 arts nonprofits. Applications will be accepted until July 29, through Arts & Culture’s GoSmart application portal. For details and requirements go to www.SanAntonio.gov/arts.