Arts Alive San Antonio

Summer is the time for festivals, and, in fact, we have a couple of festivals going on at present.

The Cactus Pear Music Festival, named this season “Spur of the Moment” is in full swing. The name is both a nod to the San Antonio Spurs and a reference to performing live music, which always includes a component of spontaneity and unpredictability. This is the music fest’s 28 season and a great opportunity to see high-caliber artists from San Antonio and beyond, who will perform four imaginative programs that include chamber music masterpieces and new works, by women composers and Black composers. All concerts will take place at the Diane Bennack Hall on the campus of the University of the Incarnate Word.

This weekend’s concerts are: “Off the Top of Your Head” (July 13 at 3 p.m.,) and “Out of the Blue,” (July 14 at 3 p.m.) Free but registration required. The music selections range from Mozart, Gershwin and Poulenc to Kevin Puts, Paul Wianko, Melanie Bonis, David Baker and others. For more info and to register, go to: www.cpmf.us; You can also read our interview with artistic director Jeffrey Sykes on this site. The festival continues next weekend.

For a very different style of classical music, you may want to stop by the Parman Branch Library in Stone Oak, where you’ll have a rare chance to hear Indian classical music. Titled “A Morning Full of Melodies: Swar Vandana,” the concert will feature the following performers: Vidushi Rachna Bodas (vocals); Shri Ravishankar Shukla (tabla) and Shri Sandeep Bodas (harmonium). (July 13, 11.am. to 12:30 p.m.; Parman Branch Library at Stone Oak, 20735 Wilderness Oak, 78258; 210-207-2703.)

At the McNay Art Museum, you may want to listen to yet another exotic music, led by Honduran artist, Ceiba Ili. This program seamlessly weaves together the melodies of native flutes with the art of mindful breathing and relaxation techniques. She employs indigenous instruments and languages in music creation. She is also an activist, supporting indigenous rights and environmental justice. (July 11 at 6 p.m.; McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave, 78209; 210-824-5368; free for members, $10 for nonmembers.)

Summer Night City, is a free music event hosted by Texas Public Radio, which will continue through the end of July on Thursdays. In addition to live music by local bands, food trucks and other vendors will be on hand. (5 -9:30 p.m.; next one takes place July 18; 321 W Commerce, 78205; 210-614-8977

The Main Plaza Conservancy sponsors the 2^nd Saturday Market with live music, food, shopping and the SAGA light show, at Main Plaza downtown. Live music will be led by Billy Ray Sheppard. The SAGA VIDEO ART will be displayed on the façade of the San Fernando Cathedral when it gets dark. (July 13 at 7-10 p.m. 115 N. Main Ave.; for more info call 210-225-9800; or visit www.mainplaza.org/)

And here’s another festival: The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is presenting the 45^th Cine Festival, San Antonio’s original Latinx Film Fest, with movies screening in two locations: The Little Carver Civic Center at the Carver Community Cultural Center (226 N. Hackberry) and at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Park North (618 Northwest Loop 410). The change of venue was necessary because the Guadalupe Theater is undergoing a full makeover. You can buy tickets and see all the details about films and filmmakers on this site: www.gudalupeculturalarts.org/cine-festival/

Our theaters are getting livelier. Let’s start with the always lively Overtime Theater. They describe the current offering, “The Nevermind People” as an “absurd mystery” written by Michael D. Burger-Song.
This is the premise: After a bus crash sweeps through Dr. Phillips’’ emergency department, strange events
start to take place around a coma patient, Laynerd, who mysteriously wakes up. Laynerd isn’t sure what the past holds, but the characters of “Nevermind People” can clearly see that something is not right.
As audience members, you’ll be challenged to find out Laynerd’s secret. (July 12-Aug. 3, 2024; Fridays-Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sunday matinee July 28 at 2 p.m. and there’s pay-what-you-will on Thursday July 18 at 8 p.m.; 5409 Bandera RD., #205, 78238; 210-557-7562; www.overtimetheater.org)

The Wonder Theater is letting us know that it’s our last chance to “visit the Chocolate Factory.” (Only four shows are left: July 12 at 7:30 p.m.; July 13 at 2 p.m.; July 13 at 7:30 p.m. and July 14 at 3 p.m.; for more info you can contact the company by email info@wondertheatre.org or phone 210-267-8388. Located inside Wonderland of the Americas Mall; 4522 Fredericksburg Rd., 78201.)

The San Antonio Playhouse is about to open its new production of the “Wizard of Oz,” a musical where dreams come to life. You are probably familiar with the story and the characters. This production promises
stunning costumes, dazzling sets and “self-discovery that will leave you believing there’s no place like home” Directed by Jenny Lavery, with music direction by Jaime Ramirez and choreography by Tanesha Payne the show will feature a cast of 26 singers and dancers. (Opens July 12, runs through Aug. 4.; tickets are $20-$50 at boxoffice@thepublicsa.org)

The Magik Theater invites kids and parents to share their “Magik Theater Story.” The theater is celebrating its 30^th anniversary. For more info call them at 210-227-2751 x 204. You can also reach them at info@nagiktheatre.org.

At the Contemporary at Blue Star, July 13 is Family Saturday. You can join in a free, all-ages art making afternoon with activities inspired by the work in the current exhibition. Visitors will gain a deeper connection to art through the activities designed by local artists, and enjoy refreshments. (July 13, 1-4 p.m., The Contemporary at Blue Star; Blue Star complex, 116 Blue Star, 78204; 210-227-6960)

At the Dock Space Gallery, there’s a new exhibit: “Patterns & Petals – Pen & Ink,” featuring the work
of Nathan Scott, who is studying at the School of Art Institute of Chicago. (opening July 13, with a reception from 6-9 p.m. The Dock Space Annex exhibit “Exhibiting Emotions” that involved 25 artists will have a closing reception at the same time. (107 Lone Star Blvd, 78204; 210-723-3048; if you wan to visit outside of the reception hours, contact Bill@BillFitzGibbons.com)

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