The Hill Country Chorale Season Finale
Host Organization: The Hill Country Chorale
Date: Saturday, April 30
Time: 4 p.m.
Venue: St. Paul's United Methodist Church
135 Methodist Encampment Road, Kerrville, TX
The program will include the Faure Requiem; Agnus Dei, Geographical Fugue a piece by Ernst Toch written for spoken chorus. An eight-piece chamber ensemble consisting of 6 strings, a harp and organ will accompany the Chorale. The Hill Country Chorale is under the direction of Claire Rabson, a former member of San Antonio Mastersingers.
For more information: hillcountrychorale.org
The Golden Age of Radio
Host Organization: University of Incarnate Word Theatre Department and The Extended Run Players
Date: Saturay, April 29
Time: 7 p.m.
Venue: University of the Incarnate Word, Cheever Downstage II Theatre
The program features episodes of Father Knows Best, Fibber McGee and Molly and Life of Riley.
For more information and reservations: (210) 829-3800
Untitled (or whatever you call it this time) and Prozac and Cheez Doodles
Host Organization: San Pedro Playhouse
Date: Saturday, April 30
Time: 8 p.m.
Venue: San Pedro Playhouse, Cellar Theatre
800 W. Ashby, San Antonio, TX
Gloria Sanchez, local comedienne and artist, is presenting two one-woman short plays in response to inspirational visual art at the McNay Art Museum. Untitled (or whatever you call it this time) is commissioned by the McNay Art Museum as a response to Sandy Skoglund's photograph Gathering Paradise. Prozac and Cheez Doodles is commissioned by the McNay Art Museum for the exhibitions New Image Sculpture and Sandy Skoglund: The Cocktail Party, on view through May 8. The play runs through May 15.
For more information and tickets: (210) 733-7258 or sanpedroplayhouse.com
Black Swan Pas de Deux
Host Organization: Ballet San Antonio
Date: Friday, April 29
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Lila Cockrell Theatre
Off Center is a mixed-repertory performance of classical and contemporary choreography. The first half of the show will feature excerpts from Swan Lake including the Black Swan Pas de Deux. The second half will feature original contemporary works
For more information and tickets: balletsanantonio.org or ticketmaster.com
Culture Quest
Host Organization: UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures
Date: Saturday, April 30
Time: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Venue: UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures
801 East Durango Boulevard, San Antonio, TX
The event features Academic Year in USA foreign exchange students sharing their heritage through clothing, language, cuisine, music and more.
For more information: (210) 458-2300 or TexanCultures.com
3rd Annual Wimberley Arts Fest
Host Organization: Wimberley Valley Art League
Date: Saturday, April 30
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Venue: Wimberley Square
Wimberley, Tx
The event is a celebration of visual arts, theatre, music and dance, featuring local and nationally known artists and musicians. Juried art show includes all media: painting, pottery, photography, jewelry and much more. There will be music for all tastes, art activities at the Children’s Art Corner, vintage car display and festival food.
For more information: (512) 847-5272 or wimberleyartsfest.com
For a complete list of community events, visit the online TPR Community Calander at tpr.org
4.30.2011
4.29.2011
Hill Country Film Festival
Fledgling film festivals are a dime a dozen, but Hill Country Film Festival Director Chad Mathews may be onto something when he says the best film festivals use their location well. Fredericksburg is already one of Texas’ most charming small towns, a major destination for weekend travelers and shoppers, as well as campers and hikers eager to experience the massive granite dome Enchanted Rock north of town.
With a state-of-the-art venue in the Stagecoach Theater, and several high-quality films, Mathews has a great base to build on for future festivals (this is only
the HCFF’s second year).
The two-and-a-half day festival began on Thursday night; I drove up Friday morning to catch the first film panel, featuring five Texas filmmakers and educators. The discussion included plenty of guerrilla filmmaking stories, of filming sans permits, and asking forgiveness rather than permission. Some advised aspiring filmmakers to just start shooting, but as UT lecturer Kat Candler adeptly pointed out that when on a budget, you’ll save a lot more in production costs if your script is tight, so spend time working on that. A local from Fredericksburg asked about his town as a possible location for films. Frankly, I don’t understand why it hasn’t been used more often; Smithville, a city half the size of Fredericksburg, has done a bang-up job of luring productions. Fredericksburg could do the same, I reckon. And while it may involve contracting with the state of Texas, Chet Garner (host of the PBS program “The Daytripper”) remarked that “the first Western that uses Enchanted Rock in some way...is going to drop people’s jaws.”
From the Hampton Inn it was off to the Stagecoach Theater, a still-new facility on the southern edge of town. I’ve always wanted to visit the theater, but never had the time, so it was great to get an inside view of the facilities. The concession stand was standard movie-theater fare, but the decor inside the Stagecoach is western-style homey, with plenty of old movie posters and photos on the walls.
The 11:00 screening featured nine short films, led by the Austin-based documentary “Ghost Mall.” Nathan Duncan’s film about the decline of Highland Mall featured beautiful images, and some wistful narration about past good times, but no real look at why mall culture has left the building.
Ronny Cox’s appearance in a ridiculously bad sci-fi short had many in the audience murmuring, “Is that Ronny Cox?” But then the mood lightened with the quite literal “30 Second Romantic Comedy” that had the audience in stitches at its audacity. http://30films.com/
The other highlights of the shorts program included the UK short “All the Way Up,” about a man on his way to an affair, but stuck in a lift with the bellboy. Two very good performances made this one a standout. Perhaps the most controversial inclusion on the program was “Animal Control.” This nearly wordless short featured several graphic scenes of taxidermy and animal surgery, but was nonetheless a strangely moving story about a lonely man that learns to surround himself with life instead of death.
There was pleasant discussion in the lobby with locals and visitors alike. Jack Swanzy, a retired physician living in Fredericksburg, said he's loved movies all his life. He remembered seeing "Gone With the Wind" on the big screen as a young man. He was volunteering at the festival, and excited to see emerging talent on the big screen.
The afternoon brought the Texas premiere of the UK comedy “The Drummond Will.” Two brothers argue their way into deep trouble after their father passes away in a small rural village, leaving behind a sack of unclaimed money. Dry British humor piles on as the body count in the village rises, and they find themselves having to invent wilder and wilder stories to explain their actions. Brit thesp Johnathan Hansler gives a terrific supporting performance as a nosy constable; he reminds me a little of John Cleese, when he was younger.
The San Antonio-produced drama “Cooper” also screened late in the afternoon on Friday. In the film, a stray dog helps a father heal after his terrible loss. There’s a romantic subplot in the film that made me a little uncomfortable at first, because I really didn’t feel it was appropriate. But ultimately, the movie succeeds with its inspirational tale, as we learn that Cooper is no ordinary pup. Incidentally, I was impressed with the dog’s “performance,” and also with the simple fact that anyone would be willing to challenge W.C. Fields’ old edict about never working with animals or children. San Antonio director Robin Nations made it happen.
Following that, it was back home to San Antonio, though I was sorry to miss what looks to be a terrific documentary about Austin's music scene, "Echotone," Friday evening. There’s another full day of screenings on Saturday, and some fun evening soirees lined up. More information about the Hill Country Film Fest is online at http://www.hillcountryff.com.
--Nathan Cone
Today in Arts & Culture
The Golden Age of Radio
Host Organization: University of Incarnate Word Theatre Department and The Extended Run Players
Date: Friday, April 29
Time: 7 p.m.
Venue: University of the Incarnate Word, Cheever Downstage II Theatre
The program features episodes of Father Knows Best, Fibber McGee and Molly and Life of Riley.
For more information and reservations: (210) 829-3800
Untitled (or whatever you call it this time) and Prozac and Cheez Doodles
Host Organization: San Pedro Playhouse
Date: Friday, April 29
Time: 8 p.m.
Venue: San Pedro Playhouse, Cellar Theatre
800 W. Ashby, San Antonio, TX
Gloria Sanchez, local comedienne and artist, is presenting two one-woman short plays in response to inspirational visual art at the McNay Art Museum. Untitled (or whatever you call it this time) is commissioned by the McNay Art Museum as a response to Sandy Skoglund's photograph Gathering Paradise. Prozac and Cheez Doodles is commissioned by the McNay Art Museum for the exhibitions New Image Sculpture and Sandy Skoglund: The Cocktail Party, on view through May 8. The play runs through May 15.
For more information and tickets: (210) 733-7258 or sanpedroplayhouse.com
Black Swan Pas de Deux
Host Organization: Ballet San Antonio
Date: Friday, April 29
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Lila Cockrell Theatre
Off Center is a mixed-repertory performance of classical and contemporary choreography. The first half of the show will feature excerpts from Swan Lake including the Black Swan Pas de Deux. The second half will feature original contemporary works
For more information and tickets: balletsanantonio.org or ticketmaster.com
Suzanne Ruff, The Reluctant Donor
Host Organization: The Twig Book Shop
Date: Friday, April 29
Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Venue: Twig Book Shop
200 E. Grayson, Suite 124, San Antonio, TX
April is Organ Donor Awareness Month. Suzanne Ruff, author of The Reluctant Donor, (and her grateful sister/recipient, JoAnn Villanueva) will be visiting. The book provides the journey that Suzanne traveled as she made the brave decision to donate a kidney to her sister, who has PKD, Polycystic Kidney Disease.
For more information: thetwig.com
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at tpr.org
Host Organization: University of Incarnate Word Theatre Department and The Extended Run Players
Date: Friday, April 29
Time: 7 p.m.
Venue: University of the Incarnate Word, Cheever Downstage II Theatre
The program features episodes of Father Knows Best, Fibber McGee and Molly and Life of Riley.
For more information and reservations: (210) 829-3800
Untitled (or whatever you call it this time) and Prozac and Cheez Doodles
Host Organization: San Pedro Playhouse
Date: Friday, April 29
Time: 8 p.m.
Venue: San Pedro Playhouse, Cellar Theatre
800 W. Ashby, San Antonio, TX
Gloria Sanchez, local comedienne and artist, is presenting two one-woman short plays in response to inspirational visual art at the McNay Art Museum. Untitled (or whatever you call it this time) is commissioned by the McNay Art Museum as a response to Sandy Skoglund's photograph Gathering Paradise. Prozac and Cheez Doodles is commissioned by the McNay Art Museum for the exhibitions New Image Sculpture and Sandy Skoglund: The Cocktail Party, on view through May 8. The play runs through May 15.
For more information and tickets: (210) 733-7258 or sanpedroplayhouse.com
Black Swan Pas de Deux
Host Organization: Ballet San Antonio
Date: Friday, April 29
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Lila Cockrell Theatre
Off Center is a mixed-repertory performance of classical and contemporary choreography. The first half of the show will feature excerpts from Swan Lake including the Black Swan Pas de Deux. The second half will feature original contemporary works
For more information and tickets: balletsanantonio.org or ticketmaster.com
Suzanne Ruff, The Reluctant Donor
Host Organization: The Twig Book Shop
Date: Friday, April 29
Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Venue: Twig Book Shop
200 E. Grayson, Suite 124, San Antonio, TX
April is Organ Donor Awareness Month. Suzanne Ruff, author of The Reluctant Donor, (and her grateful sister/recipient, JoAnn Villanueva) will be visiting. The book provides the journey that Suzanne traveled as she made the brave decision to donate a kidney to her sister, who has PKD, Polycystic Kidney Disease.
For more information: thetwig.com
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at tpr.org
4.28.2011
Today in Arts & Culture
Symphony of the Hills Celebrates America!
Host Organization: Symphony of the Hills
Date: Thursday, April 28
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater
910 Main Street, Kerrville, TX
All the evening’s music will be by American composers, including one who lives in the symphony’s hometown. The soloist for the evening will be is guitar virtuoso and composer Kevin McCormick, who will premier a composition for guitar and orchestra. The Young Patriots Fife and Drum Corps will play in the lobby before
For more information and tickets: (830) 896-9393 or symphonyofthehills.org
Texas Public Radio Presents: Tchaikovsky
Host Organization: Texas Public Radio
Date: Thursday, April 28
Time: 7 p.m.
Venue: Travis Park United Methodist Church
230 E. Travis Street, San Antonio, TX
The program features exclusive performances and previews of recitals occurring during the San Antonio Symphony’s Tchaikovsky Festival. Camerata San Antonio will play selections from their May 1 festival recital. Alamo Arts Ballet Theatre will delight audiences with selections from Sleeping Beauty, and Austin-based pianist Michael Schneider will showcase the composer's piano works. Trinity University Department of Music Chair Carl Leafstedt will enlighten the audience on the man behind the music.
For more information and reservation: tpr.org
Gemini Ink’s Breakthrough Thinkers Series: Caroline Kennedy
Host Organization: Gemini Ink
Date: Thursday, April 28
Time: 7 p.m.
Venue: Trinity University, Laurie Auditorium
715 Stadium Drive, San Antonio, TX 78212
Caroline Kennedy will visit as part of a five-city launch tour for her new anthology, She Walks with Beauty, A Woman’s Journey Through Poems. There will be a Q&A session following a public reading.
For more information: (210) 734-9673 or geminiink.org
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at tpr.org
Host Organization: Symphony of the Hills
Date: Thursday, April 28
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater
910 Main Street, Kerrville, TX
All the evening’s music will be by American composers, including one who lives in the symphony’s hometown. The soloist for the evening will be is guitar virtuoso and composer Kevin McCormick, who will premier a composition for guitar and orchestra. The Young Patriots Fife and Drum Corps will play in the lobby before
For more information and tickets: (830) 896-9393 or symphonyofthehills.org
Texas Public Radio Presents: Tchaikovsky
Host Organization: Texas Public Radio
Date: Thursday, April 28
Time: 7 p.m.
Venue: Travis Park United Methodist Church
230 E. Travis Street, San Antonio, TX
The program features exclusive performances and previews of recitals occurring during the San Antonio Symphony’s Tchaikovsky Festival. Camerata San Antonio will play selections from their May 1 festival recital. Alamo Arts Ballet Theatre will delight audiences with selections from Sleeping Beauty, and Austin-based pianist Michael Schneider will showcase the composer's piano works. Trinity University Department of Music Chair Carl Leafstedt will enlighten the audience on the man behind the music.
For more information and reservation: tpr.org
Gemini Ink’s Breakthrough Thinkers Series: Caroline Kennedy
Host Organization: Gemini Ink
Date: Thursday, April 28
Time: 7 p.m.
Venue: Trinity University, Laurie Auditorium
715 Stadium Drive, San Antonio, TX 78212
Caroline Kennedy will visit as part of a five-city launch tour for her new anthology, She Walks with Beauty, A Woman’s Journey Through Poems. There will be a Q&A session following a public reading.
For more information: (210) 734-9673 or geminiink.org
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at tpr.org
4.27.2011
Today in Arts & Culture
"Tchaikovsky, Town and Gown"
Host Organization: San Antonio Symphony
Date: Wednesday, April 27
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Venue: Trinity University, Ruth Taylor Recital Hall
Leading American Tchaikovsky scholar and author of Tchaikovsky, John Wiley speaks about Tchaikovsky's special position in Russian culture and the sources of his enduring appeal.
For more information: sasymphony.org
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at tpr.org
Host Organization: San Antonio Symphony
Date: Wednesday, April 27
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Venue: Trinity University, Ruth Taylor Recital Hall
Leading American Tchaikovsky scholar and author of Tchaikovsky, John Wiley speaks about Tchaikovsky's special position in Russian culture and the sources of his enduring appeal.
For more information: sasymphony.org
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at tpr.org
4.25.2011
Today in Arts & Culture
Open Writing Workshop
Host Organization: Gemini Ink
Date: Monday, April 25
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Venue: Gemini Ink
513 South Presa, San Antonio, TX 78205
The peer-driven workshop is facilitated by longtime Gemini Ink volunteers. Participants can share their writing and get feedback on works-in-progress in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Attendees should bring 6-10 copies of their work to share.
For more information: (210) 734-9673 or geminiink.org
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at tpr.org
Host Organization: Gemini Ink
Date: Monday, April 25
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Venue: Gemini Ink
513 South Presa, San Antonio, TX 78205
The peer-driven workshop is facilitated by longtime Gemini Ink volunteers. Participants can share their writing and get feedback on works-in-progress in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Attendees should bring 6-10 copies of their work to share.
For more information: (210) 734-9673 or geminiink.org
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at tpr.org
4.23.2011
Today in Arts & Culture
The Light in the Piazza
Host Organization: San Pedro Playhouse
Date: Saturday, April 23
Time: 8 p.m.
Venue: San Pedro Playhouse, Russell Hill Rogers Theatre
Taken from the 1959 film of the same name, this acclaimed musical won six Tony Awards in 2006. The show is directed by Frank Latson, with music direction by Geoffrey Waite.
For more information and tickets: (210) 733-7258 or sanpedroplayhouse.com
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at tpr.org
Host Organization: San Pedro Playhouse
Date: Saturday, April 23
Time: 8 p.m.
Venue: San Pedro Playhouse, Russell Hill Rogers Theatre
Taken from the 1959 film of the same name, this acclaimed musical won six Tony Awards in 2006. The show is directed by Frank Latson, with music direction by Geoffrey Waite.
For more information and tickets: (210) 733-7258 or sanpedroplayhouse.com
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at tpr.org
4.22.2011
Today in Arts & Culture
The Light in the Piazza
Host Organization: San Pedro Playhouse
Date: Friday, April 22
Time: 8 p.m.
Venue: San Pedro Playhouse, Russell Hill Rogers Theatre
Taken from the 1959 film of the same name, this acclaimed musical won six Tony Awards in 2006. The show is directed by Frank Latson, with music direction by Geoffrey Waite.
For more information and tickets: (210) 733-7258 or sanpedroplayhouse.com
International Youth Guitar Orchestra Festival
Host Organization: San Antonio Guitar Ensemble
Date: Friday, April 22
Time: 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Venue: Arneson River Theatre, La Villita
The first 'International Youth Guitar Orchestra Festival will feature the Bad Nauheim Guitar Orchestra from Germany, The Austin Bella Corda and the San Antonio Guitar Ensemble.
For more information: (210) 735 9436
Charlotte’s Web
Host Organization: The Magik Theatre
Date: Friday, April 22
Time: 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.
Venue: The Magik Theatre
420 South Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Based on the book by E.B. White, this classic tale is the story of a little girl who falls in love with a young pig named Wilbur. It’s also the story of Wilbur’s friend Charlotte, a large gray spider who shares the barn with Wilbur and all the other animals. When Wilbur grows up to be quite a pig, it is Charlotte who comes up with a plan to keep Wilbur away from the stockyards and down on the farm. The show will run through May 7.
For more information: magiktheatre.org or (210) 227-2751
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at tpr.org
Host Organization: San Pedro Playhouse
Date: Friday, April 22
Time: 8 p.m.
Venue: San Pedro Playhouse, Russell Hill Rogers Theatre
Taken from the 1959 film of the same name, this acclaimed musical won six Tony Awards in 2006. The show is directed by Frank Latson, with music direction by Geoffrey Waite.
For more information and tickets: (210) 733-7258 or sanpedroplayhouse.com
International Youth Guitar Orchestra Festival
Host Organization: San Antonio Guitar Ensemble
Date: Friday, April 22
Time: 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Venue: Arneson River Theatre, La Villita
The first 'International Youth Guitar Orchestra Festival will feature the Bad Nauheim Guitar Orchestra from Germany, The Austin Bella Corda and the San Antonio Guitar Ensemble.
For more information: (210) 735 9436
Charlotte’s Web
Host Organization: The Magik Theatre
Date: Friday, April 22
Time: 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.
Venue: The Magik Theatre
420 South Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Based on the book by E.B. White, this classic tale is the story of a little girl who falls in love with a young pig named Wilbur. It’s also the story of Wilbur’s friend Charlotte, a large gray spider who shares the barn with Wilbur and all the other animals. When Wilbur grows up to be quite a pig, it is Charlotte who comes up with a plan to keep Wilbur away from the stockyards and down on the farm. The show will run through May 7.
For more information: magiktheatre.org or (210) 227-2751
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at tpr.org
4.21.2011
Today in Arts & Culture
Charlotte’s Web
Host Organization: The Magik Theatre
Date: Thursday, April 21
Time: 9:45 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
Venue: The Magik Theatre
420 South Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Based on the book by E.B. White, this classic tale is the story of a little girl who falls in love with a young pig named Wilbur. It’s also the story of Wilbur’s friend Charlotte, a large gray spider who shares the barn with Wilbur and all the other animals. When Wilbur grows up to be quite a pig, it is Charlotte who comes up with a plan to keep Wilbur away from the stockyards and down on the farm. The show will run through May 7.
For more information: magiktheatre.org or (210) 227-2751
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at tpr.org
Host Organization: The Magik Theatre
Date: Thursday, April 21
Time: 9:45 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
Venue: The Magik Theatre
420 South Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Based on the book by E.B. White, this classic tale is the story of a little girl who falls in love with a young pig named Wilbur. It’s also the story of Wilbur’s friend Charlotte, a large gray spider who shares the barn with Wilbur and all the other animals. When Wilbur grows up to be quite a pig, it is Charlotte who comes up with a plan to keep Wilbur away from the stockyards and down on the farm. The show will run through May 7.
For more information: magiktheatre.org or (210) 227-2751
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at tpr.org
4.20.2011
Today in Arts & Culture
Charlotte’s Web
Host Organization: The Magik Theatre
Date: Wednesday, April 20
Time: 9:45 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
Venue: The Magik Theatre
420 South Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Based on the book by E.B. White, this classic tale is the story of a little girl who falls in love with a young pig named Wilbur. It’s also the story of Wilbur’s friend Charlotte, a large gray spider who shares the barn with Wilbur and all the other animals. When Wilbur grows up to be quite a pig, it is Charlotte who comes up with a plan to keep Wilbur away from the stockyards and down on the farm. The show will run through May 7.
For more information: magiktheatre.org or (210) 227-2751
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at tpr.org
Host Organization: The Magik Theatre
Date: Wednesday, April 20
Time: 9:45 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
Venue: The Magik Theatre
420 South Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Based on the book by E.B. White, this classic tale is the story of a little girl who falls in love with a young pig named Wilbur. It’s also the story of Wilbur’s friend Charlotte, a large gray spider who shares the barn with Wilbur and all the other animals. When Wilbur grows up to be quite a pig, it is Charlotte who comes up with a plan to keep Wilbur away from the stockyards and down on the farm. The show will run through May 7.
For more information: magiktheatre.org or (210) 227-2751
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at tpr.org
4.19.2011
Today in Arts & Culture
Miradas: Mexican Art from the bank of America Collection
Host Organization: The Witte Museum
Date: Tuesday, April 19
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Venue: The Witte Museum
3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
This exhibition examines and celebrates works by artists on both sides of the border to reveal a variety of cultural aspects as they emerged in the years after the Mexican Revolution to present day. The exhibition is on view through August 21.
For more information: wittemuseum.org or (210) 357-1900
Charlotte’s Web
Host Organization: The Magik Theatre
Date: Tuesday, April 19
Time: 9:45 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
Venue: The Magik Theatre
420 South Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Based on the book by E.B. White, this classic tale is the story of a little girl who falls in love with a young pig named Wilbur. It’s also the story of Wilbur’s friend Charlotte, a large gray spider who shares the barn with Wilbur. When Wilbur grows up to be quite a pig, it is Charlotte who comes up with a plan to keep Wilbur away from the stockyards and down on the farm. The show will run through May 7.
For more information: magiktheatre.org or (210) 227-2751
Kerrville Art Club April Meeting
Host Organization: Kerrville Art Club
Date: Tuesday, April 19
Time: 1 p.m.
Venue: Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, Forum Room
228 Earl Garrett Street, Kerrville, TX
Dallas artist D. K. Richardson will be the featured guest. The program: Creating Powerful Images with Depth and Accuracy Using Pastels, will explore several topics: 'Ordinary to Extraordinary' using lights and darks, ‘How to create the illusion of depth,’ and ‘How to be more accurate in your rendering of your subject to heighten realism.’ Richardson focuses on realism in portraiture, still life, and landscape. Meetings are open to the public.
For more information: (830) 895-2911 or kacckerrville.com
Manuel Castillo: The Painting of a Community
Host Organization: The Museo Alameda
Date: Tuesday, April 19
Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Venue: The Museo Alameda
101 South Santa Rosa, San Antonio, TX
The exhibit pays tribute to the late visionary and founder of the San Anto Cultural Arts Westside Community Mural Program, Manuel Castillo. It also brings together past and present muralists who have, since 1994, used their talents to beautify and brighten the Westside. The exhibit runs until August 31.
For more information: thealameda.org
For a complete listing of community events, visit the Community Events Calendar at
tpr.org.
Host Organization: The Witte Museum
Date: Tuesday, April 19
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Venue: The Witte Museum
3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
This exhibition examines and celebrates works by artists on both sides of the border to reveal a variety of cultural aspects as they emerged in the years after the Mexican Revolution to present day. The exhibition is on view through August 21.
For more information: wittemuseum.org or (210) 357-1900
Charlotte’s Web
Host Organization: The Magik Theatre
Date: Tuesday, April 19
Time: 9:45 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
Venue: The Magik Theatre
420 South Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Based on the book by E.B. White, this classic tale is the story of a little girl who falls in love with a young pig named Wilbur. It’s also the story of Wilbur’s friend Charlotte, a large gray spider who shares the barn with Wilbur. When Wilbur grows up to be quite a pig, it is Charlotte who comes up with a plan to keep Wilbur away from the stockyards and down on the farm. The show will run through May 7.
For more information: magiktheatre.org or (210) 227-2751
Kerrville Art Club April Meeting
Host Organization: Kerrville Art Club
Date: Tuesday, April 19
Time: 1 p.m.
Venue: Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, Forum Room
228 Earl Garrett Street, Kerrville, TX
Dallas artist D. K. Richardson will be the featured guest. The program: Creating Powerful Images with Depth and Accuracy Using Pastels, will explore several topics: 'Ordinary to Extraordinary' using lights and darks, ‘How to create the illusion of depth,’ and ‘How to be more accurate in your rendering of your subject to heighten realism.’ Richardson focuses on realism in portraiture, still life, and landscape. Meetings are open to the public.
For more information: (830) 895-2911 or kacckerrville.com
Manuel Castillo: The Painting of a Community
Host Organization: The Museo Alameda
Date: Tuesday, April 19
Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Venue: The Museo Alameda
101 South Santa Rosa, San Antonio, TX
The exhibit pays tribute to the late visionary and founder of the San Anto Cultural Arts Westside Community Mural Program, Manuel Castillo. It also brings together past and present muralists who have, since 1994, used their talents to beautify and brighten the Westside. The exhibit runs until August 31.
For more information: thealameda.org
For a complete listing of community events, visit the Community Events Calendar at
tpr.org.
4.17.2011
Today in Arts & Culture
From Broadway to Hollywood Host Organization: Josephine Theatre Date: Sunday, April 17 Time: 3 p.m. Venue: Josephine Theatre 339 W. Josephine, San Antonio, TX 78212 The program will include San Antonio Dances, music from Walt Disney movies and Broadway hits as well as music composed by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. Admission Price: $6 per person—Reserved Seating For more information and tickets: (210) 734-4646 or josephinetheatre.org For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at tpr.org
4.16.2011
Today in Arts & Culture
San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet 13th annual Dance Kaleidoscope Host Organization: San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet Date: Saturday, April 16 Time: 2 p.m. Venue: Carver Community Cultural Center 226 North Hackberry, San Antonio, TX The event features excerpts of the classical ballet “Sleeping Beauty” with music by Tchaikovsky and new works by local choreographers Susan Treviño, Priscilla Martinez and Karin Connally will be performed by the San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet. This is an official Fiesta event. For more information and tickets: (210) 207-2234 All In The Timing Host Organization: Cameo Theatre Date: Saturday, April 16 Time: 8 p.m. Venue: Cameo Theatre 1123 E. Commerce, San Antonio, TX All In The Timing is a critically acclaimed, award-winning evening of comedies that combine wit, intellect, satire and just plain fun. This clever series of six one-act plays by David Ives delivers an delightful evening of theatre for the absurd and the clever. The play runs through April 17. For more information and tickets: (210) 212-5454 or cameocenter.com The Light in the Piazza Host Organization: San Pedro Playhouse Date: Saturday, April 16 Time: 8 p.m. Venue: San Pedro Playhouse, Russell Hill Rogers Theatre Taken from the 1959 film of the same name, this acclaimed musical won six Tony Awards in 2006. The show is directed by Frank Latson, with music direction by Geoffrey Waite. For more information and tickets: (210) 733-7258 or sanpedroplayhouse.com The Blanco was Blameless (or It was Balcones’ Fault) Host Organization: The Rep Theatre Date: Saturday, April 16 Time: 8 p.m. Venue: Rep Theatre (housed in KAPS) 515 FM 2325, Wimberley The Blanco was Blameless (or it Was Balcones’ Fault), is an original script written by local playwright, Russ Marlett. Written as a melodrama, the rapid fire dialogue and catchy tunes will have you booing the bad guys and cheering on the protagonist, Sugar as she fights to keep her goat ranch from two of the most dishonest and despicable characters ever to visit the Hill Country. For more information and tickets: thereptheatre.com or (512)-395-7043 10th Annual Poetry at Round Top Festival Host Organization: The Round Top Festival Institute Date: Saturday, April 16 Venue: The Round Top Festival Institute 248 Jaster Road, Round Top TX 78954 The event features readings, workshops, panel discussions, craft talks, participant readings, anthology and receptions on a beautiful 200-acre campus. Featured guests include Edward Hirsch, Martin Espada, Barbara Ras, Ellen Watson, Tomaz Salamun, Judith Barrington, Naomi Shihab Nye, John Phillip Santos, Wendy Barker, Debra Monroe and Martha Serpas. For more information and to register: (979) 249-3129 or poetryatroundtop.org For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at tpr.org
4.15.2011
Today in Arts & Culture
All In The Timing Host Organization: Cameo Theatre Date: Friday, April 15 Time: 8 p.m. Venue: Cameo Theatre 1123 E. Commerce, San Antonio, TX All In The Timing is a critically acclaimed, award-winning evening of comedies that combine wit, intellect, satire and just plain fun. This clever series of six one-act plays by David Ives delivers an delightful evening of theatre for the absurd and the clever. The play runs through April 17. For more information and tickets: (210) 212-5454 or cameocenter.com You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Host Organization: Allegro Stage Co. and Northwest Vista College Date: Friday, April 15 Time: 8 p.m. Venue: Palmetto Center for the Arts, Northwest Vista College The classic musical based on the beloved comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz returns to the original 1967 Off Broadway version and takes the audience back to a time when Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang were at the center of popular culture. For more information: (210) 486-4527 or allegrostage.com Dixie Swim Club Host Organization: The Point Theatre Date: Friday, April 15 Time: 7:30 p.m. Venue: The Point Theatre Free from husbands, kids and jobs, the five women meet at the same beach cottage on North Carolina's Outer Banks every summer to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other's lives. The play focuses on four of those weekends and spans a period of thirty-three years. The play runs through April 16. For more information and reservations: (830) 367-5121 or hcaf.com 10th Annual Poetry at Round Top Festival Host Organization: The Round Top Festival Institute Date: Friday, April 15 Venue: The Round Top Festival Institute 248 Jaster Road, Round Top TX 78954 The event features readings, workshops, panel discussions, craft talks, participant readings, anthology and receptions on a beautiful 200-acre campus. Featured guests include Edward Hirsch, Martin Espada, Barbara Ras, Ellen Watson, Tomaz Salamun, Judith Barrington, Naomi Shihab Nye, John Phillip Santos, Wendy Barker, Debra Monroe and Martha Serpas. For more information and to register: (979) 249-3129 or poetryatroundtop.org San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet 13th annual Dance Kaleidoscope Host Organization: San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet Date: Friday, April 15 Time: 7:30 p.m. Venue: Carver Community Cultural Center 226 North Hackberry, San Antonio, TX The event features excerpts of the classical ballet “Sleeping Beauty” with music by Tchaikovsky and new works by local choreographers Susan Treviño, Priscilla Martinez and Karin Connally will be performed by the San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet. This is an official Fiesta event. For more information and tickets: (210) 207-2234 The Light in the Piazza Host Organization: San Pedro Playhouse Date: Friday, April 15 Time: 8 p.m. Venue: San Pedro Playhouse, Russell Hill Rogers Theatre Taken from the 1959 film of the same name, this acclaimed musical won six Tony Awards in 2006. The show is directed by Frank Latson, with music direction by Geoffrey Waite. For more information and tickets: (210) 733-7258 or sanpedroplayhouse.com For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at tpr.org
4.14.2011
Today in Arts & Culture
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Host Organization: Allegro Stage Co. and Northwest Vista College Date: Thursday, April 14 Time: 8 p.m. Venue: Palmetto Center for the Arts, Northwest Vista College The classic musical based on the beloved comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz returns to the original 1967 Off Broadway version and takes the audience back to a time when Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang were at the center of popular culture. For more information: (210) 486-4527 or allegrostage.com For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Calendar at tpr.org
4.12.2011
Today in Arts & Culture
Miradas: Mexican Art from the bank of America Collection
Host Organization: The Witte Museum
Date: Tuesday, April 12
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Venue: The Witte Museum
3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
This exhibition examines and celebrates works by artists on both sides of the border to reveal a variety of cultural aspects as they emerged in the years after the Mexican Revolution to present day. The exhibition is on view through August 21.
For more information:wittemuseum.org or (210) 357-1900
St. Philip’s College Community Choir Registration
Host Organization: The Division of Workforce Development and Continuing Education
Date: Tuesday, April 12
Time: 7 p.m.
Venue: St. Philip’s College, Watson Fine Arts Center (Room 104)
San Antonio, TX
The choir rehearsals will be held on Tuesday evenings in April, May and June, Ensemble concerts are scheduled for May and June. Students from eighth grade through adult are welcome to register. The mission of the community choir is to bring a diverse student population of singers together to delve into a greater understanding of choral singing, with an emphasis on performance outcomes. The community choir is under the direction of Mr. Robert Rogers.
For more information: (210) 486-2704
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Events Calendar at tpr.org
Host Organization: The Witte Museum
Date: Tuesday, April 12
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Venue: The Witte Museum
3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
This exhibition examines and celebrates works by artists on both sides of the border to reveal a variety of cultural aspects as they emerged in the years after the Mexican Revolution to present day. The exhibition is on view through August 21.
For more information:
St. Philip’s College Community Choir Registration
Host Organization: The Division of Workforce Development and Continuing Education
Date: Tuesday, April 12
Time: 7 p.m.
Venue: St. Philip’s College, Watson Fine Arts Center (Room 104)
San Antonio, TX
The choir rehearsals will be held on Tuesday evenings in April, May and June, Ensemble concerts are scheduled for May and June. Students from eighth grade through adult are welcome to register. The mission of the community choir is to bring a diverse student population of singers together to delve into a greater understanding of choral singing, with an emphasis on performance outcomes. The community choir is under the direction of Mr. Robert Rogers.
For more information: (210) 486-2704
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Events Calendar at tpr.org
4.09.2011
Today in Arts & Culture
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Host Organization: Allegro Stage Co. and Northwest Vista College Date: Saturday, April 9
Time: 8 p.m.
Venue: Palmetto Center for the Arts, Northwest Vista College
The classic musical based on the beloved comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz returns to the original 1967 Off Broadway version and takes the audience back to a time when Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang were at the center of popular culture.
For more information: (210) 486-4527 or allegrostage.com
Dixie Swim Club
Host Organization: The Point Theatre
Date: Saturday, April 9
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: The Point Theatre
Free from husbands, kids and jobs, the five women meet at the same beach cottage on North Carolina's Outer Banks every summer to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other's lives. The play focuses on four of those weekends and spans a period of thirty-three years. The play runs through April 16.
For more information and reservations: (830) 367-5121 or hcaf.com
Fiesta Arts Fair
Host Organization: Southwest School of Art
Date: Saturday, April 9
Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Venue: Southwest School of Art, Ursuline Campus
The nationally-recognized, juried art show will bring 120 of America’s most talented artists to San Antonio. Ceramics, paintings, jewelry, glass, photography, wearable art and other high-quality artworks will be exhibited and for sale. There will also be live music and traditional fiesta food.
For more information:FiestaArtsFair.com
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at http://tpr.org/programs/calendar.html#8
Host Organization: Allegro Stage Co. and Northwest Vista College Date: Saturday, April 9
Time: 8 p.m.
Venue: Palmetto Center for the Arts, Northwest Vista College
The classic musical based on the beloved comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz returns to the original 1967 Off Broadway version and takes the audience back to a time when Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang were at the center of popular culture.
For more information: (210) 486-4527 or allegrostage.com
Dixie Swim Club
Host Organization: The Point Theatre
Date: Saturday, April 9
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: The Point Theatre
Free from husbands, kids and jobs, the five women meet at the same beach cottage on North Carolina's Outer Banks every summer to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other's lives. The play focuses on four of those weekends and spans a period of thirty-three years. The play runs through April 16.
For more information and reservations: (830) 367-5121 or hcaf.com
Fiesta Arts Fair
Host Organization: Southwest School of Art
Date: Saturday, April 9
Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Venue: Southwest School of Art, Ursuline Campus
The nationally-recognized, juried art show will bring 120 of America’s most talented artists to San Antonio. Ceramics, paintings, jewelry, glass, photography, wearable art and other high-quality artworks will be exhibited and for sale. There will also be live music and traditional fiesta food.
For more information:
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at http://tpr.org/programs/calendar.html#8
4.08.2011
Today in Arts & Culture
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Host Organization: Allegro Stage Co. and Northwest Vista College
Host Organization: Allegro Stage Co. and Northwest Vista College
Date: Friday, April 8
Time: 8 p.m.
Venue: Palmetto Center for the Arts, Northwest Vista College
Time: 8 p.m.
Venue: Palmetto Center for the Arts, Northwest Vista College
The classic musical based on the beloved comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz returns to the original 1967 Off Broadway version and takes the audience back to a time when Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang were at the center of popular culture.
For more information: (210) 486-4527 or allegrostage.com
Host Organization: La Casa Rosa Art Studio
Date: Friday, April 8
Time: 6 p.m.- 10 p.m.
Venue: La Casa Rosa Art Studio 527 E Dewey Place, San Antonio, TX
"Art Collaboration" is an exhibit where over 9 accomplished sculptors, mixed media artists and painters creatively interact and share their individual vision. Each artists will bring out the best in each other to reconfigure the world of visual arts into a dynamic collaboration as they form unique works of original art. Participating artists include Raul Castellanos, Hebron Chism, Enrique Gutierrez, James Wyatt Hendricks,. Luis Lopez, Cindy Palmer, Ray Palmer, Marty Ruona and Troy Waddell.
For more information: luislopezartist.com
Host Organization: High Wire Art Gallery
Date: Friday, April 8
Time: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Venue: High Wire Art Gallery 326 West Josephine Street, San Antonio, Texas 78212
The exhibition features artists Rebecca Coffey, Dora Orejel, Maria Ines de Leon, and Up. Local artist Rebecca Coffey will be displaying realistic portraits with fantasy themes, drawn on wood. Dora Orejel, also a local artist, will feature work enveloped in romantic themes. Up, an artist of multiple media, will be showing his cement and mixed media sculptures, as well as his two-dimensional drawings that incorporate digital alterations. Maria Ines de Leon will be showing her current work with oil on canvas.
For more information: highwirearts.com
Host Organization: San Antonio Museum of Art
Date: Friday, April 8
Venue: San Antonio Museum of Art 200 W Jones Avenue, San Antonio, Texas 78215
Regional fairs have been popular for centuries throughout Latin America. They occur in and around regional market towns and are staged throughout the whole calendar year. Many have grown out of smaller, religious-based, festivals or national holidays. Over the decades, they have individually established reputations for unique features and goods. These two or three day fairs are sources of entertainment and excitement. The exhibit runs through August 2011.
For more information: (210) 978-8100 or samuseum.org
Host Organization: The Point Theatre
Date: Friday, April 8
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: The Point Theatre Free from husbands, kids and jobs, the five women meet at the same beach cottage on North Carolina's Outer Banks every summer to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other's lives. The play focuses on four of those weekends and spans a period of thirty-three years. The play runs through April 16.
For more information and reservations: (830) 367-5121 or hcaf.com
Host Organization: Cameo Theatre
Date: Friday, April 8
Time: 8 p.m.
Venue: Cameo Theatre 1123 E. Commerce, San Antonio, TX All In The Timing is a critically acclaimed, award-winning evening of comedies that combine wit, intellect, satire and just plain fun. This clever series of six one-act plays by David Ives delivers an delightful evening of theatre for the absurd and the clever. The play runs through April 17.
For more information and tickets: (210) 212-5454 or cameocenter.com
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Calendar at tpr.org
4.07.2011
Today in Arts & Culture
Music for Your Eyes: A Special Tour of the Musical Instruments at Villa Finale
Host Organization: Villa Finale
Date: Thursday, April 7
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Villa Finale Visitor Center
122 Madison, San Antonio
Visitors will see demonstrations of some of the rare music machines in the Walter Mathis collections. This will include the Violano Virtuoso mechanical musical instrument, the Bechstein-Welte reproducing grand piano, as well as others.
For more information and reservations: (210) 223-9800 ext. 34328
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Host Organization: Allegro Stage Co. and Northwest Vista College Date: Thursday, April 7
Time: 8 p.m.
Venue: Palmetto Center for the Arts, Northwest Vista College
The classic musical based on the beloved comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz returns to the original 1967 Off Broadway version and takes the audience back to a time when Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang were at the center of popular culture.
For more information: (210) 486-4527 or allegrostage.com
Artists Looking at Art: Kelly O’Conner
Host Organization: McNay Art Museum
Date: Thursday, April 7
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Venue: McNay Art Museum, Frost Octagon
6000 North New Braunfels, San Antonio, TX
Kelly O’Conner’s collages draw images from fairy tales, fashion magazines and movie musicals. She juxtaposes found images with felt, thread, fabric and other materials.
For more information: (210) 824-5368 or mcnayart.org
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Calendar at tpr.org
Host Organization: Villa Finale
Date: Thursday, April 7
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Villa Finale Visitor Center
122 Madison, San Antonio
Visitors will see demonstrations of some of the rare music machines in the Walter Mathis collections. This will include the Violano Virtuoso mechanical musical instrument, the Bechstein-Welte reproducing grand piano, as well as others.
For more information and reservations: (210) 223-9800 ext. 34328
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Host Organization: Allegro Stage Co. and Northwest Vista College Date: Thursday, April 7
Time: 8 p.m.
Venue: Palmetto Center for the Arts, Northwest Vista College
The classic musical based on the beloved comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz returns to the original 1967 Off Broadway version and takes the audience back to a time when Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang were at the center of popular culture.
For more information: (210) 486-4527 or allegrostage.com
Artists Looking at Art: Kelly O’Conner
Host Organization: McNay Art Museum
Date: Thursday, April 7
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Venue: McNay Art Museum, Frost Octagon
6000 North New Braunfels, San Antonio, TX
Kelly O’Conner’s collages draw images from fairy tales, fashion magazines and movie musicals. She juxtaposes found images with felt, thread, fabric and other materials.
For more information: (210) 824-5368 or mcnayart.org
For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Calendar at tpr.org
4.05.2011
SXSW Wrap-Up, Part 2
Here's the second of two entries reviewing films from the 2011 SXSW Film Festival.
--Nathan Cone
******
Small, Beautifully Moving Parts
A technologically-obsessed young woman has to deal with decidedly analog feelings in “Small, Beautifully Moving Parts,” a wonderfully acted film, led by Austin resident Anna Margaret Hollyman as Sarah Sparks.
Spun off from a Sundance Channel web series, “Small, Beautifully Moving Parts” finds techno-geek Sarah Sparks pregnant and in a loving relationship, but unsure of how she feels about her impending motherhood. “We wanted the humor of her being more excited about the ultrasound machinery than the actual thing being ultrasounded,” director Lisa Robinson told me.
A baby shower in the film becomes emotionally overwhelming; I’m a man, and even I could relate to that scene. Afterward, Sarah goes searching for a mother who she’s been estranged from for years. That’s the plot in a nutshell, but the film is full of quietly beautiful moments, such as Sarah visiting her father, who’s also somewhat humorously using technology to help his own love life. “Small, Beautifully Moving Parts” is a good film with great empathy for its characters.
Win Win Director Todd McCarthy’s third film, following “The Station Agent” and the brilliant “The Visitor,” is a sneaky little film that only later leaves you realizing how talented its stars are. Paul Giamatti plays a small-town lawyer and volunteer wrestling coach that finds himself in a position one day to make a decision that may not be ethically right, but will ultimately benefit him and those around him. But the repercussions of that choice come back to bite him later.
Amy Ryan is in the supporting role of Giamatti’s wife, and Jeffrey Tambor gets laughs with just a look. “Win Win” is an actor’s picture, and it’s a joy to watch these folks in action; they make what would normally be an uneventful plot into something special.
Beats of Freedom The more I learn about Poland, the more it seems that you can point to that much-abused Eastern bloc country as an important catalyst in the fall of Communism. The documentary “Beats of Freedom” recounts 
the Polish rock scene from the 1970s and 1980s, its relationship to the Solidarity movement, and its role in taking down the establishment. Groups profiled include Manaam, Brygada Kryzys (Crisis Brigade), and Tilt. Highlights include the story of how the establishment tacitly condoned the Jarocin Music Festival for years, because it supposedly kept youth happy and out of trouble. The thing is, no one over the age of 30 understood the subversive lyrics that the bands were singing, but the kids knew. This documentary is a fascinating look at recent rock history, and even better, the music is really, really good. If you love rock music, find “Beats of Freedom” and see it. This was one of my favorite films at the festival.
the Polish rock scene from the 1970s and 1980s, its relationship to the Solidarity movement, and its role in taking down the establishment. Groups profiled include Manaam, Brygada Kryzys (Crisis Brigade), and Tilt. Highlights include the story of how the establishment tacitly condoned the Jarocin Music Festival for years, because it supposedly kept youth happy and out of trouble. The thing is, no one over the age of 30 understood the subversive lyrics that the bands were singing, but the kids knew. This documentary is a fascinating look at recent rock history, and even better, the music is really, really good. If you love rock music, find “Beats of Freedom” and see it. This was one of my favorite films at the festival. Five Time Champion
Shot on a small budget in Smithville, Texas, “Five Time Champion” is about young scientist Julius (Ryan Akin) and his tentative experiments with love and sex. Simultaneously, the film follows several adults as they embark on the same quest, and it’s interesting to see how director Berndt Mader shows how the concept of love evolves over the course of our lives.
Jon Gries is terrific in the film as a high school coach wooing Julius’s mother. He’s set up to be the antagonist in the film, but I left the movie feeling some sympathy for his character. It’s a terrific part, written well, and Gries delivers.
Something Ventured
Co-directors Dayna Goldfine and Dan Geller (“Ballets Russes”) chronicle the early history of companies like Apple, Intel, Cisco, and Genentech in their documentary “Something Ventured.” The movie has little narrative arc to it, focusing instead on telling each company’s story, but tying the film together are the half dozen or so venture capitalists interviewed for the picture, all of whom not only had the business acumen to 
get these start-up companies off the ground, but to groom their often untrained founders and entrepreneurs into successful businessmen and women of their own. As a fan of Atari since childhood, I geeked out at seeing Nolan Bushnell on screen, and marveled at how he struggled to sell the arcade game concept to investors. Even if the film seems somewhat devoid of conflicting views (save for the story of Cisco Systems), it’s a fascinating document of recent tech history.
get these start-up companies off the ground, but to groom their often untrained founders and entrepreneurs into successful businessmen and women of their own. As a fan of Atari since childhood, I geeked out at seeing Nolan Bushnell on screen, and marveled at how he struggled to sell the arcade game concept to investors. Even if the film seems somewhat devoid of conflicting views (save for the story of Cisco Systems), it’s a fascinating document of recent tech history. Taken By Storm
If you own albums by Peter Gabriel, Pink Floyd, Montrose, UFO, the Mars Volta, or… or… the list goes on and on, chances are you’re familiar with the photography and design of Storm Thorgerson, and, working with his partner Aubrey Powell, the design firm Hipgnosis. Early on in “Taken By Storm,” a documentary about Thorgerson and his work, he’s called one of the “last great surrealists.” Certainly much of Thorgerson’s work falls into that category; his images are often characterized by ordinary people placed in unusual settings, such as the famous “burning handshake” cover of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here,” or the smiling family adoring a miniature monolith on the cover or Led Zeppelin’s “Presence.”
Thorgerson himself seems a genial old man in the documentary “Taken By Storm,” one who pours his heart and money into his work. Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin), David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Peter Gabriel, and members of the Mars Volta and the Cranberries all describe their experience working with the perfectionist in a bemused but admiring manner. Mr. Thorgerson shares his inspiration for some of his most iconic images, but I kept wanting to learn a little more about the ideas that drive him to create such memorable images. And though I suspect it’s probably a money issue (i.e. not enough funds for an independent film to license), I wanted to hear more music by the bands that Thorgerson designed album covers for.
--Nathan Cone
Today in Arts & Culture
Curators Choice Gallery Talk: Dando la Luz- Birth Rituals in Pre-Columbian America Host Organization: San Antonio Museum of Art Date: Tuesday, April 5 Time: 6 p.m. Venue: San Antonio Museum of Art 200 West Jones Avenue, San Antonio, TX Marion Oettinger, Jr., PhD., The Kelso Director and Curator of Latin American Art will be the featured guest speaker. Oettingger will discuss a collection of pre-Columbian art associated with pregnancy and birth within a broader context of art used to celebrate the rites of passage marking a human’s journey from birth, through puberty, courtship and marriage, and finally into death. For more information: (210) 978-8100 or samuseum.org For a complete listing of community events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at tpr.org
4.01.2011
Spring Up for Yard Art
In her poem “Spring,” Edna St. Vincent Millay asks:
Dear Edna, if you were living in San Antonio, you’d know that April comes for SAY Sí’s Yard Art exhibit. In its 14th year, Yard Art is an annual ode to spring from over 100 young, budding visual artists.
Each year has a theme, and this year’s is a celebration of San Antonio’s National Poetry Month (April!). Inspired by reading over 40 poems on nature and spring – such as “The Small Garden" by Cheng Hsieh, “Tiger Lily” by David McCord, an “The Red Wheelbarrow” by William Carlos Williams – students have embellished chairs, created mosaics and re-purposed tools into poetic objects. A couple examples include the owl chair (pictured) by Amber Estrada, age 16, and the mosaic birdbath (pictured) by Yzavel Sanchez (age 17).
So before you storm your favorite nursery, stop by SAY Sí and take in some poetic yard art to add some magic to your own backyard. The exhibit opens today for First Friday and runs through April 22.
To what purpose, April, do you return again?
Beauty is not enough.
Dear Edna, if you were living in San Antonio, you’d know that April comes for SAY Sí’s Yard Art exhibit. In its 14th year, Yard Art is an annual ode to spring from over 100 young, budding visual artists.Each year has a theme, and this year’s is a celebration of San Antonio’s National Poetry Month (April!). Inspired by reading over 40 poems on nature and spring – such as “The Small Garden" by Cheng Hsieh, “Tiger Lily” by David McCord, an “The Red Wheelbarrow” by William Carlos Williams – students have embellished chairs, created mosaics and re-purposed tools into poetic objects. A couple examples include the owl chair (pictured) by Amber Estrada, age 16, and the mosaic birdbath (pictured) by Yzavel Sanchez (age 17).
So before you storm your favorite nursery, stop by SAY Sí and take in some poetic yard art to add some magic to your own backyard. The exhibit opens today for First Friday and runs through April 22.
“The Red Wheelbarrow” by William Carlos Williams
so much depends
upon
a red wheel
barrow
glazed with rain
water
beside the white
chickens.
SXSW Film Wrap-Up, Part 1
After taking the fire-hose of film that is the South by Southwest Film Festival in mid-March, I like to wait a few weeks before writing down thoughts about the movies I've seen. At a festival, it's easy to get caught up in the enthusiasm of the event; sometimes the critical mind gets dialed back a bit. Here are some of my thoughts on the films I saw at this year's SXSW Film Festival. Enjoy!
Natural Selection
The audience and critics’ favorite at this year’s South By Southwest Film Festival, “Natural Selection” is a dark comedy about a woman, Linda, (Rachael Harris) who goes searching for answers when she finds her husband's been keeping secrets from her — including fathering a son, Raymond (Matt O’Leary).
Since much of the plot is given over to Raymond and Linda’s road trip back to Texas from Florida, Harris and O’Leary have to carry the film on their shoulders. They do so with two terrific performances. O’Leary, as Raymond, has to first break through the junkie stereotype character, and then make us care about his personal growth. And as Linda, Rachael Harris uses her character's guilt as a motivating factor, carrying us through all manner of implausible predicaments to some sense of peace.
As a side note, “Natural Selection” features characters who are very religious. There’s some humor in the movie that stems from religion, but I found it refreshing that their beliefs were truly taken seriously by the film.
Kumaré
A few years ago, Vikram Gandhi began work on a documentary about the yoga industry, but the more he learned, the more interested he became in the gurus that people follow. Gandhi began to wonder just what people believed in, and decided to find out from the inside. Gandhi grew out his hair and beard, dressed in flowing robes, moved to Phoenix, and added an “e” to his middle name to become “Kumaré.”
After a few weeks in Phoenix, Kumaré develops a core group of followers, who begin to open up their lives to him. When Kumaré finally “unveils” to them his true identity, the results are surprisingly emotional.
Although Kumaré won an audience award as Best Documentary at this year’s South by Southwest festival, and I loved the film, buzz I’ve read online since, and the questions it raised at screenings during the festival, demonstrated its very premise to be quite polarizing. Some folks felt Gandhi was cheating or hurting the people that followed “Kumaré,” and others have said it was downright dangerous for him to play with these poor souls’ heads.
Gandhi may or may not have realized what he was getting into when he began his experiment, but I think by the end of the film, it’s clear that the whole Kumaré persona has become very important to him, and he’s developed a real attachment to Kumaré’s followers. Some have written that Gandhi had no training to be a counselor. But isn’t that one of the points of this film? Regardless of whether he’s a licensed counselor, it’s clear that as Kumaré -- and as Vikram Gandhi -- he did his best to be a good friend.
F#$k My Life The unfortunately titled Chilean film “F#$k My Life” stars Ariel Levy as Javier, a party guy that falls in love with Sofia, a beautiful singer who’s normally way out of his league. The two date for a while, and then Javier inexplicably breaks it off with Sophia, then spends months and months trying to get her back in ways that would normally lead to a restraining order in the United States. Plus, Javier is a major jerk. He makes sexist remarks, he drinks too much, he doesn’t really care about anyone other than himself, and he’s about as deep as a kiddie pool. It’s a wonder his childhood friend, Angela, even continues to hang out with him. And when, at the end of the film, the two of them get together after Javier’s spent the entire film chasing other skirts in front of her, I wondered what planet these folks live on. The film trie
s to make some sort of statement about love in the digital age, and the impossibility of separating yourself from an ex when they're all over Facebook, Twitter, etc., but all of that is overshadowed by Javier's unlikeability. I will say that the film is nicely photographed, though. Santiago, Chile, looks great.
s to make some sort of statement about love in the digital age, and the impossibility of separating yourself from an ex when they're all over Facebook, Twitter, etc., but all of that is overshadowed by Javier's unlikeability. I will say that the film is nicely photographed, though. Santiago, Chile, looks great. Hesher
Star Rainn Wilson described “Hesher” to me as a “dark comedy, with less emphasis on the comedy.” That’s pretty apt, I’d say, but it makes what I think should be funny moments in the film less funny, and more just... uncomfortable. Young Devin Brochu stars as T.J., who, along with his father, is dealing with the recent death of his mother. Dad (Wilson) does so by popping pills and lazing about on the couch for most of the picture. T.J. is a good kid, but he’s getting picked on by a bully at school, and that’s been getting him into trouble.
From out of a haze of smoke one day comes Hesher (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who drives around all day in his good times van blasting Metallica and smoking like a chimney. Hesher takes it upon himself to mentor T.J. in the ways of breaking and entering, vandalism, and blowing up the local bully’s convertible. When young T.J. finally takes a pair of garden shears and threatens to cut off the bully’s toe, I wondered if I just wasn’t getting it. It sounds like a hopelessly square thing to say, but Hesher is a bad influence on T.J. He needed to kick his dad’s ass in gear, not the kid’s.
Natalie Portman has a role in the film as T.J.’s prepubescent crush, and does well with what she’s been given. She goes frump for the part, wearing oversize glasses and a low-rent grocery clerk’s outfit.
After premiering at Sundance in early 2010, “Hesher” will finally see wide release in May, 2011.
Inside America
I don’t feel quite right giving this film a review since I had to duck out about 15 minutes before its conclusion to get to a scheduled interview. But I was interested in seeing "Inside America" because its director, Barbara Eder, was born in Austria and spent much of 1994 as an exchange student in Brownsville, Texas. She based much of "Inside America" on her observations of Rio Grande Valley life, and the film was shot on location at Hanna High School.
There’s some nice cinema verité slice-of-life filmmaking going on here, but "Inside America" brings little new to the table dramatically. At the high school, there are the rival gangs, the ROTC kids, the popular girl that hides a drug problem, the good girl mixed up with the wrong group that we’re supposed to identify with, the meek white kid that buys a gun one day...
Like I said, I had to leave the film early. I hope it turned a corner in the last 15 minutes, but for the most part, "Inside America" feels like something we've seen before.
******
More to come!
Today in Arts & Culture
“I Love Texas and Texas Loves Me” Opening Reception
Big Squeeze 2011 San Antonio Audition
Host Organization: Texas Folklife & Conjunto Heritage Taller
Host Organization: Three Walls
Date: Friday, April 1
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Venue: Three Walls in studio 106D Blue Star, Building B San Antonio, TX
San Antonio artist and British native Rae Culbert presents “I Love Texas and Texas Loves Me.” Culbert continues his challenging body of work in this solo exhibition, commenting on the difficulties and joys of being a foreigner in Texas, and in particular, San Antonio. The exhibition runs through April 23. Open by appointment.
For more information: (210) 219-1562
Into the Woods
Host Organization: St. Mary’s University Opera Workshop and Drama Department
Date: Friday, April 1
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: St. Mary’s University, Reinbolt Theatre
“Into the Woods,” performed by St. Mary’s University students, tells the story of what came after those ‘happily ever afters.’ Stephen Sondheim’s witty score comes alive to ask, “Are you certain what you wish is what you want?” Revisit favorite fairy tales, and see what might have happened after the storybook ended.
For more information and tickets: (210) 436-3545 or stmarytx.edu
Yard Art
Host Organization: St. Mary’s University Opera Workshop and Drama Department
Date: Friday, April 1
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Venue: Say Si 1518 South Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX
In tribute to spring Say Si students painted chairs, created mosaics and repurposed tools into poetic objects in celebration of National Poetry Month. The exhibit will run through April.
For more information: (210) 212-8666, saysi.org or info@saysi.org
Big Squeeze 2011 San Antonio Audition
Host Organization: Texas Folklife & Conjunto Heritage Taller
Date: Friday, April 1
Time: Auditions begin at 7 p.m.
Venue: Gallista Gallery 1913 S. Flores Street, San Antonio, TX 78204
Texas Folklife is hitting the road again this year in search of the best young accordionists the state has to offer. The night’s will include a jam session and performance by Conjunto El Trio. Admission: Free For more information: (512) 441-9255 or texasfolklife.org
The Blanco was Blameless (or It was Balcones’ Fault)
Host Organization: The Rep Theatre
Date: Friday, April 1
Time: 8 p.m.
Venue: Rep Theatre (housed in KAPS) 515 FM 2325, Wimberley
The Blanco was Blameless (or it Was Balcones’ Fault) is an original script written by local playwright Russ Marlett. Written as a melodrama, the rapid fire dialogue and catchy tunes will have you booing the bad guys and cheering on the protagonist, Sugar as she fights to keep her goat ranch from two of the most dishonest and despicable characters ever to visit the Hill Country.
Admission: $12.50
For more information and tickets: austinlivetheatre.com or (512)-395-7043
First Friday Reading Series
Host Organization: Gemini Ink
Date: Friday, April 1
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Venue: Gemini Ink
This month’s First Friday series features Rolando Hinojosa-Smith and Vallie Fletcher Taylor.
Admission Price: Free
For more information: geminiink.org
For a complete listing of events, visit the TPR Community Events Calendar at tpr.org
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