I thought I’d get a to take a breather before San Antonio kicks into its summer of festivals. I mean, sure we celebrate Cinco de Mayo here in San Antonio. But after eleven days of Fiesta, it’s really anticlimactic and pales to something as big as Fiesta. However, that little rainstorm we had back in March pushed one of our other big celebrations to May, this weekend in fact. So, for the first time I’m going to experience something all my friends have been enjoying for several years – Luminaria. In fact, not only will I be seeing it for the first time, I’ll be a part of a team from the Social Media Club of San Antonio helping NowcastSA live stream the fun and festivities from Hemisfair Park.
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Yesterday I spent some time at Plaza de Armas’ June Readers Forum “World Premiere – The Future of the Performing Arts” held at the Radius Center. It was a panel discussion moderated by Elaine Wolff with a great panel of people involved with the performing arts in San Antonio. The discussion focused on what state the performing arts are at in San Antonio and what’s in store for the future. With the renovation work currently under way for the new Tobin Center for the Performing Arts (formerly Municipal Auditorium) and with some of the new ideas planned for River North and the Museum Reach, San Antonio might actually be on the way to developing a true performing arts district downtown. So what’s in the cards and does it stand a chance?
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Yesterday Ben Olivo who writes the Downtown Blog for the Express-News posted an entry about why Luminaria shouldn’t aspire to become SXSW. It’s an interesting piece and highlights something that’s probably been brewing in a lot of people’s minds as the local arts festival grows in participation. I’ve even heard Mayor Castro mention the thought, though I think he’s really referring more to the creativity and celebration of the experience more than trying to overtake SXSW. I agree with Ben but maybe from a little bit different perspective.
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Today was a pretty cool day. One of those days where there’s really no agenda or plan, just kicking back with a friend taking in what comes at you. It was a Ferris Bueller Day in my terms. In fact, short of the 1961 Ferrari 250GT Spyder California (Cameron: Less than a hundred were made. My father spent three years restoring this car. It is his love, it is his passion. Ferris: It is his fault he didn’t lock the garage.) you could say it had all the trappings. You need these kind of days. They re-energize the soul, albeit in a strange, chaotic manner. But even in the agenda-free experience things are gleaned which still connect you with the community around you, possibly even more than a planned outing. So where was my Wrigley Field, my Sears Tower, my “Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grand Jatte?” Read more…
I’m sure several of you have seen the latest viral videos of soldiers in various conflicts letting off steam by lip syncing to some of the most interesting songs, usually by female pop artists. They’re hilarious at times and present a different side we don’t see beyond the news reports. Remember, these soldiers are in harms way most of the time so as long as it doesn’t jeopardize the mission I don’t care what they do and hopefully they are having fun doing the videos. Unfortunately some people in command don’t see it that way. All I can say is let it go and let them have fun. Read more…
This week kicks off public television’s annual shopping spree, Blazing Gavels. It’s a time when you can shop til you drop at home and do it knowing you are helping benefit public television in San Antonio. The TV auction helps benefit KLRN and provides about 8% of funding for the station. It’s a great place to find specials on many local San Antonio items donated by businesses and individuals. In some ways, it’s also a way to become aware of unique items and services you wouldn’t normal discover browsing around North Star Mall. Read more…
I’m heading up to Austin today to enjoy some more Longhorn football with friends. One has never been to a college football game so we’re going to give him the full experience. So, in context of football weekend, here’s a great little funny clip from the new TV series “Glee” with some Beyonce thrown in. After all, who isn’t doing something to “Single Ladies” these days? Watch the YouTube video after the jump. Read more…
On September 25th Selected Shorts will return to San Antonio staged in the historic Jefferson High School Auditorium. The show, a TPR Saturday regular, is a collection of short stories read by celebrities and writers. Each week Isaiah Sheffer brings together celebrities and hosts the show for a great afternoon of simple and entertaining readings. In case you’re not familiar with the show you can check out prior episodes at their podcast home page hosted by Public Radio International. The San Antonio show is a traveling show Sheffer presents during his annual tour around the country. This year’s theme features Latin artists in commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Read more…
Thursday I’m traveling to Austin with a friend to see a live performance of the hit NPR show “Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me” heard locally on Texas Public Radio’s KSTX at 1 p.m. on Saturdays. It’s a great show that pokes fun at current events every Saturday with both celebrity guests and listeners. Hosted by Peter Sagal along with noted radio journalist Carl Kasell, the show typically has three comedy panelists that compete throughout the show in a series of regular quizes. Usually a celebrity will join the show by phone to compete with the panelists. Okay, I think you get the picture by now. Well, there is a live performance scheduled Thursday night at Bass Concert Hall in Austin benefiting KUT, Austin’s public radio station. Read more…
Okay, isn’t everyone supposed to do a token Academy Awards posting the morning after the show? I didn’t even watch the show and can probably wing one in. I’m sure it was an incredible show but I’ve never been able to sit through an awards show for more than 15 minutes. Endless speeches that are usually drowned out by music to tell the recipient it’s time to move along or the show will never end before midnight. Yea, that’s my idea of a great Sunday night. Anyway, my favorite movie of the year, “Slumdog Millionaire”, did win big and I’m proud of that fact. Read more…
I thought I’d get a to take a breather before San Antonio kicks into its summer of festivals. I mean, sure we celebrate Cinco de Mayo here in San Antonio. But after eleven days of Fiesta, it’s really anticlimactic and pales to something as big as Fiesta. However, that little rainstorm we had back in March pushed one of our other big celebrations to May, this weekend in fact. So, for the first time I’m going to experience something all my friends have been enjoying for several years – Luminaria. In fact, not only will I be seeing it for the first time, I’ll be a part of a team from the Social Media Club of San Antonio helping NowcastSA live stream the fun and festivities from Hemisfair Park.
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