Mon, Oct 14 – Tue, Oct 15
Winner of a 2013 CMA/ASCAP Adventurous Programming Award, SA’s own SOLI Chamber Ensemble (Ertan Torgul, violin; Stephanie Key, clarinet; Carolyn True, piano; and David Mollenauer, cello) prides itself on “giving new voice to 20th- and 21st-century classical contemporary music.” Since 1994, the decidedly unstuffy quartet has commissioned more than 30 new works penned by emerging and established composers including Steven Mackey, Paul Moravec, Ned Rorem, Tim Kramer, David Heuser, Alexandra Garner, and Jack Stamps. SOLI kicks off its 20th anniversary season this week with two performances of Past, a program anchored by Olivier Messiaen's iconic "Quartet for the End of Time" and also featuring San Antonio native Robert Xavier Rodríguez' sultry "Musica, por un Tiempo" (commissioned by SOLI in 2008) and the world premiere of Paul Moravec’s short celebratory work "SOLI Collage." Both performances include insightful pre-concert talks (7pm) with the composers and performers and post-concert receptions. $10-$25, 7:30pm Monday, Gallery Nord, 2009 NW Military Hwy; 7:30pm Tuesday, Ruth Taylor Recital Hall, Trinity University, 1 Trinity, solichamberensemble.com.
2. Bon Jovi
Tue, Oct 15
100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong: Sure it’s the name of 2004’s four-disc rarities and B-sides collection (damn right, that’s twice the fans and four times the discs involved in 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can’t Be Wrong, and we won’t even mention the Fall) but, more importantly, it’s also the greatest form of democratic government ever accidentally suggested by man. When we’ve gotta hold on to what we’ve got, and it doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not, let the word of 100 million sapient human beings, all publicly declaring their love for Bon Jovi, be the whole of the law. The word of fans such as YouTube user Wilhelm Schweigamer, commenting on the video for “Livin’ on a Prayer,” pretty much sums it up: “Just wanna say that IF someone will say to me someday ‘this music sucks,’ this person will get a triple roundkick on his face!” $19.50-$575, 7:30pm Tuesday, AT&T Center, One AT&T Center, attcenter.com.
3. Carla Veliz: "New Works"
Wed, Oct 16
Born in Piedras Negras, Mexico, and based in SA, accomplished multimedia artist Carla Veliz is known for works exploring belonging, identity, struggle and hardship. This week, Veliz unveils a solo exhibition incorporating cutouts, wax and mixed media on canvas. Hosted by Hausmann Millworks, the opening reception for her "New Works" includes a discussion with the artist at 7pm. Free, 6-8pm Wednesday; Hausmann Millworks, 925 W Russell, San Antonio, (210) 386-3114, hausmannmillworks.com.
4. Glassjaw
Wed, Oct 16
Born from the ashes of a Jewish metalcore band called Sons of Abraham, Glassjaw has been very slowly releasing new material since their debut EP Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (1997). Glassjaw’s sound has grown and morphed quite a bit over the years as a rotating cast of characters have added their imprint to the project, which is helmed by the core of vocalist Daryl Palumbo and guitarist Justin Beck. Theirs has been a journey from a loud and brash alt-metal sound, grating and gyrating, to a more refined fusion of disparate elements of experimental prog-rock and post-hardcore. Along the way, the band has kept fans rapt by staying true, ideologically, to their underground roots, anchoring their sound with fierce electric guitar, and putting on some of the most intense and engaging live shows in the business. Also on the bill: Slowlikefire, The Black Market Club and Rmrs. $25-$25, 7pm Wednesday, The White Rabbit, 2410 N St Mary’s, (210) 737-2221, twinproductions.frontgatetickets.com.
5. Fall Distinguished Speaker Series: Ambassador Ryan Crocker
Wed, Oct 16
A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and former United States Ambassador to Afghanistan (2011-2012), Iraq, Pakistan, Syria, Kuwait and Lebanon, The Honorable Ryan Crocker (dubbed “America’s Lawrence of Arabia” by President George W. Bush) will share his deep understanding of the Middle East and Southwest Asia as well as his firsthand insights about the vital and dangerous work of our foreign service officers. Crocker's lecture is presented by the The World Affairs Council of San Antonio, a not-for-profit, non-partisan, citizen’s educational forum. Advance registration and payment required to secure space; for tickets and details, visit wacofsa.org. $35, 6:45pm Wednesday; Pearl Stable, 307 Pearl Pkwy, (210) 308-9494.
