Apr 13-19, 2016
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District 4 Councilman Releases Most Puro Fiesta Medal Yet
Medal fanatics are going to want this one. District 4 Councilman Rey Saldaña posted is 2016 Fiesta medal to his Facebook page on Wednesday afternoon and it features all things San Anto. Made up of Big Red, a pound of barbacoa, an avocado half and green salsa (natch), Saldaña’s medal also includes the boastful title…
Local Creative Agency Wins Design Award for New Music Venue Campaign
Hilmy Productions, a creative agency near downtown San Antonio, has won the Bronze A’ Design Award in Graphics and Visual Communication Design. The accolade was for Hilmy’s campaign for Jazz, Texas, a new music venue and eatery opening soon at the Historic Pearl Brewery. According to the design details submitted by Hilmy, the inspiration for the Jazz, Texas brand was…
Brown Coffee Co. Goes Hunting for Top-Quality Beans in Upcoming Documentary
For Brown Coffee Co., San Antonio’s top coffee provider, there is no such thing as a simple cup of joe. In Lee Eubanks’ upcoming feature documentary Coffee Hunting: Kenya, the local filmmaker takes audiences on a journey with Brown Coffee Co. owner Aaron Blanco as he travels to three continents in search of the best coffee beans in the world. This includes…
A Chat with Sean Tillman, the Sexy Pop Beast Behind Har Mar Superstar
Sean Tillman, also known as soulful songbird, oozer of unbridled sexuality and R&B pop savant Har Mar Superstar, will be playing Paper Tiger Saturday, April 23. If you’re unfamiliar with the Minnesotan with tunes so groovy, sultry, infectious and punishingly poppy they make Justin Timberlake look like Joey Fatone, just consider that his last time through…
Kimura Owner Opens New Pizza Place
Pizza lovers have a new oven to fawn over these days. Il Forno (122 Nogalitos St.), the latest concept by James Beard Foundation semifinalist Michael Sohocki, opened this Monday. The eatery is DIY to the max and is decked out with rescued wood from around town, while the banquettes that line the wall are refurbished…
Tom Waits, Keith Richards Pay Tribute to Merle Haggard
In an uncharacteristic move from the artist with the tonsils of tar, Rolling Stone published a touching letter from hermitic Luddite Tom Waits on his love of country legend Merle Haggard, dated April, 19. Haggard, who succumbed to double pneumonia on April 6, his birthday, at the age of 79, was a hero of Waits’.…
Culture Club to Tour with Original Members, Heading to the Tobin
Did you miss them blind, San Antonio? The synth pop quartet, consisting of Roy Hay, Mikey Craig, Jon Moss and the ever-fabulous Boy George – Culture Club, collectively – will take the Tobin Center stage on Wednesday, August 3 at 7:30 p.m. Perhaps one of the most diverse pop groups in history, the band, consisting…
SAMA Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Packing Bags for N.Y.
Anna Stothart, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the San Antonio Museum of Art for the last 14 months, is taking her talents northeast. Stothart, who was chosen last year by the San Antonio Current as one of the “Most Captivating” people in the city, has accepted a new directorial position at Lehmann Maupin Gallery in Manhattan. “I have learned…
H-E-B Moves to Sell Only Cage-free Eggs by 2025
Grocery giant H-E-B announced today that by 2025, all of its eggs will be cage-free, “provided we have adequate supply, sufficient consumer demand and pricing is affordable for our customers.” Most egg-laying hens in the U.S. live in small cages which allow for very little movement, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Although…
Whole Foods Vows to Take Legal Action Against Man Who Accused It of Homophobic Slur
Whole Foods says a pastor who accused its Austin flagship store of using icing to write a homophobic slur on a cake with the LGBT slogan “Love Wins” is lying. Jordan D. Brown, founder and pastor of the Church Of Open Doors in Austin, posted a photo (seen above) to Twitter Monday, accusing Whole Foods of…
Tony Parker-produced The Birth of a Nation Drops Powerful Trailer
Spurs quarterback Tony Parker turned back the clock in Game 1 against the Grizzlies, showing flashes of his quicksilver speed en route to 15 points and 6 assists in a lopsided playoff win for San Antonio. The dimes pushed Parker to fifth on the NBA’s all- time postseason assist list, passing former league MVPs Steve Nash and Larry Bird.…
Charles Barkley Better Take Cover: Willie D Goes ‘Coon’ Hunting
In the South there’s a saying, a fair warning before shit hits the fan: “watch ya mouth,” Simple and to the point. Southerners, Texans to be exact, have been said to be hospitable, humble and willing to give the shirt off their backs to those in need. They’ve also been known to take it there … quick if there’s…
Man with the Horn: Actor Don Cheadle on Channeling Jazz Great Miles Davis in Miles Ahead
After legendary jazz trumpeter Miles Davis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, Davis’ nephew Vince Wilburn, Jr. announced that a biopic about his late uncle was being produced and that Oscar-nominated actor Don Cheadle (Hotel Rwanda) was going to portray him. It was all news to Cheadle. “I didn’t even know there was going…
What Will Happen to President Barack Obama’s Immigration Executive Actions?
The fate of millions of undocumented immigrants is in the hands of the Supreme Court. On Monday, the eight-member court heard oral arguments from Texas, which is leading a lawsuit backed by 26 states, and President Barack Obama’s administration, which passed sweeping immigration reform through executive actions. NPR reports that the justices seemed evenly split,…
5 Shows to See This Week
Monday, April 18 Carrie Underwood: The Storyteller Tour The fourth winner of the soon-to-be-syndicated series American Idol brings her country pop to Spurs Central. $46-$76, 7:00pm, AT&T Center, 1 AT&T Center Pkwy., (800) 745-3000 Monday, April 18 San Antonio Local Music Guild Meeting You can’t bitch if you don’t book. Come do it like the old days and schedule your bands…
10 Free Events Happening This Week
Fiesta Flower Show Mon 4/18 The Woman’s Club celebrates their 103rd Official Fiesta Flower Show in the historical Woodward Mansion built in 1904. An array of beautiful floral arrangements and the art of gardening will be on full display. The theme is “Art In Bloom” recognizing the impact flowers can have on our emotions and…
Lone Star Rail District Pitches Four Alternatives to Dead Union Pacific Proposal
Last week, the Lone Star Rail District went on the offensive two months after Union Pacific announced it wouldn’t participate in a proposal to use its tracks for a commuter rail between San Antonio and Austin. On Friday, the district’s board was called for a special meeting where they were presented with four alternatives to…
Here’s A Round-up of Canceled Fiesta Events
Rain put a damper on the kick-off of Fiesta this year with several cancelations. That continues true on Monday, with both Air Force Day at the Alamo and Pilgrimage to the Alamo being canceled. The rain continues to fall and flash flooding has become a problem at the start of the work week. To keep…
Flash Flooding Shuts Down I-35 at Loop 410 on the Northeast Side
Update: Loop 410 is now open. UPDATE: Crews opening both directions of I-410 at I-35 near Windcrest. #BeSafeDriveSmart — TxDOT San Antonio (@TxDOTSanAntonio) April 18, 2016 Original post continues: Dear San Antonio, If you can stay off the roads, please do so. But if you can’t, remember, turn around don’t drown. Spring rains are soaking…
Spurs Crush Grizzlies in Playoff Opener, Kawhi Named Defensive Player of the Year
The Spurs decimated the injury-plagued Memphis Grizzlies 106 to 74 Sunday night to take a 1-0 lead in the first round of the playoffs. Tony Parker was fabulous. Tim Duncan played like a young Old Man River Walk, giddy from the playoff atmosphere. LaMarcus Aldridge was solid. And Kawhi Leonard was a complete beast, scoring…
Sunday’s Deco District Arts & Music Festival Postponed
That’s right folks, another Fiesta event has been cancelled due to this crappy weather. The Deco District Arts & Music Festival announced on Facebook early Saturday that the event will be postponed, though the a makeup date hasn’t been set yet. Keep updated with other Fiesta weather cancellations here. Related Stories
Cheap Drinks and Bowling Alert: Bowlero Rolls Out New Happy Hour
For the casual bowler, rolling a few frames is often little more than an excuse to drink somewhere other than your house. That’s not a knock on bowling, drinking or staying in your house, it’s just a fact. One that, as a terrible bowler but above-average drinker, I personally embrace. So if part of your…
Is Radiohead Really Releasing a New Record in June?
Although he was inaccurately credited as being “Radiohead’s manager” in numerous publications, Brian Message, a partner in Courtyard Management, may have let the mongrel cat* out of the bag. Stating in an interview with The Guardian, and several days before at an event at London’s Wanstead Tap, Message remarked to a room of a privileged…
Pop in to Rebelle for East Coast Oyster Happy Hour During Fiesta
Love oysters but hate the crowds at Oyster Bake? No worries, Rebelle (300 E Travis St.) will be hosting the happiest of happy hours with $1 oysters and $2 off house cocktails and wines through the end of Fiesta. Happy hour is from 5-7pm Monday-Friday, though Stefan Bowers, Rebelle chef and part owner, said he’ll try to get…
Local Filmmakers React to San Antonio Film Commissioner’s Resignation
After five months as the San Antonio film commissioner, Galia Farber is moving on. The Department for Culture and Creative Development confirmed Farber’s resignation with the Current today. She will move to California to “help launch a digital gaming network,” according to a statement released this afternoon. Before becoming film commissioner, Farber was the production and operations manager for KLRU-TV in…
Rain Might Ruin Your Fiesta Plans This Weekend
Looks like Mother Nature is literally trying to rain on our parade. The FUR-esta Fashion Show and the Fort Sam Houston Fiesta Ceremony & Fireworks Extravaganza, which were both set for April 17, have been canceled due to a pretty solid chance of rain. The forecast also predicts nasty weather tomorrow and Monday, so keep an…
Jumping Off Cliffs and Building Wings With Jay Mohr
When you look at the nearly three-decade-long career of Jay Mohr, there’s a word that comes to mind: entertainer. Comedian, author, actor, sports talk radio host, podcaster – Mohr has constantly reinvented the metaphorical wheel over the course of his award-winning career. He’s literally been in the public eye since his first standup performance at…
Spurs Begin the Race for Seis
After setting a new franchise mark for regular season victories and matching the 1985-86 Boston Celtics’ 40-1 home record, the San Antonio Spurs are primed for the playoffs. Gregg Popovich’s charges enter the post-season well-rested and looking to avenge last year’s disappointing first-round knockout at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers. Awaiting San Antonio at the start of…
Texas AG Ken Paxton Backs Dallas’ Attempt to Block Sex Convention
Indicted and embattled Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has a problem with First Amendment rights. He’s backing Dallas’ bid to block a large sex convention from being held in the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center. “It is vital that governmental entities have the ability to exclude sexually-oriented businesses from property that they own,” Paxton says…
Kona Ice To Hold 3rd Annual National Chill Out Day For Tax Deadline
Owe some money to the IRS? You forgot to report those $3 dollars you made off your brother-in-law’s “hot” stock tip and now you’re being audited? Not to worry, you can escape all of that on the filing deadline by tracking down a Kona Ice truck for a free cone before the tax man finds…
Good News for SA Soccer: Major League Soccer Commissioner Officially Confirms Expansion to 28 Teams
As San Antonio’s new pro soccer team starts to grind through its inaugural United Soccer League season (San Antonio FC is undefeated through three games, by the way), the looming potential of Major League Soccer coming to town is the backdrop. Those big-league dreams got a little boost yesterday, when MLS Commissioner Don Garber officially…
KLRN Celebrates 100th Anniversary of National Park Service With Documentary Featuring Pure Texas Beauty
Texas is a natural gem that’s dotted with spectacular parks that range from mountains to sandy beaches to serene river lands. And on Tuesday, April 26, at 7 p.m., KLRN will celebrate Texas’ beauty, along with the upcoming 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, with a documentary called The National Parks of Texas: In…
Real Ale At 20: Blanco Brewery Celebrates Two Decades Of Keepin’ Ale Real
Besides the venerable St. Arnold’s in Houston, Real Ale is the oldest brewery in continual operation in Texas. From the wildcatter wilderness of the mid-90s and through the battles fought (and won) against both the TABC and Spuds MacKenzie, the best little brewhouse in Blanco helped wean the Greatest State’s collective taste off of fizzy…
Ways To Stay Safe During Fiesta 2016 Brought to you by Chris Mayo Law Firm
The Fiesta San Antonio Commission Inc. is proud to offer this safe and educational celebration of the diverse culture, heritage and spirit of San Antonio. Having fun also means staying safe at this and other large events, especially for families with children. Always check your surroundings and keep a mental note of the available exits.…
Ethan Couch Sentenced to Nearly Two Years in Prison
Who kills four people in a drunken driving crash, flees to Mexico after violating probation and only gets sentenced to two years in prison? Not Eric Miller. He killed a man while driving drunk and was sentenced to two decades in prison by Tarrant County District Judge Jean Boyd. Nearly a decade later, this same…
Meet the Brains Behind This Year’s Fiesta Cornyation Throne
Two month’s shy of the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling that same-sex couples do indeed have a Constitutional right to marry, Cornyation will make some history of its own. Wayne Beers and Michael Bobo, proprietors of W.D. Deli (3123 Broadway), will both serve as Kings Anchovy LI, a first for Fiesta Cornyation, which…
10 Things You Have to Do This Weekend
Thu 4/14 Mr./Miss Gay Fiesta for Life From the Coronation of the Queen of the Order of the Alamo (April 20 at the Majestic) to Cornyation, the spooftacular spectacle it inspired (April 19-21 at the Empire), Fiesta loves over-the-top pageantry almost as much as the drag community, which famously crowns queens year-round. Hosted by the…
Texas Inmates Now Barred from Maintaining Social Media Accounts
A new rule change by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) bans inmates from maintaining social media accounts. The change, first reported by Fusion, took effect on April 1. Under the new regulation, “offenders are prohibited from maintaining active social media accounts for the purposes of soliciting, updating, or engaging others, through a third party…
Public Art San Antonio to Host ‘Compositions in Space’ Opening Reception Tonight
Get out to Public Art San Antonio (115 Plaza de Armas, Suite 102) tonight for the opening reception of “Compositions in Space: Architectural Interventions,” a multidimensional exhibit featuring the work of six local artists. The exhibit showcases artworks “that create illusions and challenge the viewers expectations of the building’s architecture” and will be open through June 24.…
SAMA’s Latest “Art History 201” Features Photographer LaToya Ruby Frazier
Art History 201 is a talks series, presented by the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA), wherein patrons are treated to a conversation between Brown Foundation Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Anna Stothart (one of the folks we featured in our People Issue at the end of last year) and a visiting artist. The…
Documentary on San Antonio Four to Make World Premiere at Tribeca Friday
After five long years, Austin-based filmmaker Deborah S. Esquenazi has completed her first feature documentary. Southwest of Salem: The Story of the San Antonio Four will make its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival this week. The film tells the story of four Latina lesbians – Elizabeth Ramirez, Kristie Mayhugh, Cassandra Rivera and Anna Vasquez – who were…
Lone Star Rail District: The Project Is Not Dead
When news broke in early February that Union Pacific withdrew from a proposal to share freight rail tracks with the Lone Star Rail District to create a passenger line between congested San Antonio and Austin, politicians and media speculated the project was dead. Not so, says Joe Black, rail director for the Lone Star Rail…
10 Shows to See This Weekend
Thursday, April 14 B. Dolan Spoken word artist, rapper and modern day philosopher, B. Dolan tackled racism, equality and homophobia way before Macklemore’s ham-fisted attempt to conquer social justice issues in a radio-friendly package. With Chisme, Chris Conde. $5 – $10, 9pm, Limelight, 2718 N. St Mary’s St. (210) 735-7775 Thursday, April 14 Drive-By Truckers…
The Black Keys Blast Steve Miller for Blasting the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame
So, here’s the short of it: The Black Keys, the Akron, Ohio blues-based drum and guitar duo, were invited to induct the Steve Miller Band, and specifically Steve Miller, into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio last week. Miller used the induction ceremony to promote the artists that helped him on…
Lightning-fast Internet Closer to Reality as Google Installs Fiber Network
There’s great news for San Antonio today: Google announced it’s installing its fiber network. “We’ve started to ramp up our Google construction efforts in San Antonio. You’ll see us around town digging and stringing fiber cables so that we can deliver Google Fiber’s superfast Internet to the city,” Clarissa Ramon, Google’s community impact manager, says…
Was Flea’s Version of the National Anthem at Kobe’s Last Game Super Badass or Just Super Bad?
As a huge Jimi Hendrix fan (the brilliant guitarist is prominently tattooed on Flea’s left shoulder), the wah-wah-heavy, distorted national anthem played at Kobe Bryant’s final game owes something to Hendrix’ iconic playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the ’69 Woodstock Festival. Or, for those that find any departure from the impressive if not slightly…
State Rep. Diego Bernal’s Fiesta Medal Food Drive Has Out of this World Success
Editor’s note: Story updated to include numbers from the San Antonio Food Bank. The Fiesta force is with you, San Antonio. In early April, State Rep. Diego Bernal announced his office was giving away Star Wars-themed Fiesta medals wrapped in San Anto flair for free. The only catch? Donate some food for the San Antonio…
Texas Rangers Investigating Sid Miller’s Trip to Oklahoma for a ‘Jesus Shot’
The Cupcake King is facing a criminal investigation. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller — whose first move as an elected official was to grant cupcakes amnesty — is now the target of a criminal investigation. Miller is accused by the left-leaning group Progress Texas of misusing taxpayer money to fund a February 2015 trip to Oklahoma to…
Nao Latin Gastro Bar Says Skip Turkey Legs for Quail Legs April 14-24
If you don’t plan on making gorditas, funnel cakes and meats on sticks a huge part of your 2016 Fiesta plans (or even if you are), make your way to Nao Latin Gastro Bar for their Fiesta Special from April 14-24. During Happy Hour from Tuesday to Saturday (5:30-7:00pm), Nao will feature a botana platter with smoked quail legs…
The Spanish Governor’s Palace has the Perfect Spot to Watch the Flambeau Parade
The Spanish Governor’s Palace at the Plaza De Armas is hosting the Second Annual Flambeau Parade Pop-Up for people who are all about Fiesta, but not about the crowds. Tim the Girl and O’liva Healthy Local Cuisine & Tasting Room have secured a parade route designated for relaxing, drinking and avoiding crowds. A group of…
Former Bexar County Jailer Indicted on Sexual Assault Charge and Civil Rights Violation
A Bexar County Grand Jury indicted a former Bexar County Sheriff’s Office detention officer Tuesday on charges of sexual assault and violation of the civil rights of a person in custody. The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office says in a press release that Erick Montez, 35, is accused of sexually assaulting a female inmate he…
CurrentCast: Fiesta Cornyation’s Kings Anchovy, Michael Bobo and Wayne Beers
Things got regal on this week’s installment of CurrentCast. We were in the presence of royalty, as Fiesta Cornyation’s Kings Anchovy — Michael Bobo and Wayne Beers, the proprietors of W.D. Deli — stopped by the San Antonio Current office for an interview. Cornyation’s regent has long been a king, although the first queen was crowned…
The First Exhibition at the Witte Museum’s New Mays Family Center Will Feature Mayan Civilization
The long-awaited Mays Family Center — the Witte Museum’s newest addition — is finally complete. The museum made the announcement about the $15 million, 19,000-square-foot project Monday. “The Mays Family Center is a stunning building that embraces both the ancient San Antonio River and historic Broadway,” Witte Museum President and CEO Marise McDermott says in…
14 Pictures and Videos of Huge Hail in San Antonio
To the delight of roofers and body shops and the chagrin of home- and car-owners, large hail pounded San Antonio and South Texas last night. Some of the hail was enormous, measuring the size of a baseball or larger. Here are 14 images and videos of last night’s hailstorm that were captured on social media:…
Sturgill Simpson’s New Album is Ambitious and (Mostly) Brilliant
Uncharted Waters
Bane’s Final Tour Caps Over Two Decades of Punk Rock History
Final Backward Glance
Where Do We Go from Here?
On Transparency, Diversity and Inclusion
It’s Time For All the Fair Snacks
On a Stick
Juniper Tar Reheeled
Keep Tabs
Marguerite Weighs the Cost of Truth
I Pity the Rich
Savage Love
Sweat
Free Will Astrology (4/13-4/19)
ARIES (March 21-April 19): ”When I discover who I am, I’ll be free,” said novelist Ralph Ellison. Would you consider making that a paramount theme in the coming weeks? Will you keep it in the forefront of your mind, and be vigilant for juicy clues that might show up in the experiences headed your way?…
This Modern World (4/13/16)
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Cityscrapes
A Breakdown of SA’s Upcoming Hip-Hop Shows
Stay Woke!
Remembering Merle, Watching Willie
An Abbreviated Homage to Merle Haggard (Best Read Drunk)
