Cover Story
Chicano Art Exhibit Provides Signs Of New Life At Defunct Museo Alameda
For the first time, a pair of nationally known Chicano artists from South Texas are showing their work side-by-side in “Arte y Tradición de La Frontera: The U.S.-Mexico Borderlands in the Works of Santa Barraza and Carmen Lomas Garza,” on view through May 24 at Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s Educational & Cultural Arts Center in…
10 Things You Have To Do This Weekend
Thu 3/5 Mnozil Brass Many of the “fun-classical” acts making the rounds today take a spoonful of sugar approach to help the Mozart go down easier with a bit of pop and comedy mixed in. Austria’s Mnozil Brass might be placed in that category, but there’s never the sense they have a motive beyond enjoying…
BRR: San Antonio Flavor 2015 Postponed Until March 12
Y’all, it’s cold out. I don’t want to hear from transplants who think we’re being babies — we’re just trying to make sure everyone has a good time at this year’s San Antonio Flavor at the San Antonio Museum of Art. To that effect, tonight’s sold-out event is postponed until next Thursday, March 12. Same…
San Anto Throwback Thursday: Kendrick Lamar at The White Rabbit
This week we take a step down in audio fidelity and a step up in nos(e)talgia, recalling Kendrick Lamar’s white hot 2012 performance at The White Rabbit. On October 28, 2012, Lamar hit SA with synchronous luck, having released Good Kid, M.A.A.D City just six days before. An immediate classic, the album helped the show sell out,…
10 Shows To See This Weekend
Thursday, March 5 Animal Spirit, Chris Conde Fort Worth quartet Animal Spirit practices jam rock with ethereal vocals and spaced out, National Park-loving language. Later in March, SA rapper Chris Conde will release his debut EP Twisted Kite Strings. After coming out, and a recovery from drug addiction and alcoholism, the EP finds the rapper…
7 Free Events Happening This Week
Wednesday March 4 The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters Seth Gordon’s 2007 documentary The King of Kong explores the world of competitive vintage arcade gaming and an epic rivalry for Donkey Kong supremacy between Billy Mitchell and Steve Wiebe. This special CineSnob screening includes a video Q&A with Wiebe, Free, 7:30pm Wednesday, Alamo…
River City Rock Fest Announces Updated 2015 Lineup
River City Rockfest, SA’s eminent alt/butt rock presentation, announced the full lineup to the 2015 festival. Drowning Pool, Starset, Shattered Sun, Lokey, Lynnwood King & the Revival and Mud River were just added to the May 24 date at the AT&T Center. The Heroine were also added to the bill, giving some SA rock ‘n’ roll…
Palestine Advocacy Project Launches Billboard Campaign In San Antonio
The Palestine Advocacy Project included San Antonio in a major advertising campaign that targets seven major U.S. cities throughout March. The ads, which will be placed in public transit systems and on billboards, are meant to highlight Israel’s demolition of Palestinian homes, ongoing settlement construction in the West Bank and violence against children, according to…
Observe National Women And Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day By Getting Tested
In a joint effort, the San Antonio HIV Awareness Coalition and the Office of Women’s Health are hosting informational tables and HIV and syphilis testing at the Walgreens on the corner of Flores and S.W. Military Drive. The March 10 event is being held in honor of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, according…
Pen Pal Authors: Renowned Writer Gary Snyder And Author Julia Martin Offer Rare Joint Talk
The first letter traveled over 16,000 miles. From there, South African writer and scholar Julia Martin and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, essayist and environmental activist Gary Snyder forged a relentless conversation on topics as far-ranging as the environment, gender politics and daily life. Their decades-long correspondence can be found in Nobody Home: Writing, Buddhism, and Living in Places. Snyder,…
Mexico Calls For DOJ Probe Into Police Killings Of Undocumented Immigrants
The Mexican government is calling on the Department of Justice to investigate police killings of three undocumented immigrants in Texas, California and Washington. In Texas, a Grapevine police officer shot Rubén García Villalpando to death a little more than a week ago when the officer responding to an alarm at a business (turned out to be…
Visiting Chef Series Brings Louisiana To SA
John Russ and Lüke San Antonio will welcome a slew of chef pals starting on March 12 as part of a “Visiting Chefs Series.” The rotating cast of culinary badasses, hailing from John Besh’s more than 10 Louisiana eateries, will kick off with chef Brian Landry of Borgne. The series will grow to include Alon…
‘A Year in Champagne’ Offers a Sneak Peek Behind Cellar Doors
David Kennard grants his viewers a sneak peek behind cellar doors with A Year in Champagne. Kennard’s documentary is the second of a winemaking trilogy with A Year in Burgundy being the series’ first film. “A Year in Champagne” follows wine importer Martine Saunier around the region and highlights several small companies that specialize in sparkling wine as…
NPR Names SA’s Wild Party As A Band To See At SXSW
NPR’s Austin 100 is one of the most hyped pre-SXSW listicles around, helping to set the tone of the hectic music/business festival. Coming in deep in the presentation is SA’s Wild Party, whose memory-invading power-pop helped them crack onto NPR’s beautifully designed app. NPR mentions “OutRight” as their Wild Party pick, a high-fructose take on Strokes-style…
A Republican Wants To Repeal Texas’ Pot Laws
A Republican legislator who rode the Tea Party wave to office in 2010 just filed a bill to repeal Texas’ marijuana laws. David Simpson, a conservative from Longview, wants to legalize it. He filed the bill Monday and if it were to somehow pass, marijuana offenses would be removed from the Lone Star State’s criminal…
Fredstock Announces Free 2015 Lineup
San Antonio College’s annual Fredstock returns on Saturday, May 2, offering a live music celebration and a real time exercise for SAC music business students. The annual one-day festival is the exclusive result of SAC student planning, from booking and production to legal and talent management. Named after the late SAC professor Fred Weiss, all funds…
SA Food Pics: It’s Soup Weather (Again)
It’s time for SA Food Pics. This past week we’ve had some rainy weather, but that hasn’t stopped anyone from getting out and enjoying all the great local spots. This week our readers picked some amazing items off menus across the city.There was some nice bruschetta from Tre Trattoria (4003 Broadway), some tomato bisque from Braza…
Hurray For The Riff Raff At Gruene Hall
What Riot Grrrl did for punk is what Hurray for the Riff Raff is doing for Americana bred folk. Singer-songwriter mastermind Alynda Lee Segarra, a New Yorker by birth and New Orleans citizen by heart, takes the social issues of queer causes and feminism by the horns, while showcasing strong pop sensibilities. Segarra is gifted…
How Effective Is Texas’ Border Surge?
Despite an expensive surge of Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and the National Guard to the Rio Grande Valley, drugs continue to flood into the Lone Star State. The surge is called Operation Strong Safety and was announced last June, when a large wave of undocumented immigrants were crossing the Rio Grande, including many…
What I Ate: Trailer Food & Pop-Ups
This Saturday, I drove all the way out to Narnia — or rather 1604 and Bandera — and picked up a delicious bun bowl with 10-hour brisket via Singh’s Vietnamese, across from Hills and Dales. If you haven’t tried the freshly made Saigon egg rolls (which I couldn’t resist eating during my drive back into…
Two Ways ‘Star Trek’ Fans Are Remembering Leonard Nimoy In San Antonio
Leonard Nimoy was laid to rest on Sunday, following a private, intimate Jewish ceremony attended by family and friends in Los Angeles. The world will continue to memorialize Nimoy in the days and weeks ahead, and local Star Trek fans in San Antonio will have three opportunities to remember the prolific entertainer best known for…
Rejoice: CIA Bakery Cafe Returns As A Pop-Up
It was (probably) a cold, dreary day when the CIA Bakery Cafe closed its doors on December 20, 2013 in order to make better use of their baking facility. But maybe our prayers to the pastry gods have finally been answered? The CIA Bakery Cafe announced a glorious return this March 12 through April 16…
Wheatley Courts Completely Demolished, Construction To Begin In April
Demolition of a troubled East Side housing project was completed in February and construction of the new Wheatley Courts is set to begin in April. Mike Etienne, a city official who spearheads East Side revitalization efforts, said the first residents could move into the new Wheatley Courts by January of 2016. “Those residents who moved…
Nothin’ But Net: Spurs Ace Shooter Marco Belinelli Lets It All Hang Out
One can only imagine the death stare that Gregg Popovich gave Belinelli for this bit of homeland press. But fans of the Spurs and male anatomy can only hope that this is the start of a new trend — Tony Parker in his birthday suit for GQ France, Patty Mills in the buff for GQ…
5 Things You Have To Do This Week
Monday, March 2 Alamo Brewery Siege Week At The Esquire The buzz is building in advance of the opening of Alamo Brewery. Take in a brew or two on tap at Esquire, learn about what’s to come and listen to live music by Tony Romero and the Spiders. Buy your first pint and keep the glass. No…
10 Food & Drink Events In March That Really Excite Us
Thur 3/5 Flavor San Antonio Flavor 2015 is going down next week and we’re not ones to brag, but it’s going to be awesome! It will be held at the San Antonio Museum Of Art (200 W. Jones) from 7:00-11:00 pm. There will be tons of local food and drinks, plus music as well. Be…
Machete Visits SA’s Blue Box
Although details are a bit fuzzy as to why, we can confirm Danny Trejo, ye of Machete fame, was in town on Friday night. The 70-year-old (WHAT!??) character actor was spotted sipping a simple cranberry juice while watching an MMA fight on Spike TV at Blue Box Bar, according to the staff. Because when Danny…
Are You Whataburger’s Biggest Fan? Prove It
Some lucky San Antonian might get their 15 minutes of fame if chosen to be a part of Whataburger’s newest TV commercial. The Cast Station is seeking real stories from real people who have a penchant for Monterey Melts, Chop House Cheddar Burger, Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich, A.1. Thick & Hearty or the Green…
Let’s Remember The Late, Great Leonard Nimoy
By now you may be aware that Leonard Nimoy passed away at the age of 83 in Los Angeles today. Nimoy was a sci-fi and pop cultural icon, best known for his portrayal of Spock, the cerebral half-human, half-Vulcan from the Star Trek franchise who valued logic over emotion. Here’s a look at how his…
3 Ways To Get Your Drink On This Week
Friday, February 27: Don’t call it a pop-up. Chef Mark Garcia, better known as Wildcat to his fans, will hold a burger residence for three days only inside The Bees’ Knees Catering kitchen. Stop in for burgers, fries and who knows what else. Prices vary, February 27-March 1, 7pm, 2809 N. St. Mary’s. Saturday, February…
Thrive Youth Center Partners With Haven For Hope
Haven for Hope and Thrive Youth Center announced a partnership to serve homeless LGBT youth in San Antonio. On Wednesday, Thrive moved into a 1,400-square-foot space at Haven for Hope. The organization’s goal is to create self-sufficiency and to quickly get people back on their feet with housing. Thrive Youth Center is one of a…
San Antonio Boxer Oscar Diaz Has Passed Away
Oscar Diaz, a San Antonio boxer and former welterweight title holder, passed away Thursday due to complications from a brain injury he sustained in the ring in July, 2008. He was 32. Known as “El Torito” to boxing fans, Diaz collapsed in the ring during the 11th round in a bout against Delvin Rodriquez at…
San Antonio Police Shot And Killed Marquise Jones One Year Ago
Family, friends and supporters of a man shot and killed by police last year are holding a vigil Saturday to honor his memory. Marquise Jones was shot and killed by off-duty San Antonio police officer Robert Encina on February 28 last year at the drive-thru at Chacho’s on the Northeast Side. Those attending the vigil…
Bexar County Announces Coalition To Educate Public About Unhealthy Sugary Drinks
Bexar County released details Thursday of a community coalition formed to educate the public and unhealthy effects of sugar consumption. “I don’t want to get into regulating what people consume, that is not the intent of this campaign,” says County Judge Nelson Wolff. “But I think it’s important to help people better understand what they…
Texas: Whatever You Do, Stay Away From Mexico For Spring Break
Because of ongoing violence between cartels in Mexico, the Texas Department of Public Safety is urging spring breakers to avoid travel to the country, citing the unpredictable nature of cartel violence. Just south of the popular Texas Spring Break destination of South Padre Island is the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, which includes Matamoros, Nuevo Laredo,…
Net Neutrality Wins: FCC Labels Broadband As A Public Utility
Be sure to thank a certain funny Brit today, because the Federal Communications Commission voted 3-2 to classify broadband Internet as a public utility. The Thursday morning vote is a huge win for net neutrality, which advocates for free and open access to the Internet. The principle is fiercely opposed by telecom companies and Internet…
Former Volunteer Firefighter Posts Facebook Photo Of Dead Dogs He Allegedly Killed (Warning: Graphic)
A volunteer firefighter in Hunt County near Dallas is potentially facing animal cruelty charges after publishing a bloody photo of two dead dogs. (Warning: Graphic Image Below) Tim Conaster was forced to resign his position with the Union Valley Fire Department after he allegedly shot and killed two dogs on his property and published a…
Cashing In On Jesus? Male Model Hawks Rather Unique Tortilla On eBay
An Austin model is taking the two greatest things about America — religion and capitalism — and bringing them to eBay. You might remember Andrew Key. He’s a man with a perfectly sculpted set of abs who just wanted to warm up a flour tortilla but ended up being visited by the Son of God. Yes,…
Barmen Unwind With Monday Night Jazz
There are a few certainties I can always count on when Monday comes around. I can count on my daily scroll through social media being bombarded with groans and grievances expressing distaste for employers, or disbelief in how brief the weekend seemed to be. I can count on an afternoon call from my mother inquiring…
Happy Hour Hound: Sustenio
Dallas-based Stephan Pyles already has a James Beard Award for Best Chef under his belt. As one of the mero-meros in Southwest cuisine, the fifth generation Texan is again a semifinalist for James Beard’s Outstanding Chef award. It’s his fourth nod. In San Antonio, Pyles has tried leaving his mark at Sustenio for the past…
Flavor File: All Set For Next Cocktail Conference, A Sad Closure & Expansion At Tiu Steppi’s
It’s been just over a month since the fourth San Antonio Cocktail Conference ended, and I’m finally feeling like myself again. Jokes aside, the collective boozin’ the city took part in this past January enabled Houston Charities to raise $115,000, which was doled out to four benefitting nonprofits including HeartGift San Antonio, The Children’s Shelter,…
Jim Breuer On Keeping His Comedy Clean, Relatable And Hilarious
Comedian Jim Breuer hasn’t been a part of the Saturday Night Live cast since 1998, so when audiences ask him to revisit some of the characters and impressions he was known for back then, he’ll occasionally do it, but would rather not. “I don’t want people thinking, ‘Oh, he’s done this schtick before,'” Breuer, 47,…
In Defense of Torchy’s
Let’s get this out of the way — I don’t hate Torchy’s. This feels like a confession, and I’m up against a jury of my peers who are all picking apart my level of puro. In my defense — actually, more in Torchy’s defense — the Austin transplant (I can feel collective eye rolls while…
Lunchtime Snob: Papa Nono’s
Coming in strong with a highly unusual name for a Mexican spot, Papa Nono’s is a tiny grill serving a huge portion of tortilla soup so tasty it gives Jim’s Restaurant a run for its money. Nono’s is both and satisfying with day-of-the-week lunch specials, including albondigas (meatballs with an unspecified sauce) on Tuesday and…
13 Ways To Be A Good Catholic During Lent
With Lenten season upon us, we have to stave off Friday’s midday meat cravings or risk being labeled heathend. Luckily, San Anto’s got plenty of options for Lenten dining from some likely and unlikely eateries. Let’s start off with the obvious: If you’re avoiding meat on Fridays through April 3, visit El Bucanero (multiple locations),…
Preserve The Alamo! Push Grows To Save Eroding Shrine
It’s still standing after nearly three centuries, but Father Time has not let the venerable Alamo escape unscathed. Over the last 55 years, a good chunk of the west façade has worn away and the compound’s long barracks and shrine are suffering from erosion, a series of studies discovered. And fixing up the ever-popular tourist…
Free Will Astrology: Week Of February 23
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Lately your life reminds me of the action film Speed, starring Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves. In that story, a criminal has rigged a passenger bus to explode if its speed drops below 50 miles per hour. In your story, you seem to be acting as if you, too, will self-destruct…
Artist On Artist: Gary Sweeney Interviews Constance Lowe
Constance Lowe is a visual artist and University of Texas at San Antonio professor that has been a fixture on the San Antonio art scene since she moved here from Minneapolis in 1991. She is a very serious artist. I had to really be on my game with my questions. Her answers were long, in depth,…
Savage Love: Sick And Easy
I have been reading your column for years, Dan, and now I’m writing you for the first time to ask for a favor. I met this dude online in December and I felt like we had a good connection. He “dumped” me, though, because he was busy and was going through career shit and lived…
Will Smith’s Losing Streak Continues With Shallow ‘Focus’
Remember when Will Smith was box office gold? There was a time — nearly 20 years ago — when he couldn’t miss. Even if his movie was a dud, it still went cha-ching at the box office. Then Hancock (2008) happened and he hasn’t done anything decent since, and given the mediocrity of Focus, expect…
Aural Pleasure: Dan Deacon, José González And Drake
Dan Deacon | Glass Riffer | Domino | ★★★★ The Lego Movie missed a clear opportunity by not getting Dan Deacon to soundtrack it. In Deacon, the producers had a fellow master builder, a mad sound scientist capable of layering unremarkable blocks into towering creations. His twistedly brilliant remix of “Call Me Maybe,” which looped…
RMRS Hit Progressive Pop Target With ‘V I C T I M S’
RMRS’ new EP V I C T I M S is a remarkably dense listen, despite the stylized spacing of its name. The SA quintet packs its five-song second effort with caterwauling guitar lines, keyboard and backdrops. If there’s a vocal melody going, there’s often a harmony pulling at it like a rip tide. On…
A Place To Bury Strangers On Its Dependency On … Super Glue?
When I called A Place to Bury Stranger’s frontman Oliver Ackermann, he was at his neighborhood hardware store buying tubes of super glue. As it turns out, it’s a necessary errand for the tour that will bring him and his band through SA. “I’m trying to fix this little spinning parts on our stage lights,”…
Bekah Kelso And Lucas Jack Celebrate Album Releases With One Bash
For her new album, No Stranger, songwriter Bekah Kelso picked up a new band, The Fellas, to help bring her tunes to a full-bodied conclusion. “It’s a new leaf for me, and I’m very into new leaves,” Kelso told the Current. “Which is why whatever I do after this will sound nothing like this with…
