Balcones Hts Mayor to Investigate Police Force
Greg M. Schwartz gschwartz@sacurrent.com In late breaking news, Carlos de Leon of the Brown Berets says today’s meeting with Balcones Heights Mayor Suzanne de Leon concerning allegations of racial profiling by the Balcones Heights Police Department went well. He said he came out of the meeting hopeful that a solution can be found. Carlos de…
Is There Racial Profiling in Balcones Heights?
Greg M. Schwartz gschwartz@sacurrent.com The Brown Berets attempted to hold a gathering at the Cesar E. Chavez Education and Learning Center on Friday for complainants to offer first-hand testimony of alleged racial profiling incidents in Balcones Heights. But a communication breakdown of some sort led to a meeting where no one showed up. Various second-hand…
Oscar Night (sort of) Live Blog
7: 17 PM Jeremy: a/s/l check 7:18 PM Greg: age sex location? Heee 7:19 PM Jeremy: I was trying to see if Lynn is actually here 7:20 PM Lynn: I am here! I have a bunch of people at my house eating pigs and blankets and standing on my red carpet, only it’s a table…
Live & Local preview: Nothing More
Catch us tonight at Scout Bar, where we’ll be checking out Nothing More (pictured in that intense Steven Gilmore shot above), who are celebrating the release of their latest album, The Few Not Fleeting. We’ve been passing this album around the office the past week, and it’s a pretty decent listen. Nothing More stretch that…
Texas Fuel efficiency
By Gilbert Garcia Even with the shared name and the use of red, white, and blue basketballs, the new-fangled ABA has little in common with the rebel league of the ’70s that gave us Julius Erving, Dan Issel, and the original incarnation of the Spurs. But you have to love a professional sports league that…
John Carlos Garcia Enters District 5 Race
Greg M. Schwartz gschwartz@sacurrent.com 30-year-old small business owner and lifelong San Antonian John Carlos Garcia officially threw his hat into the ring for District 5 City Councilperson today, when he filed the official paperwork at the city clerk’s office. Garcia says he feels he can “bring a fresh approach to local politics.” He joins what…
First Friday fashion: camo?
First Friday’s escalating popularity with a non-art-seeking crowd (which the Current reported on last July) continues to plague the residents of surrounding Southtown and King William, who believe that recent reports of violence at the 15-year-old monthly street festival are gang-related. “I don’t really think it’s possible `gang activity`,” said King William Association President Brad…
Haven for Hope update
Bill Greehey and Patti Radle don’t look like they have much in common. He’s the hard-nosed former CEO of Valero and current chairman of NuStar Energy, and she’s the West Side community activist and former council member who’s basically the white-haired, hippie mom we all wish we had. Unlikely duo though they may be, at…
On the Street: Compound Interest, Scandals, Ankle Breakers and Heart Stoppers, and Other Important Discussions of Our Times
“Panic of 09” The neurosis of the marketplace has affected the Spurs pocketbooks as well as the art scene. NBA teams as well as prized possessions of abstract expressionism just don’t seem to be as important to millionaires these days. On to the efficiency, I mean the letters! Letters (to the On the Street Ghetto…
S’Nuff Film 2: The Legend of Curly’s Gold*
Hey guys, The print edition of S’Nuff Film was taken up this week by an explanation of the goofy ass Oscar bet we’ve got going on, but those inconsiderate effers in the film scene still insist on scheduling stuff I need to tell you about, namely: Thursday night: UTSA’s downtown campus will host a free…
Get Guilty
Get Guilty Composer: A.C. Newman Conductor: A.C. Newman Label: Matador Release Date: 2009-02-18 Rated: NONE Genre: Recording Carl Newman is the middle man in the New Pornographers. With Neko Case bringing the sweet and Dan Bejar providing the sour, Newman falls squarely in the center. He’s a power-pop mastermind who isn’t afraid to get weird…
Bleeding Through, The Acacia Strain, As Blood Runs Black, & Impending Doom
Release Date: 2009-02-18 Bleeding Through is synonymous with the blending of classic death metal, symphonic black metal, and just a taste of the angry energy and DIY spirit of the hardcore scene. Their latest release, Declaration, takes hardcore to new extremes. This isn’t a radio-friendly album – Declaration is heavier, darker, angrier, more pissed off,…
Ordinary Riches
Ordinary Riches Composer: Company of Thieves Conductor: Company of Thieves Label: Wind-up Records Release Date: 2009-02-18 Rated: NONE Genre: Recording The debut album from Chicago-based Company of Thieves is a showcase for singer Genevieve Schatz, although they are, as they claim, more than “a chick singer with a backing group.” The band has smoothed its…
Oral History Session
Release Date: 2009-02-18 Mrs. Audrea Adams, 102 years old, raised in Mexico, contributes her personal history to the Museo Alameda’s African Presence in Mexico: From Yanga to the Present with an appearance at 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 18. The exhibition tells the largely unexamined story of the history and culture of the African diaspora south…
Evisceration Plague
Evisceration Plague Composer: Cannibal Corpse Conductor: Cannibal Corpse Label: Metal Blade Release Date: 2009-02-18 Rated: NONE Genre: Recording Why should you spend money on a new Cannibal Corpse album 11 studio full-lengths into their reign as the kings of classic Florida-style death metal? You know the song titles are gonna be awesome (“Beheading and Burning,”…
Sam’s Swing Nite w. The John Evans Band
Release Date: 2009-02-18 The John Evans Band is definitely straight-up rock ‘n’ roll, tinged with rockabilly and roots flavor. A Texas mainstay for as long as anyone can remember, Evans has been a constant source of reinvention with each new musical outing he takes. Free dance lessons provided by SASDS from 7-8pm. Band kicks off…
To catch a creditor
The International Director: Tom Tykwer Screenwriter: Tom Tykwer Cast: Clive Owen, Naomi Watts, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Ulrich Thomsen, Brian Oâ??Byrne Release Date: 2009-02-18 Rated: R Genre: Film Director Tom Tykwer’s thriller is serendipitously suited for the post-bailout world, as its greedy criminal enterprise is an institution ready-made for cinematic villainy: a global bank. Sure, The International’s…
What happened to Hernández?
A Class Apart Director: Peter Miller and Carlos Sandoval Screenwriter: Peter Miller and Carlos Sandoval Release Date: 2009-02-18 Rated: NONE Genre: Film Hernández v. Texas was the brown Brown v. Board of Education. It was the first time that Mexican-American lawyers appeared before the United States Supreme Court, and their victory established a landmark in…
Wendy and Lucy
Critic’s Pick Wendy and Lucy Director: Kelly Reichardt Screenwriter: Kelly Reichardt Cast: Michelle Williams, Will Patton, John Robinson, Will Oldham, Walter Dalton Release Date: 2009-02-18 Rated: R Genre: Film The children of the homeless, the dogs of beggars — unless it’s Christmastime, concern for these two unfortunate groups is about as far as our sympathies…
Jason Kahn
Release Date: 2009-02-18 Contemporary Art Month presents a performance and sound installation by Zurich-based artist Jason Kahn. Kahn’s work as a musician began with his involvement in the post-punk, jazz-funk L.A. group Universal Congress Of during the late ’80s, after which he moved overseas and delved into the more meditative waters of free improv. Kahn…
Gabriel Alegria
Release Date: 2009-02-18 The historic Pearl Brewery further solidifies itself as an emerging urban cultural destination with a one-night-only concert featuring Peruvian trumpeter and composer Gabriel Alegria. Known for developing a unique form of world jazz, Alegria combines a distinctive approach to the jazz trumpet with the rich heritage of Afro-Peruvian music. Alegria and his…
Best of Bearded Child Film Festival
Release Date: 2009-02-18 The festival name alone is enough to make anyone scratch their head, and rest assured — Bearded Child is sneaking ample amounts of Just For Men, Viagra, and pure-grade Columbian cocaine into those morning Coco Puffs. A champion of bizarre, absurd, wacky wonders that most festivals wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole,…
White Rabbit Metalfest w. Brotherhood, Jacknife, By Any Means Necessary, Turbid North, Stir the Silence, Heir to the Throne, and more
Release Date: 2009-02-18 The White Rabbit is poised to shatter any decibel records they’ve accumulated over the years with a full night of mayhem featuring 20+ of the top new metal bands from Texas. Robb’s Metal Works will be filming the packed house and local heavyweights Brotherhood headline the fest after performing a blistering opening…
“Show Me” Manny: A Tribute to Manuel Diosdado Castillo
Release Date: 2009-02-18 Community activist, musician, and arts advocate Manuel Castillo was a person who liked to show people, places, and things that he loved. Saturday’s tribute honors Castillo’s life and work by offering community members a chance to show others the Manny they knew, expressing their appreciation and love for the dynamic Westside champion.…
Nothing More CD Release w. TheLastPlaceYouLook, Meriwether, & The Vinyl Affair
Release Date: 2009-02-18 One of the region’s most original acts, Nothing More celebrates the release of their latest, The Few Not Fleeting, with a headlining slot at Scout. The local tribal rockers are defined by energetic, compelling live shows which feature segments that mirror performance acts Blue Man Group and Stomp. The unique fusion of…
Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas Oscar Night
Release Date: 2009-02-18 Alamo Drafthouse is the place for glamorous A-list Oscar buffs this year — they’re serving up a red carpet bash with ballot voting, champagne toasts, and the 81st Annual Academy Awards up on the big screen. Appetizers, sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, salads, and a wide selection of hand-crafted beers and great wines will…
Actually a bistro
Frederick’s outpost is deliciously traditional
Literary Benefit III: After the Fire
Release Date: 2009-02-18 This Sunday, Our Lady of the Lake University (home to a new master’s program in English!) holds its third post-fire fundraiser. Hosted by poet Marian Haddad, the reading will feature noted San Anto scribes Michael Quintanilla, Gwendolyn Diaz, Current contributor Steven Kellman, Flannery O’Connor Award-winner Andrew Porter, and Jan Jarboe Russell. Out-of-towners include…
South Presa perfection
Release Date: 2009-02-18 For many San Antonians, “ice house” is spelled “La Tuna,” but there are a great number of other options throughout Say-town to consider. In fact, it would be a crime to know only one ice house, for they are a San Antonio tradition, documented even on NPR by the award-winning Kitchen Sisters. Just…
Diego Bernal
Release Date: 2009-02-18 As a civil-rights attorney by day, hip-hop beat-maker by night, Diego Bernal boasts a back story straight out of a comic book targeting inner-city youth. His live appearance at Luna Tuesday, celebrating the release of debut LP For Corners, will determine whether Bernal can fill the role, but the album is pure…
March of the Zapotec/Holland
March of the Zapotec/Holland Composer: Beirut/Realpeople Conductor: Beirut/Realpeople Label: Pompeii Release Date: 2009-02-18 Rated: NONE Genre: Recording The cover of Zach Condon’s latest release — listing two album titles, crediting two pseudonyms, and referencing three geographic regions — suggests schizophrenic map jumping. This set of conjoined EPs, one a collaboration with a 19-piece brass band…
The African Presence in Mexico: From Yanga to the Present
Critic’s Pick Release Date: 2009-02-18 Mrs. Audrea Adams, 102 years old, raised in Mexico, contributes her personal history to the Museo Alameda’s African Presence in Mexico: From Yanga to the Present with an appearance at 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 18. The exhibition tells the largely unexamined story of the history and culture of the African…
Music of the dark lady
I confess, I had a torrid affair this Valentine’s weekend. A threesome, actually — with Aviva and Dan: two terrifyingly talented performers who played songs of love, heartbreak, infidelity, and nostalgia at the Scottish Rite Cathedral Auditorium on Sunday. So what if there were 50 other people in the room? After an afternoon with the…
Prague rock
If you were to come into this world fully conscious and determined to make socially relevant art surrounding some of the topsy-turviest sociopolitical events of the 20th century, you could do a hell of a lot worse than to be born in (then-) Czechoslovakia in 1937. Jaroslav Malina (pronounced YA-ruh-slav Mah-lee-NAH) was endowed with the…
Violent world
Violence in punk rock here in San Antonio is substantially more prominent than anywhere else I’ve been. I’m not sure why that is (though I do have a theory involving the city government pumping experimental steroids into the water to breed a better class of football team). Regardless, it’s an issue that’s grown impossible to…
THE SOUND & THE FURY
Local art-metal trio Nothing More comes by its angst honestly. It only takes one listen to the tormented childhood anthem “Fat Kid,” with its steal-your-girlfriend promises of adult vengeance, to realize these dudes need a magazine rack, ’cause they’ve got some issues. That feeling is magnified by the locomotive assault of “Salem,” a track that…
Crevice
Excluding that rare couple that walks up the aisle to Throbbing Gristle or makes out to Meet the Residents, Crevice is most decidedly not for lovers. The long-running SA act’s blend of minimalist white-noise drone and synthesized psych-rock horror-movie soundtracking (or at least the version on display Valentine’s evening) seems designed to exhaust the senses…
“Murals” — Golden Lights
An acoustic guitar strum is followed by non-regional surf-and-wind ambience and what sounds like a mid-sized bong hit. A xylophone-led melody and sunny nasal-tenor vocals mostly proclaim variations of “whooooooyeaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh.” In other words, it’s the kind of thing you’ve heard before — some straight-ahead Southern Californian surf pop in a little less than four minutes,…
Oscar bet-a-thon
If you’re not a celebrity-leg-humping Us subscriber, the only way to get through Oscar night (Sunday February 22) without a psychotic episode or irreversible liver damage is to view the whole ceremony as an elaborate sociological experiment with no real relation to actual movies or their artistic merits. The question answered on Oscar night isn’t…
Cinema Obscura
If you’d like to continue believing that people are basically good at heart, it’s best to pretend The Adventures of Ford Fairlane is the result of a studio-executive double-dog-dare that went too far. Manicured Slimebag in Tailored Suit #1: I’ll bet you that I can make a movie about anything, with any shit cast list…
Submariner subterfuge
Perhaps “don’t be hypocritical” would’ve been a better motto for Google to recklessly abandon. Although that slogan gets confusing if you think about it too much. The company recently made news by bestowing yet another miraculous tool upon the world. The newest version of its Google Earth application now includes Google Ocean, a feature that…
Smells like ’80s acrylic
In the mid ’90s, bellbottoms rolled back into fashion with a thump. I was one of the first bodies to step into the low-slung, curvy shape, pleased by how they cut around my womanly hips and other rounded parts. Friends who teenaged in the 1970s clutched their heads at first sight of the bells. “Blecch. Bellbottoms. They were everywhere. You couldn’t…
Rich plaza, poor park
Although I was impressed by the City Manager’s swift response to last week’s Express-News story that the Cortez family of Mi Tierra fame had expressed interest in buying El Mercado through a land swap — it’s “dead” she announced not 24 hours later — I have to wonder: What would it take to get Our…
¡Ask a Mexican!
Dear Mexican: What is the deal with Mexican denial when it comes to dealing with child sexual abuse? I know counselors who tell me that it’s a big problem trying to get Mexican families to admit and confront this. In my own experience, I have seen my Mexican relatives be more concerned over the fact…
The QueQue
Once again, Friday the 13th proved that this most historically maligned of arbitrary dates (it’s not the Ides of March, after all) is hexed no more or less than any other planetary revolution. Evidence gathered from the days and minutes surrounding the witching hour: Lifeboat It was rainbows and unicorns last week for opponents of…
Dear Uncle Mat
An acquaintance and former good friend of mine reached out to me last week because she is getting a divorce. We used to be great friends many years ago when we were both single. Time, careers, and differences have led us apart. Now she is looking for support as she goes through this difficult time.…
Capitol ideas
The first thing you notice when you enter the waiting area of Leticia Van de Putte’s Capitol office in Austin is the abundance of gavels. Soon enough, you zero in on other items: the sign on her office door that reads “Don’t Mess With Texas Women”; the picture commemorating Pope John Paul II’s visit to…
Free Will Astrology
ARIES (March 21-April 19): For a limited time only, you’re in a position to consciously choose your next problems. This is a tremendous opportunity that I hope you won’t allow to go to waste. By being proactive, you can ensure the arrival of fun and interesting dilemmas, thereby avoiding the frustrating and draining kind. In…
The Serene Dominic Show : Video Podcast #12
Serene takes up smoking at Cancer Survivor Park and argues whether this is a vidcast or a vodcast before meeting Ryan Breen of Back Ted N Ted for some miniature golf and memories. After a spirited Lightning Round and Road Booty from an undisclosed location, it’s off to the land of the ice and snow…
Amuse-BOUCHE
Taking advantage of spring-like mid-winter in South Texas, we decided to lunch at the Grill at Leon Springs, an easy 10-mile ride north from downtown. Thierry, who put L’Etoile on the culinary map a generation ago, has created a very comfortable country-style restaurant, with spare but inviting furnishings. Particularly appealing is the spacing between the handsome dark…
Revelation man
The Reverend Seymour Perkins died of cancer on the evening of February 10 at age 79, leaving behind a little public controversy, a lot of hard times and struggle, and an ouevre of hundreds upon hundreds of blazingly original artworks. Self-taught but deeply sensitive to art history (always as a subset of human history, though),…
ARTIFACTS
This Thursday, February 19, the UTSA Downtown campus hosts a lecture and panel discussion moderated by Justin Boyd, who, in addition to making innovative artworks (often utilizing an unexpected sound component) and teaching as part of UTSA’s faculty (one which also boasts new media doyenne Leslie Raymond, of Potter-Belmar Labs), represents one full half of…
Candidates’ forum streams live tonight
Can’t make the candidates’ forum tonight at Jefferson High School — featuring mayoral hopefuls, District 7 contenders, and SAISD board candidates? SA4mayor.com (motto: We keep them honest!) will be streaming the program live: 6:30pm.
Welcome to the nuclear neighborhood?
By Greg Harman gharman@sacurrent.com You finally closed on the cutest little 3-2 bungalow on the corner of Ease Street & Tranquility Lane. But before you even get the shelf paper unwrapped a massive cooling tower rises from the earth with a rumble that sets your doublepanes askew. Welcome to the Nuclear Neighborhood. In the ongoing…
