San Antonio Riverwalk Extension Nearly Ready!

For years, city leaders have coveted the funds to extend San Antonio’s famous Riverwalk to points beyond downtown. The bond election from a couple of years ago and some funding from the US Army Corps of Engineers have finally made it possible. And the first section of the expansion (Museum Reach – Urban Segment) celebrates its Grand Opening on Saturday, May 30 at 10:00 am near the lock and dam structure at Brooklyn Ave. More events take place all weekend long. River barge rides and walking tours will be available, along with music, food, and family-friendly activities. Surrounding properties (the El Tropicano Hotel, the Pearl Brewery, and the SA Museum of Art, among others) also plan special events that weekend.More details at the San Antonio River Authority website.

Don't Miss "Vexed" at the Vex!

Our very favorite community theatre (well, unless our friend Kyle is directing a show somewhere else), is the Sheldon Vexler Theatre at the Jewish Community Center (12500 NW Military), “a state-of-the-art, black box theatre that presents a full season of professional quality plays and musicals for the entire San Antonio community” (according to their website).

With intimate seating (no more than 200), there’s not a bad seat in the house. Every production we’ve seen has been top-notch, with excellent acting, directing, and costume design. Their recent production of Noises Off! was side-splittingly funny.

To close their 2008-2009 season, they’ll present a musical review from their last ten years, called Vexed, featuring songs from Fiddler on the Roof, Chicago, Into the Woods, and more. It runs May 14-June 7, with performances on Thursday and Saturday evenings, and some Sunday matinees. Tickets cost only $18 ($16 for JCC members).

You’ll want to consider season tickets when their 2009-2010 season opens. They are very reasonably priced; watch for more details on their website this summer.

Community Handbell Concerts

Point of personal privilege…in my blog intro, I said that my arts posts would focus on community arts groups. I happen to participate in one of those groups….the University United Methodist Church Handbell Ensembles. (5084 De Zavala at the corner of Vance Jackson. On website, click on "Fine Arts" then "Handbells.")

This Friday night (May 8) at 7:00 pm in the South Gym, we’ll present a program called “Ring ‘Round the World.” Come listen to music from Africa, Europe, South America, and Israel….all while nibbling on international-themed desserts. The event is free.

Participating groups:

• Lois Fritze Handbell Ringers


• Agape Ringers


• Jubilee Bells (my group!)


• Bells of Exultation

Another community handbell group, the River City Ringers, also presents its 2009 Spring Concert Series called “De Colores.” Concerts are free; donations are encouraged.

• Saturday, May 9, 7:30 pm, St. Andrew’s UMC (772 Robinhood Place, SATX)


• Friday, May 15, 7:30 pm, Universal City UMC (90 Winn Ave., Universal City)


• Saturday, May 16, 6:30 pm, St. Brigid’s Catholic Church (6907 Kitchener St, SATX)

Weissman Nominated for James Beard Award: Tonight!

Everyone root for Andrew Weissman (Le Reve and others)! He has been nominated for Best Chef (Southwest) by the James Beard Foundation. The winners will be announced tonight!

Festivals in and around San Antonio

Feeling like a festival? Here’s a list (with links) to 2009 festivals around the area (all in San Antonio unless otherwise noted). Send me a comment if you know if others.

• Becker Lavender Festival: May 16-17, Becker Vineyards (outside Fredericksburg)
• Old Gruene Market Days: every third weekend (except Dec/Jan)
• Kerrville Folklife Festival: May 21-June 7
• Texas State Arts and Crafts Fair: May 23-25, Kerrville
• Texas Folklife Festival: June 12-14 at the Institute of Texan Cultures. One of our favorites, but I sure wish they’d do it in October. It’s usually too hot in June.
• Gourmet Chili Pepper and Salsa Festival: July 24-26, Wildseed Farms (Fredericksburg)
• New World Wine and Food Festival: November 10-15
• Texas Renaissance Festival: October 10-November 29 (Sat/Sun and Thanksgiving Friday). OK, this is a drive (it’s just outside Houston), but worth it.
• Poteet Strawberry Festival: April 9-11, 2010
• Fiesta: April 15-25, 2010