Luminaria 2013 - Just Around the Corner

theFund is gearing up for another year of Luminaria, and we could not be more excited about it. Together with the help of the growing Volunteer Corps of 2013, made up of volunteers representing countless organizations and companies from around San Antonio, we are going to make the sixth annual Luminaria better than ever. A special shout out to some of our biggest supporters:

-Broadway Bank: see them at the t-shirt tents

-Citibank: find them in the ticket booths

-Bank of America: working at the command center

-SACU: operating beer concessions, thanks to the “Get GO. Give back” contest

-Phyllis Browning and SSFCU: directing from the information kiosks

This year, food trucks will line South Alamo in addition to the already vast array of food vendors available, and thanks to Silver Eagle, our Beer Concessions will be fully stocked (don’t worry: there’ll be plenty of soda and water for the youngsters). And this year, the Luminaria shirts were designed especially by an artist and will be available in addition to vintage souvenir shirts from previous years.

For 2013, we are so happy to say that we have 38 artists new to Luminaria in addition to 52 returning artists. Among the new artists are The Aesthetic of Waste, ARTheism, Katy Silva, and Bleep Attack!. Don’t forget to make your way over to the Riverwalk, where you’ll be able to enjoy art both on and along the river. There will also be performances all night at the Arneson Theatre behind La Villita. You’re not going to want to miss the new and exciting theatre, music, dance, and visual and media arts that are coming together on Saturday, March 9^th.

So mark your calendars and planners: Saturday, March 9, 2013 from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight. If you would like to volunteer for Luminaria 2013, visit theFund’s Volunteer Opportunities page to sign up today! If you would like more information about how to support the arts in San Antonio, visit our website at thefundsa.org.

Young San Antonio Musician Advocates for the Arts

For well over a year now, Michael Villarreal has made a gift of his talent to further the mission of theFund to support the arts in San Antonio. Many times, having to rise very early and travel long distances (thanks to his Father, Sam Villarreal), he has given generously of his time and talent over and over again, playing his cello for the employees at various companies and organizations that have hosted annual workplace campaigns.

Inspired by Michael's musical talent and commitment to the arts, donors get the opportunity to experience the fruit of their giving to theFund, as he is representative of YOSA,[Youth Orchestra of San Antonio] one of theFund's recipient affiliates.

Thank you, Michael for inspiring us, our donors, other students, now and in the future to make a difference by giving of your time and talent.

Interview with Michael Villarreal

When did you start playing the cello?

I started playing the cello November 2007 at the age of 11.

Was there one individual or moment that inspired you to begin?

There was no particular moment. I knew I wanted to be in my middle school orchestra. I chose the cello because I liked the sound of it.

Michael performing with YOSA

Where have you studied?

My studies have been limited to the state of Texas. I’ve studied with John Stuart here in San Antonio. I’ve also studied with Jeffrey Lastrapes from Texas Tech University and had master classes with Dmitri Atapine, Fred Edelen, Sharon Robinson, Anthony Elliot, and Bion Tsang.

When did you begin playing to support theFund?

To the best of my recollection it was March 2011 at the Toyota Plant.

What is your goal in performing for theFund?

Michael plays for employees at San Antonio River Authority

My goal is simple. The arts here in the San Antonio area are in need of funding. I would like to do my best to see that this happens and to maybe one day see San Antonio on par with some of the other big cities in the nation. San Antonio is the seventh largest city in the nation, and I think it would be nice for San Antonio to be known for the arts. I believe that San Antonio has the potential and the talent to have great artists and musicians. We only need the opportunity to do so. I guess my goal in performing with theFund is to help everyone who may want to be in the arts have that opportunity.

Why do you believe it is important to support the arts?

The arts enhance and simulate the mind and allow people to express themselves. I think it’s very important to make sure the arts stay in San Antonio and intertwine them with the culture of San Antonio.

What are your goals for your music?

I would like to revitalize classical music here in the San Antonio area and wherever music takes me in life.

What do you enjoy the most about performing?

I really like making a connection with the audience and trying my best to emote what the composer was writing about. Performing is my passion, and I hope to do it for the rest of my life.

Michael performs for Bexar County Employees

Actually, every performance has something really special to it. What amazes me is the record-breaking fundraising that has been done this year. I’m honored to be part of it and hope to continue to be part of it.
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If you would like more information about how to support the arts in San Antonio, visit http://www.thefundsa.org/

BEERFEST San Antonio 2012

 

The most amazing, beer-drinking experience ever! A few thousand beer lovers will join us on Saturday, October 27th at HemisFair Park. Together we will sample over 150 craft and premium beers, chew on many grilled and fresh baked goodies, and enjoy great live music by Whiskey Ships, The Act Rights, The Offbeats, Lonely Horse, Advance Cassette & Tbird & The Breaks.

Tickets on sale now for just $30 at Ticket Web (http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=4820455) or

charge by phone 210-227-0044.

Tickets will be $35 each at the door.
21 & Up Event, Rain or Shine

Remember to bring your lawn chairs!

Sponsored by Bud Light. Presented by SACurrent.com, Alamo Drafthouse & Cricket Wireless.

A portion of the proceeds benefits theFund.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJRw5yFHTe0&feature=plcp

Tonight: KLRN brand new program: ARTS the arts and culture scene in San Antonio,

KLRN PREMIERES NEW LOCAL PROGRAM: ARTS

San Antonio, Texas (October 4, 2012): Tonight, KLRN will premiere a brand new, weekly program titled ARTS which will highlight the arts and culture scene from San Antonio, through South Central Texas, and around the nation. Part of a national initiative from the top 30 PBS stations from around the country, ARTS will include local events/initiatives, a community arts calendar, and it will include segments submitted from the other PBS stations. This is a unique collaboration that allows KLRN to not only broadcast and highlight our local art efforts, but it also allows us to share them with the rest of the nation.

 Asia Ciaravino, President and CEO of The Playhouse, has been chosen as the host for the program. “Asia has a charm that people love---and that charm translates beautifully on television. We are thrilled that someone so LOCAL has joined us and will help to showcase our city to the world,” said Mario A.Vazquez, President and CEO for KLRN. “San Antonio is an arts and culture mecca. We have so much to show off in our fabulous city and this is just one more way we can give back to our community.”

 ARTS will broadcast weekly on KLRN, Thursday nights at 8:30PM. Every episode will also be available for viewing on the KLRN Video Player (http://video.klrn.org) after the broadcast.

 ARTS has generously been funded by The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts and The Kelso Foundation. The mission of KLRN is to enrich the lives of people throughout South Central Texas through the power of communication—providing quality programs and services that advance education, art and culture, and community. ARTS, in every way, helps KLRN to fulfill this mission and this promise to the community. More information about KLRN can be found at www.klrn.org .

Katrina J. Kehoe
VP of Marketing and Communications  
KLRN-TV

~KLRN is one of theFund's 25 qualified affiliates~

Ugandan Orphans Choir and CCSA in free concert!

Abayimbi! Ugandan Orphans Choir and CCSA in concert

September 28, 2012

Who: Children’s Chorus of San Antonio, The Ugandan Orphans Choir, and University UMC Children’s Choirs

Where: University United Methodist Church, 5084 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio

      When: Sunday, October 7 at 4:00 pm | Free Admission  

The advanced choirs of the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio (CCSA), The Ugandan Orphans Choir and the University United Methodist Church Children’s Choirs will present Abayimbi! on Sunday, October 7 at 4:00pm at the University United Methodist Church. The Ugandan Orphans Choir is a ministry of Childcare Worldwide – a non-profit organization dedicated to helping transform the lives of children through sponsorship and education which ultimately leads to employability. These talented children delight audiences with their dramatic drumming, tribal dancing and beautiful harmonies as they sing traditional African folk songs and contemporary Christian songs. This concert will showcase the CCSA and UUMC Choir’s creative and engaged singers with the Ugandan Choir’s unique artistry for an afternoon of shared song and culture.

 About The Ugandan Orphans Choir

The Ugandan Ophans Choir is composed of ten children ranging in age from 8-12 who are from the Ssese Islands located on Uganda’s Lake Victoria. The children are orphans who were rescued through Childcare Worldwide’s sponsorship program and the choir’s main objective is to raise awareness of the desperate need to help children living in Third-World countries. The Choir has performed in many different settings from churches to schools nationwide as well as Disneyland and pro-sports events, touching hearts everywhere they go. For additional information, please visit www.childcareworldwide.org.

 Season Information

The CCSA is now in its 30^th season and continues to provide exceptional experiences in choral music education and performance to over 450 children and youth annually. Season highlights include the Holiday Pops and Mahler’s Third Symphony with San Antonio Symphony, Brahms Reimagined with the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio, and a new weekly program for families and children at Haven for Hope, and a concert tour to New York City in June 2013.

Exciting things are happening at CCSA! From all walks and corners of greater San Antonio our singers represent the rich tapestry of our City and radiate the joy that comes from singing. Join us as we shape our future – one voice at a time.

 

About The Children’s Chorus of San Antonio

The CCSA was founded in 1983 with the mission to bring choral music education and performance opportunities to San Antonio’s young artists. Programs include seven performing ensembles for children and youth ages 7 – 18; Music Together^® with CCSA, an early-childhood music and movement program for infants and toddlers ages birth – 5 in four locations including Haven for Hope; Big Kids^® for youngsters ages 5 – 7; and Project: Sing!, neighborhood-based satellite ensembles for elementary-aged children in Harlandale, San Antonio, South San Antonio and Edgewood school districts. CCSA Singers represent San Antonio and surrounding communities, performing in a variety of concerts throughout the city. Advanced choirs have traveled nationwide with feature performances, toured Europe and Canada and have been featured on NBC-TV's Today Show. CCSA ensembles regularly perform with the San Antonio Symphony and the San Antonio Mastersingers among others.

 

For additional information on CCSA, its auditions or programs, please call 210.826.3447 or visit www.childrenschorussa.org

CCSA is one of the 25 qualified affiliates of theFund

Dinner with Rita Moreno

The Guadalupe presents Dinner with Rita – an evening with award-winning stage and screen actress Rita Moreno

Saturday, September 22, 2012

6 p.m.

Marriott Rivercenter

101 Bowie Street 78205

Tickets: $200; $150 (GCAC Members)

              $45 for performance only

Go To http://www.guadalupeculturalarts.org/index.html

to buy your tickets

 

(San Antonio, Texas) The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center in partnership with Capital One and Valero presents Dinner with Rita, on Saturday, September 22, 2012, 6 p.m. at the Marriott Rivercenter, 101 Bowie Street.  The gala dinner will feature the award-winning stage and screen actress Rita Moreno in “My Life with Words & Music,” an intimate glimpse of onstage and screen performances as it relates to both her Puerto Rican origins and efforts not to be merely typecast as an “exotic of whatever kind.” She belongs to an elite group of only eight living performers who have won entertainment’s grand slam of the industry's most prestigious awards: The Oscar, The Emmy, The Tony and The Grammy.

At just 80 years young, Moreno remains one of the busiest stars in show business. She is renowned for her role in the musical West Side Story (1961). She’s currently juggling performances of her own one-woman stage show, Life Without Make-up, with television appearances as Fran Drescher's mother in TVLand's Happily Divorced. In addition, Moreno is preparing to record a new album as a follow up to her self-titled CD and is currently at work penning her autobiography. 

Tickets for Dinner with Rita include dinner, musical performance and a private after party with the guest of honor. Tickets are $200 per person; $150 for GCAC members.  The Guadalupe has partnered with Valero to bring performance-only tickets at $45.  The musical performance begins at 8:30 p.m. For more information, call (210) 271-3151, ext 211; email meganb@guadalupeculturalarts.org or visit www.guadalupeculturalarts.org.

 ABOUT RITA MORENO:

Rita Moreno’s Oscar win came in 1962 as Latina spitfire “Anita” in the film version of West Side Story for which she also won The Golden Globe. The Tony was for her 1975 comedic triumph as Googie Gomez in Broadway's The Ritz.  The Grammy was for her 1972 performance on The Electric Company Album, based on the long-running children's television series. She won not one, but two Emmys – the first for a 1977 variety appearance on The Muppet Show and the following year for a dramatic turn on The Rockford Files.

In addition to film, stage, television and concert commitments, Moreno fills her spare time by lecturing to various organizations and university audiences on such varied topics as The Value of Diversity to our Culture, The Power of Language, Getting Older without Getting Old and A History of the Arts in Film TV & Theatre. She is also involved with a number of civic and charitable organizations and events.

Moreno has served on The National Endowment for the Arts and as a Commissioner for The President’s White House Fellowships. She has also served as a member of The President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities.  At a White House ceremony in June 2004, Moreno was awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush. The medal is the highest honor bestowed upon a civilian and ranks only second to The Congressional Medal of Honor as the nation’s highest award. It is conferred on individuals for a lifetime of meritorious service. In 2007, Moreno was inducted into the California Hall of Fame by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. In 2010, she was awarded The National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama as well as the Here I Stand Award for activism in the arts and the HOLA Lifetime Achievement Award.

ABOUT THE GUADALUPE:

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is a 501c(3) non-profit organization founded in 1980 to preserve, promote and develop the arts and culture of the Chicano/Latino/Native American peoples for all ages and backgrounds through public and educational programming in six disciplines: dance, literature, media arts, theater arts, visual arts and music. For more information, call (210) 271-3151 or visit www.guadalupeculturalarts.org.

 

 

The Guadalupe is one of theFund's qualified affiliate organizations

Affiliate Profile: The Playhouse

If you're reading this, you're probably aware that theFund works tirelessly to promote and maintain the arts in San Antonio. We do this by providing financial operating support for twenty six affiliate arts & culutural organizations around town that encourage, teach, and inspire people to express themselves creatively. However, just what exactly do these organizations do? How do they impact the community? Why is it so vital that they receive the support and funding they do? Over the next few months, we'll be profiling each one of our affiliates, so you can find out just how important their role in our city is, and how you can get more involved. With that said, today's affiliate profile is... 

The Playhouse, formerly known as the San Pedro Playhouse, has been a pillar of theatre and the dramatic arts for the past 100 years. Today, it looks forward to many exciting changes as Asia Ciaravino takes the lead role of President and CEO. While she's only been President since May, Asia has over fifteen years experience working for nonprofit organizations, and co-founded San Antonio's Classic Theatre in 1998. In a recent conversation, her dedication soon became apparent as she enthusiastically discussed the transformation of San Antonio's oldest arts organization. 

 At the beginning of the summer the image of The Playhouse began to change, beginning with a new name and logo that celebrate the distinctive building that houses the theatre. While the facade remains the same, however, the inside has been updated. The Cellar Theatre has been cleaned and gutted, old props cleared out, and the walls painted. The lobby is undergoing a dramatic revitalization as it becomes a more comfortable and inviting place for patrons. Asia emphasized that there was a need to "cleanse the space... and make it a safe place to be creative." 

Not all of the changes are merely cosmetic. Two shows have been removed from the 2012-2013 season which will ensure fully developed, quality performances. "Every action we've taken is forward thinking and done with love," says Asia. 

So with all of this said, what else does The Playhouse do besides put on great performances? Education plays a large role in the culture of the theatre. Over 100 children take part in summer classes, performances and workshops. Grants and scholarships are provided to approximately 10% of their students. Aside from being terrific sources of fun and creativity, these classes train the next generation of actors, technicians, directors, and artistic visionaries that will continue enriching our community. 

If you haven't already, make sure to check out The Playhouse's new season (season passes are still available!). This summer, productions of Hello Dolly and Little Dog Laughed will open, providing an excellent opportunity for superb theatre, as well as a chance to check out the updated facilities. Also keep your eye out for The Playhouse's Centennial Celebration on September 6th, which will feature musical numbers, refreshments, and general merriment. Tickets for this fundraising event can be purchased at on their website beginning July 20th. 

For more information on The Playhouse:

• visit www.theplayhousesa.org 
• email info@sanpedroplayhouse.com
• call at 210-733-7258
• drop by 800 West Ashby, San Antonio

The Playhouse is one of theFund's 26 qualified affiliates.