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CURRENT | February 12-25, 2020 | sacurrent.com

9249 VIA SA Current 4.79x7.07 LADY.indd 1

.com 1/30/20 4:28 PM

in this issue San Antonio Current

Issue 20-04 /// February 12-25, 2020

Publisher: Michael Wagner Editor-in-Chief: Sanford Nowlin

Editorial

Food & Nightlife Editor: Lea Thompson Calendar Editor: Kelly Merka Nelson Contributing Arts Editor: Bryan Rindfuss Staff Writer: Chris Conde Digital Content Editor: Sarah Martinez Contributors: Ron Bechtol, Daniel Conrad, James Courtney, Jade Esteban Estrada, Dan R. Goddard, Lance Higdon, Steven G. Kellman, Hannah Lorence, Kiko Martinez, M. Solis, Gary Sweeney Editorial Interns: Diana Amaya, Brianna Espinoza, Trevor Flynn,

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Creative Services

Creative Services Manager: Tina Corbeil Graphic Designer: Samantha Serna Graphic Design Interns: Pedro Macias, Raquel Prado, Jacqueline Rivas, Gabriela Rivera

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Circulation Manager: Justin Giles

Business

Business Manager: Sonia Acosta

Euclid Media Group

Chief Executive Officer: Andrew Zelman Chief Operating Officers: Chris Keating, Michael Wagner VP of Digital Services: Stacy Volhein Creative Director: Tom Carlson Digital Operations Coordinator: Jaime Monzon Senior Marketing and Events Director: Cassandra Yardeni Director of Digital Sales: Fran DiCarlo www.euclidmediagroup.com National Advertising: Voice Media Group (888) 278-9866, vmgadvertising.com San Antonio Current 915 Dallas San Antonio, Texas 78215 sacurrent.com Editorial: (210) 227-0044 / Fax - (210) 227-7755 Display Advertising: (210) 227-0044 Fax: (210) 227-7733 Classified: (210) 227-CLAS / Fax - (210) 227-7733 The San Antonio Current is published by Euclid Media Group Verified Audit Member San Antonio Distribution – The Current is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. Get listed 1. Visit sacurrent.com 2. Click “Calendar” and then “Submit an Event” 3. Follow the steps to submit your event details Please allow 48 hours for review and approval. Event submissions are not accepted by phone. Copyright: The entire contents of the San Antonio Current are copyright 2019 by Euclid Media Group LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Publisher does not assume any liability for unsolicited manuscripts, materials, or other content. Any submission must include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All editorial, advertising, and business correspondence should be mailed to the address listed above. Subscriptions: Additional copies or back issues may be purchased at the Current offices for $1. Six-month domestic subscriptions may be purchased for $75; one-year subscriptions for $125.

12 Feature

Courtesy of VIA

In the Balance

Leaders say the ConnectSA plan isn’t an either-or proposition. That may be a hard sell to voters. BY S A N F O R D N O W L I N

09 News

Glitter Political

SD 19 Candidate Freddy Ramirez Leaves the Big Words at Home

Current Events

Now we get it, Senator Cornyn!

18 Calendar

Calendar Picks Art Pick

33 Arts

Funny Jaja

San Antonio’s Ha Comedy Festival isn’t interested in perpetuating negative Latino Stereotypes — even for laughs

37 Screens

Songs of Angry Men

Les Misérables features a strong political message but falls short on emotion

Dangerous Liaisons

The Assistant takes a minimalist approach to define toxic masculinity in the workplace

39 Food

ensure safety of fans

Music Picks

57 Etc

Terminology and Tradition

Tlahco brings new ingredients to SA’s Mexican food scene — j ust don’t obsess over what they’re called

Sober but Spirited

Dry January may be over, but SA’s mocktail trend is just getting started

The Takeaway: Tim McDiarmid o f The Good Kind Wants You to Know the Food Biz is Tough

Table Talk

49 Music

Taking in a Tragedy

After last month’s shooting at Ventura, local venues and promoters look to

On The Cover: Strap youself in for what may be a contentious election over new funding for VIA. Cover design: Melissa McHenry.

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CURRENT | February 12-25, 2020 | sacurrent.com

AN EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTING THE ARTISTIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF THREE FOUNDERS OF SAN ANTONIO’S CHICANO ARTS MOVEMENT:

JESSE A. ALMAZAN JOSE ESQUIVEL RUDY R. TREVIÑO

A national exhibit spanning contemporary artists whose work is tied to social justice, storytelling around identity and experience, and a transcendence of borders.

OPENING RECEPTION: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020 | 6PM – 9PM

CENTRO DE ARTES GALLERY IN MARKET SQUARE | 101 S. SANTA ROSA OPEN DAILY 11AM – 6PM FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC SanAntonio.gov/Arts #CentroDeArtesSA 210-207-1436 sacurrent.com | February 12-25, 2020 | CURRENT

CURRENT | February 12-25, 2020 | sacurrent.com

news

GLITTER POLITICAL

SD 19 Candidate Freddy Ramirez Leaves the Big Words at Home BY JADE ESTEBAN ESTRADA

exar County Prosecutor Freddy Ramirez faces formidable primary opponents as he vies for a chance to unseat Republican State Sen. Pete Flores. State Rep. Roland Gutierrez has served five terms in his current seat, and Xochil Peña Rodriguez is the daughter of former U.S. Rep. Ciro Davis Rodriguez. Having such high-profile opponents in the Democratic primary means Ramirez needs to build his community clout from the ground up. “Certain people already have those [political] connections made for them,” says Ramirez, 34. “I’ve been doing a lot of cold calling.” I’m sitting across from the first-time candidate at Café Azteca on the city’s East Side. During our conversation and later, during an SD 19 candidate forum, I notice that he has neither Gutierrez’s political polish nor Peña Rodriguez’s stately manner of speaking. He is, in fact, an out-andproud regular guy. In the past, people have encouraged Ramirez to sound more professorial and attorney-like, but he prefers to leave the big words at home. “In the real world, folks don’t necessarily want that,” he says. “They want someone who is relatable.” In the age when that kind of relatability can be an asset when challenging the status quo, Ramirez’s political inexperience could end up being his greatest strength. Need proof? Look no further than the candidate he aims to unseat. In 2018, Flores’ regular-guy approach helped him flip SD 19, making him the first GOP member to hold the historically Democratic seat in 139 years. Come November, the eyes of Texas will again be upon this battleground district. If it flips, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick could lose the Republican supermajority that allows legislation to be brought to the Senate floor without Democratic approval. Upon making the decision to run, Ramirez sought advice from former San Antonio Councilman Rey Saldaña,, and he still keeps those words in mind on the campaign trail. “He said, ‘Win or lose, at the end of it all, you will have a great chapter for your book.’” Ramirez still keeps those words in mind on the campaign trail. As we talk, I learn that the plot of Ramirez’s book has already taken some interesting turns.

Jade Esteban Estrada

Before going to St. Mary’s School of Law, he earned a science degree with an emphasis on cell and molecular biology. However, he soon realized he wasn’t a “lab person.” “I’m definitely more of a social animal,” he says. While in law school, he landed an internship with the district attorney’s office and fell in love with criminal justice. His previous work in cancer research trained him to look at treatment, and in his current role, he wants to do more to help people rehabilitate. Unfortunately, he says, policy and funding sometimes stand in the way. “That’s the frustrating part,” he adds. Ramirez decided running for office would give him a chance to make a positive impact on future generations. His understanding of the human body seems to have informed has informed his holistic approach to his three talking points: children, families and social issues. “You’re talking about the whole child. Mental health. Healthcare,” he explains. “Strengthening families [means ensuring people make] a decent wage. Paid parental leave and paid sick leave. How do we make sure they’re not one medical bill away from living on the streets?” Still surprised at Ramirez’s background in biological research, I ask him what message gets lost when it comes to cancer. “[That] it doesn’t discriminate,” he replies matter-of-factly. “Cancer is one of those things where, no matter your age, no matter your race, no matter where you come from, if it shows up, there’s a possibility that it [can do] some damage.” Prostate cancer was his area of research. He

agrees that men are less likely to check-in with a doctor, even as they get older. I ask him why that is. “I think this just goes back to men having this idea that ‘I’m invincible. I’m not gonna be hurt. Unless it’s bleeding or I can’t feel it or it’s falling off ... I don’t have to go,’” he says. “I wish more men would go and get themselves checked when the time is right. Cancer is one of those things that can pop up when you least expect it, and you’ve got to be able to catch it early.” He laughs when I ask him to share his biggest pet peeve. “So, I do get frustrated, oftentimes, at folks when they drive. I’m not a big horn honker. I’m not one to do anything vulgar, [but] there is definitely some yelling and some raising of my voice in the car.” Ramirez’s car is free of coffee spills, though. He’s energized enough in the morning without caffeine. “When you find you’re already running late for work and you get behind the wheel, your adrenaline starts running and you start gearing up,” he says. “So, my adrenaline’s pumped back on [highways] 151 and 90. So, by the time I [get to work], I’m good to go.” I ask what he most wants people to know about him. “People who know me at the courthouse know that I don’t write things down. I don’t take notes. I don’t read from notes,” he says. “I like to think with my mind but speak from my heart. When you do that, you’re going to make mistakes. You’re going to sometimes state the wrong thing. Hopefully, people will realize that you’re coming from a place of passion and emotion.” No caffeine needed.

Find more newsmore coverage Find news every day at sacurrent.com

news CURRENT EVENTS

Now we get it, Senator Cornyn! BY SANFORD NOWLIN Editor’s Note: The following is Current Events, a column of opinion and analysis.

en. John Cornyn, forgive us voters of Texas if we’ve seemed skeptical during your nearly 18 years in office. Some of us still aren’t sure what you actually stand for. After all, you seem to have reinvented yourself more times than David Bowie. In 2002, plenty of us figured you’d be the perfect fit for Phil Graham’s vacated Senate seat. Back then, you were the sensible chamber-of-commerce Republican with the law degree and the hearty endorsement of President George W. Bush. We’re sure your nice suits, square jaw and stately demeanor also had some part in closing that deal. You managed to stay with that look for a while, although the “stately” part sure took a hit when you aired your “Big Bad John” TV spot in 2008. Face it, you look more comfortable in starched shirts than rustler duds. We know you dusted that ad off again at a recent GOP gathering, but let’s just call the cowboy getup a failed experiment. But let’s not obsess over it. After all, it wasn’t long before your next reinvention. That came in 2014, around the time a bathroom-obsessed talk radio host was elected lieutenant governor of your home state. You faced a primary challenge then from one of those upstart Tea Party folks. Your opponent was as fringe as fringe gets, but just to make sure you stayed right where you were, you swung hard right — and fast as green apples through a goose. Once a vocal immigration reformer, you helped sandbag a Senate bill aimed at doing just that — one crafted after months of bipartisan negotiation. And you didn’t stop there. You blew apart years of Senate norms

CURRENT | February 12-25, 2020 | sacurrent.com

The White House

by joining the filibuster against confirming Chuck Hagel as defense secretary. In yet another middle finger to bipartisanship, you even voted against confirming fellow senator John Kerry as secretary of state. Wow, Senator. Talk about out-Tea Partying the Tea Party. And, now, we’ll be consarned if you haven’t reinvented yourself yet again. Sometime after President Donald Trump’s surprise victory, you traded in your “Big Bad John” Stetson for a MAGA gimme cap. We’d wager you even bought the T-shirt too. Few senators have been as eager as you to go on camera and offer up fawning defenses of the president — even as so much evidence of his abuse of power and obstruction came to light. It was no surprise you voted to acquit — after all, you’re no Mitt Romney. But you were so steadfast in your support that you didn’t even hedge with a verbal wrist-slap for your new BFF. In their haste to play both sides, fellow Republicans Lisa Murkowski and Lamar Alexander decried the

president’s actions “shameful and wrong” and “inappropriate.” But there were no such half measures for you, Sen. Cornyn. On a recent call with reporters, you refused to grant Trump anything but a sparkling bill of moral health. “[I]t would be wrong, just like it would be wrong in a court of law, to acquit somebody charged with a crime and then to go on to disparage their activity or character,” the Dallas Times-News quoted you saying. At first, we wondered whether that statement displayed a little too much willingness to ass-snorkel the commander in chief. But then we got it, Sen. Cornyn! Your willingness to say or do absolutely fucking anything to get reelected is all part of a grand scheme to finally win big for your constituents. We’ve heard pundits from both sides of the aisle point out that you don’t really stand for anything aside from keeping your seat. We’ve heard critics say you’re lying through your teeth when you say the big, bad Democrats are stopping you from

doing anything about protecting the healthcare of Texans with pre-existing conditions. We now realize what a savvy mover you truly are: if you can just hold on long enough, you can take your other good buddy Mitch McConnell’s job. After all, you’re his lieutenant, and how many more times can he dupe the people of Kentucky into voting for him? Failing that, maybe you could pull a cabinet seat out of the president for whom you’ve shown such unyielding loyalty. Yes, it’ll be from a position of real power that you finally start doing things for your constituents, Sen. Cornyn. Like helping some of us get health coverage. After all, we are the most uninsured state in the nation. Or maybe you could take stab at immigration reform once it’s safe for you to stop defending your boss for locking up kids in cages. We’ll keep waiting, Sen. Cornyn. Until then: God bless, good luck, and remember to throw a few scraps our way once you reinvent your way to the top.

sacurrent.com | February 12-25, 2020 | CURRENT

ing buildings — as it is about economic empowerment.” Beyond the implications for the Alamo City’s ability to meet the future needs of its citizens, November’s vote has high political stakes. Mayor Ron Nirenberg centered his 2017 election campaign around fixing the city’s growing gridlock. ConnectSA is his effort to deliver on that promise. Complicating matters, the mayor narrowly won reelection in a 2019 runoff against populist challenger Greg Brockhouse. “The mayor doesn’t have a lot of political capital to spend [on ConnectSA],” said St. Mary’s University Political Science Professor Arturo Vega. “Of course, if he’d won that last election with 70% of the vote, that it would be a whole different story.”

Limping Along

Shutterstock

In the Balance

Leaders say the ConnectSA plan isn’t an either-or proposition. That may be a hard sell to voters. BY SANFORD NOWLIN

an Antonio’s ConnectSA program seems like it should be an easy sell. The $2.7 billion project aims to relieve road congestion while making big improvements to public transit. Those seemingly worthwhile ambitions couldn’t come at a better time, either. The city is

CURRENT | February 12-25, 2020 | sacurrent.com

girding for unprecedented growth and last year inked a plan to shrink its carbon footprint. But, as the adage goes, the devil is in the details. A key component of ConnectSA — one that would mean a nearly 20% funding increase for VIA Metropolitan Transit

— depends on voter approval in November. And observers warn that it faces long odds if proponents can’t win over two important allies in the fight — environmentally conscious residents and the working poor. So far, environmental advocates are wary. The vote to boost VIA’s funding relies on the city shifting a 1/8 cent sales tax that currently funds the Edwards Aquifer Protection Program, or EAPP. Under that redirection — dubbed VIA Reimagined — the tax set aside for the aquifer, parks and creekways would expire and not appear on the ballot. Political experts say that without a concerted effort by ConnectSA backers — primarily, Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff — the lower-income residents who make up a large share of VIA’s ridership also may not turn out in sufficient numbers. That’s vital to overriding conservative voters wary of breaking from the status quo. “I think we need to have a greater diversity of voices when we talk about the economic aspects of the plan,” veteran Democratic political consultant Laura Barberena said. “It’s not so much about economic development — you know, build-

Nirenberg said he understands he alone can’t close the deal for VIA’s new funding. In coming weeks, ConnectSA proponents will roll out a campaign that relies heavily on grassroots organizing and emphasizes the importance of public transit to reducing carbon emissions and economically empowering citizens. Better public transit means fewer cars on the road, which should be a selling point to environmentalists, Nirenberg maintains. After all, automobiles account for as much as 70% of carbon emissions. Beyond that, better public transit is one of the ways San Antonio — one of the poorest and most economically segregated U.S. metros — can ensure upward mobility for its citizens, the mayor also argues. “If we don’t choose to invest in our transportation system now, we move forward with the status quo and condemn ourselves to the future we already know is coming,” said Nirenberg said. “We have reached the point of no return on transportation.” The failure to win more money for VIA wouldn’t mean a blown engine for ConnectSA, proponents say. But, to keep the automotive analogy going, failure at the ballot box likely means the plan would sputter ahead, unable to reach highway speeds. The realignment of the 1/8 cent sales tax would put $38 million in VIA’s coffers annually on top of its current $190 million income. That would fund rapid transit bus lanes running east to west and north to south, longer running times and more frequent stops. It would also enable an expansion of VIA’s mobility-on-demand pilot program that lets suburban customers

Courtesy of VIA

hail van rides to the nearest bus stop like a rideshare service. Without those components, ConnectSA would consist of only what the city and county can undertake out of their own budgets and through Texas Department of Transportation projects. Those would include a high-occupancy vehicle lane along U.S. Highway 281 North and plans for more sidewalks, electric vehicle charging stations and safe, curb-protected lanes for bikes and non-car transportation. Nirenberg said he’s met frequently with members of San Antonio’s environmental community to assure them that the funding shift wouldn’t mean the city is turning its back on protecting the aquifer. Under state law, the transit system can only be funded by up to one cent of locally collected sales tax. While other Texas cities fund their systems with a full cent, VIA receives just half that amount. “The solutions are right in front of us,” Nirenberg said. “We just need to arrange the pieces in the right way.”

Unanswered Questions Even so, one potential solution is already drawing the ire of environmentalists: the mayor’s proposal to turn over aquifer protection to the San Antonio Water System. Last month, SAWS CEO Robert Puente told the board of the city-owned utility that under such a plan, aquifer protection would only get half its current funding of around $100 million over five years. “It’s not that we’re not interested,” in continuing the current funding level, Puente told the Express-News. “We’re incapable of spending that kind of money.” The stakes couldn’t be higher, environ-

VIA officials say additional tax revenue would allow the transit system to increase the frequency of bus routes and expand its on-demand pickup program.

Sanford Nowlin

mentalists warn. The Edwards Aquifer provides 80% of the city’s drinking water, and the EAPP protects it from pollution by buying land or conservation easements to prevent development over recharge areas. To date, the program has preserved more than 160,000 acres of private land in Bexar and other counties. But ConnectSA proponents argue that the EAPP’s success means it no longer needs to stay at its current funding level. Much of the property it’s now mulling easements to protect is in far-flung rural areas in no immediate danger of development. “Taking money from Bexar County and giving it to rich ranchers in the west doesn’t make a lot of sense to me,” Bexar County’s Wolff said. Wolff also said the county plans to fund the portion of the EAPP that protects linear parks and creekways, which would lift

some of the burden from SAWS and the city. But that part of the plan isn’t without controversy either. In a letter posted on Facebook late last month, Precinct 4 Commissioner Tommy Calvert warned that the county was rushing to a vote to allocate $200 million for creekway protection. Details of such still haven’t been shared with him and other commissioners, which he called “an insult to the intelligence of the two million people we represent.”

Protecting Water and Air Conservation advocates warn that the funding realignment goes beyond a

budget cut. Susan Hughes, who served for more than 20 years on the Edwards Aquifer Authority board, said the plan to move EAPP under SAWS would be disruptive and jeopardize relationships with the area landowners. “This whole program is about relationships,” she said. “You just don’t pull the rug out from under everyone like that and expect it to keep working.” While the EAPP has purchased easements on tens of thousands of acres, Hughes argues that there’s still more to protect. EAPP supporters also point out that the program locks in funds for aquifer protection. If that responsibility is shifted to SAWS, there will be no such safeguard to prevent money from being siphoned to other programs. Members of the environmental community say they understand the role public transit plays in combating global warming. However, many are reluctant to back the effort until they fully understand how the city will protect its drinking water. “So far, I haven’t seen a proposal that’s comprehensive in its treatment of both needs,” said climate activist Peter Bella, a former natural resources director with the Alamo Area Council of Governments. But EAPP’s support goes well beyond die-hard environmentalists. Although the plan was first approved in 2000 with just 56% of the vote, it was renewed in 2010 with

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CURRENT | February 12-25, 2020 | sacurrent.com

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WHAT IS COMPONENTS: 66% approval. The number skyrocketed to 78% in 2o15. As divided as San Antonio’s electorate appeared to be in the last mayoral election, local voters seem to be in agreement that the city needs to protect its groundwater. “I would love to have this solved yesterday,” Nirenberg said. “We’re going to have a solution on how to handle aquifer protection solidified and solved as soon as possible.”

‘Same Old Playbook’ So far, the public face for ConnectSA has been former San Antonio mayor Henry Cisneros, who last month presented a two-hour pitch on the plan to city council. In a speech, Nirenberg also mentioned Brooks development CEO Leo Gomez — a former executive at two local chambers of commerce — as someone he’s tapped for support. But political experts caution that the plan proponents that members of the political old guard and Chamber of Commerce-approved business will only go so far in energizing voters. After all, pulling former mayors out of retirement and drawing endorsements from the city’s business establishment wasn’t a winning strategy in the 2018 fight against the fire union’s punitive ballot propo-

• Rapid transit bus lanes running east to west and north to south • More frequent bus arrivals • Later bus runs • Mobility-on-demand programs • Smart transit programs

sitions. The Local voters hastily signed off composed New Funding: $38 million per year on two of plan didn’t those mealine up How It’s Paid for: VIA would get 1/8 cent in additional sures — a with the sales tax funding resounding priorities defeat to of current SOURCE: VIA officials City Hall. transit VIA users and Chairsuffered man Rey because Saldaña said he wants the service’s riders Mayor Megan Barry didn’t build public themselves to take a starring role in the buy-in, according to a new analysis by campaign. He recalls from his days on city the nonprofit TransitCenter. A key part council how persuasive videos of VIA cusof the failure was the political establishtomers were in winning a 2017 vote to fund ment’s inability to win support from increased bus route frequency. grassroots organizations and people of “We’re so used to pulling the playbook color. from the shelf and saying, ‘This is what we “For this to work, you really need to ran last time. Let’s do it again,’” Saldaña build a coalition that reflects the entire said. “That’s not how we win this.” community,” the report’s author, Zak Accuardi, told the Current. Accuardi, who’s familiar with the issues surrounding ConnectSA, said clean water and transportation improveIf ConnectSA proponents want to know ments aren’t mutually exclusive aims. what happens when citizens balk at a trans- Still, proponents of the plan will need portation plan, they need look no further to build consensus and take concerns than a 2018 public referendum in Nashville. about aquifer protection seriously. Even as that city grappled with sprawl and “The goals of cleaner air and cleaner gridlock, voters rejected an ambitious $5.2 water are perfectly aligned, so hopefully billion public transit proposal by a 2-to-1 San Antonio can find a way to thread margin. that needle,” he added.

Learning from Nashville

Courtesy of VIA

Ticking Clock Should Alamo City voters reject additional public transit funding, VIA CEO Jeff Arndt said other aspects of ConnectSA could move forward. However, VIA will need to make tough choices about how it reshuffles money to stay part of the plan. “Without additional funding, we’ll be in the situation of rearranging deck chairs,” he said. Political observers say city and county officials may be waiting until after the March election to begin a public campaign in earnest. They also caution that waiting too long makes it harder to win support for such a complex proposal. Wolff said he’s confident city and county leaders can effectively sell VIA Reimagined to voters if plans for protecting the aquifer and creekways are sorted out by “spring or summer.” But observers say they may not have that much leeway. Indeed, the details of the plan are complex and some of the key constituencies needed for its support are likely to go into election season with a hearty dose of skepticism. “If they’re still having these kinds of conversations in May or June, that’s going to be a big problem,” St. Mary’s Vega said.

11TH ANNUAL

Open Weekends: Feb 29 - April 19, 2020

& Fri, March 20 For Spring Break

10 AM To Dusk Rain Or Shine | No Pets -Camping Available-

Location

1883 Old Hwy 20 Mcdade, Tx 78650

35 Miles East Of Austin -Or2 Hrs Northeast Of San Antonio

Entertainment

Join Robin Hood & Lady Marian as they host full contact jousting, falconry, swordplay, archery, juggling, comedy, theater & more. Medieval England comes to life in Central Texas.

Artisans + Merchants We host a grand selection of hand-crafted goods in Central Texas. We offer demonstrations like glass blowing, blacksmithing, pottery spinning, leather armor making, weaving, jewelry & art creation, & others.

Song + Dance

You'll find minstrels, bards, storytellers, magicians, jugglers, & all types of performers strolling our lanes & playing on our stages. If you're lucky, you may spot a faery or two!

Food + Drink

From trenchers weighty with tasty fare to tankards overflowing with foamy mead, there's plenty to eat and drink at Sherwood Forest Faire. You'll discover medieval treats & delicacies.

Tickets On Sale Now At Sher woodforestfaire.com | (512)222-6680 | Follow Us On 16

CURRENT | February 12-25, 2020 | sacurrent.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 6 - 9 pm:

CATALOGS AVAILABLE NOW!

Admission for two to Fred events is free with the purchase of the tour catalog (excluding theatre performances). Advance catalogs ($15) available at these area

ON & OFF FRED AUTOGRAPH PARTY Opening Reception @ Bihl Haus Arts • 2803 Fredericksburg Road • 210.383.9723 Music by Los Nahuatlatos • hors d’oeuvres & libations • 60+ featured visual artists & more than 200 guest poets, musicians & performance & visual artists!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 11 am - 6 pm & SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, Noon - 5 pm:

ON & OFF FRED ROAD STUDIO TOUR Buy a catalog, follow the map, look for yellow balloons & yard signs! Spend the weekend meandering through artists’ studios and area galleries. From reclaimed former neighborhood grocery stores to intimate backyard sanctuaries, the studios on the tour provide environments in which local contemporary artists create a variety of works, such as largescale ceramic sculptures, metalwork, one-of-a-kind light fixtures, art photography, bead work and embroidery, and painting in a variety of styles. Demonstrations, hospitality, and opportunities to purchase art directly from the artists are all part of the On & Off Fred experience.

businesses:

DANDYLAND TATTOO 1620 Fredericksburg Rd • 210.432.5747 DECO PIZZERIA 1815 Fredericksburg Rd • 210.732.3326 DECO PIZZERIA 2026 Babcock Rd #107 • 210.996.3316 THE JUNCTION 1704 Blanco Rd • 210.273.3439 THE TWIG at The Pearl Brewery • 210.826.6411 VEE’S SALON 1022 Donaldson • 210.733.7131

Catalogs will also be available during the tour for $15 at Bihl Haus on Feb. 22 and 23 Join us for the ON & OFF FRED AUTOGRAPH PARTY at Bihl Haus Arts, 2803 Fredericksburg Road, 6-9 pm on Friday, February 21, 2019. Admission for two to this event is included with the purchase of the ON & OFF FRED CATALOG. So please purchase a catalog and bring a friend!

www.OnAndOffFred.org | (210) 383-9723 Presented by:

@OnAndOffFred

/OnAndOffFred

Sponsored in part by:

sacurrent.com | February 12-25, 2020 | CURRENT

FRI | 2/14 – SAT | 3/7 THEATER

TWELFTH NIGHT

Courtesy of Agarita

THU | 2/13 – SAT | 2/15 CLASSICAL MUSIC

THE CAPULETS AND MONTAGUES

The Agarita Chamber Players and Opera San Antonio are teaming up for a collaborative winter performance of The Capulets and Montagues. This isn’t a straight-up retelling of the Bard’s Romeo and Juliet, so don’t expect a balcony scene. But rest assured the tragic consequences of a waylaid messenger are largely the same. Vincenzo Bellini pieced together secondhand retellings of Shakespeare’s ill-fated paramours into the two-act opera The Capulets and Montagues, turning his career around after the failure of his opera Zaira. In fact, he reworked nine of Zaira’s melodies for his version of Romeo and Juliet in an admirable example of hustle. Antony Walker of the Washington Concert Opera will conduct this informal, non-staged concert version of The Capulets and Montagues, with soprano Rachele Gilmore as Giulietta and mezzo-soprano Corrie Stallings in a historically gender-bent “pants” role as Romeo. What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than experience the doomed tryst of two teenagers who barely know each other? $45, 7:30 p.m. Thursay and Saturday, Luella Bennack Music Center, University of the Incarnate Word, 4301 Broadway St., (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — Trevor Flynn

Hear ye, hear ye! William Shakepeare’s romantic comedy Twelfth Night shall shipwreck a lust triangle of sorts at the Overtime Theater. The comedy centers on twins Sebastian and Viola, who become separated after washing up on an island post-shipwreck. Typical Shakespearean escapades ensue, including all the running around, misapplied infatuation and hidden motives audiences know and love. The Overtime’s production is set in a contemporary space with minimal spectacle, but the Elizabethan diction of the play hasn’t been marred by an update to modern-day English. The production does, however, throw some Shakespearean casting directives to the wind with a few ladies taking on traditionally male roles. Original music written and produced by Jack Bonner will also feature in, transforming Shakespeare’s words and wit into lyrical songs featuring Meaghan Setterbo as Feste. $10-$15, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. February 23 (through March 7, see website for additional showtimes), Overtime Theater, 5409 Bandera Road #205, (210) 557-7562, theovertimetheater.org. — Brianna Espinoza

FRI | 2/14 – SAT | 2/15

FRI | 2/14 – SUN | 2/16 DANCE

Y ROMEO AND JULIET

Those who aren’t down for an opera version of Romeo and Juliet — see above, dear readers — may find a ballet version more to their liking. Ballet San Antonio will conclude its season with Sergei Prokofiev’s adaptation of the William Shakespeare classic. The Russian composer ended up in hot water with the state when he gave the tragedy a happy ending, effectively rewarding the lovers for choosing each other over societal obligations. Subsequent adaptations have long since reverted to the original double suicide, but Prokofiev’s score lives on. In this production, choreographer Edwaard Liang stages the play’s most iconic moments with care, from the tender balcony scene to dashing sword fights. Balletomanes can pay a bit extra either to attend a post-show reception on opening night or to meet and take photos with the cast after the matinee on Saturday. $24.50-$129, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, H-E-B Performance Hall, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — TF 18

CURRENT | February 12-25, 2020 | sacurrent.com

David Teran

Courtesy of Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club COMEDY

I HEATHER MCDONALD

Heather McDonald may not like it when people say she looks like Celine Dion, but that doesn’t stop her from doing a cringe-inducing impression of the Canadian diva. Widely known for her celebrity impressions and sketches on Chelsea Lately, McDonald’s 2016 comment that she “lived in fear” of being fired throughout the show’s seven-year run prompted Chelsea Handler to accuse her of selling personal secrets to Us Weekly. Both women have since said tabloids blew the exchange out of proportion, but that kind of celebrity gossip is the meat and potatoes of McDonald’s podcast Juicy Scoop. Her stand-up has focused more on her career, motherhood, and how she copes with being married to a man so cheap he insists on splitting a fountain drink at Panda Express. $20-$50, 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club, 618 N.W. Loop 410, (866) 468-3399, improvtx.com/sanantonio. — TF

Frazzled Flora ART

I BLACK SHEEP VALENTINE’S DAY SHOW

Have an insatiable appetite for face paint, blood and things that make you uncomfortable even in the daylight? The Black Sheep Valentine’s Day Show will bring all of the above to Galeria E.V.A. for an evening of macabre romance. Known for a dark, avant-garde bent, Black Sheep’s art takes viewers on wild rides through the underbelly of the imagination. Performances by Hated Bodies, Birds and Bees, The Wizard and Dawn Rajaa will fill the alternative celebration of love with sounds for those who are sick at heart. To commemorate the night’s festivities, patrons can take ghastly portraits with a murder-themed photo wall from local photographer Cottonmouth. If you take a Valentine with you, just make sure they’re ready to explore the gory side of love. $5, 7-11 p.m., Galeria E.V.A., 3412 S. Flores St., (210) 503-5663, facebook.com/galeriaeva. — BE

calendar

FRI | 2/14

Courtesy of Aztec Theatre

FRI | 2/14 BURLESQUE

THE PASTIE POPS’ VA-VA-VALENTINE

The Pastie Pops are back with their annual Valentine’s Day bash, a night of burlesque, comedy, drag and more sensual shenanigans. Hosted by Camille Toe, Va-Va-Valentine features special guest Raquel Reed, the 2017 New Orleans Queen of Burlesque and star of “Absinthe” at Cesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. A warning to those with weak hearts: Reed can even make audiences swoon while wearing a gorilla suit. In addition to Reed, the night’s red-hot lineup of dancers includes sexy San Antonians Jasper St. James, Vixy Van Hellen, Mary Annette, Mustang Ryder and Natasha B. Capri plus Dallas’ Lily Liqueur and Austin’s Chola Magnolia and Sabra JohnSin. The cherry on top? Live music by San Anto’s own Mr. Pidge and Alyson Alonzo and the Romantics. $20-$60, 8 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — Kelly Merka Nelson

WED | 2/19 COMEDY

Y STONE COLD AND THE JACKAL

General Hospital stars Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson are taking their comedic chemistry on the road under the banner of their characters’ nicknames, “Stone Cold” and “The Jackal.” The unlikely onscreen friendship between steely mobster Jason Morgan and slang-spewing hacker Damian Spinell blossomed into a successful real-life partnerCourtesy of Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

ship for Burton and Anderson. Their podcast That’s Awesome is a treasure trove of fan content for soaps fans: guests include actors from General Hospital along with other stars and industry insiders. The tour brings the duo’s signature witty banter to San Antonio along with musical performances and a Q&A session. VIP ticketholders will get a chance to meet the stars and take a selfie after the show. $49-$99, 7:30 p.m., Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club, 618 N.W. Loop 410, (866) 468-3399, improvtx.com/sanantonio. — TF

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CURRENT | February 12-25, 2020 | sacurrent.com

SACurrent_4.79x10.6875_The Illusionists.indd 1

2/10/2020 11:59:54 AM

P RE S E N TS

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S ip, See &Shop T H U R S DAY, A P R I L 2 N D, 5 - 7 P M

S AV E T H E D AT E F O R A F R E E , F A M I LY F R I E N D LY E V E N T.

Q U A R R Y M A R K E T. C O M | 2 5 5 E . B A S S E R O A D , S A N A N T O N I O , T X 7 8 2 0 9 sacurrent.com | February 12-25, 2020 | CURRENT

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Columbia Pictures

THU | 2/20 FILM

I HONEYMOON IN VEGAS

Unless you freak out over Nicolas Cage movies as much as Cage himself freaks out in his career’s most overwrought performances (“Not the bees!”), chances are you haven’t seen the Academy

Award-winner in a live-action film in quite some time — his last wide release that didn’t tank at the box office was 2012’s Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. Since then, most of Cage’s cinematic contributions have included voice work in animated films and roles in straight-to-VOD garbage like last year’s A Score to Settle and Running with the Devil. Instead of torturing yourself with one of those, why not revisit one of his earlier films instead? No, it’s not one of his best pre-Oscar movies, but 1992’s Honeymoon in Vegas has its moments. Cage stars as Jack Singer, a private eye who loses $65,000 in a poker game to a pro gambler (James Caan), who promises to wipe away the debt if Jack lets him spend the weekend with his fiancée (Sarah Jessica Parker). Keep your eyes open for a 7-year-old Bruno Mars, who cameos as “Little Elvis” singing “Can’t Help Falling in Love” onstage. Free, 9 p.m., Oak Hills Tavern, 7920 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 614-8855, facebook.com/ thevideodungeon. — Kiko Martinez

SAT | 2/22 ART

‘THE CATACOMB SAINTS’

Inspired by the macabre Catholic practice of exhuming the bodies of ancient Christians from the catacombs of Rome and sending them abroad to serve as relics in churches across Europe, curators Vidvad Scare, Markus Ferris, Daniel Kranz and Taro Hanrahan have dreamed up the one-night exhibition ‘The Catacomb Saints.’ The show will feature an array of eerie art by nearly 60 artists from around the world including Emil Melmoth, Zack Dunn, Babs Webb, Jesse Levitt and Jason Stieva as well as San Anto’s Caitlin Rose, Dingy Dave and Lauren Raye Snow. Ghasts and ghouls who attend will also be treated to tunes spun by DJ Rickbats. If the fact that the exhibition is based on mummified corpses isn’t enough of a hint that this is a grown-ups-only event, this may do the trick: all attendees must be 18 or older. $5, 6-11 p.m., The Parish, 1624 Buena Vista St., theparisharts.com. — KMN Emil Melmoth

SAT | 2/22 – SUN | 2/23 SPECIAL EVENT

ALAMO CITY GUITAR BAZAAR

THU | 2/20 – SAT | 2/22

Julian P. Ledezma

TH EATER

THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND

A new theater company called The Players at the Pointe will premiere its first season of LGBT-focused programming February 20 at Woodlawn Pointe. The season opens with Thank You for Being a Friend, a parody of the popular 1980s sitcom The Golden Girls with actors in drag playing the roles of Blanche, Rose, Dorothy and Sofia. Artistic director Jose De Joyos, along with partners Gilbert Lopez and Kristi Waters, will head the company and build upon previous efforts. “We had some theater at Woodlawn Pointe before, but we didn’t have anything that was consistent… So, they tasked me with coming up with a season,” De Joyos told the Current. He’s counting on Thank You for Being a Friend to be the perfect way to introduce audiences to the company and entice them to keep coming back. Certainly, The Golden Girls’ theme of having a “chosen family” has always resonated with LGBT audiences. As for the name of the company, De Joyos said it references the many roles LGBT people often play in their lives. “A lot of us had to play straight, we had to play different kinds of people,” De Joyos said. “We were actors even before we were acting.” $10-$15, 8 p.m. Thursday, February 20, Friday, February 21, Saturday, February 22, Friday February 28 and Saturday February 29, The Living Church at Woodlawn Pointe, 702 Donaldson Ave, (210) 468-2787, facebook.com/WoodlawnPointe. — Marco Aquino 22

CURRENT | February 12-25, 2020 | sacurrent.com

Roughly 50 musical instrument vendors from around the country will convene on San Antonio for the second installment of this annual trader’s market. The owners of SA’s Robot Monster Guitars and Collectibles launched the show last year, making it the city’s first — at least in recent memory — largescale swap meet for vintage musical gear. Expect to see plenty of musicians and hobbyists haggling and horse trading for new and road-worn axes, amps and effects. And, since these regional events also attract serious and deep-pocketed collectors, don’t be surprised to see some jaw-droppingly rare instruments with the price tags to match. $10, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Venue Villita, 401 Villita St., (210) 489-0665, alamocityguitarbazaar.com. — Sanford Nowlin

MON | 2/24 SPECIAL EVENT

MST3K LIVE: THE GREAT CHEESY MOVIE CIRCUS TOUR

The Mystery Science Theater 3000 Netflix reboot may have been cancelled last fall, but the Satellite of Love isn’t out of commission. Lucky for us, O.G. MST3K

host Joel Hodgson is giving it one last hurrah with The Great Cheesy Movie Circus tour. Joined onstage by his robot best friends Tom Servo, Crow, Cambot and Gypsy, Hodgson will give the riffing treatment to No Retreat, No Surrender — a 1986 Karate Kid-adjacent martial arts flick featuring Jean-Claude van Damme in his feature film debut. He’ll be joined by new sparring partner “Mad” Mega-Synthia (Yvonne Freese), who’s the clone of two former MST3K nemeses, Pearl and Synthia Forrester. While Hodgson is the only original cast member on this tour, the show was put together by the Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Return writing team, so the jokes are guaranteed to replicate the magical snark beloved by fans old and new. $31.60-$324.50, 7:30 p.m., H-E-B Performance Hall, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — KMN

Friday, February 14 | 6:00â€“8:00 p.m. Free with Museum admission

Music: Johnny P and the Wiseguys Tours: 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Cocktails (Cash bar) | Artmaking

200 West Jones Ave | samuseum.org sacurrent.com | February 12-25, 2020 | CURRENT

In the event of inclement weather, Art Party is held indoors. Art Party is a collaboration between the San Antonio Museum of Art and KRTU Jazz 91.7

FEB 12 & FEB 26 TH

CURRENT | February 12-25, 2020 | sacurrent.com

calendar

Mathew Murphy

TUE | 2/25 THEATER

COME FROM AWAY

Come From Away is as improbable a Broadway hit as one might dream up: it’s a Canadian-born musical about the aftermath of 9/11, designed with a stripped-down wooden set and powered by a folksy band. Well into the era of spectacle-driven mega-musicals such as Wicked and Frozen, this concept could come off as quaint — not to mention a box-office loser. But Come From Away has an ace in the hole: it’s not only well-crafted and moving, but timely. The plot demonstrates the hospitality Newfoundland residents offered to passengers on diverted airliners after 9/11 — in a town so small the 7,000 passengers nearly overwhelmed the number of residents. It’s a musical, then, about generosity and kindness to strangers, and a gentle, salutary reminder that borders need not be barbed and that people need not be cruel. Come From Away is still playing to packed houses in Manhattan, so we’re lucky that it’s coming from far away to us now. $45-$278, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 7:30 p.m. Sundays through March 1, Majestic Theatre, 224 E Houston St, (210) 226-3333, majesticempire.com. — Thomas Jenkins

sacurrent.com | February 12-25, 2020 | CURRENT

improvtx.com/sanantonio | 618 Nw Loop 410, SaN ANTONIO, TX 78216 | 210•541•8805

FEB 14 - FEB 15

FEB 19

FEB 28 - MAR 1

MAR 5 - MAR 7

MAR 12 - MAR 15

Heather McDonald

Stone Cold & The Jackal

DERAY DAVIS

Jeremiah Watkins

D.L. Hughley

CURRENT | February 12-25, 2020 | sacurrent.com

PECHAKUCHA 37 SAN ANTONIO FEBRUARY 20,2020

HAPPY HOUR 6:30 SHOWCASE 7:30

HERMANN SONS BALLROOM

sacurrent.com | February 12-25, 2020 | CURRENT

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CURRENT | February 12-25, 2020 | sacurrent.com

art pick THU | 2/13 – TUE | 2/25 ART PICK

‘XICANX: NEW VISIONS’ AND ‘LOS MAESTROS: EARLY EXPLORERS OF CHICANO IDENTITY’

he Centro de Artes is dedicated to “telling the Latino experience with a focus on South Texas,” and two new exhibitions opening February 13 allow it to do just that. With “XicanX: New Visions” and “Los Maestros,” the center looks back at the “maestros” of Chicano art while highlighting young and emerging artists of today. Together, the shows allow for an intergenerational dialogue between artists and viewers. Presented on the gallery’s first floor is “XicanX: New Visions,” a national exhibit curated by the local artist team Dos Mestizx (Suzy González and Michael Menchaca). As evident by the title, this show challenges many of the traditional ideas tied to Chicanx or Latinx identities and socio-political issues. The exhibition uses the evolution of the term Chicano to Xicanx, which came to bear to allow the inclusion of queer, feminist and activist artists in a mostly straight, male-dominated genre. The first “x” in Xicanx is a reference to Nahuatl, one of the indigenous languages of Mesoamerica, and the “x” at the end serves as an alternative to the gendered -o/-a suffix. Featuring the work of 34 artists, “XicanX: New Visions” reveals how “Latinx artwork can be established across ideological borders,” highlighting the work of female, queer, immigrant, indigenous and activist artists. The exhibition includes traditional paintings and prints as well as new media, video and installation-based pieces. Among the featured artists are Natalia Rocafuerte, Emilia Cruz, Eric Iniguez and San Antonio’s Mark Anthony Martinez. On the second floor, the Centro de Artes takes it back to the beginning with “Los Maestros: Early Explorers of Chicano Identity,” an exhibition curated by the Centro Cultural Aztlan. This exhibition is unique in that it highlights the work of three underrepresented founders of San Antonio’s Chicano arts movement: Jesse Almazan, Jose Esquivel and Rudy Treviño. All three were members of Con Safo, one of the earliest and most significant artist collectives of the Chicano arts movement. “Los Maestros” will also be the first public showing of Almazan’s work since his death in 2002. The show serves as a reminder of the significance of San Antonio artists within the Chicano arts movement. In the 1960s and 1970s, Chicano artists were often shunned from mainstream galleries and institutions, so they had to organize their own groups, exhibitions and galleries in urban centers throughout the Southwest. Heavily influenced by the Chicano movement, Chicano art was an attempt by artists to create a unique artistic identity. Together and individually, these innovators explored uncharted territory and opened new doors for future generations of creators. Free, 6-9 p.m. Thursday, February 13, on view 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through June 28, Centro de Artes, 101 S. Santa Rosa Ave., (210) 206-2787, getcreativesanantonio. com. — Marco Aquino

sacurrent.com | February 12-25, 2020 | CURRENT

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29 book and lyrics by w. blake winchell, music by brett strader, featuring the san antonio symphony, soloists, and choir

2:00 P.M. AND 7:00 PM TICKETS UNDER $30 AT TOBINCENTER.ORG

CURRENT | February 12-25, 2020 | sacurrent.com

PROCEEDS BENEFIT REMEMBER THE ALAMO FOUNDATION

sacurrent.com | February 12-25, 2020 | CURRENT

CURRENT | February 12-25, 2020 | sacurrent.com

arts

Funny Jaja

San Antonio’s Ha Comedy Festival isn’t interested in perpetuating negative Latino Stereotypes — even for laughs BY KIKO MARTINEZ

f jokes about the reproductive capabilities of Mexican women or the number of day laborers it takes to change a lightbulb is your idea of humor in 2020, chances are the inaugural Ha Comedy Festival, February 21-23, won’t be your cup of manzanilla. The three-day event is an extension and rebranding of the popular Latino Laugh Festival that called San Antonio home from 1996 to 1999 before moving to Los Angeles for one final year. Twenty years later, Jeff Valdez, founder of the original festival and the cable channel SíTV (now NuvoTV), decided to team up with a few co-producers to revive the fest, which gave a platform to comedians including Cheech Marin, George Lopez and a then-unknown Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias. Although the Ha Comedy Festival doesn’t include the term “Latino” in its name, it is following in its predecessor’s footsteps as a showcase exclusively for Latino comics. “We’re very proud of being Latino, but we decided we didn’t need to call it Latino,” Valdez said. “We didn’t need to say, ‘These are funny Latino comics.’ They’re just funny comics.”

Universally Relatable More importantly, they’re funny comics who aren’t going to use their Latino background as a crutch that allows them to perform lazy jokes. Sure, there are plenty of stand-ups who still think building a set around la migra and cholo jokes is hilarious, but Valdez isn’t interested in promoting negative stereotypes. “The new generation of comics is focused more on life experiences than they are on race,” he said. “So, we’re going to stay away from chancla jokes and gangbanger jokes and border jokes and focus on stuff that is more universally relatable.” To ensure this happens, Valdez and his team have vetted the comedians and curated their sets to fit the festival’s mission. That process includes urging comedians to avoid material that’s too political. “I don’t know that anybody mentions [Donald] Trump one time in their act,” Valdez said. “What this won’t be is a Trump-bashing comedy festival. This is not about that. This is

Ha Comedy Festival

Courtesy of Rick Gutierrez

about celebrating our lives and our community and our humor.”

Setting Pride Aside Austin-based comedian Travis J. Reyes, who isn’t part of the festival, says he understands the “quality control” aspect of Valdez’s plan. However, he doesn’t think it’s responsible to stop comedians from performing well written and thought-provoking jokes about the current U.S. administration. “Telling comics not to be critical of people in power isn’t good for comedy,” said Reyes, a San Antonio native. “Comedy should be about punching up, not down. I get not wanting ‘Commander-in-Cheeto’ jokes, but legit critiques of [Trump] shouldn’t be discouraged.” San Antonio comedian Larry Garza said he “has a lot of respect” for the festival’s perspective and hopes those who want to participate next year will be able to identify the fine line between jokes that stereotype and those that authentically address Latino culture and life. “If you just set your pride aside, it’s all for best,” said Garza, who will perform two solo stand-up shows during the fest plus a pair with his Comedia A Go-Go sketch troupe. “I don’t purposely write Latino material and I don’t purposely write

February 21-23 Prices, times and venues vary hacomedyfest.com

non-Latino material. I just write material and the way it comes out is a representation of me.”

Expecting Quality The Ha Comedy Festival culminates on its final day with two special TV tapings at the Empire Theatre hosted by comedian and actress Anjelah Johnson (TV’s MADtv). Among others, the lineup includes comedians Carlos Alazraqui (TV’s Reno 911!), Gina Brillon (TV’s The Connors) and Jesus Trejo (Netflix’s Mr. Iglesias). Along with a series of stand-up and sketch comedy shows during the week, the event will also feature the film premiere of the new zombie comedy Witness Infection starring Robert Belushi, son of the late comedy icon Jim Belushi and a star of TV’s How I Met Your Mother. Also on tap is a oneman performance of the Broadway show Prinze by José Sonera, which celebrates the life of late comedian Freddie Prinze. “If there is an area where Latinos are woefully lacking, it’s in the world of comedy,” Valdez said. “Latino audiences will show up, but they want quality. You can’t spend $1.95 and expect them to say, ‘Oh, you did that for me?’” For a full lineup of events during the Ha Comedy Festival, visit hacomedyfest.com.

Find more artsmore coverage Find news every day at sacurrent.com

EVENT PRESENTED BY & BENEFITING THE

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CURRENT | February 12-25, 2020 | sacurrent.com

FASHION SHOW PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

San Antonio Fashion Awards Winner

“2019 FASHION EVENT OF THE YEAR”

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San Antonioâ€™s n ewest in door boulderin g, yoga and f itness facility located downtown. Featuring custom-built walls, yoga & pilates studio, and functional f itness room. Our gym provides a n a d ve n t u ro u s a n d we l l - ro u n d e d we l l n e s s experience for people of all ages and abilities.

The return of

ThAtrTheiDillllaa Saturday, Feb. 15 Join Us For Our Next Big Climbing Competition Of The Year

THE RETURN OF THRILLA AT THE DILLA

This year we will be hosting a Citizens comp and a USA Climbing Collegiate Competition Series event in two separate sessions.

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Les Misérables features a strong political message but falls short on emotion BY KIKO MARTINEZ

he Oscar-nominated French drama Les Misérables isn’t based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel of the same name, but it does share a setting and some thematic elements. Directed by Malian filmmaker Ladj Ly, and adapted from his own short, this Les Misérables is set in Montfermeil, a suburb of Paris where two of Hugo’s literary characters, Jean Valjean and Cosette, initially meet. Les Misérables follows three police officers, volatile Chris (Alexis Manenti), relaxed Gwada (Djebril Zonga) and level-headed Stéphane (Damien Bonnard), the latter of whom recently joined the force’s anti-crime unit. As Chris and Gwada show Stéphane the lay of the land, viewers get a glimpse of the diverse people living in the area. Although French citizens have just celebrated a World Cup victory together, the camaraderie is short-lived when a group of burly gypsies, who own a traveling circus, start looking

around the projects for a young black boy they think stole their lion cub. The storyline steers Les Misérables into a narrative dead end, in which the unengaging plot advances confidently but with little emotional support from Ly’s characters. As racial tensions reach a breaking point, Ly and co-writers Giordano Gederlini and Manenti don’t seem to know where to focus their energy and end up spreading their message thin. Inspired by the 2005 riots in Paris, the animosity boiling over in the streets is palpable, but the film lacks context and a real understanding of the anger that sets the final act ablaze.

Dangerous Liaisons The Assistant takes a minimalist approach to define toxic masculinity in the workplace BY KIKO MARTINEZ

eet Jane. In The Assistant, she’s an entry-level office associate to a top New York-based film executive. Although she’s only been in the position for a few weeks, Jane, played wonderfully by Julia Garner, seems to have a handle on all her daily responsibilities — as mundane as they may be. She’s the first one in the office before the sun comes up and is in charge of everything from making coffee to confirming her boss’s meetings and setting his schedule. She also takes calls from his angry wife, who’s always asking his whereabouts. It’s obvious right away that Jane’s supervisor, a man whom viewers never see during the film’s 85-minute runtime, is a huge prick. He berates Jane on the phone when she makes a mistake and uses his unchecked power to get what he wants. That includes taking advantage of the countless aspiring actresses who walked through his office door long before Jane was hired.

The toxic work environment — mostly made up of men — has taken its toll on Jane, but she’s not indifferent to the things going on behind closed doors. She is, however, helpless and essentially trapped. Her resentment and the shameful aspects of the company employing her makes the film, at times, uncomfortable to watch. Those nerve-wracking details create meaningful moments, one in particular when Jane visits her company’s male HR director to file a formal complaint, only to be chided and dismissed. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about,” the director tells her. “You’re not his type.” The words are like a dagger to her heart. Garner gives Jane incredible strength while also allowing her to be vulnerable and emotionally and physically exhausted. Between this film and

screens

Songs of Angry Men

Amazon Studios

Les Misérables deals with strong social topics, sure, but French officials should have chosen the superior Portrait of a Lady on Fire to represent their country at the Academy Awards this year. Instead, they put their money on making a political statement and missed the mark. Les Misérables is currently playing exclusively at the Santikos Bijou Cinema Bistro.

all the TV work she’s done in the last two years, including Ozark, The Americans, Dirty John, Waco and Maniac, Garner is definitely one to watch. Written and directed by Kitty Green (2017’s documentary Casting JonBenét), The Assistant is extremely effective, especially since this is her debut as a narrative filmmaker. Taking a minimalist approach, Green guides her drama like she’s making an observational documentary on her lead Bleecker Street Media character. She follows Jane as she maneuvers her way through the office setting and forces herself to tolerate her other male coworkers, including one who tosses paper at her when he wants her attention. The decision to establish the narrative so subtly and with an underlying eerie quiet makes The Assistant that much more compelling. At a time when more women are stepping out of the shadows and becoming whistleblowers for the bad behavior they see and experience from men in the workplace, The Assistant is an indirect call for people to consider those victims who are unable to speak out for themselves. The Assistant opens exclusively at the Santikos Bijou Cinema Bistro February 21.

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Tlahco brings new ingredients to SA’s Mexican food scene — just don’t obsess over what they’re called BY RON BECHTOL

lahco Mexican Kitchen is a bright and clean-looking place in grey and white with wood tables and metal bistro chairs in a punchy shade of rosa Mexicano. Service is efficient and friendly. And the menu offers some ingredients not often seen in Mexican restaurants hereabouts. But be prepared for some nitpicks about 6702 San Pedro Ave. | (210) 455-0135 the terminology the restaurant uses on its 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Wed., menu. I’ll identify those as they come. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Thu. and Fri., First, let’s talk about one of those 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday seldom-seen ingredients: tuétano, a form of bone marrow. At Tlahco’s, it appears as PRICE RANGE: $1.95-$65.00 two cross-cut pieces of bone — marrow in BEST BETS: tacos de asada y tuétano, the middle — flanking mini tacos of sliced sope de chorizo, tacos dorados, conchas steak with grilled onion, crushed potato con nata and a chile toreado. Push the gelatinous THE SKINNY: Tlahco Mexican Kitchen marrow onto the tacos and get ready is a fresh new face in the local Mex/ for a sensory experience. The silkily sexy Tex-Mex pantheon. It offers ingredients accessory makes the steak and potatoes and dishes rarely seen around these positively posh. parts: tuétano (bone marrow) tacos, In contrast, a double-wrapped taco for example, and a breakfast plate of featuring barbacoa, normally a bold and colorful conchas with whipped cream assertive filling, came up short and needed and hot chocolate. Tacos dorados with perking up with a squeeze of lime. Seriously chicharron y mucho mas are also worth a And now we get to nit No. 1: my undercompacted, try, as are its take on sopes, topped with standing of a sope is that it’s a thick masa in other chorizo and spicy potatoes. A parrillada “puck” with turned-up edges — kind of like words. But platter presented over a charcoal brazier a gordita with a crater to cradle ingrediat Tlahco, offers evening splurge opportunities. ents. Tlahco omits the crater, which seems as manlike a shortcut, but this influences only agement expectations and texture, not the taste. By whatever admitted, it’s really just pork belly. No pressing. name, their sope de chorizo, served with refried Should we care? Maybe not; in the long run, this beans and spicy papas adobadas, is a flavor bomb. term too could be changing, and the pork belly was It warrants an order, nit notwithstanding. The same really only a team player in the mix of fried taquito masa base serves as a foundation for the sope de ra- shells filled with potato and piled with pickled jas, a combination of robust refrieds with strips of onion, cabbage, carrot, crema and the bits of belly. poblano and a wedge of grilled panela cheese. The The construction is supremely messy to eat, but it’s rajas get a little lost in the jumble of other ingredialso extremely good. ents, but this creation is also worth your attention. The parillada al carbon, available only in the A schoolyard brawl of colorful components evenings, exceeds expectations by being served to characterizes the tacos dorados de chicharron you over a brazier fired up with a couple chunks prensado, and this leads to nit No. 2: the presumed of glowing charcoal. The $36 price tag may seem marquee ingredient that is the prensado. It could steep for a platter with no really outstanding single be that this terminology is changing, sort of in the ingredient — except maybe the accompanying way that beef fajitas, originally named after a speguacamole. But this is about the whole, not the cific cut of meat, morphed into almost any platter parts. Take your pick of flour or corn tortillas and with sizzle: chicken, shrimp, whatever. In Mexico start loading up with sliced arrachera (just a tad dry City markets, I’ve seen chicharron prensado (literbut tasty), chicken, better-than-expected shrimp, ally “pressed”) in the form of a layered trompo, that grilled onions and sausage, which I wanted more vertical spit from which al pastor tacos are shaved. of. Slather on the guac, and it’s all good. On the

Tlahco Mexican Kitchen

food

Terminology and Tradition

Ron Bechtol

side, share a quesadilla, a portion of a grilled Anaheim chile, some sabroso charro beans. To make it even more of a celebration, you can bring your own wine with no corkage charge. A sample of lunchtime dishes revealed some as good but not outstanding — the green enchiladas and huevos divorciados, for example. But breakfast brings the possibility of café de olla, another relative rarity locally. Served in a clay pot, it’s seriously cinnamon-y and sweet — but a welcome option regardless. And it’s a great companion to colorful conchas con nata, served four to an order with spiced hot chocolate. And this leads us to nit No. 3: nata. This term traditionally varies from meaning cream that’s risen to the top of a container, forming a skin, to something more akin to English clotted cream. San Antonians may not be ready for nata as it’s known in Mexico, but I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of disappointment at being served crema batida, or ordinary whipped cream, instead. I got over it after dipping the first concha in the semi-spicy hot chocolate — it’s served in a bowl, which seems to invite dipping — then in the whipped cream. Indulgence is indulgence, no matter the precise terminology.

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food Sober but Spirited Dry January may be over, but SA’s mocktail trend is just getting started BY LEA THOMPSON

pirit-free cocktails may sound like an oxymoron, but for folks looking to embrace a sober lifestyle or even take an occasional break from booze, they’re a welcome addition to San Antonio’s nightlife and dining scene. Increasingly focused on mental health and physical wellness, many consumers are backing away from the bottle. The number of people participating in Dry January, an international month-long reprieve from drinking, hit an all-time high this year with one in five polled in a Nielsen study saying they planned to take part. “I’ve been drinking less at work myself, and I’ve seen a push for more options for individuals who are sober or looking to cut back too,” said David Naylor, bartender at the Modernist, which is at the forefront of serving up booze-free craft cocktails in San Antonio. “But there’s more to this world than cranberry and Topo.” The midcentury-style bar near the Pearl last year launched a monthly Spirit Free Sunday series, turning around liquor bottles for the day to become fully alcohol-free. Every third Sunday of the month, the establishment offers a selection of affordable, zero-proof cocktails that run $3 to $9. That menu is also available during the week to anyone looking to socialize and enjoy a drink without booze. Inspired by the work of his mentor Julia Momose, a leader of the spirit-free movement in Chicago, Naylor has found a way to create cocktails crafted with technique, fresh ingredients and respect. The idea is to make booze-free drinks as flavorful and aesthetically pleasing as classic cocktails. Among the the Modernist’s spirit-free menu are the Tropical Tweet — a cocktail made with blend from the non-alcoholic spirits maker Seedlip plus booze-free Giffard aperitif. Cold brew, caramel, pineapple and lime

Jaime Monzon

complete the flavor profile. The end result is reminiscent of the Jungle Bird, a classic Tiki drink made with rum. “I try not to use the word ‘mocktail’ because it’s pejorative in a sense. There’s nothing mocking about what we’re doing,” he said. “We try to use the phrase ‘spirit-free’, which is more positive. Bars and consumers have been so dependent on liquors for so long, so it’s really a new challenge.” According to a 2018 report from Berenberg Research, Americans in their teens and early twenties are drinking 20% less than millennials, who themselves drink less than previous generations. Sober bars have also gained traction in big cities like Chicago and New York. Advocates say the spirit-free movement welcomes both those in recovery and “sober-curious” folks looking to change the way they consume alcohol, whether to avoiding hangovers or im-

prove their health by imbibing less. While booze-free bars have yet to take off in San Antonio, local bartenders say they’re seeing more visitors take a pass on alcohol while they enjoy nights out. “On Sundays and Mondays, we see a lot of people who are looking to enjoy themselves without necessarily getting trashed,” said Aaron Peña, owner of Squeezebox on the St. Mary’s Strip. “Every bar can be a sober bar. It’s really about becoming more inclusive.” Peña recently teamed up with Twang — a local brand best-known for its cocktail seasonings and beer salt — to offer new flavorful drinks like the Michenada, a vegan, non-alcoholic drink reminiscent of the beerbased michelada. Twang is among the growing group of traditionally alcohol-focused brands to offer new, non-alcohol-

ic options. According to IWSR, an analytic leader in the global beverage alcohol market, the U.S. low- and no-alcohol drink industry is poised to grow by more than 18% between 2018 and 2022. “We’ve seen that despite the changing market demands and increased interest in sobriety, there’s still room for something new,” Twang Marketing Director Edmundo Macias said. In coming months, Twang will launch new products including a mango chile rimmer, which can be used for non-alcoholic or spirited cocktails. The products let it sell to businesses such as coffeeshops, which don’t necessarily have liquor licenses. “People are still into flavor, they’re into socializing, but it’s a whole new generation that’s not necessarily into alcohol,” he said. “I don’t think this is a trend, I think it’s here to stay.” sacurrent.com | February 12-25, 2020 | CURRENT

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Talk BY LEA THOMPSON OPENINGS:

Courtesy of The Good Kind

The Takeaway: Tim McDiarmid of The Good Kind Wants You to Know the Food Business is Tough

I wish more people understood how tough it is in this industry. It’s a very intense business. I wish people understood that asking restauranteurs constantly for free things, it’s hard. People need to understand that restaurants have one of the shittiest profit margins. Food is work; nobody should be doing this for free. There are so many people involved.

Name: Tim McDiarmid Job: Founder of The Good Kind Hospitality Group and Tim the Girl Catering Birthplace: Vancouver, British Columbia Years in food service: 30 Big impact: Operates a catering company plus The Good Kind restaurant and Ivy Hall events center, both in Southtown Money quote: “Food is work; nobody should be doing this for free.”

How important is sustainability to your business? Very. We almost go broke using the highest quality eco-friendly materials and ingredients. It’s super important. People can talk about sustainability all day, but it doesn’t matter if you can’t figure out to make money. Then there’s business sustainability – the health and happiness of your employees, having a manageable life, they’re all super important to me.”

Tell us about your background and how you got where you are? I worked my way through university in restaurants. Then I moved to New York City, where I lived for 20 years and worked in every aspect of restaurants — design, kitchens, planning — and then spent two years at a New York-based organic farm. It was my first foray into getting meals onto the table for 100 people at a time. I moved back to New York City, and then moved to San Antonio 10 years ago. I was a full-time single parent;

I didn’t know what I was going to do here. I wanted to figure out what I could do while taking care of a child. I realized I could work from home with catering. How would you describe your food? I’d say it’s upscale hippie food with a Mediterranean bent. I spent time working in Italy. It’s really fresh, playful, farm-to-table food. What’s your favorite ingredient to cook with and why? Any and all vegetables. Any kind of aromatic spice like cardamom is a favorite. And ginger. I drink fresh turmeric and ginger every single day of my life. What’s your secret weapon at work? My mind, my intelligence, my willingness to learn. For a long time, I was so panicked about being a great boss. Now I hire people that are smarter than me. What do you wish more people understood about your job and restaurant?

What’s next for you? We just closed [The Good Kind] at the Pearl a few days ago, and I’m super excited to have my whole focus on one property. We’re activating Ivy Hall a lot more, more special events at the restaurant, so that means I have more time to spend creating more events, including a special James Beard dinner this year. We’re always working on becoming more sustainable and working on the team.

Alamo Smoke, a new smokehouse at 358 E. Craig Place, is bringing pizzas, sandwiches and smoked brisket to the near Northside. ... Neighborhood bar Espuelas has officially launched with new cocktails and beers at 306 Austin St. … Chicken chain Raising Cane’s recently opened its 15th San Antonio location 11703 Bandera Road.

CLOSINGS:

Vegan co-op Munch On and Beyond at 13469 Wetmore Road has closed, but there’s a new vegan business expected to take its place in the coming weeks.

EVENTS TO WATCH:

Chef Johnny Hernandez’s 11th Annual Corona Paella Challenge will return to Mission County Park, 6030 Padre Dr., on Sunday, March 8. Attendees can sample 30 versions of the iconic dish and enjoy sangria, beer and wine. … A new Girl Scout Cookie Flavor Fest, which runs February 24 to March 1, will bring the iconic fundraising treats to special menus at participating restaurants and bars. If you would like to see your restaurant or food event featured in Table Talk, email Food Editor Lea Thompson at FLAVOR@sacurrent.com. sacurrent.com | February 12-25, 2020 | CURRENT

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Taking in a Tragedy After last month’s shooting at Ventura, local venues and promoters look to ensure safety of fans BY CHRIS CONDE

ast month, police responded to a shooting at live music venue Ventura that left two dead and five injured. Kiernan Christopher Williams, a rapper scheduled to perform that night under the name 32BABY K9, opened fire and killed concertgoers Robert Jay Martinez III, 20, and Alejandro Robles, 25. The January 19 double homicide shook San Antonio music lovers, raising questions arising about safety at live shows and whether venues are doing enough to ensure the safety of their patrons. “In three and a half years we’ve never had an incident like that,” Ventura owner Michael Carillo said. “Being that we’re off of the River Walk, we’ve always tried to have a family friendly vibe and model the same atmosphere as a place like the Friendly Spot. We have music events, yeah, but it’s never the kind of place that’s been like a nightclub or an environment where you’d have to get patted down.” Even so, it’s not the first time the city’s music scene has been rocked by gun violence at what had otherwise appeared to be safe venues. Ram Ayala, owner of the legendary punk club Taco Land, was killed in 2005 triple shooting, and 210 Kapone’s owner Pete L. Gonzales was slain by gunfire in 2015 outside his club. While mass shootings such as last year’s El Paso Wal-Mart tragedy have grabbed recent headlines, the city itself has become less violent in recent years. San Antonio recorded an 11.45% drop in violent crime in 2018, according to an FBI crime data report. The San Antonio Police Department did not respond to the Current’s request for data on how many of the shootings it responded to in recent years occurred at local bars and live music establishments. “Whether indiscriminate or targeted, shootings in public places are the symptoms of a sick society, and sadly, perchance, a part of our everyday life that will likely continue,” said Blayne Tucker who owns the prominent St. Mary’s Strip venue The Mix. Tucker said clubs should provide door security. He added he that at least one member of a bar’s staff should have military, law enforcement or some other training on how to

Chris Conde

handle active-shooter situations. He wouldn’t confirm whether The Mix has increased security since the Ventura shooting. “Frankly, I don’t think discussing safety [and] security protocol publicly about any particular establishment is the best practice,” he added. “I do, however, stand by and initiate everything I said.” The Aztec Theatre, operated by mammoth concert promoters Live Nation, has some of the most visible security compared to other San Antonio music venues. In addition to checks from security personnel, concertgoers walk through metal detectors at the doorways. Live Nation officials told the Current it works closely with local law-enforcement, but they wouldn’t say whether all the group’s venues had similar levels of security. But better venue security may just be part of the solution, scene insiders caution. Rapper and promoter Jose Angel Perez, who raps under the moniker SpyMC, says venue owners and managers need to take a closer look at the artists they host and the crowds they’re likely to draw. “As a promoter, I strongly advise other promoters to do more research on who you are booking at your events,” he said. “It is our job to fill up a venue with people in order to make money, but it is also our job to ensure the safety of our guests and provide an enjoyable experience for them to take home. We fix this by handling our bookings and running our events more professionally.”

Local music venue Ventura has stepped up security after a shooting at a show there left two patrons dead.

Andrew Esparza, general manager of St. Mary’s Strip venue Limelight, has increased security at his club since the Ventura shooting. On top of that, he’s spending more time looking into the background of acts playing the club. “We on the booking end have been more thorough than ever when selecting who we work with, and we are doing a little background work to ensure we aren’t committing to acts that could bring us any possible violence,” he said. “On higher volume shows we have more security present now,” he added. “Not just a door guy. We have someone that floats around the venue keeping an eye on everything. Sometimes we have a stagehand just watching the stage area and floating to our side door.” Even though business is back to normal at Ventura, owner Carillo says he’s hired a security team for events to prevent tragedy from revisiting a space for fans to enjoy music and comradery. “Obviously, we know what kind of place we are — and are not — but our priority has always been making people feel safe,” he said. “So, we will do whatever is necessary to commit to that message.”

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music IRATION, RIES BROTHERS, BALLYHOO!, IYA TERRA

What do these bands have in common? They all come from states adjacent to water and play reggae. However, each has a different take on the musical form, infusing to it varying degrees with rock, pop, blues and funk. Hawaii natives Iration headline the evening with a contemporary interpretation of the genre while spreading a message of “luv” to the masses. Expect an assortment of sounds that honors the islands. $25-$122, 7 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — Brianna Espinoza

THU | 2/13 CHRIS LANE

North Carolina-born C&W singer Chris Lane is bringing his Big, Big Plans tour to town. He’s played gigs with heavy hitters including Tim McGraw and Florida Georgia Line, and he’s based out of Nashville. So, yeah, you know what you’re getting here. $25-$37.50, 8 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s, theaztectheatre.com. — Mike McMahan

SISTER HAZEL

Even a lot of die-hard fans of ’90s rock would be hard pressed to tell you what songs besides “All for You,” that Sister Hazel sings. Does it really matter? It was the ’90s, and most of those bands sounded the same anyway. But, hey, if

you dig alt-rock from that era, this may just what you needed. $22-$50, 8p.m., The Rustic, 17619 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 204, (210) 245-7500, therustic.com. — Chris Conde

FRI | 2/14 SUMMER SALT, OKEY DOKEY, BREAKUP SHOES

Austin-based Summer Salt will kick off a its U.S. tour in the Alamo City, showcasing its mix of ’60s pop, bossa nova, jazz and vocals that hit the ear like a soft pillow. Support will come from fellow dreamy guitar heavy bands Okey Dokey and Breakup shoes. $18-$21, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — Brianna Espinoza

TIM MONTANA

Take Luke Bryan, make him work a week at an actual blue-collar job, put a blues lick in his hands and a lit spliff in his mouth and you’ve got Tim Montana. Montana, who does in fact hail from the Treasure State, gets some dirt under the fingernails of bro-country’s hooks with his rough-hewn tunes. No word if he’ll be joined at Floore’s by the Rev. Billy T. Gibbons for their signature collaboration “The Beard Came Here to Party,” but we’re confident Montana will manage either way. $12-$17, 9 p.m., John T. Floore Country Store, 14492 Old Bandera Road, Helotes, (210) 695-8827, liveatfloores.com. — Lance Higdon

Jim Harrington

LEANN RIMES

JOHN DOE, SID ST. ONGE

WED | 2/12 THE EMILY GIMBLE TRIO

We’re hard-pressed to think of a purer Texas music pedigree than Emily Gimble’s. Daughter of session ace Dick Gimble and granddaughter to Jimmy Gimble, who first fiddled with Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys, she’s

carried their legacy forward on the strength of her singing and piano playing. She’s recorded with Merle Haggard and toured in Hayes Carll’s backing band. She also leads a trio whose repertoire spans jazz, country and pop. Free, 5:30 p.m., Jazz, TX, 312 Pearl Parkway, Building 6, Suite 6001, (210) 332-9386, jazztx.com. — Lance Higdon

Facebook / Leann Rimes

Monday, February 17 John Doe’s had more visibility as the bassist for seminal LA punk band X than as an Americana singer-songwriter, but that’s no indictment of his work on the latter front. He’s released a dozen or so well-regarded solo albums since 1990, all showcasing his raw and authentic songwriting talent and warm-yetweathered voice. In other words, Doe is exactly the kind of artist suited to the Rose’s Lonesome Lounge Sessions, which seeks to highlight remarkable singer-songwriters in an intimate and informal setting. If you’re a fan, go online and snap up tickets fast. They’re limited to 100. $20, 8 p.m., Lonesome Rose, 2114 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 455-0233, thelonesomerose.com. — Sanford Nowlin

Friday, February 14 Saturday, February 15 Singer Leann Rimes, best known for her ’90s country hits, is headed to Gruene Hall just in time for Valentine’s Day. Rimes’ LP Blue snatched the top position on the country album charts in 1996, thanks to her soaring and soulful vocals. And that, in turn, helped make her one of the decade’s biggest C&W crossover successes. Since then, she’s has dipped her toe into genres including rock, jazz, folk and Americana, which has only heightened her vocal prowess. $79 (Sold Out), 7 p.m. Friday, 9 p.m. Saturday, Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, (830) 606-1281, gruenehall.com. — Chris Conde

sacurrent.com | February 12-25, 2020 | CURRENT

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WED | 2/19

ULTIMATE 80S PARTY FEATURING TIFFANY

WALK OFF THE EARTH

YouTube viral sensation Walk Off the Earth is bringing its award-winning — and platinum-certified songs — down south from the coast of Canada. The group’s unconventional techniques — such as having five members play one guitar at the same time — help explain its viral appeal, as does its use of unusual instruments, including the theremin. You could definitely call these guys multi-instrumentalists. $39.50-$59.50, 7:30 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — Brianna Espinoza

As the Reagan Decade drew down, red-headed singer Tiffany left her country music career behind to pursue pop success. She scored a pair of hits, “I Think We’re Alone Now” and “I Saw Him Standing There,” and enjoyed a stint in the spotlight before grunge and age led to the inevitable. She’s kept busy since, moving back to Nashville and regularly recording country again, but for the Ultimate 80s Party, expect to hear her belt out those classics with unreserved side-ponytail energy. $16 - $100, 9 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — Lance Higdon

FRI | 2/21 B. DOLAN, VOCKAH REDU

MON | 2/17

Dolan has a way with words, having performed hip-hop and spoken word and penned two screenplays. As an activist, he created the hashtag #makeracistsafraidagain. Who can argue with that one? Well, besides racists. $10-$15, 9 p.m., Limelight, 2718 N. St. Mary’s St., thelimelightsa.com. — Mike McMahan

BAY FACTION, SUPERBODY

Emo-esque indie rockers Bay Faction bring a certain playful-but-tight aesthetic to their tunes, which have earned them comparisons to early Vampire Weekend. No shock — they met at Berklee College of Music. $12-$15, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — Mike McMahan

SAT | 2/22

TUE | 2/18

DRIVIN N CRYIN

KAT EDMONDSON

Kat Edmonson’s music throws back to the vintage sound of tunes from the Great American songbook, but her approach doesn’t seem out of touch with the modern day. The jazzy soprano is touring behind her album Dreamers Do. $27.60-$65, 7:30 p.m., Carlos Alvarez Theater, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — Brianna Espinoza

Facebook / Deep Cross Mutant

DEEP CROSS, MUTANT

Friday, February 21 Mechanistic bass pulses meet drony, doom-laden guitar riffs in the music of Austin’s Deep Cross. The band’s self-applied description as “post-industrial” is a fairly accurate description of its dark and drawnout noisescapes that coagulate into avalanches of sound. Mutant, fronted by Joseph Anger, is a longtime San Antonio industrial mainstay that uses VHS samples, analog tape sounds and catchy rhythms to create a post-apocalyptic racket. $5, 9 p.m., Amp Room, 2407 N. St. Mary’s St., theamproom.com. — Chris Conde

CHASTITY BELT

Wednesday, February 19 Hailing from Walla Walla, Washington, Chastity Belt is a four-piece indie outfit that challenges feminine stereotypes and patriarchy in its lyrics. The band’s lo-fi textures draw comparisons to bedroom pop bands such as Japanese Breakfast and Tennis, while the angularity of its guitar work sometimes puts it in Sleater-Kinney territory. The band is on tour supporting an eponymous 2019 album that’s actually its fourth. $12-$15, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — Chris Conde Facebook / Chastity Belt

Southern rockers Drivin N Cryin believe their music reflects both components of the band’s name. You’ll be driving along and rocking out to their music one minute and crying in the back seat of mom’s station wagon the next. There’s something to be said for the combination — the band is plugging along more than 30 years into its career. 9:30 p.m., Free with RSVP, The Rustic, 17619 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 204, (210) 245-7500, therustic.com. — Brianna Espinoza

LOWER DENS, AMI DANG

Houston native Jana Hunter has led the Lower Dens for the past decade from their adopted home in Baltimore. Over time, the band’s loose-limbed indie rock has been filed down to sleek, machine-driven electro-punk-pop tethered by the deep humanity of Hunter’s voice. The Dens’ Charm City neighbor Ami Dang brings her sitar training into conversation with the space and echo of ambient music. $13 - $15, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — Lance Higdon sacurrent.com | February 12-25, 2020 | CURRENT

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Tuesday

17803 La Cantera terrace #1200 Sa, TX 78256 | (210) 310-3733

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Friday

Facebook /Ben Folds

BEN FOLDS ORCHESTRA EXPERIENCE

Sunday, February 16 Remember Ben Folds Five? If you listened to ’90s radio, you likely heard tracks from the power-pop band’s eponymous debut album and its follow-up, Whatever and Ever Amen. Depending on your appetite for pianos and achingly earnest lyrics, you may have even liked those tunes. Pianist, singer and bandleader Ben Folds eventually went solo, and he’s now performing with symphony orchestras in the cities where he makes stops. A strange amalgam? Not when you consider that Folds’ solo work has shifted away from high-energy rockers to ballads. At any rate, the novel approach sounds like something Folds fans won’t want to miss. $44-$74, 7 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St., (210) 226-3333, majesticempire. com. — Chris Conde

Music by DJ Therapy

Sunday

HAPPY HOUR A LL DAY Music By C3 Tri o Tri o

SUN | 2/23 SANCTION, SEEYOUSPACECOWBOY, VAMACHARA

How heavy will the hardcore be when Sanction plays the small room at Paper Tiger? Well, there’s a disclaimer absolving the club from responsibility for any injuries sustained from stagediving or moshing during the gig. Sounds like a ringing endorsement for the Strong Island metalcore sluggers, who are rolling into town alongside SeeYouSpaceCowboy, Vamachara and a few other metalcore acts to give SA ample opportunities to work on those windmill kicks. $16-$18, 6:30 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — Lance Higdon

PAULA BOGGS BAND

This veteran Americana act boasts a range of influences from classic — James McMurtry and Bruce Springsteen — to more contemporary — the Drive-By Truckers. The group describes itself as “soulgrass.” An unfamiliar tag, sure, but not to be dismissed lightly in this age of microgenres. $10-$35, 7 p.m., Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com. — Mike McMahan

CANDLEBOX

Candlebox was a ’90s radio rock mainstay, and its signature song “Far Behind” was nearly inescapable in that era when playlists were heavy with Sister Hazel, Bush and Stone Temple Pilots. $14-$49, 7 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — Chris Conde

BLACKTOP MOJO

East Texas-bred Blacktop Mojo purport to be Southern rockers, but the band’s grunge-heavy sounds make it sound more like something from the ’90s than the ’70s era of Skynyrd and Blackfoot. So, is the flannel decade officially back or what? $15-$17, 8 p.m, Rock Box, 1223 E. Houston St., (210) 677-9453, therockboxsa.com. — Chris Conde sacurrent.com | February 12-25, 2020 | CURRENT

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CURRENT | February 12-25, 2020 | sacurrent.com

E M P LOY M E N T

Education Service Center Region 20 seeks Java Developer to work in San Antonio, TX to analyze, design, develop, implement and maintain complex computer software systems that contain business logic and database access. Multiple positions available. Submit resume to Briana Garcia at briana.garcia@esc20.net. Must put job code JD20 on resume.

CARICATURIST NEEDED CARICATURIST NEEDED. EXPERIENCE PREFERRED, BUT WILL TRAIN THE RIGHT PERSON. TEXT ONLY 210-781-2435

International Franchise Business Consultant for Dough Nation Headquarters, LLC: Help International franchise owners to increase sales and decrease costs. Jobsite: 10 Dominion Dr. Bldg 2, Suite 2101, San Antonio, TX 78257. Reqs: BS/BA in Business Administration and 2+ years in a leadership role within the fast-food franchised restaurant industry. 2+ years of International business and travel experience required. Domestic and International Travel will be required up to 50% of the time. Send resume to Tatiana Aldeeb 10 Dominion Dr. Bldg 2, Suite 2101, San Antonio, TX 78257.

EGAL 2065 L NOTICES AT&T Mobility, LLC is proposing to install new wireless telecommunications antennas on a new wood pole at 12821 W. Golden Lane, San Antonio, Bexar County, TX. The new facility will consist of the collocation of antennas at approximately 33’-1” feet above ground level (measured to the top of the antennas) on the 30 foot tall wood pole. Any interested party wishing to submit comments regarding the potential effects the proposed facility may have on any historic property may do so by sending such comments to: Project 6119006426 - MAB EBI Consulting, 6876 Susquehanna Trail South, York, PA 17403, or via telephone at 617-909-9035.

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Fun stuff from 2018 & 2019 ACROSS 1 Lip enhancer 6 Go through flour 10 Pale 13 Blue ___ (butterfly species) 15 ___ Shamrock McFlurry (McDonald’s debut of 2020) 16 Ingested 17 Company that launched Falcon Heavy in 2018 18 Game that generated more digital revenue in 2018 than any game in history, per the Hollywood Reporter 20 “Nashville” director Robert 22 Word before eye or twin 23 “The ___ Squad” 26 Air traffic org. 27 Like some soft coats 29 Blue, in Barcelona 31 “So the theory goes ...” 34 Host who retired from “Inside the Actors Studio” in 2018 36 On the nose 39 What goes around? 40 “That’s mildly funny,” online 41 Aquiline bird 43 “King Kong” and “Citizen

Kane” studio 44 Song that topped the Billboard Hot 100 for a record 19 weeks in 2019 47 Detroit-born fashion designer 48 Crossword puzzle, without the clues 49 Part of some pirate costumes 52 Fighting a bug, perhaps 54 Indefinite quantity 55 “___ y Ahora” (Univision newsmagazine) 56 Amy’s “Parks and Recreation” role 59 It held up a banana in Maurizio Cattelan’s 2019 artwork “Comedian” 62 ESPN personality who retired in 2019 after being with the network since its inception in 1979 66 Little ___ (protagonist of Punch-Out!!) 67 Omen 68 Make angry 69 2001 Will Smith role (or a princely 2019 role opposite Will Smith) 70 Oil of ___

71 “Well, you’re not looking ___ yourself ...” DOWN 1 Sports execs, for short 2 Cut off, as branches 3 Pop singer and “The Masked Singer” (U.K.) panelist Rita 4 Animal advocacy org. 5 Knickknack perch 6 Den furniture 7 Monopoly token replaced by a cat in 2013 8 Two-___ (buy one, get one deal) 9 “Paw Patrol” watcher 10 Forfeit voluntarily 11 Lofty storage area 12 Hockey Hall of Famer Cam 14 Jamaican stew ingredient 19 It may be pressing 21 Broadway hit based on a Roald Dahl book 23 Senior’s focus 24 Jason Bateman Netflix drama 25 Flying Disney character 27 ___ Schwarz (toy store that reopened in 2018) 28 Bedding purchase

30 Luau wear 32 Parking units 33 Gateway Arch site 35 Thing in a ring 36 Ancient Greek market 37 Type of M&Ms renamed “Milk Chocolate” 38 Partner of Abe, Thomas, and George 42 Buenos Aires loc. 45 Highly volatile fuel, for short 46 Words repeated after “Whatever” in a Doris Day song 47 Landed 49 “Top Chef” host Lakshmi 50 = 51 Big name in bags 53 Pride participants? 56 Org. for Madelene Sagstrˆm and Park Hee-Young 57 “___, meeny, miney, mo” 58 Spain’s longest river 60 Chinese menu name 61 Be off 63 ___-di-dah 64 Anton ___ (“Ratatouille” restaurant critic) 65 Nevertheless ANSWER ON PAGE 20

ID#

YEAR

MAKE

MODEL

VIN

CHARGES

3383067

OTHER

P R O P E RTY

5F11S1015J1004214

$ 2 , 9 46 . 2 0

3380277

2000

TRAILER

TRA I L E R

NO VIN

$2,814.50

3176551

2000

OTHER

TRA I L E R

NO VIN

$5 , 52 1 . 75

3167680

1900

BOAT

B OAT

NO VIN

$5 , 52 2 . 55

3168221

2000

TRAILER

TRA I L E R

1864115

$5 , 572 . 55

3363679

2018

FORD

VA N

1FTYR2CM2JKB34243

$ 3 ,1 8 4 . 35

3470592

2012

JEEP

L I B E RTY

1 C 4 PJ M F K 0 C W 1 1 5 1 0 0

$1 , 97 1 . 9 5

3468048

2018

OTHER

MOTO R C YC L E

CJ201711095

$ 2 , 01 5 . 2 5

3465230

2013

OTHER

TRA I L E R

14HU0810XDNAV2425

$ 2 , 03 6 . 9 0

2562036

2008

T RAI LE R

TRA I L E R

NO VIN

$1 4 , 0 0 9 . 35

3048909

1900

OTHER

P R O P E RTY

943181

$ 6 , 9 9 4 . 75

3456335

1996

DODGE

C A RAVA N

2B4FP2539TR510066

$ 2 ,1 45 .1 5

3477619

2003

AUDI

TRUTC28N131006216

$1 , 8 8 5 . 35

3506757

1996

TOYOTA

CO R O L LA

1NXBB02E2TZ359841

$1 , 53 8 . 9 5

3474678

2000

OTHER

G O L F C A RT

NO VIN

$1 , 92 8 . 65

2952884

1900

TRAILER

HOMEMADE TRAILER

NO VIN

$ 8 ,1 63 . 8 5

3181744

2000

OTHER

SI G N

NO VIN

$5 , 3 49 . 35

3029058

2000

TRAILER

TRA I L E R

NO VIN

$7, 2 32 . 9 0

3348071

1901

OTHER

HOT D OG STA N D

NO VIN

$ 3 , 357. 55

3366215

1970

TRAILER

TRA I L E R

NO VIN

$ 3 ,1 41 . 0 5

3565709

2000

OTHER

TRA I L E R

4P5SH1226R1112188

$78 1 . 2 0

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