Ring in the Holidays
It wouldn’t be the holidays without the magical story of the Nutcracker with the San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet. The American Midwest Ballet’s Nutcracker Performances are December 20-22nd, at the Lila Cockrell Theatre. Transport yourself to the enchanting land of snow and the opulent kingdom of sweets, featuring a uniquely breathtaking Waltz of the Flowers. For more information visit www.artssa.org or call 210-226-2891. Gather the family and head to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts for an evening with the San Antonio Symphony to enjoy Holiday Pops, an annual tradition that rings in the holidays. Children’s Chorus of San Antonio, the Trinity University Handbell Ensemble, and the San Antonio Symphony will engage the audience in this magical celebration of the season. Plan on an audience sing-along and a program featuring both traditional and popular music to get you in the holiday spirit. December 15th-17th, www.tobincenter.org, via phone (210) 223-8624; Also enjoy Mannheim Steamroller Christmas at the beautiful Majestic, December 29th, www.majestictheatresanantonio.com
The 2nd Annual Catrina Ball
Heather de Rojas, Amy Garcia and Xitlalt Herrera-Salazar sure know how to throw a party! Patrons were in full costume at the 2nd Annual Catrina Ball at the central library. Guests of honor, La Catrina AnaPaula Watson and El Catrín Rick Liberto, celebrated Día de Muertos, benefitting the San Antonio Public Library Foundation and the Latino Collection & Resource Center at the Central Library. Special guest author and inaugural presidential poet, Richard Blanco joined the festivities as well. The Catrina Ball served plenty of comida from Rosemary’s Catering and bebidas-including tequila tastings by Avion, Herradura, Patron and Milagro. Giant Catrina dolls danced, and the dancers from Urban 15 lit up the party, while attendees, including Cari Hill, Rita and John Feik, Martha Fuhrmann, Lourdes and Tommy Rohde, Carol Lavender, Dr. Ellen Riojas Clark and Kerry and Chris Quinn, viewed the community altars honoring souls that have passed, including pets as well. Tracee Feik, Raven Labatt, Sandra East, Katie Reynolds, Kye Fox, Michael Quintanilla, Ana Montoya and Gobie Walsdorf, and SAPLF president Tracey Bennett were spotted near the DiscGlowTeca dance floor.
The Red and White Ball
The Blood & Tissue Center Foundation’s Red and White Ball: An Evening in Oz, There’s No Place Like Home, included dinner, dancing, entertainment, raffle and a silent auction. Several attendees dressed in costumes from the Wizard of Oz. Rose Marie and Emerson (Buddy) Banack were honored with the prestigious Chairman’s Award in recognition of their longstanding commitment to the Foundation and the community. In addition, Methodist Healthcare Ministries was recognized with the inaugural Patron Award for its outstanding commitment to and significant philanthropic support for the lifesaving mission of BioBridge Global, through The Blood & Tissue Center Foundation. A few of the 700 attendees included ball chairs Meredith and David Alvarez, Blood & Tissue Center Foundation Chairmen Mary and Steve Brook, Stephen and Mallory Ahl, Susan and David Gragg, Nancy and Bill Armstrong, Katy and Porter Corrigan and Cassie and Marshall Porterfield, Margie and Bill Klesse, Kristen and Dick Tips, Judge Genie & Dr. Francis Wright, Susan Naylor, Cindy and David Schneider, Mike Kreager, Trey and Stacie Banack, Courtney and Chris Schultz, Ramsey Marie Schultz, McKenzie Schultz, Emily Skillman, Grant Biggs, Claire and Patrick Rouse, Caroll Dorsey Walker and husband Robert Walker, Laurie and Michael Kaplan, Mary Uhlig, Martin Landon, Mayor Ron Nirenberg, and Erin Nichols. The Valero Alamo Bowl Pac 12 and Big 12 teams play in the Alamodome on December 28th, 8:00 p.m. For the fifth straight year, the Valero Alamo Bowl will feature the top selections from the Big 12 and Pac-12 conferences after the College Football Playoff selections. www.alamobowl.com
Holiday Happenings at the Pearl
The Pearl is hosting a holiday night market with Farmers Market vendors, additional craft vendors, live music, and holiday activities. Stock up on gifts from handmade soaps to artisan goat cheese and gourmet dog treats. The dates for the holiday night market include December 6, 13, and 20, from 4 to 8pm Also taking place at the Pearl is Posada on December 19, from 6:30 – 9 pm. The event is inspired by the Mexican tradition of Las Posadas. Community members are invited to join the posada and become pilgrims traveling by candlelight. Las Posadas is a nine-day Christmas celebration in Mexico and Latin America, centered on the ritual re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s quest to find lodging in Bethlehem. The evening includes children’s crafts, piñatas, and custom Mexican treats of buñuelos, tamales, and Mexican hot chocolate. These events are free and open to the public.
By Leslie Foley
