A seven-day salute to south of the border sounds, from the heavenly refrains of a Mariachi mass at the San Jose Mission to a final farewell breakfast, the 1,000 mariachi musicians and vocalists who perform at Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza have offered San Antonio music lovers food for the soul each year since 1994.
Concerts
The blare of trumpets and romantic strains of violins will beckon music lovers to the Instituto de Mexico in HemisFair Palza for a performance by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán during a homage to Hispanic heritage, Noche de Cultura.
As the sun begins to set over San Antonio, sightseers at the Rivercenter Mall Lagoon on the Riverwalk can enjoy an evening of canciones y cultura as student Mariachi groups from across the nation perform during Serenata en el Rio.
A century of tradition echos in the songs of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, who-- along with the winners of the student competitions and "Best Mariachi vocalist in the U.S." victor-- will take the stage for a concert at San Antonio Municipal Auditorium.
Competitions
Mariachi Group Competition
Mariachi vocal Competition
Workshops
Performers pass on their passion for the musical genre to the next generation at mariachi instrumental and vocal workshops at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center as well as through community and in-school presentations at various locations.
A wee bit of Scotland can be found in central Texas each year in Salado, and whether you are searching for your ancestors in a genealogy workshop or simply savoring the event's sights and sounds, the three-day gathering is one Highland fling that will never be forgotten.
Events
The rhythm of Scottish drums and blare of pipes are sounds that stir the blood during a competition of musical mastery, while performers prancing to the steps of the Seann Triubhas, the Sword dance and the Pas de Basques tap out the heartbeat of the Highlands during the dance competition.
In a battle of brawn, find out who will be the king of the clans in a tug-o-war, and cheer on the kilt-clad contestants aiming to win first prize in the athletic games, which include the weight toss and weight throw, tossing the sheaf the hammer throw, the stone toss and tossing the caber.
Passersby intrigued by the intoxicating aroma of Scottish shortbread can head to the Clan Tent area for the start of a culinary contest, then stay for the day's quirkiest competition, the bonniest knees contest.
In the evening, a Texas Tattoo says farewell to the setting sun on College Hill, then head to the Longhorn Room for a Texas-style Scottish soiree-- a ceilidh.
Shopping
Find a Scottish souvenir of your stay in Salado among the vendor booths in the clan tents and at the Wee Scots Shop next to the Central Texas Area museum.
When: November 13 - 15, 2009 (the grounds for the games are not officially opened until November 14th.)
Bagpipes beckon to residents of the live music capital of the world each fall as the annual Austin Celtic Festival gets underway by Ladybird Lake.
Events
Highland Games
Kilt-clad participants carry on a tradition reaching back to 12th century Scotland as they balance a large wooden pole in the caber toss just one of the tests of adults agility during the games. Kids can also participate in their own mini-version of the games.
History Performers
Enjoy a blast from the distant past as you watch vikings battle for victory, look on in awe at reenactors who conjure up the spirit of inhabitants from the Iron Age, and see promising Robin Hoods take aim at their target during an archery demonstration and King's Tournament.
Storytelling
The rippling water of Lake Lady Bird Lake will sound like applause as storytellers weave fanciful tales on the stage at Seelie Court.
Dancing
Tartan will twirl on stage as dancing troupes move their feet to the beat of bagpipes and bodhrans. If the beat inspires you to move your feet, there will be free dance workshops for all ages.
Animals
Furry friends will be on hand to enjoy the festivities, including Scottish Terriers, Irish Wolfhounds and Scottish Deerhounds, whose paws will promenade to the tune of a piper in the Celtic Dog Parade, while the intelligence of our tail-wagging chums will be on display during the sheep herding demonstration. (Pets will not be allowed on festival grounds due to health and safety regulations.)
Workshops
Although advanced classes require prepayment, beginners to the arts (including the Celtic guitar, Irish drums, Irish whistle, Scottish country dances, Breton dancing, Celtic poetry and more) can learn the basics at free workshops conducted both days.
Vendors
Looking for a Celtic Christmas gift? Browse among booths brimming with claddagh rings, green man garden sculptures and Celtic crosses.
When: November 7 and 8, 2009
Where: Fiesta Gardens on the shores of Lake Ladybird Lake in Austin.
Hotel Galvez in Galveston Rings in The Holiday Season
The holidays are close at hand, Galveston's Hotel Galvez is ready to celebrate the season. Patrons can pack their suitcases for a special Thanksgiving Getaway Package stay, which features brunch for two, pickets to the Moody Gardens Festival of Lights, and transcendental treatments from The Spa at Hotel Galvez with its Thank You Special for Two with a 50% discount on a second spa service. A two night stay on Wednesday and Thanksgiving Thursday costs #369, while stays on Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday are available for $479, based on double occupancy.
The "Queen of the Gulf" will look regal in the glow of the Holiday Lighting ceremony. an event free to the public which will take place on November 27th. Galveston's Mayor will flip the switch on the hotel's front lawn, illuminating rows of Christmas lights, their sparkle matched only by the beaming smiles of children as they have their photo taken with Santa. The Galveston Ballet will dance to the delight of both the young and the young at heart and the harmonious voices of carolers will echo in the air as the public peer at a gingerbread replica of the Hotel Galvez, while inside the real hotel adult attendees can sample specialty drinks from the lobby bar. A royal visit by "Queen Victoria" is a welcome invitation to Galveston's upcoming annual event, Dickens on The Strand.
Loving his stay in the Lone Star state, Saint Nick will make future appearances at Hotel Galvez at Sunday Brunch with Santa on December 6, 13 and 20th, when kids can once again have their picture taken with the jolly old elf. Live holiday entertainment will also keep the hotel in the holiday spirit every Friday and Saturday in December from 5 p.m. - 10 pm and on Sundays from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon & 1/2 Marathon Post-Concert Information
After pounding the pavement, runners who competed in the second annual Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio marathon and 1/2 marathon and lovers of Lone Star music alike can move their feet to the beat of Los Lonely Boys, Grand Funk Railroad and Del Castillo during a post-race concert at the Alamodome.
Although marathon runners and the event's volunteers will be admitted free to the concert, the race is on for the general public to obtain tickets. Early birds can pay $21 online to reserve a spot, while tickets at the doors will cost $30. Tickets will also be sold during the two-day free Health & Fitness expo, which takes place in the days prior to the marathon, on November 13th and 14th. The first act will take the stage at 7 p.m., following an awards ceremony at 6:30.
When: November 15, 2009
Where: The post-race concert will be held at The Alamodome in San Antonio.
For more information on the post-race concert and the Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon and 1/2 Marathon:
Texas Renaissance Festival Celebrates 35th Anniversary Year
Rennies will yell a resounding "Huzzah!" when the Texas Renaissance Festival opens for its Emerald anniversary this year. In celebration of its 35th season of swarthy swashbucklers, noble knights and regal revelry, the world's most popular pageantry of the past is offering advance discounts tickets, with one day admission to opening day weekend (choose Saturday or Sunday) only $12 for adults age 13 and older and $6 for children ranging in age from 5 -12. Advanced one day tickets for any festival day ($16 for adults, $9 for children) are also available both online and at the festival's main office through September 25th.
This year also marks the festival's 5th annual School Days where girls and boys in grades K- 12 can mingle with the master minds of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, from William Shakespeare to King Henry VIII and Christopher Columbus. Held October 27 - 28th, kids can participate in a costume contest or try to best the Bard's works in an essay or poetry contest.
Enjoy a different theme each weekend:
• Oktoberfest-- Join in a rousing rendition of "Du, Du liebst Mir in Herzen" during this Deutschland-style do.
• 1001 Dreams-- Leave reality behind at a fantasy fete featuring faeries, wizards and elves.
• All Hallow's Eve-- A fright fest to remember, join in His Majesty's Annually Decreed Tricks or Treats event.
• Pirate Adventure-- Enjoy hijinks from the rulers of the high seas.
• Roman Bacchanal-- Carpe diem by tossing on a toga!
• Highland Fling-- Bagpipes will bellow during this Highland-inspired happening.
• Barbarian Invasion-- Brutes will pillage the village during this rowdy weekend.
• Celtic Christmas-- The young and the young at heart will enjoy this Yuletide celebration, complete with a visit from Father Christmas and booths brimming with holiday purchases.
When: Each Saturday and Sunday (and Thanksgiving Friday) from October 10 - November 29,2009.
