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Hot Jazz, Cool Theater, Rockin' Playhouse: Your Weekend's Here!

From a retro celebration on the west side, to hot jazz, to a fully air-conditioned musical,  there's plenty to do in the Alamo City this weekend.

First off tonight--the Guadalupe Theater looks good for its age, but let's face it: it's turning 75.  Executive Director Christina Balli explains on how they're marking its birthday.

"So we decided to go back in time and do something that would happen there in 1942.  We will have a classic car show, theater memorabilia, World War II uniforms, and some pachuco zoot-suiters that you can take pictures with. The public is invited to dress in their 1940s best, if they so desire."

She says they'll also have a variety program filled with fun stuff.

"Film, music, dance, and it'll be a nice, fun, throwback party."

That's tonight only at the Guadalupe. Also tonight--the Balcones Jazz Festival.

"People just have a great time. It is hot..."

David Munoz says that jazz festival is held just outside the Wonderland of the Americas Mall.

"People of course can go inside the mall and buy food and beverage."

As for tonight's entertainers, he says they're hot, too.

"Our headliner is a very well known name in smooth jazz. He's a trumpeter by the name of Rick Braun. Opening the show is a guitarist. He'll do some rockin' blues. He's Ruben V."

That's tonight--also starting tonight, Hairspray.

"Lots of high energy, lots of dancing. I think there's a total of about 17 dance numbers in this show."

Director Omar Leos is talking about the new Playhouse production, which the music-filled look back at a troubled era.

"1962 Baltimore, when things were still segregated. So that's the whole point of this show is that these people came together to integrate a teen dance show."

He says if you're looking for a laid-back production, this may not be it.

"No definitely not. You will definitely want to stand up and dance throughout the whole show.  We probably will encourage you to get up and start clapping and start movin' and shakin' in your seats."

Hairspray starts tonight and runs through the first week in August. 

Find more on the Guadalupe Theater party here. 

Find more on the Balcones Heights Jazz Festival here

Find more on Hairspray at the Playhouse here.

Jack Morgan can be reached at jack@tpr.org and on Twitter at @JackMorganii