From a show with a circus vibe to an African Latina performance to one of the state's best garage bands, the weekend’s here and it's going to be fun.
Marisela Barrera wrote a two-part hybrid stage performance that will be performed at the Jump-Start Theater.
“The first one is Payasa USA. It’s the mother/daughter clown show for adults. I would say 14 and up,” she said.
The performance reveals that the players have acting in their bones.
“So we learn that this family has a legacy of performance on both sides of the border. And so fate will bring them together,” Barrera said. “And so it's the magic of everyday life that ultimately saves this American dream.”
There is a recurring circus theme that is reflected in the actors' skill sets.
“Holly Nañez who's playing the mom is the professional clown. Holly brings her own skills as a clown to this,“ she said.
The second act is an up-close and personal view of the border from behind their eyes of those who live there.
"We open tonight (Friday). Come check it out! Make your plans because we have a clown show for adults for you," she said.
IF YOU GO What: Dreamers, Pasayas Y La Frontera Frontier Where: Jump-Start Theater When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. Sunday Cost: $10-$20
Then on Saturday night, enjoy the haunting music of Azul Barrientos. As all her concerts are, this one is thematic, depicting the musical crossroads between Africa and points south.
"It is to celebrate the culture, roots and heritage of Africa Latina America, and that also includes the Caribbean, and also to celebrate the indigenous heritage," she said.
To accomplish that, she needed additional players and rhythms for her band.
“We also have Nina Rodriguez on percussion. We have Jo-Jo Gonzalez all the way from Corpus Christi, Andrew Bergman on the Bass, Emilio Alvarez on cello," Barrientos said.
To illustrate the African-influenced rhythms and movement, she's invited an unexpected group as guests.
"We're going to have Capoeira Luanda of San Antonio doing part of the show, which is super exciting because they are absolutely magnificent to see," she said.
It's all happening at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, at a price that is set… well, more-or-less.
"Yes, $7 mas o menos, doors open at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 8 and it goes on 'til about 10:30...mas o menos," she laughed.
IF YOU GO What: Azul Barrientos concert Where: Esperanza Peace and Justice Center When: 8 p.m. Saturday Cost: $7 mas o menos
Also on Saturday night: Los #3 Dinners. Band leader Eric Friedland said they wear the term garage band as a badge of honor.
"Every step away from the garage is a step in the wrong direction,” he said. “It's gotta be real. People like to hear real, live music."
Los #3 Dinners are about as real as it gets, and hot and tasty as their namesake. And they’ve definitely been at it for quite a while.
"We started late '79 and in July of 1980 Texas Monthly named us the best local band in Texas," he said.
Their original songs are highly San Antonio-centric, but they also play hits from the past that you can't sit still during.
"You know, classics like Woolly Bully, Louie Louie, Land of a Thousand Dances. That kind of stuff, that people like to dance to," he said.
They hit the stage in the air conditioned Sancho's Cantina on Saturday night at 10 p.m.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfe4va2wgqc
IF YOU GO What: Los #3 Dinners Where: Sancho’s Cantina When: 10 p.m. Saturday Cost: free
Jack Morgan can be reached at Jack@TPR.org and on Twitter at @JackMorganii.
