Mark your calendar for the fabulous arts events that are part of El Paseo’s 2009-2010 season.
In November, El Paseo Arts Foundation’s 2009-2010 Showcase Season kicks off with a Very Important Performance, an “Event of Note” featuring the Valley Symphony Orchestra at the SPI Convention Center, 3:00 p.m. for cocktails; 4:00 p.m. for the concert. Tickets are $25 per person and $20 for members. Some great hotel packages are available at the La Quinta, Best Western La Copa and Palms Resort and Café on the Beach. If you don’t live on the Island but would like to make spend some time enjoying the beach, the new Birding Center, the sunsets, and the unique restaurants in the area before attending the concert, the special rates will make this weekend a very attractive opportunity for you.
The annual Holiday Concert is scheduled for Sunday, December 6, 2009, at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Port Isabel -- A holiday tradition: punch, cookies and music of the season. Join us at 2:00 p.m. for festive refreshments and a 3:00 p.m. concert featuring UTB’s Rio Bravo Brass Consort, Trumpet Ensemble, Flute Choir, Clarinet Choir, the Scorpio Consort and community caroling. Ring in the holiday season with an afternoon of fabulous music. Tickets are $15 per person and $10 for members.
El Paseo rings in the New Year with all the wit and wisdom of Charles Shultz’s beloved characters when the Camille Playhouse’s Production of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown takes center stage February 5, 2010, at the SPI Convention Center. The delightful music and lyrics by Clark Gesner make this long-running off-Broadway hit a show that is wonderful entertainment for the entire family. The evening begins with hors d’oeuvres and cash bar in the corridor gallery at 6:30 p.m. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person/ $20 for members.
January 28, 2010, the “Atlantic Brass Quintet” will perform at the SPI Convention Center Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar at 6:30 p.m. Concert at 7:30 p.m. Widely acclaimed as one of the world's finest brass ensembles, the Atlantic Brass Quintet has been heard in 48 of the United States and more than a dozen countries across four continents, performing a unique repertory spanning Praetorius, Bach and Stravinsky; and brass music from the streets of Brazil, Cuba, and New Orleans. The Quintet's distinctive sound, impeccable ensemble, stunning virtuosity, and warm, inviting stage presence have won praise from scores of critics. Tickets are $25 per person/$20 for members.
If you enjoy a good mystery, then you don’t want to miss the Camille Playhouse’s production of Agnes of God on February 4, 2010 at the SPI Convention Center. Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar begin at 6:30 p.m. Curtain time is at 7:30 p.m. Summoned to a convent, Dr. Martha Livingstone, a court-appointed psychiatrist, is charged with assessing the sanity of a young novitiate accused of murdering her newborn. Miriam Ruth, the Mother Superior, tries to protect young Agnes from the doctor. Livingstone's questions force all three women to re-examine the meaning of faith and the power of love leading to a dramatic, compelling climax. A Tony nominated and Academy Award winning film, the play is a powerful and electrifying drama.
In addition to the Showcase Series season, El Paseo Arts Foundation is working on some other wonderful arts events: UTB/TSC’s Acoustic Guitar Concert on February 23, 2010 at the Convention Center; an Artist and Writers Weekend in partnership with the Port Isabel Library; a local production of Noel Coward’s classic comedy Blithe Spirit in April and, of course, another summer melodrama. The Foundation is also a sponsor for the PI Art Walk, Sandcastle Days, and Beachcombers Art Show. Playreaders Anonymous meets monthly at Paragraphs on Padre, second Monday of the month; and, yes, there will be a special members and sponsors only event in January 2010.
The Board of Directors of El Paseo Arts Foundation hopes you will join us for all the events and that you will continue to be an active partner in helping to promote and enhance the arts in the Laguna Madre Area.