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Jen Jones

Nov. 8, 2009 - Annual Celebration of the Arts in the Coastal Bend

 It's a foggy, rainy day this morning and my head is full of memories from last evening's "Black Tie & Blue Jeans" Gala at the Rialto Theater. Members were admitted free, volunteers who went above and beyond in the last year were recognized, some area restaurants donated samples from their menus for the reception table and Claude Bourbon put on one heck of a show! And, as always, everyone had fun with the dress code and did ourselves proud with an eclectic range of attire from top hats and evening gowns to t-shirts and denim.

Kudos to the Gumbo Factory and El Maguey's in Aransas Pass; Fai Foo's Cafe and Shempy's Grill in Rockport; and Blackbeard's Too in Ingleside for their delicious offerings to patrons of the annual anniversary celebration.  It's a challenge coordinating foods and participation with lots of phone tag that doesn't always result in a donation but these restaurants came through for the Rialto and it's much appreciated!!  Please show them your appreciation, too!

Thank you to the volunteers who don't do it for the recognition or the certificate and to Cindy Bankes who somehow manages to coordinate their participation at all of the Rialto's events every single time.  Thanks to the artists who share their work and exhibit on the walls. Thanks to Stuart Michael Burns who has the fun job of coordinating the music concerts all year long around all the other events that take place. Thanks to Jim Elder who not only runs the monthly board meetings, but also builds sets, directs plays, and recruits other directors to join in the fun. Karen Froeschner and Cassie Dietrich deserve recognition for their work in keeping the Rialto in the public eye with press releases, advertising, and other marketing magic.  Kay Wise-Denty plays a major role in the Rialto's renaissance; on stage and behind the scenes, she helps us remember that what we're doing is important while striving for improvement.  The Rialto thanks Paula Stone who has written all of the grants to help pay the bills and expand the programs!

Thanks again to the City of Aransas Pass who, with their generous donation from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund earlier this year, helped the Rialto Theater get the word out to an even broader audience.  That only strengthened the Rialto's ability to encourage more people to visit Aransas Pass this year - the little town that shrimp built has got a whole lot to offer and the theater is happy to play their part in getting that message out.

Upcoming Artisan Events:

  • Tuesday, November 17, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).
  • Thursday, November 19, 7:30 p.m. - Members' Free Preview of Live Stage production of "Misery" by Stephen King. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free to Marquee Members, $12 other.
  • Friday, November 20, 7:30 p.m. - Opening Night Reception for "Misery" by Stephen King. Live Stage Production. Fridays & Saturdays through December 5. December 6, 2:00 p.m Matinee. Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
  • Friday, November 20, 7:00 p.m. - Opening night for "Christmas Carol." Live Theater. Fridays & Saturdays through December 11. Harbor Playhouse. Admission: $16.
  • Daily through November 21 - "Shorelines" Art Exhibit. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
  • Saturday, November 22, 2:00 p.m. - "The Gods Must Be Crazy" Cinema Flashbacks Club. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free to Members, $5 to join.
  • Daily through November 27 - "The Music in Me" Art Exhibit. Art Center for the Islands.  Admission: Free.
  • Saturday, December 12, 2:00 p.m. - "Acoustic Country Blues Guitar Workshop" by Steve James. Intermediate to advanced guitar players. Advance registration required: Minimum six, maximum twelve participation. Rialto Theater. Admission: $30.
  • Saturday, December 12, 7:30 p.m. - "Steve James in Concert." Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
  • Sunday, December 13, 2:00 p.m. - "My Life As a Dog." Cinema Flashbacks Club, Rialto Theater. Admission: Free to Members, $5 to join.
  • Friday & Saturday, December 18-19, 7:30 p.m. - "Christmas & Other Tidings of Joy" Variety Theater. Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
  • Daily through January 6 - "Bright Energy," The works of Narice Hopp. Rialto Theater Main Gallery. "Meet the Artist" Reception, November 7, 6:30 p.m. Admission: Free.

Jen Jones is a member of the Board of Directors of the Rialto Theater, an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization fostering art and education through visual art, music and live stage productions in the historic movie theater in downtown Aransas Pass. Her day job is in real estate at Coldwell Banker Myers-Gallagher. If you have someone you'd like to spotlight in this column, drop her a line at jen@jenscoastalbend.com. 

 

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Nov. 2, 2009 - Rialto Theater's 72 years old!

 Artisan Column 11/2/09

On Saturday, I hope the community will join in celebrating the seventy-two years the Rialto Theater has stood in the heart of downtown Aransas Pass.  Back in 1937, the Rialto opened its doors to provide the latest and greatest in movie entertainment to this area.  If you haven't been back to the Rialto since the doors re-opened five years ago (and you're missing out on quite a bit, if you haven't!), now is the time to walk in the door.
 
The non-profit organization operating the building has expanded beyond the original movie mission to offer live theatrical productions, acoustic music concerts, and eclectic art exhibits.  Every Tuesday evening, a free acoustic jam takes the stage with music from the heart; no paid performers, no admission fee, just pure, unadulterated music of all styles. The Cinema Flashbacks Club has brought movies back again to the Rialto this year: $5.00 gets you admission to six months of outstanding classic movies that stand the test of time.
 
The Rialto's annual "Black Tie & Blue Jeans" Gala this Saturday will celebrate the past, focus on the future and is one way the theater thanks its members and volunteers for their ongoing support.  All Marquee Members get free admission to the gala and the Volunteer of the Year is announced at the gala, as well.  It's also a major fundraiser to help keep the doors open.  Ticket sales help but don't cover all the bills.  The performance rights for the plays don't come cheap ($65-75 per night), the annual ASCAP/BMI licensing is costly, seventy to eighty percent of all concert sales go directly to the performers, and the electric bill averages over $600 per month.   
 
In large part to a Hotel and Motel Tax Fund grant from the City of Aransas Pass this year, the Rialto Theater was able to expand their advertising so they've been happy to see many, many folks from outside of town come in to enjoy this historic venue and live productions.  However, the reality is without the support of the local community as well; be it your dollars, your attendance, or your volunteer support, it will be impossible to keep the arts alive in the downtown area in the years to come.  The Rialto needs you to be there - to celebrate with them, to volunteer with them, and to continue to provide an engaging social center for the community in the years to come.  
 
If you made popcorn in the concession stand, if you sold tickets in years past, if you took a date to the movies, if you ran films in the projection booth, if you wrote JJ + JR on the bathroom stalls, if the Rialto played any role at all in your past, please join in keeping these historic doors open for all in the future.  Art adds so much vibrancy to the town and in our region.  Join the Rialto Theater on Saturday to celebrate their anniversary and to celebrate the fact that Aransas Pass continues to play a significant part in the growth of our area during challenging times.
 
Upcoming Artisan Events:
 
  • Friday, November 6, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - "The Music in Me - First Friday" Opening Reception.  Art Center for the Islands. On Exhibit through November 27. Admission: Free.
  • Saturday, November 7 - "Black Tie & Blue Jeans" Annual Gala & Fundraiser celebrating 72nd Anniversary of Rialto Theater's Grand Opening. "Toast of the Coast" Reception, "Meet the Artist" Narice Hopp, and concert by Claude Bourbon.  Complimentary champagne. Admission: $15.
  • Tuesday, November 10, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam.  Rialto Theater.  Admission:  Free ($5 contribution suggested).
  • Thursday, November 19, 7:30 p.m. -  Members' Free Preview of Live Stage production of "Misery" by Stephen King. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free to Marquee Members, $12 other.
  • Friday, November 20, 7:30 p.m. - Opening Night Reception for "Misery" by Stephen King. Live Stage Production. Fridays & Saturdays through December 5.  December 6, 2:00 p.m Matinee.  Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
  • Friday, November 20, 7:00 p.m. - Opening night for "Christmas Carol." Live Theater. Fridays & Saturdays through December 11. Harbor Playhouse. Admission: $16.   
  • Daily through November 21 - "Shorelines" Art Exhibit. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
  • Saturday, November 22, 2:00 p.m. - "The Gods Must Be Crazy" Cinema Flashbacks Club. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free to Members, $5 to join.
  • Saturday, December 12, 2:00 p.m. - "Acoustic Country Blues Guitar Workshop" by Steve James. Intermediate to advanced guitar players. Advance registration required: Minimum six, maximum twelve participation. Rialto Theater. Admission: $30. 
  • Saturday, December 12, 7:30 p.m. - "Steve James in Concert." Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
  • Sunday, December 13, 2:00 p.m. - "My Life as a Dog." Cinema Flashbacks Club, Rialto Theater. Admission: Free to Members, $5 to join.
  • Daily through January 6   - "Bright Energy," The works of Narice Hopp. Rialto Theater Main Gallery. "Meet the Artist" Reception, November 7, 6:30 p.m. Admission: Free.


Jen Jones is a member of the Board of Directors of the Rialto Theater, an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization fostering art and education through visual art, music and live stage productions in the historic movie theater in downtown Aransas Pass. Her day job is in real estate at Coldwell Banker Myers-Gallagher.  If you have someone you'd like to spotlight in this column, drop her a line atjen@jenscoastalbend.com. 

 

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Oct. 19, 2009 - Art About the Area

Artabout the Area

Thomas Moore said, "The many great gardens of the world, of literature and poetry, of painting and music, of religion and architecture, all make the point as clear as possible: the soul cannot thrive in the absence of a garden." In many parts of the Coastal Bend, there are pockets of artists found planted here and there. Rockport, Aransas Pass, and Port Aransas all have small but thriving artist communities. I spent late Saturday afternoon in Port Aransas, sampling the open studios and galleries before Jake and I performed our "eclectic acoustic" music at the Port A Gallery in Pelican's Landing.

It was lovely watching artists like Ken Barnett of "Potters on Cotter" giving folks who had never touched clay a chance to create form on a spinning disk. While we were there, I watched two folks try their hand; one was about ten and the other over sixty. They each shared looks of sheepish wonder on their face as the clay spun under their fingers. The studios and galleries spanned one end of the island to the other; from Cotter out to The Felder Gallery on Highway 361, so we saw several golf carts, bikes and people on foot enjoying the day as they went from one artist's site to another.

We ended the evening with great music at the Tarpon Ice House on Alistair, where a seventy-seven year old's birthday party was sharing the evening's stage. Artists, whether visual or performing, add so much to our souls. We get so wrapped up in paying the bills, raising the kids and just surviving the challenging economy day to day sometimes we forget to appreciate the beauty around us. Art is a way to make us stop and remember that, just like our bank account, our spirit needs some deposits added from time to time. Get out there this week with the kids, give your spirits a lift and experience some beautiful art exhibit or a live performance. 

Upcoming Artisan Events:

  • Saturday, October 24, 7:30 p.m. - Concert by Bluesman Jesse Cahn. Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
  • Tuesday, October 27, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).
  • Fridays and Saturdays through October 31, 7:00 p.m. - "Rocky Horror Show" Musical. Harbor Playhouse. Admission: $16.
  • Saturday, November 1, 5:30 p.m. - "Director's Open House," Rialto Theater. Admission: Free.- Saturday, November 1, 2:00 p.m.
  • "The Manchurian Candidate" Cinema Flashbacks Club. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free to Members, $5 to join.- Daily through November 4.
  • "Fireworks & Bling" Art Exhibit. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
  • Saturday, November 7 - "Black Tie & Blue Jeans" Annual Gala & Fundraiser celebrating 72nd Anniversary of Rialto Theater's Grand Opening. "Toast of the Coast" Reception, Art by Narice Hopp, and concert by Claude Bourbon. Complimentary champagne. Admission: $15.
  • Daily through November 21 - "Shorelines" Art Exhibit. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
  • Daily through January 6 - "Bright Energy," The works of Narice Hopp. Rialto Theater Main Gallery. "Meet the Artist" Reception, November 7, 6:30 p.m. Admission: Free.
Jen Jones is a member of the Board of Directors of the Rialto theater, an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization fostering art and education through visual art, music and live stage productions in the historic movie theater in downtown Aransas Pass. Her day job is in real estate at Coldwell Banker Myers-Gallagher. If you have someone you'd like to spotlight in this column, drop her a line atjen@jenscoastalbend.com.  

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Oct. 6, 2009 - Fluctuations, Disturbances & Imbalances...

 Artisan Column 10/5/09

 
"The things we fear most in organizations - fluctuations, disturbances, imbalances - are the primary sources of creativity." So said Margaret Wheatley, co-founder of The Berkana Institute, a global charitable organization with the motto "Whatever the problem, community is the answer."  I've noticed a lot of folks who fear change, uncertainty and doubt but the reality is most progress doesn't occur without it.
 
Aransas Pass has certainly seen its share of fluctuations, disturbances and imbalances, especially in the political realm. I mean, admit it, you have to wonder occasionally - are we ever going to have a city manager again who gets to stay longer than a few months?  Regardless, though, we are making progress in many creative and wondrous ways. As I was driving to Conn Brown Harbor and the Annual Boating Conference event on Thursday, I celebrated how wonderful that area is looking now. Most of the debris is gone and neglected boats have disappeared. We have a Farmer's Market twice a month at the Chamber. We have our own year-round visual and performing arts venue at the historic Rialto Theater downtown. As a realtor, I see a lot of homes renovated and fixed-up around town. Our Civic Center is a great step forward. Yes, we have more to do but I know that with fortitude, our community continues to tackle problem areas, improve and grow.
 
This column primarily centers around art and creativity and, while it obviously focuses most on the artistic realm, I try to consistently get across the fact that creativity is not an 'artists only' characteristic.  I believe everyone has a bit of the artist within. You may not consider yourself one, but that does not mean you cannot be open and creative every day.  So, open your mind, open your heart and do something today that gives back to our community - whether you consider it "artistic" or not.
 
Upcoming Artisan Events:
 
- Friday, October 9, 7:30 p.m. - "Geezerpalooza" Concert by Steven Fromholz and Vince Bell. Rialto Theater. Admission: $20.
- Fridays and Saturdays through October 9 - "Broken Up" Live Stage Comedy. Port Aransas Community Theatre. Admission: $15.
- Fridays and Saturdays through October 31, 7:00 p.m. - "Rocky Horror Show" Musical. Harbor Playhouse. Admission: $16.
- Sunday, October 11, 7:30 p.m. - Cinema Flashbacks Club. "Rififi" French Crime Masterpiece. Rialto Theater. Admission: Membership $5, Free to Club Members.
- Tuesday, October 13, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam.  Rialto Theater.  Admission:  Free ($5 contribution suggested).
- Saturday, October 24, 7:30 p.m. - Concert by Bluesman Jesse Cahn. Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
- Daily through October 10 - "(un)natural worlds" Art Exhibit.  Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
- Daily through November 4. - "Fireworks & Bling" Art Exhibit. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
- Daily through November 5  - Exhibit of the work of Rockport artist Ed Boyd. Rialto Theater Main Gallery. Admission: Free.
- Saturday, November 7 - "Black Tie & Blue Jeans" Annual Gala & Fundraiser celebrating Rialto Theater's Grand Opening. Admission: $15.

Jen Jones is a member of the Board of Directors of the Rialto Theater, an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization fostering art and education through visual art, music and live stage productions in the historic movie theater in downtown Aransas Pass. Her day job is in real estate at Coldwell Banker Myers-Gallagher.  If you have someone you'd like to spotlight in this column, drop her a line at jen@jenscoastalbend.com. 
 

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Aug. 31, 2009 - Volunteer for the Arts in the Coastal Bend

Well, after taking a couple of weeks off, I'm back begging for your support.  The non-profit art centers in our region depend on you to continue offering quality visual and performing arts to the community.  While tourists often enjoy our shows while they are visiting, it's the locals (that's you!) who are key to allow us to keep giving back and giving more.  Rockport Little Theatre's fall production is "The Sunshine Boys," a Neil Simon comedy featuring the hijinks of two aging vaudeville stars who long ago parted ways only to reunite for a production honoring the history of their craft.  It promises to provide many, many laughs; something we all need on a regular basis!  


Auditions began Thursday and more males are needed! The director is looking for a few good men to step up and audition for five roles in this play which will open to friendly crowds in November.  Ironically, "Steel Magnolias" opens at the Rialto Theater this month with a stage full of women.  So, c'mon guys - show us women a thing or two; you gotta "man up" or RLT will have to scramble to come up with a different play to do. And that would be a shame. "The Sunshine Boys" is well worth presenting!

I know the thought of acting is daunting; but I can tell you from personal experience, once you push back the fear, community theater is a hoot!  So, see below for RLT's contact info; please give them a call and answer the call of the stage and give back to the community at the same time!  We need you!

Upcoming Artisan Events:
 
- ASAP, Men Needed!  Auditions, "Sunshine Boys," Neil Simon comedy. Contact Harry Huff via Rockport Little Theater,bdedens@rockportlittletheatre.com or 361.758.6243.
- Daily through September 6 - "Wild Spirits," paintings by Ingleside artist Jane Johnson. Rialto Theater Main Gallery. Admission: Free.
- Friday, September 4, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - "First Friday" Art Reception for "Men At Work" group show. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
- Daily through September 5 - "Standing Out" Members' Merit Show.  Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
- Tuesday, September 8, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam.  Rialto Theater.  Admission:  Free ($5 contribution suggested).
- Friday, September 11, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Opening Reception for Rockport artist Ed Boyd. Rialto Theater Main Gallery. Admission: Free.
- Fridays and Saturdays, September 11 through September 26, 7:30 p.m. - "Steel Magnolias" Live Stage Play. Preview on Thursday, September 10 Free to Marquee Members. Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
- Fridays and Saturdays September 11 through October 4, 7:00 p.m. - "Rent" Musical. Harbor Playhouse. Admission: $16.
- Fridays and Saturdays, September 18 through October 9 - "Broken Up" Live Stage Comedy. Port Aransas Community Theatre. Admission: $15.
- Sunday, September 20, 7:30 p.m. - "Alamo Bay" Directed by Louis Malle, starring Ed Harris and Amy Madigan. Controversial Hollywood version of the "shrimp wars" hits close to home. Cinema Flashbacks Club, Rialto Theater. Admission: Free to CFC members ($5 membership).

Jen Jones is a member of the Board of Directors of the Rialto Theater, an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization fostering art and education through visual art, music and live stage productions in the historic movie theater in downtown Aransas Pass. Her day job is in real estate at Coldwell Banker Myers-Gallagher.  If you have someone you'd like to spotlight in this column, drop her a line at jen@jenscoastalbend.com. 

 

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Jul. 27, 2009 - Artists & the Internet

Artists today, more than at any time in history, have a wide variety of ways to expose their work to the world. Not too long ago, if they didn't have gallery contacts or the financial means to maintain a full-time studio, an artist was very limited in their public display forums.  Now the internet and the emerging world of social networks have really exploded as a way for artists to market their work. 

It seems more are being added every day.  Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, YouTube, custom artist websites, and Twitter, are just a small list from an on-line community building out there.  We see artists going on-line more and more  to get the word out.  And the media types are varied, too.  Twitter is simply a limited text communication path for brief artist updates, while YouTube can provide full sound & video of an artist at work.

Go to your search engine of choice and type in "artist at work."  You'll see what I mean.  Dozens of pages of artists, art cooperatives, and art galleries magically appear.  Don't get me wrong, I love technology and the way it's serving to bring the world together but looking on-line at art just isn't the same as opening the door to a gallery and experiencing the exhibits with their sights and smells.  So, do use your computer to explore and visit remote artists but don't let it be a regular substitute for getting out in our Coastal Bend region and really experiencing art first-hand at so many great galleries and theaters.
 
- Wednesday, July 29, 7:00 p.m. - Auditions for "Rent" (musical).  Harbor Playhouse. Admission: Free.
- Fridays & Saturdays through Aug 1, 7:30 p.m. - "Pure As the Driven Snow" Live Stage Melodrama, Rialto Theater. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission: $12.
- Fridays & Saturdays, July 31 - August 1, 7:30 p.m. - "Shoot Out at Darby Wells." Youth Theater. Port Aransas Community Theater. Admission: $12.
- Fridays & Saturdays through August 2, 7:00 p.m. - "Cats" Live Stage Play by T.S. Eliot. Harbor Playhouse. Admission: $16.
- Daily thought July 31st - "Barefoot Sale" Art Exhibit of summer sale items from member artists. Art Center for the Islands, Port Aransas. Admission: Free.
- Daily through August 1 - "2009 Rockport Art Festival Poster Artist" Exhibit of Lisa Baer's work. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
- Friday, August 1, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. - "First Friday" Opening Art Reception for 2008 Member Merit Show Award Winners. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
- Tuesday, Aug 4, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam.  Rialto Theater.  Admission:  Free ($5 contribution suggested).
- Sunday, August 9, 7:30 p.m. - Cinema Flashbacks Club, Rialto Theater. 1959 crime drama directed by Otto Preminger, starring Jimmy Stewart, Lee Remick and Ben Gazzara. Rated R.  Admission: Free to CFC members ($5 membership).
- Daily through September 6 - Opening Reception for "Wild Spirits," paintings by Ingleside artist Jane Johnson. Rialto Theater Main Gallery. Admission: Free.


Jen Jones is a member of the Board of Directors of the Rialto Theater, an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization fostering art and education through visual art, music and live stage productions in the historic movie theater in downtown Aransas Pass. Her day job is in real estate at Coldwell Banker Myers-Gallagher.  If you have someone you'd like to spotlight in this column, drop her a line at jen@jenscoastalbend.com.

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Jul. 22, 2009 - "Pure as the Driven Snow" at the Rialto Theater

I heard the Rialto Theater's opening weekend of "Pure as the Driven Snow" was a rousing success complete with boos, hisses & popcorn-throwing at the villian!  It doesn't get much better than that!  Nothing like some audience participation to add to the laughter on stage.  Reminds me of the stories I've heard about traveling shows in the "Old West" complete with six-shooters going off.  You'll have to leave the guns at home, load up on some popcorn in the concession area and go have some old-fashioned fun at the theater.  It's on for two more weekends.
 
And speaking of drama, auditions for "Steel Magnolias" continue at the Rialto tonight.  Our little corner of the Coastal Bend is full of characters and the play is known for its portrayal of strong southern women. Add Texas to that southern mix and you've got real potential!!  I'm not the director, but I run into women every time I turn around who could easily play Clairee, Ouiser and Truvy without even trying.  So, come on - you know you've always wanted to act out on stage and "Steel Magnolias" is a great one to stretch into!  Channel some inner Shirley MacLaine and go for it!  It'll be the theater's season opener in September and sure to be a great kick-off for another successful year of plays, music, and art in our community.
 
The more I travel, the more I realize how much it takes the support of a community to keep the arts alive within it, especially in tough economic times!  If you're not comfortable acting (yet) or singing in the weekly jam, consider volunteering in the gallery, in the concession "stand" or just come in to help scrub the toilets.  There's a variety of roles art centers need in our area; work behind the scenes is just as important as on stage.
 
- Wednesday, July 22, 7:00 p.m - Auditions, "Steel Magnolias." Rialto Theater. No experience necessary.  Admission: Free.
- Fridays & Saturdays through Aug 1, 7:30 p.m. - "Pure As the Driven Snow" Live Stage Melodrama, Rialto Theater. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission: $12. 
- Tuesday, July 28, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam.  Rialto Theater.  Admission:  Free ($5 contribution suggested).
- Fridays & Saturdays, July 31 - August 1, 7:30 p.m. - "Shoot Out at Darby Wells." Youth Theater. Port Aransas Community Theater. Admission: $12.
- Fridays & Saturdays through August 2, 7:00 p.m. - "Cats" Live Stage Play by T.S. Eliot. Harbor Playhouse. Admission: $16.
- Daily thought July 31st - "Barefoot Sale" Art Exhibit of summer sale items from member artists. Art Center for the Islands, Port Aransas. Admission: Free.
- Daily through August 1 - "2009 Rockport Art Festival Poster Artist" Exhibit of Lisa Baer's work. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
- Sunday, August 9, 7:30 p.m. - Cinema Flashbacks Club, Rialto Theater. 1959 crime drama directed by Otto Preminger, starring Jimmy Stewart, Lee Remick and Ben Gazzara. Rated R.  Admission: Free to CFC members ($5 membership).
- Daily through September 6 - Opening Reception for "Wild Spirits," paintings by Ingleside artist Jane Johnson. Rialto Theater Main Gallery. Admission: Free.


Jen Jones is a member of the Board of Directors of the Rialto Theater, an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization fostering art and education through visual art, music and live stage productions in the historic movie theater in downtown Aransas Pass. Her day job is in real estate at Coldwell Banker Myers-Gallagher.  If you have someone you'd like to spotlight in this column, drop her a line at jen@jenscoastalbend.com.

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Jen's view of the Coastal Bend that reflects her love of the potential of real estate and the arts in the area.

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