10-E <strong>La</strong> <strong>Prensa</strong> de <strong>San</strong> <strong>Antonio</strong> febrero <strong>27</strong>, <strong>2011</strong>
febrero <strong>27</strong>, <strong>2011</strong> By Cristina Blackwell cblackwell@laprensasa.com Starting next month, Wonderland of the Americas Mall, formerly Crossroads Mall, is proud to present their very first annual Fats Tuesday – Martes Gigante International Festival, a four-day event filled with live music, international food, fun activities and lots of dancing. “The diversity of the Hispanic community goes further than the Mexican-American,” said Michael Arellano, partner in OLA Marketing and co-producer for the festival. “Ultimately, our history was created by early ethnic and generational shifts from the southern countries and it’s important to share that with our current community.” Starting March 4, the carnival-style festival is expected to attract more than 5,000 attendees and will be showcasing free concerts from local and regional potatoes and fried bananas with cinnamon. After sampling every meat they had to offer (twice, some three times) I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to get up from the table. In my attempt to rest and let my food settle a tray of about 10 different desserts caught my eye. At this point, I couldn’t resist. I went with the triple layer chocolate mousse cake and my friend ordered the classic pecan pie. After trying each of the desserts I was ready to ask the manager for a job so I could bands and dance groups, including Bombasta, Jai Roots, Salsa <strong>De</strong>l Rio, Salsa Brava, Ronny Tee, Grupo Pasion, and many more. Guests will also enjoy dance performances by Zumba from Studio Vida Dance Fusion, Lee Rios and Semeneya Dance Studio, KaZamba Drum and Dance group, a Brazilian Capoeira Batizado along with Tango performance by Daniela Arcuri and more! “It’s about exposure,” added Arellano. “In an effort to do that, we’re combining multiple countries showcasing and highlighting their rich and cultural ethnic history.” Free and open to the public, the family event will take place at America’s Amphitheater outside and the Palm Pavilion inside, along with activities in the Marketplace and main stage in the mall. Audiences of all ages can participate in contests, karaoke, Texas de Brazil... (continued from page 6-E) eat there every day. Fortunately, my guest provided a voice of reason and instructed me otherwise. Since my visit I’ve been back twice and each time the thought of picking up an application crosses my mind. Not only because of the great food served at Texas de Brazil but the customer service and ambience of the entire place. In all, Texas de Brazil is priced competitively with the other two Brazilian steakhouses in town, but the others can’t compare to the entire experience you’ll get at Texas de Brazil. dancing, face and body painting, bead and mask-making during the event. Children’s entertainment includes Payaso Rolito y Dulce Candy Super Show and a special performance by “Fox Tails.” Additionally, Peruvian Chef Waldo Castro from Divine Taste Catering will showcase comida <strong>La</strong>tina while local/regional bands and talent will perform. Participants can also have a taste of the America’s International Food Court, which represents 12 countries of the Americas. “We want to give others an opportunity to be exposed to the richness of our culture and we’re doing it on one place at one time,” concluded Arellano. Festival time and days are as follow: Friday, March 4: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, March 5: 12-10 p.m. Sunday, March 6: 12-10 p.m. Tuesday, March 8: 6-10 p.m. For more information please v isit OLA-ME.com. By <strong>De</strong>nnis M. Ayotte Jr. dayotte@laprensasa.com The original American Basketball Association (ABA) was founded in 1967 in an attempt to compete with the heralded NBA, until the ABA-NBA merger in 1976. The freewheeling style of the ABA eventually caught on with fans, but the lack of a national television exposure and financial losses would eventually lead to the demise of the ABA as an independent league. The ABA distinguished itself from the NBA with a more fastpaced, flashy style of offensive play, as well as differences in rules like a 30-second shot clock versus the NBA’s 24-second clock. However, the ABA switched to the 24-second shot clock for the 1975-76 season, added the three-point line and pioneered the now popular slam dunk at their all-star game in <strong>De</strong>nver. Moreover, the ABA used a colorful red, white and blue ball as opposed to instead the NBA’s traditional orange ball. <strong>De</strong>spite their efforts to provide a unique product to fans they couldn’t compete with the NBA. Today, the ABA has resurrected itself in small markets such as <strong>San</strong> <strong>Antonio</strong>. 11-E International festival to highlight S.A.’s ethnic diversity Texas de Brazil has been in business nearly two months in the Alamo City after they spent $2.7 million to renovate the historic Kress building on Houston Street downtown. (Photo courtesy of Texas de Brazil) The multi-day festival showcases music, foods, dance and free concerts from local and regional bands and dance groups. (Courtesy photo) The ABA in S.A. The Fuel currently boast the best record in the ABA’s Southwestern division (15-4) and have yet to lose a game their division. (Courtesy photo) The Alamo City is home to the Texas Fuel and will play the West Texas Whirlwinds at 6:30 p.m. at the St. George Maronite Catholic Church Gymnasium. Fans across <strong>San</strong> <strong>Antonio</strong> are invited to come out early and watch the team warm-up and meet-and-greet the Fuel’s recently selected ABA all-stars <strong>La</strong>mar Wright and Kenny Wilson. The Fuel currently boasts the best record in the ABA’s Southwestern division (15-4) and have yet to lose a game their division. Sunday’s game is the last regular season game before the Fuel play in the Western Division semi-finals next weekend. Currently the Fuel are one of the most electrifying and highscoring team in the ABA. All fans are encouraged to wear green and admission for the game is $2 for adults and free for children 16 and under. For more information, email info@abatexasfuel.com.
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