April 2010 - Cover

Downtown Update
The Yachting Center of Corpus Christi
Opening April 22nd in time for the Boat Show – The Yachting Center of Corpus Christi, located on the Peoples Street T-Head, is opening an outside bar and grill to compliment the already impressive list of facilities it offers to the public. These facilities include a gift shop, kayak rentals, sailing lessons, cruises, self charters for experienced sailors or captained if required and now with the addition of “Harrison’s Landing” Outdoor Bar and Grill they will be offering a selection of fresh seafood, burgers, ham sandwiches and a full bar all in a family atmosphere.
Mesquite Street Mercado

The Mercado was scheduled to be located in the parking lot of La Bahia Restaurant at 224 Mesquite Street commencing March 6th. However due to logistic difficulties that date has been moved to June 5th.  Meantime the Mercado takes place inside La Bahia each Saturday. Further details will be available on Facebook as they become available. www.facebook.com/mercadocc

April 2010 - Boat Show

It’s More Fun In Water! By Marion Daly
The Texas International Boat Show, returns to Corpus Christi for the fourth year  with one of the largest in-water Boat Shows in the USA.Corpus Christi is ideally located as a venue for the Boat Show and has proved a welcoming host City with sponsors more than willing to lend a hand to make the show a complete success.
American Bank will again present the Boat Show as the Title Sponsor and
L&F Distributors (Budweiser) and Coca Cola return to sponsor the event along
with NOV (National Oilwell Varco) and Eddie Yaklin Ford.
From its inception the Texas International Boat Show has attracted visitors from across Texas and the USA along with international exhibitors and attendees.
The goal is to create an atmosphere outside of the more traditional style boat show and the Corpus Christi Marina offers a unique layout for this event which serves to make comparison shopping for the right boat easier than ever.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view Bay boats, ski boats, sailboats, powerboats, luxury yachts and the latest water toys, including personal watercraft and plenty of boat and boarding gear, alongside a display of trucks, cars and RV’s, in addition to a wide variety of products and services for the active boating lifestyle.  All whilst enjoying local food, music from The Bahamas, Fashion Shows, a Tiki Bar and the incredible watersport events that will  surround the Boat Show itself.

One major advantage of the Boat Show is the ability for exhibitors and potential buyers to sea trial the boats during the course of the Show, adding a further dimension to this style of boat show.
The Boat Show also opens the door to those individuals and families who, for whatever reason, have not previously attended a boat show.  Boat buyers, vital to growing the recreational boating industry, have totally endorsed this new concept   as the growing number of visitors attest to.

This year the Boat Show will include the exciting energy of the
Texas Xtreme Watersports!
The Corpus Christi Pro Wakeboard Tournament – a World Wakeboard Association sanctioned event, taking place each day of the Boat Show, with a prize purse of $15,000 and featuring World Champion Tom Fooshee returning.
Schedule:
Thursday:    Warm up/Practice:  2pm-4pm
Friday:        Qualifying:            11am-1pm and 4pm-6pm
Saturday:    Qualifying:            11am-1pm and Semi Finals: 3pm-5pm
Sunday:      Finals:                  12 Noon-2pm and Awards Ceremony: 4pm


The Texas Powerboat Derby – An American Powerboat Association sanctioned event, taking place across two days of the Boat Show, Saturday and Sunday, April 24-25.  Take stock car racing on water and you’ve pretty much got the idea. Crazy stuff with Texas bragging rights up for grabs in this first in the series of 2010 events.
Race Schedule:
Saturday:     10-30am, 1-30pm, 2-30pm, 5-30pm
Sunday:       11-30am, 2-30pm, 3-30pm, Awards Ceremony 5pm

Plus the 2010 HT Cup Professional Redfish Tour - when the West Division of   the 2010 HT Redfish Cup Tour kicks off in Corpus Christi, it will do so as part of the Texas International Boat Show.  Anglers are already signing up and will enjoy a weekend of fun in addition to the other events that will be taking place at the Boat Show.
The weigh in will take place on Friday and Saturday, April 23-24, on the Boat Show T-Head, at 3:00 pm daily.  The top prize will be $20,000.00 for first place on the full field of 60 teams competing.
The organizers of the HT Series anticipate airing this huge event on Fox Sports South and other media outlets.
In addition to these fabulous events, the Texas International Boat Show will this year host a student Art Contest directed at 3rd-7th grade children, the theme of the contest will be boats, boating and water sports in Corpus Christi, enabling students to showcase their artistic talents while learning more about the Corpus Christi Marina, boating and water sports.
This contest is sponsored with the assistance of Whataburger and Valero Refining and one final winner from each grade (3rd-7th) will receive enrollment in a one week Summer Art Camp at either the Antonio E. Garcia Arts & Educational Center or K Space Contemporary.  The awards ceremony will take place at the Boat Show on Sunday, 25th April.
Application forms are available through local schools or from the Antonio E. Garcia Arts & Educational Center, K Space Contemporary or by going directly to: www.texasinternationalboatshow.com

April 2010 - Tomac's Downtown Galleria

New Business owner returns to Texas from California and chooses Downtown Corpus Christi as the base for his numerous enterprises.
 By DMD Staff
Tomac's Downtown Galleria consists of:

• Smoothie and Coffee Bar
• Spa Salon
• Gallery
• Tomac's Personal Studio
  Watch this space for future developments.

Tomac's Downtown Galleria is a concept of Tomac from his earlier years as an entrepreneur and artist. With thirty years making his living working in the glass industry Tomac knew that his artistic abilities were more valuable than his business concepts but for economic reasons he had to improve his business skills prior to cultivating his artistic ability and that is how Tomac's Downtown Galleria has come to realization.

The Downtown Galleria includes a modern day, yet comfortable, Smoothie and Coffee Bar that features free wireless Internet access for customers in an environment suitable for all ages. A business person can quickly grab a latte whilst checking stocks and then return to work whilst the younger generation is offered a clean and safe environment to meet, greet and hang out. The Coffee Bar is located above a modern day Spa Salon

The Spa Salon welcomes:
Candace Wendland specializing in Swedish massage, Hot Stone massage, and facials;
Joshua Green an experienced hair stylist who comes to us from Los Angeles and who not only worked in Hollywood but graduated Paul Mitchell “The School”. All the amenities of a full service spa salon will be offered and additionally a day of pampering wouldn’t be complete without a little lingerie to take home. All this will be located in a modern day gallery.

The Gallery welcomes:
Valerie Noe, from Portland Creative Arts Center,  featuring her creative mosaics that are not only beautiful but functional, wall décor, and fountain.
Also on display will be some of Tomacs’ life work along with works from other talented and upcoming local artists.

Tomac’s Personal Studio is also located in the gallery and you may experience him creating glass art while you dine and relax.

The Coffee Bar is scheduled to open in the week commencing March 29th with the Spa, Gallery, and Personal Studio opening April 1st.
A Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will take place on Saturday April 17th and The Downtown Galleria will be fully functioning in time to become the latest addition to the Downtown ArtWalk on Thursday April 29th.

The Downtown Galleria is located only two blocks from the water, in beautiful Downtown Corpus Christi, and there are many other amenities planned for the future.

Tomac’s Downtown Galleria has something to offer everyone – for more details please call 361-888-6622 (361-88 TOMAC), logon to www.tomacsdowntowngalleria.com, or better still come pay a personal visit to Downtown's newest collection of businesses at 429 William Street, and treat yourself to the Tomac Experience. 

Photos by Homes and Land Magazine

April 2010 - Downtown ArtWalk

ArtWalk April 29, 5:30 to 9:00 pm
By Michelle Smythe

Join us Downtown on Thursday, April 29, 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. for the biggest ArtWalk ever. 
The event, which began with only five venues, now has 23 participating businesses throughout Downtown.  Don’t miss this fun-filled Spring Fling featuring art, music, refreshments, discounts and prizes! 
  
New venues in April include the Yachting Center and Tomac’s Downtown Galleria on Williams Street. 
 
Tomac’s Downtown Galleria is offering free massages and hair analysis. Visitors may also enjoy wine and hors d’ourves while listening to a live musician and admiring local artists.  Another recent addition to the ArtWalk line-up, Nueces Lofts, will feature unique photography-based canvas peels by local artist Jennifer Arnold. 

Axis Tattoo has recently added a beautiful new mural to the Starr Street side of its’ building, Virgen de Guadalupe.  While you are there, check out eclectic hand-made products by local artist vendors, and drawings and paintings by the artists of Electra Art - Axis Tattoo.  Enjoy acoustic guitar by Rudy Castaneda and refreshments while viewing literally thousands of flash art designs on the walls.  Axis Tattoo also offers tattoo and body piercing specials during ArtWalk. 

K Space Contemporary is featuring several local artists.  In the main gallery, K Space Contemporary is hosting the opening reception of Carriers, Panels, and Culm Piles an exhibition of new work by Dennis Kemmerer.  Opening in the Hot Spot Gallery inside K Space Art Studios on the third floor is an exhibition of new works by Nora Verdin, Nola Guajardo, Rick Longoria, Joe Pena and Roel Palacios. 

The Coastal Bend Artists will be showing at the House of Rock. Musical guests include Ty Deitz and Lion Rivers. Ty is an acoustical artist and a mainstay of the Corpus Christi music scene. Lion Rivers is a band with a new sound that lands between industrial and hypnotic. David Davila will be showing in Produce Gallery, Shop and Music. 

The Art Center of Corpus Christi is displaying exhibitions that feature works by artists who are represented in the City of Corpus Christi’s permanent art collection.  These exhibitions are organized by the Arts and Cultural Commission for the Festival of the Arts.
Drawings for Treasure Hunt and Door Prizes will be held at the Art Center of Corpus Christi at 8:30 p.m. (must be present to win)

Other ArtWalk venues include: Accidental Sky Art & Wine Gallery, Betty’s Trash to Treasures, Business Interiors of Texas, Chic to Chic Furniture, Desiree’s at the Art Center, Eclectique, Law Offices of Scott Ellison, GiGi’s Intimate Apparel, The Gold Bug, Jupiter Lotus Art Gallery @ Mulligan’s Pub, Nueces Lofts, Produce Gallery, Shop & Music, Surf Club Records, Texas Surf Museum, Whetstone Graphics, and Wow! The Smallest Gallery in Texas at Betty’s.

Traveling between venues is easy; walk or catch the DTown tram, which provides free transportation from one venue to another throughout the evening while riders enjoy live music aboard the tram.  Free parking is available and all venues are near favorite Corpus Christi eateries.  ArtWalk information, Treasure Hunt maps and coupons are available at any participating location. Admission is free.

ArtWalk is a great opportunity to see the diverse and exceptional talent of the artists of the Coastal Bend and beyond.  For a complete list of events and venues see the DMD website at www.dtowncc.com or join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/artwalkcc.

ArtWalk is presented by the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District and K Space Contemporary.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of or a participant in the ArtWalk, or have any art related business, suggestions or ideas in regard to the ArtWalk, contact Alan Albin, Downtown Management District (alanalbin@dtowncc.com, 882-2363) or Michelle Smythe with K Space Contemporary (info@kspacecontemporary.org, 887-6834).

Photos by DMD Staff and KSpace

April 2010 - The Art of Music

The Art of Music 

Fund raiser to benefit K Space Contemporary at The Venue @ House of Rock.
By Michelle Smythe

Glacial Energy presents The Art of Music, a fund raiser to benefit K Space Contemporary taking place on Friday, April 16. The Art of Music features two food and beverage tasting events; one pairing wine with sushi early in the evening, and another pairing beer with chocolate later. Both events will be held at The Venue at the House of Rock, 511 Starr Street. Tickets are only $20.


From 6 to 8:30 p.m., enjoy a lesson in pairing wine with sushi. Wine will be provided by Republic National Distributing Company and sushi by Ophraka’s 429 Asian Bistro.

For the late crowd, join us from 9 to 11:00 p.m. to sample pairings of beer and chocolate. Beer will be sponsored by Andrews Distributing and chocolate provided by Bourbon Street Candy Company. Each event requires a separate ticket.


Entertainment will be provided by a live jazz band. Works of art inspired by music and musicians will be on display for show and sale, including: concert photography from Bob Redding, acrylic portraits from Al Molina, and screen prints and poster designs from Rev Fred and Melissa Cook.

A special exhibition of Casey Lains' (owner of House of Rock) collection of vintage and modern posters and album art will also be on display. Posters by Rev Fred and Melissa Cook will be screen-printed live on-site and can be purchased during the event.
Proceeds raised from The Art of Music will benefit K Space Contemporary. K Space Contemporary is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to presenting and promoting contemporary art. K Space organizes innovative, experimental exhibitions such as Corpitopia which examined the future development of Corpus Christi, and Enmascarados which featured a live Lucha Libre demonstration. Events at K Space include the Dia de los Muertos street festival and Hip Hop Block Party. Educational programs include summer youth art classes and the Graffiti Art Project and Mural Program, a preventative education program aimed at curbing illegal graffiti.

Primary goals for K Space Contemporary are to educate the public about contemporary art and to serve as a leading Corpus Christi art destination while enhancing tourism and economic development for the local community. Currently operated by volunteers, K Space is the only alternative art space in the Coastal Bend.

The Art of Music is organized by the Leadership Corpus Christi Class of 2010. Sponsors for the event include: Glacial Energy, Bourbon Street Candy Company, Ophraka's 429 Asian Bistro, Andrews Distributing Company, Republic National Distributing Company, and Leadership Corpus Christi.

Come on out and help support K Space Contemporary! Tickets can be purchased online at www.kspacecontemporary.org, at K Space Contemporary gallery, from K Space Board Members, and at House of Rock. For more information contact:
Michelle Smythe, msmythe@kspacecontemporary.org, 361-887-6834 wk, 361-549-6327 m. Casey Lain, casey@texashouseofrock.com, 882-7625 wk, 510-9863 m.

April 2010 - Adopt Downtown

Adopt Downtown 2010

April 2010 - Buc Days

Buc Days 2010 

By Tricia Perrone

Since 1938, the Buccaneer Commission, a non-profit organization has annually staged the Buc Days festival in Corpus Christi, Texas in support of bringing entertaining, educational and cultural events to the Coastal Bend. Beginning in 1996, the proceeds from Buc Days have benefited the Buccaneer Commission Scholarship fund, which awards college scholarships annually to the area youth.

Held on the Corpus Christi bay front, this culturally diverse event grabs the attention of 51% of Corpus Christi, over 258,000 people. This springtime event, April 22 through May 2, 2010, has something for everyone, including the Buc Days Miller Lite PRCA Rodeo presented by the Coastal Bend Chevy Dealers; the Buc Days Stripes Carnival; the Buc Days Coors Lite BBQ Challenge presented by HEB; and the Buc Days Illuminated Night Parade presented by Daisy Charters & Shuttles.  The Buc Days Illuminated Night Parade is our largest event drawing the attention of over 160,000 people who line the streets each year awaiting the Buc Days Pirate Queens and the local area marching bands.  Plus, enjoy the return of Pro Rodeo, Folklorico and the many new events coming to Buc Days such as the Texas Parks & Wildlife “Life’s Better Outside® Experience”

TEXAS PARKS &  WILDLIFE - LIFE’S BETTER OUTSIDE® EXPERIENCE
SUPPORTED BY THE CALLER TIMES AND CPL RETAIL ENERGY A DIRECT ENERGY COMPANY

Saturday April 24 & Sunday April 25

New to Buc Days!  We welcome you to experience the outdoors while attending Buc Days 2010.  Try activities like fishing, camping and climbing with gear and guidance.  This interactive experience is for all ages, especially young children.


BUC DAYS LA COMPETENCIA FOLKLORICO Y MARIACHI DEL MAR
Friday April 23, 2010 from 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 8:00am – 9:00 pm
Selena Auditorium, www.ticketmaster.com

The Buc Days Folklorico Competition returns to Corpus Christi's Selena Auditorium with the addition of a Mariachi competition! Come see over 500 beautifully costumed dance students from around the nation compete for scholarship money in front of professional dance judges.

Tickets start at just $10 ($5 for children under 12) and are now On Sale at Ticketmaster.com

BUC DAYS MILLER LITE PRCA RODEO
PRESENTED BY COASTAL BEND CHEVY DEALERS


Thursday April 22 – Saturday April 24, 2010 Performances at 7:30pm
Sunday April 26, 2010 Performance at 2:00pm
American Bank Center Arena, www.ticketmaster.com

Don’t miss seeing the best rodeo contestants in the country.  The 2009 event attracted 79 contestants that are currently ranked in the top 20 in the World in their event!  And our crowds saw 18 current or former World Champions compete!

Tickets start at just $10 and are good for entrance to the Buc Days festival the same day as the rodeo performance.  So come early, stay late and enjoy all the fun!  Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com

The South Texas Trail Riders will launch Rodeo with a weekend ride from the Robstown Fairgrounds to Heritage Park the weekend of April 17th.  Slack begins on Tuesday, April 20 at 8:00a.m. and is free to the public.

A Special Military Night at the Rodeo will be celebrated Thursday, April 22.

ENJOY LOWER TICKET PRICES FOR 2010!

Opening Night – Thursday April 22 – DOLLAR NIGHT!
$1 Festival Gate for Everyone!  $1 Buc Days Stripes Carnival Rides! $1 Parking
FREE children under 36” tall; Does not include Power rides; Buc Days Parking lots only.

All other Buc Days Nights:  Friday April 23 – Sunday May 2
$3 adults
$2 Child over 36” tall and under 17 years old and Senior over 65 years old
FREE children under 36” tall

Festival gate tickets do not include access to Folklorico, Rodeo and/or Stadium Show.  Carnival rides and Festival food/beverage are not included in the Festival Gate Tickets. 
Get Your Advance Sale Buc Days Stripes Carnival ALL-YOU-CAN-RIDE Wristband vouchers are available at Stripes stores 4/5-4/21 for just $15! ($20 at the Festival)
FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION GO TO:

www.bucdays.com
www.ticketmaster.com

PARK & RIDE ON DAISY TO BUC DAYS

Buc Days announces there is no easier way to get to the Buc Days Festival Grounds!  Go First Class on Daisy Charters & Shuttles.  Three Free Shuttle Locations!  Take the free shuttle – a short hop to the festival!  

Look for the Buc Days/Daisy Charters & Shuttles branded Signs at the Coliseum, County Courthouse or at City Hall.  Board the bus and you’ll be dropped off near the Festival entrance. 
   

When you’re finished playing, hop back on for a return trip.  The shuttles begin at 4:30PM April 22nd , will run continuously and make their final return from the festival at 11PM Sunday, May 2nd.  Please check www.bucdays.com for detailed schedule.

Raising Money for Area Youth while having so much fun! That is what Buc Days is all about!

Photos by Buc Days