October 2010 - Cover

Downtown Update
By DMD Staff

Chaparral St Parking lot.
The parking lot on the Schatzell / Chaparral corner lot on the 500 block of Chaparral now has spaces available for lease to anyone who cares to apply.
Rates are currently $50pm for Downtown residents.
Application forms may be obtained at the DMD offices at 223N Chaparral St, Ste A or you may telephone 361-882-2363 for additional information.

Treehouse Art Collective LLC.
The Treehouse opened September 1 at 309 Water Street, Suite D, in WaterStreet Market.
The seven co-owner/artists and 12 associate artists invite you to join us for our Grand Opening during First Friday Art Walk, October 1, 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. Our gallery will celebrate its Opening with a Ribbon Cutting at 6:30 p.m. Come celebrate the evening with art and music by coastal artists. So far we have received rave reviews. Come see for yourself!

Sprucing up Downtown.
Patrick Richards has been hard at work Downtown helping to make buildings look better. Fresh from working on the La Retama Park Mural, Patrick has lent his special touch to the signage above the door at Chic to Chic on Chaparral Street and has also been working on the outside wall on the parking lot side of Tease Salon on William Street. (La Bahia parking lot)

Tease Salon
This month, Tease Full Service Salon opens the doors to its much anticipated new downtown digs at 429 William Street, between La Bahia & Dentoni's Pizza. The 3,000 square foot space has been completely remodeled and features modern interiors and soothing colors in an open and airy, loft-style space. Owners Kevin Murphy and Sara M. Butcher invite you to experience their coterie of salon and spa services including cutting, coloring, styling, manicures, facials, waxing and Bleach Bright teeth whitening in just 20 minutes. The professionals there also offer special event hair and make-up application and a full line of hair and beauty products.
Formerly of Doohicki's Salon, the diverse staff of professionals is available by appointment Tuesday through Saturday by calling (361)882-2191.
We are also an ArtWalk venue featuring art by Maricela Sanchez and Jeffrey L. Linthicum so be sure to drop in and visit with us on First Fridays.

Sushibar Downtown
Sushibar Downtown is now open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday
through Saturday. Located behind Aria in the back lounge, Hybridspace
Concept has been introduced as a space that houses Sushibar & Stereo
Musicbar together. Musicbar will be open from Thursday-Saturday till
2am kicking off a downtown lounge-life driven by various DJ's
Come check out new tapa style menu items like SB Kobe Beef Sliders,
Tempura Shishito Peppers, Sweet-Chili Salmon Sashimi w/Goat Cheese &
Serranos all while relaxing to chilled out ambient sounds.

October 2010 - Dia de los Muertos

Dia De Los Muertos Street Festival
By: Jennifer Rhea

Friday, October 29, 2010:  5:30 to Midnight
Location: 400 block of Starr Street

For thousands of years multiple cultures in many countries have gathered to celebrate and honor friends and family members who have passed away by holding a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration.  In many countries the holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember their friends and family members who have died. The celebration most often occurs on November 2nd in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1st) and All Souls' Day (November 2nd).  It is common for family members in some societies to erect alters in honor of the deceased and to visit their graves with the favorite foods and beverages of the departed which is why it is not surprising that Dia de Los Muertos is a time of celebration where partying is very common place. The current mixing of more traditional Latin American and Mexican cultures with the modern art landscape of South Texas has provided the citizens of Corpus Christi with a unique venue to celebrate their lost loved ones.

While Corpus Christi may not be alone in celebrating Dia de los Muertos it certainly has put its’ own spin on the event.  That’s why in 2008 Axis Tattoo (then Electra Art) and K-Space Contemporary teamed up to show appreciation for their patrons and to add to the Downtown atmosphere by taking to the streets to celebrate.  Because of the very positive feedback, and the aspiration to try and top the year before, the event has grown into one of the most popular in the Downtown area.  In 2009 the Downtown Management District (DMD) came on board as major sponsor of the Dia de los Muertos Starr Street Festival and provided a cash and in kind sponsorship which allowed the festival to expand successfully and plan for future events with more certainty. In 2010 the DMD has again provided the same level of sponsorship ($5,000) and is very pleased to be associated with an event which brings so many people into the Downtown area.

If you have never been out to Starr Street for the Dia De Los Muertos Festival (www.facebook.com/dayofthedeadcc) then make sure you join the celebration right after work Friday, October 29th. Belinda Edwards of Axis Tattoo works hard to put together the best combination of musicians and artists and the schedule this year is truly exciting. All night the streets will be flooded with music from three really great bands, two DJ’s, dancers with giveaways, costume contests and a few surprises for willing participants. Family fun is what is expected this year, “The greatest memory we have is seeing everyone with their families and friends having a safe and fun time enjoying the art, music and food, “says Edwards.

Corpus Christi’s festival will appeal to all people of all ages and families. Michelle Smyth of K-Space explains, “This year we are adding an area where children can do art projects.   K Space will have a community altar, and I will be exhibiting a painting dedicated to young women who have lost their lives at an early age called “Letter to my Mother.”  

By sponsoring a local Downtown event and promoting the use of Downtown venues, the DMD hopes to bring more people to the Downtown area. The face of Downtown is changing to become a place where locals can bring their friends and family to take part in monthly events like the First Friday ArtWalk and individual celebrations like the K-Space Wig Out and the Dia de los Muertos Street Festival.  The support of these events by Downtown businesses and the DMD along with (most importantly) the attendance of local patrons is quickly allowing the vision of a vibrant Downtown to take shape.

October 2010 - First Friday ArtWalk

First Friday ArtWalk
By Alan S Albin

 
Friday October 1st is the third ArtWalk in the new format and things are beginning to fall into place. It’s early days yet but the Downtown ArtWalk is showing signs of emulating the success other big cities have had  with their long running ArtWalks.

Our “First Friday” has been designed to be an “umbrella event” under which the Downtown community can organize not only the monthly ArtWalk but also add on any other activities to benefit from the branding and marketing associated with “First Fridays”.
The main reason for adopting this format is to make it easy for everyone to remember that something exciting and interesting goes on Downtown on the First Friday of every month. Visitors to Downtown, whether they be Corpus Christi residents or tourists, are guaranteed a warm welcome at up to 50 Downtown businesses which open their doors to ArtWalkers from 5:30 to 9pm on ArtWalk nights. Many of these businesses offer refreshments and entertainment and some also offer door prizes and ArtWalk specials.
(Some businesses may not be able to participate in ArtWalk every month due to scheduling conflicts but everyone on the map is an enthusiastic supporter of ArtWalk and will be open whenever possible.)

ArtWalk is based in La Retama Park, which is the triangular park between Peoples Street and Schatzell Street in the shadow of the Wells Fargo Building, and the fun begins at 5:30pm when a band begins to play and the DTown tram takes off on its’ first tour of the ArtWalk circuit.
The DTown tram has HOBO on board playing their unique brand of “honkadelic” music and they have become a major attraction on ArtWalk as they sing and play their, sometimes irreverent (but always family friendly) way, around Downtown. Many people simply ride the tram to benefit from this only one of its kind experience.
ArtWalk takes place come rain or shine and in the unlikely event of inclement weather The Art Center of Corpus Christi at 100 Shoreline is our alternate “Hub” where the La Retama Park vendors, band, and prize draw will relocate if necessary.

Maps of Downtown showing the ArtWalk venues, the tram route, and the RTA direct shuttle route are available at the following locations:
•    DMD booth in La Retama Park
•    On the DTown tram and RTA Shuttle
•    The Art Center of Corpus Christi
•    The Center on South Water Street (Tango Tea Room)
•    From First Friday Ambassadors and Volunteers throughout Downtown
(look for the orange polo shirts on Segways and orange T-Shirts on foot.)

In addition to a band in the park there are always a good number of vendors set up there to provide ArtWalkers with a selection of items to view and hopefully buy. We are always looking for new vendors to help make Artwalk more diverse, interesting, and entertaining so if you, or someone you know, would like to join us please contact Michelle Smythe of K Space Contemporary on 361-887-6834 for details of how to participate.
As we move into the winter season, from October 1st, we will have a light tower in the Park to supplement the City street lighting after dark. This will also enable us to provide power for the bands and maybe some decorative lighting for the vendors’ booths. If you have any thoughts on how to improve the ArtWalk experience either in the park or around Downtown please contact Alan Albin of the DMD on 361-882-2363.

Although there will always be lots of exciting things going on in the park please do make an effort to tour the other venues which are scattered throughout the Downtown area. Most of these venues can be comfortably reached on foot, it is after all, - ArtWalk. However to reach some of the outlying venues such as The Yachting Center on the People St T-Head, The Center at 505 S Water Street, and even the Art Center at 100 Shoreline, you may wish to take advantage of the DTown tram and the RTA shuttle details of which appear on the ArtWalk map or you could just ask an “orange shirt”.

Another fun and entertaining aspect of the First Friday ArtWalk is the Prize Draw which takes place in La Retama Park at 8:45pm. As you tour the various ArtWalk locations Downtown you can ask each vendor if they have raffle tickets available for the draw. Those that do have these tickets will give you one set of double tickets per person so, the more venues you visit, the more tickets you collect, the greater your chance of winning one of the great prizes on offer each month.

Prizes for the October 1st draw:
•    First Prize        -    Painting by David L Phillips         $500
•    Second Prize    -    DMD Downtown Gift Certificate    $50
•    Third Prize    -    SegCity 10 min taster for 2        $40
•    Fourth Prize    -    DMD Downtown Gift Certificate    $25
•    Fifth Prize    -    Morgan’s Sports Bar (Food only)    $20

The prize draw rules are very simple and finite:
•    One ticket per person per venue.
•    Only tickets issued on the night accepted.
•    Draw open to all ArtWalkers including venue owners and staff excluding organizers.
•    Tickets must have Venue and ArtWalker names written on them.
•    Must be present to win.
•    Disputes will be settled on site and DMD decision will be final.
•    Everyone should have a good time and enjoy ArtWalk!

Please do come on Downtown on the First Friday each month to show your support for the many people and businesses of this community that generously donate their time, effort, and resources to provide the public with an entertaining, enjoyable, and sociable experience on ArtWalk.

Specifically it is important to mention the ArtWalk sponsors each of whom contribute, in their own important way, to make ArtWalk a growing success:
Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation, Downtown Management District, House of Rock,

K Space Contemporary, Nueces County, David L Phillips,
Produce Gallery, SegCity Corpus, Whetstone Graphics.

FMI:
www.artwalkcc.com
www.facebook.com/artwalkcc.com

First Friday Downtown - December.

First Friday in December will be held in association with the Las Luces del Mar event and the Harbor Lights Festival and will be held over the two days Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th December.
On the Friday night ArtWalk will proceed as usual with the exception that the events normally held in La Retama Park will relocate to the Shoreline median between Lawrence and Starr in the “Harbor Lights’ tents and will integrate with their program.
On Saturday ArtWalk venues will have an “open day” from 1pm until 5pm and the DTown tram will tour Downtown offering free rides to all Festival goers until 5:30pm.

October 2010 - Las Luces del Mar / Harbor Lights Festival

Christmas Wonderland on the Corpus Christi Bayfront and Marina.
Article by event staff.

Winter and the holidays bring out the best in everyone and particularly the best in Corpus Christi, Texas.  The Downtown skyline and the award-winning and nationally-recognized Corpus Christi Marina will sparkle at the 29th annual Harbor Lights Festival on Saturday, December 4th 2010.  This year the Harbor Lights festival will be preceded by Las Luces del Mar, which will be held on Friday evening, December 3rd from 5:00pm – 11:00pm.  Las Luces will launch a spectacular weekend of Christmas celebrations FREE for the entire family!

Join us Friday evening for Las Luces del Mar, which means the Lights of the Sea.  This inspirational evening is designed to bring forth the spirit of unity and faith for the enrichment of our community! 

Las Luces includes spectacular illumination lights, one main entertainment stage, street artists, strolling musicians and entertainers, live nativity scenes, Christmas carolers, and food and drink vendors.  Experience the beauty of this inspirational evening filled with brilliant lights, spectacular arts, and the spirit of community!

In an act of unity, an inter-faith blessing over the City will be performed by community spiritual leaders. The inter-faith ceremony ushers in a blessing over the City for the approaching holiday season and the new year.  Through this inter-faith event, we embrace our God, our City, and each other as fellow Corpus Christians.

The fun is just beginning as the festivities continue on Saturday for the 29th annual Harbor Lights Festival, Corpus Christi's unique celebration, ringing in the beginning of the holiday season for residents and visitors alike!  The event continues to grow each year and is featured in newspapers across the country as a "must see" event.  The fun and hospitality of the downtown waterfront area provides the setting for wonderful sights, enjoyable family activities, and a variety of vendors featuring great food, and holiday items. 

Stroll Shoreline Boulevard from Lawrence Street to Starr Street under the majestic illumination of the Corpus Christi bayfront skyline and marina!  Both festivals are FREE to the public and attract families and visitors from throughout the Coastal Bend and beyond.  So, bundle up the family and join us for an enchanting weekend on the beautiful Corpus Christi Bayfront and Corpus Christi Marina! 

FRIDAY – Las Luces del Mar
5:00pm-5:30pm    Community Posada (Christmas procession)
6:00pm-8:00pm    Children’s Gift of Love Bingo Giveaway
6:00pm-11:00pm    Vendors and Street Artists
8:00pm-8:30pm    Blessing of the City Program and Presentation
5:00pm-9:00pm    Youth Entertainment Stage - Local Entertainers
5:00pm-9:00pm    Main Entertainment Stage - Local Entertainers
9:00pm-11:00pm    Todd Agnew, Christian Rock Artist

SATURDAY Harbor Lights Festival
1:00 p.m.    Tamale Mercado (Vendors)
1:00 p.m.    Jingle Bell BBQ Cook-off       
3:00 p.m.    AEP Texas Children’s Parade
3:00 p.m.    Gingerbread Holiday Tree Village        
3:00 p.m.    Children’s Activity Area
3:00 p.m.    Children’s Gift of Love Bingo Giveaway
3:00 p.m.    The EOG  Resources Main Entertainment Stage
6:00 p.m.    Lighting Ceremony Begins
6:30 p.m.    Santa’s Motorcade
7:00 p.m.    Lighting of the Tree and Downtown
7:45 p.m.    Illuminated Boat Parade

www.harborlightsfestival.org
www.laslucesdelmar.org

October 2010 - Morgan's Sports Bar and Grill

Come in to Morgan's Sports Bar and Grill

Newly opened Morgan’s Sports Bar and Grill brings something innovative to Downtown Corpus Christi, with 10 flat screen HD TV’s and a Direct TV package that allows them to show equally as many games at any given time, this is a true sports bar.

Owners Bill and Libby Morgan, who also own Bubba's Ice House on S.P.I.D., are passionate about being part of the revitalization of Downtown Corpus Christi. Bill and Libby have lived in Corpus Christi for 20 years, and moved Downtown, as the first residents at the newly opened Nueces Lofts, last fall. After moving Downtown, the potential for the area became even more evident to them. They are hoping the bar will attract a young professional crowd and give business people in the area a fun, comfortable place to hang out. Bill and Libby are taking a cue from their success at Bubba's bringing a fun atmosphere, great service, and delicious food to Morgan's.

The space on the corner of Chaparral and Peoples Streets is decorated with sports memorabilia and features an open floor plan with plenty of tables and bar space for fans to hang out and cheer on their teams.
They’ve got everything you need while watching the big game. Morgan's has a full bar and a menu that offers way more than just bar snacks. From grilled chicken salads to made to order burgers, you can fill up during the game.

Bill and Libby's son Buck Morgan is the general manager, and John Sixta will be managing the kitchen. You may recognize their names as the owners of SixBucks Catering. If you have been lucky enough to attend one of their catering events, you know their food is great and their attention to detail and service is outstanding. Bubba's regulars will recognize friendly and fun loving sisters Laura and Mary Champagne. Mary will be serving up drinks from behind the bar, while Laura will be in the front of the house. Laura's main priority is providing excellent service, and you can be sure she will have a great time doing it.

Morgan’s is open for lunch from 11 – 2 on weekdays and, in addition to the regular menu, will serve specials such as Irish egg rolls (sauerkraut and corned beef filling in a traditional egg roll wrapper) and pizza burgers.
While they promise to get you in and out on your lunch hour you will want to head back after work and stay a while for the extra long happy hour.

Weekdays from 5 – 8 PM, Morgan’s happy hour features reduced price call drinks and pints, not to mention $3.00 appetizers like fried macaroni and cheese.
As if this wasn't enough, don't miss the fifty cent wings on Monday nights from 7:00 to close. On weekends the bar opens at noon, so get there early to take your seat for the game!

Morgan’s Sports Bar and Grill is located at 601 Chaparral Street on the corner of Peoples.
Bubba’s Ice House is located at 6042 S.P.I.D [http://bubbasicehouse.com/]

October 2010 - Dancing Through Downtown

The 8th Annual “Dancing Through Downtown” 
American Diabetes Association
Step Out to Fight Diabetes Walk

For more information contact:
American Diabetes Association
Janie Bell at 361.850.8778 or 361.877.5767

 

 

 

American Diabetes Association (ADA) will hold the 8th annual “Dancing Through Downtown” walk presented by the Port Industries of Corpus Christi to be held on Saturday, October 9th  at Whataburger Field beginning at 7:30 a.m.  This year’s “Dancing Through Downtown” Walk is co-chaired by local attorney, Arnold Gonzales, Jr., Janice Cubellis,  Director of Human Resources for Trinity Towers and Wes Gore, General Manager Central West Region for NuStar Energy.  This year’s Honorary Chairman is CCISD Superintendent, Scott Elliff.
      Dancing Through Downtown, a truly unique community event, began eight years ago when local community leader and restaurateur, Brad Lomax chaired the walk.  Recognizing the seriousness of diabetes and how the disease was affecting our community, Brad staged an event that touched every cross section of our community. He plotted a walk route that traversed the uptown and downtown areas. He recruited entertainment from around the Coastal Bend to entertain and delight walkers along the way. He also involved community leaders to join the fun. The enthusiasm for the walk continues to grow as the community comes together each year to raise awareness about diabetes, honor those with diabetes, and to raise the important funds needed to fight the disease.

 As this year’s Honorary Chairman, Scott Elliff, C.C.I.S.D. Superintendent, is asking the community to, “Step Up To The Challenge” to be healthier and once again join the walk.  “We have a crisis in our community with obesity and diabetes impacting people of all ages— especially for our youngsters; adults must be role models of healthy living.  Every person, taking even a small step towards increasing their exercise or improving their eating habits can make a huge difference for Corpus Christi and our future.”

 “Participating in the American Diabetes Association walk is an example of a healthy activity that also shows a unified and symbolic commitment to reversing the devastating impact of this disease.”
 

On Saturday, October 9, 2010, registration for the walk begins at 7:30 a.m. with opening ceremonies beginning at 8:00 a.m.  Walkers will get energized with a vigorous warm-up led by Zumama Fitness! Then at the sound of the sirens, joggers, cyclists and walkers will proceed to N. Tancahua Street and follow the parade route as it winds through the uptown and downtown area. Leading the parade of walkers this year will be the Downtown Management District’s brightly painted tram driven by Alan Albin, Special Projects Coordinator! On board the tram will be Dexter, Dance till Dawn Entertainment, to encourage and entertain walkers while announcing the more-than  twenty entertainment venues along the route. Cheerleaders, clowns, folklorico dancers, musicians, rock bands, jazz bands, twirlers, and elementary school spirit teams are among the highlights.  The entertainers generously donate their time and talents for this special Saturday morning.  

The fun is sure to keep the heart pumping and feet moving! What better way to get fit and serve a great cause at the same time! There will be awards for Best Costume, Team with Most Walkers, Top Fundraising Team and Best T-shirt Design.
 “Local refining and petrochemical industry recognizes that a diabetes epidemic is plaguing our community,” said Wes Gore, co-chair. “Unfortunately, this trend is expected to continue unless local industry and the entire community join together to fight diabetes in the Coastal Bend. Our involvement with the American Diabetes Association is to not only to raise awareness about diabetes, but to educate and encourage people to change behaviors toward a healthier lifestyle, with focus on exercise and diet.  Also, we hope to raise seriously needed funds to fight the fight against this devastating disease,” added Gore.   “We hope our community rallies around this walk because it’s an opportunity for people in the Coastal Bend to step out and do something--volunteer, form a team, and donate money—to help those who daily endure diabetes and its related illnesses. Ultimately, we want to help make our community a better, a healthier place to live and work.”
 Major local sponsors for the event include Port Industries of Corpus Christi, NuStar Energy, Valero, H.E.B., Navy Army Federal Credit Union, Flint Hills Resources, Oxy Chem, Sherwin Alumina, Clear Channel Radio, Corpus Christi Hooks and the Port of Corpus Christi. Other sponsors include CHRISTUS Spohn Health System, Downtown Management District, Nurses on Wheels, CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery, KIII TV3, Driscoll Children’s Hospital, Corpus Christi Medical Center and State Representative Todd Hunter.
 Today, more than 75,000 people in Coastal Bend Area are living with diabetes. Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of serious complications including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, and a number of other life threatening effects.
 The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s leading voluntary non-profit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy. Our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. We lead the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fight for all those affected – by diabetes.
•    We fund research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes.
•    We deliver services to hundreds of communities.
•    We provide objective and credible information.
•    We give voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes.

For more information on volunteering or forming a team in “Dancing Through Downtown” call 361.850.8778 or visit www.diabetes.org/stepoutcorpuschristi
Last year, more than 2,500 walkers representing local business and industry, families and friends participated in “Dancing Through Downtown”. Let’s make this year’s event even larger!