Aloha to San Antonio - An Evening Stroll

Last Monday, I flew to San Antonio for the RWA Annual Conference.   I arrived late afternoon, giving me time to walk around the downtown area.  Above is the flag atop the San Antonio Fire Museum (link).

The Marriott Rivercenter hosted the conference, conveniently located near The Alamo.

From its website (link),

Although the Alamo fell in the early morning hours of March 6, 1836, the death of the Alamo defenders has come to symbolize courage and sacrifice for the cause of Liberty. The memories of James Bowie, David Crockett, and William B. Travis are as powerful today as when the Texan Army under Sam Houston shouted "Remember the Alamo!" as it routed Santa Anna at the battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836.

The Alamo Cenotaph is also known as the Spirit of Sacrifice.

Erected in Memory of the Heroes who sacrificed their lives at the Alamo, March 6, 1836 in the defense of Texas, 'They chose never to surrender nor retreat, these brave hearts with flag still proudly waving perished in the flames of immortality that their high sacrifice might lead to the founding of this Texas.

The Alamo leads to San Antonio's famous Riverwalk (link).

 Even the wildlife enjoy the river!

The Towers of the Americas offers a city wide view, including the San Antonio River (link). 

St. Joseph's Catholic Church demonstrates San Antonio's diversity.  From its website (link):

The cornerstone for Saint Joseph Church was laid in 1868 by a group of San Antonio's German Catholic Immigrants who wanted to worship and hear God's Word proclaimed and celebrated in their own language. Over the course of years the German Community constantly improved their Parish of St. Joseph and its buildings. 

The Riverwalk leads to La Villita.  From its website (link),

A Historic Arts Village since 1939, galleries and shops in one square block offer unique art by local & regional artists featuring oil paintings, sculptures, water-colors, metal art, rock art, textiles, copper wares, pottery, jewelry, stained glass and regional folk art.

The Riverwalk also offers its own entertainment center.   The Arneson River Theater was erected by the Works Progress Administration from 1939 - 1941. 

The theater was featured in MISS CONGENIALITY with Sandra Bullock.   

Have you visited San Antonio?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's comments wins a book choice from my convention stash. Comments are open through Saturday, August 16, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 17.   During this two week period, I will be away in Florida with my oldest son on a college hunting trip.  This also gives time for USPS to deliver my books from San Antonio!  

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City 

The Arneson Theater features five bells, representing 

the five historic missions in San Antonio.

Aloha to the Annapolis Irish Festival - Tshirts!

I found a few shirts I liked ...

... I may need "Party Like A Pict" for next year's RT Booklovers' Convention.

I chatted with the Warrior Brotherhood before Albannach's second set - they are veterans serving veterans.

This was an appropriate tshirt for Albannach's performance.

Geico gave out "hand fans" featuring their famous mascot.   The fans came in handy with the summer heat!

How can you not smile at this tshirt?

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to the Annapolish Irish Festival - Out and About

The Infamous Welsh Cookie Co. intrigued me.  From its website (link),

Welsh Cookies are known by many other names, including Miners Cakes or Welsh Cakes. The Welsh name for them is Pice Ar Y Maen. Generations of coal and slate miners in Wales took these nutritious “cakes” to work every day. Traditionally, Welsh Cookies contained black currants and nutmeg. Miner’s wives rolled and fried the cakes each morning much like we now make pancakes. The resulting cookie has a biscuit-like flavor and texture. I often tell people that if you combined the best characteristics of pancakes, shortbread, scones, and biscuits, the result would be a Welsh Cookie.

Of course I had to chat with the teens manning the Kona Ice truck.   The guys told me they had lei tucked away ...

... and I asked them to wear the lei and give me the shaka!

Kudos to the Vets for their service!

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to the Annapolis Irish Festival - Chesapeake Caledonian Pipes and Drums

Here comes the Chesapeake Caledonian Pipes and Drums. From its website (link),

The Chesapeake Caledonian Pipes & Drums was formed in 1985 to promote the highest standards in both traditional and contemporary bagpipe and drum ensemble performance. Since then, the band has regularly participated in parades, concerts, and pipe band competitions throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

The band wears the Ancient MacDonald tartan coupled with white police shirts, black tie, and black waist-cropped Naval mess jackets, in honor of the Naval heritage of Annapolis.The most distinct feature of our uniform is the cap badge representing a Maryland Blue Crab, a symbol of the Chesapeake Bay, the region that is home to our pipers and drummers.

There's nothing like the pipes and drums to make the heart beat faster.

I spotted at least two women in the band.

The audience enjoyed their performance!

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to the Annapolis Irish Festival - Irish Dancing

 

We discovered The Shamrogues at the Annapolish Irish Festival.  From their website (link), 

Formed by banjo player and County Laois native Jim Phelan, the band features Adam Wyatt on Vocals and Bodhran, the internationally renowned fiddler Johnny Benson, Chris Marsheck on Guitar, Gary Peresta on Bass, Rich Boshart on Drums and 8-time World Irish Dancing Championship finalist Katie Fox.

The music was fabulous - check out pictures of the band on yesterday's post at this link.  Katie Fox, the champion Irish dancer, was the icing on the cake.

She raised the energy level on the stage ...

... and to the audience. 

A good time was had by all ages!

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Future dancers

Aloha to the Annapolis Irish Festival - The Shamrogues!

We arrived early to the Annopolis Irish Festival to beat the rush hour traffic.  We found a shady spot near the entrance to soak up the atmosphere as the volunteers scurried around to open the festival.  We chatted with a gentleman sitting at gate, Jim Phelan, who turned out to be the founder of The Shamrogues.  From the band's website (link), 

Jim was born in Co. Laois, Ireland. He began playing guitar at the age of twelve and two years later was playing in local pubs with his first band 'The Exploding Appletarts'.

Raised in a family steeped in tradition he was born with a love of Irish ballads and picked up the tenor banjo and mandolin at an early age. He soon got involved in Sunday ballad sessions with several of the country's top Irish musicians including his close friend Seanie Smullen, one of Ireland's most talented banjo players (The Mighty Ghosts of Erin).

After emigrating in 1996, Jim started Irish sessions in countries as far flung as Japan, Dubai and Saudi Arabia. He settled in America in 2006 and launched The ShamRogues in April of 2009.

Jim's banjo inspired the audience to join the fun!

The band played for an hour and half ...

... with a champion Irish Dancer!  

I'll share more pictures of Katie tomorrow!   Meanwhile, we look forward to seeing more of The Shamrogues at local venues as they hail from Baltimore!

Do you have an favorite Irish band from a festival or even pub?

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City 

Aloha to the Annapolis Irish Festival - Albannach

The Anne Arundel Fair Grounds welcomed the Annapolis Irish Festival (link):

Since the Inaugural Festival in 2011, the AIF has become an Annapolis tradition, thanks to the support of the business community and the people who share our passion for the Emerald Isle and the magical Celtic traditions and music we hold so dear.

We specifically attended the fest to see Albannach.  From their website (link),

Albannach is Scots-Gaelic for "Scottish" or "Scotsman". That's exactly what we are. Albannach are all born and bred in Scotland and our purpose in life is to share our intriguing culture, history and heritage with you by means of our music.

Albannach are not just another Scottish 'Pipes & Drums' band, indeed we bring a new and exciting form of music to your living room. A championship winning piper, an extremely talented main drummer, bass drummers and bodhran musician bring you a brand new approach to percussion and Celtic music. Our style of music is exciting, energetic and enchanting and we promise to leave you begging for more.

Yes, the music is exciting, energetic, and enchanting.

Albannach left the audience begging for more.

I was ready to follow the bagpipes into battle ... 

... the drums are equally compelling!

Jamesie creates such a frenzy among the crowd!

Jacquie treated us to soulful vocals about Alba - Scotland.

After their show, Albannach met with their fans of all ages! Here is Donnie ...

... Jacquie and Colin!

I hope to see Albannach again at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Fair in early October (link).

Have you attended a Celtic Festival? 

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Perhaps Jamesie could have been cast as Jamie Fraser in OUTLANDER.