The Valley Symphony Orchestra (VSO) is thrilled to announce a special performance of Cocktails con Fuerza in Brownsville on Saturday, February 8, at 8 p.m. at the Texas Southmost College Performing Arts Center. From Gershwin’s Havana-inspired Cuban Overture to Duke Ellington’s thrilling symphonic big-band arrangements, this program promises to be as bold as it is captivating.
The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) announces the upcoming exhibition, "Paintings from Spanish America (1600-1800) from the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation Collection," which will be on view from February 8 to May 25. This exhibition features 16 masterworks that present a comprehensive panorama of artistic creativity from Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Cuba, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The South Texas Irish Festival (STXIF) returns for its highly anticipated 5th annual event on Saturday, February 22, in McAllen. The festival, offering free admission and a family-friendly atmosphere, will be held indoors and outdoors with plenty of parking available for all guests.
This year’s festivities are bigger than ever, promising an exciting lineup of live entertainment, delicious food and drink, and fun activities for all ages. Whether you're a longtime lover of Irish culture or a first-time festivalgoer, there's something for everyone at this community celebration.
Read more: A Celebration of Irish culture, music, and community in McAllen
Winter Volunteers at Rio Grande Bible Ministries (RGBM) will hold a Craft/Quilt/Bake Sale on Saturday, February 1, from 8 to 11 a.m. to benefit students of both the seminary and the Intercultural Studies Program. It will be held in the multi-purpose room of the campus in Edinburg, 4300 S. Highway 281, (Closner Blvd.). Parking is available at the Closner entrance. The quilt auction will begin at 10 a.m. Free coffee will be provided all morning and cookies/baked goods will be available for purchase.
Read more: RGBM Craft/Quilt/Bake Sale raises funds to benefit students
Ballots for the Valley Star Awards are rolling in – make sure your voice is heard and vote for your favorite Wintertainer™. There are ten categories in which we ask you to vote. Categories are Male Vocalist of the Year; Female Vocalist of the Year; Duet Musical Group of the Year; Family Group of the Year; Vocal Group or Choir of the Year; Individual or Small Band Act of the Year; Novelty, Comedy, or Variety Act of the Year; Gospel Group of the Year; Rock N Roll Band of the Year; and Country Band of the Year.
Then there is the most coveted award – the write in – Entertainer/Group of the Year. This one is totally up to you, our readers, because you have the chance to write in your favorite among all of those you have seen perform in the Valley.
On January 18, La Floresta RV Resort near Mercedes had a couples Par 3 golf tournament. There were two categories - gross score and net score. If it was the first time playing in this tournament, the couples had to sign up for gross score as they haven't had a handicap established. If they had a handicap, they could choose which category they wanted to play in. If you chose net score, you would subtract your handicap from your 18-hole score. They had two new winners this year. The winner of the lowest gross score runs the tournament the following year and receives a plaque which was donated by last year's winners, Jim Monier and Darla Strait. The gross winners were Murray and Pat Pratt. The net score winners were Dan Streff and Bonnie Kadell. Photos submitted by Darla Strait.
Tim Hadler will be bringing his George Strait show – Strait to Branson – from Branson to South Padre Island next month at the Holiday Inn Resort on February 1, 8, 22 and March 8. He will also perform a Valentine Walk Through the Decades dance on Thursday, February 13 at the resort.
Tim was born as the youngest of nine children and raised on a farm in the foothills of the volcano Mount St. Helens. He often jokes that his first audience was the cows he used to sing to on the farm. Since those days of farming, he’s always loved to sing and dreamed of someday taking his talent to Nashville and beyond. It was never so much to be a star, but to be able to help those in need because he could, something that was instilled in him by his parents.
Read more: Tim Hadler bring his George Strait show to the Island
