Artisan Column 11/2/09

On Saturday, I hope the community will join in celebrating the seventy-two years the Rialto Theater has stood in the heart of downtown Aransas Pass. Back in 1937, the Rialto opened its doors to provide the latest and greatest in movie entertainment to this area. If you haven't been back to the Rialto since the doors re-opened five years ago (and you're missing out on quite a bit, if you haven't!), now is the time to walk in the door. The non-profit organization operating the building has expanded beyond the original movie mission to offer live theatrical productions, acoustic music concerts, and eclectic art exhibits. Every Tuesday evening, a free acoustic jam takes the stage with music from the heart; no paid performers, no admission fee, just pure, unadulterated music of all styles. The Cinema Flashbacks Club has brought movies back again to the Rialto this year: $5.00 gets you admission to six months of outstanding classic movies that stand the test of time.

The Rialto's annual "Black Tie & Blue Jeans" Gala this Saturday will celebrate the past, focus on the future and is one way the theater thanks its members and volunteers for their ongoing support. All Marquee Members get free admission to the gala and the Volunteer of the Year is announced at the gala, as well. It's also a major fundraiser to help keep the doors open. Ticket sales help but don't cover all the bills. The performance rights for the plays don't come cheap ($65-75 per night), the annual ASCAP/BMI licensing is costly, seventy to eighty percent of all concert sales go directly to the performers, and the electric bill averages over $600 per month.

In large part to a Hotel and Motel Tax Fund grant from the City of Aransas Pass this year, the Rialto Theater was able to expand their advertising so they've been happy to see many, many folks from outside of town come in to enjoy this historic venue and live productions. However, the reality is without the support of the local community as well; be it your dollars, your attendance, or your volunteer support, it will be impossible to keep the arts alive in the downtown area in the years to come. The Rialto needs you to be there - to celebrate with them, to volunteer with them, and to continue to provide an engaging social center for the community in the years to come.

If you made popcorn in the concession stand, if you sold tickets in years past, if you took a date to the movies, if you ran films in the projection booth, if you wrote JJ + JR on the bathroom stalls, if the Rialto played any role at all in your past, please join in keeping these historic doors open for all in the future. Art adds so much vibrancy to the town and in our region. Join the Rialto Theater on Saturday to celebrate their anniversary and to celebrate the fact that Aransas Pass continues to play a significant part in the growth of our area during challenging times.

Upcoming Artisan Events:

• Friday, November 6, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - "The Music in Me - First Friday" Opening Reception. Art Center for the Islands. On Exhibit through November 27. Admission: Free.
• Saturday, November 7 - "Black Tie & Blue Jeans" Annual Gala & Fundraiser celebrating 72nd Anniversary of Rialto Theater's Grand Opening. "Toast of the Coast" Reception, "Meet the Artist" Narice Hopp, and concert by Claude Bourbon. Complimentary champagne. Admission: $15.
• Tuesday, November 10, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).
• Thursday, November 19, 7:30 p.m. - Members' Free Preview of Live Stage production of "Misery" by Stephen King. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free to Marquee Members, $12 other.
• Friday, November 20, 7:30 p.m. - Opening Night Reception for "Misery" by Stephen King. Live Stage Production. Fridays & Saturdays through December 5. December 6, 2:00 p.m Matinee. Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
• Friday, November 20, 7:00 p.m. - Opening night for "Christmas Carol." Live Theater. Fridays & Saturdays through December 11. Harbor Playhouse. Admission: $16.
• Daily through November 21 - "Shorelines" Art Exhibit. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
• Saturday, November 22, 2:00 p.m. - "The Gods Must Be Crazy" Cinema Flashbacks Club. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free to Members, $5 to join.
• Saturday, December 12, 2:00 p.m. - "Acoustic Country Blues Guitar Workshop" by Steve James. Intermediate to advanced guitar players. Advance registration required: Minimum six, maximum twelve participation. Rialto Theater. Admission: $30.
• Saturday, December 12, 7:30 p.m. - "Steve James in Concert." Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
• Sunday, December 13, 2:00 p.m. - "My Life as a Dog." Cinema Flashbacks Club, Rialto Theater. Admission: Free to Members, $5 to join.
• Daily through January 6 - "Bright Energy," The works of Narice Hopp. Rialto Theater Main Gallery. "Meet the Artist" Reception, November 7, 6:30 p.m. Admission: Free.

Jen Jones is a member of the Board of Directors of the Rialto Theater, an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization fostering art and education through visual art, music and live stage productions in the historic movie theater in downtown Aransas Pass. Her day job is in real estate at Coldwell Banker Myers-Gallagher. If you have someone you'd like to spotlight in this column, drop her a line at jen@jenscoastalbend.com.