By Jade Esteban Estrada - Staff Writer, San Antonio Sentinel

Looking for something to do this weekend? You’re not alone. Many locals are choosing to stay indoors for the remainder of the month, which means the search for uplifting entertainment continues in earnest. Fortunately for us, San Antonio artists are known for being adaptable and aren’t going to let a global lockdown get in the way of bringing you the weekend party vibes you deserve. Here are six ways to hop on the new-normal train so you can safely connect with others during this season of social distancing.

Gume’s Live Lockdown Poetry Party - April 22

Writer and poet Gume Laurel III invites you to cuddle up for a reading of his original work in celebration of National Poetry Month. This performance, where many shots and swigs will be intermittently encouraged, is scheduled to be presented at the 13th Annual Rio Grande Valley International Poetry Fest, which will take place this weekend. If you’re the owner of a lonely heart, Laurel’s heartwarming poems may be just what the love doctor ordered. 9 p.m. (CST) Wednesday on Gume Laurel’s Facebook profile page.

Words and Sh*t featuring Merdedez Holtry - April 23

On Thursday, The Blah Poetry Spot will present Words and Sh*t, an intimate performance and conversation that will give the audience an opportunity to get to know the artist behind the poetry. This week’s show will feature Mercedes Holtry from Albuquerque. This writer, poet, and Chicana activist has represented the Duke City at several national poetry events. Chibbi Orduña and Eddie V will host. Join the party via Zoom Meeting ID: 201-035-911 using this link and get ready to snap.

Artist David Blancas Live - April 24

From the comfort of your own home, acclaimed artist David Blancas will be bringing a Westside mural to life via Facebook Live. In association with the Westside Development Corporation, Blancas is helping San Antonians stay engaged by hosting virtual episodes of his artistic process direct from his studio. Programming will also include a virtual tour of the commemorative La Musica de San Anto mural, the colorful gateway to the city’s Westside. Observing Blancas at work feels like a master class in creativity, discipline and artistic diligence. 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. (CST) Friday on David Blanca’s Facebook page.



Artist Talk with Gabi Magaly - April 25

This weekend, Presa House Gallery will present their online artist talk with Gabi Magaly. The forum will be moderated by Hector Garza. Art lovers may take a virtual tour of Magaly’s thesis exhibition, No Nací Para Aguantar a Nadie, by visiting the gallery’s website. The talk takes place at 7 p.m. (CST) Saturday on the Presa House Facebook page.



Reading Red Book Club - April 25

Artspace invites you to explore the literature that has inspired many of their artists and exhibitions with their bi-weekly virtual book club, Reading Red. In conjunction with the gallery's 25th anniversary, they continue to celebrate Linda Pace’s legacy by discussing books authored by women. To coincide with the ongoing Hudson Showroom exhibition: Visibilities: Intrepid Women of Artpace, Reading Red will discuss Linda Nochlin’s essay Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists? Originally published in the January 1971 issue of ARTNews, Nochlin explores institutional obstacles that have prevented women in the West from succeeding in the arts. Visibilities: Intrepid Women of Artpace closes this weekend. Registration is on their website. Free and open to the public. The discussion will be led by Erin Murphy, Artpace’s director of residencies and exhibitions. Meeting information will be emailed to registrants via email. 2-3 p.m. Saturday.

Mega Corazón 2020 Restream - Now through April 30

In observance of National Poetry Month, URBAN-15 will restream Mega Corazón 2020, which took place on April 6. The event featured some of the city’s finest performance poets, combining street, classical, and slam performance styles. Their 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (CST) morning segment is geared toward middle and high school students who are distance learning. Their evening segment for general audiences runs from 8 p.m. to midnight. Free. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through April via URBAN-15’s website and their YouTube channel.

Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer at the San Antonio Sentinel. He can be reached at jade@sasentinel.com.