Youth Matinee Series
Broaden Cultural Horizons
For over fifty years, the Carver’s Youth Matinee Series has sparked curiosity, creativity, and connection – inviting students, educators, and families to experience the magic of live performance. This multidisciplinary series showcases a vibrant mix of music, dance, theatre, and more. Featuring acclaimed artists from our local community and across the globe. These dynamic matinees open appreciation for the rich diversity of the arts.
Dates and times are subject to change.
Matinees are free and open to all, but reservations are required. Each performance begins at 11:00AM and runs for approximately one hour, unless otherwise stated. Please note that dates, times, and artists are subject to change.
For additional questions contact our Education Coordinator
Call 210-207-2719 or Email education@thecarver.org
The Soul of Folklorico with Azul Barrientos and Agarita Chamber Ensemble
Friday, October 10, 2025
Agarita, joined by vocalist Azul Barrientos, invites you on a musical journey celebrating the vibrant traditions of Folklórico music from across Mexico. Born in Mexico City and now based in San Antonio, Azul blends Mexicana and Chicana cultures, reviving rhythms, stories, and dances that connect Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Mexico. Through her heartfelt interpretations, you’ll hear the history, culture, and regional styles of Mexico come alive — and even have a chance to join in.
Recommended for all ages
Opera a la Carte Presented By Opera SA
Friday, October 17, 2025
Feast your ears on the delectable selections of Opera A la Carte. Designed to introduce students to the appetizing world of opera, this interactive and engaging experience features an assortment of famous arias and scenes, showcasing the power and beauty of operatic music. Students will get a taste of different voice types and experience the magic of live theatre, where music drama, and storytelling converge. Perfect for young audiences, this program will inspire a love for the arts and provide a memorable cultural experience.
Recommended for all ages
Brush & Verse: Duo Book Premiere of Indigenous Picture Books
Friday, November 14, 2025
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with local creators and long-time collaborators Adriana M. Garcia and Xelena González as they share their newest picture books rooted in Indigenous cultures and wisdom. Garcia illustrated For a Girl Becoming by U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo, while González authored Of the Sun: A Poem for the Land’s First Peoples with artwork by Anishinaabe artist Emily Kewageshig. Together, through storytelling, poetry, and art, we will celebrate Indigenous creativity and customs across Turtle Island and within Latinx communities.
Recommended for all ages
Capoeira with Ile Bahia de San Antonio
Friday, December 11, 2025
Ilê Bahia returns for its annual high-energy celebration of capoeira—an electrifying Afro-Brazilian art form that blends martial arts, dance, music, and athleticism. Rooted in the traditions of enslaved Africans in Brazil, capoeira emerged as a powerful expression of cultural preservation, resistance, and resilience. Through rhythm, movement, and breathtaking acrobatics, performers tell a story of struggle, survival, and strength. Audiences of all ages will be captivated by the agility, precision, and spirit of this centuries-old tradition while gaining insight into its deep cultural significance.
Recommended for all ages.
Next Gen Cinema: EYCCP Visionaries in the Making
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Presented by San Antonio African American Archive and Museum (SAAACAM), come experience the creativity of young filmmakers at this special showcase featuring original short films and media projects by student creators in the Eastside Young Content Creators Program. (EYCCP) After the screening, a live Q&A panel gives audiences the chance to hear directly from the young filmmakers about their creative process. This inspiring event highlights youth voices and the power of media to spark conversation and change.
Recommended for 6th grade and above
Selma: The Bridge to Ballot Film Screening
Friday, January 30, 2026
Selma: The Bridge to the Ballot, is the story of a courageous group of Alabama students and teachers who, along with other activists, fought a nonviolent battle to win voting rights for African Americans in the South. Standing in their way: a century of Jim Crow, a resistant and segregationist state, and a federal government slow to fully embrace equality. By organizing and marching bravely in the face of intimidation, violence, arrest and even murder, these change-makers achieved one of the most significant victories of the civil rights era.
The 40-minute film is recommended for students in grades 6 to 12.
This film screening will be hosted followed by a discussion moderated by Senior Historic Preservationist, Charles Gentry.
Parsons Dance
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Experience the electrifying artistry of Parsons Dance, a company renowned for its athleticism, grace, and joyful movement. In this special youth matinee, audiences will be introduced to the company’s signature style—high-energy contemporary dance filled with breathtaking leaps, precision, and emotion. Designed to engage young people, educators, and families, the program offers a vibrant glimpse into the world of professional dance, highlighting Parsons Dance’s commitment to creativity, accessibility, and the power of movement to inspire all ages.
Recommended for all ages.
EXTRAD, Japanese Theatre Company
Friday, February 13, 2026
Experience the timeless traditions of Japanese Noh and Kyōgen theater with EXTRAD, a renowned performance company blending classical artistry with modern storytelling. Presented in partnership with Musical Bridges Around the World as part of UNITYFest 2026, this captivating performance introduces students to the elegance, humor, and rich history of these centuries-old art forms. Through stylized movement, masks, and music, audiences will gain a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and the universal power of performance.
Recommended for 6th grade and above.
The String Queens
Friday, February 20, 2026
Get ready for an unforgettable musical experience with The String Queens, a dynamic trio known for their soulful fusion of classical, jazz, R&B, and pop. Praised for their inspiring energy and genre-defying sound, The String Queens use the power of music to uplift, empower, and connect audiences of all ages. This interactive performance invites listeners to explore the magic of strings through both timeless classics and contemporary favorites.
Recommended for all ages
The Art of Groove w/ Turtle Island Quartet
Friday, March 2, 2026
Join the Grammy Award-winning Turtle Island Quartet for an exciting, interactive musical journey exploring the rhythmic roots of European classical and American jazz traditions. Using the string quartet as their guide, the group breaks down the “groove,” layering sounds and styles to build a jazz combo—one instrument at a time. Students will discover innovative techniques, improvisation, and how classical and jazz traditions blend into something entirely new—and totally unforgettable.
Recommended for 6-12th grades