Cool Toy Store with a Gem of an Owner Worthy of Your Support

Have you heard about Brilliant Toys in Westlake?

They are, well, Brilliant!
I stumbled upon their store recently and was impressed with the activities they have. It's such a child-centric place that doesn't just sell toys and books. Its about community, growth and enrichment. I couldn't resist photographing them. The owner is truly a gem!  This is a store well worth supporting.
Check out the virtual tour!


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Here is the store's web site:
http://brilliantskytoys.com/index.php/stores/location/austin/

Here is their Google+ page:
https://plus.google.com/107450895035401898159/about?gl=us&hl=en

They have a little corner for story time and small performances:

 It is a charming store nestled in the trees in the corner of the Westlake shopping center. They have a huge collection of toys, books and dress up clothes that'll make any little boy or girl happy. When I stopped by, there was a little boy eager to get in to the store, which wasn't open yet. The mother was teaching him patience until the store opened. It was a tough lesson. But it was also true to the excitement the store offers kids. 

Stop by and support them! They were fun to photograph!

David

The Opening Season "Not-to-Miss" Concert this weekend!

Dear Musical Readers,

Saturday and Sunday will be the opening season concerts with the Starlight Symphony Orchestra. I am proud to be conducting this very musical and dedicated orchestra in Dvorak's New World Symphony (No. 9), Mozart's Overture to Magic Flute, Mendelssohn's War March of the Priests and Sibelius' Andante Festivo. These are blockbuster composers that sure pack a musical punch. The performance begins at 7:00pm on Saturday, October 5th at the Hays Performing Arts Center. We are their orchestra in residence.

Hays Performing Arts Center

The second performance is at 3:00pm on Sunday, October 6th at the Chapel in the Hills in Wimberley.

Chapel in the Hills

If you haven't heard Dvorak's "New World", then you're in for a real treat. The drama that Dvorak brings to this masterwork is awesome. There are moments of tenderness between strings and woodwinds and times of fierce presence showing off the full force of the entire orchestra with the brass leading the way.  The Classic overture by Mozart shows off his mastery and humor with destiny looming with his set of three chords at the beginning and middle. The Andante Festivo is work for strings that is lush and velvety similar to a fine pinot noir. It starts off unassuming but then sweeps you off your feet. Mendelssohn's War March is a tutti adventure!

This is surely a "not-to-miss" concert event!
By the way, all concerts are FREE.

http://www.starlightsymphony.org/

Look forward to seeing you there!

David