Music Vibes
AMEA: A voice with passion and direction, self-sufficient and diverse. UTSA grad and sociologist, AMEA delivers a unique take on r&b, soul and hip-hop. The Oklahoma native recently wrapped up a Texas tour with SaAm Lao and Van Solo, her first music video for her single, “VayCay,” and self-released three projects all in 2017. Make sure to catch her in town before she blows up (which I can guarantee will happen).
Crawl: Drowning in misery and sonically pummeling your senses, Crawl’s one-man monolithic act pushes the boundaries of heavy music. Bound with chains, adorned in chainmail and clad in knight’s armor, Crawl’s live performance is completely entrancing and engaging. His recent release, “This Sad Cadav’r,” was self-released on vinyl for consumption during his Shadows Across the West tour with Haunter and Black Vice.
Booty Feet: This is one of San Antonio’s youngest and most active acts. The name is a play on words to describe the relationship between butt and feet during dancing, which is what the band wants from their audience. The audience typically does more than dancing. Booty Feet shows are typically sold out, filled with crowd-surfing teens and held in non-traditional spaces in the spirit of DIY ethos. Their recent split-EP with San Antonio artist Elnuh is available on Bandcamp.
Other notable acts – Milli Mars, Topo Chica, P I N K O, The Bolos, Jonah Conrad, Sudden Attack, Swanny Ivy, Volcan, D.T. Buffkin, Cosmic Behemoth, Filthy, and Haunter.
Hangouts
Hogwild: Operating near the gay district on Main Ave. for over 35 years, Hogwild Records, Tapes & CD’s is a staple in the San Antonio music community. A wide variety of genres, formats and memorabilia line the walls and bins here: a vinyl lover’s paradise. Patrons can find flyers for local shows can be found and a sense of community throughout the aisles of local, national, and international music.
Friends of Sound: Originally an Austin-based business; Friends of Sound branched to San Antonio last August. Thousands of records and beautiful turntables on display for purchase are evident from the window front. The store constantly rotates its stock to make sure each trip is worth the time; it also hosts live music events with local acts. While still new, Friends of Sound is bringing a new level of inclusivity to the rare and obscure vinyl hunter in San Antonio.
Paper Tiger: Formerly known as The White Rabbit, Paper Tiger gave fresh life to an old community favorite as well as to the St. Mary’s Strip where it lies. Surrounded by craft cocktail bar Rumble and Attaboy food truck, Paper Tiger provides a perfect hangout spot for drinks, dinner and shows. Names like Big Freedia, Deerhunter, Chris Travis and Drab Majesty regularly grace the stage. Paper Tiger has been home to Burger Hangover Fest in recent years, an annual psyche and garage rock fest featuring national and international artists. Paper Tiger will also be home to San La Muerte Fest IV, a dark punk and post-punk festival in August.
Other notable places – Imagine Books & Records, Limelight, K23 Gallery, Korova, Ventura San Antonio, Floores Country Store, Josabi’s, Robot Monster Guitars, The Aztec Theatre, and Alamo City Music Hall.
The Art
Art Pace: One of the best known non-profits in San Antonio (and with good reason), they support local artists through educational programs, exhibitions and residencies.
Collaborative events with the San Antonio Jazz Association take place on the rooftop, complete with cocktails and beer. The Summer International Artist in Residence features Christie Blizard (San Antonio, TX & UTSA Professor), Rolando Lopez (Aguascalientes, MX) and Kang Seung (Los Angeles, CA) and will be on display until September 3, 2017. Pop in any Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5p.m.—it’s free.
Other notable galleries – Movement Gallery, Mantle Art Space, Presa House Gallery, Blue Star Contemporary, Brick at Bluestar, Trebla Art Gallery, and Clamp Light Artist Studios & Gallery.
Notable artists – Regina Morales, Antemia Kavillari, Andrei Renteria, Lewsr, Bryan Duff, and Albert Gonzales.
Dance then Eat
Chisme: In a city that combines both Mexican and American culture in its very own Tex-Mex way, Chisme brings that culture to life with its menu. Be sure to check out the Mexican Cheeseburger, the Tuna Veracruz and the Queso con Chisme—the queso will bring you back over and over again.
Sound Bites Trailer: In this age of saturated food trailer culture, the Sound Bites Trailer brings something new to the table —literally. Their fresh take on Asian-fusion cuisine on the go has garnered praise from local news outlets and support from the local music community. New takes on old favorites like mangonadas and hot cheetos combined tacos named after local bands bring the world of music and food to one singular truck. Follow them to find their daily spot at @soundbitestruck.
Other notable restaurants & bars: Paramour, Hi-Tones, La Botanica, TBA, Low Country, Cured, The Esquire, Hot Joy, Faust Tavern, Frank’s, and The Cove.
Notable breweries & distilleries: Dorcol Distilling Co., Blue Star Brewing Co., Weathered Souls Brewing Co., Busted Sandal Brewing Co., Ranger Creek Brewing and Distilling, Real Ale Brewing, Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, Alamo Premium Distillery, and Lone Star Brewery.
Best Chefs: Chef Geronimo Lopez of Botika, Chef Stefan Bowers of Batallion, Chef Andrew Weissman of Signature and II Sogno, Chief Guillermo Torres of Nao Latin Gastro Bar, and Chef Diego Galicia of Mixtli.
Best places to dance: Brass Monkey, Squeezebox, The Heat, Jazz Texas, Kremlin, Arjon’s International Club, and Hotel Discotheque.
