Stable Hall has been open for less than a year and has already established itself as a premier venue San Antonio venue. Credit: Instagram / @StableHallSA

Libby Day has departed as general manager of Stable Hall, leaving some San Antonio musicians wondering whether they’ll continue to see the same level of bookings at the Pearl’s year-old music venue.

“I’m no longer with Stable Hall,” Day said in a Thursday Facebook post. “And after a few weeks of dearly needed rest, I’m open to taking on some side projects as I search for my next full-time opportunity.”

Day’s post said the change occurred a few weeks ago, though she didn’t remark on whether she or the venue initiated the departure. When the Current reached out for comment, Day said she’s not at liberty to discuss what prompted her exit.

Day’s departure prompts questions about the future of local music at the venue.

Top-tier venue

Though the building dates back to 1894, Stable Hall only made its debut as music venue in January of this year.

Since then, the world-class, 1,000-capacity performance space has hosted big touring acts including Lucinda Williams, David Cross, LA LOM, The Pharcyde and Portugal, The Man.

Stable Hall has also offered exposure to Alamo City acts that might not usually play a venue of its size. Under Day, the space emerged as a proving ground for local bands, some of whom hadn’t yet done a professional stage plot or compiled an electronic press kit to impress industry veterans.

The Current reached out to Stable Hall and its booking agency, Austin-based Soap Creek, for comment on Day’s departure and what it means for future bookings. Neither responded by press time. However, after publication, Stable Hall provided the following statement:

“Stable Hall was envisioned as a quintessential Texas music hall from the beginning, dedicated to discovering and showcasing the state’s most promising musical talent across multiple genres. Our commitment to San Antonio’s vibrant music scene remains unwavering, and we’re dedicated to providing a world-class venue for homegrown talent alongside national artists.”

What’s next

Whatever the reason for Day’s departure, some San Antonio musicians wonder what it means for local acts going forward. They credit Day as a driving force behind booking Alamo City acts appearing at Stable Hall due to her deep roots in the local music community.

“She’s literally the best in town,” said Roberto Livar, frontman of San Antonio barrio big-band Bombasta, one of the first local groups to play the venue.

Still, Americana artist Brandon Padier, who’s played Stable Hall multiple times with his country cover band The Texases, said he thinks the venue could have done more for local acts. It brought in Dallas and Austin acts as openers multiple times throughout the year rather than drawing from local talent, he added.

Booking agency Soap Creek has booked much of the talent for the venue, which Padier said may explain why bands from other Texas cities have sometimes been favored as openers over those from San Antonio.

Soap Creek, owned by fourth-generation Austinite Kristyn Ciani, also books at Austin’s Far Out Lounge & Stage and the Fountainebleau in Las Vegas.

With Day gone, Padier and other musicians expressed worry that a more corporate booking policy will take hold at Stable Hall.

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This article appears in Dec 11-17, 2024.

Stephanie Koithan is the Digital Content Editor of the San Antonio Current. In her role, she writes about politics, music, art, culture and food. Send her a tip at skoithan@sacurrent.com.