Nineties nostalgia is definitely on tap for San Antonio music fans this week with both Better Than Ezra and Everclear heading to town. But if flannel-era feels aren’t your thing, know that your ears have other solid options.
Let’s check ’em out.
Wednesday, Nov. 20
Joanne Shaw Taylor
Blues-rock guitarist Joanne Shaw Taylor is coming to town on a tour promoting her forthcoming album Heavy Soul. While known for her searing electric guitar style, the British-born artist also brings solid vocals and earnest songwriting to the game. Despite her origins across the pond, her approach to the blues is deeply rooted in a love for American guitar slingers. “My early influences were predominantly American,” Taylor told the Current last year. “The Vaughan brothers, Albert Collins, Freddie King, Billy Gibbons. I’m definitely in that school.” $29-$79, 8 p.m., Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 226-5700, majesticempire.com. — Sanford Nowlin Thursday, Nov. 21
Thelma and the Sleaze, Hickoids and Marion Black the Outlaw
DIY, queer Southern-rock band Thelma and the Sleaze are a hoot and a half to see live. The raucous and raunchy bunch is a fave at The Lonesome Rose, which is keeping the party going after celebrating its 6-year anniversary last weekend. With songs like “Eating Ass” and “High Class Woman,” Thelma and the Sleaze are no shrinking violets, and that’s exactly what fans love about them. And if that isn’t sleazy enough for ya, legacy cowpunk band Hickoids is sure to further dial up the raunch. San Antonio singer-songwriter Marion Black the Outlaw will open the evening, rattling spurs with bluesy Southern gothic vibes. $10, 9 p.m., The Lonesome Rose, 2114 N. St. Mary’s St., thelonesomerose.com. — Stephanie Koithan
Lo Doña, Baca Brothers, Ritmo Lokura and ¡VIAJE!
La Doña is the stage name of Cecilia Cassandra Peña-Govea, a San Francisco Latinx educator and bandleader who specializes in fusing traditional music forms such as bolero and mariachi with more modern elements, including reggaeton and hip-hop. Her performances promise an experience where crowds “sing, dance, cry and chant together for collective healing and political action.” Given the outcome of last week’s election, seems like crowds will have a lot to sing and cry about. Joining La Doña for this performance are San Antonio’s own Baca brothers, whose Texmaniacs do a fine job preserving San Antonio’s musical culture — and they have the Grammies to prove it. This show, the second anniversary of San Antonio promoter Vinilious, also features Ritmo Lokura and ¡VIAJE!, making for a full plate of Latinx culture that fuses traditional and modern forms. $22-$79, 7:30 p.m., Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway, stablehall.com. — Bill Baird
Friday, Nov. 22
Better Than Ezra, Graham Colton Band
Better Than Ezra promise to offer up a “Good” night for those who remember its post-grunge take on ’90s alt-rock. Formed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1988 by four LSU students, the band became known for its aforementioned ubiquitous 1995 hit but had trouble replicating that overnight sensation. The band has since relocated to New Orleans and lead singer Kevin Griffin and bassist Tom Drummond remain from the original lineup. In March, Better Than Ezra released its first new album in 10 years, Super Magick. $39-$49, 8 p.m., Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway, stablehall.com. — Danny Cervantes
Saturday, Nov. 23
Everclear, Marcy Playground, Deep Blue Something, The Daisy Killers
Nineties nostalgia looks to be hitting an apex at The Espee this month with this bill topped by alt-rockers Everclear. Frontman Art Alexakis has been the face of the band for more than 30 years, and is responsible for some of the catchiest sad songs of that era, including “Father of Mine” and “Wonderful.” With 12 Top 40 singles to its name, Everclear stands apart from many bands of its era for its engaging storytelling. Marcy Playground (“Sex & Candy”) and Deep Blue Something (“Breakfast At Tiffany’s”) open with plenty more ’90s feels. $49.50 and up, 8 p.m., The Espee, 1174 E. Commerce St., (210) 226-5700, majesticempire.com. — DC
Subscribe to SA Current newsletters.Follow us: Apple News | Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter| Or sign up for our RSS Feed
Related Stories
Austin’s Levitation festival brought psychedelic catharsis and unforgettable performances
This article appears in Nov 13-26, 2024.