The supermarkets and malls are already unleashing holiday earworms upon us, and one sure way to banish them from the subconscious is to enjoy the real-deal experience of checking out live music.
Explore one or more of these live shows picked out by our critics and you’ll be glad you kept “All I Want for Christmas Is You” at bay — if only for a little while.
Wednesday, Nov. 19
Royal Jesters Celebration with Eddie and the Valiants
For many, the Royal Jesters represent the pinnacle of San Antonio’s famed West Side Sound—a soulful fusing of Mexican American and Black music with early rock ‘n’ roll. On the 60th birthday of the group’s iconic single “We Go Together,” contemporary West Side soul act Eddie and the Valiants are putting together a heartfelt tribute. Perhaps more than any other single, “We Go Together” encapsulates the trademarks of the West Side Sound, including sweet vocal harmonies, a memorable melody and a mega-groovy bassline. Bones Aragon and Luvine Elias Jr. of the Jesters will be in attendance at this special celebration. $13, 6 p.m., Jaime’s Place, 1514 W. Commerce St., jaimesplace.pub. — Bill Baird
Friday, Nov. 21
Mavis Staples
Mavis Staples, the last surviving member of the Staples Singers, is an American icon whom NPR called “one of America’s defining voices of freedom and peace.” The singer and civil rights activist is known for the group’s enduring hits “I’ll Take You There” and “Let’s Do It Again,” and she’s also lent her voice to acts ranging from Aretha Franklin and Prince to David Byrne and Arcade Fire. Consider this show essential for lovers of soul, gospel, R&B, American roots music or, hell, any type of music at all. $40, 8 p.m., Carver Community Cultural Center, 226 N. Hackberry St., thecarver.org. — BB
The Band of Heathens
Austin rock and blues outfit The Band of Heathens is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a two-set evening in San Antonio. Best known for their 2016 hit “Hurricane,” the group endures with founding members Ed Jurdi and Gurdy Quist still at the helm. The Band of Heathens enthralls loyal followers with deeply emotional lyrics and a rollicking sound, as highlighted on the recently released live album All That Remains. $31.17-$76.21, 8 p.m., Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway, stablehall.com. — DC
Sunday, Nov. 23
The Grasshopper Lies Heavy, Bat Lips, Virtual Limbs, Porridge Fist
San Antonio’s The Grasshopper Lies Heavy has made a name for itself by putting out releases that vacillate between crushing, off-kilter riff monsters and moodier, more experimental pieces. For this show, expect to hear the band’s heavier side in action as it celebrates the release of the new album HEAVY on Minneapolis’ Learning Curve Records. As the name suggests, the eight-song LP showcases Grasshopper’s more punishing side. (Check out the soul-destroying single “We Are All the Antichrist” if you need a sample of just how punishing that can be.) Throw in an assortment of opening acts also known for pushing the sonic envelope and you have a noise fest suitable for closing out a wild weekend. $10, 7 p.m., The Lonesome Rose, 2114 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 455-0233, thelonesomerose.com. — Sanford Nowlin
Monday, Nov. 24
Neko Case, John Grant
If Neko Case had stopped after founding The New Pornographers, her indie-rock legacy would have been complete. Instead, she’s continued on an inspired songwriting journey that’s spanned Americana, indie, punk, folk and more. She’s brilliant — one of the best out there — and is in town to promote her latest album, Neon Grey Midnight Green. Opener John Grant has carved a similarly compelling path through indie-rock songwriting to much critical acclaim. $48, 7:30 p.m.,Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, tobincenter.org. — BB
Tuesday, Nov. 25
Two Tons of Steel
Long-running San Antonio rockabilly country act Two Tons of Steel is turning its “Two Ton Tuesdays” at Gruene Hall into a Thanksgiving Food Drive. Expect a lively affair that will get fans out on the dance floor while helping those in need. And due to the government shutdown and the White House’s cuts to food assistance, the need is greater than ever. $15, 8:30 p.m., Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, (830) 606-1281, gruenehall.com. — DC
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