San Antonio’s concert calendar is absolutely stacked this week, with everything from arena-sized pop and metal to indie rock, modern jazz and conjunto. Bruno Mars, Rush and Iron Maiden are bringing the spectacle, while Built to Spill, the Bad Plus and hometown legend Santiago Jimenez Jr. offer plenty of reasons to seek out a smaller stage.
Let’s run it all down.
Wednesday, Sept. 23
Bruno Mars
Superstar Bruno Mars has done it all. He started entertaining as a child, first as an Elvis impersonator, then as a pop artist and finally as a crossover performer capable of dabbling in anything. After shedding the catchy piano-pop days of his 2010s material, Mars moved into funk and soul. Latin sounds pervade on his latest album, The Romantic. Along with the massive tour announcement, sudden appearance on various artists’ songs and a new album all within the last two years, jokes about Mars needing to pay off his rumored gambling debts are unlikely to go away anytime soon. $342.81-$1,901.25, 7 p.m., Alamodome, 100 Montana St., (210) 207-3663, alamodome.com. — Brianna Espinoza
Wednesday, Sept. 23, and Friday, Sept. 25
Rush
Bassist-vocalist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson — the two surviving members of proggy Canadian hard-rock trio Rush — are on the road for their first road dates since the 2020 death of drummer Neil Peart. The Fifty Something tour features talented drummer Anika Niles filling in for Peart. Setlists have drawn heavily from classic albums 2112 and Moving Pictures, depending on the night. $100.50 and up, 7:30 p.m., Frost Bank Center, One Frost Bank Center Drive, (210) 444-5140, frostbankcenter.com. — Danny Cervantes
Wednesday, Sept. 23
The Bad Plus
Quirky modern jazz collective the Bad Plus has always pushed musical boundaries, blending elements of rock, pop and indie into the mix. That’s granted the group both longevity and a broad audience. The Bad Plus is set to release its 18th studio album in November, this time with no piano in the lineup. Founding members Reid Anderson (bass) and Dave King (drums) view continued evolution as necessary for creativity. $30.93-$42.18, 8 p.m., Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway, stablehall.com. — DC
Thursday, Sept. 24
Diamond Rio
Country group Diamond Rio has released four — count ’em, four — greatest hits albums, which says something about the longevity and popularity of its music. Although the band’s modern country sound helped it chart big in the ’90s and early 2000s, its instrumental interplay and harmonies are rooted in bluegrass, which offers a timeless flavor few of its radio peers could match. $42, 8 p.m., Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway, stablehall.com. — Bill Baird
Built to Spill
Iconic ’90s indie-rock act Built to Spill remains one of the best bands from that decade, and guitarist Doug Martsch is a low-key hero of his instrument. Keep It Like a Secret remains the band’s entry into the pantheon of all-time great albums and shows its knack for creating timeless, well-crafted rock. $35, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — BB
Friday, Sept. 25
Creekbed Carter Hogan, Elnuh (solo), DJ Highway King
For fans of folk, y’allternative and bluegrass, it doesn’t get much better than Creekbed Carter Hogan. The former Austinite — now a St. Paul, Minnesota resident — will be joined for a San Antonio appearance by local dreampop artist Elnuh in a solo set and DJ Highway King spinning obscure and beloved gems of the finest vintage. Hogan is touring in support of the new album Peasants Revolt! released through Gar Hole Records, which is co-owned by fellow truth-teller Nick Shoulders. The new album is a scathing indictment of the modern era from a class-conscious perspective, including its endless wars. With delicate fingerpicking and a crystalline voice akin to James Taylor, Hogan presents a depth of emotion and clarity of conviction uncommon in the superficiality of a late-stage capitalist world. As a trans country artist, Hogan is carving out a niche in a genre that hasn’t always been known as accepting. But his identity is actually the least interesting thing about him. He’s just a damn fine musician, and one of the greatest and most tender songwriters in modern folk. $14.91, 9 p.m., Lonesome Rose, 2114 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 455-0233, thelonesomerosesa.com. — Stephanie Koithan
Sunday, Sept. 27
Chayanne
Puerto Rican crooner Chayanne has sold a mind-boggling 21 million records while racking up award after award. He’s one of the top Latin-music stars worldwide and even has starred in soap operas and TV shows galore. If you love singing along with a massive crowd, this is your show. Chayanne consistently aims for the heart with varying degrees of success. $82, 7 p.m., Frost Bank Center, One Frost Bank Center Drive, (210) 444-5140, frostbankcenter.com. — BB
Santiago Jimenez Jr.
After the passing of so many San Antonio music icons, we must honor those who are still with us — and conjunto master Santiago Jimenez Jr. is a good place to start. His latest album Tardeada, produced by Garrett T. Capps, is an homage to his father, Santiago Jimenez Sr., and his world-famous brother Flaco. As a live performer, the dude still delivers on musicianship, fun and a dancing good time. $10, 6 p.m., Lonesome Rose, 2114 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 455-0233, thelonesomerosesa.com. — BB
Tuesday, Sept. 29
Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Anthrax
Don’t just run to the hills, run for your lives. Legendary metal band Iron Maiden is returning to SA atop a stacked bill that threatens to destroy everything in its wake. After the touring departure of longtime drummer Nicko McBrain two years ago, the band is playing dates worldwide with stand-in Simon Dawson. This tour, the band is celebrating all the hits between its self-titled debut album and its ninth, Fear of the Dark. $39.10-$1,150, 6:15 p.m., Alamodome, 100 Montana St., (210) 207-3663, alamodome.com. — BE
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