5 Things You Have to Do This Week
Mon 5/5 Master If you (intentionally) missed your chance to catch multi-platinum-selling recording artist/Dancing with the Stars alum Gavin DeGraw play the Majestic ($37.50, 7:30pm, 223 E Houston) but are still bent on having a musical Monday, pioneering death metal act Master might be just what the doctor ordered. Formed in Chicago in the early…
State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte Featured On Mexican Lotería Card
First it was state Sen. Wendy Davis (D-Forth Forth) and then came San Antonio’s state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte. No, we’re not talking about their respective bids for higher office, rather, their (unofficial) appearance as cards in the Mexican lotería, a traditional Bingo-style game with iconic characters and objects. Created by the Texas Democratic…
Spurs vs. Trailblazers: Key Matchups
As the Spurs rep their home jerseys against the Portland Trailblazers tomorrow night at 8:30pm, we take a look at the interesting, worrying and key matchups for the conference semifinal series. Tony Parker vs. Damian Lillard Sure on his feet and acrobatic in the air, Damian Lillard emerged from last season’s Rookie of the Year…
‘Swamp People’ Star Visits Local HEB
Troy Landry of History Channel’s “Swamp People” H-E-B will host Troy Landry of History Channel’s “Swamp People” for a meet and greet at the Montgomery & Walzem (6030 Montgomery) location from 5 to 8 p.m. Stop in for live music and seafood plates ($5), which will be available for purchase. In case you’re not familiar…
What I Ate: Derby parties and brunch
The week after Fiesta always feel like a good time to detox. I went the opposite direction and kept the taco party going strong. Follow me on Instagram for more food porn: @JessElizarraras. Gnocchi for lunch. #whatiate Today calls for a marg (or 7). #whatidrank Tacos from Aldaco’s. And I got to chat with @blanca_aldacos…
President Obama Takes Takes Shot At Texas Gov. Perry during Correspondents’ Dinner
At the annual presidential-sanctioned joke fest that is the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, President Barack Obama reminded us two things: that he’s not too proud to mock himself and that he’s got great comedic timing. Before funny man Joel McHale graced the stage as the evening’s host, Obama warmed up the crowd. With self-critical…
Sunday Night Sound Bite: Cazzette Spotlight
As they often do, Backstage Live is packing a wide range of touring acts into one week and—as you’ll see when our new issue drops on Wednesday—we opted to highlight the “Ultimate ’80s Tour,” a guilty pleasure uniting diluted versions of Missing Persons, Bow Wow Wow and Gene Loves Jezebel. While aging alt-rockers Third Eye…
Austin Psych Fest: Saturday Dispatch
Destruction Unit Photo Credit: Jaime Monzon Tempe, Arizona’s Destruction Unit are a quintet that have dedicated themselves to their craft, running the Ascetic House tape label (which provides free material to the incarcerated), touring without interruption and performing with absolute disregard to their personal health. It’s to their credit that through the cacophony, animal…
Austin Psych Fest: Friday Dispatch
Trippin’ Out in TX: A journey through Texas’ psychedelic music scene Located directly underneath the outbound flightpath of the Austin-Bergstrom international airport, you can only wonder what Austin Psych Fest looks like from the window seat of a rising flight. Three stages, camping grounds, an oceanic parking lot, thousands of attendees dressed either very well…
Is Minnie’s Tavern Closing?
Courtesy Wikipedia. The home of the former Liberty Bar/Minnie’s Tavern may be uprooted from its current location. According to the HDRC agenda for next Wednesday’s meeting, Bill Shown of Silver Ventures (aka the folks behind the Pearl), is requesting to relocate the building from 328 E Josephine to 618 Avenue A, a hop-skip away from…
Sneak Peek: “YES (the river knows),” Opening at FL!GHT Tonight
Last night, Justin Parr and Ed Saavedra opened the doors to FL!GHT’s cool new Blue Star location for a “friends and family”-style preview. Featuring contributions from 15 artists, the first show in the new space is a solid one, and the new digs boasts a salon-style side room, a kitchen and (most importantly) a big…
Late Night Eats–Or Lack Thereof
“We hope you enjoyed the show!” Lüke tells me, via the back of my ticket to Evita at the Majestic. Thanks, we did! “Join us at Lüke on the Riverwalk [sic] to redeem this ticket for one free appetizer created by Chef John Russ inspired by the show!” OK, don’t have to tell me twice!…
Bonehead Quote of the Week: Donald Sterling On African-Americans
Just days after the national fiasco sparked by disparaging remarks toward African-Americans made by Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, an audio recording of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling making racist comments emanated, causing a similar firestorm of controversy. You likely know the story by now: During a conversation with his San Antonio born and raised,…
Moda Mia: Fashion That’s Classy, Fresh and Frugal
There is something magical happening at Moda Mia Fashion, and it’s about time we talk about it. There is something about the perfectly manicured racks stacked with selfie-worthy frocks that call our names. Something about hand-beaded headpieces and the smell of freshly printed tags hanging off a glitzy coral-printed dress ready to be worn by…
Radio Station Offers Donald Sterling $10,000 To Stop Being Racist
Radio personality Billy Madison is offering Donald Sterling, basketball team owner/known racist, $10,000 to apologize to African-Americans for his racist racism. According to a press release, Sterling will only earn his $10,000 if he meets Madison’s elaborate list of demands. Sterling must come to Madison’s San Antonio studio. While being videotaped, Sterling must apologize for…
GS 1221 Opens Downtown
There’s always room for another growler station. In this case GS 1221 will open its doors Friday, May 2 at 1221 Broadway Lofts. Patrons can expect 30 taps inside the 1,500 square foot space with a focus on area craft beers by Branchline Brewing, BS Brewing, as well as some out-of-town offerings including Brooklyn Brewery…
Trippin’ Out in Texas: The Playlist
Catch the tunes from our cover feature on Texas’ psychedelic roots and revival in this Spotify playlist. From Bubble Puppy’s scorching Top 20 hit “Hot Smoke and Sassafras” and the ubiquitous 13th Floor Elevators to the modern-day freakout sounds of Holy Wave and The Black Angels, hear it all here. Good vibes abound. …
Shot of the Week: Left Hook
They say there are two guarantees in life: death and taxes. Well, in San Antonio, we add playoff basketball to that equation. This is title town, Texas. Spurs fans know better than to get caught up in the drudgery of the regular season. We bide our time, but when April comes around, our blood pressure…
Willie Nelson’s ’80s Tour Bus Up For Sale on Craigslist
via Craigslist An old tour bus of Willie Nelson’s is up for sale on Craigslist, and you can own it for a cool $29,999 in cash. Alan Vidovic is not the owner (an introvert inundated with media requests from the likes of Rolling Stone, of course), but he is the one selling this 1983 Eagle Bus…
5 Shows You Need To See This Weekend
The Sad Song Sing-along, Thursday (5/1) My Sadness Goes On and On is an archive of sad songs submitted by people from all over the world. To bring the 250 song library to life, singer/songwriter Nicolette Good and Mark Menjivar will lead the cathartic exercise. With only a paltry few days left in her kickstarter…
11 Free Events Happening This Week
Art: “Pace Gems” Wed. – Sat., 12 – 5pm A former stable the late artist and philanthropist Linda Pace repurposed as her studio, 111 Camp Street housed the Linda Pace Foundation offices until recently and is now open as SPACE, the Foundation’s first public facility. Tucked in the northeast corner of CHRISpark, SPACE will showcase…
City Negotiates Public Wi-Fi In Google Fiber Deal
In their negotiations to bring Google’s high-speed fiber optic network to San Antonio, City officials are in talks with the Internet giant to possibly grant wi-fi access to outdoor public areas. In February, Castro and city officials announced SA could be home to the Google Fiber network. “We are planning on doing whatever we need…
‘Evita’ Soars with a Top-Notch Cast and a Grittier Production
High-flying and adored, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita lands at the Majestic for a one-week jaunt before continuing its rainbow tour to Houston and Miami. Helmed by British veteran Michael Grandage in an entirely new production, this Evita jettisons the more overtly Brechtian stylistic choices of Hal Prince, and presents a grittier, earthier,…
San Antonio Far From Most Exciting City in Texas
Photo by Mayra Alexandra The people behind real estate websites can’t stop ranking cities into inconsequential and meaningless categories. Today’s ranking comes from Movato, and this compilation of Texas cities is notable for the fact that San Antonio isn’t on it. Behold the “Most Exciting Texas Cities,” an esteemed ranking of Lone Star municipalities that includes heart-stopping…
Boardwalk on Bulverde Reopening
After being on hiatus for awhile, Boardwalk on Bulverde (14732 Bulverde) is back in business with a weekend-long spring fling and grand reopening for the SA’s first food truck park. The festivities begin on Friday, May 23 through Sunday, May 25 with food trucks, a new playground, a new school bus arcade, sports den, moon…
Voice Actor Larry Kenney Helps Put A Face To The Name
Larry Kenney makes his living by his distinctive voice but, unless you’ve met him at a comic or toy convention, you’d never know it was him. Such is the life of a voice actor and a childhood idol. Those unfamiliar with Kenney probably know him from his pop culture and nostalgia fueled resume: Count Chocula.…
Homesick Texan coming to SA
(Courtesy) The Homesick Texan, aka Lisa Fain is coming to San Antonio to promote her second cookbook The Homesick Texan’s Family Table. Fain will be at The Twig Book Shop (306 Pearl) on Wednesday, June 11. The Texan turned hungry homesick Texan in New York turned blogger/author is most noted for her Texas comfort food recipes…
Burgers in SA Round-up
May is National hamburger Month so naturally, we’ve compiled a round-up of places to get hamburgers is San Antonio. These aren’t just the best or our favorites. Just a compilation of all things burgers. If we missed any, let us know in the comments. Arcade 303 Pearl Pkwy, (210) 369-9664, arcademk.com Big Bob’s Burgers 447…
Free Comic Book Day Set To Break Records
All other months of the year, Saturday is a mild-mannered weekend placeholder on the calendar, but come Saturday, May 3, it will transform into comic nerd’s most powerful day of the year: Free Comic Book Day. But it wasn’t always that way. Like all great things, it came from humble beginnings. In the 1990’s, the…
6 Ways to Get Your Drink/Grub on this Week
Friday, May 2: Is there anything better than free barbecue samples? Yes: free barbecue and beer samples, my friend. The Institute of Texan Cultures will host Cooking Up Culture with eats via Pure Texan BBQ Co. and craft beer samples from Alamo Beer and The Barley Blacksmith. The San Antonio Cerveceros will also be on-hand…
First Course: A booksigning, Cocineros’ Cajun lunch & new eateries
First Course Fodder brings in exciting food news to you in tiny, digestible bits. Mr. Big Stuff’s Mac and Cheese. (Courtesy) Chef Dean Fearing will have a book signing at Neiman Marcus (15900 La Cantera, Ste 14) for his new cookbook, The Texas Food Bible: From Legendary Dishes to New Classics on Thursday, May 6…
The Rose Theatre Doesn’t Take Itself Too Seriously
On the second floor of an ordinary strip center in San Antonio’s Whispering Oaks neighborhood, two enterprising lovers hold up a coffee shop at gunpoint, slick hit men discuss the differences between McDonald’s restaurants in the US and Amsterdam, and a beautiful black-bobbed woman screams through the aisles with a foam syringe the size of…
Travels With Frenchie: The trio takes on B&D Ice House
The Travels with Frenchie power trio returns again to further traverse the local hinterland in search of interesting dining experiences. As always, the culinary vice squad included Fabien Jacob, aka Frenchie (a Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master of Sommeliers), Carlos Montoya (an award-winning, evidence-based bicycle mechanic and gourmand of grilled meats) and myself,…
Value Vino: Coach Pop’s A to Z Wineworks
Oregon’s A to Z Wineworks and part-owner Gregg Popovich have this all figured out: They don’t give Pop coaching advice, and he doesn’t tell them how to make wine. Given the winning records of both, the arrangement seems to be working just fine. Founded in 2002 by four Oregon wine industry veterans Deb and Bill…
Free Will Astrology
ARIES (March 21-April 19): “Dear Astrologer: We Aries people have an intense fire burning inside us. It’s an honor and a privilege. We’re lucky to be animated with such a generous share of the big energy that gives life to all of nature. But sometimes the fire gets too wild and strong for us. We…
Glitter Political: County commissioner hopeful Alan Baxter’s sport, illustrated
One minute and fifty-three seconds have lapsed on my recording device when I finally snap to what’s actually happening. As my initial uneasiness, now justified, quietly crescendos in a windowless conference room at Windcrest City Hall in northeast Bexar County, Mayor Alan E. Baxter rapid-fires one curt query after another, having a swing at something no interviewee…
“Pace Gems:” Flawless pieces, gorgeous setting lost in a jumble
Dominating the interior of SPACE, the new gallery in the sleek, bunker-like structure that used to house the unassuming offices of the Linda Pace Foundation, Andrea Bowers’ Memorial to Arcadia Woodlands Clear-Cut (2013), hangs like an outsized peduncle. Memorial, the LPF Permanent Collection’s most recent acquisition, is structurally chandelier-like—it’s circular in form, beveled and hangs…
Providence Folk-rockers Deer Tick Are Ticking Strong
May 1, 3:30pm: According to Deer Tick, this show was canceled after our print publication went to press. In the new century, Providence, R.I., has established itself as a small, robust musical presence in New England, not unlike the city’s Italian mob to the region’s mafia scene. Fueled by dropouts from the illustrious Rhode Island…
JMBLYA Fest Soaks Whitewhater Amphitheater with Rap, EDM
Nothing spells summer quite like the coming onslaught of festivals. And after a couple weeks’ downtime following SXSW and Maverick, the season gets rolling again with JMBLYA, the vowel-averse fest happening this weekend up the road at New Braunfels’ Whitewater Amphitheater. Taking a hard right from the usual Texas country acts that color the White…
Foodie Finds: San Francisco
When my best friend announced she was moving to San Francisco, I wasn’t the least bit surprised. She’s always been in love with the idea of a bigger, more bustling city and while our fair San Anto comes in as seventh largest in the U.S., I couldn’t deny its small town feel (which I love).…
‘Blue Ruin’ De-glamorizes the Classic Revenge Plot
Vengeance is messy. That’s one of the most unfair things about life; how complicated justice can be. Major religions have warned us for millennia that humans judging and exacting revenge upon other humans rarely works out well for anyone. There’s always collateral damage, whether it’s civilian casualties in war, a child who must cope with…
Trippin’ Out in TX: A journey through Texas’ psychedelic music scene
With its ever-expanding music infrastructure and a deep bench of bands, it’s hard to imagine a Texas where Austin isn’t the focal point of Lone Star music. East 6th, Austin City Limits, Rainey Street, Fun Fun Fun Fest, Red River, Psych Fest, SXSW—there’s a reason why Austin claims to be the live music capital of…
Savage Love: Bi and Bi
I’ve heard your calls for bisexuals to come out to their friends and family, and I think it’s a great idea. Here’s my conundrum: I’m not sure I technically classify as “bisexual.” I’m a 40-year-old guy who strongly prefers sex with women to men (percentage-wise I’m 70/30). I’ve had sex with dudes in the past…
Residents of Mobile Home Park Brace For Possible Displacement
Retired civil servant Mary Cubillo Flores sits on a dark green couch in a living room decorated nearly top-to-bottom in framed photos of her two children and four grandchildren. She reflects fondly on the memories created within the four walls of her trailer home in the South Side’s Mission Trails Mobile Home Park, where she…
Bottle & Tap: Finding great beers in tiny Texas towns
Every so often, I have a revelation while drinking beer. And it’s not just because I’m drinking one of them crazy 10-percent alcohol monsters, either. My latest: Texas’ small towns are making a lot of good beer these days. I have always regarded craft brewing as an urban thing, and with some justification—let’s face it,…
Flavor File: Openings for El Machito, SoBro Pizza Co., Golden Gloves Social House
Flavor File is back to fill you in on anything you might have missed during last week’s Best of San Antonio madness. For starters, Johnny Hernandez’s El Machito (7300 Jones Maltsberger, (210) 314-3971) opened its doors this past Friday. The restaurant, which sits inside the shuttered Firebird Mexican Grill space, will focus on a “celebration…
Everything Awesome From The Alamo City Toy Show
Freeman Coliseum turned into one giant toy box on April 26 and 27 at the Alamo City Toy Show. All day Saturday, I scoured the showroom floor for the coolest, weirdest, oldest kinds toys the show had to offer. I found that, and then some. Slideshow: 20 Photos from the Alamo City Toy Show Cosplayers were…
Austin’s Lick Honest Ice Creams Coming to San Antonio
Courtesy The mercury keeps rising and those “Look how hot it is in my car today” screenshots are starting to flood our news feeds–summer is coming. And with it will be Austin’s Lick Ice Creams (2032 S Lamar), which will open at the Pearl Brewery in early June. Owned by Chad Palmatier, Lick has been…
Booze News: Kentucky Derby at Brooklynite, Flat Creek Wine Dinner and Beer Week
Booze News slings up the latest gulp downs around town every Tuesday. Cool cocktails for summer. (Courtesy) The Brooklynite (516 Brooklyn) is celebrating the Kentucky Derby here in SA with a Kentucky Derby party Saturday, May 3 at 2 p.m. Participants must wear Derby attire so large hats are encouraged. Special $5 derby cocktails will…
SA Butcher Wins National Meat Cutting Challenge
Reynaldo Delgado, a butcher with Texas Roadhouse for the last 12 years, has been named victor at this year’s National Meat Cutting Challenge sponsored by A1 as part of the chain’s national conference held April 27. (Read: He’s very good with his hands.) Delgado, who came in second during the past two year’s, scored $20,000…
Institute of Chili Launches Chamoy City Limits
That’s a big-ass snow cone. (Courtesy) Here’s another opportunity to cool off this summer–The Institute of Chili is launching a raspa-only offshoot this summer. The truck will double as Chamoy City Limits, which Ana Fernandez, owner, has been slowly rolling out this spring, most recently at Fiesta’s King William Fair. The truck uses a high-capacity…
Special Projects Social Announces Southern Desire Dinner
Get to know your dining neighbors. (Courtesy) Tim the Girl and Zubiate Projects will hold the last Special Projects Social before the fall on May 16 at 6:30 p.m. The cast of members include Jeret Pena of The Brooklynite, Xelina Flores Photography, Doris Palmeros Design, along with guest stars Frost321 and artist Joey Fauerso. Tim…
Interactive Map Shows Where We Run and Bike in SA
A few days ago, District 5 City Council rep Shirley Gonzales wrote an opinion piece for the Express-News about our autocentric infrastructure and its literal impact on pedestrians and cyclists. To wit, Gonzales brought up a startling fact: Since she’s been in office, there’s been an average of one pedestrian death or serious injury per month…
Barbecue Spots Around Town
This is by no means a Best of round-up, dear readers. We’re only giving you options. If you’re in the mood to sink your teeth into tender brisket, spicy sausages or smoky chicken, here are a few restaurants, cheap, expensive, great, not-so great, and everything in between, to visit right now. As always, let us…
Early Voting For May 10 Election Begins
Image via Creative Commons Early voting for SA’s special election and general elections are upon us. Among the ballot measures is a chance for voters to help fill the vacancy left by former District 9 council member Elisa Chan— after she (unsuccessfully) sought to ascend to higher office—and the option to pick three Alamo Community…
Rich Hands’ New Album ‘Out of My Head’ Available for Streaming
San Antonio’s garage mavens the Rich Hands have made their sophomore album Out of My Head available for streaming on SoundCloud. For their second album, the Rich Hands look retrospectively to break the garage rock prototype. With organ and tambourine adornments, the trio would fit in quite comfortably on a Johnny Thunders-heavy mixtape, while album closer…
Turntable Tuesday: Lou Reed’s ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Animal’
Though we spend most of our time in the music section writing about new material, Turntable Tuesday allows us to look back and look closely at some captivating albums in our catalog. This week’s column looks into Lou Reed’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Animal, recorded live at Howard Stein’s Academy of Music on December 21, 1973.…
