Holiday Gift Guide 2018
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Garrett T. Capps Takes His Space Country Voyage Even Farther Out
Local singer-songwriter, ringleader, and bon vivant Garrett T. Gapps, as our frequent readers will no doubt be well aware, put out a real doozy of an album back in May. Said album, called In the Shadows (Again) and recorded with NASA Country, a crack crew of stellar players, has done well for Capps, generating, along…
The Godfather of Goth: Bauhaus’ Peter Murphy Is Headed to San Antonio Next Year
“Light cannot exist without darkness. Each has its purpose. And if there’s a purpose to my darkness, maybe it’s to bring some balance to the world.” While that quote came from a fictional serial killer named Dexter Morgan from the hit Showtime show Dexter, there is some truth to it and maybe this is why…
San Antonio and New Orleans Celebrate Their Tricentennials by Swapping Chefs
Call it a savory swap. San Antonio chefs Jeff Balfour (Southerleigh), Cariño Cortez (La Familia Cortez restaurants) and Jason Dady (Tre Trattoria and the rest) will participate in a culinary exchange program where they whip up dinner in New Orleans while three of the Crescent City’s best-regarded chefs do the same here. The so-called Tricentennial Culinary Exchange…
San Antonio’s First Chief Innovation Officer Leaves After Steering ‘Smart City’ Projects
Jose De La Cruz — the City of San Antonio’s first chief innovation officer and an architect of its program to harness new technology to improve services — has left to take a job at San Antonio Water System. At SAWS, De La Cruz will oversee rollout of the utility’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) program,…
Cake Boss Buddy Valastro is Coming to San Antonio, Here’s How You Can Meet Him
If you missed your chance to meet Cake Boss star Buddy Valastro when he opened his San Antonio location of Carlo’s Bakery earlier this year, you’re in luck. Valastro and his wife Lisa will make several appearances in the Alamo City this weekend at Buddy V’s Ristorante at La Cantera. The pair will use their…
Everything You Need to Know About This Year’s La Gran Tamalada at Market Square
With the holiday season in full swing, San Antonians will be wise to save the date for this year’s La Gran Tamalada. Put on by Cariño Cortez (of La Familia Cortez that runs Mi Tierra, Pico de Gallo, La Margarita and Viva Villa) and the folks at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, the annual festival,…
Human Error at Bank of America ATM Leads to Free Money for Houston Residents
An ATM in Houston made a lot of residents happy this week. By dispensing more money than it was supposed to. A Bank of America ATM in north Harris County began dispensing $100 bills instead of $10 bills overnight. Word got out about the mix-up, prompting Houstonians to line up. Deputies ended up at the scene to…
Here’s Your Chance to Meet San Antonio Spurs Legends George Gervin, Bruce Bowen Plus Dallas Cowboys Great Emmitt Smith
A new furniture store is coming to San Antonio — and it looks like the company’s got a good sense of what locals love. Living Spaces San Antonio, 4239 N Loop 1604 W, is hosting a meet-and-greet today from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with former Spurs George Gervin, Bruce Bowen and Robert Horry, as…
Beto O’Rourke No Longer Ruling Out 2020 Presidential Run
This article was originally published by the Texas Tribune. EL PASO – Beto O’Rourke, coming off a closer-than-expected race against U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is no longer ruling out a 2020 presidential run. During his Senate campaign, the El Paso congressman declared he would “not be a candidate for president in 2020” regardless of…
WWE Hall of Famer Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts Bringing Comedy Tour to San Antonio
While Jake “The Snake” Roberts may have been a wrestling legend in the past, he’s bringing a different kind of show to San Antonio this January. Roberts will be appearing on Saturday, January 12 at The Mix from 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. as part of his “Dirty Details Tour: Tales From The Pit.” In…
Joaquin Castro Blasts Trump for U.S. Gassing of Migrants at the Border
Congressman Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, has joined the growing chorus of lawmakers outraged by the use of teargas on migrants who rushed the U.S.-Mexico border Sunday. Castro, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and First Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said the Trump Administration had “failed miserably” to provide an orderly and…
‘Pride Wall’ in Houston’s LGBTQ Neighborhood Defaced by Vandals
This article was originally published by our sister publication Out in SA. A rainbow mural located in the heart of Houston’s LGBT neighborhood has fallen victim to vandals who defaced the wall during the early morning hours of November 24. The wall was created by artist Hugo Perez and is painted on the side of…
KISS Adds San Antonio Show to ‘End of the Road’ Tour
After selling more than half a million tickets at their initial on sale, KISS announced the second leg of their final tour set for 2019, appropriately named End of the Road. The tour’s second leg will include a performance in San Antonio at the AT&T Center on Sunday, September 8. KISS Meet & Greet Experiences…
Believe It or Not, San Antonio Ranks High on the List of Sin Cities
When it comes to decadence, Las Vegas may have the lock — what with all that gambling, boozing and legalized prostitution. But finance site WalletHub ran the numbers on how other U.S. metros stack up as “sin cities” against top-ranked Vegas, and San Antonio landed surprisingly high. Try 28th out of 182. That’s below Dallas,…
Tucker’s Kozy Korner Announces New Chefs, Menus Ahead of Re-opening
It’s time to get excited about the upcoming re-opening of Tucker’s Kozy Korner. Earlier this month, the Current announced Tucker’s would see a change in operators with Andrew Lake and Nathan Azar coming in, along with a new general manager, Adrian Sarabia. A new press release now reveals Alexandria Davis, previously with Sanchos, will co-manage…
San Antonio Police Continue Investigation of Woman Shot By Security After Running Over Man in Bar Parking Lot
San Antonio police are investigating a bar fight that led to a man being run over and a woman being shot by security guards. Before 2 a.m. Sunday, police say a man and woman were fighting outside Perfect Score Sports Cantina, across the highway from Ingram Park Mall. The woman allegedly got into her truck…
Kawhi Leonard Said It’s ‘Funny’ That Gregg Popovich Said He Wasn’t a Leader with the San Antonio Spurs
Just when we thought all the Spurs-Kawhi Leonard drama was put to bed, Gregg Popovich went and stirred the pot. Here’s the tea: during the pre-game media session ahead of the team’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night, Popovich opened up about Leonard and how he fit into the team’s dynamic. “Well, Kawhi…
Sevendust Returns to San Antonio Next Year Because We Still Love NuMetal
I don’t think I actually ever owned a Sevendust CD in my teens. I definitely had this MTV rock sampler CD that I bought ’cause it had Incubus, Deftones, Korn and shit like that on it ’cause I was 12 and Deftones was still my shit (just like the rest of San Antonio). So, that…
FBI Statistics for 2017 Show Rise in LGBT Hate Crimes in Texas
This article was originally published by our sister publication Out In SA. Statistics released by the FBI on November 14 show a rise in hate crimes against LGBT people residing in the state of Texas during 2017. In 2016, 45 LGBT hate crimes were reported statewide — that number rose to 49 in 2017. The…
Celebrating 10 Years on Broadway, Guilty Pleasure Hit Rock of Ages Stopping in San Antonio
It’s hard to believe Rock of Ages is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Not simply because time flies but for the fact that this musical comedy somehow managed to become one of the longest running shows on Broadway (where it played 2,238 shows between 2009 and 2015) and one of its guiltiest pleasures. As part of…
Every Time I Die Hitting Up Paper Tiger for Night of New-school Hardcore, Metalcore
Formed in 1998 – and today considered one of the pillars of the early to mid-aughts metalcore explosion – Buffalo’s Every Time I Die came out of left field. While the bands Norma Jean and Fear Before the March of Flames (now known as just Fear Before) were exploring the experimental noise part of the…
San Antonio Museums Join International Museum Store Sunday with Discounts, Freebies
Organized by the Washington, DC-based Museum Store Association as a “celebration of the diverse collections and programs of museums and cultural institutions around the world,” Museum Store Sunday is observed in all 50 states — not to mention 12 countries and four continents. Encouraging holiday shoppers to show support for “the missions and programs of each…
Beto O’Rourke. Julián Castro. John Cornyn. 2020 Already Looms Large in Texas.
This article was originally published by the Texas Tribune. Like it or not, the 2020 election cycle has already arrived in Texas. Votes were still being tallied in the Nov. 6 midterm elections as the state’s Democrats began considering how they could build on their gains in two years, further loosening the GOP’s longtime grip…
Smoke Shack Will Be Featured On Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Tonight
Though we knew Smoke Shack would get a shoutout on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, San Antonians can catch the Broadway barbecue spot on TV tonight. After visiting San Antonio last month, Guy Fieri will show the country all the delicious eats at Chris Conger’s Smoke Shack. The eatery was previously featured on another…
ICYMI, Here’s Tim Duncan and His Adorable Daughter, Quill, at the Spurs Game
Tim Duncan has never been one to step into the spotlight, especially now that he’s retired from the Spurs. On Wednesday, Duncan and his crew graced fans with his presence at the team’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. While fans love sighting Duncan come out from the shadows of retirement, many will also be delighted…
In the Winter of Our Discontent: Our Top Picks for Metal Shows in San Antonio to Close Out 2018
Isn’t there something about cold weather that makes you want to put on wrist studs and your black Motorhead T-shirt and listen to the most aggressive metal in your record collection? We can’t be the only ones. Anyway, these are the metal shows you should check out as we close out 2018. Our picks cover…
Driving Lessons: Green Book Uses Humor and Charm to Deliver Message of Tolerance and True Friendship
When filmmakers step out of their comfort zones, things can sometimes get interesting. This year, we saw gore hound Eli Roth (Hostel) craft a spooky, yet kid-friendly flick, with The House with a Clock in Its Walls. We also got another chapter from the Halloween horror franchise, this time from the perspective of drama/comedy director…
Electronic Hardcore Act I See Stars Headline Jack’s Bar with Support from Like Ghosts, Trademarks
If you’re looking to work off the post-Thanksgiving malaise, or perhaps the post-Black Friday remorse, may we suggest a night of focused fury in the form of electronic hardcore act I See Stars. For this special show, the Michigan act, beloved by metalcore fans and electronic music fans alike since its 2009 debut, will offer…
Circa Survive Brings Emo Hits to Alamo City Music Hall
There have been plenty of singers who tried (and failed) to hit the notes vocalist Anthony Green hits with seeming effortlessness. Formed in the early 2000s, Circa Survive continues to serve us a beautiful array of sounds and melodies spanning indie rock, emo and post-hardcore. $25, Sat Nov. 24, 6:30pm, Alamo City Music Hall, 1305…
What Year Is It? Hoobastank, Secondhand Serenade Playing The Rock Box
Are we reaching now? Are we just doing everything we can to re-live our early-aughts memories since we’ve gone through all the ’90s throwbacks? Who knows, but the folks who are booking these bands are smart, because we keep spending our money to go see them. LOL, but Hoobastank? It just seems so random, but…
Celebrate Japanese Culture with Annual Festival Aki Matsuri at the Witte Museum
Based in the rituals of the country’s traditional Shinto religion, Aki Matsuri (translated as “fall/harvest festival”) observances abound in Japan as folks give thanks for nature’s bounty (especially the rice harvest) and generally celebrate the season. Our local answer to this beautiful tradition has become, over the years, one of the coolest ways to celebrate…
Ray Norris Is Tying a Yellow Ribbon ’Round the Live Oak Tree
Editor’s Note: Jade Esteban Estrada is the writer of Glitter Political, a series of articles detailing San Antonio’s elections. Ray Norris was 11 years old when he got on stage and sang his first solo. Dressed in a sequin jacket and accompanied by back-up singers, he sang “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak…
Artist on Artist: Gary Sweeney Interviews Naomi Wanjiku
I first saw Naomi Wanjiku’s work when one of her pieces was added to the permanent collection at the Henry B. Gonzáles Convention Center last December. I was really impressed with the boldness and craftsmanship of the metalwork. She’s currently featured (alongside artist Jose Balli) in the Clamp Light Artist Studios and Gallery exhibition “Cyclical…
Annual Mercado de Paz Returns to San Antonio This Weekend
The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center is once again presenting the truly splendid Mercado de Paz, now in its 29th year. A local mainstay for fans of all manner of arts and crafts, the Mercado de Paz is a whole lot more than just a weekend pop-up arts fair. As stated on the nonprofit’s website,…
UTSA Launches Investigation After Flyers, Social Media Posts Name Alleged Sexual Assault Predators
The University of Texas at San Antonio is investigating claims of sexual assault after flyers were posted in and around campus, drawing attention to the issue. First shared by the UTSA’s Most Wanted Twitter account, now taken down, the flyers encouraged sexual assaults victims to come forward and name their attackers. In a pair of…
10 Things to Do in San Antonio to Avoid Your Family on Thanksgiving
Yup. It’s that time of year again, folks. As the weather gets colder and the year begins to wrap up, the holidays start to come into full swing, which can either be super awesome or, let’s face it, kind of shitty. Sometimes it depends on the type of family you have, or if you have…
One of the Top Places to Live on a Middle Class Salary Is a Quick Drive from San Antonio
The beer- and sausage-positive bedroom community of New Braunfels has been named one of the best places in America to live on a middle class salary. Financial tech group Smart Asset arrived at that conclusion by comparing the average U.S. family’s salary — $55,000, according to the U.S. Census — against U.S. communities’ costs and…
San Antonio Police Department Releases ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Lip Sync Video, Because Why Not
TxDOT isn’t the only department getting silly in the name of safety. The San Antonio Police Department took a page from TxDOT’s dad humor-inspired road signs and made a lip sync of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” to encourage local residents to not be a crook this holiday season. Several officers participated in the video, though none…
Welcome to the San Antonio Current’s 2018 Shop Local Gift Guide
While big box stores draw shoppers in with 70 percent off promotions and BOGO deals on Black Friday, many of our readers look forward to our annual gift guide in which we encourage San Antonians to shop local. This year’s gift guide includes ideas for all types of personalities, from news junkies and art aficionados, to…
Yummy AF: Treat Yourself to CupcakKe When She Hits San Antonio
These past few months, while you were obsessing over feuds between Nicki and Cardi, between Iggy and Bhabie, you should have probably been vigorously nodding your head to the hard-slappin’, femme-power-grabbin’, no-punch-pullin’ badassery that is CupcakKe. Whether you have been paying attention or not, CupcakKe has been going hard for a minute now. The 21-year-old…
Couple Apologizes for Harrassing Statements After Release of Video at Spurs Game
A Texas couple is under fire after a San Antonio man shared a video recording of them harassing him and his friend. According to a Facebook post on Monday, Ernest Espinoza III said he was at the Spurs game with a friend when a couple behind them began harassing them. He said the couple was…
Tis the Season: We’re Pairing Tamales and Texas Brews
As the weather gets colder, San Antonians turn their hearts and taste buds toward the traditional holiday favorite: tamales. They’re heavy. They’re made with masa, manteca, and pork, beef, beans – you name the nutrient-dense filling. What you’re going to need is something light and cleansing to counteract all that grease and wash it all…
Another 18-Wheeler Turnover Shuts Down San Antonio’s Finesilver Curve
Who didn’t see this one coming? An overturned 18-wheeler has shut down Finesilver curve — for what’s estimated to be the 21st time in 10 years. If you’re a downtown commuter, there’s a good chance you know the spot because you were cursing in gridlock the last time a truck bit it there. The interchange…
Breaking Out: Filmmaker and San Antonio Native Mark Dennis on His New Sci-fi Adventure Time Trap
It was pretty easy for writer/director and San Antonio native Mark Dennis to find inspiration for his newest sci-fi adventure. All he had to do was look back at the movies he enjoyed as a kid in the 1980s such as the original Indiana Jones trilogy and The Goonies. In Time Trap, Dennis and co-director…
Pop-punk Babes Broadside Touching Down at Alamo City Music Hall
Returning to San Antonio for the first time since their February tour with Silverstein, the shimmery, pop-punk heartthrobs that make up Broadside touch down for a show at Alamo City Music Hall this Friday. The band’s sugar-sweet pop vibes are downright infectious, even for folks who don’t necessarily get down with bubbly melodies and feel-good…
Performance Celebrating Cultural Traditions, Calling Out History of Thanksgiving Comes to Guadalupe Theater
Ballet Folklorico en Aztlán, a Lemon Grove, CA-based dance/theater company and academy that’s been around since 1967, will bring an expansive and insightful (not to mention timely, in multiple ways) production to the Guadalupe this weekend. The Night Sky, A Revolutionary Rebozo, written by the company’s Artistic Director Viviana C. Enrique Acosta, is a passionate,…
Austin’s Slaid Cleaves Playing Sam’s Burger Joint for Night of Folk Tunes
With the amount of country, folk and singer-songwriters we’ve got in the Lone Star State, Austin’s Slaid Cleaves manages to stand out from the herd with his distinct sound. For a taste of good folk to go along with that Thanksgiving dinner, you won’t want to miss this show. With Chojo Jacques. $22-$90, Fri Nov.…
La Llorona Pop-up at Brick Brings Artisan Vendors, Performances, Movie Screenings on Black Friday
Always hosting the most random — and ultimately some of the most interesting — events, Brick will open up its nifty spaces to La Llorona, an art lover who creates “themed events around nonprofits that inspire the art of giving,” for an artsy pop-up market that relishes the weird and wonderful. As is typical of…
Shop Local, Y’all: VeryThat, BarbacoApparel Hosting Puro Market on Black Friday
The “puro market organizers” behind Brickmas (set for December 21-22 at Brick at Blue Star), VeryThat and BarbacoApparel share an uncanny knack for tapping into San Antonio’s collective consciousness — crafting highly giftable wares emblazoned with quirky, nostalgic imagery and slogans that run the gamut from the empowering “Chingona Como Mi Madre” (VeryThat) to the…
The Nutcracker Comes to Life at the Tobin Center This Weekend
Ballet San Antonio brings the perennial holiday favorite The Nutcracker to the Tobin for nine performances with live accompaniment of the Tchaikovsky score provided by the San Antonio Symphony under the direction of Noam Aviel. Inspired by the classic E.T.A. Hoffmann tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, reality and fantasy blend in a young…
Who’s in Control?: From Taxes to Sick Time, the 2019 Legislative Session Could Spell a Showdown Between the State of Texas and Its Cities
While betting on the actions of the unpredictable Texas Legislature is a quick route to the poorhouse, the flood of bills that precedes the session can nonetheless hint at overriding themes. Judging by the nearly 600 bills filed at press time, lawmakers are steering clear of some of the divisive social issues that bogged down…
10 Gift Ideas for the Food Lover in San Antonio
Pan Dulce Mug Mugs make the best gifts for anyone who’s obsessed with their morning cafecito, or who wants to disguise their mid-afternoon vino. Local artist Cristina Martinez of Very That makes the perfect mugs for anyone who also loves pan dulce. From marranitos to conchas to tri-color shortbread galletas, this mug is for the…
10 Gift Ideas for Music Lovers in San Antonio
While it may seem obvious to buy new tuneage for your music-loving friend, significant other or family member, they may already have that favorite album or record, tape or CD. Instead, here are some ideas for creative gifts your music-loving someone would appreciate: Gift Card from Press Coffee Recently relocated off Broadway, Press Coffee is…
10 Ways to Help Out At Home: If You’re Looking to Give Back, These San Antonio Nonprofits Could Use Your Love
It’s been said that charity begins at home. While there’s a lot to unpack in that phrase, one of the clearest meanings is that we can see the real impact our dollars, volunteerism and advocacy have when they’re focused our own community. So, if you’re looking to donate a part of your holiday bonus or…
10 Gift Ideas for the San Antonio Booze Hound
Maracas Shaker Novelty gifts should at least serve a purpose. With this shaker, the giftee gets a fun time and a drink out of it. Plus, it’s perfect for anyone who loves a themed party, your musically inclined friend or anyone already thinking about Fiesta. $22, Feliz Modern, 110 W. Olmos Drive, (210) 622-8364, felizmodern.com.…
10 Gift Ideas for Movie Lovers in San Antonio
Stars & Stripes gift cardIt’s been over a decade since San Antonio closed its last drive-in theater. If you know a millennial that has never experienced watching a movie in a car before, New Braunfels venue Stars & Stripes is just a short drive away. Plus, you can purchase and send gift cards online. Set…
10 Gift Ideas for Arts & Culture Lovers in San Antonio
Dawson+Hellmann ‛Pot Toile’ Pajama Pants As marijuana continues to squirm its way into the (legal) mainstream, creative outfits like the fashion design duo Dawson+Hellmann have emerged as playful champions of cannabis culture. The brainchild of San Antonio-based Sonya Dawson and LA-based Analise Hellmann, the luxury bedding and loungewear line has recently added ultra-casual menswear to…
Savage Love: Stressfest
Q: I’m a recently divorced single mom and full-time student. I’m really beginning to hurt financially and have decided to start working as an escort. I am at a point of great emotional stability, happiness, and confidence – all reasons that led to my decision – and I’m surrounded by people who love me and…
Free Will Astrology (11/21/18-11/27/18)
ARIES (March 21-April 19): In his autobiography On the Move, neurologist Oliver Sacks praised his friend Jerry’s curiosity and knowledge. “Jerry has one of the most spacious, thoughtful minds I have ever encountered, with a vast base of knowledge of every sort,” wrote Sacks, “but it is a base under continual questioning and scrutiny.” So…
Holiday Classic Las Nuevas Tamaleras Returns to OLLU for 25th Anniversary Production
After the passing of her mother, playwright and director Alicia Mena was moved to write Las Nuevas Tamaleras, a play that honors her mother’s legacy and preserves her family’s rich cultural traditions. Since its premiere in 1990 at Houston’s Latino Playwright Festival, Las Nuevas Tamaleras has become a holiday favorite performed around the state. The…
Abandon Your Family Thanksgiving Dinner and Celebrate Foxgiving with Michael J. and the Foxes
If there’s any downside for local music aficionados to the fact that gifted singer-songwriter Michael Carrillo spends most of his time running his rad bar and venue Ventura, it’s that we get to see less of him with his two swell — and quite different — bands, Deer Vibes and Micheal J. & The Foxes.…
San Antonio Spurs Take On Memphis Grizzlies Ahead of Holiday Weekend
It’s brother versus brother on Wednesday night at the AT&T Center, as Pau Gasol and the Spurs play host to Marc Gasol and the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies have played exceptional basketball at home, going undefeated through their first five games at the Grind House. Their success at home, however, hasn’t translated to consistent wins…
Kick Off Your Thanksgiving Weekend and Catch South Texas Legion at Fitzgerald’s
The metal supergroup assembled to play at TexPop’s “Metal Mayhem” exhibit this spring is sharpening up its wrist spikes to perform again. A virtual Who’s Who of musicians who helped make S.A. the “Heavy Metal Capital of the World” during the ‘80s, STL will play an extended set drawn from its members’ original bands. And…
