Cover Story
Volume Dealers: San Antonio’s The Grasshopper Lies Heavy hopes new LP will draw a wider audience
When a rock band talks about wanting to reach a wider audience with a new album, it’s often a sign a producer with a golden touch helped it craft radio-friendly hooks. Or that it’s lowered the guitar in the mix and thrown in a few power ballads. For San Antonio avant-metal act The Grasshopper Lies…
San Antonio’s South Side will gain first Chipotle location, complete with drive-thru
Residents of South San Antonio will soon gain a Chipotle, complete with a drive-thru, MySA reports. The build-a-burrito chain operates 14 locations in San Antonio, though none is located south of U.S. Highway 90. The company confirmed to MySA that the future restaurant is at the corner of Southwest Military Drive and Mallard Street, near Frost Bank…
San Antonio’s Magicians Agency Theatre to feature quick-witted magic-maker Matt Marcy
The Magicians Agency Theatre, a San Antonio-based magic-only performance venue, is back in business this summer after having to close its doors during the pandemic. Acclaimed comedy magician Matt Marcy is kicking things off for the theater with a dose of his quick wit. Marcy has traveled the world performing magic tricks at venues such…
As hospitalizations rise, San Antonio officials urge everyone to wear masks in indoor public spaces
With local COVID-19 hospitalizations rising sharply, San Antonio and Bexar County officials issued guidelines urging everyone over the age of 2, even those fully vaccinated, to wear a mask in indoor public settings. During a Wednesday afternoon press conference, Mayor Ron Nirenberg and County Judge Nelson Wolff also called on students, teachers and staff wear…
Nikki Glaser will bring her standup comedy to San Antonio’s Empire Theatre on Friday
If Nikki Glaser’s name sounds familiar, that may be because the comedienne has been busy lately. In March, she launched a podcast via iHeartMedia — the accurately named The Nikki Glaser Podcast. Before that, she spent time waking up early as the host of Comedy Central’s first live morning radio show, You Up? With Nikki Glaser,…
Why the CDC says it’s crucial to start wearing masks indoors again
Delta has changed the course of the pandemic in the United States yet again. After spurring a summer surge in COVID-19 cases, the more transmissible coronavirus variant is now driving federal health officials’ decision to recommend that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks again in indoor public places. That’s especially important in areas where…
Jurassic Quest bringing lifelike, life-size dino models back to San Antonio’s Freeman Coliseum
Last summer, Jurassic Quest — billed as a “realistic dinosaur event” — brought its drive-thru exhibition of more than 70 life-size animatronic dinos to the Alamo City. Now, the show is back, even bigger and taking over Freeman Coliseum. The show will bring more than 100 life-like dinosaurs, dinosaur-themed rides, live dinosaur shows and interactive…
Ruby City and Spare Parts’ family-friendly Bubble Fest promotes DIY fun at home
Ever thought blowing bubbles would make the perfect activity to keep the family entertained? Well, wouldn’t you know it, Ruby City has the event just for you. On Saturday, you can join in on the art space’s Bubble Fest at Home, which will feature DIY bubble-making tutorials and activities for the whole family to enjoy…
Comfort Café hosting prime rib dinners to pay for repairs to its flagship San Antonio location
The newest location of volunteer-based Comfort Café will begin holding five-course dinners next month to fund repairs to its original restaurant, recently ravaged by flooding. Comfort Café is asking diners for a suggested donation of $50, which will include an appetizer, soup, salad, desert and choice of entree — either salmon or prime rib. News site mySA reports…
Live Music in San Antonio This Week: SA Reggae Festival, Faster Pussycat, The Dollyrots and more
San Antonio concertgoers will be treated to rock in a variety of interpretations this week. From the Spanish-language alt-rock of Caifanes to the gutter-glam sounds of Faster Pussycat to the neoclassical metal shredding of Yngwie Malmsteen, there are plenty of reasons to strap on a mask, grab your earplugs and take in a show. Wednesday,…
Celebrity Fan Fest brings Marvel and Star Wars actors to San Antonio starting this Friday
The first in-person, comic-con-style convention of the year comes by way of PMX Events, the production company that runs Celebrity Fan Fest. With the word “celebrity” in its title, the focus of the con, which started in 2018, remains on delivering an impressive lineup of stars. This year, the Fan Fest welcomes Owen Wilson (TV’s…
Dip Shack food truck will roll into San Antonio this week with Texas-sized dippable sandwiches
Folks who love dipping crusty sandos into cups of savory broth will soon be able to do that multiple times a week thanks to a new food truck called Dip Shack. The mobile kitchen began popping up around San Antonio last week but will make its official debut Wednesday afternoon at Second Pitch Beer Co.…
San Antonio group for Latinx journalists calls Isis Romero’s firing from KSAT ‘troubling’
The San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists said it’s “troubled” by the firing of KSAT 12 news anchor Isis Romero weeks after she co-led a study showing that Latinx people are underrepresented on local anchor desks. SAAHJ’s diversity audit of San Antonio’s four general-market stations found that Latinx journalists represented a quarter of anchors even though…
San Antonio Brunch Fest to serve up mimosas, midday fare at Espee Pavilion this fall
Local foodies have another event to pencil into their fall calendars: the San Antonio Brunch Festival is now selling early bird tickets to its second annual soiree. The Saturday, September 25 event will include fare from Alamo Biscuit Company & Panaderia, Study Space, Sangria on the Burg, Sand Box and other local restaurants. It will…
New Japanese restaurant Toro’ko Sushi opens on San Antonio’s North Side
San Antonio sushi lovers gained a new sashimi haven over the weekend with the opening of Toro’ko Sushi, a brand-new Japanese kitchen on the North Side. The new spot offers sushi rolls, sashimi, chirashi, ceviche and more from a small space located at 158 E. Sonterra Blvd., Suite 101. According to the eatery’s website, each…
The Texas election bill contains a new obstacle to voting that almost no one is talking about
This article is made possible through Votebeat, a nonpartisan reporting project covering local election integrity and voting access. This article is available for reprint under the terms of Votebeat’s republishing policy. This article was co-published with Texas Monthly. There’s a problem buried inside Texas’s latest election bill, and it’s not one of the headline-grabbing restrictions…
San Antonio State Rep. Diego Bernal, 2 other Dems will testify in D.C. on voter-restriction bill
State Rep. Diego Bernal of San Antonio is one of three Democratic members of the Texas Legislature scheduled to appear during a U.S. House hearing on a controversial GOP-backed rewrite of state elections rules. State Reps. Senfronia Thompson of Houston and Nicole Collier of Fort Worth will also testify Thursday before the civil rights subcommittee…
Isis Romero, 10 p.m. anchor for San Antonio’s KSAT 12, announces her firing on Facebook
KSAT 12 anchor Isis Romero, one of the most visible faces in San Antonio TV news for more than a decade, announced in a Tuesday Facebook post that she’s been dismissed by the station. The 10 p.m. anchor said the ABC affiliate opted not renew her contract, adding that her last day on air was July…
Cinematic Spillover: Short reviews of Old, Pig and Val
Actor Alex Wolff (Hereditary) is having a big week. He stars in two of the three films we’re reviewing – Old and Pig. The other, Val, is a documentary on actor Val Kilmer. Three films, all with short titles, so, we’ll keep this intro short, too. Old Oscar-nominated writer and director M. Night Shyamalan has…
San Antonio’s first Fuego Tortilla Grill now open near UTSA
College-town favorite Fuego Tortilla Grill has opened its first Alamo City location — appropriately enough, near the University of Texas at San Antonio. In a weekend Instagram post, the Texas-based chain let fans know its new location at 5618 UTSA Blvd. is now serving roasted poblano queso and amped-up tacos and burritos. View this post on…
Analysis: Texas voters should recognize the political naïveté of George P. Bush’s Trump courtship
No one should be surprised Donald Trump endorsed embattled Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over George P. Bush, the Texas land commissioner who’s also gunning to be the state’s top law-enforcement official. Trump has wielded his power as Republican kingmaker to reward those who push the lie that he won the 2020 election and exact…
San Antonio’s Southern Roots Vegan Bakery now offering same-day delivery
In news some foodies may want to celebrate with a vegan cupcake, San Antonio’s Southern Roots Vegan Bakery has introduced same-day delivery service. Online deliveries have been a key part of the bakery’s model since it launched two years ago. However, the new development means sweet-toothed San Antonians can now enjoy get near-immediate gratification when…
San Antonio-based grocer H-E-B now selling butter tortilla-scented candles
In a move that shows just how well Texas grocery giant H-E-B knows its customer base, it this week released a line of candles scented like its bakery items — including fresh butter tortillas. Other candles in the series capture the fragrance of the San Antonio-based grocer’s two-bite brownies, cinnamon rolls, blueberry muffins and Cowboy…
San Antonio, Bexar County could make workers get vaccinated, setting off possible legal fight
As leaders in other parts of the country require government employees to get COVID-19 vaccinations, San Antonio and Bexar County are considering following suit, the Express-News reports. Such a step would come as vaccination rates plateau and the highly contagious delta variant leads to a rise in infections, hospitalizations and deaths in Texas. California and…
Son and Lillith and The Ringmaster are the best new releases you can stream right now
Son3.5 star(s), 98 minutes, Shudder If you’re not familiar with Irish director Ivan Kavanagh, it’s time to fix that. I can still vividly recall watching his 2014 supernatural haunting The Canal in a hotel room on my laptop and literally being afraid to turn around if I heard a noise because his impressive ghost story…
At least Disney World’s new Biden robot is a slight upgrade from the Trump nightmare
It’s finally happening, the moment an exhausted country of Disney adults has been waiting for since November. Donald Trump’s bizarro Clinton animatronic will recede back into the milieu of former robot presidents as Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr. takes center stage. A nation exhales between bites of Dole Whip. Walt Disney World unveiled their first look at Biden’s…
Gov. Greg Abbott promised “transparency and accountability” for border wall donations. But donors don’t have to use real names.
Stephen F. Austin, Donnie Darko and a person who calls himself the King of the Wild Frontier were among the first people to give money to support Gov. Greg Abbott’s border wall effort after he announced he would be seeking private donations to help fund it. But there’s no way to verify if Austin, who…
What you need to know about the latest COVID-19 surge and how to stay safe
COVID-19 cases have been surging in Texas and nationally — mostly among unvaccinated people — as the highly contagious delta variant has become dominant. While dozens of variants have spawned from the original COVID-19 virus, health experts say the delta variant is the most transmissible so far. Research also shows it’s leading to higher rates of hospitalization for…
What experts know so far about COVID-19 boosters for immunocompromised people
People with weak immune systems don’t always mount strong defenses against the coronavirus, even after being fully vaccinated. A third COVID-19 vaccine dose might help protect some immunocompromised people, evidence suggests. But for now, there’s not enough data to say how much such a shot might help, experts with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control…
How far can Texas Democrats take the quorum break?
It’s been 12 days since Texas House Democrats staged their dramatic quorum break to block the GOP’s election legislation, but it’s felt like an eternity. On July 12, more than 50 Democratic state representatives jumped on chartered planes to Washington, D.C., ensuring that the Texas House would not have enough members to operate and bringing…
San Antonio Current wins three 2021 Association of Alternative Newsmedia Awards
The San Antonio Current was recognized in three categories this week at the 2021 Association of Alternative Newsmedia awards. Current Editor-in-Chief Sanford Nowlin won 2nd place for political column for his recurring Current Events column, while Digital Content Editor Kelly Merka Nelson won 3rd place in arts criticism for a series of submitted articles. The paper itself…
Puro shaved-ice shop Ice Ice Baby brings its over-the-top raspas to Northeast San Antonio
Folks who enjoy an icy treat heaped with fresh fruit can now snag one from the second location of Ice Ice Baby, located on the city’s northeast side. The shop — known for vibrant raspas piled high with toppings such as mango, chamoy, pickle and hot Cheetos — took to Instagram Friday to announce the…
Two San Antonio-area chefs compete among top ten in Fox’s Hell’s Kitchen: Young Guns TV series
Local cooking show couch potatoes, rejoice! Two area chefs are included in the top ten competitors on Fox’s Hell’s Kitchen: Young Guns series. Chefs Emilie Hersh and Antonio Ruiz — from Jason Dady’s Jardín at the San Antonio Botanical Garden and Texas Bistro in New Braunfels, respectively — have cut the mustard thus far, beating…
Alt-country singer Garrett T. Capps announces surprise new album I Love San Antone
If you had any doubts about homegrown alt-country musician Garrett T. Capps’ love for the Alamo City, his latest release may well put them to rest. On Friday, Capps announced a surprise “RIPPIN’ HONKY TONK” album on social media, titled I Love San Antone. “It’s all VERY FUN, San Antone style,” the cosmic cowboy wrote…
Legal beef concludes: San Antonio burger chef Andrew Weissman allowed to register ‘Mr. Juicy’ name
A juicy, months-long burger battle ended this week, as San Antonio chef Andrew Weissman announced he now owns the mark “Mr. Juicy” and its corresponding logo. “I am happy to report that after many months, a couple battles and a pocket full of cash I officially own the mark ‘Mr. Juicy’ and the corresponding logo,”…
Black Rifle Coffee Co., Duct Tape Prom Dress: The top 10 headlines in San Antonio this week
After denouncing the white supremacists who’ve latched onto its pro-Second Amendment brand, the founders of Black Rifle Coffee Co. found themselves inundated with harassment and death threats. Along with our coverage of that story, articles about Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s and Gov. Greg Abbott’s continued chicanery were among the Current’s most-read articles this week. But…
Mr. Crabby’s, Taco Rumble: San Antonio’s biggest food stories of the week
It’s no surprise that the Current’s story about SA whooping Austin’s ass in a Taco Rumble is our number one story this week. But readers were also interested in award-winning pitmaster Adrian Davila’s recipe for slow-smoked barbacoa. Y’all never cease to amaze. Rounding out this week’s top food stories were details about a new seafood…
San Antonio-based designer Angelina Mata hosts weeklong luxury pop-up shop in Southtown
Luxury evening wear and bridal designer Angelina Mata is hosting a weeklong fashion pop-up through next Tuesday, July 27, showcasing her own creations as well as those of a dozen other local merchants and artists. Sonsuz by Angelina Mata is situated in a vacant retail/office space in Southtown, showcasing the contemporary aesthetic of Mata’s Luxe…
Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny and Cheetos drop adidas fashion collection, launch TikTok contest
Popular rapper and San Antonio club favorite Bad Bunny has partnered with cheesy chip company Cheetos to release a limited adidas leisurewear collection that combines Bad Bunny’s style with the “Cheetos Look,” according to a press release. The release is the second phase of the rapper’s Deja tu Huella campaign, which aims to celebrate the…
San Antonio rooftop bar Paramour teases plans to change its name to Apothecary. (Or does it?)
Swanky San Antonio rooftop bar Paramour took to Instagram late Thursday to debut a potential new logo and new name: Apothecary. Or did it? (See the note below.) “Exciting new things are coming,” the post from the downtown cocktail bar reads. “We need your help, swipe over and in the comments let us know which…
Live Nation to offer $20 tickets to select shows
Concert promoter Live Nation just announced it will celebrate the return of live music this summer by offering $20 “all-in” tickets to select concerts featuring acts such as 311, Jason Aldean, Jonas Brothers, NF, Alanis Morissette, Judas Priest, Kings of Leon, Primus, KORN, the Black Crowes, Coheed and Cambria, Lindsey Stirling, the Doobie Brothers, Florida Georgia…
Lone Star hosting day-long River Rodeo music fest, featuring touring acts Houndmouth and Fruit Bats
Indiana-based alternative blues band Houndmouth and Chicago folk rockers Fruit Bats will co-headline a day-long music festival along the Guadalupe River next month, dubbed the River Rodeo. Outdoor gear purveyor Sendero Provisions Co. and Lone Star Brewing are sponsoring the event, which will take place Saturday, August 14 at the Rockin R River Rides outdoor…
Fiesta San Antonio-worthy duct tape dress wins Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest
Houston-born Larissa Leon has snagged a $10,000 scholarship thanks to her work on a colorful prom dress made entirely of duct tape — and it’s giving us serious Fiesta San Antonio vibes. Leon, who now resides with her family in Washington state, spent 163 hours creating the wearable art, which she says honors her culture…
Beto O’Rourke group gives $600,000 to Texas House Democrats’ stay in D.C.
Beto O’Rourke has funneled $600,000 to Texas House Democrats in Washington, D.C., to help fund their stay, which could last for up to another two weeks as the lawmakers attempt to block passage of a GOP election bill at the state Legislature. Powered by People, the group started by the former presidential candidate and El…
Karbach Brewing Co. gives $20,000 to Texas farmers hurt by pandemic and winter storms
In April, Houston’s Karbach Brewing Co. launched its Restoring the Ranch Program, which aimed to provide grants of $10,000 each to a pair of Texas farmers affected by the pandemic and winter storm. Now, three months later, Karbach has revealed the identity of the two recipients — coincidentally, both Texas farmers named Jeff — whom…
Lauded San Antonio taco joint Con Huevos closes up shop to give employees a vacation
Standout San Antonio taqueria Con Huevos Tacos will close its doors next week. Don’t worry, though. It hasn’t permanently thrown in the towel. The Tex-Mex joint, which drew praise in Texas Monthly’s May 2020 issue, took to social media Wednesday to let customers know it’s closing for two weeks to give staff a much-needed break.…
San Antonio brewery wants foodies to demand Congress replenish COVID-era restaurant funds
The short-lived federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund could be described as, well, a shitshow. What began as a hand up for the decimated foodservice industry quickly became a headache. Funds ran out a month after the’s program launch, and many who were first told they’d receive funds later learned they wouldn’t receive their promised relief. To…
San Antonio State Rep. Ina Minjarez: Texas Democrats making voting-rights progress in D.C.
State Rep. Ina Minjarez of San Antonio maintains that state Democratic lawmakers’ walkout to protest the Legislature’s controversial GOP-backed elections bill turns up the pressure for Congress to pass voting protections. Minjarez is one of roughly 60 Texas Democrats who flew from Austin to Washington D.C. earlier this month to break quorum and block progress…
San Antonio Democrat comes back from Washington D.C., says he’ll try to improve GOP voting bill
State Rep. Philip Cortez, D-San Antonio, returned to Texas Wednesday, saying he and a small group of Democrats will work to improve the controversial voting bill the lawmakers flew to Washington D.C. to protest. “I proudly stood with my democratic colleagues and left Texas to ensure House Bill 3 would not be approved as introduced,”…
Gov. Greg Abbott says he won’t impose new mask mandate despite increasing COVID-19 cases
Gov. Greg Abbott says he will not impose another statewide mask mandate, despite COVID-19 cases being on the rise again. “There will be no mask mandate imposed, and the reasons for that are very clear,” Abbott told KPRC-TV in Houston on Tuesday. “There are so many people who have immunities to COVID, whether it be through the…
Live Music in San Antonio this Week: Divas, Sunny Sweeney, Thunder Horse and more
A three-day festival of punishing sounds awaits San Antonio music fans this week as local concert promoter Brokenboard Productions celebrates 15 years in the business of making people’s ears ring. But for those would rather enjoy tunes that don’t vibrate your ribcage, other options abound. Whether your tastes run to trad-jazz, Mexican divas or fast-rising country…
San Antonio’s Alamo Beer Co. releases puro limited-edition Cowboy Chamoy sour brew
San Antonians love chamoy. Maybe a little too much for own good sometimes. Clearly, local craft brewer Alamo Beer Co. has taken that to heart with the release of a new, limited-edition brew called Cowboy Chamoy. Alamo took to Instagram Wednesday to share details of the flaming-red sour gose, which is made with mango, apricot,…
Peacock Alley San Antonio holding free screening of iconic ’80s flick Purple Rain this weekend
A classic from virtually the moment it was released, Purple Rain has grown to become a defining piece of ’80s culture and a crowning achievement for the dearly departed musical icon Prince. Virtually everyone knows the soundtrack, which boasted a pile of Billboard hits, including the title track, “Let’s Go Crazy” and “When Doves Cry.”…
San Antonio’s Briscoe Museum offers educational family fun for National Day of the Cowboy
Round up the entire family or a group of friends and mosey on over to the Briscoe Western Art Museum Saturday for its annual celebration of the National Day of the Cowboy. Starting in 2005, the National Day of the Cowboy has been celebrated in a handful of Western states to preserve cowboy history. Whether…
These San Antonio spots are celebrating National Tequila Day with much more than lime and salt
It’s not like most San Antonians need a reason to toss back a shot of tequila, but those who do may find reason enough on National Tequila Day, which falls on Saturday, July 24. So, in case you’re one of those folks searching for justification to sample one of Mexico’s finest exports, we rounded up…
Jazz’SAlive will return to downtown San Antonio this fall with more stages
After cancelling last year due to the COVID crisis, San Antonio’s Jazz’SAlive will return September 24-25 with headliners including Grammy-winning guitarist John Scofield and acclaimed singer-keyboardist Kandace Springs. The 38th annual iteration of the free festival will include an additional stage at downtown’s Legacy Park. What’s more, it will for the first time sell upgraded “patron…
Comedian Kevin Nealon brings his stand-up to San Antonio this weekend
Best known for the nine seasons he performed on Saturday Night Live, comedian Kevin Nealon went on to star in eight seasons of Showtime’s Weeds and in Adam Sandler films including Happy Gilmore, The Wedding Singer, Little Nicky, Anger Management and Blended. Stand-up comedy, however, has always been something he’s gone back to between projects.…
Northeast San Antonio will gain a new seafood house this summer with arrival of Mr. Crabby’s
San Antonio seafood lovers may rejoice in the news that South Texas-born Mr. Crabby’s Seafood Kitchen and Bar will soon open a location in the northeastern suburb of Selma. McAllen-based Mr. Crabby’s — which also operates Redhook Seafood at 6759 NW Loop 410 — serves up shrimp boils, crab legs, lobster and oysters in a…
Mystery Science Theater 3000 bringing its latest snarky movie tour to San Antonio in January
Cheesy movie fans, prepare for blastoff. After a trio of U.S. tours taking its flick-riffing shtick on the road, Mystery Science Theater 3000 LIVE will bring host Emily Connor (Emily Marsh) and her trio of snarky robots — Tom Servo, Crow and GPC — to the Tobin Center on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. Expect the wisecracks to…
San Antonio locations of Freebirds World Burrito will give away free guacamole next Saturday
There are certainly more authentic Mexican food joints that offer bigger-than-your-face burritos, but Freebirds World Burrito is the only one we know of that’s giving away free guacamole next Saturday, National Avocado Day. The Austin-based chain will dole out the green goodness with any purchase of a burrito, bowl or salad on July 31. But…
Ted Cruz blocks 60 diplomatic appointments in a move members of his own party call ‘fruitless’
In a move both Democrats and Republicans warn is harming U.S. diplomacy, Sen. Ted Cruz is blocking nominees from being confirmed for “vital” State Department roles to make a political point, CNN reports. Half a year into the Biden administration, just six State Department candidates have been confirmed on the Senate floor, while Cruz’s obstructionism…
San Antonio R&B singer Satara prepares to drop a new single and launch one-day music festival
San Antonio soul and R&B artist Satara Askew, better known by her stage names Satara or Lil Chicken Baby, has recorded dozens of songs, but only now is the 26-year-old singer getting comfortable about sharing her music. “I’ve made countless recordings — somewhere around 80 songs, but I’m starting to get momentum and learn how…
Cuishe Cocina Mexicana delivers on the promise of its vast menu of interior Mexican cuisine
Relative St. Paul Square newcomer Cuishe Cocina Mexicana is housed in a handsome space bounded by bare brick and accented by agave art, basketry lighting, patterned tile floors and a slatted, wood ceiling. The overall feel of the latest restaurant from the folks behind two Toro Kitchens and another Cuishe in Stone Oak is just…
San Antonio’s Alamo Beer to hold manicure and michelada event this Sunday
Alamo Beer Co. is serving up a little tipsy self care with Manis + Miches, an event this Sunday that will combine onsite manicures, micheladas, Zumba, yoga and more. The downtown-area craft brewery teamed up with San Antonio-based beer salt company Twang for the free gathering, which will also include a special brunch menu and…
New restaurant outside San Antonio has ties to Texas country musician Kevin Fowler
Creekhouse Kitchen & Bar, a new eatery in the quaint town of Wimberley — a little more than a half-hour’s drive from San Antonio — will open Friday, Texas country musician Kevin Fowler announced on social media. A little odd to get food news from a country music star? We thought so, too, until we…
Nina Diaz of San Antonio’s Girl in a Coma lends vocals to Elvis Costello’s new Spanish Model LP
San Antonio singer Nina Diaz of Girl in a Coma fame is among the 19 Latin rock and pop performers who provided vocals for Elvis Costello’s forthcoming reimagining of his 1978 album This Year’s Model. Diaz joined superstars including Juanes, Luis Fonsi and Fito Páez in adding lead vocals to backing tracks by Costello’s band the Attractions for…
San Antonio Botanical Garden to heat things up Saturday with Pequeño Pepper Day event
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is bringing the heat with its second Pequeño Pepper Day, celebrating the chiles of Mexico. The Saturday, July 24 event will offer entertainment and chile-packed activities including culinary demonstrations, a pepper plant sale, a Q&A session with Bexar County Master Gardeners and a cash bar slinging spicy, pepper-forward cocktails. The…
Renowned San Antonio-area pitmaster Adrian Davila shares recipe for slow-smoked barbacoa
If you’ve ever wanted to prepare barbacoa like a pro, Sequin-based pitmaster Adrian Davila has got you covered. If you want it to be puro auténtico, however, get ready to do some manual labor. Davila, an award-winning third-generation pitmaster who helms Davila’s BBQ in Seguin, specializes in authentic Texas barbecue with a Latin American twist. This technique…
Rising share of coronavirus tests coming back positive in Texas fuels fears of another wave
With less than half of Texans vaccinated and the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus spreading, the percentage of COVID-19 tests coming back positive in the state has climbed to a rate unseen since winter. As of this weekend, Texas’ positivity rate is over 10% — a level that Gov. Greg Abbott and the Trump…
Texas Supreme Court extends eviction assistance program, which was set to expire, until October 1
Texans struggling to stay in their housing as a result of the pandemic just won another reprieve. In a Monday order, the Texas Supreme Court extended the eviction-diversion program the state launched last year in response to the global health crisis. The program was set to expire on July 27, but it will now continue…
Health-focused Roots Salad Kitchen opens up in San Antonio’s Southtown neighborhood
Southtown residents and workers now have a new spot to snag fresh greens. Roots Salad Kitchen, which specializes in salads and other fresh and healthy items, held its grand opening this weekend. Positioned a mile from San Antonio’s central business district, Roots offers a range of açaí bowls, build-your-own wraps and loaded salads, including a Tex-Mex…
Black Rifle Coffee denounced extremists — and the far right is pissed
In a weekend New York Times article, the owners of San Antonio’s pro-firearm, pro-military java purveyor Black Rifle Coffee Company denounced violent white nationalist groups who have adopted their brand. Now, members of those groups are threatening to find another coffee company to support with their MAGA money. Some, company officials told the Current, have…
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott pledges to revive bill banning gender-affirming care for transgender kids
Apparently, Gov. Greg Abbott isn’t done trying to ramrod culture war issues through during the special session he called of the Texas Legislature. Texas’ Republican governor told a radio interviewer Monday that he’ll soon try to stop transgender minors from obtaining transition-related medical services, the Texas Tribune reports. Such a move would revive a push…
San Antonio’s The Hayden expands hours to offer new Jewish deli-inspired breakfast menu
Neighborhood cafe The Hayden this weekend unveiled expanded hours and a new breakfast menu inspired by Jewish deli fare. Among the offerings: a breakfast sando and layered pancakes. The eatery, which bills itself as “a South Texas diner with an old-school Jewish delicatessen soul,” will introduce the new hours Wednesday, July 21. Breakfast items, created…
San Antonio Zoo hosts COVID-19 vaccine clinic with free Dragon Forest tickets for participants
The San Antonio Zoo has partnered with Metro Health to offer the Pfizer vaccine to the public this week. Starting today, the zoo is hosting a mobile vaccination clinic behind its parking garage. Each participant in the clinic will receive two free tickets to the zoo’s Dragon Forest attraction as a perk for getting the…
San Antonio among the 10 best U.S. metros for Generation Z, new study says
San Antonio, a Generation Z hotspot? Who knew? Actually, that designation is according to a new study by real-estate site Commercial Cafe, which parsed demographic data to determine the hottest U.S. metros for folks born from the mid 1990s to the early 2010s. SA landed at No. 8 on its list, and two other Texas metros…
Cinematic Spillover: Short reviews of Space Jam: A New Legacy, I Carry You with Me and Die in a Gunfight
Were you a fan of the original 1996 Space Jam starring Michael Jordan? If you were, the sequel with LeBron James could be enough to let the nostalgia wash over you. Be sure to check out our interview with actor and comedian Gabriel Iglesias, who voices Speedy Gonzáles in the movie. Along with the live-action/animated…
Art contest will award $15,000 in scholarships to first-generation college students in San Antonio
The San Antonio Education Partnership is letting artistically inclined first-generation college students show off their creative flair while vying for tuition money. To celebrate the drive of students who are the first in their families to attend college, SAEP has launched an art competition in which each of five winners takes home a $3,000, one-time scholarship.…
San Antonio State Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, four other Texas Dems test positive for coronavirus
Five Democratic members of the Texas House who jetted to Washington D.C. last week to break quorum on the GOP-controlled state legislature’s controversial voting bill have tested positive for the coronavirus. The Texas House Democratic Caucus confirmed the positive tests from lawmakers including San Antonio Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer over the weekend. It announced three…
Completing a hike around San Antonio’s perimeter highlights the need to finish its greenway system
Several months and many miles ago, I set out to circumnavigate the city of San Antonio on foot. It seemed just crazy enough to be interesting. Back in February, I began traversing the newly christened Howard W. Peak Greenway, which is wonderful but doesn’t fully encircle the city as seemingly advertised. So, where the trail ended, I…
Analysis: Charlo gets away with a dubious majority draw against Castaño in San Antonio fight
It was supposed to be a historic night for boxing — it ended up as another classic marred by the judges’ surreal scoring methods. Saturday night at the AT&T Center, Houston’s WBA, IBF and WBC super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo almost knocked out WBO champion Brian Castaño and won the last three rounds, but the…
Editorial: It’s time for Texas police to ban bean bag rounds at protests
In late May of 2020, Anthony Evans says he was “walking down the street with [his] hands in the air” when a bean bag round fired by Austin police shattered his jaw bone. His injuries required surgery, and he had to have his mouth wired shut while he healed. Sareneka “Nemo” Martin was pregnant when bean…
Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias, COVID-19: The top 10 headlines in San Antonio this week
Apparently, San Antonio just can’t get enough Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias. Both in sickness and in health. The Current racked up a lot of traffic this spring with the comedian announcing then extending his series of summer shows in the Alamo City. So did two stories that broke this week after the LA-based funnyman revealed he’d…
Camp 1604, Michelada Festival: San Antonio’s biggest food stories of the week
From plans for a massive North San Antonio beer garden and a new ’09-area brewery to new details about New Braunfels’ annual beer-and-sausage pilgrimage Wurstfest, nearly all of this week’s top stories had something to do with beer. And we’re alright with that. Read on for the most popular food news happening in and around…
Attention San Antonio foodies: spice company looking to hire ‘national director of taco relations’
Tex-Mex-loving San Antonians looking to get back into the workforce may want to make note of a new job listing. Maryland-based spice purveyor McCormick has announced that it’s looking for someone to take on the role of “director of taco relations.” The prime candidate would be expected to show enthusiasm for tacos — OK, we’re…
San Antonio businesses have seen a 33% uptick in traffic, Texas still lags behind national average
As businesses strive to find their new pandemic-era normal, new data suggests that visits to San Antonio restaurants, retailers and entertainment venues are on a steady upswing. Visits to those kinds of establishments in the Alamo City increased 30% from January 1 to July 1, according to location-based marketing company Zenreach, which used GPS data for…
San Antonio writer Jenny Lawson’s Nowhere Bookshop sets ‘Bland Opening’ for Monday, July 19
After a lengthy wait, San Antonio’s newest independent bookstore is finally welcoming shoppers into its space. Nowhere Bookshop, located at 5154 Broadway, is the brainchild of South Texas author Jenny Lawson, a.k.a. The Bloggess. Although the store has been fulfilling orders placed online since 2020, it had only opened the doors of its brick-and-mortar location to…
San Antonio’s Creppecino expands hours to begin offering French-inspired breakfast fare
Northwest San Antonio’s French-inspired Creppecino café has unveiled a new breakfast menu featuring not just morning-meal spins on crêpes but also acai bowls and an extensive coffee selection. The Medical Center-area eatery’s new offerings include egg Florentine crêpes — with fresh spinach, hard-boiled eggs, sweet cherry tomatoes and feta cheese — along with sweet turkey and brie crêpes served…
Yelp names San Antonio’s top five ice cream shops just in time for National Ice Cream Day on Sunday
In honor of National Ice Cream Day, which happens Sunday, online review site Yelp ranked San Antonio’s top scoop shops so folks can celebrate while supporting small businesses. To compile its list, Yelp identified businesses in the ice cream and frozen yogurt categories, then ranked them using data including the number of reviews and star…
San Antonio taxpayers make a third payment to cover Grand Hyatt bonds — this time for $5.8 million
San Antonio made a nearly $5.8 million payment Thursday to cover the bond debt used to build the Grand Hyatt, the convention center hotel that’s struggled to make its own payments during the pandemic’s travel slump. Since the middle of last year, taxpayers have ponied up a total of $10.4 million to cover bond payments…
San Antonio’s Briscoe Western Art Museum showcases John Wayne classic True Grit this weekend
The Briscoe Western Art Museum continues its 2021 summer film series with the 1969 classic True Grit, which earned star John Wayne an Oscar for Best Actor. Wayne starred as Reuben J. “Rooster” Cogburn, an aging U.S. Marshal who is hired by a young girl to track the man who killed her father and bring…
San Antonio chefs win over Austin’s at Food and Wine Alliance’s first Taco Rumble
The San Antonio Food and Wine Alliance’s inaugural Taco Rumble has settled — at least for now — a long-simmering dispute over whether San Antonio or Austin makes the best tacos. San Antonio team La Fonda de Jaime 2.0 wooed a panel of judges and took home the belt at Thursday night’s competition. The fundraising event, which…
Musician-turned-chef Paul Petersen aims to keep San Antonio’s Bar Loretta approachable
People frequently use the phrase “rockstar chef” to describe raucous, uber-creative culinary masterminds. Not so many chefs, though, can claim to have given up a chase for rock ’n’ roll fame to focus on their food. But San Antonio native Paul Petersen, chef at Southtown eatery Bar Loretta, which opens later this summer, did just…
Prolific San Antonio horror author Joe McKinney has died
San Antonio author Joe McKinney, a prolific and award-winning horror novelist, has died at age 52. McKinney, who also worked as a San Antonio Police Department sergeant, frequently set his work in the Alamo City and incorporated elements of police procedural into his novels and short stories. He died in his sleep on Tuesday, according to…
Of Mouse and Man: Gabriel Iglesias lends his voice to Speedy Gonzales in Space Jam sequel
Actor and comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias was the focus of the previous Current issue’s cover story on his month-long run at the Tobin Center. But we had no choice but to corral him for another interview — this time about his role as Speedy Gonzales in the soon-to-be-released Space Jam: A New Legacy. When Warner Bros.…
Chuck Schumer says federal marijuana legalization and expungement is Senate priority
Congress is closer than ever to legalizing weed — and the leader of the Democratic-majority U.S. Senate says he’ll use all of his political power to make it happen. A day after unveiling proposed legislation to end federal cannabis prohibition, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said that doing so was a…
San Antonio area’s Mi Tierra, Los Barrios and Burnt Bean get love on food-focused podcasts
San Antonio’s Mi Tierra and Los Barrios as well as Seguin’s Burnt Bean are the latest local eateries to win praise from a pair of food-centric podcasts, “Tacos of Texas” and “Vanishing Postcards,” the San Antonio Express-News reports. Austin-based producer Mando Rayo launched the “Tacos of Texas” series Monday, and the inaugural episode features Ernest…
San Antonio’s Rocky’s Taco House hosting event with Blood In, Blood Out actor Carlos Carrasco
Fans of the 1993 cult classic Blood In, Blood Out will soon get their chance to be starstruck at a meet and greet with actor Carlos Carrasco, who played Popeye in the flick about prison, drugs and gang wars. The event will take place Friday, July 16 at Rocky’s Taco House, located at 2423 Pleasanton…
Artpace debuts International Artists-In-Residence exhibitions in first in-person opening since 2020
On Thursday, local art lovers can return to Artpace for its first in-person opening reception since 2020. The downtown space will debut three new exhibitions from its Summer 2021 International Artists-In-Residence Nao Bustamante, Iván Argote and Michael Menchaca. At the opening, the artists will join guest curator Pilar Tompkins Rivas in conversation at 6:30 p.m.,…
SoHo Wine & Martini Bar departing downtown San Antonio for the suburbs, Castle Hills officials say
Downtown San Antonio no longer appears to be a sweet spot for SoHo Wine & Martini Bar. The center-city cocktail fixture is relocating to Castle Hills on September 1, according to a Tuesday Facebook post from Joe Izbrand, an alderman for the northwestern suburb. Castle Hills Mayor JR Treviño also trumpeted the relocation in a…
Mediterranean restaurant chain Cava will open four San Antonio locations
Folks who crave the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean will have another dining option when fast-casual chain Cava expands into San Antonio this fall. The Washington, D.C.-based brand known for customizable Mediterranean bowls filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to transform four existing Zoe’s Kitchen spots into Cava locations, MySA reports. Cava’s…
When it comes to utility failures during the February freeze, it’s time to stop playing ‘San Antonio nice’
The following is CityScrapes, a column of opinion and analysis. The Great Freeze of February now seems like a distant, ugly memory. The plumbing damaged by frozen pipes has largely been repaired or replaced, and the seemingly dead foliage is now showing signs of life, even healthy growth. My Sago palms, once neatly frozen to…
Tobin Center will automatically refund tickets for Gabriel Iglesias’ canceled San Antonio shows
The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts will refund tickets within 24 hours for comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias’ cancelled performances, announced as he revealed he’d contracted COVID-19. Ticketholders who paid by credit card will receive returned funds in three to five business days, while those who paid by check or cash will receive theirs via a check…
Analysis: Texas Democrats’ flight over voting bill is a stunt, but the GOP is staging plenty of its own
After Democrats in the Texas Legislature broke quorum and flew to Washington, D.C. to sandbag the state GOP’s controversial voting bill, the Republican response has been to label the move a “political stunt.” Well, no shit, Sherlock. Of course it’s a stunt. One intended to turn national attention to ugly, undemocratic provisions in the legislation,…
Gabriel Iglesias cancels the remainder of his San Antonio shows after contracting COVID-19
Standup comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias announced via Twitter that he’s cancelling the remainder of his San Antonio performances because he contracted COVID-19. The comic, an Alamo City favorite, scheduled a nearly monthlong stand at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, from June 23 to July 17. Prior to his announcement, Netflix planned to tape…
San Antonio Museum of Art screening family-friendly film Mune: Guardian of the Moon on Friday
In its upcoming Family Flick movie night, the San Antonio Museum of Art is bringing the French animated film Mune: Guardian of the Moon to its outdoor screen. Imagine a world where being a morning person or night person was literal — in the fictional world of Mune, that’s how it works. On an unnamed…
Ironroot Texas Straight Bourbon to be featured in single cask drop from independent bottler
Independent bottler Lost Lantern will release a limited-edition bourbon born at the Lone Star State’s Ironroot Republic distillery. Lost Lantern — a Vermont-based company that markets one-of-a-kind American whiskies — will offer 136 bottles of Cask #10 Ironroot Republic Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey starting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14. The whiskey sells for…
Renowned San Antonio chef James Canter doing Tampa-style Cubano sandwich pop up
Folks who enjoy a hearty sando will have the chance to do just that when San Antonio chef James Canter’s El Cubano SATX pops up near downtown this weekend. The one-day Cubano sandwich fest will take place at Five Points Local on Friday, July 30. A Cubano is a meatbomb that originated in cafes serving immigrant…
Jermell Charlo-Brian Castaño fight in San Antonio matches up two world champs in their prime
If you’re one of those who switched to MMA because “boxing is dead,” here’s another chance to prove you wrong: two world champions in their prime — one of them is undefeated, the other has already avenged his only defeat — will battle in San Antonio for four belts of the super welterweight championship. Houston’s Jermell…
Live Music in San Antonio this Week: Stringman, Professor Underfunk, Kash’d Out and more
San Antonio’s live music scene is bumping this week. Naturally, Saturday’s album release show from local avant-metal trio The Grasshopper Lies Heavy is a prime choice, but those who crave quieter entertainment can also find a homegrown singer-songwriter, a fleet-fingered blues bassist and purveyors of country soul doing their things as well. Let’s run down…
Texas is fourth-worst in the nation for drunk driving deaths, according to new study
Gov. Greg Abbott likes to call Texas a “law and order state,” but we sure don’t seem to have a handle on the whole drunk driving thing. A new study by insurance site BuyAutoInsurance.com lists the Lone Star State as the fourth-worst in the nation when it comes to drunk driving deaths. Texas landed its slot on…
Balcones Heights Jazz Festival brings a multi-talented lineup to Wonderland of the Americas Friday
Headlined by guitarist Nils and singer-trumpeter Johnny Britt, the latest show in the long-running series will feature an opening set by local cats the Joe Posada Trio. Nils — a performer who needs no last name, much like Prince, Cher or Madonna — turned his teenage fixation with Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple into a jazz career…
San Antonio restauranteur Chris Hill confirms Asian eatery House of Má’s permanent closure
When hotly anticipated Vietnamese comfort food spot House of Má closed its doors in May, management said the move was temporary. Now, owner Chris Hill has confirmed that the short-lived spot is permanently shuttered. Hill — who also owns downtown’s Esquire Tavern and Downstairs at the Esquire Tavern — chalked up the decision to a…
Paper Trail San Antonio returns for one-day print fair at the Rock Box on Sunday
San Antonio’s homegrown printmaking fair is back for one day only this year. After 2020’s COVID-induced hiatus, Paper Trail returns with a venue change and a slate of more than 50 artists, who will be slinging their wares at the Rock Box downtown. This year’s vendors include San Antonio and Texas artists include Ursula Zavala,…
New coffee shop Clear Light brewing across the street from San Antonio’s Walker Ranch Park
Tucked into the small, tree-shaded complex that hosts Two Bros. BBQ, Clear Light Coffee Co. is now serving up coffee, tea and cozy vibes. The new java joint held a soft opening July 3, and is now open daily, according to its Instagram posts. The shop uses coffee beans sourced from New Mexico-based Picacho Coffee…
Assclown Alert: Tantrum time with GOP candidate for Texas governor Allen West
Assclown Alert is a column of opinion, analysis and snark. Texas GOP Chairman Allen West formally announced his plan to run for governor last week. And according to a recent report, he’s ending his time as party chief kicking over an ant hill. Last Wednesday, the already frayed relationship between West and party vice chair…
Anticipated Chinese restaurant Dashi Sichuan Kitchen + Bar will open Thursday in San Antonio
The minds behind beloved Chinese eatery Sichuan House and swanky craft cocktail joint Jet Setter will open the doors on their newest venture, Dashi Sichuan Kitchen + Bar, on Thursday, July 15. The hotly anticipated Dashi will open exclusively by reservation from 4-10 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, the San Antonio Express-News reports. Chef Jian Li…
On the Verge: San Antonio painter John Guzman is poised for success
There’s a decent chance you’re unfamiliar with the name John Guzman — but the San Antonio artist is quickly developing into a hometown success story. Raised on the South Side, he slid through East Central High School as a “terrible student,” sang lead vocals in a scrappy punk band dubbed the Cock Blocks and eventually landed…
