Tuesday, August 25
PechaKucha
A professor, chef and guitarist walk into the Empire Theatre … no, this isn’t the set-up for a bad joke, but it’s time for another night of stimulating presentations and mingling. PechaKucha, “chit-chat” in Japanese, invites San Anto creatives to share their passions using PowerPoint (20 slides for 20 seconds each). Volume 19 presenters include Joe Reyes (guitarist for Buttercup); Susan Snow (World Heritage coordinator); Diego Galicia (chef at Mixtli); Brian Chasnoff (newspaper columnist); Paula Owen (president of Southwest School of Art) and Lloyd Walsh (artist and professor). $5 suggested donation, 6:30pm, Empire Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary’s St.
Tuesday, August 25
Jon Foreman
In the early 2000s, Jon Foreman and Switchfoot made a boat load of money writing vaguely Christian alt-rock anthems. The 2003 effort A Beautiful Letdown sold over 2.7 million copies on the strength of Foreman’s positive energy and overdriven guitar. $20-$30, 6pm, Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E Grayson St, (210) 223-2830
Wednesday, August 26
Yes, Toto
Prog rock forefathers Yes released their first record in 1969, a self-titled work that became one of the great templates of winding, progressive guitar music. In June, founding bassist Chris Squire passed away due to complications from leukemia, marking the first time that the band has performed without any founding members. Founded in 1977, Toto’s hits — including “Hold the Line”, “Rosanna”, and “Africa” — have earned the LA band album sales of over 40 million units. $60-$115, 8pm, Majestic Theatre, 224 E Houston St, (210) 226-5700
Wednesday, August 26
Ottmar Liebert
German-born guitarist Ottmar Liebert plays Spanish-influenced classical guitar/easy listening compositions with remarkable popular acclaim. In addition to five Grammy nominations, Liebert has gone either gold or platinum in the U.S. 38 times in his 27-year career. With Luna Negra. $35-$45, 7:30pm, Aztec Theatre, 201 E Commerce St, (210) 760-2196
Wednesday, August 26
Doc Watkins And His Orchestra
For the final gig of the Pearl Stable’s summer series, the gorgeous venue hosts pianist Doc Watkins and his big band, who just released a charming live album. Free, 5:30pm, Pearl Stable, 307 Pearl Pkwy, (210) 212-7260
This article appears in The Coffee Issue 2015.