David Rawlings and Gillian Welch perform at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival in Golden Gate Park. Credit: Shutterstock / Sterling Munksgard

This week, San Antonio music fans can bask in the greatness of folk royalty, take in sounds from one of the foundational indie-rock outfits of the early 2000s, pogo to Japanese punk or jitterbug to homegrown big band. Let’s dive into the diverse options.

Wednesday, Aug. 20

Gillian Welch and David Rawlings

Gillian Welch and her partner-in-harmony David Rawlings have been stunning audiences for more than 20 years now. Despite making Nashville their home base, the pair has eschewed the overproduced glitz of modern country for something far more timeless. Welch has the grace, flow and feel of a dustbowl balladeer. They’re among the best folkies out there, period, making this concert essential for lovers of beautiful and timeless songcraft. $70, 8 p.m., Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway, stablehall.com. — Bill Baird

Thursday, Aug. 21

Modest Mouse, Friko

Emerging from humble origins in Issaquah, Washington, Modest Mouse emerged as one of the foundational indie rock bands of the early 2000s. Best known for the breakout song “Float On” from the 2004 album Good News for People Who Love Bad News, the band did a 20th-anniversary tour for the foundational release last year. Vocalist and rhythm guitarist Isaac Brock remains Modest Mouse’s constant and is known for the leading the group through shows that enchant fans and newcomers alike. $78-$231.30, 8 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — Danny Cervantes

Hacienda, The Ripe

San Antonio’s Hacienda burst onto the national scene nearly 20 years ago. The group sent its demo to the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, who promptly took them under his wing, produced their first album and hired them as his backing band. Comprised of two brothers and a cousin, Hacienda immediately wowed audiences with a garage-rock sound that’s distinctly SA. After many years, the band is still cranking, and it’s still impressive with its throwback sound. The Ripe also mines throwback territory, but theirs has more of a psychedelic edge. San Antonio-raised Jake Garcia — now living in Austin and playing with The Black Angels — started The Ripe with fellow Austin musicians from Amplified Heat and the Nervous Exits. $10, 9 p.m., Lonesome Rose, 2114 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 455-0233, thelonesomerosesa.com. — BB

Saturday, Aug. 23

Tsushimamire, Big Bill

If Tsushimamire aren’t Japanese punk-rock legends, they certainly should be. The all-woman trio has been dishing out slabs of high-energy insanity for more than 25 years with no signs of slowing down. For this special SA gig, Tsushimamire will be joined by Austin favorites Big Bill, who also explore punk but with an emphasis on humor and political confrontation. $10, 8 p.m., Lonesome Rose, 2114 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 455-0233, thelonesomerosesa.com. — BB

Sunday, Aug. 24

Leaving Time, Keep

Jacksonville, Florida’s Leaving Time formed in 2020 while its members were still in other bands. Soon, the group emerged with its own blend of guitars and drums inspired by ’90s-era alt-rock and shoegaze. Last Fall, San Antonio-based Sunday Drive Records released Leaving Time’s latest album, Angel in the Sand. The lead single “Burn” gives a great entrée into the sound. Virginia-based openers Keep have a sound inspired by The Cure and Smashing Pumpkins. $21.18, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — DC

Monday, Aug. 25

210 Jazz Orchestra

There’s nothing quite like watching an actual big band in action, and this 20-piece jazz ensemble puts on a great show, covering modern music and standards alike. Indeed, the young group’s eclecticism helps it stand apart from the crowd of overly reverential jazz historians. These folks bring the fun, and when the show is free — as this one is — who the hell would turn down fun? Free, 8 p.m., Blue Star Brewing Co., 1414 S Alamo St., #105, bluestarbrewing.com. — BB

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This article appears in Aug 7-20, 2025.

Sanford Nowlin is editor-in-chief of the San Antonio Current. He holds degrees from Trinity University and the University of Texas at San Antonio, and his work has been featured in Salon, Alternet, Creative...

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