Live Music in San Antonio This Week: Paper Tiger Free Week, Wayne Hancock, Max Diaz

Now that the holidays are behind us, the parties have slowed down and family is cleared out of the house, music fans are free to get back to their favorite venues and enjoy fresh sounds.

Good thing they have plenty to choose from in San Antonio this week. Let’s dive right in.

Wednesday, Jan. 8

Moonshine Bandits, Blake Banks

A raucous combo of country and hip-hop drives the California duo of Dusty “Tex” Dahlgren and Brett “Bird” Brooks, known as the Moonshine Bandits. Formed in 2003, the duo’s brand of backwoods bravado and country soul comes full circle on its latest release Gold Rush. $20-$175, 8 p.m., Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com. — Danny Cervantes

Thursday, Jan. 9

Max Diaz, Menorah, Shylo Graves

Eclectic indie artist Max Diaz is visiting SA on his Save a Horse tour after playing to sold-out stops across North America. While the 20-year-old is adept at channeling the style of a cowboy troubadour, his 2023 release Metanoia shows he’s still developing his style. Grungy San Antonio alt-rockers Menorah make for an intriguing opener. $15, 7 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — DC

Friday, Jan. 10-Sunday, Jan. 12

Paper Tiger Free Week

Mid-sized venue Paper Tiger is bringing in every conceivable genre of music for its annual Free Week, an excellent and budget-friendly way to sample a variety of acts while leaving plenty of money to spend at the bar instead. Check the club’s website for details on its multiple stages, DJs galore and packed lineup of bands including Beware of Dog, Mariana Be, Limit of Destruction, Collective Dreams, Dogma Society and more. Free with RSVP, 8 p.m. nightly, Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — Bill Baird

Saturday, Jan. 11

Wayne “The Train” Hancock, Brian Duarte

Austin’s Wayne “The Train” Hancock is a revered country revivalist who keeps his honky-tonk fresh and dance-floor ready by mixing in rockabilly, Western swing, jump blues and the occasional show tune. While his retro-style arrangements and twangy vocal delivery drew early comparisons Hank Williams — covers of his song by none other than Hank III also contributed — Hancock is no imitator. To be sure, he’s developed his own distinct style as a performer and singer-songwriter that respects country tradition while keeping things raw, fun and — in keeping with his nickname — rattling ahead with fierce abandon. $12, 9 p.m., Lonesome Rose, 2114 N. St Mary’s St., thelonesomerose.com. — Sanford Nowlin

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This article appears in Dec 26, 2024 – Jan 1, 2025.