Smokey Robinson performs at Florida’s Jazz in the Gardens festival. Credit: Shutterstock / Gregory Reed

This week, San Antonio is playing host to storied performers whose names are practically synonymous with their genres — from soul icon Smokey Robinson to Texas blues legend Marcia Ball to progressive metal pioneers Dream Theater.

Let’s jump right in.

Thursday, Feb. 13

Tommy Castro and the Painkillers, Marcia Ball

This show brings together two of blues’ modern greats. Top-billed Tommy Castro puts a San Francisco spin on the blues, delivering his soulful approach to the music with searing guitar work and more than a little showmanship. That approach has racked up numerous accolades, including the 2008 Blues Music Award for Entertainer of the Year. Meanwhile, Texas treasure Marcia Ball is a both a killer pianist and singer with numerous accolades of her own, including multiple Grammy nominations. USA Today has called her “a sensation,” and we can’t argue. $62-$99, 8 p.m., Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., samsburgerjoint.com. — BB

Maria José

Mexican pop singer Maria José is a bonafide superstar in her native country, where she’s also excelled as a dancer, athlete and TV star. Yep, a renaissance woman — and one who’s performed with international music draws including Gwen Stefani and released records on both major and indie labels. While José’s music is definitely on the more commercial side of things, she delivers it with passion to spare, and nobody can question her sterling vocal chops. $34-$162, 8 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St., (210) 226-3333, majesticempire.com. — BB

Friday, Feb. 14

Los Juanos, Strawberry Jams

Celebrate Valentine’s Day by with some musical love from a pair of puro SA luminaries. Los Juanos bring a fresh, young energy to Tejano, a genre not always known for breaking boundaries. The band infuses its take on the South Texas sound with an indie-rock spirit and electronics, but it’s most notable for the sheer joy of its performances. Strawberry Jams will show why it’s one of the city’s most sought-after DJ groups for rock shows, keeping the spirit high and the love flowing. $12, 9 p.m., Lonesome Rose, 2114 N. St. Mary’s St., thelonesomerose.com. — BB

Saturday, Feb. 15

Smokey Robinson

Soul legend Smokey Robinson has cemented his icon status with more than four decades of hits. “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Ooo Baby Baby,” “Tracks of My Tears,” “I Second That Emotion” and “Going to a Go-Go” are all works of an inimitable artist. He even co-wrote the classic “Tears of a Clown” with the one and only Stevie Wonder. Robinson is in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and received the Grammy Living Legend Award, among many other accolades. As vice president of Motown Records for more than 25 years, he also shaped the label’s legendary sound. So, maybe we can forgive him for his awkwardly named 2023 album Gasms. $59-$270, 8 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St., (210) 226-3333, majesticempire.com. — Stephanie Koithan

Destroy Lonely, Lil 88

Atlanta’s Destroy Lonely exploded onto the rap scene in the late 2010s thanks to an off-kilter cadence and eclectic beats. The son of I-20, a rapper who frequently collaborates with Ludacris and is signed to the Disturbing tha Peace label, Destroy Lonely last year followed up his 2023 double-album debut If Looks Could Kill with another double album, Love Lasts Forever. Clearly, this emcee is a creative force who continues to flow. $71-$182.90, 8 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — DC

Sunday, Feb. 16

Dream Theater

Progressive-metal pioneers Dream Theater are celebrating their 40th anniversary with a North American tour featuring original drummer Mike Portnoy. It’s the first time in 14 years that Portnoy — a rhythmic heavyweight of the prog-metal scene — has hit the road with the group. With Portnoy back in the fold, Dream Theater is also working on its 16th studio album, which is likely to build on its legacy as a vital progenitor of the dense and demanding genre. $39.50-$645.00, 7:30p.m., Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St., (210) 226-3333, majesticempire.com. — DC

Los Lonely Boys

Los Lonely Boys’ brand of “Texican rock ‘n’ roll” — a blend of blues, rock ‘n’ roll, country, brown-eyed soul and Tejano — has made the trio a dependable draw well outside the Lone Star State. Brothers Henry, Jojo and Ringo Garza showcase tight vocal harmonies that highlight the unique benefit of being a family band. These San Angelo boys carry on from a long line of artists, including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Freddy Fender and the Texas Tornados, who make music that’s as Texas as it gets. $27-$109, 8 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — SK Subscribe to SA Current newsletters.

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This article appears in Feb 5-18, 2025.