Spring tours are in full swing, bringing a plethora of musical acts to the Alamo City, including a longtime SA metal favorite, an influential ’80s folk-punk outfit and a Hawaiian country-music superstar.
Let’s saddle up and check out the choices, music mavens.
Wednesday, March 19
Violent Femmes
The Violent Femmes’ eponymous debut album was almost standard issue in college dorms from the mid ’80s through the early ’90s. From humble origins as an acoustic punk band playing on the streets of Milwaukee, the band used a boost from the Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde to land a record deal. Since then, the Femmes have inspired myriad artists, among them the Pixies, P!nk and Keith Urban. For this tour, the group is playing two sets, one featuring its legendary debut album in its entirety and the other showcasing the followup Hallowed Ground. $39.50-$169.50, 8 p.m., The Espee, 1174 E. Commerce St., (888) 246-3185, theespee.com. — Danny Cervantes
Thursday, March 20
Solidarity Through Sounds featuring Gracie Chávez, Third Root and Vocab
This free event, which features the subtitle “Black and Brown Overlap in Texas,” focuses on the struggle for justice and unity in the face of discrimination and oppression — something we need now more than ever. The evening will begin with a roundtable discussion featuring poets and UTSA professors and ends with a musical celebration. It even features free refreshments and snacks. Get edified and inspired while dancing, singing and snacking. Sounds like a perfect night. Free, 6 p.m., Little Carver Theater at Carver Center, 226 N. Hackberry St., thecarver.org. — Bill Baird
Maoli
Even if you’re not a fan of commercial country music, it’s still heartening to see this often-hidebound genre accept more artists of color. Maoli takes country music into Polynesia, and the results feel invigorating, if a bit commercial. A straight-up superstar in his native Hawaii, Maoli fills 10,000-seat venues there with regularity. His music is well-written and compellingly performed. More than anything, though, it brings a fresh take to an old genre. $35, 8 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — BB
Friday, March 21
Saxon, Riot V, Lizzie Borden
Saxon was one of the standard bearers for the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, which percolated up in the early ’80s, and San Antonio was one of the first U.S. markets to throw open its arms both to the band and that musical movement. For this show, Saxon will perform its classic and fist-pumping 1980 album Wheels of Steel in its entirety. Opening are Riot V — the latest incarnation of the classic U.S. metal band led by San Antonio scene vet Donnie Van Stavern — and theatrical LA-based rockers Lizzie Borden. $49.50-$109.50, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — Sanford Nowlin
Saturday, March 22
Papa Roach, Rise Against, Underoath
San Antonio is the second stop on the North American leg of the Rise of the Roach tour featuring Papa Roach and Rise Against. The pairing celebrates the 25th anniversary of rap-metal stalwart Papa Roach’s multi-platinum major-label debut Infest. Not content to rest on laurels, though, the group just released the single “Even If It Kills Me” in anticipation of its 12th studio album. Punks Rise Against also continue to create new music, including the single “Nod,” which dropped in January. $39.50-$109.50, 7 p.m., Frost Bank Center, One Frost Bank Center Drive, (210) 444-5140, frostbankcenter.com. — DC
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This article appears in Mar 19 – Apr 1, 2025.