War is bringing its blend of soul, funk and rock to the Tobin Center this Thursday. Credit: Creative Commons / Druss379

San Antonio’s long been a musical melting pot, and the live shows gracing local stages this week reflect that diversity. Whether you crave funk, shoegaze, goth, neo-psych or quirky homegrown rock ‘n’ roll, there’s a show serving up your desired flavor with gracious abundance. Let’s dig in.

Wednesday, May 14

Wild Nothing, Casino Hearts, Lou Rebecca

Wild Nothing, the shoegaze-ish project from NYC songwriter Jack Tatum, has released numerous records on the uber-hip Captured Tracks. For those unfamiliar, the label specializes in a slightly fuzzy, mid-fi aesthetic well informed by indie stalwarts including The Pixies, My Bloody Valentine, Ride, Lush and more. Openers Casino Hearts explore similar sonic territory with refreshing results, while Lou Rebecca makes synth-pop that’s simultaneously cold and warm. $25, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — Bill Baird

Thursday, May 15

War

Barrier-breaking soul and funk outfit War forged an eclectic sound that’s as vital today as during its 1970s heyday. Though Leroy “Lonnie” Jordan is the only original member left in the band, its current iteration is more than up to the task of presenting hits including “Cisco Kid,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends?,” “Lowrider,” “Summer” and “Slippin’ Into Darkness.” Known to collaborate across racial and cultural divides, the group also recorded the psychedelic fever dream “Spill the Wine” with legendary Animals frontman Eric Burdon. War’s blend of funk, soul, jazz and rock — which reflects the diverse sounds its members heard growing up in the ghettos of LA — brought the act both critical acclaim and commercial success. The band’s fifth studio album, The World Is a Ghetto, was Billboard’s No. 1 album for 1973. $49.50 and up, 7:30 p.m., Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org.— Stephanie Koithan

Beth Lee, Harvey McLaughlin, The Hares

This lineup promises to bring a night of “jumping rock ‘n’ roll psychosis” to the Lonesome Rose, inviting revelers to “let the vibrant frequencies rattle you into oblivion.” Austin rock ‘n’ roller Beth Lee is joined on the lineup by San Antonio’s Man in Every Band, Harvey McLaughlin, a veteran keyboardist-guitarist who’s lent his talent to Hickoids, Nicky Diamonds, Eddie & the Valiants, the Sandworms and others. Psychobilly freakout — and Saustex label mates — The Hares are also sharing this bill. And before you ask, yes, McLaughlin is in that band too. Fronting his own project, McLaughlin’s original songs are a rogue’s gallery of Universal movie monsters and cigarette-stained noir vignettes. The singer-songwriter just released his latest album, Pena, which includes the single “A Bag of Shrunken Heads.” Inspired by influences ranging from jump blues to The Cramps and from Roky Erickson to SA’s West Side soul, McLaughlin presents his lyrical Creature Feature through the warp of a funhouse mirror, so step right up! $10, 9 p.m., The Lonesome Rose, 2114 N. St. Mary’s St., thelonesomerose.com— SK

Saturday, May 17

Rosegarden Funeral Party, Astari Nite, Nite

Dallas-based Rosegarden Funeral Party, a self-described “lovechild of Morrissey and Siouxsie Sioux,” will bring a night of evocative post-punk to Paper Tiger’s side stage. The group are joined on the bill by Miami dark industrial glam purveyors Astari Nite — not to be confused with local opener, Nite. $18, 7 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — SK

Sunday, May 18

LA Witch, Daiistar

LA Witch comes from the neo-psych scene exemplified by bands such as the Brian Jonestown Massacre and the Black Angels but offers its own uniquely feminine take. As the name suggests, they’re women and they’re from LA. And they’re good at what they do. Opener Daiistar is Austin’s latest buzzy export, mining late ’80s baggy Manchester vibes. $18, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — BB

Tuesday, May 20

Hippo Campus, Hotline TNT

Minnesota-based indie rockers Hippo Campus are touring behind their latest album, 2024’s Flood. The group formed in 2013 while the members studied jazz and classic music at the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists. Over time, the group developed a sunny sound inspired by UK influences and best captured in 2017’s The Way It Goes. On Flood, Hippo Campus’ members find themselves at an introspective crossroads as they grapple with life in their 30s. Hotline TNT, a New York-based rock outfit with shoegaze DNA, makes an appropriate and noisy opener. $45-$127.50, 8 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s, (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — Danny Cervantes

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This article appears in Apr 30 – May 13, 2025.