Alice Cooper brings the shock rock to San Antonio during a 2023 tour stop.
Alice Cooper brings the shock rock to San Antonio during a 2023 tour stop. Credit: Jaime Monzon

Anybody else having trouble juggling their live music calendar lately?

For the past few weeks, it’s seemed like San Antonio is playing host to way too many can’t-miss shows — from stellar touring acts to hometown groups who make every local gig feel like something special.

Let’s dive in and see how how much sleep we’ll all be missing.

Wednesday, April 8

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo has won fans worldwide with stunning rhythmic interplay and intricate harmony. After starting in 1960, the ensemble broke through globally after being one of the main contributors to Paul Simon’s groundbreaking 1986 Graceland album. Since then, the group has won an astounding five Grammies and remain one of the most unique and powerful vocal groups in the world, full stop. $42, 8 p.m., Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway, (210) 427-7464, stablehall.com.Bill Baird

Thursday, April 9 

Ryan Davis and the Roadhouse Band, Water Damage

Interesting lineup, but we mean that in a good way. Ryan Davis and the Roadhouse Band play straightforward Americana with some country tinges, a bit of synth and a David Berman influence — all fine things. However, Water Damage is brutal instrumental drone music, led by a a Who’s Who of members from Austin’s experimental music scene. Though it might confuse folks, this could be one of those unexpected matchups that works. $24,8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — BB

Friday, April 10

Blues and Soul Fest with Eric Johnson, Ian Moore, Chris Cuevas Project, Will Owen Gage

Yes, when you say “blues-rock” these days, you might as well be saying “Dad rock,” but blues can pack real power and grit when it’s done right. Eric Johnson and Ian Moore headline a fest dedicated to some of Texas’ finest blues practitioners. While some folks may prefer their blues a little less slick and rock-tinged, there’s no denying the whole lineup is comprised of compelling, talented performers. $45, Sam’s Burger Joint, 6:30 p.m., Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com. — BB

Saturday, April 11

Los Juanos, Vintage Pictures 

San Antonio’s Los Juanos creates a special concoction of regional indie music by mixing dream-pop, conjunto, corridos, punk energy and more. It’s already been a big year for the group, which played multiple sets at SXSW and dropped a well-reviewed EP. Local act Vintage Pictures — self-proclaimed “emo primos” — will add alt-Latin flair with their presence on the bill. $10-$15, 8 p.m., Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway, (210) 427-7464, stablehall.com.Brianna Espinoza

The Texases

Hometown honky-tonk heroes The Texases are celebrating 10 years together with an anniversary bash. Expect good-time country meant to make you move and a setlist drawing from the ’90s on back. DJ duo Strawberry Jams will serve as special guests spinning the country classics. Even better, the price is right. Free, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — Stephanie Koithan

Deicide, Rotting Christ, Immolation 

Deicide emerged in the ’90s when Florida death metal was at its peak and the Satanic panic was still in full effect. Evil growls, heavy riffs and frantic drumming paint Deicide’s discography blood-red. Oh yeah, and vocalist Glen Benton once branded his forehead with an upside down cross. For those who love similar blasphemy from the black metal genre, Greece’s Rotting Christ is not to be missed. $30-$34.80, 7:30 p.m., The Rock Box, 1223 E. Houston St., (210) 772-1443, therockboxsa.com.BE

Sunday, April 12 

My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult

My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult have been churning out dance floor-ready industrial music since the ’80s, putting it the same company as Ministry and Skinny Puppy. Unlike those peers, TKK blurs the lines a little more, dabbling in funk, exotica and campy B-movie dialogue clips.  They’re a little harder to define, but if defining things precisely is your M.O., you might not like these guys anyway. Their live shows often veer toward controversy, including with one striking stage setup featuring a woman mimicking fellatio on a crucified man. Great show for a first date, churchgoers! $41, 7 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — BB

Tuesday, April 14

Alice Cooper

Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Famer Alice Cooper is making his return with the Alice’s Attic tour, which supports the album The Revenge of Alice Cooper, which featured members of the original Alice Cooper Band recording together for the first time since 1973. Expect Cooper’s usual flair for the dramatic in a theatrical spectacle that showcases hits including “No More Mr. Nice Guy” and “School’s Out” along with deep cuts. $72.59-$729.50, 7:30 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St., (210) 226-5700, majesticempire.com. Danny Cervantes


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