Fun Things to Do in San Antonio This Week (10/25/17-10/31/17)

Wed 10/25, Bruno Mars
When Bruno Mars showed up on my radar with “Locked Out Of Heaven” back in 2012, I thought to myself, “Yeah, I guess it’s been awhile since The Police broke up, so this makes sense.” And don’t get me wrong, I like The Police and there really wasn’t anyone that sounded like Mars (I mean, besides The Police), so hearing something different in the often-stale circuits of pop music was refreshing. Born Peter Gene Hernandez, but known to everyone now as Bruno Mars, the Hawaii native moved to LA to pursue a career as a performance artist. After getting dropped from Motown Records, Mars eventually signed to Atlantic and began writing songs for other artists before releasing his debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans and then blowing up with his second album Unorthodox Jukebox. $142.88- $1,505, 8pm, AT&T Center, 1 AT&T Center Pkwy., (210) 444-5140, attcenter.com. – Chris Conde

Wed 10/25, Chief Keef
When you’re landing features on Kanye West albums at 18 years old, ya gotta be doing something right. For Chief Keef though, this wasn’t exactly an overnight matter. With a couple of mixtapes out that were garnering the attention from Chicago’s Southside, and then landing a record deal with Interscope Records, showing up on “Hold My Liquor” from West’s 2013 album Yeezus, was proving that that young rapper had certainly been making some positive career moves. From creating a buzz in the circuits of Chi-town’s underground street rap community to becoming one of most well-known young artists in the game, Chief Keef’s longevity in the business doesn’t look like it’ll be called into question anytime soon. $28.50-$84.50, 730pm, The Korova, 107 E. Martin St., (210) 226-5070, thekorova.com. – CC

Thu 10/26, Reik
All you need to know about Mexican pop trio Reik is in one song: “Náufragos,” masterfully interpreted by singer Jesús Alberto Navarro: we’re talking Charlie Puth-caliber here, a piano-based romantic ballad full of colorful tones and disarming falsettos. He’s a superb vocalist who has outgrown the group, and that’s a shame: these cachanillas (from Mexicali, Baja California) settled for harmless syrupy, conventional hymns after insinuating an edgier, electro-pop side in previous albums. In spite of the Latin Grammy-winning group’s predictability, acoustic guitarist/vocalist Julio Ramírez and electric guitarist Gilberto Marín keep things dignified through good execution. The reggae (and insufferable) reggaeton touches can’t hide the sweetness of it all, but if you choose radio-friendliness you could do a lot worse than Reik. Their latest album, Des/Amor (2016), capably produced by Kiko Cibrián, is just one side of Reik. This show should prove Reik has more guts than it seems on record, and a singer you won’t easily forget. $43.75-$153.75, 8pm, The Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St., (210) 226-3333, majesticempire.com. — Enrique Lopetegui

Thu 10/26, Cuco
Harnessing the chilled out a e s t h e t i c s of vaporwave with the synth-chord progressions you might find scoring your Tia’s favorite novella, LA’s Cuco has been making a buzz as of late, and only 19-years-old, that buzz most likely continue for the young Chicano heart throb. Sort of sounding like slowed down (and stripped down) tracks from Neon Indian’s Psychic Chasms, and with lyrics like “Cuando veo esos ojos / ahí es donde quiero vivir / Si me besan esos labios / ahí si quiero morir” (lol, calm down mijo), Omar Banos, better known as Cuco, has a catalog of tracks that are raw, soulful and bleeding edge contemporary. $12-$14, 7pm, Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. – CC

Fri 10/27, The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses
Before you roll your eyes about this symphony inspired by a video game, take a moment to consider why The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses even exists. Based on Japanese game designer Shigeru Miyamoto’s childhood adventures in the Kyoto countryside, the franchise (which boils down to green-tunicked hero Link saving Princess Zelda and the kingdom of Hyrule from the evil wizard Ganon) plays out to fantasy-driven compositions by Nintendo’s own Koji Kondo. Sparked five years ago by the release of the game’s 25th anniversary CD and concert series, the touring Symphony of the Goddesses returns to the Majestic with a 66-piece orchestra and 24-person choir in tow. Staged in celebration of the game’s 30th anniversary, the company’s latest pays tribute to Zelda’s past and present (from A Link to the Past to Breath of the Wild) with a melange of symphonic movements and video clips recalling “moments of Link conquering dungeons, running through forests, and struggling to decide what color tunic to wear.” $54.25-$104.25, 8pm, The Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St., (210) 226-3333, majesticempire.com. — Bryan Rindfuss

Fri 10/27, Wavves
For a contemporary pop-punk/post-punk show par excellence, Paper Tiger will host three rad California bands this weekend. At the top of the bill, Nathan Williams’ band Wavves has been going strong (to the tune of six albums and near-constant touring) since bursting into the indie music spotlight in 2008 with its gritty, gnarly, delightfully haphazard brand of pop-punk. Wavves has progressed in sound and subject matter quite a bit since the grimy, lo-fi vibes of the albums that first endeared them to the indie press. But, all things considered, Williams and company are still remarkably adept at making music to be bummed out in the sun to. For their part, Joyce Manor and French Vanilla, falling loosely into the same categories as Wavves, make chilled out pop-punk and moody/gently psychedelic post-punk respectively. $22, 7pm, Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. – James Courtney

Fri 10/27 - Tue 10/31, Halloween Week at SAMA
With so much good stuff happening at SAMA this week, we couldn’t choose just one favorite option — heck, it was hard narrowing it down to two. For starters, on Friday night the museum will screen the movie Selena­­­ — the classic, locally worshipped 1997 flick in which J Lo does a surprisingly good impersonation of La Reina. Setting itself apart from several other places that have recently shown the movie (which we will never tire of anyway), SAMA will be giving special “Mujer Power” tours of its new photographic portrait exhibit “The Latino List” to coincide with the filmic celebration of Selena. On Halloween day, the museum will be open late and offering a special tour for the occasion. The All Hallows’ Eve tour, which will start at 5 p.m., will visit the mummies, monsters, and spirits haunting the galleries. The tour is for all ages and costumes are encouraged, but please don’t play yourself by going in there acting a fool — it’s a classy institution. Free, 6-9pm Fri, 5-5:45pm Tue, San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave., (210) 978-8100, samuseum.org. — JC

Fri 10/27 - Sun 10/29, Constellations
Through the ages, it’s been a common trope that folks look to the stars when in search of answers about their love life. It’s really the ultimate act of human hubris, assuming the cosmos are invested in our personal lives. Constellations, the hit play from British playwright Nick Payne, tinkers with this concept in ways that make for sophisticated yet heartwarming drama. The widely lauded play made its way from London to Broadway in 2015 and features only two characters. In an exploration of love and astrophysics, especially the concept of parallel universes, the play enlivens the mind and stirs the heart in equal measure. It turns out that we, and by extension our relationships, are as infinite (and complicated) as the universe itself. Molly Cox directs Jeff Jeffers and Kate Glasheen (pictured) in The Playhouse’s production. $20-$35, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 2:30pm Sun, The Playhouse, 800 W. Ashby Pl., (210) 733-7258, theplayhousesa.org. — James Courtney

Sat 10/28, Moon Duo
Moon Duo is an arty psych-rock act from Portland that boasts an amorphous sound, somehow meditative and blistering at once, incorporating elements of drone and krautrock. But, that description fails to get at the real truth of the band. In actuality, Moon Duo is a mystical and exploratory force, plumbing the depths of the subconscious world of the archetypes with music that throbs and writhes with a primordial duality, never as crystallized as on its new tandem of albums Occult Architecture Vol 1 and Vol 2. Holy Wave, meanwhile, is a psych-rock quintet with an uncommon sense of nuance and ambience, more straight-ahead, jangly, and sun-soaked than Moon Duo, but less one dimensional than many of its would-be contemporaries. That this show is going down within the pristine but haunting confines of The Spire, an old church become a venue, is all the more reason to get your tickets on the double. $17.77, 9pm, The Spire, 230 Center St., k23.ticketbud.com. – JC

Sat 10/28, Blood Moon: “Rise & Fall of the Witch”
Pulling double duty as a decidedly dark boutique and a collective comprised of fashion designers, makeup artists, models, photographers and entertainers, La Santa Luna has previously piqued our interest with events ranging from provocative (The Art of Fetish & Fashion) to slightly sinister (“Hex Your Ex” Singles Mixer). Teased out on social media through haunting videos, gorgeously gruesome photographs and historical tidbits about the Salem Witch Trials, La Santa Luna’s October offering takes shape in Blood Moon: “Rise & Fall of the Witch.” Making dramatic reference to the reddish hue of the moon during a full lunar eclipse (or possibly the tetrad of eclipses that’s inspired everything from apocalyptic mythology to a book penned by megachurch pastor John Hagee) and perhaps that “death is only the beginning” for a witch, the evening promises tarot readings, crystal mystics, varied vendors, works on display from photographers Gina Sandoval-Garcia, Mary Rodriguez and Savannah Saunders, music by DJ Boi of Doom, a performance by special guest Livi Von Ghoul, appearances by La Santa Luna brand ambassadors (Lita Deadly, Nate the Boy Wonder and Madame Hellcat, to name a few), and runway presentations showcasing featured designers Erica Reyna, John David Ramirez-Garcia, Fabian Alejandro Diaz of Casa de Ojos and Fernando Solis of Diamond Dreams. $10-$25, 7pm-midnight, Brick, 108 Blue Star, (210) 262-8653, facebook.com/lasantalunatx.— BR

Sat 10/28, Night of The Creeps III
Mondo Nation once again steps in with the clutch Halloween (or thereabouts) happening that is Night of the Creeps, back for a third installment. For this special show, which has become a tradition well worth observing, various local musicians don the sonic (and physical) costumes of a musical hero of their choosing. The resulting cover show represents a wide spectrum of genres and time periods. This year’s Night of the Creeps will feature more than 20 acts. We are particularly looking forward to catching members of The Grasshopper Lies Heavy, White Christ, and Power Trip as Helmet, D.T. Buffkin and company as The Rolling Stones, Ellis Redon as The Clash, and Wayne Holtz as Madonna. The affair will also feature seasonally-appropriate visual art for viewing and purchase from local artists including Regina Morales, Justo Cisneros, Michelle Dobbs, and more. Free, 7pm, Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. – JC

Sat 10/28, BOOtanica
Fresh off a $22 million expansion that brought a 34-bed “culinary garden,” the Goldsbury Foundation Pavilion and a nutrition-focused teaching kitchen to an already sprawling campus, the San Antonio Botanical Garden celebrates the season with the family-friendly BOOtanica. In addition to a costumed parade through the garden (noon), the fall favorite promises winning photo ops along the Scarecrow Trail, live music from Conjunto Heritage Taller, hands-on activities, marigold giveaways (while supplies last) and $2 off admission courtesy of H-E-B. $8-$10 (free for kids under 3), 10am-2pm, San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Pl., (210) 536-1400, sabot.org. — BR

Sat 10/28, Cirque du Risqué
It’s that time of year again, when folks are given license to let all their inner struggles out in the form of costumes that serve as thinly veiled references to deep-seated insecurities, desires and turmoil. As cynical as that may sound, psychology tells us it’s healthy to role-play. Plus, it sure can be a lot of fun. If you’re up for projecting your sexiest self this weekend, you’ll probably want to make Paramour’s Cirque du Risqué one of your stops. Meant to mimic a seedy old freak show kind of vibe, this special event will feature a contortionist, burlesque performances, a caricaturist, carnival-inspired snacks and themed drinks, and a Ringmaster who’ll officiate the debauchery of this sensuous circus. $35, 7-11pm, Paramour, 109 9th St., Suite 400, (210) 340-9880, paramourbar.com.— JC

Sat 10/28 - Sun 10/29, Muertos Fest
A seasonal favorite that consistently brings all walks to the picturesque grounds of La Villita, Muertos Fest celebrates Día de los Muertos with near-unrivaled fanfare. In addition to what many consider the main event — a high-stakes competition between elaborate, artist-created ofrendas honoring family members, friends, pets, pop culture icons and plenty in between — Muertos Fest packs in an eclectic lineup of live music, poetry readings, artisan vendors, face painting, kid-friendly activities and a lively drum and puppet procession. Promising highlights from the sixth annual outing include performances by Kansas City-based Making Movies, Alamo City supergroup Las Tesoros de San Antonio, genre-blending singer-songwriter Azul Barrientos, the Guadalupe Dance Company and Mariachi Nuevo Jalisco. Free, 10am-11pm Sat, noon-10pm Sun, La Villita, 418 Villita St., (210) 207-8614, muertosfest.com. — JC

Sat 10/28, Barrio Oldies Dance
Put on your Sunday best as The Chicanos of Soul host a Barrio Oldies Dance at the Hermann Sons Rathskeller Bar. Since 2016, the collective has been filling dance halls, lounges, and bars throughout the city featuring the best in classic oldies, ballads and slow jams. It’s not out of the ordinary to hear select 45’s from San Anto’s own Little Henry, The Royal Jesters, and Little Jr. Jesse coupled alongside LA’s Thee Midniters and crossover classics from Barbara Mason and The Meters. Featured DJs include founder of the Chicanos of Soul, Strey Uno, guests Gypsy and Bear Acosta from California, and San Antonio’s own, Deoca and Chuco Garcia. “The place has a real vintage feeling that compliments the onda we’re going for. We want to invite everyone including all the veteranos,” Chuco said. Free, 8pm-1am, Hermann Sons Rathskeller Bar, 525 S. St. Mary’s St., (210) 226-5432, facebook.com/hsrathskeller. – JJ Lopez

Sat 10/28, Halloween Costume Closing Party
To call local artist Jimmy James Canales a “wildcard” might distract from the conceptual depth and technical mastery of his work, but it accurately alludes to the fact that he’s anything but predictable. Over the years he’s had his knuckles tattooed in the McNay’s Chiego Lecture Hall, moved into UTSA’s Satellite Space for a period of three weeks, turned Artpace’s Main Avenue windows into a stage for a “series of exploits, experiments and performances,” and left memorable impressions with public appearances disguised as would-be urban legends covered in foliage (Monte Man) and raccoon tails (Mapache Man). Drawing creative inspiration from the likes of filmmaker and occultist Kenneth Anger, pioneering performance artist Joan Jonas, the sci-fi flick Elysium and points beyond, Canales’ new body of work “Para Chrome” takes shape in “armor, exoskeletons and customized packs” artfully rendered in metal tubing, PVC pipe, parachute cords, low-rider bicycle parts and other odds and ends. While certain pieces are wearable and play into Canales’ performative practice, others are presented as sculptural objects hung with chain from bakers’ racks. To enhance the “Para Chrome” experience, artist/curator Rigoberto Luna concocted a music and video montage, and Canales worked with local filmmakers Mark and Angela Walley to create two short films (one of which features Canales wearing the show’s key piece while gazing in a mirror and combing his hair and mustache as Roberta Flack’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” plays in the background). Presented by Presa House Gallery as a pop-up at FL!GHT — which has been outfitted with an appropriately retro-futuristic grid rendered with black tape — the exhibition comes to a close with a costumed reception complete with live music from “psychedelic-country-punk-pop” outfit Snowbyrd. $2 suggested donation, 6pm-midnight, FL!GHT Gallery, 134 Blue Star, (210) 872-2586, facebook.com/presahouse. — BR

Tue 10/31, Dope + Hed P.E.
Deriving their name from actually selling drugs in their early days, Dope rose to fame during the swell of ’90s nu-metal and alternative rock even though the band had a bit more of an industrial edge. With slight ties to Marilyn Manson through being friends with Manson bandmates Ginger Fish, the late Daisy Berkowitz, and Zim Zum (which most-likely helped further their career), Dope eventually signed with Epic Records and released their 1999 debut Felons and Revolutionaries which contained the cover “You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)” and showed up on the American Psycho soundtrack. On tour with Hed P.E., another band nu-metal band out of the same era, this halloween show is gearing up to be a can’t-miss show for those who love all things ’90s metal. $17.50, 7pm, The Rock Box, 1223 E. Houston St., (210) 677-9453, therockboxsa.com. – CC